Principal's Message
Dear Parents and Carers,
Recently, we celebrated the Feast Day of Blessed Edmund Rice as we joined with Edmund Rice schools across Australia and the world in honouring his life and enduring charism of service. During this time, we took the opportunity to present our annual Touchstone Awards to staff and community members who bring our mission to life through their daily interactions:
- Mr David Pullella (Gospel Spirituality): For his commitment to the spiritual life of the College and for composing our College song.
- Mrs Judith Hurley (Justice and Solidarity): For her unwavering support in raising awareness for the poor and oppressed.
- Miss Karina Tomasi (Inclusive Community): For her dedication to fostering an environment where every student feels valued.
- Mrs Jessica Haines (Liberating Education): For providing students with authentic, flexible, and highly relevant learning experiences.
- Mrs Katrina Sinclair (Parent Service Award): For her wholehearted and ongoing efforts supporting the P&F Association.
We also recognised five students who embody the spirit of personal excellence and academic care that has defined our first century. The recipients of the 2026 Edmund Rice Award for Liberating Education were Lachlan Newell-Fowles (Year 8), Bentley Faucett (Year 9), Noah Conkey (Year 10), Isaac Ayers (Year 11), and Dante Hernandez (Year 12). These students serve as role models who inspire our wider community to strive for their personal best.
This spirit of service also extends far beyond our College gates. Over the Easter break, I had the privilege of representing our community at the Edmund Rice Education Beyond Borders Congress in South America.
While in Peru, I spent time with Brother Stephen, helping to reconstruct a home for Eladia, a single mother caring for her son with special needs. Living in a 30-square-metre room with a dirt floor and no running water, Eladia’s greeting of cold drinks was an act of generosity that spoke volumes. Our CSL program, together with financially supporting the missions makes a tangible difference in the lives of others.
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Finally, we recently celebrated our Mother’s Day High Tea. It was a wonderful occasion that was very well attended. I especially thank the very generous members of the P&F committee and the Year 11 Hospitality students and staff, along with our talented musicians for providing such a meaningful opportunity to honour the vital relationship mothers have with their sons.
Reflecting on these events, both local and global, may we continue to be a community that lives out the Edmund Rice touchstones in such tangible and transformative ways.
Dr Stephen Gough
Identity
Edmund Rice International (ERI)- Youth Voices for Justice Global Schools Meet
The ERI Youth Voices for Justice Global Zoom Meet, held on May 13, was a powerful opportunity to connect with our global network. We engaged in dialogue with peers from St Columba’s and St Patrick’s High School (Asansol) in India, as well as Waverley, Parade, St James, and St Laurence’s Colleges in Australia.
We received formation from Ann Nichols (Edmund Rice England) on the United Nations’ Universal Periodic Review (UPR). As members of civil society, students were encouraged to turn international human rights promises into meaningful local action. By investigating their own country’s standing, students can use advocacy to ensure government leaders act on UN recommendations to eliminate injustices. Following this, we shared about some of ERC’s own initiatives, including:
- Active Mission Participation: Such as our involvement in the annual Zonta birthing kits program
- Large-scale Advocacy: The core elements of our annual Year 10 Social Justice and ERA for Change Human Rights Day.
- Leadership in Action: SRC initiatives that champion fairness and justice such as the Vinnies Christmas Appeal.
Collaborating with students from across the world has provided us with fresh perspectives to implement within our College. We look forward to further global dialogues as we continue to engage with the expansive ERI community.
Harrison Placek & Tyler Boggiss (Social Justice Prefect)
The Power of Small Actions: Assembling Birthing Kits for Zonta
The Zonta Birthing Kit project is a global health initiative designed to provide a clean and safe birthing environment for women living in remote or resource-poor regions. In many developing nations, childbirth often occurs without medical assistance or sterilised equipment. On the 2nd of May a dedicated group of Edmund Rice College students joined forces with the students at St Mary’s to support this vital cause and assist Wollongong Zonta Club’s Birthing Kit Assembly day. In a powerful display of collaboration and compassion, our students worked together to pack essential medical supplies into 1000 kits destined for women in developing nations. These kits provide the basic necessities for a clean and safe birthing environment, directly reducing the risk of infection and maternal mortality. The event was more than a service opportunity – it is a lived expression of solidarity with vulnerable women and children, and a powerful reminder of the global reach of justice-focused education.
Miss Tomasi
Community Service : Lifeline Push Up Challenge
Register for the Push Up Challenge
Push for change this June. Join Australia’s largest fitness-based mental health event to complete 3,307 push-ups in 23 days (starting June 3rd). Together, we’re raising awareness for mental health and honouring the lives lost to suicide.
How to Join: Scan the QR code on the poster above to register your individual or team spot.
What’s New?
- The Goal: 3,307 push-ups (representing lives lost annually).
- The Dates: June 3rd – June 25th, 2026.
- The Impact: Every rep funds life-saving mental health services.
Mrs Schodde
Student Learning
From the Acting Director of Studies
Year 7 – 10 Exams will occur over the next few weeks. Students are encouraged to check their Year group Assessment Calendar so that they can map out their exams and then a study schedule so they can find a balance. All calendars are in LERA:
A student must make a serious attempt at the exam or assessment in order to satisfy the outcomes. A summary of all assessment procedures for all Year groups can be found in this document:
It is important to remember that at times when Assessments are due or exams are coming up, young people and families can experience heightened emotions. Here are some tips from the Study Skills handbook by Prue Salter that may be helpful.
Reminder: Illness / Misadventure Procedure Year 11 & 12. If you are absent the full day or even part of the day before an assessment or the day of an assessment, you must have independent evidence to verify the absence. If you know you will be away, you must apply for leave through your Pastoral Coordinator or the Principal (for extended leave).
Year 12 Student, Parent, teacher interviews Thursday May 20.
Mid Year Reports are also available on the TASS Parent portal and parents/carers are encouraged to book appointments to see the classroom teachers for Year 12 subjects via the Portal. For the interviews, students are reminded to wear their College uniform as you take the opportunity to discuss your progress and how you can strive to reach your potential.
Mrs Hurley
Acting Director of Studies
Cyber Safety for Students and Parents
A Cyber Safety Event for Parents and Carers
Mr Sirianni
Director of Information Technologies & Innovation
The Great Poetry Race
Students in Mrs. Lothian’s Year 8 English class enjoyed an engaging learning experience while memorising Dorothea Mackellar’s iconic poem, ‘My Country.’ Working in pairs, students took turns running to a copy of the poem taped to a chair, memorising a section, and racing back to relay the lines to their partner. By swapping roles throughout the task, the pairs reconstructed the entire poem through memory and collaboration.
Mrs Lothian
Pastoral Care
Empowering Excellence: Year 12 Thriving Wellbeing Presentation
On Wednesday, 13th May, our Year 12 students stepped away from their traditional timetable to participate in a powerful and timely Thriving Wellbeing Presentation. Held at St Mary’s Star of the Sea College, the session was led by renowned guest speaker Daniel Merza, who is widely recognised for his ability to help young people navigate the unique pressures of the HSC year.
As our seniors move deeper into their final year of schooling, the College is committed to ensuring they are equipped with more than just academic knowledge. Daniel’s mission is to provide students with the practical resilience and wellbeing skills they need to not only survive the HSC but to truly thrive during it.
Through his captivating and relatable presentation style, Daniel guided the students through strategies to:
- Break free from self-doubt: Learning how to silence the “inner critic” that often emerges during high-stakes assessment periods.
- Overcome obstacles: Shifting the mindset from seeing challenges as roadblocks to viewing them as opportunities for growth.
- Unleash true potential: Helping students find their “why” and maintain motivation when the workload increases.
The session began early, with students departing after an 8:15 am briefing. The energy in the room was high as Daniel shared personal stories and evidence-based techniques to manage stress and maintain a healthy life balance. Students returned to the College in time for Period 4, energised and equipped with a new “toolkit” for their mental fitness.
By hosting experts like Daniel Merza, we aim to foster a supportive environment where students feel empowered to take charge of their mental health and approach their final exams with confidence and clarity.
We look forward to seeing our Year 12s apply these valuable lessons as they continue their journey toward graduation!
Mr Belsito