Dear Parents and Carers,

This week began with a moving ANZAC Day Assembly centered on this year’s ANZAC theme of “Women in Service.” We were honoured to welcome special guests who shared their firsthand experiences, including Eva Thompson and Maria Pittiglio from the City of Wollongong RSL, along with National Service veteran, Alf Green. The assembly also featured student presentations on the broader ANZAC story,  including the story of the youngest Gallipoli enlistees of WWI to the critical WWII campaigns in Greece and Crete.

Yesterday, the College was also proudly represented at the Wollongong RSL Branch of the Vietnam Veterans ANZAC Day Ceremony. Our presence there allowed us to personally acknowledge the service of local veterans, including Mr Wayne Gregory. It was a privilege for our community to stand alongside these men and women, further strengthening our bond with the local veteran community and honouring those who served in the Vietnam conflict. I particularly acknowledge the College Band for their performances during the ceremony, along with Harrison Macdonald who delivered a heartfelt speech, and Stirling Roper for his skilful role as Master of Ceremonies for the event.  

In this, our Centenary Year, these occasions serve as a powerful reminder of the 100-year legacy of tradition and service that defines the Edmund Rice graduate. Our history is lived through the names of well over 200 graduates who, after leaving our College, went on to serve in the armed forces during international conflicts. Recent archival research has highlighted the extraordinary bravery of these alumni, from the jungles of New Guinea to the air raids over Europe. As current stewards of this legacy, I thank our students for the profound respect they showed to both past and present-day ANZACs: Lest we forget.

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Following these solemn moments of reflection, the atmosphere on campus shifted throughout today as we celebrated our strong sense of school spirit during the annual Founders Activities Day. The College grounds transformed into a carnival atmosphere, where students enjoyed a variety of food trucks, carnival rides and live musical performances. The day culminated in what is always the high-energy and fiercely competitive “House Chants.” Congratulations to the Keira House on their well-deserved victory. We look forward to celebrating next Tuesday’s annual Feast Day of Blessed Edmund Rice.

As we commence the new term I thank  Mrs Hurley (Acting Director of Studies) and Mr Pullella (Acting Director of Identity) for taking on new roles in the absence of Mrs Bell (Director of Studies) who has taken extended period of leave for the remainder of the year.

Dr Stephen Gough

The Centenary Founder’s Activities Fun Day

Founder’s Activities Day is always a highlight of the College Calendar and in this our centenary year it was no different with students dressed in house colours and ready to battle it out in the relays and in the house chants.

The Day began on Sheppard’s Oval with some old fashioned house relays – revisiting the relays of past generations beginning with the Yr 7 egg and spoon race, Yr 8 Bear crawl, Yr 9 the crab walk, Yr 10 the Farmer’s walk, Yr 11 Sprint and Yr12 Centennial Torch relay with the ultimate winner Ignatius.

One of the highlights of the carnival was the array of carnival games, which included the famous College Teacher Dunk Tank. The Teacher Dunk Tank was one of the most anticipated attractions at the Founder’s Day carnival. Students were thrilled with the opportunity to dunk their favourite teachers and watch them get soaked. As the day progressed, a long line began to form near the dunk tank, with eager participants waiting their turn to throw the ball and hit the target. Cheers erupted every time a teacher got dunked and it quickly became the crowd favourite.

There was plenty of food on sale throughout the day including a variety of Food Trucks on hand thanks to Steve’s Pizza, Piggy and Moo, Mr and Miss Pancakes, Scoop Gelato, OMG Decadent Donuts, and Andrew’s Sweet and Sour lollies. There was popcorn, snow cones, fairy floss, steak sandwiches, a sausage sizzle, Krispy Kreme donuts and an array of offerings from Tony’s Chicken shop. The Year 11/12 Hospitality team contributed to the great selection of foods and did an amazing job of feeding the hundreds of students through the BBQ and providing delicious cups of coffee for the staff.

For those who had purchased wrist bands or were in search of some high energy fun there were plenty of inflatables including the Extreme Fun Run Obstacle course, Giant Soccer Darts, Ninja Warped Wall and the Lava Wipeout Challenge.

For those in search of something a little less energetic there was the lolly lucky dip, chess, giant scrabble and the electronic Chocolate Wheel. One way to secure the memories was getting your photo taken at the photo booth capturing images of days gone by.

Congratulations to all those students who competed in the battle of the bands, a great source of entertainment for all, adding so much to the carnival atmosphere.

The Founder’s activities day was a great community event that brought together staff and students for a day of entertainment and community building.

Congratulations to Year 12 in particular our students leaders who played such a pivotal role in building the house spirt that was such an important feature of the days celebrations.

The success of the day was the result of an extraordinary team effort by all staff and their Pastoral Classes who helped run the activities and food stalls. A huge thank you to everyone for what was a great way to celebrate Founder’s Day, which is on Tuesday 5 May 2026.

Mrs Hughes
Deputy Principal

The Month of Mary: A Call to Peace and Hope

As we enter the month of May, our Church tradition traditionally turns its focus to Mary, the Mother of God. This year, our reflection on Mary’s “Yes” to God is deeply intertwined with the recent addresses given by Pope Leo during his visit to Cameroon. Pope Leo emphasised that true peace and hope are not merely the absence of conflict, but the presence of active justice and compassion. Just as Mary stood in solidarity with the suffering at the foot of the cross, we are called to be leaders of charism who “listen to those seldom heard”. In our Edmund Rice tradition, we strive to mirror, allowing the example of Mary to inspire us to be beacons of hope in a world which is currently so impacted by conflict.

ANZAC Assembly: Honouring Women in Service

On Tuesday, 28th April, the College gathered for one of the most significant events in our calendar—the ANZAC Commemorative Assembly. This year’s theme, “Women in Service,” allowed us to look beyond traditional images to recognise the indispensable roles mothers, daughters, and sisters have played in our military history for over a century. We were privileged to welcome veterans Eva Thompson and Maria Pittiglio from the City of Wollongong RSL Sub-branch, who shared firsthand realities of life in uniform. Through the solemn sounding of the Last Post and the observance of silence, our young men stood in solidarity to honour those who sacrificed their freedom for the peace we enjoy today. The boys’ respect throughout the service was exemplary.

Starting the Term: Jesus as the “Master Teacher’ Reflection

We commenced the new term with a productive Professional Development Day focused on the core of our mission: Teaching and Learning. Staff commenced the day with a reflection on the example of Jesus as the Master Teacher, examining how His pedagogy of encounter, storytelling, and radical inclusion should inform our own classrooms. By grounding our educational practices in the Gospel, we ensure that ERC remains a community where academic excellence is always viewed through the lens of a Liberating Education.

Mr Pullella
Acting Director of identity

It is an important annual Edmund Rice tradition for the entirety of Year 7 to put on gloves and, working in their House teams, clean up our large and beautiful grounds here at West Wollongong. This year, the event took place on the last day of Term 1. Asher Percival, the Year 12 Sustainability Prefect gave an inspiring speech to educate Year 7 on the purpose and aims of the day. Members of ECO ERC club also assisted and through their actions demonstrated their commitment to Sustainability. Sincere thanks to the Year 7 teachers, Year 7 students and members of ECO ERC who gave their time to make this day a resounding success.

Our aim, shared by the “Clean Up Australia” campaign, focuses as much on education and prevention as it does on waste reduction. Our school is committed to reducing our environmental footprint by decreasing the waste we produce, thereby reducing what we eventually need to clean up.

Where can each of us make a difference?

The ECO ERC club would like to challenge the Edmund Rice community to avoid the items on the following list in order to make a real difference. These are the primary waste challenges in Australia right now: drink containers, plastic straws and bags, food waste, fast fashion and textiles, tyres, e-waste, batteries, packaging, soft plastics, junk mail, and coffee cups and pods.

The ECO ERC club works hard to contribute to both education and waste reduction by creating recycled shopping bags out of old Edmund Rice uniforms destined for landfill, plus installing “cup rescue” stations around the school (in partnership with 7-Eleven).

Furthermore, in 2026, we will roll out “Project Re-wire” to increase our capture of drink containers that would otherwise be destined for landfill.

WE NEED YOU!

We are requesting old school ties (urgent) plus old school shirts or jacket (MUST have the logo and no sweat stains and be in reasonable/good condition) for us to make into recycled bags. Students can drop the item/s to C7 on Monday Week B lunch.

Yours in Sustainability,

Miss Leate

The Year 7 – 10 examination timetable has been shared with students who are encouraged to create their own personal timetable for their examinations and assessments for the Term.

Parents can access the timetable here. It is important to remember that taking tests can sometimes be stressful but if you consider that it is just a snapshot of what you can do on that day, it becomes more manageable. Examinations give the teacher another opportunity to observe what the student is learning. This NESA resource may have some useful tips for managing stress associated with taking tests. If there is anything we can do to support your child please reach out.

Mrs Hurley
Acting Director of Studies

Welcome to Term 2. This is always an important period in our school year, as the focus shifts toward consolidating learning and preparing for upcoming assessments.

As we move through the semester, it is a great time for students to reflect on the knowledge and skills they have built since January. To ensure everyone feels prepared for the weeks ahead, we encourage students to begin establishing consistent routines—whether that involves refining study notes, using active recall through self-quizzing, or applying new concepts to practice problems.

To support this, our Study Skills Sessions will return shortly. these sessions offer proven, practical strategies to help students manage their time and effectively test their understanding of course content.

If you are interested in joining a session to sharpen your study habits, please register via the Google Form below. We will follow up with all registered students regarding available times.

Register for Study Skills Sessions Here:

Key Dates & Milestones for Term 2

We have several important events scheduled to support our students’ academic journeys:

• Year 7 & 9: Release of NAPLAN data.
• Year 10: Subject selection for Stage 6 (commencing the transition to senior school).
• Year 12: ATAR and Course forecasting, alongside individual mentoring sessions.

Later in the year, our Year 8 students will also begin their first subject selection process for their Year 9 and 10 electives. We look forward to a productive term of learning and growth together.

Mr Hughes
Director of Learning & Teaching

On Thursday, 30th May, a large contingent of students proudly represented our College at the Combined Schools ANZAC Service in Wollongong.

Following their wonderful musical support at the College Assembly earlier in the week on Tuesday the 28th, a large and talented ensemble of our musicians and singers set a moving, respectful tone at the ANZAC service by performing two hymns and providing excellent vocal and instrumental support for the New Zealand and Australian anthems.

Year 12 student Aaron Wiersma delivered a poignant and memorable rendition of the Last Post, Stirling Roper did an exceptional job guiding the proceedings as the event’s Master of Ceremonies, and College Captain Harrison Macdonald delivered a thoughtful speech to the gathering.

Adding to our strong presence, two students proudly stood for the College as Cadets, and our College leaders, along with Dr Gough, paid their respects by participating in the traditional wreath-laying ceremony, rounding out a deeply meaningful week of leadership and remembrance for our entire school community.

Mr Bonaccorso

In the lead-up to ANZAC day this year, several of our talented staff members, led by Mrs Whitty, have been busy knitting and crocheting beautiful handmade poppies and slouch hats. These items were made available to staff in exchange for a small donation, with all proceeds going to ‘Soldier On’, a fantastic not-for-profit organisation dedicated to supporting current and former Australian Defence Force personnel and their families.

The money raised help provide vital services, including:

• Health & Wellbeing: Holistic support for physical and mental health.
• Employment & Education: Helping veterans transition into meaningful civilian careers.
• Connection: Programs and activities to help participants stay engaged with their community.

A huge thank you to every staff member who donated to this worthy cause.

NLC staff

Last term, Year 12 Standard English students from Edmund Rice College & St Mary Star Of The Sea College had the privilege to listen to a presentation from Vuong Pham, one of the six poets studied in HSC Standard English Module A: Language, Identity and Culture.

Pham spoke of the history of the Vietnamese War, familial background, his own writing journey and most significantly, his compositional choices in our text of study, ‘Mother’. The poem offers a moving tribute to the migrant experience, focussing on the quiet sacrifices made by his mother to provide her children with a future in Australia. Through highly vivid imagery and profound emotive language, Pham bridges the gap between his mother’s past in a war-torn homeland and her present life, inviting students to reflect on how personal history and cultural heritage shape our individual identities.

By analysing this text, students have gained deeper insights into the power of intergenerational storytelling and the complexities of the diasporic experience. The poem encourages us to look beyond the surface of our daily lives and recognise the resilience and labor that underpin our community’s diverse backgrounds.

It has been a rewarding opportunity for students to receive such insight for the composer of a HSC text, alongside practicing their critical analysis skills and developing a greater empathy for the stories of migration that define contemporary Australia. As teachers of this course, Pham’s visit to the College provided us with the opportunity to not only consolidate our knowledge of the text itself, but also to better understand the significance of both memories and storytelling in exploring one’s identity and culture.

A special thanks goes to Ms Kennedy (Head of English) for organising such an experience.

Mr Forshaw

On Friday, April 24th, the Edmund Rice Stage Band delivered vibrant and polished performances at both Ss Peter & Paul in Kiama and Gwynneville Public School. Their dynamic repertoire and tight ensemble playing earned enthusiastic applause from students and staff alike, showcasing not only the group’s musical talent but also their commitment to sharing the joy of live music with younger audiences. A major highlight of the morning was the impressive contribution from the band’s newest Year 7 members: Elliott Te Velde on Trumpet and Ned Linnehan on Drums. Both students have quickly proven themselves valuable additions to the ensemble. Their confidence, skill, and teamwork on stage signal a bright future for the band as it continues to grow and inspire.

Mr Haybittle

At Edmund Rice College, we are dedicated to a liberating education. This term, I will be exploring a powerful concept from author James Clear’s Atomic Habits. Clear tells us that “We do not rise to the level of our goals; we fall to the level of our systems.”

The idea of habits fits well with the concept of Choice. Character is not defined by one-off big moments, but by the small, atomic choices made every morning. When a student chooses to meet the College’s high standards of punctuality and presentation, they are casting a vote for the type of man they want to become.

The College has systems of accountability to help our boys master these habits. We are stepping up our focus on choice compliance regarding lateness and uniform this term. We aren’t increasing consequences to be punitive; we are providing the habit triggers that help boys stay on track. A consequence for lateness is simply a feedback loop—a reminder to adjust the home system.

So far this term we have had guest speakers talk to the boys about the power of choices in different contexts. Year 11 engaged with the ‘U Turn The Wheel’ program which talks about habits to aid in safe driving, Year 7 had a talk from the Youth Police Team regarding safe habits online, safe habits with e bikes and Year 10 preparations for Camp continued which is aimed at helping boys build habits that keep them resilient.

Each newsletter this term I will encourage parents to try a new habit with their sons. This week we will start with an old favourite.

💡 Atomic Habit of the Fortnight: “The Night-Before Launchpad”

The Habit: Lay out your full College uniform, prepare your lunch and pack your bag before you go to bed.

The Why: James Clear calls this “Environment Design.” By removing the friction of finding a tie, lunch or a calculator in the morning, you make the choice to be on time easy. You win the morning the night before.

Mr Ferguson
Director of Pastoral Care & Wellbeing

The safety and wellbeing of our students remain a top priority at Edmund Rice College. This week, our Year 11 cohort participated in a vital Pastoral lesson designed to prepare them for the responsibilities of the road. We were privileged to welcome Senior Constable Lee from the Highway Patrol Command, who delivered a sobering and highly informative presentation titled ‘U Turn the Wheel’.

As many of our Year 11 students are currently transitioning from their learner’s permits to provisional license’s, Senior Constable Lee highlighted the specific risks facing young drivers. The session focused on the four primary factors that contribute to road trauma, particularly on NSW roads, speeding, distractions, fatigue and the influence of drugs and alcohol.

We would like to thank Senior Constable Lee for providing our students with such essential, life-saving information. We encourage all parents to use these points as a conversation starter at home to support our young men in becoming safe, responsible road users.

Mrs Russell

During Week 1 of Term 2, as part of the Year 7 Pastoral Care Program, our students had the opportunity to hear from Senior Constable Jarred from the Wollongong Youth Command. The presentation was designed to address the real-world challenges our boys face as they navigate their increased independence. 

The boys engaged in an honest discussion about the significance of their online actions and the repercussions when those actions don’t align with their own morals and values. Senior Constable Jarred also spoke about the rising popularity of E-bikes and discussed the specific NSW laws regarding power and speed limits and the possible consequences if our boys don’t comply with the law. The boys were actively engaged with the discussion and said that it provided them with valuable information that would help them make positive choices in their future. 

We thank the Wollongong Youth Command for their ongoing support in helping our Year 7 boys transition into responsible, safe and conscious young men.

Marco Panozzo // Amy Field 

Please be advised of the upcoming College Photo Days, scheduled for Term 2. The purchasing code and ordering details will be distributed as soon as they become available.

PLEASE NOTE: Y7 – Y11 Students who are absent on Tuesday, 26th May will not be able to catch up their individual portrait photos.

College Photo Day 1 – Tuesday, 12th May:
Y12 Cohort Photo and Individual Portraits
Sibling Photos

College Photo Day 2 –Tuesday, 26th May:
Y7 – Y11 Individual Portraits
Y7 – Y10 Pastoral Class Photo
Y11 House Class Photo
Y12 Catch up Individual Portraits

College Photo Day 3 – Groups – Monday, 31st August:
Sport groups
Extra-curricular groups
No individual portrait catch ups will be done this day

Mr Fields
Director of Operations

The annual Edmund Rice College Athletics Carnival returned to Beaton Park on Thursday, 23rd April, and it couldn’t have asked for a better backdrop. Under a clear blue sky and beautiful autumn weather, our students gathered for a day defined by high energy, school spirit, and exceptional athleticism.

The day featured a comprehensive program of track and field events, alongside our popular sport rotation stations. From the explosive power in the shotput circle to the tactical pacing on the 1500m track, the speed and strength of our young men was on full display throughout the competition.

Record Breaker Spotlight:

A special mention must go to the following students who set new benchmarks on the day.

• Nicholas Aivaliotis (Opens): Set a new record in the 200m with a time of 22.45s.
• Archie Galvin (13 Years): Broke records in both the 800m (2:18.12) and 1500m (4:38.64).
• Jacob Dowler (13 Years): Set a new Long Jump record of 5.13m.

Diocesan Representative Team Qualification:

Students who placed as follows have officially qualified for the ERC Rep Team to compete at the Diocesan Carnival:

TRACK EVENTS

• 100m: 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Place
• 200m, 800m & 1500m: 1st and 2nd Place
• 400m: 1st Place Only

FIELD EVENTS

• 1st Place Only for Long Jump, High Jump, Discus, Shotput, and Javelin.

Age Champions:

The following students have been been crowned age champions and will be acknowledged at an upcoming school assembly.

• U12 – Tom Fischer
• U13 – Jacob Dowler
• U14 – Tristan Harding
• U15 – Jake Schulze
• U16 – Jasper Hasham
• U17 – Milton Stepanovski
• U18 – Nicholas Aivaliotis

House Championship:

• 1st – Keira
• 2nd – Ignatius
• 3rd – McMahon
• 4th – Rice
• 5th – Waterford
• 6th – Crown

Congratulations to all students who participated and gave their best effort for their House. Information regarding the Diocesan Carnival will be communicated to students in Week 2.

Mr Timpano
Sports Coordinator

On Wednesday, April 29, the South Coast Oztag Schools Championships were held at Dalton Park. Arriving early in Fairy Meadow under clear skies and high hopes, our athletes prepared to face a day of intense regional competition.

The Junior 7/8 Boys team set the standard early, delivering a masterclass in skill and teamwork. After securing convincing pool-play victories against Shellharbour Anglican, Albion Park, Lake Illawarra, and Oak Flats, the boys marched into the semi-finals against St Johns Nowra. Their momentum carried them all the way to the Grand Final, where a confident 4-1 victory over Illawarra Sports High saw them officially crowned the 7/8 regional champions.

While the Junior boys found golden success, our older cohorts also displayed immense grit and school spirit. The Opens 11/12 team showed impressive flashes of talent during their pool matches against Bomaderry High, Holy Spirit, and Corpus Christi, ultimately bowing out in a hard-fought semi-final against Woonona. Meanwhile, our Intermediate 9/10 team faced a challenging day on the field. Despite a strong performance and a victory over Bomaderry, they were unable to secure enough points for a finals berth, finishing the day with one win from five games.

Regardless of the final scores, the sportsmanship and effort displayed by all three teams were exemplary. We extend our warmest congratulations to every student who competed and a sincere thank you to Mr. Sjostedt, Mrs. Timmins, and Mr. Sullivan for their leadership and support throughout the day.

Mr Woods

Attention all skiing and snowboarding families! Please be aware of significant changes to the registration process for the upcoming 2026 NSW/ACT/QLD Interschools Snowsport Championships.

New Entry Portal & Snow ID Activation

The Interschools Championships have transitioned to a new online entry system via the revSPORT Interschools Portal. Because of this change, there is a new process for activating your child’s 2026 Snow ID. All competitors, parents, and school coordinators must now activate their Snow ID directly through the Interschools website, rather than via the Snow Australia website as in previous years.

Key Changes for Families:

• Parent/Carer Responsibility: Under the new system, parents or carers are now responsible for submitting individual event entries, making event payments, and completing all relevant event waivers.
• School Coordination: Once entries are submitted by families, we will have access to the portal to view entries, allocate students into teams, and manage volunteers. This new system is designed to streamline administration and ensure all information is accurate and up-to-date.
• Entries Opening: Event entries for the 2026 season are scheduled to open in mid-May.

What you need to do now:

Visit the Interschools website to register for or renew your child’s 2026 Snow ID.

Keep an eye out for further communication regarding the specific entry link once the portal opens in May, this can be done by checking the interschools website, and signing up for their e-newsletter.

Ensure your child’s Snow ID is active before the mid-May deadline to avoid any delays in the entry process.

Any questions please see the interschools website.

Mr Timpano
Sports Coordinator

Congratulations to Year 10 student Malachy Hurley on his selection in the NSWCCC U15 Hockey Team.

Playing as a Defensive Midfield (DM), Malachy’s selection follows a successful representative season. He recently competed for the NSW State Blues at the Australian U16 Championships and was a member of the Gold medal-winning NSW State indoor hockey team in January.

Malachy’s ability to compete at a state level in both indoor and outdoor hockey is a credit to his hard work and training.

We wish Malachy the best of luck as he represents the Combined Catholic Colleges at the upcoming NSW All Schools Championships.

Mr Timpano
Sports Coordinator

Edmund Rice College is incredibly proud to celebrate the achievements of Nash Hawkins (Year 8) at the recent Australian Age Swimming Championships. Nash delivered a world-class performance, returning home with three medals and a place in the history books.

The Results

• 50m Breaststroke: Silver Medal
• 100m Breaststroke: Gold Medal (NSW State Record)
• 200m Breaststroke: Gold Medal (NSW State & Australian National Record)

Making History

Nash’s performance in the 200m event was particularly significant. By setting a new Australian National Record, he surpassed the previous mark held by Olympic Gold Medalist and World Record holder, Zac Stubblety-Cook.

To break a national record previously held by an Olympic champion is an outstanding feat. We congratulate Nash on his dedication and look forward to his continued success in the pool.

Well done, Nash!

Mr Timpano
Sports Coordinator

In Week 10, the Edmund Rice College swimming squad competed at the NSWCCC Swimming Championships held at the Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre. The team secured multiple podium finishes and established a new state record.

Record-Breaking Achievement

Nash Hawkins (Year 7) produced a significant performance in the 13 Years 100m Breaststroke. Nash secured the Gold medal and set a new NSWCCC record with a time of 1:10, bettering the previous record by 7 seconds. He also placed first in the 13 Years 50m Breaststroke to claim a second Gold medal.

Relay Results

The College’s relay teams were successful in both the Junior and Open divisions:

• Junior Freestyle Relay: Timofey Pan, Taj Caldwell, Beau Thompson, and Nash Hawkins – Gold
• Junior Medley Relay: Timofey Pan, Taj Caldwell, Beau Thompson, and Nash Hawkins – Gold
• Open Freestyle Relay: Milton Stepanovski, Max Miller, Finn Ardita, and Oliver Johnson – Bronze
• Open Medley Relay: Milton Stepanovski, Max Miller, Finn Ardita, and Oliver Johnson – Bronze 12-19
• All Age Relay: The team of Jed Dwyer, Timofey Pan, Beau Thompson, Callum Ardita, Jye Prem, and Max Miller – Silver

Individual Results

The following students received medals for their individual performances:

• Callum Ardita (15 Years): Silver in the 50m Freestyle and Bronze in the 100m Freestyle.
• Beau Thompson (14 Years): Bronze in the 50m Backstroke, 50m Butterfly, and 100m Butterfly.
• Jake Schulze (15 Years): Bronze in the 50m Backstroke and 100m Backstroke.

Congratulations to all students on their results! Best of luck to our swimmers who placed on the podium as they have been selected in the NSWCCC team to compete at the NSW All Schools Championships.

Mr Timpano
Sports Coordinator

The College is proud to celebrate the success of Gwil Barnes (Year 9), who delivered an incredible performance at the NSW Old Log Longboard Titles over the weekend.

Competing in a field dominated by experienced adult surfers, Gwil proved that age is no barrier to skill. He claimed the NSW Open Men’s D-Fin Longboard Title, a remarkable feat considering he was the youngest competitor in the event. To make the win even more impressive, Gwil competed on an original, pre-1963 D-Fin longboard, which requires immense technical ability to maneuver.

Gwil also backed up this performance in the Under 40s Greenough Division, where he again suited up as the youngest surfer in the heat to secure a 4th place finish.

We congratulate Gwil on his dedication to the sport.

Mr Timpano
Sports Coordinator

The College are thrilled to announce that Chase Grant (Class of 2024) has been crowned the U20 Men’s 400m National Champion after a dominant performance at the National Championships in Brisbane.

Chase stopped the clock at a blistering 46.21 seconds, securing the Gold medal and comfortably achieving the world qualifying standard. His incredible form has earned him official selection to the Australian Team for the World Athletics U20 Championships, held in Eugene, Oregon (USA) from 5–9 August 2026.

According to World Athletics, Chase is now:

• Ranked #1 in Australia (U20 Men’s 400m)
• Ranked #22 in the World (U20 Age Group)

This is a phenomenal achievement that reflects Chase’s elite work ethic and talent. We look forward to cheering him on as he wears the green and gold on the world stage this August!

Good luck, Chase!

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

2026 TERM DATES

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2026 Calendar of Events

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CANTEEN MENU

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PROCEDURES FOR PARENTS / CARERS

Student Absences

Whilst the preferred method of communication regarding absences is via the TASS Parent Portal we understand that sometimes access to the portal can be limited. We therefore ask parents/carers to provide daily absence information (Whole day absences/late arrivals/early departure/absence notes etc.) via the following email address: absences@erc.nsw.edu.au

Reminders:

• Leave required for 4-9 days needs to be requested by emailing the College: office@erc.nsw.edu.au
• Leave requests for 10 or more days requires completing an Application for Extended Leave Form (which can be found on the College website under Quicklinks).

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.

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 6, 7, 28 and 29.

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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.

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Salvation Army Red Shield Appeal

Wherever there is hardship or injustice, Salvos will live, love and
fight, alongside others, to transform Australia one life at a time
with the love of Jesus.

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KiDSWiSH – Free Family Events