Dear Parents and Carers,

This week, ERC and the many Catholic schools from around the world, each sharing in the tradition of Blessed Edmund Rice, celebrated his feast day. Blessed Edmund led the Christian Brothers for many years before passing away in Waterford on 29 August 1844 at the age of 82. This year marks 180 years since his death.

Recently, the ERC staff gathered to reflect on the inclusive charism of Blessed Edmund, which we each share as members of this community. The word “charism” can sometimes be difficult for people to describe; instead, it is something that is best felt and experienced. Charism comes from the Greek word “charis,” which means “a distinctive special gift.” The English words “charisma” and “charismatic” are derived from it. The media often uses these words when describing outstanding sports stars, actors, and singers because of the unique gifts they have to bring passion and joy into people’s lives. In his letters, St. Paul applied the word “charism” to the first Christians. He wanted them to appreciate that they were “gifted people” and well able to share the liberating good news of Jesus, who was risen and with them in a new and mysterious way.

St. Paul’s words still apply to each of us today. Each of us can grow and share our personal charism for helping others become aware of God’s great love for every human being. When enough people share a common purpose for long enough, like the community of Edmund Rice College, the charism is passed on from one generation to the next. As the current stewards of this community, throughout this week, whether it was through Liturgy, House chants, Touchstone Awards, House Public Speaking competitions or the various Founder’s Day activities that took place throughout today, we joyfully celebrated our hope-filled heritage.

In this way, I would like to publicly congratulate the following members of the College who were recognised earlier this week for their commitment to the ‘spirit’ of Edmund Rice during our Founders Day Liturgy:

• Edmund Rice Student Awards: Vidath Ranasinghe (Year 8), Isaac Mitrevski (Year 9), Harrison McDonald (Year 10), Digby Woods (Year 11), Kalani Thompson (Year 12)
• Staff Service Awards: Mr Geoff Volk was acknowledged for his 35 years of service to ERC.
• Touchstone Awards: Gospel Spirituality – Mrs Jodie Hughes; Justice and Solidarity – Mrs Gretel Torres-Salvador; Liberating Education – Mr Steve Sunderland; Inclusive Community – Ms Natalie Potter
• Parent Award: Dr Martin Carolan (Long-standing P&F Treasurer)

On Thursday 9th May, the annual P&F Mothers Day High Tea was held after school. This was once again a joyful celebration where the boys of ERC shared a high tea with their mothers and said “thank you” for their mum’s unconditional love and support. Sincere thanks for the generosity of service from our P&F, talented musicians, and wonderful Year 11 Hospitality class under the guidance of Mrs Sheree McDonell and Mrs McLean, who were ably supported by the broader Hospitality Team. A wonderful community celebration!

Wishing all ERC community mothers, carers and grandmothers a wonderful Mother’s Day this weekend.

The College community joins the wider Wollongong Diocese in mourning the recent death of Bishop Peter Ingham who died peacefully on the evening of 26 April 2024. He was 83 years of age and spent almost 60 years as a priest. Bishop Peter was a regular visitor and longtime active supporter of ERC.

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord,  and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

Dr Gough

Today’s Activity Fun day saw the conclusion of a fabulous Founder’s week and while the weather caused us to be creative in the way we approached the day nothing could dampen the spirit or energy of over 1000 students and staff who brought a spirit of optimism and fun to celebrate together as a community. The sense of teamwork from the staff to ensure that we could offer a day was remarkable and typifies the generous spirit of our great staff.

Be it the Duck Pond Fishing, Vortex Challenges, Giant Jenga, the Wheel of Fortune or the silent disco there was something for everyone. The indoor inflatables proved to be hugely popular among the boys bringing lots of fun and plenty of laughs. However, the standout activities for the day were the Video Gaming Trailer and the Teacher Dunk tank.

The weather could not dampen appetites in fact perhaps it even helped us sell out of food items extra fast. From steak sandwiches to hot dogs, to sausage sizzles, lasagna, pizzas to name a few the boys had plenty to choose from. Not surprisingly the fairy floss, kripsy kreme, popcorn, sno cones and gelato were also hugely popular.

There is no doubt though that the highlight of the day was the House Chants, which expressed extraordinary House Spirit from our entire school community and tremendous leadership from our House Captains supported by our Staff House Patrons. Congratulations to Ignatius House who were the winners of the House Chant Competition.

Many thanks to each and every member of our community for supporting this day. The spirit of inclusion and welcome was alive and active in our community.

Mrs Hughes
Acting College Deputy Principal

Year 12 Reports and Student/ Parent /Teacher Conferences

A reminder Year 12 Year Parent/Student/ Teacher Conferences are scheduled for Thursday, 16 May from 3:00-7:30pm in the Edmund Rice Centre. This is a valuable opportunity to discuss your son’s Year 12 College Report, prior to the Higher School Certificate Trial Examinations which commence in Week 3, Term 3.

S/P/T Conference Bookings via the Parent Orbit App will be open from 6 -15 May. If you need assistance to access this APP, please email the College Information Technology Team via helpdesk@erc.nsw.edu.au

Parents/ Carers will be asked to register your attendance when you arrive. A reminder to please contact the College office if you are unable to attend your scheduled appointments.

2024 Higher School Certificate Examination Timetable

Earlier this week, Year 12 students were informed that they can now view their personalised HSC Examination Timetable via their NESA Students Online Account. Instructions for activating and accessing your son’s Students Online Account have been posted on the Year 12 cohort’s Google Classroom in the Assessment section.

All Year 12 students need to have activated their Students Online account to receive this and other important HSC information from NESA, including their HSC results when these are released at the end of the year.

HSC Minimum Standards Testing

The first round of HSC Minimum Standards Testing was completed by Year 10 students last term. Students are able to access their results in their Minimum Standards Test Reports in the messages section of their NESA Students Online Account. Instructions for activating your son’s Students Online Account were sent to students via the Year 10 Cohort Google Classroom in Term 1 Announcements.

Year 7-10 Semester 1 Examination Timetable

The Year 7-10 Semester 1 Examination Timetable will be shared with Years 7, 8, 9 and 10 students via email and is published for parents and carers in this College Newsletter. Years 7-10 Semester 1 Examinations will take place in Weeks 6, 7 and 8 of this term from 3-19 June. Please encourage your son to commence preparing his summary notes to enable him to achieve his best in these assessment tasks.

Please find the Year 7-10 Semester 1 Examination Timetable here

Mrs Bell
Director of Studies

On Wednesday the 1st of May students from the various Religious Education courses in Year 11 atteneded an excursion to the Nan Tien Temple and Berkeley Mosque. Graced by the perfect Berekeley autumn weather, the students embraced mindfulness and tranquility through the practice of Tai Chi on the steps of the magnificent shrine within the grounds of the largest Buddhist temple in the Southern Hemisphere. This experience was a highlight of the day for many students, executing a majority of the manouvers with grace, especially the infamous movement commonly referred to by the Reverend as ‘the wild flying goose’. They then delved into the rich symbolism, peaceful rituals and devotional significance of the different shrines, temples and facilities within the Nan Tien Temple. Following this, they gathered in the temple conference room for an enlightening ‘dharma talk’ led by one of the Buddhist Reverends.

The students and staff then received a warm welcome from the staff and volunteers at Berkeley Islamic Mosque, where they enjoyed a halal barbecue lunch. This provided an opportunity to reflect on their experiences of the excursion and engage in discussion. Inside the Mosque, Imam Ali skillfully guided the students through the beliefs, symbols, ethics, and rituals of Islam, and patiently welcomed and answered any questions they had about the faith.

Overall, the excursion was a delightful learning experience enjoyed by all. It offered a valuable opportunity to foster interfaith connections within our local community, whilst strengthening the students’ knowledge and respect for the different characteristics of these signifncant faith traditions within human history.

Please read some comments from students below: 

“The Tai Chi was very interesting, a new way to experience mindfulness through movement”

“The excursion was a valuable experience which helped me further understand Buddhism and Islam”

“I learned a lot about the muslim faith and how they are similar/different to other religions.”

“Overall the day provided first hand experiences which assisted our understanding of each of the religions. This experience was presented in a practical way by individuals who have dedicted their lives to their faith.”

On May 9th, more than 30 talented music students performed at the annual Mother’s Day High Tea event. The diverse line up included students from the College Stage Band, Jazz Ensemble, Year 9 Music Class, and Year 12 Music Class, showcasing their musical prowess across various genres.

The Stage Band delivered energetic renditions of hits such as “Funky Town,” “Nutbush City Limits,” and the classic Ramones number “Blitzkrieg Bop”. The Jazz Ensemble featured timeless classics including “Watermelon Man,” “Cold Duck Time,” and “Comin’ Home Baby.” Meanwhile, the Year 9 and 12 classes treated the audience to a variety of pieces, from classic piano works by Prokofiev and Chopin, to arrangements of rock and pop hits.

The event not only highlighted the incredible musical talent within our College community but also provided a platform for students to share their creativity and express themselves through music. It was a testament to the vibrant arts culture fostered at our institution.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all the performers for their outstanding contributions to the success of the Mother’s Day High Tea. Your talent and dedication continue to inspire us all.

Mr Bonaccorso and Mr Haybittle
Music Teachers

On Thursday, 2nd May, a solemn tribute was paid by some of our students at the Wollongong Cenotaph.

Originally, a larger group of our talented musicians was set to perform for a Combined Schools ANZAC Service, an occasion held in high regard by our community. However, the looming threat of inclement weather cast uncertainty over the event, leading to its cancellation.

The representatives of the group seized the opportunity to demonstrate their respect and gratitude by laying a wreath at the hallowed grounds of the Wollongong Cenotaph, a symbol of remembrance for those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

We thank the following students that rehearsed and prepared for the event:

Aaron Wiersma, Patrick Sirianni, Cooper Hemmy, Julian Eckermann, Jaxon Towers, Daniel Carolan, Emerson Eckermann, Harvey Mack, Timothy Armitage, KJ Sullivan, Isaac Atinga (Ceremonial Address)

Mr Bonaccorso
Music Teacher

The Da Vinci Decathlon is an annual tournament where students from Years 7 to 10 are selected to compete across 10 disciplines: Engineering, Mathematics, Code breaking, Art and Poetry, Science, English, Ideation, Creative Producers, Cartography and Legacy.

It is a stimulating and challenging competition run in the spirit of an Olympic Decathlon inspired by the talents of Leonardo da Vinci.

On Wednesday, our Year 7 and 8 teams competed, with our Stage 5 boys competing the following day. The boys enjoyed challenging themselves to work together to achieve in each discipline, as well as to mingle with students from across the region. The teamwork element of Da Vinci provided a valuable opportunity for the boys:

“Our team was most effective due to our ability to draw on each other’s individual strengths. We have a lot of team members who have interest in a specific category, and being able to draw on that to combine with information others knew was vital in our success and effectiveness.”

All the teams achieved places in the following categories:

Year 7: Third Place in Legacy, Third Place in Engineering
Year 8: Second Place in Science, Second Place in Cartography
Year 9: First Place in Legacy, First Place in Cartography, Third Place in Ideation
Year 10: First Place Ideation, Third Place in Legacy

A special congratulations to the Year 9 Team who placed Third overall in the competition.

Thanks also to Mrs Leate and Mrs Field for supporting the event.

Ms Leate and Ms Shumack

The Year 9 and 10 History Elective classes recently had the opportunity to visit the “Ramses and the Gold of the Pharaohs” exhibition held at the Australian Museum supporting their current study of Ancient Egypt. Students provided the following reflections on what they learnt through the excursion:

“The museum is a must-see for all history enthusiasts, boasting a remarkable collection of artefacts from ancient Egypt with a particular focus on Ramses, including insights into his tomb. One standout exhibit recounts his victory at the battle of Kadesh, presented with captivating imagery, video footage, and a compelling voiceover, immersing visitors in an authentic experience”. Kyan Lamb

“The Ramses exhibit was a wonderful and enlightening experience as all the information presented was truly fascinating. I was amazed by all the artefacts on display like Ramses’ sarcophagus and Pharaoh headdresses”. Jacob Hughes

“Something that I found interesting was the mummified animals. At the exhibit, there was a dedicated area for mummified remains of animals including cats, dogs, alligators, and even a lion cub”. Joseph Bugeja

“The whole exhibition was run very well, leading you through the exhibition at your own pace, and allowing ample time to view and photograph the artefacts. There is a mix of artefacts and videos to break up the walking, and it provides a different way of learning about Ramses and the history of Egypt”. Nicholas Happe

Thanks to Miss Tomasi and Mrs Lothian for their organisation of the excursion.

Yr 12 Biology students participated in an incursion with STEM Reactor, practicing some Biotechnology techniques that are used in the field of genetics. The students ran a Gel Electrophoresis to confirm the presence of the gene responsible for Sickle Cell Anaemia in a sample taken from a hypothetical patient. They also transformed E. coli bacteria with the gene for Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP) to practice methods of creating Recombinant DNA. Thank you to Gareth from STEM Reactor for the opportunity and guidance presented to our students today.

Mr Clarke
Science Teacher

Online scams

Scammers use a variety of methods to send out thousands of phishing attempts daily. So, chances are high we will encounter one eventually, if we haven’t already.

Phishing is a way for scammers to trick you into giving away personal information through fake emails, texts, or calls.

We should all be vigilant particularly of:

• Unexpected Contact: Scammers often reach out through phone calls, SMS, or emails that appear genuine. They might be casting a wide net, not knowing if your information is valid.
• Phishing: Scammers try to steal personal information by impersonating legitimate organisations or individuals. They might ask for bank details to access fake prizes or threaten to lock your account unless you “verify” your identity.
• Unexpected Money/Opportunities: Scammers might lure you with promises of sudden wealth or exclusive investment opportunities. These are often false attempts to steal your money.
• Fake Charities: Deceptive charities may use websites, emails, or calls to solicit donations. Be cautious of requests for money via unverified sites.
• Dating/Romance Scams: Scammers may develop fake online relationships to gain your trust and eventually ask for money. Be wary of online relationships where someone seems overly invested quickly and avoids meeting in person.

As part of our ongoing awareness campaign Year 7 students were reminded and informed about the need to be vigilant and share any concerns with parents/guardians or the school. The following information was presented by Mr Marsh with regards to eSafety Commission resources – E Safety Commission – Webpage. It is important for us to release that if any social media/ emails are compromised or students are being targeted to report this to the eSafety Commission immediately.

Mr Sirianni
Director of Information Technologies & Innovation

On behalf of the College Pastoral Team, I would like to welcome back all students to the College for the beginning of Term 2. It was a pleasure to see all the students resume the term in their full winter uniforms. I would encourage any families who have uniforms on order and need to make arrangements with the Uniform Shop please give the office a call to make an appointment and collect orders during Uniform Shop operating hours.

There will be a full description and summary of the Founders Day Activities in the Newsletter.

My Futures Program

At the end of Term 1, Year 11 students were introduced to the My Futures program. In these two-hour long sessions, each student was presented with their top five strengths based upon a personality assessment that targets their key skills and traits. As I visited this program on several occasions, it was very pleasing to see the positivity that was evident on the faces of our students who will benefit from the strengths-based approach to their learning.

The results indicated that this cohort’s strengths lie in the following areas: Practicality, Hard Working, Visionary, Responsibility and Loyalty. I do not doubt that these strengths will assist in their continued growth as they continue on their educational journey and pathways.

I hope that our Year 11 students share their strengths with their families and strive to achieve all that they can with their natural abilities. I’ve attached a link that provides valuable insight into the positive effects of self-confidence.

I would like to add that the College’s partnership with My Strengths and Futures allows ERC families to access the My Strengths Parenting Courses via this link. Simply look for ‘Edmund Rice College’ through the ‘Find My School Subscription’ link, register your details and you’ll have access to several resources at no cost to you.

Wellbeing Survey

Next week, all students at the College will undertake the Annual Wellbeing Survey. The survey will consist of different areas that pertain to a student’s well-being, including their physical, mental and emotional health. I look forward to unpacking the data and being able to share this in future newsletters, highlighting key areas of strength as well as those for growth.

Upcoming Pastoral Care Activities

Over the coming weeks, several programs will be running during our assigned Pastoral Care Lessons. These opportunities include presentations by the Police Liaison Officer from Wollongong Police LAC, Counselling presentations by our College Counselling Team and Careers workshops from the College Careers Advisor, and Life Choices for Year 10 just to name a few.

Mr Bates
Acting Director of Pastoral Care & Wellbeing

As we welcomed back all students for Term 2, the Year 11 Pastoral Classes kicked off their House competition across three sports. Here are the results from Round 1:

• Dodgeball – Waterford v Keira: Within Mr Toohey’s modified games of Dodgeball, Waterford absolutely dominated the sport, winning all 3 games to Keira’s 0. Waterford have established themselves as the House to beat after a strong display, whilst Keira will no doubt pick themselves up and look for a strong showing following this result.
• Volleyball – McMahon v Ignatius: McMahon and Ignatius faced off in a best of seven games Volleyball competition, ensuring that an outright winner would emerge from these two strong Pastoral Classes. The scores see-sawed throughout the games before McMahon emerged victorious, winning 4 games to 3. These two houses have set themselves up strongly for the activities ahead in Terms 2 and 3.
• Badminton – Rice v Crown: Each student participated in either singles and/or doubles matches, rotating throughout the activity. The games were intensely competitive, with nothing to separate the two houses walking away evenly matched. Both houses are congratulated for their efforts and energy.

After Round 1 of the Year 11 Pastoral Games, the standings are: (Wins/Draws/Losses)

• McMahon: 1/0/0
• Waterford: 1/0/0
• Crown: 0/1/0
• Rice: 0/1/0
• Ignatius: 0/0/1
• Keira: 0/0/1

Mr Forshaw
Year 11 Pastoral Care Coordinator

We are thrilled to share with you the exhilarating experiences and unforgettable adventures from the recent Edmund Rice Year 10 Camp to Coolendel. In Week 4 Term 1, our students embarked on an extraordinary journey into the heart of Coolendel camp grounds, where they engaged in a variety of outdoor activities such as ‘Canoeing, Hiking, and Mountain Bike Riding’.

Nestled amidst the picturesque landscape of Coolendel, our students had the opportunity to immerse themselves in the trifecta of outdoor pursuits. From gliding gracefully across the tranquil waters in canoes to traversing rugged terrain on exhilarating hikes and mountain bike rides, every moment was infused with excitement, discovery, and camaraderie. Guided by experienced instructors, the students of Year 10 learned essential skills and techniques for each activity, fostering teamwork, communication, and resilience along the way. Whether this be paddling in unison with a mate, navigating challenging bush trails, or conquering obstacles on their bikes, they embraced the spirit of adventure with unwavering determination and enthusiasm.

Throughout the camp, the weather blessed us with perfect conditions for camping, adding to the overall enjoyment of the experience. The clear skies and mild temperatures created an ideal backdrop for our outdoor adventures, allowing our students to fully immerse themselves in the beauty of their surroundings without technology.

One of the most memorable aspects of the camp was the evenings spent gathered around the campfire. As the flames flickered with the stars overhead, the boys bonded over stories, riddles, and genuine laughter. These moments of mateship fostered a sense of community where each boy knew they were a part of a greater picture. The challenges encountered during the camp pushed the boys out of their comfort zones and encouraged them to test their limits. In rising to these challenges, they discovered inner reserves of strength and resilience they may not have known they possessed. As a result, they emerged from the camp as stronger, more confident, and more resilient young men, ready to take on whatever challenges life may throw their way.

The teachers here at Edmund Rice are immensely proud of our students’ achievements and commend them for their courage, perseverance, and positive attitude throughout the camp. We extend our gratitude to the dedicated staff and Optimum Experience instructors who provided guidance and support every step of the way, ensuring the safety and well-being of our students at all times.

In closing, the Edmund Rice Year 10 Camp to Coolendel was a truly transformative experience—a journey of exploration, growth, and adventure. We are confident that our students will carry the lessons learned and memories made forward as they continue their academic and personal journeys.

Year 10 Camp Footage

Mr Preeo / Mr Belsito
Year 10 Pastoral Care Coordinator’s

On the 7 May, Year 10 came together for an enriching exploration into the world of life choices with Andrew, a seasoned speaker and advocate for informed decision-making amongst today’s youth. Organised in collaboration with the Life Choices Foundation, this presentation provided us with invaluable insights to navigate life’s twists and turns with confidence and clarity. Andrew passionately emphasized the paramount importance of prioritizing happiness and well-being in our lives. He reminded us of the significance of cultivating positive habits, nurturing meaningful relationships, and discovering purpose in our day-to-day endeavours.

Addressing issues such as vaping and alcohol abuse, Andrew highlighted the detrimental effects of addictive behaviours. Through evidence-informed programs, the Life Choices Foundation strives to raise awareness among young people about the consequences of such decisions on their well-being. Central to Andrew’s message was the concept of self-control. He offered practical strategies to bolster self-discipline, empowering us to resist temptations and make choices that align with our values and long-term aspirations. Additionally, Andrew also delved into the complexities of self-image, urging us to cultivate self-compassion and embrace our unique strengths while striving for personal growth.

With road safety being a top concern, Andrew emphasized the need for responsible behaviour behind the wheel. He reminded us of the sobering statistics of road accidents and urged vigilance when on our roads. Our values and beliefs serve as guiding stars in the journey of life. Andrew encouraged us to reflect on these principles, aligning our decisions with our authentic selves and contributing to a greater sense of purpose and fulfilment.

Andrew’s presentation, supported by the Life Choices Foundation, served as a beacon of guidance and inspiration for our Year 10 boys to which we are thankful.

Mr Preeo & Mr Belsito
Year 10 Pastoral Care Coordinators

At the end of last term several boys successfully achieved Commendation Level, by receiving over 10 merits during the term. What a wonderful start to Year 9. This accomplishment is a testament to each students dedication, hard work, and commitment to their studies.

Earning Commendation Level reflects not only academic excellence but also a positive attitude towards learning and a strong work ethic. It is a wonderful achievement that demonstrates each child’s ability to consistently strive for excellence in all aspects of their education.

Looking forward to another successful term where we have the opportunity to highlight individual students success.

Mrs Russell
Year 9 Pastoral Care Coordinator

A students perspective from the Year 9 Study Skills Session:

On April 30th the whole of Year 9 spent an hour of homeroom learning study skills. In my opinion, this was a time well spent as many people including myself struggle to study for an exam sometimes and who would have appreciated the time we spent learning various study methods. We spent time exploring the ‘study curve’ which is a graph that represents people who revise over a few spaced days will forget what they’ve learned over a longer period, so if someone used that information to their advantage they could get ahead when studying for a test. We were also given many different study scaffolds to help with the format in which we should present the information to make it easier for revision. During the period this was reinforced by us using these to revise information we gained from the previous term. Overall I think the study skills period was a great idea and not only helped me but has great potential to help many people in the future.

Mrs Russell & Mr Griffiths
Year 9 Pastoral Care Coordinator’s

Last Thursday, 2 May,  marked a significant moment at the College as 17 Year 7 students were officially inducted into the Student Representative Council (SRC). The induction process began with students expressing their interest through nominations, followed by interviews conducted by the Year 7 Pastoral Care Team. Now, these enthusiastic young leaders are set to make their mark by attending weekly year group, portfolio, and whole school SRC meetings. Their dedication and passion are sure to drive initiatives aimed at enhancing the ERC community in the months ahead. It’s inspiring to see such a motivated  group of students stepping up to take an active role in shaping the direction of the College for the 2024 school year. As they embark on this journey, they’ll undoubtedly bring fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to the table, enriching the College experience for all.

Congratulations to the following students for their induction to the College’s Student Representative Council:

• Sport – Luca Astone
• Social Justice – Nicholas Todorov
• ERA for Change – Zachariah Crook
• Sustainability – Leonardo Cavalieri Goncalves Peloche  
• First Nations – Rylan Griffiths  
• Community & Culture – Mihir Aurangabadkur 
• Liturgy – Daniel Carolan
• Wellbeing – Matteo Naumovski 
• Year 7 Inclusive Community Representatives – Aidan Quigley; Gwil Barnes; Max McManus
• Ignatius House – James Hillier 
• Waterford House – Bentley Faucett 
• Keira House – Alexander Torta 
• McMahon House – Jake Schulze
• Crown House – Marcus Mitrovski
• Rice House – Claude Vincent 

Mr Marsh                                      Mrs Field
Year 7 Pastoral Coordinator        Year 7 Assistant Pastoral Coordinator

The College Photo dates are as follows:

College Photo Day 1 – Tuesday, 21st May:

• Y7 – Y12 Individual Portraits
• Y7 – Y11 Pastoral Classes

There will not be Y12 Pastoral Class photos – instead there will be a full cohort photo on College Photo Day 2

College Photo Day 2 – Tuesday, 28th May:

• Y12 Cohort Photo (Graduation)
• Y7 – 12 Individual Portraits catch ups (students who were absent on Photo Day 1)
• Sibling Photos

College Photo Day 3 – Groups – Friday, 6th September:

• Sport groups
• Extra-curricular groups

Please see below to order photos online. Paper copies of order envelopes will be available soon to collect from the office.

Mr Fields
Director of Operations

Online Event for Australian Schools

LIVE on 14 May / 7pm AEST

“How can I help my child be more resilient?” is a question Dr Justin Coulson often hears from worried mums and dads.

In this session, parents will learn the psychological secrets that build their child’s sense of identity, strengths, and growth mindset in order to perform better, be happier, and build resilience.

Based on Dr Justin Coulson’s best-selling book 9 Ways to a Resilient Child, this session shows parents how to help their children cope powerfully and positively with the challenges that life throws at them. This presentation is one of Justin’s most popular ones, with powerful stories and illustrations that every parent can relate to. He explains the factors that help and hinder resilience, why common advice such as “toughen up, Princess” just doesn’t work, and how competition and praise may undermine resilience.

Mr Bates
Acting Director of Pastoral Care & Wellbeing

Year 12 Chase Grant recently represented NSW at the Australian National Athletics Championships held in Adelaide from the 11th to 19th April.

Chase came away with silver medal in the u18 men’s 400m in a tightly contested race for 1st and 2nd with only a step separating both. He was also awarded a silver medal in the u18 men’s 4 x 400m relay. Earlier in the meet Chase placed 4th in the 200m which was full of rising track stars.

The blistering times ran by Chase; 47.60, met the World Championships u20’s Athletics qualifying time. This time is required to be met to compete at the World Junior Championships event in Peru which is held every 2 years. With the time, Chase has put himself forward for National Selection, with Australian Athletics selecting two sprinters to attend the championships. The College eagerly awaits to see if you have gained Australian selection, congratulations!!

Mr Timpano
Sports Coordinator

The College’s Athletics Carnival is being held on Wednesday 15th May at Beaton Park.

This is a whole school event, with students either participating in the Championship Track & Field Events, or the novelty sporting rotation events. Students will have until the end of Week 1 Term 2 to nominate for the Championship Events.

Students running the 1500m are to make their own travel arrangements to Beaton Park for an 8:00am start time. All other students are to make their way to the College per usual travel arrangements and they will be transported to and from Beaton Park by bus. There is to be no student drivers to and from Beaton Park.

Students intending to leave from the venue at the conclusion of the carnival (1:30pm) must have a comment left on the permission note located on the TASS Parent Portal. Students who do not have a digital comment on the portal, will not be allowed to leave from Beaton Park, and will have to return to the College. Notes, text messages and emails will not be accepted.

Parents and spectators are welcome to attend, but are to stay in the designated viewing areas, and are to refrain from entering the grandstand. There will be a canteen present, where students and spectators can purchase food and drinks.

Mr Timpano
Sports Coordinator

The 2024 Inter-Schools Snow Sports Competition are being held at Perisher during Week 1 Term 3: Tuesday 23rd to Friday 26th of July.

Students have been email an expression of interest form to complete. Only students who are experienced skiers or snowboards are to nominate for these championships.

Entries will open in May, there will be more information regarding the competition once students have shown interest in competing.

Students will have to be accompanied by a parent at all times. Students will have to purchase lift tickets and organise their own accommodation.

Key Events:

• Alpine GS – Skiers are timed on a modified giant slalom course.
• Ski Cross – Skiers are timed individually on a course including jumps and high-banked turns.
• Moguls – Skiers are scored on a bumps/jumps course.
• Snowboard GS – Snowboarders are timed on a modified giant slalom course.
• Snowboard Cross – Snowboarders are timed individually on a course including jumps and high-banked turns.

Key Divisions:

• Division 1: Year 11 / 12
• Division 2: Year 10 / 9
• Division 3: Year 8 / 7

If you have any questions regarding the Inter-Schools Ski Competition please contact me at the College.

Mr Timpano
Sports Coordinator

Please access the Careers Website: which provides the latest information to help students make decisions about their future careers and life beyond school.

• Go to erccareers.com
• Then to important information
• Click on to School Careers newsletter

Mr Cajar
Careers Advisor

“Spending the afternoon with Michelle and Lynelle from “Women Illawarra” at the Mother’s Day High Tea was truly a delight. The generosity of our wonderful ERC community in raising close to $1500 for this organization is truly commendable and will greatly aid in the vital work they do in our community.

To all the mothers in the ERC community, we extend our best wishes and honor the incredible role you play in the lives of your children. Thank you for all that you do.”

Francis Fenech
P & F President

Within this Founders Week where we have acknowledged individuals from our College community who each day embody the spirit of Blessed Edmund Rice, we also salute those pioneering Christian Brothers, teachers, students and parents from earlier generations who each laid the foundations that our College continues to build upon today. In this way, the College has introduced a ‘Notable Alumni’ process that attempts to highlight former students from across earlier generations who have gone on to excel in various fields. I sincerely thank ‘Old Boys’, Mr Larry Jennett (Class of 1965) and Mr Russell Bates (Class of 1979) for assisting in this process.

The first of the ERC Notable Alumni are included below. It is our vision that a wall of former ERC students from a variety of domains and outstanding achievements will highlight the rich legacy of the College within the Edmund Rice Centre at the College.

Please note that NSW Area Health has advised the College of a recent case of Whooping Cough. For further information please see the following information:

NSW Area Health – Parent Letter 

What is Whooping Cough

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PROCEDURES FOR PARENTS / CARERS

Parent Appointments

As a College we respectfully request that any parent wishing to discuss a matter of concern with a member of staff contacts the relevant staff member via email or via telephone through the College Office and requests an appointment. Staff members will get back to you at their earliest convenience. Parents presenting at the College Office may be asked to make an appointment and return at a mutually convenient time. For specific information about who to contact please refer to your son’s diary on pages 20 and 21.

Collecting your son from school

A reminder to all families that should a circumstance arise where you need to collect your son from school before the end of the school day we require you to come to the College Office. Students will not be permitted to walk to the carpark or the street to be collected. If they leave to attend a pre-arranged appointment we request that this is communicated to the College Office in writing via note or email. If you wish to have someone collect your son that is not currently listed on TASS then you will be required to communicate this clearly in writing, you will also receive a call to verify that you did in fact authorise this arrangement. All students arriving late or departing early are required to sign in and out through the Student Office.

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Change in Student/Family Circumstances/Contact Information/Medical Conditions

If any change has occurred/occurs in your family – separation, divorce, serious illness, the College should be notified as soon as possible. The College seeks to be supportive of families in such circumstances and such events always have a bearing on a child’s education. Likewise, a change of address, email or phone number (work, home or mobile) or emergency contact should be advised immediately.

If your son suffers from a medical condition it is vital that you inform the office of his condition and what treatment is required in an emergency. An emergency management plan must be developed for any students with serious conditions.

Please verify all information via the TASS Parent Lounge.

2024 TERM DATES

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EDMUND RICE COLLEGE CALENDAR 2024

OLD BOYS Celebrating 50th Anniversary

1974 Graduating Class 50th Anniversary – Allan Robinson legit@shoal.net.au has called out to the College to search and discover who remembers this occasion and who would be interested in getting together and celebrating the memories of those years long ago and catching up and sharing life stories that began many years ago at CBC Crown Lane, Wollongong 1968 with Br Brian Jeffers (Dec) as Principal and then onto West Wollongong Campus and graduating in 1974 under Br Frank Pelin (Dec).