“Kind words can be short and easy to speak,
but their echoes are truly endless”
St Mother Teresa

Dear Parents and Carers,

A most powerful instrument for continuing to build up our community and our students is our gift of speech. Words of praise and encouragement from a parent nourish a young person’s self-esteem and strengthen relationships. Words spoken by a teacher with enthusiasm can stimulate student interest and motivate their learning. Skilful questioning can promote deeper thinking and reflection, while challenging yet supportive words from an adult can express expectations of high standards and prompt our young people towards ongoing improvement and personal growth.

ERC has always been a place of genuine welcome. It is sometimes said that a way of gauging the authenticity of a Catholic school is to simply listen to the way that people speak to each other. A recent visitor to the College commented to me how whenever she visits our campus, the ERC students always smile and happily go out of their way to say hello. New teachers to the College are regularly taken aback when a large number of students personally thank them at the end of each lesson. These may seem like small things to share in a newsletter, however, to me, the many positive anecdotal comments we each regularly receive about the boys from ERC, demonstrate how respectful, comfortable and quietly confident our students are within their learning environment.

Jesus, You spoke to people in ways that changed their lives.
You spoke with words of gentleness: ‘Come to me all who are tired
from carrying heavy loads, and I will give you rest.’ (Matthew 11:28)
You spoke words of reassurance: ‘Courage my daughter! Your faith
has made you well.’ (Luke 8:48) You spoke words of challenge,
grounded in compassion: ‘Let the one among you who is without sin
be the first to cast a stone.’ (John 8:7)
May our homes and our classrooms be places of many kind words.
Amen.

***

The Year 7 2025 and 2026 enrolment period has commenced with applications and some early interviews already underway. Last week’s ‘Try Year 7 Open Day’ was very successful with a record number of interested students and families attending. Thank you to the teachers and support staff for their preparation, creativity, and goodwill in supporting this annual community event.

Once again, our volunteer student group leaders were the true stars of the day. Their respectful confidence and a genuine sense of pride in showcasing their College was something that various prospective parents and carers commented on. During enrolment interviews, prospective parents often explain their desire for their son to be “just like” the senior students in our College.

ERC parents and carers who have a boy in Year 5 or 6 are asked to please ensure they finalise their enrolment applications by the final week of this term (Monday 8th April) to ensure that siblings are included in the Round 1 enrolment offers. Please contact Mrs Ann Preston at the College if you have any questions about the enrolment process.

***

On behalf of the ERC community, I would like to wish one of our College Psychologists, Mr Tim Rowe, all the very best as he concludes in this role at the end of next week and prepares to travel overseas. I know I speak on behalf of many when I offer Tim my sincere thanks for his service to the College, in what is an important role of active support for our students.

Best wishes,
Dr Gough

Today is International Women’s Day and the United Nations theme for International Women’s Day this year is “Invest in Women accelerate progress” (United Nations)

International Women’s Day is a global celebration of the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women and celebrates diversity and empowerment of women across all areas of society.

As an all boys school committed to forming men of honour, ready to take their place in the world, we take very seriously the privileged role we have in highlighting for the boys the important role that women play in shaping each of them as individuals.

As a College we regularly look for opportunities that allow the boys to recognise and celebrate the contribution of women, as well as where possible provide opportunities for the boys to consider the female perspective, advocating the need for diverse voices and perspectives to better understand themselves, others and their place in the world, broadening their own worldview. Additionally, sharing this knowledge, support and encouragement with others is key. This is evident in an event that took place on Thursday 7 March at the Diocesan Touch Football Championships where female students were refereeing the boy’s matches. This opportunity to embrace female leadership is also the case in Diocesan Basketball.

As a College, there are many ways that we seek to ensure the needs, interests and aspirations of both women and girls are valued and included in the interest of fostering an inclusive community, our touchstone focus for 2024 and accelerating progress. Education and awareness play vital roles in fostering inclusion and empowering women. At Edmund Rice we offer the following opportunities for the boys to recognise the important role of women and the role that they play in advocating for advancement.

Throughout the year Students at Edmund Rice participate in the following campaigns:

• Respect campaign for the elimination of violence against women
• SAHSSI’s support for victims of Domestic Violence through the Winter Sleep Out
• Project Compassion Caritas investing in women: Project Compassion
• Share the dignity initiatives

Our Students attend the following events:

• International Women’s Day event – volunteers
• Sponsor of the Illawarra Dance and Culture
• Bluescope International Women’s Day student gathering to promote women in industry

A key element of our commitment to ensuring how boys have the opportunity to engage in dialogue with and form respectful and valued relationships with young women is through our Collaboration with St Mary’s through our partnership we offer students the opportunity to participate in

• Social days/ disco’s
• Lumen Christi debating
• Laudato Si Mass and Social Event – Climate change

Teaching the boys about the importance of respectful relationships is continued in the work of consent education which is evident throughout the Pastoral Care Program from Years 7-12 and through the Year 10 Reflection day facilitated by Choizes.

Today we acknowledge the contribution of some 62 female staff members at the College, who are represented across the various domains of College life. We thank them for their example in and outside the classroom, the teachers, counsellor, ground staff and support staff who help to nurture the boys to be responsible and respectful young men. We also celebrate and are grateful for the female role models beyond the community that play important roles in the formation of these young men, including mothers, grandmothers, sisters, aunties and friends.

Mrs Hughes
Acting College Deputy Principal

The 2023 College Yearbook has been finalised and we are pleased to share this with the College community.

You are invited to relive the memories and achievements of the past academic year by accessing the 2023 Digital College Yearbook. This yearbook encapsulates the essence of our students’ hard work, dedication, and achievements, and we are excited to share it with you.

To access the digital yearbook, please click on the following link: 2023 Edmund Rice College Yearbook

We understand that some of you may also prefer a tangible keepsake to commemorate this significant chapter in your child’s educational journey. If you wish to receive a hard copy of the 2023 College Yearbook, kindly fill out this Google Form. It is important to note that each family will be provided with one hard copy of the yearbook. Once the orders for the hard copies have been fulfilled and the yearbooks have arrived at the College, we will promptly notify you via email. You will then be able to collect your copy from the school office during our regular operating hours.

Should you have any questions, concerns, or require assistance, please do not hesitate to contact our administrative team at office@erc.nsw.edu.au

Thank you for your ongoing support and involvement in our school community.

This week our Year 7 students have been on their three-day camp at Fitzroy Falls, just two weeks after our Year 10 students completed their five-day camp at Coolendel. The Outdoor Education component of our Pastoral Program plays a crucial role in assisting the boys to develop into men. Last night I was privileged to spend the afternoon and night with the second half of the Year 7 cohort. The boys sat around the open fires with their teachers and instructors chatting and sharing their dreams and fears with each other. It was the most engaging and spontaneous engagement I have had the opportunity to see young and naïve boys walk together listening and opening up to each other in a calm and peaceful setting. It was one of those rare moments that you felt a sense of inclusivity and feeling liberated. This time last year in a Happy Families article by Doctor Arne Rubinstein, highlighted the significance of an important rite of passage for young people. He suggests and affirms our belief as a College that Rites of Passage help to meet the needs of young people creating a sense of belonging, by helping them to feel safe and supported, to have a clear sense of self and gain important life skills. Whilst many families would have their own Rites of Passage our Camps provide valuable opportunities for the boys to develop a clear sense of identity as a group of young people who walk a shared path, it helps to foster improved communication skills and an appreciation for the environment as well as increased motivation as they challenge themselves to try new things. The opportunity to step away from the usual routines and the screens play an important role in reducing levels of stress and encouraging positive behaviour supported by a strong sense of team. I encourage you to take some time to read the attached article and would like to take this opportunity to thank each of the members of staff who attended these camps for their generosity of time and spirit, without these staff members your sons would not have such wonderful opportunities. Thank you also to the parents and boys who have embraced the opportunity, which has allowed the boys to make memories that will last a lifetime. In particular, I would like to acknowledge and thank the extraordinary hardworking Pastoral Care Coordinators of Year 7 and 10, Mr Andrew Marsh and Mr Patrick Preeo and their Assistants Mrs Amy Field and Mr Brendan Belsito as well as Mr Geoff Volk who led our Year 10 Duke of Edinburgh candidates on their training expedition.

Mr Bates
Acting Director of Pastoral Care & Wellbeing

Our school is now subscribed to the Happy Families School Membership! Owned and run by Dr Justin Coulson, one of Australia’s leading parenting experts, the membership offers a wealth of parenting education and resources. We will regularly share resources available through our membership with you, including Insight Articles and Webinars. You can also access your resources at any time using the below URL (unique to our school) and password.

URL & PASSWORD
Edmund Rice College: https://schools.happyfamilies.com.au/login/erc
Password: happyerc

We recommend bookmarking this link. You should only need to put the password in once and the site will remember you.

INSIGHTS ARTICLES

A new Insights article is released weekly during the term and we will include these with the school newsletter. Insights articles are written by Dr Justin Coulson and other leading experts and provide parenting education and support for a wide variety of traditional and contemporary parenting challenges. You can also access 300+ previous Insights articles on our school’s URL.

PARENT WEBINARS
You have access to 4 live webinars a year (one per term). We will announce upcoming webinar details in the Insights articles. You’ll have access to the recording via our school’s URL but as the webinars are live, we recommend you watch them in real time so that you can ask Dr Justin and / or the guest presenter any questions you may have.

We hope you enjoy the Insights and webinars!

This weeks edition is titled When my child won’t listen.

Mr Bates
Acting Director of Pastoral Care & Wellbeing

On the 26th February 2024, the Year 12 SRC had the opportunity to attend the EREA Seek to Serve Student Leadership Symposium held at St Pius X College’s Oxford Falls Campus.

The aim of the symposium was to provide Student Leadership Teams from across NSW EREA schools the opportunity to:

• Share and exchange ideas with leaders from other schools.
• Investigate the concept of servant leadership within the framework of Edmund Rice’s teachings.
• Delve into the qualities that define successful student leadership within a Catholic school following the tradition of Edmund Rice.

The day was organised into three sessions, each with a specific focus. The first session, “The Why”, began with a liturgy and a presentation from Alopi Latukefu, the Director of the Edmund Rice Centre, on what it means to be a leader and the advocacy programs facilitated by the Edmund Rice Centre. He spoke about some of the initiatives he has been involved in, including; raising awareness for Climate Change, especially its impact on the Pacific Islands; having youth representation in the UN and fighting for the rights and welfare of refugees. It was eye opening to hear about ‘Alopi’s work and the real world impacts young leaders can have through writing to government representatives, attending advocacy days and leadership conferences, but most of all through having healthy conversations about the issues that we face both within our wider community.

The second session, “The What and How”, was focused on leaders sharing their ideas with those from other schools. It began with a leader from each school presenting one of their school’s initiatives in front of the main assembly. Initiatives ranged from St Pius X College’s ‘Edmund Rice Society’, a social justice group involved in a wide range of activities including helping out at homeless shelters, aged care homes and raising money for charities, to house-based sporting cups and student newspapers.

The second half of the session involved separating into smaller groups made up of students from similar prefectures and sharing more specific ideas surrounding their own leadership roles.

The final session, “The Where to Next”, involved the Year 12 SRC getting back together and discussing the ideas that we had learned from other schools and ways these could be implemented within our own school. The day ended with a short Examen prayer before we got on the minibus and headed back to school.

The most beneficial aspect of the symposium was the opportunity to get to know like-minded students from all around the state and to hear about their own initiatives. It was great to spend time connecting with leaders from other Edmund Rice schools, share our experiences and appreciate the common goals that we are all trying to achieve. Overall, it was an extremely useful experience and has provided many great ideas for the SRC to implement within our own College community.

Matthew Carolan and Alan Augustine

Last Thursday, February 29th, the sun was shining bright as Edmund Rice College welcomed Year 9 students from St Mary’s Star of the Sea for our annual Social Day. With a jam-packed schedule of activities planned, it was a day filled with friendly competition, laughter, and a chance to build new friendships.

The ‘Activities Day’ kicked off with a range of sporting events including Volleyball, Touch Football, and Basketball demonstrating the athletic talents of both schools. Besides sports, students participated in carnival games like the 3-legged race and tug-of-war which tested teamwork and resilience. In between activities, students could unwind in the designated Year 9 ‘Chill Out Zone’, a welcome respite from the summer heat. After lunch to keep everyone cool and refreshed, there was a welcomed supply of Zooper Doopers!

As the day drew to a close, the energy remained high as Year 9 transitioned to the Twilight Disco held later that evening at St Mary’s Star of the Sea. Students packed the dance floor, busting out their best moves, and so did some of the teachers! Other students enjoyed some friendly competition whilst shooting hoops in the gym.

The Year 9 Social Day was a fantastic success, fostering connections between our two schools and creating many happy memories. A big thank you to all the teachers who helped facilitate activities, our Year 11 Leaders who gave up their time to sweat it out with Year 9; which contributed to the success of the day. It is wonderful to see students continue to foster and consolidate the friendships they have made with the young ladies from St Marys.

“The disco started off a bit slowly with the boys on one side of the hall and the girls on the other. As time went on and the music got louder some conversations started and it became a bit more social and how it was meant to be. We all had to get warmed up. Once some boys and girls mixed, others followed and the disco became social. Everyone mixed and interacted with each other and it ended up to be a great night. As well as the disco there was the games room where all sorts of sports were happening. “ Jasper Hasham

“I enjoyed the Trivia and the 3 Legged Race. The disco was exciting and it was very easy to socialise” Isaac Ayers

“Social day was a great experience to share with the young women at Saint Mary’s College, meeting new people, forming new connections and making great friends. This was a great experience whether we are talking about the disco or the activities throughout the day; even if it was extremely hot out. The disco was a great place to talk to and become friends with the people you meet during the day. I think most, if not all, Year 9 students of Edmund Rice College enjoyed the day to its fullest and know that this year’s Social Day was a great success for both schools to strengthen their ties with one another.” Henry Downer

“The Year 9 social day was an eventful day. Even though it was really hot there were still many activities. Ice blocks were handed out throughout the day which made the heat more bearable. Overall it was a good experience to catch up with the girls from St Mary’s.” Leo Halios-Lewis

“My favourite part of the social day disco is when they played Fein by Travis Scott. It was a good break from school activities and gave me time to socialise with friends and create new friends. I liked doing many activities such as the Trivia and the Carnival Games.” Nikhilan J Avinash

Mrs Russell
Year 9 Pastoral Care Coordinator

Set against the stunning backdrop of Fitzroy Falls, Edmund Rice College’s Year 7 Camp proved to be an enriching experience for all. Students immersed themselves in a variety of activities, forging lasting connections and unforgettable memories.

Throughout the camp, students embraced adventure with enthusiasm, taking on challenges such as abseiling, mountain biking, and the giant swing. These activities not only tested their physical abilities but also encouraged teamwork and resilience, as they cheered each other on.

The Koori Experience provided a meaningful opportunity for students to learn about and appreciate Indigenous culture through a hands-on approach.

The Year 7 Camp at Fitzroy Falls was an exciting adventure that brought students closer together. A special thanks goes to the staff at Optimum Experiences and Edmund Rice College for making this the experience that it was for the boys in Year 7.

Mr Marsh and Mrs Field
Pastoral Care Coordinators

During this week in Pastoral Care, the Year 9 Cohort was taken to the Narandha Learning Centre where we met with Tim Rowe, one of the school’s two educational psychologists. During this time, Tim talked to us about how other people’s beliefs, whether these be positive or negative, and how they can affect our own by either re-affirming our own beliefs or contradicting our actions. He did this by creating a mock up scenario with a character named Justin. We learned about Justin’s quirks, interests, friends, and insecurities. Tim taught us about the four selves –

• The self we know
• The self we show
• The self others see
• The self we hide

Tim was essentially saying to us that the different perceptions people have about us can actually influence our ‘abilities’ to do something. For example, if you were the person in your friend group who was always being called the ‘troublemaker’ or the person that has ‘bad grades’ there is a higher chance of that perception of you becoming true.

This also ties into positive self-talk and how it motivates us to perform at our highest level. Whether it be sport, exams, or any other stressful situations, changing our perspective of ourselves is an important part of beginning the road to improvement.

The Year 9 Cohort will really benefit from this experience and will continue to foster supportive friendships and develop personally into the men that they seek to be, all with the help and support of the College staff. Events like these play a crucial role in ensuring that all students can live up to their full potential, whilst making sure students are properly equipped to support themselves and each other throughout their schooling.

Francisco Martin, Sam Stevin, and Isaac Mitrevski – Year 9 Students at Edmund Rice College.

Dear Staff and Parents,

We’re excited to announce a Life Blood donation drive taking place at Wollongong on any day at any time that is convenient. This is a fantastic opportunity for our school community to come together and make a real difference in the lives of others.

Every blood donation has the potential to save up to three lives. By participating, you’ll be helping to ensure that vital blood supplies are readily available for those in need, including accident victims, cancer patients, and individuals undergoing surgery.

Here’s why you should consider joining us:

• It’s a simple and safe process. The donation itself typically takes less than an hour, and our dedicated team will be there to guide you through every step.
• You’ll be making a life-saving contribution. Your blood donation could be the difference between life and death for someone in need.
• It’s a rewarding experience. Knowing that you’ve helped others can be incredibly fulfilling.

Whether you’re a seasoned donor or considering donating for the first time, we encourage you to join us!

To learn more and register:

• Visit our dedicated website:
• Contact: Suite 1, 45-53 Kembla St, Wollongong NSW 2500 CALL 131495

Together, we can make a significant impact!

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,
The Edmund Rice College Life Blood Donation Drive Team

NSW SCHOOL VACCINATION PROGRAM:

The following vaccines will be offered free to students at school:

• Monday, 11th March: Year 10 – meningococcal ACWY vaccine
• Friday, 21st June: Year 7 – diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (dTpa) and human papillomavirus (HPV)

Please read the information from the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District. This document takes you through how to provide consent online.

Mr Fields
Director of Operations

Clean Up Australia Day started over 30 years ago by Ian Kiernan who had a simple idea to make a difference in his own backyard. It has now become the nation’s largest community based environmental event held annually in March.

On Friday the 1st of March all the Year 7 boys enthusiastically slipped on their gloves ready to make a change. During this event, the Year 7 cohort successfully removed 8 bags of waste, from soccer balls, wrappers, zip lock bags, bottles and even retrieved a whole deep fryer. It was great to see boys working together to remove rubbish from the creek, even linking together to remove plastic bags and containers.

This year was a massive show of teamwork and will power to clean up our school environment.

Ben Sladek
Year 7 Cohort

Volunteers Required!

The Illawarra Reptile Society are seeking volunteers to assist with cooking the BBQ from 9am-3pm on Sunday 7th April. You can volunteer for a 2-hour shift, or for the whole day – CSL hours will be awarded accordingly.

For more information, please see Mrs. Knowles

Mrs Schodde
CSL Coordinator

Cyber Safety Parent Education Workshop: Untangling Teens from Technology

As indicated in previous correspondence earlier this term, we hope to continue promoting acceptable and safe technology use for learning both in school and at home. To support this, we are offering a Cyber Safety Parent Education Workshop: Untangling Teens from Technology. The event will occur on Wednesday 10th April at 6.00pm in the ERCentre. The presenter “Jocelyn Brewer, a Sydney-based psychologist, will introduce her Digital Nutrition philosophy to positively reframe our love/hate relationship with the online world”.

The 90-minute workshop is designed to empower you to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of parenting in a digital age. From the session we hope to give practical tools and strategies to foster healthy screen habits, navigate online challenges and build strong connections with your children in a world increasingly dominated by technology. This engaging session will offer expert insight and advice, open discussions and actionable steps to nurture a balanced and positive tech environment for your family.

To sign up, please use this link: https://forms.gle/A3k9AKh32Dk9UoLN6

Mr Sirianni
Director of Information Technologies & Innovation

This Term, Years 9 and 10 Visual Arts are studying Modernism and the influence the Industrial Revolution had on artmaking in the early 20th century. To compliment their studies and to provide inspiration for their own artmaking, Years 9 and 10 Visual Arts ventured out to Port Kembla Steelworks for an Inside Industry Tour of Bluescope Steel last Monday 26th February. The students began with an overview of what happens in the Steelworks and the process of making steel. We then had the opportunity to visit the Steel Making (Basic Oxygen Steelmaking Plant, Slab Caster, Hot Strip Mill and Plate Mill. We were very fortunate that everything was operational at the time of our visit. The students were fitted with safety glasses, gloves, helmet, high-visibility jackets and hearing protection. At the conclusion of the tour, we made our way to Outer Harbour where the students were able to spend a sustained amount of time on their observational drawings. These drawings will be the foundation for large charcoal reduction drawings, a lino block print and a sculpture which will be documented photographically.

Ms Costello
Head of Creative Arts

Musical Marvels at the Sydney Opera House: A Day to Remember for our Year 12 and Year 9 Music Classes

On the 4th of March, our enthusiastic students, accompanied by Mr Haybittle and Mr Bonaccorso, had the privilege of attending the 2023 HSC Music Encore performance at the iconic Sydney Opera House.

The HSC Music Encore is a showcase of outstanding performances by some of the most talented music students across New South Wales. Our boys were treated to a spectacular display of musical prowess, witnessing a diverse range of genres and instruments on the grand stage of the Opera House. It was an enriching experience that not only celebrated the dedication and talent of the performers but also inspired our own budding musicians.

But the adventure didn’t stop there! Before the enchanting evening at the Opera House, our boys had the unique opportunity to explore the prestigious Sydney Conservatorium of Music. This included a special guided tour of the historic building, providing insights into its rich musical heritage and state-of-the-art facilities. To add a personal touch to the visit, our students engaged in a captivating talk with one of the current students at the Conservatorium, gaining valuable insights into the life and experiences of a music student at this renowned institution.

The day was not just about appreciating musical excellence but also fostering a deeper connection with the world of music education. We believe that such experiences contribute significantly to our students’ musical growth and passion for the arts.

The HSC Music Encore and the visit to the Sydney Conservatorium of Music undoubtedly left an indelible mark on our students, igniting their passion for music and inspiring them to reach new heights in their own musical journeys.

Mr Bonaccorso & Mr Haybittle

While guitar lessons have already commenced and brass lessons have been ongoing throughout the year, the Wollongong Conservatorium of Music (WollCon) is delighted to announce the addition of piano lessons at ERC on Monday mornings as part of our peripatetic program.

If your son is interested in either piano or guitar lessons, spots are now available on Mondays during the school day. As previously communicated, these lessons follow a rotational schedule and thus have minimal impact on regular classes.

For further information on enrolment, please contact WollCon.

T: 02 4228 1122
E: enquiries@wollcon.com.auhttps://wollcon.com.au/

Mr Haybittle
Music Teacher

This is a friendly reminder that starting Wednesday, 13th March, Week 7, students of Year 9 & 10 are required to wear only College sport shorts to school on their Wednesday sport days.

Other black shorts, including plain ones, those with branding, or different sports shorts, will not be permitted for participation in sport activities.

Students who present themselves with the incorrect shorts will have to stay at the College during their allocated sport periods.

This requirement is outlined on page 16 of the College Diary, stating: ‘Students must wear College Sport Shorts, and/or College tracksuit pants.’

Should you have any inquiries or concerns about this policy, please feel free to contact me or Mrs Hughes (Acting Deputy Principal) at the College.

Mr Timpano
Sports Coordinator

Fantastic day at Corrimal Pool Wednesday 6 March in which we had 18 students represent Edmund Rice College at the Diocesan Swimming Carnival. ERC came away with Champion Boys school in the Diocese!

As always our students dominated in the pool with some incredible individual and team results. Our junior boys (Jye Prem, Jake Schulze, Callum Ardita and Gwil Barnes) won the first event of the day in their Medley relay convincingly getting the team off to a great start.

In continuing tradition our All Age Relay consisting of our fastest freestyle swimmer in each age group took out the coveted event with some fantastic team camaraderie and encouragement. Swimmers included: Nixon Blake, Callum Ardita, Jye Prem, Oliver Johnson, Harry Fraser and Jayden Beaumont.

Our Senior boys relay team, consisting of Jayden Beaumont, Riley Anthes, Darcy Norris and Jack Wilson also won their 4x50m Freestyle relay to end the day on a great win for the ERC team.

Special mentions to the following students with some wonderful individual results in their respective age groups:

Nixon Blake – 3rd – 12 years Age Champion
Jake Schulze – 2nd – 13 years Age Champion
Jye Prem – 2nd – 14 years Age Champion
Oliver Johnson – 3rd – 15 years Age Champion

The following students were also selected to compete in the Wollongong Diocesan team at the CCC Carnival at Homebush in April: Nixon Blake, Jake Schulze, Callum Ardita, Jye Prem, Cameron Browne, Gwil Barnes, Max Miller, Oliver Johnson, Harry Fraser, Riley Anthes, Jayden Beaumont, Darcy Norris and Jack Wilson.

Congratulations to all swimmers, you are a credit to yourselves and the College!

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

UAC – LIVE webinar for parents

Their first LIVE webinar for the year is specifically designed for parents supporting their student’s journey to higher education. Parents will learn how to navigate the application process more efficiently so that they can confidently guide students towards their university dreams. They’ll receive valuable insights on course preferences, adjustment factors and selection ranks plus a detailed timeline of key dates.

This UAC Digital event will be run from several platforms, including Easy Webinar (preferred webinar service), Facebook and Instagram.

•  ATAR Calculation to Application: A Parent’s Roadmap to Uni Entry
• Date: Wednesday 27 March 2024
• Time: 6pm

https://uacdigital.easywebinar.live/parent-March-registration

Aviation Careers day at Shellharbour Airport

On Friday, 1 March, 16 eager future employees in the aviation industry were given the opportunity to attend the aviation in careers day which was simultaneously held at the Shellharbour Airport with their air show.

Students were able to experience first-hand the type of careers and corresponding employers in that industry. Attending the aviation careers day was a great way to learn more about the industry and the many different career options available.

The day started well with an organised tour of a Jumbo 747. Further features were:

• Presentations from industry professionals: These presentations can provide attendees with an overview of different aviation careers, the day-to-day work of these careers, and the qualifications and training required.
• Exhibits from aviation companies and organizations: These exhibits can provide attendees with information about different companies and organizations in the aviation industry, as well as the career opportunities they offer.
• Networking opportunities: Aviation careers days can be a great opportunity for attendees to network with industry professionals and learn more about the aviation industry.

Vintage planes were a popular attraction at the air show drawing our students to their historical significance and unique designs. These planes, often meticulously restored and maintained, took our boys on a journey through the past, showcasing the evolution of aviation technology and the ingenuity of early aviators.

The flight simulators allowed our boys to experience the thrill of flying a military aircraft, and they can also be used to provide information about different aviation careers.

Mr Cajar
Careers Advisor

The Edmund Rice College Parents and Friends committee wish to invite Year 7 families to a Welcome BBQ on Saturday 16 March 2024 from 12.30pm – 3.30pm.

Further details and booking information can be found below. Provided is a QR Code to register your interest for this event or RSVP via the following link: https://events.humanitix.com/edmund-rice-year-7-welcome-bbq

PARENT HELPERS NEEDED – Many hands make light work! If you can help on Saturday 16 March 2024, please contact Francis Fenech (francis.fenech77@gmail.com)

Kindest regards,
Francis & P&F Organising Committee

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.

2024 TERM DATES

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EDMUND RICE COLLEGE CALENDAR 2024

Wollongong Tech Warratahs Junior Rugby Club – Registrations

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GreenFest Sustainability Expo