ERC Newsletter - Week 6 Term 2 2023

Birthplace and childhood home of Blessed Edmund Rice
Callan, County Kilkenny, Ireland
(DOB:1st of June, 1762)

Dear parents and carers,

After returning earlier this week, I would like to share just how much of an inspirational experience I was very fortunate to have had at the recent ‘International Congress’ of the Edmund Rice Education Beyond Borders (EREBB). Gathering in Ireland with delegates from Edmund Rice schools from across the world and visiting Edmund’s birthplace, the very first school he established and his resting place in Waterford, was a true blessing. While the opportunity to represent the wider ERC community at such a forum was a valued professional experience, it was a meaningful chance to make new friendships with like-minded Catholic school leaders from different cultures, which had a personal impact.

While there were many highlights, which included visiting several different Catholic schools that were each founded in the tradition of Edmund Rice, undoubtedly, the opportunity to walk in the footsteps of Blessed Edmund throughout the streets of Waterford and to gather in prayerful solidarity with the 200 delegates in the Edmund Rice Chapel where Edmund’s grave is housed was a rare experience.

Holding a Global Congress was a huge undertaking, and I would like to thank the Edmund Rice Schools Trust (ERST) – Ireland team for hosting and guiding our journey so well. Thank you to Edmund Rice Education Australia (EREA), particularly Mr Brian Garrone, for their continued support in growing and inspiring our global community of schools. During this time, I wish to also publicly acknowledge the leadership of Mr Barry Walsh and Mrs Jodie Hughes during my recent leave period.

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During this current National Reconciliation Week, our student leaders led the College Assembly with a focus on exploring ways in which each of us can contribute in tangible ways through our everyday lives in working towards inclusion and justice. This theme allowed us to focus on the First Nations peoples and recent arrivals to Australia from refugee backgrounds. This was a powerful assembly with important messages for our students. I thank Mrs Hurley and the College Identity Team for facilitating this whole-school opportunity for deep reflection and a call to live out our Touchstone of Justice and Solidarity actively.

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While recent weeks have included rich co-curricular and sporting opportunities that highlight student learning beyond the classroom at ERC, the coming weeks of formal assessment and semester reporting are an integral part of the learning and teaching process. We wish our students the very best as they prepare to demonstrate various skills and where their current capabilities lie on their learning journey. I thank teachers and parents for supporting and encouraging our young people to strive for their best performance. In the final weeks of this semester, and as students begin to receive feedback for areas of ongoing improvement, we each must continue to have a growth mindset on their performance. It is worth reflecting that often not achieving a desired mark or grade is simply a matter of “not yet” and an opportunity to develop resilience and wisdom.

Best wishes,

Stephen Gough
Principal