Dear Parents and Carers,

I have learnt all too well over the years that as boys grow from early childhood into adolescence, a subtle shift can often occur in how they communicate. As we know, when boys are very young they naturally express themselves with openness in sharing their thoughts freely and often. However, often we see when boys move into adolescence that spontaneity can turn into one-word answers or even the odd grunt when you enquire as to how their day went.

As parents and educators, we see our role in keeping our boys’ communication channels very much open. At ERC I feel we do this very well. Whether it be through the ongoing support and development of the written word, CSL, Public Speaking, Mock Trial competitions, the Creative and Performing Arts, regular student pulse surveys, and Counselling services, student voice is essential in not only providing meaningful opportunities for our students to express their feelings, but in celebrating what I call the plurality of masculinity. Luckily, the days of there being only one form or image of what it means to be masculine in society are gone. Acknowledging the diversity of our student body is what sets ERC apart.

One such celebration was last Friday evening at the Catholic Schools’ Debating Association (CSDA) competition finals. Our Year 11 team, was made up of Isaac Mitrevski, Daniel Morozov, Sam Stevin & Jonathan Bendeich, was named CSDA Debating Champions, and our program was recognised as the overall Best and Fairest Debating School. These amazing achievements and public recognition reflects the character of our young men. Their ability to argue with nuance, listen with respect, and communicate with integrity was, and continues to be, outstanding.

Whether it be the myriad of sporting achievements, or the continued learning growth seen in our recent NAPLAN results, the varied ways the ERC young men express themselves is preparing them to enter the world as well-rounded leaders.

Finally, I offer up this prayer for our Year 12 students as they continue to undertake their HSC Trial examinations.

Loving God,
As we prepare to celebrate the feast of Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop,
We pray for our Year 12 students as they sit their Trial HSC exams.
Inspired by her faith, courage, and perseverance,
bless them with calm hearts, clear minds, and the strength to do their best.
May they trust in their preparation, support one another,
and live out Mary’s enduring words:
“Never see a need without doing something about it.”
We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Dr Stephen Gough

Earlier this week Mr Pullella and I attended an EREA conference titled Living the Charter: It’s Everyone’s Work, over the next few newsletters I will share some powerful insights that we gleaned from some fabulous presenters.

On Wednesday evening we attended the Australian Sports Museum at the MCG and heard about the benefits of sport for our young people. Given the high levels of participation in sport over the past few weeks, I thought I would share with you some of the insights shared by Ms Gillian Daley who examined the powerful connection between sport and the EREA Charter, highlighting how our shared passion for the game can be a catalyst for justice and solidarity.

Sport is recognised as more than just competition, it is a platform for Gospel spirituality and a reflection of the Australian psyche.

The core message focused on how sport serves as a bridge to our four Charter touchstones:

• Gospel Spirituality: Athletes and fans alike find ways to express their faith through sport, reflecting values of love, compassion, and peace on and off the field.
• Inclusive Community: Sport encourages us to “find our tribe,” fostering a sense of belonging that transcends societal differences and unites us under common colours.
• Justice and Solidarity: From supporting the underdog to advocacy for climate action and human rights, sport is a tool for the greater good. The “Starting Line” report identifies sport as the “sleeping giant” of social change in Australia.
• Liberating Education: By integrating justice into our sporting lives, such as using fair trade equipment or supporting environmental initiatives, we empower our young people to use their influence for positive change.

While we acknowledge the challenges sport can bring, its power to unite the world during events like the Commonwealth Games or World Cup is undeniable. Whether it is the MCG’s leadership in sustainability or athletes standing against racism, sport provides a unique way to co-create a better world. It provides lessons of teamwork and resilience that allow us to live out the EREA mission in all parts of life.

As a metaphor for life, sport presents a landscape of unpredictable challenges, demanding a level of resilience that transforms setbacks into springboards. This is captured in the narrative of the underdog, the relentless pursuit of excellence against overwhelming odds mirrors the broader human struggle for equity and recognition. By navigating these competitive landscapes, participants learn that true victory lies not just in the final score, but in the steadfastness displayed during the climb.

Furthermore, the grandstand acts as a rare space where diverse threads of society are woven into a unified fabric. Shared passion functions as a universal language, capable of bridging cultural and socioeconomic divides. This collective energy fosters a profound sense of belonging, allowing individuals to transcend personal differences in favour of a common identity. When communities gather to support their teams, they experience a microcosm of the inclusive world we strive to build, one where loyalty and mutual respect form the foundation of a cohesive, empathetic society. In this way, the lessons learned on the field empower us to become advocates for unity in every sphere of existence. Whether we are on the field, in the grandstand or watching from the lounge, sport has many valuable lessons to teach us. Enjoy your sport this weekend.

Mrs Hughes
Deputy Principal

Congratulations to the Years 7, 8, 9 and 10 students who received awards in recognition of their excellent commitment to learning during Semester 1 at the College Academic Awards Assemblies last week.

The Edmund Rice College HSC Trial Timetable has now been released to students and families so that you can plan your approach to preparation for the upcoming examination period in Term 3, Monday 7 September to Friday, 18 September. The College has provided the HSC Excel Co-Pilot and Atomi resources for the content covered in your classes. Please check with your teachers to ensure you have access and are using the tools you have available to support your study.

In your Atomi Classroom, there is a Subject for Study Skills. There are short modules and resources to assist you with preparation for assessments and exams. Link Here

Mrs Hurley
Acting Director of Studies

On Monday all Year 8 students will hear from our teachers and Heads of Faculty about the electives that they can choose for Stage 5 (Years 9 & 10). After the presentation, we will share the slides and the Web Form with Year 8 students and their parents / carers with instructions about how to select your preferences. Over the last weeks, they have learned about the practical side of some subjects like Commerce with the Market Day and today they have been engaged in workshops about Creative and Performing Arts. It is important for students to think about taking subjects that they have an interest in. Electives are about enjoying learning and trying something new! Creativity, communication, critical thinking and collaboration are skills that all the courses offer so think about what will help you to develop a well-rounded education for your future.

Mrs Hurley
Acting Director of Studies

On Friday, 31st July, our Year 10 Commerce students brought energy, innovation, and serious flavour to school for their annual Market Day. The entire cohort actively participated, putting their business acumen to the test by designing, launching, and operating their very own stalls. From mouth-watering hot food and homemade baked goods to refreshing drinks, the ERC Centre was buzzing with activity.

Students showcased exceptional entrepreneurial skills, seamlessly managing supply chains, marketing campaigns, and customer service on the fly. Thanks to the enthusiastic support of the whole school community, the event was a resounding success.

Most importantly, our young entrepreneurs demonstrated true social responsibility by raising vital funds for Talk 2 Me Bro, supporting local mental health awareness and suicide prevention initiatives. Congratulations to Year 10 for their hard work, dedication, and community spirit!

Miss Tomasi

Discover your sound and build your musical skills right here on campus with private instrumental lessons held directly at the College across five key disciplines. See the sign-up links and tutor contacts below to secure a spot:

• Singing: Fill out the Singing Lessons Form: https://forms.gle/9GB9pJLFzbtnKADi8
• Drums: Fill out the Drum Lessons Form: https://forms.gle/V1ck7aLPySTy8ogt9
• Piano: Email mdominis@erc.nsw.edu.au
• Guitar: Email ryansorensencomposer@gmail.com
• Brass: Email des.cannings@gmail.com

Note: Lessons are conducted at the College. Spaces for some instruments are very limited, so please register or contact the respective tutors directly to reserve your time slot!

Mr Haybittle

We’re gauging interest for student singing lessons. If you or your child want to take part, please let us know here: forms.gle/mLSRrYLeXEi8BhRbA

Mr Haybittle

In episode 21 of the Rice Bowl Podcast, hosted by Bowen and new hosts Rhys and William, we dive into the upcoming Winter Sleep Out. Join our community for a powerful night of solidarity in the ERC Foyer as we raise vital funds and awareness for the Edmund Rice Foundation Australia and SAASI. With over 100,000 Australians experiencing homelessness, your participation or donation helps us stand together in the true spirit of our school community. Special thanks to our new sound technician, Liam, for his work on this episode. LINK

Mr Bonaccorso

As we celebrate our Centenary year at Edmund Rice College, the past fortnight has offered us profound moments to reflect on our identity as a Catholic school in the Edmund Rice Tradition.

On Monday, 3 August, staff attended our Staff Spirituality Day and were provided with a clear space to clarify what defines our unique expression of what it means to be a Catholic school in the Edmund Rice Tradition. Staff embarked on a pilgrimage from our historic roots on Crown Lane, the site of our original school established by the Christian Brothers in 1926, back to Mt Keira Road. This pilgrimage, along with our subsequent plenary session and Mass, enabled staff to reflect with deep gratitude on our rich legacy and discuss how this community continuously challenges us to grow as people of faith who respond to Christ present in every student and in the marginalised.

This shared commitment to living our faith in action was vibrantly expressed across our College life this past fortnight. We gathered as a school community on Tuesday, 28 July, for our NAIDOC Assembly under the theme 50 Years of Deadly, honoring our Wodi Wodi and Dharawal custodians, celebrating First Nations excellence, and deepening our commitment to genuine reconciliation. Following the assembly, we gathered for a special morning tea with local families, highlighting the vital importance of the presence, wisdom, and guidance of our First Nations Elders, community members, and families – with deep gratitude to the families, Uncle Peter Button, Aunty May Button, Brendan Newton and Auntie Julie Street-Smith for their attendance.

This spirit of solidarity was further exemplified on Thursday, 30 July, when over 60 Year 7–9 students took part in the SASSI Junior Winter Sleepout, raising an incredible $13,000 to support crisis accommodation for women in our local community. As clarified by these important expressions of faith and identity over the past fortnight, the challenge at the heart of our charism is to never “rest on our laurels” or past successes.

Having just returned from the EREA National Living the Charter Conference: It’s Everyone’s Work, I have been inspired and reminded that we are called to continually listen and respond to how God calls us to animate the Gospel today – ensuring every student, staff member, and family experiences the fullness of life, while remaining courageous in bringing that same fullness to the margins.

Mr Pullella
Acting Director of Identity

As we navigate Term 3—our designated Wellbeing Term at Edmund Rice College—our pastoral focus remains firmly anchored in Strengths-Based Success. Positive psychology reminds us that young men flourish most when they stop trying to fit into a pre-moulded box, and instead discover, name, and intentionally apply their unique innate strengths.

Reflecting on NAIDOC Week: Strengths in Community

In Week 2, our College gathered in the ERC Centre for our annual NAIDOC Week Assembly. This event was a powerful celebration of the strength found in story, culture, and community. Seeing our student body engage so respectfully with Indigenous culture highlighted the deep capacity for empathy, connection, and leadership present within our boys. It was a fantastic testament to how individual character strengths contribute to a rich, united College culture.

Year 10 into Year 11 Subject Selection: Matching Passion with Suitability

Nowhere has our strengths-based approach been more evident this week than in our Year 10 into Year 11 Subject Selection Interviews. Following on from their earlier information sessions in the ERC Foyer, our Year 10 boys engaged in formal interviews to finalise their Stage 6 pathways.

Rather than viewing senior subject selection as merely a box-ticking exercise, this entire process was deliberately structured around strengths and suitability. Working alongside academic and pastoral staff, each boy was challenged to reflect on:

• Innate Character Strengths: Aligning traits like Curiosity, Persistence, Creativity, or Analytical Thinking with specific senior courses.
• Academic Suitability: Reviewing past growth and assessment feedback to ensure chosen subjects match their learning profile and future goals.
• Intrinsic Motivation: Choosing pathways that ignite genuine passion rather than selecting subjects based on peer choices.

By anchoring these senior pathway decisions in personal strengths, our Year 10 boys are taking genuine ownership of their future identity as senior learners.

Goal Setting Across Years 7–10: From Reflection to Action

Building on the Semester 1 Academic Reports released at the end of last term, our Year 7, 8, 9, and 10 students are also engaging in dedicated Goal Setting sessions during Pastoral Care lessons this week.

We are encouraging the boys to translate their report feedback into clear, strengths-based strategies for Term 3. When discussing your son’s goals at home this week, consider asking him:

• “What is one specific goal you set in Pastoral Care this week?”
• “What strategy will you put in place to make that happen?”
• “Which of your top strengths are you going to use to make that goal a reality?”

When we ground a young man’s goals and subject choices in his unique, innate strengths, achieving success stops feeling like a chore—it becomes an authentic expression of who he is growing to be.

💡 Strength Focus of the Fortnight: “Self-Efficacy”

• The Habit: Before starting a challenging task or entering an assessment, take 30 seconds to name one past achievement where your hard work paid off.
• The Why: In positive psychology, reminding yourself of past competence builds self-efficacy—the belief in your ability to succeed—reducing anxiety and priming the brain for optimal performance.

Mr Ferguson
Director of Pastoral Care & Wellbeing

It was a spectacular day of rugby league action at the Collegians Sporting Complex as Edmund Rice College took on Holy Spirit College for the 37th annual Tom Anderton Shield.

The College has successfully retained the trophy, going undefeated across all three grades! Congratulations to all the players who took the field; the effort, sportsmanship, and teamwork on display were a true credit to the College.

A massive thank you goes to the Dignam/Anderton family for being there to present the winning trophy and for their enduring support of this fantastic tradition. We were also privileged to welcome back ERC Old Boy and current Cronulla Sharks star, Jesse Colquhoun, who generously gave his time to present the Man of the Match awards for the Opens.

Thanks to the fantastic support provided by the NRL Development team and Dragons WNRL players.

Match Results & Award Winners:

• U13s: ERC 54 defeated Holy Spirit 0; Man of the Match: Felix Davidson
• U15s: ERC 26 defeated Holy Spirit 12; Man of the Match: Jacob Austin
• Opens: ERC 36 defeated Holy Spirit 12; Man of the Match: Jeremy Packer

Mr Timpano
Sports Coordinator

On Friday, 24th July, our talented tennis squad traveled to the Macarthur Tennis Complex to compete in the highly anticipated Diocesan Tennis Championships.

The team, consisting of Calvin Perkiss, Lucas Germano, Sean Zhai, and Noah Andrews, played some exceptional tennis throughout the tournament. The boys fought hard in every match, demonstrating fantastic skill and determination to make it all the way to the grand final.

While they unfortunately couldn’t secure the final win to take home the championship, finishing as runners-up is a phenomenal achievement. Congratulations to the team on a great day of competition and for representing Edmund Rice College with such excellent sportsmanship.

Mr Timpano
Sports Coordinator

Our College snowsports team recently took to the mountains to compete in the ACT / Southern NSW Interschools Snow Sports Competition, braving the winter elements with fantastic energy, sportsmanship, and determination.

Against a fierce field of competitors from across the region, our students delivered some outstanding performances on the snow. We are thrilled to announce that several of our athletes have officially secured their spots to represent the College at the upcoming State Championships!

State Championship Qualifiers

Congratulations to the following students who have qualified to progress to State in their respective disciplines and divisions:

Alpine & Ski Cross:

• Koen Minett (Division 1 Male) – Qualified in Alpine & Ski Cross
• Lachlan Booth (Division 1 Male) – Qualified in Alpine

Snowboard Cross:

• Bowen Sharrock (Division 1 Male)
• Fletcher Bruton (Division 3 Male)

Snowboard Giant Slalom (GS):

• Division 1 Male Team A: Bowen Sharrock & Harry McKensey (Qualified as a Team)
• Division 1 Male Individuals: Bowen Sharrock & Harry McKensey
• Division 3 Male Individual: Fletcher Bruton

A massive congratulations to all our competitors for representing the College with such pride and enthusiasm. Special thanks also go to the parents, staff, and supporters who braved the early mornings and freezing temperatures to cheer on the team from the sidelines.

We wish Koen, Lachlan, Bowen, Harry, and Fletcher the very best of luck as they prepare to take on the best in the State!

Mr Sunarya

The Edmund Rice College Opens Football team headed to Jamison Park, Penrith, for a high-stakes NSWCCC Quarter-Final showdown against Santa Sophia Catholic College. From the opening whistle, the match was full of immense intensity, with every player leaving everything on the pitch in a tightly contested opening period.

It was ERC who broke the deadlock thanks to striker Lucas Tancevski, who continued his brilliant goal-scoring streak with a quality finish, driving the ball across the face of the keeper to put ERC up 1-0. Santa Sophia fought back, however, and were awarded a penalty later in the match to level the score at 1-1, sending the game to extra time.

With tension at an all time high, the decisive moment came from a dangerous long ball pumped into the box by Captain Luca Spaseski. Pressure from the attack caused a costly breakdown in communication for Santa Sophia, resulting in an own goal that sealed the victory for ERC.

With this victory, Edmund Rice College advances to back-to-back NSWCCC Finals Series! The boys now look ahead to Valentine Sports Park on September 2nd, where they’ll aim to take their cup run all the way.

The U16s ERC Team was also in action vs St Dominic’s Penrith, unfortunately the team went a player down early in the first half and found it hard to penetrate a well organised opposition, going down 2-0.

Congratulations to the players and coaching staff—bring on the finals!

Mr Belsito

Recently, our boys competed in the Diocesan Netball Championships held at the Berkeley Netball Complex. Leaving nothing on the court, our teams finished in highly commendable 3rd and 4th positions.

The boys gave it their absolute all, and the outstanding sportsmanship they displayed throughout the tournament was a true credit to the College. The fast-paced, thrilling matches certainly took a physical toll, with many of the players returning to school the next day sore and completely exhausted—a clear testament to their effort and dedication on the court!

A massive thank you to our incredible coaches, Mrs Roper and Ms Gregorio, for their leadership, guidance, and support of the boys on the day.

Mr Timpano
Sports Coordinator

Edmund Rice College is incredibly proud to announce a monumental sporting achievement by one of our own. Max Miller Year 11 – recently competed in the world-renowned Molokai to Oahu World Championships, taking on one of the most gruelling ocean paddle-board courses on the globe.

Teaming up for the event, Max and his teammate (Kobe Sims) dominated the competition to secure 1st place overall in the teams division. The duo navigated a treacherous 52km stretch of open ocean, completing the massive endurance challenge in an astonishing time of 5 hours and 15 minutes.

This world-class result is a true testament to Max’s relentless training regimen, elite physical endurance, and absolute dedication to his sport. On behalf of the entire College community, congratulations, Max, on an extraordinary and well-deserved victory!

Mr Timpano
Sports Coordinator

It was a phenomenal week for Edmund Rice College at the Australian School Championships in Melbourne! The College was proudly represented by three talented student-athletes and one staff member representing New South Wales across swimming, basketball, and hockey.

Our representatives delivered remarkable performances on the national stage, bringing home records, medals, and prestigious individual accolades.

🏊‍♂️ Swimming Sensation: Nash Hawkins

Nash Hawkins put on a masterclass performance in the pool, breaking records and securing multiple national titles:

🥇 1st Place – 13 Years Boys 50m Breaststroke

New School Sport Australia Record

New Australian Age & Allcomers Age Record (Fastest 13-year-old 50m breaststroke swum in Australian history!)

🥈 2nd Place – 13 Years Boys 100m Breaststroke

🥇 1st Place – 13-14 Years Boys 200m Breaststroke

🥇 1st Place – 13-14 Mixed Medley Relay (New School Sport Australia Record)

🥇 1st Place – 13-14 Boys Medley Relay (New School Sport Australia Record)

🏀 Basketball: Xavier Chilko & Ms Sparks

Edmund Rice College made a massive impact on the court for NSW Basketball:

Xavier Chilko was a vital key player for the U16s NSW Boys Basketball Team, putting in standout performances all week to help guide the team to a Bronze Medal.

Ms Sparks led the U16s NSW Girls Basketball Team as Head Coach, steering the team to an outstanding Gold Medal victory! To cap off an incredible championship week, Ms Sparks was also awarded the prestigious Darryl Bell Memorial Trophy for the Best Basketball Official at the Championships.

🏑 Hockey: Malachy Hurley

Malachy Hurley (U15) stepped up to represent the U16 NSW Hockey Team against the nation’s best.

Malachy proved to be a dominant force throughout the tournament, helping his NSW side secure a hard-fought Bronze Medal to top off a fantastic week of hockey.

Congratulations to Nash, Xavier, Malachy, and Ms Sparks!

Representing New South Wales at a national level is a remarkable achievement. The entire Edmund Rice College community is immensely proud of your dedication, sportsmanship, and success.

Mr Timpano
Sports Coordinator

On Thursday 30 July Edmund Rice participated in the 3rd Annual Jed Holloway Trophy at the University of Wollongong. The competition contained 8 Illawarra schools divided into 2 pools with the winners of each pool going onto contest the final.

Edmund Rice went undefeated in their pool playing: Shellharbour Anglican (33-0), Shoalhaven High School (40-5) and Ulladulla High School (40-12).

In the final Edmund Rice College were pitted against Albion Park High School, the final was very competitive with Albion Park High School scoring two quick tries, after comfortably winning their pool games Edmund Rice faced a significant challenge to overcome the deficit. The Edmund Rice boys settled into the game and started to dominate possession through structured play and patience, getting themselves back into the game and taking the lead by a slim 3-point margin at the break. The team went onto dominate the second half, holding steadfast in defence and taking their opportunities in attack to run in 2 more tries on the way to a 31-14 victory.

Jacob Austin led the team on the day and was inspired as Captain scoring 7 tries across the tournament, Jake Schulze (4) and Mason Spedding (3) also led the scoring charts. Leon Atinga was the player of the day demonstrating consistent effort in attack and defense.

Squad: Leon Atinga, Jacob Austin, Wil Bryson, Morrison Cocksedge, Lawson Long, Thomas Mann, Quade Nelson, Jake Schulze, Mason Spedding, Zac Stambulka, Eli Stephenson, William Synott, Roman Young, Cooper Roche, Nathan Liebenberg

Mr Sunderland

Our junior Rugby League sides delivered an absolute masterclass on the field recently, with both the U13s and U15s taking out top honors in undefeated runs through their respective games in the Shaun Timmins shield and Ben Creagh shield.

The U13s put on a clinic from the opening whistle, sweeping through pool play with a 22–0 win over Illawarra Sports High and a tight 6–0 victory against Woonona High, before powering past Dapto High 30–4 in the semi-final and shutting out Albion Park High 20–0 in the decider.

Captain Harley Schulze led from the front with a masterclass in game management, expertly guiding the attack while remaining a stalwart in defence. He was backed by a relentless engine room featuring Angus Thompson, Spencer Glasson, and Noah Harb, who continuously set a massive platform for the backs. That space paid off in style, Pauliasi Lago cut through opposition defensive lines like a bandsaw all day long, and Noah Harb capped off an unbelievable day by crossing for two crucial tries in the final to seal the tournament win.

Not to be outdone, our U15 boys showed incredible toughness and grit to back up the success with a clean sweep of their own, overcoming injury setbacks to claim victories against Kiama, Warilla, Woonona, and Albion Park High Schools

Driven by strong, dependable performances from Jacob Austin, Roman Young, and Jackson Fraser, the U15s battled through injuries and stayed tough all day to ensure both shields came home.

A huge congratulations goes out to all the players for representing our school with such pride, skill, and sportsmanship. Finally, a massive thank you to our dedicated coaches and staff. U13 coach Mr. Booyar-Rybak, U15 coach Mr. Marsh, and Mr. Sullivan, for giving up their time and expertise to guide our teams to such a fantastic double victory!

Mr Digby Woods

On Wednesday the 5th, our school was out in force as two U14s teams and our U16s Rugby Sevens sides made an early trip down to Kiama for the Wollongong Diocese Sevens tournament. It was a crisp, beautiful winter day, and all three squads were eager to hit the field and showcase their skills.

Our U14 Edmund Rice A squad made a massive statement from the opening kick, starting the day strong with convincing victories over both our own Edmund Rice B team and Holy Spirit. That dominant run earned them a spot in the grand final against St John’s, where the boys put on a spectacle, comfortably running away with the win to take out the title. This fantastic victory means the A team now progresses to the Central Coast for the next stage of the tournament at a date to be confirmed. A huge thank you goes to coach Mr. Sunderland for guiding the boys to victory!

The U14 Edmund Rice B squad also delivered an admirable performance throughout the day, displaying brilliant flashes of skill, teamwork, and heart across their matches. Unfortunately, despite their hard effort, a tough draw meant they narrowly missed out on a berth in the finals. Special thanks to Mr. Power for coaching and backing the boys all day.

Meanwhile, our U16s side had a rocky start to their campaign, narrowly falling short in their opener after a late comeback from St John’s just nudged them over the line. Undeterred, the boys bounced back brilliantly with dominant wins over Holy Spirit and St Joseph’s, the latter led by former teacher Mr. Morley. Despite a spirited effort, a tight loss to Corpus Christi meant the boys were unfortunately knocked out of playoff contention on point differential.

Thank you to Mr. Marsh for coaching the U16s through a hard-fought day of rugby.

Congratulations to all the players for representing the school with such pride, sportsmanship, and determination. A massive thank you to Mr. Sunderland, Mr. Power, and Mr. Marsh for their time, leadership, and dedication to our rugby boys!

Mr Digby Woods

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

The Edmund Rice College Parent & Friends warmly invite Father’s, Grandfather’s, Carer’s and your son/s to attend breakfast at the College on:

• Friday 4th September – 6.30am to 8am
• Booking Link: https://events.humanitix.com/erc-father-s-day-breakfast-2026

In celebration of Father’s Day, come and join us for a BBQ, bacon, egg and sausage roll in the Year 12 Cola Area.

• Entry via Keira Park.

** For catering purposes no more bookings can be taken after Tuesday 1st September **

Bar Pellegrini Mobile Coffee van will be providing amazing coffee,

Fathers and father figures of Edmund Rice College are warmly invited to join their sons for our Father and Son Breakfast on Friday, 4 September 2026 starting at 06:30am.

This special event is an opportunity to thank you for your guidance, support, and the positive example you provide to the young men of ERC, while celebrating your valued contribution to our college community.

We look forward to sharing the morning with you.

When booking a ticket, please ensure you book a ticket for yourself as well as one for your son/s that is attending.

Kindest regards
The Volunteers of the ERC P&F Committee.

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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2026 TERM DATES

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2026 Calendar of Events

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CANTEEN MENU

KEIRA CRICKET CLUB JUNIOR REGISTRATIONS

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TOWRADGI SURF LIFE SAVING CLUB – JOIN THE CLUB

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SHAMROCKS JUNIOR RUGBY 7’s

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Positive Partnerships, FREE Autism Workshop: 23 September, Austinmer

Positive Partnerships is a government funded program that offers free neuroaffirming workshops to families of autistic young people, including those on the pathway to identification.

A one day workshop is coming up near your school. Go to the Positive Partnerships website for more details and to register:

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KiDSWiSH – Free Family Events