From The Principal
Remembrance Day
God of freedom,
On this day of remembrance
We give thanks and honour for the lives
Of those who have helped make our beautiful country
A place of freedom and peace.
Your son Jesus showed us that the greatest love
Is in giving one’s life for the sake of others.
May we always remember the generosity and bravery
Of those who have died in war
As they worked for the freedom of others.
Let us strive to be people of peace in our thoughts,
Words and actions as Jesus has shown us.
We make this prayer in the name of Jesus, Prince of Peace.
Amen
At 11 am this morning, we paused to remember the sacrifice of those men and women who have died or suffered in wars and conflicts in serving our country. Remembrance Day is a sombre reminder of the horrors of war, the cost of human suffering from historical conflicts, and the debt we owe to those who sacrificed their lives for these causes. Most importantly, it is a timely reminder of the ongoing face of war in our world, including those suffering in Ukraine, and to teach a new generation that taking up arms should be the last resort in resolving conflict in our world.
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Congratulations to our Year 12 students who have now completed their HSC examinations and remained positive and steadfast right up until the very last day of exams. We look forward to their results being released by NESA later this year.
Congratulations to Year 12 students Bennett Rogers and Jack Worthington, whom this week were recognised for their excellence in Vocational Education and Training at the Workplace Learning Annual Awards Presentation for Illawarra Schools. Bennett was awarded VET Student of the Year in Construction, while Jack was awarded VET Student of the Year in Manufacturing & Engineering. A wonderful achievement for two outstanding young men and a strong affirmation of the VET program at ERC, led by Mr Andrew Brooks. Well done!
Earlier this week, we recognised the achievements of our Year 11 students who have now completed their Preliminary HSC course of study. In celebrating student achievement and a sustained commitment to learning, we challenged Year 11 to build on their success through goal setting in making the most of their opportunities as they commence their Year 12 courses of study.
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During this busy time when students across the College are sitting and submitting an array of assessment tasks, parents and teachers should continue to support our young people in responding positively to the assessment feedback. Students who believe their abilities are ‘fixed’ tend to avoid challenges, give up easily, ignore useful critical feedback, and often achieve less than their full potential. In the coming weeks, when students receive their feedback, parents can support their sons by not focusing on their abilities as reflected by their results alone. Instead, encourage them to view feedback as an opportunity for further incremental growth on their learning journey. In this way, students are more likely to reach even higher levels of engagement and achievement in the future.
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Preparation of our 2023 Budget is well underway. I thank members of the College Advisory Council for their strong sense of sustainable stewardship in continuing to meet the needs of the College. 2023 school fee information will be emailed to all families in early December of this year after our 2023 Budget is confirmed by EREA. We anticipate that there will be an increase in school fees required to offset the reduction in total government funding received by the College under the new CTC funding model for private schools. Staying true to the charism of Blessed Edmund Rice himself, we will continue to offer flexible payment options which can be discussed further with our school fee administrator.
Stephen Gough
Principal
Learning & Teaching
Pastoral Care
Identity
Sport
Community Announcements
Community News
Special Memorial Blessing for Ms Kathleen McGuinness
Dear Edmund Rice College Community,
On Thursday 17 November the College community will celebrate the life of Ms Kathleen McGuiness whose years of dedicated service touched the lives of many.
A liturgy will be held in the College Chapel at 4.00pm, followed by light refreshments.
To accommodate seating in the Chapel and provide afternoon refreshments the College would ask that those wishing to attend please RSVP by completing the form below by Monday 14 November.
https://forms.gle/eLYdj5mMqjWu8Ae5
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Edmund Rice College ‘Class of 1987’ Reunion
Thirty alumni from the Edmund Rice College ‘Class of 1987’ gathered together recently at the Fraternity Club in Fairy Meadow to celebrate 35 years since completing their Higher School Certificate. The College Captain for the cohort was Matthew Malone and the Vice-Captain was Angelo Lossino. It was wonderful that both were able to attend. An enjoyable evening was had by all catching up with each other and reminiscing about their school days. The alumni from the ‘Class of 1987’ were joined by Mr Russell Bates, who taught many of those in attendance.
Edmund Rice College ‘Class of 1987’
Class of 1987: Gerry Sozio and Fr Mark De Battista
Class of 1987 alumni Matthew Malone (College Captain) and Frank Testa with Mr Russell Bates
Class of 1987: Kevin Shiel and Martin Carolan
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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.