From The Principal
Dear Parents and Carers,
Each day I witness our teachers and support staff connecting with our students. This connection provides many rich learning opportunities that can only come about through positive relationships where students feel supported and trusted. Recent weeks have caused me to pause, reflect and be genuinely grateful for ERC’s intentional vibrant learning culture.
Last week began with the inaugural Raise Your Words Festival of Literature, which included various activities where students created poetry and short stories to share with their peers. A highlight of this festival included having a poet-in-residence for the week in Luka Lesson, an Australian slam poet. Congratulations to the students who competed in the slam poetry competition on Thursday evening and the many boys who wrote their ‘book in a day’ from 8.00 am until 8.00 pm – a fantastic effort! Thank you to the English faculty for leading this initiative and the P&F for sponsoring this event.
Our recent NAIDOC Assembly was a valuable opportunity for our community to celebrate and continue to learn about our First Nations Peoples’ culture. During this gathering, our College officially launched our Reconciliation Action Plan (2022 – 2023). Thank you to the many parents and carers who could attend, and congratulations to our Aboriginal students, who, along with Ms Nadia Neal, ably led this meaningful school assembly.
In further highlighting a snapshot of the varied learning opportunities that are provided for our students, I was pleased to meet recent visitors to the College who facilitated further learning experiences. The ‘Engineers Without Borders’ from the University of Sydney recently worked with several different science classes; Professional Officer, Jonathan Dallimore facilitated a Modern History workshop for our senior students, while Kate Whitworth from the Wollongong Conservatorium (Wollcon) is currently leading our newly formed Vocal Ensemble.
During this time, our thoughts and words of encouragement are with our Year 12 students who commenced their HSC Trial examinations earlier this week. I trust that their hard work and commitment to their courses are reflected in them achieving more than they ever thought possible. As we approach the feast day of Saint Mary Mackillop, let us pray that our Year 12 students can approach their final weeks at the College with the same courage, determination and integrity.
Best Wishes
Stephen Gough
From the Deputy Principal
Identity
Learning & Teaching
Pastoral Care
Sport
Community Announcements
Parents and Friends Committee
Dear Parent & Friends and Staff,
On behalf of the ERC Parents and Friends, I would like to extend an invitation to our next P&F function the ‘ERC Gala Dinner.’ It promises to be a great night with live music, three course dinner and drinks package.
Why not get your friends together and book a ticket or a table. Ticket purchases via https://www.trybooking.com/BYUPX
We hope you can support this event. All money raised on the night will be donated to #talk2mebro.
The P & F will be holding a raffle at the Gala Dinner and ask for your support with a donation of a prize or money. If you are able to contribute, please send your donation directly to the College Office. We would be most appreciative of your support and donations will be acknowledged on the Edmund Rice Facebook page, College Newsletter and on the reverse side of the menu at the Gala Dinner.
Please like the Facebook page ercgala2022 to receive updates for this event.
Please share this event with your family and friends, all welcome!
For further information please email ercgala2022@gmail.com
Kindest regards,
Francis & P&F Organising Committee
Community News
To Parents and Old Boys
It is with regretful news that I pass on sad information concerning Ken Tuckey who taught at the College during the ’80s’. Ken is suffering with a very serious illness. Can we keep Ken in our hopes and prayers at this time.
A noble teacher who shared his passion for motoring with so many students.
Mr Rule
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UOW Holiday Learning Labs
The University of Wollongong runs an academic and creative arts enrichment holiday program called Learning Labs. Activities include robotics, 3D modelling, art masterclasses and story creation.
The labs are occurring on the 27th – 28th September 2022 at the University of Wollongong, Shoalhaven Campus. All students from Years 7 to 10 who are passionate, self-motivated and curious learners are welcome to apply. Applications close on Wednesday 10th August 2022 and creative Kids Vouchers can be used.
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Non Government Schools Census
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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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Taekwondo Kickstarters Program
| The College will be offering the Taekwondo Kickstarters program to Year 7 students.
The Taekwondo Kickstarters program is a modified Taekwondo program, developed by Australian Taekwondo, for delivery in schools. The program teaches students the fundamental skills and values of Taekwondo in a fun and safe environment. The benefits of the program include:
Mr Gerry Sozio and Ms Lourdes Ndaira will be delivering the 5 week program at the College during Term 3 on Wednesday of Weeks 5, 6, 7, 9 and 10. The sessions will commence at 2:15pm and conclude at 3:00pm. Students will not be required to purchase a uniform and there will be no cost involved. Further details will be provided once numbers are finalised. Click here to register for the program. If you have any questions, please contact Mr Gerry Sozio (gsozio@erc.nsw.edu.au). |