Dear Parents and Carers,

On Monday, I was accompanied by senior student leaders Harrison Agnew (Year 12) and Matthew Armitage (Year 11), gathering at St John Vianney Co-Cathedral with representatives from every Catholic school across the Wollongong Diocese. Bishop Brian Mascord led a National Mass, which was celebrated simultaneously across Australia. Celebrating 200 years of Catholic education on this day held significant meaning, particularly on the Feast of Our Lady Help of Christians – the Patroness of Australia. 

Such a celebration of the mission of Catholic education is another reminder of the values and priorities that have underpinned Edmund Rice College since 1926. Today, we continue supporting our students to flourish within a genuinely holistic education, where they are encouraged to make a difference in the world. 

During this celebration, local Aboriginal leaders Aunty Jo and Uncle Kevin spoke of how education has always been integral to our land and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. As we enter into National Reconciliation Week with the theme of “More Than A Word – Reconciliation Takes Action”, I acknowledge the ongoing efforts of our College in being true to the Touchstone of an Inclusive Community standing together as one in solidarity. 

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As we continue to move through the year at a great pace, I thank parents for their continued support for all we do together for the benefit and development of your sons.  The work of our dedicated staff is made more effective by the work done in the home.  A difficult yet life-giving and rewarding mission is that of parenting.  

A thank you and a thought:

Beatitudes for Parents  

Blessed are those parents who make their peace with confusion and with noise, for such is adolescence.

Blessed is the parent who engages not in comparing her child with others, for precious unto each is the rhythm of his individuality and growth.

Blessed are the mothers and fathers who have learned laughter, for it is the music of the young person’s world.

Blessed and mature are they who without anger can say “no”, for comforting the child is the security of firm decisions.

Blessed is the gift of consistency, for it eases the heart of a young person.

Blessed are they who accept the awkwardness of growth, for they are aware of the choice between marred furnishings and damaged personalities.

Blessed are the teachable, for knowledge brings understanding, and understanding brings love.

Blessed are the women and men who in the midst of everyday routine give love, for they bestow the greatest of all gifts to each other, to their children, and in an ever-widening circle to their fellow human beings.

And … Blessed are parents for they love their children!

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We offer our condolences and prayers to the Sirianni family on the loss of Elizabeth’s brother Stephen.

UPCOMING EVENTS AND/OR DATES

JUNE

• 1 June – Parents & Friends Meeting 7.00pm
• 14 June – Queen’s Birthday (Public Holiday)
• 18 June –  Final Day of classes for Term 2

JULY

• 12 July – Staff Day – Pupil Free
• 13 July – Students Return for Term 3

Mr Gough
College Principal

2020 College Yearbook Last Thursday after the College photographs were taken, each student was provided with a copy of the ERC 2020 Yearbook to take home. Students who were absent on the Thursday and did not receive a copy of the Yearbook are requested to come to the Front Office for collection. As well as the hard copy, a digital version of the ERC 2020 Yearbook is now available using the following LINK. Thank you to everyone who contributed to the 2020 College Yearbook.

Message from Premier Charters
Premier Charters forwards this correspondence to again remind all students of the importance of bus services departing in accordance with the designated schedules.

Our timetables have been designed to incorporate a realistic time for students to access the bus stop from the sounding of the afternoon school bell.

Premier will be operating as per the timetable as from Monday 31 May 2021 so it is extremely important that students are at the bus stop and ready to board. Where there are no students present, Premier must continue as per schedule. This request is for all students travelling on both designated school bus service and route bus services.

Significant delays identified in February and March this year have resulted in below acceptable on time running results. To ensure future compliance with our contractual Key Performance Indicators all buses (school and route) will be departing the school bus stop at the designated times.

Please Check the Premier Charters Website which outlines departure and arrival times of all services available.

Mr Walsh
College Deputy Principal