Dear Parents and Carers,

Acknowledging National Reconciliation Week (May 27 – June 3) reminds us of the power of connection. This year’s theme, “Bridging Now to Next,” calls us to reflect on the enduring relationship between past, present, and future. It reminds us that reconciliation is a continuing journey we are each called to walk.

At our school, this journey is grounded in the values of the Edmund Rice Education Australia (EREA) Revised Charter, which calls us to be inclusive, liberating and Gospel-centred. One of the Charter’s key touchstones is Standing in Solidarity, and we are especially mindful of our responsibility to stand with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the spirit of healing and justice.

A powerful expression of this commitment can be seen within every student diary and in every ERC classroom across our College: a beautifully designed symbol, seen above, which was created last year by our own students and staff members, including Ms Melissa Berry, that is representative of the Wodi Wodi People of the Dharawal Nation, on whose land we learn, grow and live. Ms Berry’s artwork is more than a visual feature that is unique to our College, it is a daily reminder of the cultural heritage of this land and our shared responsibility to honour and respect its First Peoples.

We do this not just because it is the right thing to do but because it is who we are – as people of faith, as members of the Edmund Rice tradition, and as a school community committed to reconciliation in both word and action. Let us continue this journey together with open hearts and courageous spirits.

***

Parents, Carers, and the wider Wollongong community are warmly invited to join Bishop Brian Mascord for a Memorial Mass for Barry Walsh, which will be held in the College Chapel on Friday June 6 commencing at 3:30 p.m. This will be followed by a light supper in the Pelin Hall.

Warm regards,
Dr Stephen Gough

Look smart, feel confident, perform well — wearing the full College uniform well during exams sets the tone for success.

As the boys in Years 7-10 undertake Semester 1 exams and our senior students continue to engage in their assessment programs, it is important to remind them of the value of self-care and personal discipline, not just for their academic success, but for their overall wellbeing. In keeping with our College’s commitment to fostering the whole person, we encourage students to maintain regular routines: adequate sleep, healthy eating, physical activity and maintaining a high standard of personal presentation, as per our College guidelines. Simple acts such as getting up at a consistent time, dressing with pride, and taking time for reflection and balance help promote confidence, resilience, and a positive mindset. These habits echo our shared values of respect, personal responsibility and dignity, all of which are central to an education in the Edmund Rice tradition. We thank our families for reinforcing these messages at home and supporting their sons to approach this period with care, courage and integrity.

******

I am pleased to remind you that ERC has organised two valuable subscriptions for parents to access throughout the duration of this year.

The first of which is the MY Strengths parenting courses which can be accessed via this link .

ERC Subscription to MyStrengths Parenting includes courses on

• Raising Resilience
• Family Feuds
• It’s My Life
• Overcoming Anxious Thoughts

Each course contains 10 videos each of which are approximately 5 minus in duration

Upcoming courses include

• Anger & Big Emotions
• The Strength-Based Life
• Exams, Stress & Getting Through

The second opportunity is for parents to access the Safe on Social Parent Library for the remainder of 2025 which can be accessed here , use the code KPERCPARENT100 to access these resources free of charge.

I encourage parents and carers to take some time to look at these resources to assist you in keeping up to date with the most recent trends in social media and providing advice about how to educate your sons in response to these trends.

Mrs Hughes
Deputy Principal

Assessment Tasks & Examination blocks

As we move towards the end of our first semester we will see an increase in assessment items. The schedules for the upcoming weeks were released two weeks ago providing students with a clear timeline of the activities taking place.

Reminders for students and families to maximise their ability to apply what they have been learning and achieve their highest level of achievement.

• Effective planning – develop a study timetable that indicates when you will (not might) complete revision for the upcoming tasks. Regular connection with content is proven to help students understand more.
• Healthy environments – whilst studying remove distractions especially phones / music. Keeping your phone out of sight and where it cannot be heard is the best way for adolescents to remain focussed. If it is near you, if you can hear it all of your energy will be expended trying to avoid the temptation. During study periods phones = rewards during break times.
• Healthy practices – Be mindful of what you are eating and ensure you get adequate sleep. Sleeping well whilst studying helps you retain more!
• Regular breaks amongst uninterrupted study periods – Try using a timed method like the Pomodoro method (explanation can be found here (please include link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mNBmG24djoY)

Learning Showcase

Approaches to learning in classes will vary based on the complexity of content and/or to spark engagement and motivation in students in completing assigned tasks for each curriculum area.

Students in the Year 9 Elective History course have currently been developing their detective critical thinking skills whilst investigating the Jack the Ripper murders.

Leading into an upcoming assessment task (research) the learning experience involved collaborative analysis to make connections and deductions based on multiple clues and map locations. By the second lesson the transferable skills required to enjoy the depth of the activity emerged, with students able to use their learning as they prepared for their assessment task that required the application of the skills and developed within the lesson.

Student testimony:
What I enjoyed about the activity was that I was able to work together with my friends to achieve the main goal of finding out who killed the victim, and I also really enjoyed learning about the murders that happened in Whitechapel in that era. It has helped me with my assessment task by learning about the victims.

​​I enjoyed the interactive approach, which made learning more engaging than traditional methods. It enhanced my understanding of the historical context, and I felt like I was part of the investigation, which helped deepen my interest in the subject.

This is just one of the many and varied teaching approaches occurring in your son’s classes on a daily basis.

Mr Hughes
Director of Learning & Teaching

Year 11 2026 Subject Selections Process

Year 10 students have commenced the process of gathering information to inform their selection of elective courses to include in their pattern of study in Years 11 and/or 12. Year 10 Parents/Carers are reminded to please save the date of the Year 11 2026 Subject Selections Information Evening which is scheduled for 17 June from 5:00-7:00pm. We look forward to supporting you and your sons as they embark on this important step towards submitting their preferred courses of study for Years 11 and 12.

Important Reminders – Years 10, 11 and 12 Illness/Misadventure Applications

Parents/ carers are reminded that should a Year 10, 11 or 12 student experience illness/misadventure the day before a task (Years 11 and 12 only) or on the day of an assessment task (Years 10, 11 and 12) , he must submit an Illness/Misadventure Application Form with independent evidence attached to the Class Teacher, within 3 days of their return to school.

Furthermore, if a Year 10, 11 or 12 student feels his performance in an assessment task may be impacted by illness or misadventure, he must inform his Class Teacher before or during the assessment task as applicable, and submit an Illness/Misadventure Application Form with independent evidence attached to his Class Teacher within 3 days of the task.

Independent evidence for illness must be a Medical Certificate or Pharmaceutical Letter covering explicitly the date(s) of the student’s absence. For misadventure – a Police report, hospital documents / medical certificate for family illness, funeral notice, or other independent export report is required.

Illness/Misadventure Application Forms are available from the College Office and may be downloaded and printed from the Parent Portal or the Year Group’s Google Classroom under Assessment. Please do not hesitate to contact myself, the applicable Head of Department or Pastoral Care Coordinator, if you have any questions should your child encounter a situation of illness or misadventure during the year.

Year 7-10 Examinations

The Semester 1 Examinations are now underway and we wish students in Years 7-10 all the very best for these exams. It has been wonderful to see many students using the opportunity for revision provided by the College Homework Club in the Narandha Learning Centre each weekday from 2:00 – 3:00pm.

Please find included a sample of the many study tips provided through the College subscription to the Study Skills Handbook entitled ‘Fuel Your Body, Fuel Your Mind’, which may help students to maintain a sense of wellbeing during the upcoming assessment tasks.

Mrs Bell
Director of Studies

Dear Parents/Carers,

As you are aware the College has been conducting a trial of Edrolo across a range of subjects. We are writing to inform you that our trial partnership with Edrolo (catalogue) will be concluding shortly.

We initially partnered with Edrolo to explore its potential in supporting student growth, particularly in Stage 6, where every bit of progress significantly impacts future opportunities. Edrolo offers an interesting proposition: a platform designed to provide students with 24/7 on-demand access to HSC markers and tutors. It aims to help students learn syllabus points, practice skills, gain confidence, receive feedback, and reflect on their learning within a safe and easy-to-use environment.

During the trial, our teachers incorporated Edrolo in various ways, including for holiday homework, pre-class work, post-class consolidation, assessment preparation and exam revision to further enhance their day-to-day teaching.

We are grateful for Edrolo for offering us the opportunity to trial this platform for a considerable period of time. Edrolo is currently offering families continued access at a discounted price $35 per subject for the remainder of the year. This may be purchased for a single subject, multiple subjects or alternatively you may choose not to purchase access to this platform. If you are interested in purchasing access for your son, you may choose to select the pay now button on the site when he is logged on to the site.

Mr Frank Sirianni
Director of Information Technologies and Innovation

Photo by qiwei yang on Unsplash

For some, membership to a library is like having exclusive privileges to a VIP lounge, but with a relaxed dress code and free entry.

Browsing the shelves of a library is one of life’s simple pleasures. It’s where the world of information and imagination coincides. It’s the place to help foster reading.

The great thing about libraries is that they’re free. You are free to wander the shelves, free to sit quietly to read, and it’s free to borrow a book. So if you don’t quite like what you’ve borrowed, you can take it back and try again. And again. And again – until you find the right book.

At ERC, all our students have access to a wealth of novels, biographies, non-fiction books and audio books. Our librarians are also there to help students find the right text.

Your local public library is another space that serves as a community hub where your son can access thousands of books, audiobooks, magazines and digital resources tailored to all reading levels. For a list of your nearest public library visit https://www.wollongong.nsw.gov.au/library

Once your son has membership to their local library, suddenly they have access to the great State Library of NSW! Here, even broader horizons are possible with its extensive digital collections, online databases, and research tools. For more information visit https://www.sl.nsw.gov.au/join

Libraries foster a lifelong love of reading and learning. They provide equal access to information regardless of family circumstances, ensuring every child has opportunities to explore their interests and expand their knowledge.
So if you’re not already a member, take your son along to your local library and join up. There’s a world of power in that membership card.

What I’m Reading
Name: Melissa Kennedy
Title: Head of English
Careless People: A Cautionary Tale of Power, Greed, and Lost Idealism by Sarah Wynn-Williams – This is an engrossing memoir about the author’s experiences working for one of the most famous social media companies in the world: Facebook. And it’s also a story of resilience as Wynn-Williams, a New Zealander, reveals a life-changing childhood encounter with a shark. This is a darkly funny and sometimes shocking read about how people in power try to ‘shape’ social, political and environmental issues to increase their profit margin.
Paris in Ruins: Love, War and the Birth of Impressionism by Sebastian Smee – This is an engaging non-fiction book tracing the rise of Impressionism from 1870-71. Smee has a talent for finding the revealing detail in historical sources and he clearly loves paintings and the people who create them. This book would interest anyone who is a history or art lover.
James by Percival Everett: This is a fabulous novel with a strong narrative voice. It is a reimagining of the 19th century American novel, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain, from the perspective of Jim, the escaped slave who becomes friends with Huckleberry. This book tackles serious issues about slavery, friendship and the rights of the individual.

Mrs Guest

As part of our ongoing commitment to industry engagement and hands-on learning, our Year 11 Hospitality students recently had the privilege of welcoming Chef Brayden Moran into the classroom. With a wealth of experience and a passion for teaching the next generation, Chef Brayden provided invaluable insight into the world of commercial cookery and restaurant operations.

In a dynamic and engaging session, Chef Brayden spoke to the boys about how to manage the fast-paced demands of a commercial kitchen. He shared stories from his own professional journey, emphasising the importance of preparation, timing, and clear communication in delivering successful service.

What truly brought the session to life was a hands-on cooking demonstration, where Chef Brayden guided students through the delicate process of making fresh ricotta from scratch. The session was an excellent example of real-world learning, giving our students a deeper appreciation of what it takes to succeed in hospitality.

Mr Pierro
Hospitality Teacher

As part of their studies into the criminal justice system, Year 11 Legal Studies students recently visited the Wollongong Local and District Courts of NSW. The excursion provided a valuable opportunity to witness the principle of open justice in action, deepening students’ understanding of legal processes and courtroom procedure.

Throughout the day, students observed a variety of criminal matters and were particularly captivated by a dynamic legal exchange between the NSW Director of Public Prosecutions (NSWDPP) and Defence Counsel. The courtroom atmosphere offered a real-world insight into the adversarial system and the importance of procedural fairness.

A highlight of the visit was a special session with a representative from NSW Legal Aid, who generously gave their time to speak with students. The Legal Aid NSW member shared their experiences as a legal professional, explained the critical role Legal Aid NSW plays in ensuring access to justice, and answered thoughtful student questions.

The excursion brought Legal Studies to life and sparked great discussion among students as they reflected on the complexity, challenges, and importance of a fair and accessible legal system.

Mrs Haines

Year 11 Legal Studies students recently participated in the regional adaptation of the NSW Parliament’s Legal Studies and the Legislature program hosted by the University of Wollongong. The experience offered students a unique opportunity to explore the role of parliament in law-making and reform, directly linking to key areas of their Stage 6 Legal Studies syllabus.

The day began with a seminar that unpacked the legislative process and the ways in which the legal system responds to social and political change. Students gained a deeper understanding of how laws are made and reformed through democratic processes, with real-world examples used to illustrate core concepts.

One of the most engaging parts of the day was a lecture delivered by academics from the UOW School of Law, who presented on two thought-provoking topics: the Mabo decision and its ongoing legacy in Australian law, and the legal and ethical implications of artificial intelligence. These sessions challenged students to consider how the law responds to both historical injustices and emerging technologies.

To conclude the program, students attended a panel discussion featuring local state members Maryanne Stuart (Heathcote), Judy Hannan (Wollondilly), and Paul Scully (Wollongong), who is also the Minister for Planning and Public Spaces. The MPs shared insights into their roles in law-making, discussed the importance of law reform, and spoke passionately about community leadership and civic engagement.

The experience brought classroom theory to life and sparked meaningful discussion among students about the dynamic nature of the Australian legal system. It also inspired many to consider future careers in law, policy, and public service.

Mrs Haines 

Students from Years 9 and 10 at Edmund Rice College recently demonstrated impressive communication skills in the NSW Law Society’s Mock Mediation competition. Representing the College were Year 9 students Harrison Clarke, Darius Hamod, Malachy Hurley, and Ash Anderson, alongside Year 10 students Beau Rejske, Sam Stevin, and Finn Molloy.

The competition, designed to promote conflict resolution and legal literacy among high school students, provided teams with realistic scenarios involving disputes between parties. Two students assumed the role of co-mediators, guiding the process, while the remaining students took on the roles of disputing parties, presenting their perspectives and working toward a resolution.

Using the facilitative model of mediation, students applied structured techniques to promote dialogue, identify underlying interests, and collaboratively build agreements. In preparation, the team dedicated many hours to refining their questioning strategies, active listening, and neutral language – key skills required of professional mediators.

During the competition, students were praised for their professionalism, poise, and strong teamwork. The adjudicator commended the group for their calm approach, clear communication, and ability to guide the parties toward mutual understanding.

This experience not only deepened students’ understanding of alternative dispute resolution, but also allowed them to develop confidence, empathy, and real-world legal skills. The College is proud of their achievement and the way they represented the values of respectful dialogue.

Mrs Haines

The Edmund Rice College Mock Trial team delivered a confident and articulate legal performance in their recent round of the NSW Law Society’s Mock Trial Competition, facing off against St Mary’s Star of the Sea College. Despite presenting a strong defence, the team was narrowly defeated in what was described as a highly contentious result.

Representing the defence in the civil negligence case of Emily Carter v Westfield Shopping Centre Pty Ltd, the team – comprising Nash Weaver, Liam Hall, Harrison Macdonald, Koen Minett, Nate Mihalopoulos and Tyler Boggis – argued that Westfield had a reasonable inspection system in place, with the most recent check occurring just 30 minutes prior to the incident. They maintained that the spill was unforeseeable and that staff had insufficient time to respond before the plaintiff’s fall. The defence also raised contributory negligence, questioning whether the plaintiff was paying due attention at the time of the incident.

Drawing on relevant legal precedents and employing sharp courtroom questioning, the students presented a structured and persuasive case. Their performance was particularly praised for their ability to think critically and adapt under pressure was on full display.

The presiding Magistrate commended both teams for their thorough preparation and legal insight, ultimately awarding the case to Edmund Rice College based on the strength of their legal argument. However, the final result was determined by overall point scoring, and ERC was edged out by the slimmest of margins.

Although disappointed by the final score, the team walked away with pride in their efforts and a deepened commitment. Their dedication, teamwork, and passion for justice were evident throughout the trial and will no doubt serve them well in future rounds of competition.

Mrs Haines

In this episode of the Rice Bowl Podcast, we explore the Act for Peace Ration Pack Challenge—a meaningful initiative that shines a light on the nearly 1,000 people currently held in indefinite detention across Australia.

Each year, participants in the challenge commit to eating the same basic food rations as those provided in detention centres, aiming to raise awareness and funds in solidarity with displaced people seeking safety. It’s a powerful way to experience, in a small way, the daily reality faced by many refugees and asylum seekers.

This episode features special guest Mrs Knowles, alongside our very own hosts, Tim, Sebastian and Bowen, who share their experiences and insights into the challenge, and discuss how it fosters empathy, awareness, and a call to action within our College community.

Tune in to hear how this initiative is inspiring students to stand up for justice and compassion in a practical and impactful way.

Don’t forget to rate the show, leave a review and share it with your friends.

Mr Bonaccorso

A Fortnight of Growth and Reflection!

What a busy and enriching two weeks it’s been at our school! Our students and staff have been involved in a wide range of activities that have truly enriched their mental, physical, social, learning, and spiritual wellbeing.

Highlights from the Past Fortnight – We’ve had so much happening, including: The Adventurous Year 10 Camp, Engaging Youth Engagement Presentations – Introduction to our Role and Cyber safety, The highly anticipated Year 11 & 12 Op Shop Ball – Western Theme, Meaningful recognition during Reconciliation Week, Our annual College Photos, A special Year 9 & 10 Mass, Our inspiring Awards Assembly – Principal Awards.

We’re also in full swing preparing for the upcoming Year 7-10 Examination Period – good luck to all our students!

Insights from Our Wellbeing Survey:

This fortnight also included our annual Wellbeing Survey, a vital tool for understanding and supporting our school community. This year, in addition to our usual topics, we introduced some new questions to encourage students to reflect on their relationships with one another and the impact of the language we use every day.

We asked students to consider not only their general conversations but also those “throwaway comments” or forms of discrimination that can sometimes be heard. These can unfortunately sometimes disrespect an individual’s gender, race, age, appearance, or academic and athletic ability.

Our school has a zero-tolerance policy for any intentional comments that shame, embarrass, single out, or exclude anyone – whether they are students, staff, women, or individuals who are defenseless or disabled. Our goal is to ensure everyone feels respected and included in our community.

The information gathered from this survey is incredibly important. It helps us to continuously review and enhance the resources, programs, tools, support, and expertise we provide to ensure the best practices for the wellbeing of our entire community.

Positive Trends in Student Wellbeing

We are pleased to share encouraging results from our recent student wellbeing survey. Since the College began tracking student wellbeing, the indicators consistently show that we are moving in a positive direction. More students are now coming forward earlier to share concerns directly with teachers and staff who are equipped to provide support and manage issues promptly.

This progress reflects the ongoing efforts within our Pastoral Program, including structured workshops, presentations, assemblies, counselling, and guest speaker sessions. In addition, we continue to reinforce and update key policies around Bullying, Racial Discrimination, the WAP, Hands-Off Policy, Appropriate Language, and Homework. These form an essential part of our College’s expectations and standards, ensuring a safe and supportive environment for all students.

We’re committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for everyone. If you have any questions or would like to learn more about our wellbeing initiatives, please don’t hesitate to reach out!

Mr Bates
Acting Director of Pastoral Care & Wellbeing

During Week 3 of Term 2, our Year 10 Cohort embarked on a week-long adventure as part of the College’s compulsory Outdoor Education program. The camp saw our young men hiking, canoeing, mountain bike riding and camping through the stunning landscapes of Bungonia (Gundungurra Country) and Morton National Park (Yuin Country). This immersive experience was designed to provide a stimulating and challenging learning environment, pushing students beyond their comfort zones and fostering a deep connection with nature.

For students participating in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, this camp was also a crucial opportunity to hone their navigation and bushcraft skills as they progress towards their Silver Award. The practical application of these skills in a real-world setting was invaluable, building confidence and self-reliance.

This year’s camp beautifully embodied our Year 10 theme, ‘to reach out.’ It was truly a wonderful experience for me to witness firsthand the boys reaching out to challenges, to each other, and even to staff. We were blessed with mostly good weather but at times faced adverse weather conditions whilst having to endure and the undeniable weight of our packs, yet the boys resilience and tenacity shone through. What was particularly heartwarming was the kindness and compassion I observed. Boys willingly offered a helping hand to me when I faced physical hurdles, and they consistently took turns supporting members of their group who were struggling. These acts of selflessness and camaraderie were a testament to their character.

Watching the boys cement friendships and bond over this shared experience was incredibly rewarding. The laughter, the mutual encouragement, and the quiet moments of reflection around the campfire created memories that I know will remain with them, and with me, forever.

Beyond the physical challenges, the camp offered a significant “screen detox,” allowing students (and myself) to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with the natural one. They had the chance to experience firsthand the breathtaking beauty of our country, fostering a sense of awe and appreciation. The values instilled and strengthened during this week were profound: increased empathy for others, a greater sense of resilience in the face of adversity, and a deeper feeling of gratitude for both the big and small things in life.

A very big thank you must go to the team at Southbound Adventures for their expert guidance and support throughout the camp. We also extend our sincere gratitude to all our dedicated Edmund Rice College staff who walked every step and camped alongside our boys, offering encouragement and ensuring their safety and wellbeing. Their commitment to our students’ growth is truly commendable.

“The Year 10 camp was a positive experience for me. It was a great chance to connect with classmates, try new activities, and step out of my comfort zone. I enjoyed the challenges like hiking and team games, which helped me build confidence and teamwork skills. Being out in nature was also a nice break from everyday life. Overall, the camp was fun, meaningful, and full of great memories that I’ll always remember.” Nathan Washbourne

“I can say that the Year 10 camp was definitely an eye-opening and challenging experience overall. As we spent 5 days with a selected group of boys, we were automatically offered time to bond with one another, the teachers and guides on this trip. Simply put, the closer we got to know each other, the more supportive and the more laughs were heard by everyone. Overall, the Year 10 camp was an extremely memorable and challenging experience with some rough weather and anxieties before the trip, which were eased by friendly conversation. This camp was a collaborative effort and a memorable experience.” Jasper Jacobs

“Hiking through steep, rocky terrain, tired, sweaty and craving some KFC. We all felt the same way after a hard but enjoyable detox from our normal lives. The Year 10 camp gave us a great insight into what it’s like to be proper bushmen! “ Francisco Martin

“The Year 10 camp was filled with a variety of experiences that were able to physically push us as a group. My most significant moment was our walk on the third day, we scaled up a mountain and after many hours of walking, we arrived at the peak, this being long point. The walk was scenic with a splendid view at the end, allowing us to look back over the walk we had done in the past couple of days.” Jasper Hasham

“During camp, I truly enjoyed both hiking and canoeing because of the scenic routes and the mental challenges that pushed me to keep going until the end. By the time we arrived at camp each day, the sense of accomplishment from setting up our tents and knowing I had pushed myself to the fullest made me feel really happy and proud. It was a great feeling to know I had travelled so far through the bush or along the river that day, and knowing that I had more to come.” Bowen Sharrock

“During camp, I really enjoyed the hiking aspect — especially pushing myself to my mental limits. Pushing through those challenges and completing such a feat gave me a strong sense of accomplishment. I also really liked cooking dinner and setting up our own campsite. It gave me a new perspective on living in nature and helped me appreciate the outdoors in a deeper way.” Jarvis Potter

Mrs Russell
Year 10 Pastoral Care Coordinator

Next Tuesday, 3rd of June, Edmund Rice College welcomes Year 8 students from St Mary’s Star of the Sea for our annual Social Day. The day presents as an excellent opportunity for students to establish new friendships and build upon past acquaintances.

Like last year, there will be two components to the day, activities held at the College during the day, followed by a disco hosted by St Mary’s in the evening, which is optional (5-7.30pm).

Students will be allocated to one of 36 groups taking part in the following activities:

• Trivia
• Dance (Hip Hop)
• Photo Booth
• Sports

For the disco, students are asked to bring $5 upon entry in support of Year 8’s Mission Charity, Wollongong Hospital – Children’s Ward. In addition to this, in conjunction with St Mary’s SRC, we are promoting a Hawaiian theme for night. In light of this, it would be greatly appreciated if boys from ERC could wear Hawaiian shirts / clothing to the disco.

We look forward to sharing this important day with Year 8.

Andrew Marsh
Year 8 Pastoral Coordinator

This week, our Year 7 students had the valuable opportunity to engage with two Youth Engagement Officers from Wollongong, who visited the school to speak about the importance of staying safe online. The session focused on cyberbullying, respectful online behaviour, and how students can protect their digital footprint. The officers shared real-life examples and practical advice, encouraging students to think critically about their online actions. It was an informative and engaging presentation that reinforced the importance of being responsible digital citizens.

Mrs Fields
Assistant Year 7 Pastoral Care Coordinator

We are proud to congratulate the following students who have earned Commendation Certificates in recognition of their consistent exemplary behaviour, dedication to classwork, and representation of the College in co-curricular activities.

The Commendation Certificate is awarded to students who achieve ten Merit Awards across a range of academic subjects and co-curricular areas. This honour reflects a commitment to excellence and the values upheld within our College touchstones.

It is my absolute pleasure to acknowledge these students for their exceptional effort and continued success both in and out of the classroom. Their achievements serve as a timely reminder that every student has the potential to reach similar heights.

As we reflect on the past term, I encourage all Year 9 students to consider their own progress, both accomplishments and challenges, and to set meaningful goals for the term and semester ahead.

Keep striving, and continue to make the most of every opportunity.

Rhys Bunder, Luke Socratous, Yusuf Unal, Sahil Naidu, Levi Love, Axel Everill, William Crampton, Orlando Hunt, John Carolan, Federico Senise, Lachlan Leicht, Ash Anderson, Vidath Ranasinghe, Jacob Fowler, Stefen Anagnostopoulos, Jason Petkovski, Calvin Perkiss, Lucas Mendivil Coelho, Malachy Hurley, Fabian Gaudiosi, Christian Da Silva.

Marco Panozzo
Acting Year 9 Pastoral Care Coordinator

Edmund Rice College – Tournament Match Report

On a highly competitive day of football, the Edmund Rice College team displayed grit, skill, and sportsmanship across four intense matches.

Game 1: ERC vs St Edmund’s College

The boys opened the day with a dominant performance against St Edmund’s College. Despite controlling possession and creating several clear scoring opportunities, the final score remained 0-0. While the result didn’t reflect the balance of play, the team’s structure and intensity were promising signs for the matches ahead.

Game 2: ERC vs Waverley College

In a hard-fought encounter, ERC went down 2-0 to a well-organised Waverley side. The scoreline, however, did not accurately represent the match, as ERC had a number of chances to equalise throughout. The boys showed strong resilience and continued to push until the final whistle.

Game 3: ERC vs St Edward’s College

Game three saw ERC deliver their most dominant performance of the day in a one-sided contest. From the outset, the boys controlled the tempo and capitalised on their chances, cruising to a 4-0 victory. The win was a testament to their attacking flair and defensive discipline.

Game 4: Playoff vs St Pius X College

In their final match, ERC faced off against a strong St Pius X side who had finished third in their group. Rising to the challenge, the ERC boys showed determination and teamwork to earn a well-deserved 3-0 win, capping off the day in style.

Player of the Tournament

Clancy Mayers was named the ERC Player of the Tournament for his outstanding performances throughout the day, demonstrating composure, leadership, and consistency across all four games.

Conclusion

It was a successful day for the Edmund Rice College team, who represented the College with pride, sportsmanship, and determination. The boys played each match in the right spirit and can be proud of their efforts across a highly competitive tournament.

Mr Jardine

Due to ongoing wet weather and the closure of the Willandra course in Nowra, this year’s Diocesan Cross Country Championships took on a different format. Held on Wednesday 26 May at the Unanderra Velodrome, the event was run as a selection trial rather than the usual school-based point competition.

Despite the changes, Edmund Rice College students rose to the occasion, performing strongly across all age groups. The modified track offered a new challenge, but our athletes showed grit and determination on the fast and flat course.

We’re proud to announce the following top 6 finishers, who now qualify to represent the Diocese at the NSWCCC Cross Country Championships on Wednesday 4 June:

• 12 years – Archie Galvin (1st place)
• 13 years – Mitchell Taylor (1st place)
• 14 years – Alex Torta (1st place), Callum Cajar (2nd place), Darcy Stepanovski (3rd place)
• 15 years – Lachlan Mason (4th place)
• 16 years – Milton Stepanovski (1st place), Patrick Smith (2nd place)
• 17 years – William Mason (4th place), Harry Fraser (5th place), Harry Jackson (6th place)

Congratulations to all students who represented the College, and we wish our qualifiers the best of luck as they prepare for NSWCCC.

Mr Timpano
Sports Coordinator

On Tuesday 6th May, Edmund Rice College held its annual Athletics Carnival at Beaton Park and the surrounding grounds. The carnival is a much-anticipated event on the College calendar, bringing the whole school together for a day of friendly competition, house spirit, and athletic excellence.

Students had the opportunity to compete in a range of track and field events or participate in the novelty sporting rotations, allowing everyone to get involved and enjoy the day, regardless of experience or ability.

Unfortunately, due to heavy rainfall leading up to the event, the in-field at Beaton Park was closed. As a result, the throwing events – shot put, discus and javelin – were unable to go ahead. Despite this setback, the carnival maintained its energy and excitement, with some outstanding performances taking place on the track.

Several students showcased incredible speed and stamina, with a number of new records being set on the day – a testament to the talent and determination of our athletes.

Archie Galvin – 12 years New Records

• 1500m – 4:47.48
• 800m – 2:26.70

Darcy Stepanovski – 14 years New Records

• 1500m – 4:41.74
• 800m – 2:19.10

Milton Stepanovski – 16 years New Record

• 1500m – 4:23.44

Congratulations to all students for their participation, effort, and enthusiasm, and thank you to the staff who helped ensure the day ran smoothly. We look forward to seeing our top performers go on to represent the College at the Diocesan Athletics Carnival later this term. The rep team and age champions will be decided after the field events are completed at the College.

Mr Timpano
Sports Coordinator

Congratulations to Year 12 student athlete Jonah O’Dea (top left) who was recently selected in the NSWCCC Open Boys Volleyball Team.

The team played at the 2025 NSW All Schools Tri-Series Competition at Sydney Olympic Park, where they competed against the best volleyball players from across the state and finished 3rd.

Congratulations Jonah.

Mr Timpano
Sports Coordinator

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

EDMUND RICE COLLEGE CALENDAR 2025

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TERM DATES 2025

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PROCEDURES FOR PARENTS / CARERS

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, 30 and 31.

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.

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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.