Principal's Message
Dear parents and carers,
Each day I am reminded of the dynamic learning community that is ERC. Our College community continues to build upon its hard-earned reputation of empowering our young people to engage in an education that inspires them to become independent learners who are each willing to take risks to develop their obvious potential further. One of the many strengths at ERC is the range of co-curricular opportunities on offer. Whether it be the extensive range of sporting experiences, the diversity of the after-school clubs that are available, the Christian Service Learning (CSL) program, or the outdoor recreational activities and experiences, these rich and varied offerings beyond the formal curriculum foster a strong sense of belonging within the College community. By participating in various co-curricular activities, students can forge lasting connections with their peers and teachers and play their role in enhancing a supportive and nurturing environment. This sense of belonging and value also increases self-esteem and a more positive school experience. I often tell potential parents and carers looking to enrol at the College that students find their ‘tribe’ when they enrol, whether it be in places like the Chess Club, the Jazz Band or the Gym. A long-standing example of such activities is the current Year 9 Snow Trip and Activity days that have occurred throughout this week.
Additionally, students who regularly engage in co-curricular activities often experience better academic outcomes. These activities can help develop essential skills such as time management, problem-solving, and critical thinking, directly contributing to academic success. The College Leadership Team is forever mindful of balancing the curricular and co-curricular priorities across the College, and our ongoing success highlights this balance. I also want to thank our excellent teaching and support staff for providing our students with these valuable learning experiences.
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During this time, our thoughts, words of encouragement and indeed our prayers are with our Year 12 students who commenced their HSC Trial examinations last week. We trust that their hard work and commitment to their courses of study reflect their performance. In a week where we celebrate the feast day of Saint Mary Mackillop, let us pray that our Year 12 students can approach their final Term at the College with the same determination and character they are collectively known for.
On behalf of the College, I offer our sincere condolences and prayers to Alexander Grech (Year 12) on the sad passing of his father, Manuel Grech. May he rest in peace.
Best wishes,
Stephen Gough
Principal
Pastoral Care
From the Director of Pastoral Care & Wellbeing
This week has been a busy week for our Year 9 students with many enjoying the annual Year 9 Ski Trip, all accounts suggest that the boys and staff have had a fabulous week on the slopes at Thredbo. We look forward to sharing more stories and photos in the next edition of our Newsletter.
The alternate camp for our Year 9 students provided a fabulous three days of fun and adventure, including Go-Karting, Lazer tag, Ten Pin Bowling, Lawn Bowls and a visit to Nowra Zoo, of which the highlight was the Tree Top adventure. Many thanks to Mr Preeo for his organisation and leadership of these three days.
This week saw the close of our student leadership nominations. We are delighted with the number of boys who have recognised their strengths and capacity to lead and have been willing to put their hand up for selection, demonstrating great generosity and a commitment to service. It takes courage to put yourself forward and undertake the rigorous application process risking disappointment. Student summaries have now been shared with staff and Year 11 students. This will be followed by the opportunity to vote next week. Interviews will be held on Monday, 21 August, for those who are shortlisted.
Dr Justin Coulson is the co-host and parenting expert on Channel Nine’s “Parental Guidance” and the founder of happyfamilies.com.au. He holds a PhD in Psychology and is one of Australia’s most trusted parenting experts and is hosting a 30 minute online event about Parenting Teens with Empathy on Thursday, 24 August, a link for those interested in registering can be found here.
Mrs Hughes
Director of Pastoral Care & Wellbeing
Identity
From the Director of Identity
ERA for Change & Sustainability
In 2014, two EREA teachers from Queensland, Matt Hawkins and Mark Ellison, got in touch with me to float an idea whose time had come; it was ERA for Change, or Edmund Rice Advocacy for Change. We are also conscious that an ERA is a period of time and we hope that our time will be remembered as the time we stepped up to really be people for others and the world. Our Edmund Rice schools had always been good at the charity side of social justice. Most of our schools serve students from families that can afford to donate money and goods to help the less fortunate. However, we had not really focussed on advocacy, the other ‘foot’ of social justice that can help us to walk towards a future where there will be less hunger, less poverty and less exploitation.
Our school leaders at the time decided that they wanted to adopt this concept in a formal way and as we were considering how student leadership was distributed, we created a portfolio not only for Social Justice that would lead charity events but also ERA for Change, to lead advocacy. This is perhaps the more challenging role as it calls people to consider how their own actions are impacting others and how they can use their voice to change the world.
This week our Identity student leaders have worked on two opportunities to step up and lead by example. I want to acknowledge Henry Jones who is the ERA for Change SRC rep in Year 10 for presenting to his cohort on Thursday about the power of working together and why each of us has the responsibility to use our voice to make the world a better place, looking at Catholic Social teaching and the UN Declaration on Human Rights. Secondly, Zane Al-Salih, Patrick Sirianni, Marcus Henriques-Thakur and Sam Stevin have developed a lesson and opportunity for all students and staff to consider how their actions impact other life on the planet and even the climate.
From the student leaders: Clean up ERC extended pastoral lesson activity
Next week on Tuesday, August 15th students will be undertaking an SRC led homeroom activity centred around the EREA 28 days for climate change. This will include a 15 minute presentation surrounding climate change and care for the environment, followed by each year group making their way to an allocated area to collect rubbish. Students are encouraged to bring their own gardening gloves for the rubbish collection when we will focus on getting all the small bits of plastic and rubbish out of the grounds and then, hopefully, to keep it out.
Perhaps have a conversation with your child or children about how you can be more sustainable at home too. Every action adds to the effectiveness and if we all do our little bit, then it will have a bigger impact.
Mrs Hurley
Director of Identity
Student Learning
From the Director of Learning & Teaching
Learning Collaboratively
Each individual possesses unique learning preferences, with some thriving in group settings while others preferring individual work. Likewise, some individuals prefer discussing topics over phone or video calls, while others excel in face-to-face collaborations. The saying “two heads are better than one” holds true, and it is interesting to explore how this applies to different types of students.
If students lean towards working independently most of the time, there are several essential aspects to consider:
It’s commendable when students are self-sufficient and confident in their abilities. However, it’s crucial to recognise that seeking help when needed is not a sign of weakness but rather a valuable skill that contributes to academic success. Students shouldn’t hesitate to reach out for assistance when facing challenges.
Engaging in discussions with others offers fresh perspectives and the chance to clarify thoughts. Collaborating and exchanging ideas with peers can enrich understanding and uncover potential issues that a different perspective might identify.
On the other hand, if students already enjoy working with others, here are some points to keep in mind:
Ensure fair and balanced participation in group work, avoiding over-reliance on others to carry the workload.
Distinguish between collaboration and cheating. While discussing assignments and sharing thoughts on approaches is acceptable, jointly writing assignments or submitting similar work is not appropriate.
Stay focused during collaborative sessions and avoid wasting time on distractions.
Occasionally challenge oneself by tackling tasks independently. Depending solely on others may hinder a student’s ability to assess their own skills.
Allocate dedicated time for independent work each night. If students prefer collaborating while working from home, establish specific periods for collaboration and separate blocks for individual work.
By reflecting on these points and adapting approaches to learning, students can maximize their potential and create a well-rounded academic experience.
Preparing for the HSC Examinations
Well done to our Year 12 students for their dedication throughout the Trial HSC examinations. The feedback students will receive from these exams will serve as a valuable tool in preparing for the upcoming HSC examinations next term, enabling students to target specific areas requiring further attention. Students are encouraged to set Smart goals as they prepare for the HSC examinations and to follow a study plan accordingly.
Minimum Standards
Year 10 students will be administered the Minimum Standards tests during Week 5. Students will sit tests in Reading, Writing and Numeracy. Students need to achieve a Level 3 or Level 4 to demonstrate they meet the HSC minimum standard. The HSC minimum standard is set at Level 3 of the Australian Core Skills Framework (ACSF).
Study Samurai Library
All families have access to the Study Samurai Library. The Study Samurai Library includes the Study Skills Module website which provides advice and resources on developing essential skills for academic success. To access the Study Samurai Library website, go to www.studysamurailibrary.com and login with these details:
Username: edmundrice
Password: 13achieve
Take time as a family on the Study Skills: Improving Handwriting module. Click here to access the resources.
Dr Gerry Sozio
Director of Learning & Teaching
Sport
Upcoming College Events
Music Art & Drama Night
Winter Sleep Out
Senior CSL
Next Thursday the 17th of August, we will be inviting all Year 10, Year 11 and Year 12 to attend the 2023 SAHSSI Senior Winter Sleep Out. By attending, students will be raising awareness and funds for SAHSSI and will be standing in solidarity with the homeless and displaced women and families in our community who have been impacted by domestic violence.
SAHSSI is a not for profit Specialist Homelessness Service supporting vulnerable women and families in the Illawarra and Shoalhaven regions. In October 2014, two Women’s Refuges merged to create Supported Accommodation and Homelessness Services Shoalhaven Illawarra (SAHSSI). SAHSSI has over 30 years of continuous experience, primarily working with women, with or without children, affected by homelessness or domestic and family violence. For more information about SAHSSI please visit their website – https://www.sahssi.org.au/
All students who attend will be required to sleep out overnight in the Edmund Rice College Foyer. They will have the opportunity to hear from Gillian Vickers, SAHSSI Business Development Manager, about the incredible and much needed work they are doing in out community. In addition to this students will also be presented with a range of other informative and fun activities designed to bring our senior cohorts and College Community together in advocacy for those who are really doing in tough in our region.
The event culminates with a BBQ breakfast on Friday morning the 18th of August, before students join the rest of the school for Friday’s timetabled lessons.
As part of their attendance students are required to raise a minimum of $50.00 via the SAHSSI/ERC SupporterHub fundraising page – https://drct-sahssi.prod.supporterhub.net/pages/erc-senior-sleep-out. All students must create a profile to raise the minimum of $50 prior to attending.
In addition students will be awarded 5 house points for their College house for attending and can record 8 CSL hours for raising $50 and 5 CSL hours for sleeping out.
Students who would like to attend must complete the following form by Monday the 14th of August – https://forms.gle/15aQfUXCEaE7426CA
If you have any further questions about this important and valuable event, please contact me directly via email (dpullella@erc.nsw.edu.au).
Junior CSL
Advanced notice: As we have heard about the Senior Winter Sleep Out coming up on Thursday, Year 7, 8 and 9 students will be having their own sleep out on Thursday 7th September.
The Junior Winter Sleep out will raise funds and advocate for the work of MCCI, formally know as SCARF (https://www.scarfsupport.org.au/in-a-nutshell). More information regarding this exciting opportunity will follow in the subsequent issue of the College’s newsletter.
Mr David Pullella
CSL Coordinator
Community Announcements
Parents and Friends Committee
FATHER’S DAY BREAKFAST
Dear Parents & Friends
The Edmund Rice College P&F warmly invites Fathers’, Grandfathers’ and Carers to a BBQ Breakfast on Thursday, 31st August 2023 from 6.45am to 8.00am.
Donations upon entry (Cash or Efptos will be accepted) all proceeds go to The Barstool Brothers.
In celebration of Fathers’ Day, come and join us for an informal BBQ breakfast in the Year 12 Cola area (adjacent to the senior classrooms).
Booking link: https://events.humanitix.com/father-s-day-breakfast-ub78ph3a
PARENT HELPERS NEEDED – (Many hands make light work!)
If you can help on Thursday 31st August 5:00am, please contact Francis Fenech (francis.fenech77@gmail.com)
Kindest regards,
Francis & P&F Organising Committee
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GALA DINNER
Please use the link below to book tickets:
https://events.humanitix.com/erc-gala-dinner-2023/tickets
ERC Gala Raffle Tickets – the Barstool Brothers
Kindest regards,
Francis & P&F Organising Committee
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Notices
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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.