ERC Newsletter - Week 5 Term 4 2025

Dear Parents and carers,

The flowering jacaranda trees across many of our neighbourhoods are always a sure sign that we are moving into the final weeks of the school year. In many ways, the purple flowers are an annual reminder that we are heading into a busy time towards Advent in preparation for Christmas.

With many students currently completing formal assessment tasks, this time of year also highlights the seasonal cycle of school life. Last week, we saw this contrast in action. While our Year 12 students concluded their final HSC exams and celebrated the end of their school journey at their Formal Dinner dance last Wednesday, we also hosted the 2026 Year 7 Parent Information Evening to warmly welcome our newest cohort of families and students. Saying goodbye while simultaneously preparing to say hello is what makes a school community so dynamic and life-giving.

But within this cycle of change, there is also a level of consistency that can be found in the traditions and the core College and family values that define ERC. While the calendar seems to move quicker each year, the College’s commitment to faith, learning, and mutual respect remains constant. These unchanging values provide a sense of belonging and a solid foundation that supports every student and family regardless of what stage of the school journey they are in.

With so much happening, it can be incredibly easy to get caught up in the busy nature of our daily lives. Between school commitments, end-of-year events, and the general rush of the season, remember to take a moment to pause and appreciate the milestones, and maybe even look up, and enjoy the jacarandas.

Take care,

Dr Stephen Gough

At the end of last week families were advised of the once in a hundred year opportunity to order the College’s Centenary jersey. This opportunity is available to current students, ex-students, parents, staff and friends of the College. Orders will close on December 5 so don’t miss out; these will make great Christmas presents. Students will be permitted to wear these each Friday and when representing the College at various events throughout the year.

Sample sizes are currently available for current students at the College to try on in the offices of their respective Pastoral Coordinators and will be available in the front office from December, Tuesday 2nd to Thursday 4th. Please note on the original letter sent home there was a video to assist in size selection.

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A reminder to all families that the Student Opal Card permits the use of the most direct mode of transport from their home address, in recent weeks there has been a significant increase in students catching the bus from Wollongong station in the morning. This chartered bus is for students travelling from Kiama or from the northern suburbs not serviced by buses. Currently this bus includes students who should be getting the school buses from Shell Cove and Shellharbour. Parents and carers are asked to ensure that their sons are making use of these buses provided by Transport NSW.

Additionally, I would like to remind all families of the expectations regarding the behaviour of students travelling to and from school on public transport. Whilst we have our own expectations of the boys travelling to and from school Transport NSW have a specific student code of conduct to which students are held to account. Transport NSW reserves the right to remove the privilege of free travel in the interests of safety. A link to this policy can be found here.

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From December 10, 2025, a new Australian law will require social media platforms to block or remove accounts for users under 16, including both new and existing accounts. This applies to platforms primarily designed for interaction, following, and posting content (e.g., Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, Facebook, YouTube, X/Twitter). Private messaging apps and gaming chats are generally excluded unless they operate as social networks.

Platforms must:

Clearly notify users.
Allow young people to download their photos and data.
Provide a simple appeal process for mistakes.
Offer non-government ID options for age checking, protecting personal data.

Preparing Your Child for the Change:

Start Early, Stay Calm: Begin conversations now, understanding their perspective on social media.
Make a Plan Together: Involve your child in decisions, such as saving favorite photos or choosing new offline activities.
Taper, Don’t Cut: Gradually reduce screen time and one app at a time to help them adjust.
Name the Feelings: Acknowledge any sadness or anxiety and reassure them about new ways to connect.
Replace, Don’t Just Restrict: Fill the void left by social media with positive, human alternatives that address needs for belonging, identity, and creativity.

Key Actions for Parents Now:

Help your child download and save data from social apps before December 10, 2025.
Support their privacy by knowing platforms cannot demand government ID only.
Coordinate with schools to create device-free spaces and routines.
Stay connected with your children, especially those who may withdraw.

Myth-Busting for Parents:

Not a Government Digital ID: Platforms cannot require government ID as the only age-check option and must offer alternatives (e.g., facial/voice age estimation).
VPNs Won’t Work: Platforms are expected to detect and deter circumvention attempts.
Don’t Share Accounts: Creating an account for a child under 16 is not allowed, and platforms will detect and deter account hand-overs.
YouTube Not Banned: The law is about accounts, not the open internet. Under-16s can still watch videos without signing in or use child-specific experiences.
Data Can Be Saved: Platforms are required to provide ways for users to download their data.

Safe, Non-Social Online and Offline Activities for Under-16s:

Encourage digital creativity without social feeds (e.g., video/photo editing, creative coding, learning platforms) and avoid services with public posting or follower systems. The document also provides a wealth of ideas for physical activities, creative pursuits, building projects, community involvement, outdoor exploration, wellbeing practices, and learning new skills.

Parent Checklist (5 Steps):

Plan the change with your child.
Export memories from platforms.
Choose safe alternatives (online and offline).
Lock in controls (app-store age limits, screen-time settings).
Know the help paths for appeals or privacy issues.

For further updates, visit www.esafety.gov.au.

Mrs Hughes
Deputy Principal

Identity

Student Learning

Junior Examinations

Year 7, 8 & 9 Students have commenced their Semester 2 Examinations. The timetable for these assessment tasks was included in the previous College Newsletter.

A reminder the Homework Club is available for students wishing to study independently or with their peers in the College Narandha Learning Centre from 2:05-3:00pm each weekday.

Years 7-10 Academic Awards Ceremonies

The 2025 Years 7-10 Academic Awards Assembly is scheduled for 10 December in periods 3 and 4 in the Edmund Rice Centre. We look forward to celebrating the successful learning of students in these Year groups throughout Semester 2.

2026 HSC Assessment Handbook

Current Year 11 Parents and Students are reminded to please ensure that you are familiar with the contents of this important document for the HSC year which commenced for Year 11 students at the start of Term 4, 2025. As per NESA requirements, this document has been shared with students via their Year 11 2025 Pastoral Care Classroom under Assessment and also with parents via email. It can also be found on the College Parent and Student Portal under Curriculum for your easy reference when required throughout the 2025/2026 HSC year.

The purpose of the 2026 HSC Assessment Handbook is to ensure fairness and equity across all school-based Higher School Certificate Assessments completed in Term 4 (2025), and Terms 1, 2 and 3 during 2026 as required by NESA. It also supports parents, carers and students to know, understand and follow the College procedures for Illness/Misadventure situations, School Business and Special Leave. The document also contains the schedule of HSC assessments and their weightings in the calculation of your son’s school based assessment mark for each of his HSC courses. It is therefore an expectation that all Year 12 parents/carers and students are familiar with the contents of and follow the College procedures contained in this document.

Please do not hesitate to contact the relevant Head of Department or myself should you have any queries in relation to your son’s assessment during the current period of HSC assessment and throughout next year.

Please find here, provided through the College’s subscription to the Study Skills Handbook, an article with advice for students entitled ‘Micro-Learning for Busy Students‘ to support your sons’ learning and revision in preparation for assessment tasks.

Mrs Bell
Director of Studies

From the 29th of September to the 10th of October this year, I had the opportunity to go on one of the most memorable trips of my life: PAMS. The thousand-word essay I had written months prior to entering the competition was completely worth it. It’s an experience that, because of the international exploration, unforgettable experiences, and friends made within the group, I will forever appreciate.

Prior to the tour, we had the task of researching an Australian who fought in one of the places we’d visit, and create a speech outlining their contribution in their honour. My selection was Ronald E. Dunque, who fought at Gapyeong, and it really helped me to connect with the human experience of war.

During the tour, days were packed with visits, tours, events and activities – tiring but exciting. Each day would have a debrief to reflect on and take in what we learned and express what we thought about it. Our time in South Korea was mostly focused on the Korean War of 1950-53, and our time in Singapore mostly focused on the Fall of Singapore in February 1942, and Japanese occupation until 1945. But in both nations, we also spent time understanding the context of the country and other parts of its history.

We departed Sydney on the 29th of September, arriving in Seoul on the 30th after a stopover in Singapore. The realisation of being in such a faraway place was strong, and I knew a tiring but exciting trip was to follow. That day, we visited the Incheon Landing Operation Memorial, alongside its museum, and the actual landing sites used in that operation – today far more urbanised than it had been during the Korean War. Later that day, we also travelled into central Seoul to immerse in its modern culture, including COEX Mall, Gangnam district and K-Pop Square. Since we got straight into activities after arriving, the sleep that night was incredible!

On the 1st of October, we gained an insight deep into Korean history and culture by visiting the massive National Museum of Korea, with all its priceless artefacts from many eras, and went to Gyeongbokgung Palace to witness the Changing of Guard ceremony and learn about its significance, being the main royal palace for centuries. We also had a short meeting at the Australian Embassy with the Australian Ambassador to South Korea, and later walked through Gwanghwamun Plaza and Cheonggyecheon Creek.

The 2nd of October was one of the most interesting days as we were able to visit the DMZ. But first, we visited Gloucester Hill Memorial Park, commemorating the sacrifice of British troops in Korea. Next, we travelled to Imjingak Park, right on the border with North Korea that symbolises hope for eventual unification. The guided tour of sites along the DMZ, including that site as well as Freedom Bridge, the experience walking through the 3rd tunnel (dug from North Korea), Dorasan Observatory, where we were able to look closer into North Korea, Unification Village and the Exhibition Hall was one of the most memorable experiences of the tour.

The next day, the 3rd, was much lighter; we visited Osan Peace Park (a.k.a the ‘UN First Battle Memorial’), a memorial dedicated to Task Force Smith, and its museum. Later, we took a trip to Suwon Hwaseong Fortress, today a lively world heritage site integrated with the city.

On the 4th, we undertook a large hike up the hill (which seemed more like a mountain) of Gapyeong, the site of an infamous battle Australians fought in in the Korean War. After visiting the memorial at its base dedicated to Australian and New Zealand forces, we pushed through the steep, thin, rough trail up the hill. While somewhat physically demanding for us, it doesn’t even compare to what the soldiers in the Korean War had to endure; climbing with weighty gear whilst being under fire. This experience in particular helped me really understand the experiences of Australian soldiers in Korea.

Next, on the 5th, we visited the massive National War Memorial (and its Museum), dedicated in particular to the Korean War. In particular, this was one of my favourite sites due to its design and the large amounts of military equipment present, including aircraft, helicopters, tanks, and other weapons – something I’m incredibly fascinated by. Later, we visited the North Seoul Tower and shopped around the Myeongdong area.

We left South Korea on the 6th, spending the day flying to Singapore for our next major section of the tour; learning about, in particular, the Fall of Singapore in WW2. On the 7th, we got a strong understanding of the context of Singapore by visiting the National Museum of Singapore, and later Sentosa Island via the Mt. Faber cablecar, a key British military base. On the island we visited Fort Siloso and the Surrender Chambers, getting a stronger understanding of why and how Singapore fell.

The 8th of October was a turbulently-emotional day. We began by visiting the Kranji War Memorial, a large Commonwealth cemetery and memorial in honour of all Commonwealth forces – not just Australians – who died in Singapore. This was a particularly solemn occasion, with deep contemplation and stories told in their honour. We continued by visiting the Former Ford Factory, where the British/Commonwealth forces surrendered on February 15th. Later that day, we toured Fort Canning, including the fort and bunker itself, the Battle Box escape shaft, the Civilian War Memorial, and St. Andrew’s Cathedral. We finished the long day with an evening cruise on the Singapore River.

Our last full day, the 9th, was a good way to wrap up our trip, with visits to Changi Prison Chapel and its Museum, the place where most of Australia’s 15,000 POWs were kept after being captured in Singapore. We also visited the intriguing Singapore Navy Museum and the historically-significant East Coast Park, ending with a good amount of free time. And finally, we departed to Sydney on the 10th. Whilst I was tired, I knew that making the most of every moment this trip was a good mentality. After arriving in Sydney, our group finally got to see our parents again but had to part ways with each other, likely for quite a while.

On that note, PAMS has been one of my favourite experiences ever. Going to sites with major historical significance, accompanied by experts, guided by locals, seeing and experiencing priceless things and views, all alongside 19 other passionate scholars, was a brilliant experience which I recommend for anyone who has a passion for history and the efforts of Australian Forces around the world. I have made many strong relationships and lasting memories that will live with me forever.

I strongly encourage any student who is currently in Years 9 or 10 to enter the 2026 PAMS competition where the winning entries will be touring the WWII battlefields of Greece and Crete.

Daniel Morozov
Year 10

Pastoral Care

We are over the halfway point of Term 4 at the business end which impacts students, staff and parents wellbeing very quickly. We become overwhelmed, panic, think of ourselves, stress and forget to breathe and reflect before making decisions or saying something we may regret later.

What are the signals and how do we respond to these?

Once again we have reached that time of year where we find ourselves scratching our heads wondering where the months have all gone and how it’s almost time for summer holidays and end of year celebrations. As we near the end of another busy year, many parents might notice their children having a mixture of feelings. Some children may be excited and ready to close out another school year, while others may be more exhausted, counting down the days until holidays begin. For some they may present as having more worries or appearing more anxious. The end of the school year can be a stressful time for children, school staff and parents as class work and reports are finalised, there is also the impending threat of big changes approaching. This is typical for many children, being afraid of the unknown, change and conversations turning to preparation for next year all of which can contribute to increasing anxiety or worries.

Anxiety is a response to a perceived threat or can result from overwhelm. Often when we are faced with something we see as threatening, we will respond with a fight, flight, or freeze response. Anxiety can be helpful at times and is a normal part of development. Many children are more likely to demonstrate psycho-somatic symptoms of anxiety, rather than express their fear with words. This may look like school avoidance, complaints of sore tummies, increased heart rate, headaches, increased clinginess or becoming more dysregulated than what is usual for them. While this time of year can cause increased feelings of stress and anxiety it is important that children feel supported with these big feelings by their parents and caretakers and that with your help, they can learn to regulate their feelings.

During this end of year period there are some things families can do to minimise stress:

Reflect on your child’s needs. Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs tells us that our needs lower down the hierarchy need to be fulfilled in order for us to attend to our needs higher up the pyramid. This may be a good time to consider if your child’s lower level needs are all being met including:
Sleep- are they still getting enough sleep each night? Government recommendations are for 10-13 hours for 3-5 year old’s, 9-11 hours for 6- to 12-year-olds and 8-10 hours for 13- to 18-year-olds
Food and Nutrition– has there been any changes to their usual diet?
Stability- Stick to schedule. End of year may mean that some schedules fade away, however sticking to routine can help create a sense of calm and familiarity and can help your child to relax and feel confident about what’s happening.

Higher up on the pyramid are loving and belonging needs. It may be timely to consider:

Relationships– how are they tracking with friends and family? Have there been any changes to important relationships? It may be helpful to make time to talk to your child about their feelings. By starting a conversation about worries and stress this can help normalise your child’s feelings and let them know they aren’t “bad” emotions and that everyone experiences them.

Another way to support mental wellbeing is staying active. With the weather heating up it is time to make the most of it. Keeping our minds and body busy can help with worries.

Planning ahead for school holidays. Not knowing what is coming up can be a major cause for stress. Providing your child with a plan for what they will be doing in the holidays can let them know what to expect and alleviate some stress. Involving your child in creating this summer holidays plan can help them to feel comfortable and have a sense of control over their routine. Having a summer holiday plan is also a great way of helping your child stay motivated over the last few weeks of term when fatigue begins to set in.

So a quick simple plan as we approach the end of the year:

Step 1: Plan Ahead
Step 2: Identify which stressors you can or can’t control
Step 3: Don’t forget to have fun!
Step 4: Look after your wellbeing
Step 5: Reach out for support

There are a number of ways we can prepare and put in place strategies to reduce anxiety and look after everyone’s wellbeing as a school community. Remember to make time, listen, report and use the support structures available at school to address any issues, concerns or questions you have that are relevant to the wellbeing.

Mr Bates
Acting Director of Pastoral Care & Wellbeing

What a busy and rewarding fortnight it has been for Year 7! As we approach the final weeks of the term and exam period, our students have demonstrated outstanding commitment to their community, their peers, and their own development.

Community Generosity Shines Bright

We are thrilled to report on the overwhelming response to the Christmas Appeal. The boys of Year 7 have already contributed hundreds of food donations! This incredible generosity is a testament to their compassionate spirit.

For Year 7, we need donations of:

Long life milk (dairy, almond, soy, etc.)
Crackers, biscuits
Cereal and breakfast foods

A huge thank you to all families who have contributed; please help us keep the good work and donations coming, either through physical items or monetary contributions to support the purchase of these items, as we finalise the appeal until the closing date on Monday, December 2nd.

Aspiring Leaders Step Up

Citizenship and leadership were on full display as over 35 Year 7 students participated in interviews for the Student Representative Council (SRC). The maturity, preparedness, and enthusiasm shown by the candidates were truly impressive, and they are all to be congratulated for stepping up to serve the school community. Successful applicants will be notified very soon.

Lunchtime Soccer Success

On the sporting front, the high-energy Lunchtime Soccer Competition continues to dominate the oval. A shoutout to the Year 11 student leaders who have helped referee the competition. The matches have been fantastic, providing a great outlet for stress relief and physical activity.

Not only has the teamwork on display been awesome, reinforcing positive relationships across the year groups, but we have also been delighted to see the positive support and cheering from students who aren’t even playing! This great sportsmanship truly embodies our school spirit.

Congratulations, Year 7, on a fortnight well spent! Keep applying this positive focus and strong effort as you move into your exam preparations.

From Mrs Field and Mr Bourke

Sport

Community Announcements

2026 TERM DATES

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CANTEEN MENU

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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.

Contents

Principal's Message

Deputy Principal's Message

Identity

Vinnie's Christmas Appeal

2026 Timor Leste Immersion Opportunity

Eco-ERC attend Waverley Ecology Symposium

Friday Prayer - Rosary beads appeal

My Future Matters @ Woolyungah UOW

Interested in Becoming Catholic?

Respect Week - International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women

Student Learning

From the Director of Studies

STEM LEADERS

ArtExpress Nominations

PAMS 2025: Daniel Morozov Winning Entrant

Pastoral Care

From the Acting Director of Pastoral Care

Farewell Year 12 2025

Building Connections: Peer Support Leaders Prepare to Welcome Year 7

Year 7 Update

Year 9 News

Sport

Year 9 Student Sam McMahon: Australian Champion!

Mountain Biking - Cringila Schools Event

Community Announcements

Careers Newsletter

Notices

Uniform Shop

Community Messages