ERC Newsletter - Week 4 Term 2 2023

Dear Parents and Carers,

Recent weeks have again highlighted the vibrant learning community and a myriad of opportunities for student engagement both in and out of the classroom.

Throughout pastoral lessons last week, all students completed a Wellbeing Survey delivered annually to enable a valuable opportunity for student voice. These will be followed up with pulse surveys to ensure continued ongoing support.

Today, Year 11 students travelled to Stanwell Tops to spend time together reflecting on their connection with each other and God. Year 10 students have engaged with career pathways at the recent Careers Market, many beginning the decision making process in preparation for senior school subject selections.

I mention the many learning experiences and opportunities provided at ERC; namely but not limited to: Year 12 Geography Dairy excursion; Year 11 Religion excursion to experience the Nan Tien Temple and Berkeley Mosque; Years 7 – 10 students competing successfully in the Da Vinci Decathlon competitions; Year 8 Literacy quizzes, Year 7 and Year 10 began their Progressive Assessment Testing (PAT); Stage Band Primary School tour performances; sporting competitions including, NSW Hockey Championships at Bathurst; U13, U14, U16 Diocesan Rugby League, Opens Football; NSWCCC U16 Football and U15 & U18 Rugby League selection trials; Op Shop Ball social event for Years 11 & 12 and students representing ERC at a mass for Laudato Si week, with St Mary Star of the Sea.

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The annual Athletics Carnival was held this week which was modified to continue after rain impacted some events. The high numbers in attendance and level of involvement was pleasing. It was tremendous to see a number of records broken as students were able to shine in their chosen events with the encouragement of their peers. Considering the event was for competitors only in 2022, it was wonderful to see a large majority of boys engaged in the championship and novelty events.

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A very special event on the College calendar each year is the P&F Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea which took place last week. The event raised valuable funds in support of Women Illawarra, with Michelle Glasgow and Angela Garnero present as special guests. Women Illawarra are a non-profit community organisation run by women for women. They assist women who may be affected by domestic violence, isolation, marginalisation, disadvantage and a range of issues that prevent them from participating fully in the broader community. With over 400 people present, it was a special time where our students were able to acknowledge that significant female role model in their lives. I thank all the staff and students who were involved in helping the P&F organising committee in hosting the event. Thank you to those staff and students who prepared, served and entertained all of our guests, without the care and dedication of everyone involved events like this could not run, congratulations to all involved.

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NESA has informed schools that from this year they are changing the way they report NAPLAN results. Numerical bands will be replaced with: Exceeding, Strong, Developing and Needs Additional Support. Schools will receive school-based results towards the end of this term. It is expected that NESA will send reports that we make available to parents and carers in early Term 3.

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In these final days of May and as we celebrate next week 24 May, the feast day of Mary of Help of Christians, I offer you the following prayer:

Almighty God, deepen in our hearts our love of Mary Help of Christians.
Through her prayers and under her protection, may the light of Christ shine over our land.
May Australia be granted harmony, justice and peace.
Grant wisdom to our leaders and integrity to our citizens.
Bless especially the men and women of the Australian Defence Force and their families.
We ask this through Christ Our Lord. Amen.

Mary Help of Christians, pray for us.

God Bless.
Barry Walsh
Acting Principal