Principal's Message
Dear Parents and Carers,
As the cooler weather sets in and playground banter about the State of Origin increases, it signals what I call the peak of the semester. Students in Years 7-10 are preparing for their assessment blocks, Year 10 students are selecting their senior courses of study, Year 11 students are at the halfway point of their Preliminary course, and Year 12 students continue to work hard in preparation for the HSC trials early next term. I am very proud of the thriving learning culture at our school. With hundreds of students attending the Homework Club after school, I sincerely thank the ERC staff for their generosity in supporting and guiding our students.
During recent enrolment interviews, many parents and carers have shared that they have chosen to apply to ERC because they believe our school truly “gets boys.” Our teachers, who have intentionally chosen to work in an all-boys school environment, appreciate each boy’s humour and energy. After all, a boys’ school is never a boring place! Their commitment to teaching boys is evident in the strong relationships they build, the engaging curriculum programs they create, and the tailored classroom and outdoor learning experiences they design.
Research, along with my experience from leadership roles in four different boys’ schools, shows that boys thrive in environments where they can build positive, trusting bonds with teachers who maintain high standards and have strong subject expertise. In such a caring and direct dynamic, boys feel confident to fully engage in their learning and communicate openly – a key ingredient in the learning and teaching cycle.
This relationship-focused model not only enhances learning but also fosters a strong sense of belonging to their class, team, and school. Many alumni, including current ERC fathers, often mention the lifelong friendships they formed with peers and teachers as some of the most valuable aspects of their school experience. With dedicated teachers, coaches, and counsellors by their side, ERC boys find significant role models, including female staff members who promote positive, respectful attitudes toward women. These relationships help cultivate empathy, courage, and resilience.
While being a boys’ school does not diminish the value of co-education, at ERC, we strongly believe our educational environment is ideal for teaching boys to become compassionate men who respect women and do not tolerate disrespectful or inappropriate behaviour. As both a principal and a parent, I know that these values begin at home. The social development of our students is a priority, reflected in our curriculum and our ongoing activities with St. Mary’s College. These collaborations provide additional opportunities to develop our young men, positioning them as leaders in the fight against gender inequality and any form of discrimination.
On Monday, July 22nd, a pupil-free day, ERC staff will join colleagues from across the NSW EREA network of schools for a professional development day focused on boys’ education. We will collaborate with our colleagues from St. Patrick’s College Strathfield, Christian Brothers College Lewisham, St Dominic’s College Penrith, Waverley College, St Edward’s College Gosford, and St Pius College Chatswood. Together, these schools educate over 8000 boys in the tradition of Blessed Edmund Rice. Our keynote speaker will be Mr. Ian Lilico, Executive Director of the Boys Forward Institute and one of the nation’s leading authorities on the education of boys.
As we continue the enrolment period for Year 7 into 2025 and 2026, I sincerely thank you for the positive feedback you share about your son’s experiences at ERC. The strong reputation of our College is a testament to your ongoing support and the partnership of aligned values that we share.
***
You may recall that in our first newsletter of this school year, I announced that the College had received approval for an Australian Government Capital Grant (CGP) of $5,684,004 for non-government schools to contribute to constructing a new Technology Centre.
I am now delighted to inform the community that Catholic Schools NSW (CSNSW), in its role as the NSW Catholic Block Grant Authority (CBGA), has recently advised that the Australian Government has accepted a recommendation to increase the overall grant amount to $10,758,039.
The additional capital grant funding will assist in undertaking future planned refurbishments and continue to ensure a contemporary learning environment for our students. The College, in collaboration with Edmund Rice Education Australia (EREA) and Catholic Schools NSW (CSNSW), is immensely grateful for the Australian Government’s support in future-proofing the ERC learning campus and enhancing student learning and career opportunities.
Warm regards,
Dr Gough
Acting Deputy Principal's Message
Over the next few weeks students across the school will be actively participating in a range of assessment activities. As I walk through the playground I hear many conversations about learning and indicators that the boys take very seriously the privilege of the education they are afforded here at ERC. I encourage you to talk to your sons about the opportunity that these tasks present to demonstrate their learnings over the past semester. Emphasising what students can do rather than what they may have had difficulty mastering is an important strategy in reducing stress or anxiety helping to build confidence in relation to their learning.
During this time it is important to
- Encourage your son to make sleep a priority – this will help to facilitate peak performance and reduce the number of errors resulting from being tired.
- Encourage them to make time for physical activity – exercise is known to elevate mood, improve sleep as well as reduce stress and anxiety.
- Encourage realistic expectations and positive self talk – unrealistic expectations can cause unnecessary stress, try to help your son to align his expectations with his goals. Semester exams provide a snapshot of where a student is at this moment in time and provide a measure of progress and point from which to measure future growth.
- Help them to get organised – check what assessment they have on, help them to make sure that their bags are packed and that they have all the necessary equipment. Congratulate them if they have everything organised and encourage them if they need a little extra help
- Offer reassurance – teenagers are incredibly perceptive when it comes to parental expectations, when they sense that you value their efforts and believe in them they are more likely to feel calm and confident as they approach a task. Remind them that you are proud of them, regardless of the result.
Most importantly help them to understand that stress can be a good thing. They are an indication that you care and in many cases a small amount of stress can contribute positively to peak performance. However, for those whose stress levels are slightly higher than most it is important to help them manage that stress using some of the strategies listed above.
Travel to and from school
A reminder that all students travelling on any form of public transport are required to tap on and tap off with a valid Opal card. Students are not permitted to use a siblings Opal card. Please see the letter here from Dion’s bus company.
Mrs Hughes
Acting College Deputy Principal
Student Learning
From the Director of Studies
HSC Minimum Standards Testing
We will be running the next round of HSC Minimum Standards Testing in Weeks 8 and 9 of this term. Test Sessions have been scheduled to be held on Thursday 20 June, Monday 24 June and Tuesday 25 June. Students required to sit these tests will be emailed regarding the venue and timing of their HSC Minimum Standards Test next week.
A reminder students can view their HSC Minimum Standards Test results by activating and accessing their Students Online Account.
Years 7-10 Semester 1 Examinations and Homework Club
Years 7-10 students are currently completing their Semester 1 Assessment tasks as per their Examination Timetable and Assessment Task Notifications.
It has been very pleasing to see many students taking advantage of the valuable opportunity to complete independent or group study sessions, and obtaining assistance from teachers where needed at Homework Club in the Narandah Learning Centre from 2:05-3:00pm each day. Students are busy preparing and revising their study notes in preparation for their assessments.
Please find below a link to some advice that may be of interest entitled ‘Unlocking Your Memory Potential: Overcoming Psychological Barriers’ provided through the College’s subscription to the Study Skills Handbook for all Edmund Rice College families.
Year 10 into 11 2025 Subject Selections
Following the Year 11 2025 Information Evening last week, our Year 10 students are currently selecting courses for Year 11 next year. A reminder that all Year 10 students are required to submit their subject selections by Monday 17 June.
In addition, a reminder to please use the link emailed to Year 10 Parents/Carers this week to book your son’s compulsory Year 10 into 11 Interview by Monday 24 June. These interviews will be held on Wednesday 24 July in the Br Pelin Hall from 2:30 – 6:30pm. The purpose of this meeting is to be informed of the College’s expectations of senior students and ensure all students commence Year 11 with a suitable pattern of study for success in Years 11 and 12 and beyond.
Please feel free to contact Heads of Department, our Careers Education Teacher, Mr. Garry Cajar, or myself for subject selection guidance or advice or if you have any questions.
Mrs Bell
Director of Studies
The Rice Bowl Podcast
Episode 4: “The Captain’s Log – Advocating Justice and Solidarity”
We are excited to announce the release of our fourth episode on The Rice Bowl – “The Captain’s Log: Advocating Justice and Solidarity.” This episode features an insightful conversation with our College Captain, Jack Wilson, and College Vice Captain, Patrick Sirianni.
In this episode, Jack and Patrick delve into their roles and the unique challenges they face as student leaders. They share their inspiring ambitions for creating a more inclusive and supportive College community whilst highlighting the importance of justice and solidarity amongst their peers.
Don’t miss out on this engaging episode! Be sure to tune in, and remember to share the podcast with friends and family. Your support helps us grow and reach a wider audience. Subscribe to The Rice Bowl on Spotify to stay updated on future episodes.
Episode 4 and others, can be listened to on Spotify via the this link:
Enjoy listening and remember to like, share and subscribe !
Mr Bonaccorso
Ethics Olympiad
On the 23rd of May (Thursday Week 4), our Year 10 and 9 students participated in the Ethics Olympiad, where they demonstrated their ethical acumen. The competition was comprised of 8 cases, such cases included: “Paying for History,” “#Sharenting,” “Happy to be alone,” and “The Morality of Evil Race in Fiction,” which served as the topics for ethical debates. Notably, five outstanding individuals, Rhys Barnes, Noel Joseph, Jaeden Soncy, Christiano Haddad, and Jonathan Bendeich, a Year 9 student, exhibited exceptional skill and teamwork in addressing various ethical dilemmas. The Olympiad provided a platform for students to showcase their ability to debate ethically, develop arguments, and work in a collaborative team. The judges, who joined us via Zoom from around the world, offered valuable feedback and insights. Under the guidance of instructors Mrs Hurley, Ms Shumack, and Ms Ndaria, the students’ participation led to a well-deserved recognition as the “Most Improved Team.” We extend our congratulations to the dedicated students and express our heartfelt gratitude to our instructors Ms Shumack, Mrs Hurley and Ms Ndaria for their invaluable support and guidance throughout this enriching experience for these students. Christiano Haddad (Year 10)
Emma Shumack
Enrichment Coordinator
English in the Spotlight
Shakespearean actors, film directors, and university lecturers have all been under the spotlight in English this term.
Our Year 12 Advanced and Standard English students spent a day at Sydney University attending lectures on HSC English texts. Joining around 2000 students from around Sydney, our boys gained valuable notes on the ideas embedded in the poems, films and novels they are studying. Hosted by the English Teacher’s Association, the series of HSC lectures also provided students with a taste of university life as they walked through the campus, and sat in large theatres with laptops and notepads busily taking notes as presenters spoke about the texts.
Actors from the Bell Shakespeare Company entertained Year 7 on Monday 3 June with an action-packed performance titled “Shakespeare is Dead”. The players explored key scenes and soliloquies, and analysed Shakespeare’s language, choices and themes all wrapped up in a fresh, modern narrative. The group of three actors were highly energetic and humorous, giving the youngest members of our College a wonderful introduction to one of the longest studied writers in the English language, but also one of the most challenging. Live performances such as these can help demystify Shakespeare and provide important information to students, building them with confidence for the complex yet engaging texts that lay ahead in the English course. As the Company demonstrated to us, despite ‘the bard’ being dead for some time, much of what he wrote about over 400 years ago, is still relevant today.
Finally, Australian film-director, producer and screenwriter Theodoris Platon shared his experiences of film making with our Year 10 students. Theodoris discussed how he used film techniques to craft The Lonely Spirits Variety Hour (which was nominated for an Innovation Award at 70th Melbourne International Film Festival) to enhance the narrative and emotive response of audiences. Theodoris’ practical skills enabled students to see how the medium of film is able to tell a powerful story through the careful consideration of camera, sound, lighting and editing.
Mrs Guest
Assistant Head of English
Year 12 English Studies Excursion to Novotel Wollongong
Last week, our Year 12 English Studies class were given the opportunity to visit the Novotel at Northbeach Wollongong. Thanks to the amazing staff in departments like Finance, Revenue, Human Resources, Reservations and Catering, our boys were given great insight to the runnings of a successful business and how communication plays a vital role in that success.
The College thanks and appreciates the team at Novotel Wollongong for offering this opportunity and we look forward to more shared experiences in the future.
Mr Forshaw
From the Director of Information Technologies & Innovation
Enhance Your Security with Two-Factor Authentication
Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) adds an extra layer of security to your online accounts by requiring two types of identification:
- something you know (password)
and
- something you have (a code sent to your phone).
Implementing 2FA helps protect your accounts from unauthorised access, even if your password is compromised. For detailed steps and additional information, visit the eSafety website.
To activate 2FA for the Parent TASS Application (TASS Parent Orbit), please go to: Edmund Rice College 2FA Account Link
Mr Sirianni
Director of Information Technologies & Innovation
Identity
Pastoral Care
From the Acting Director of Pastoral Care & Wellbeing
Wellbeing Survey 2024
As you would know students undertook the school’s Annual Wellbeing Survey last month. In the previous newsletter, we shared some results surrounding physical and social well-being and our students’ awareness of the support structures at the College. I am pleased to continue to share with you the data on our student’s mental well-being, as well as key research and the support networks available.
Research has shown that goal setting plays an important role in helping promote focus and aspiration. At ERC we are committed to helping the boys develop clear and achievable goals. Recently, these were made accessible to parents via TASS. I encourage you to talk regularly to your son(s) about his goals and help him to develop strategies to achieve these.
As we know, feeling stressed, anxious and/or worried is a normal reaction to challenging situations and environments. However, for some young people, this feeling sticks around a little longer than they would like. Headspace provides some valuable tips to help young people manage anxiety. For more information on how to support your son(‘s) mental well-being, please access this link.
Communication, honesty and respect are foundations of healthy relationships. Ensuring that consent is understood and obtained is evidence of the respect that people have towards each other, no matter the situation or circumstance. It is fantastic to see that over 99% of students at Edmund Rice College understand the concept of consent and can identify when/how it is granted. This link provides a detailed explanation of the importance of consent in education and why we, as a College, place great emphasis on it.
A strengths-based approach focuses on identifying an individual’s personality traits and characteristics that can best support their growth and development. Having a positive mindset and utilising personal strengths allows students to find creative ways of engaging with challenges that they may encounter on their academic journey. Over the last couple of years, students in Years 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12 at ERC have had the opportunity to identify their top five strengths through the MyStrengths program. As the data above indicates, our sons can identify their strengths and utilise them to show learning and growth in their choices. This link provides a student perspective on the value of a strengths-based approach in their own lives, both academically and personally.
Finally, the College seeks to support each member of the community to experience authentic spiritual formation opportunities for a Liberating education in connecting the heart of the touchstones to all learning experiences. Central to this is the Religious Education Programme. All students participate in these classes, organised with the guidance of the Head of Religious Education, The Identity Team and Pastoral Programs. Therefore it is pleasing to note the large percentage of students who value spiritual formation and participation in whole school assemblies, morning and daily prayer during admin and on Fridays in the Chapel, Form Liturgies, cultural days, feast days, reflection days, outdoor camps, Reconciliation Week, Founders Week, Retreats to name a few that offer all students and staff opportunities to renew and live their faith.
I also take this opportunity to remind parents of the College’s subscription to the My Strengths parenting courses, which are available to all our ERC parents free of charge. A link to these courses can be found here.
Mr Bates
Acting Director of Pastoral Care & Wellbeing
Year 10 Students at Edmund Rice Complete MyStrengths Program
Year 10 Students at Edmund Rice Complete MyStrengths Program
On Thursday, May 29th and Friday, May 30th, the Year 10 students at Edmund Rice College participated in the MyStrengths program. This unique initiative, led by Dan Hardie and his dedicated team, aims to redefine how teenagers perceive themselves by focusing on their strengths rather than their perceived weaknesses.
Dan Hardie, an experienced adolescent therapist with over 13 years of experience and a degree in counselling with a major in Positive Psychology, has worked with hundreds of teenagers. Throughout his career, he noticed a troubling trend: many young people identified themselves with negative labels such as “dumb,” “nerdy,” “bossy,” “too loud,” or “too quiet.” Realizing the damaging effects of these labels, Dan created MyStrengths to foster positive self-esteem and confidence among adolescents.
The MyStrengths program is built on a framework that helps young people reframe their self-perceptions. Instead of diagnosing what is wrong with individuals, MyStrengths focuses on identifying and celebrating what is right. This approach is crucial at a time when teen mental health is at a crisis point, offering a much-needed shift in perspective.
One of the key components of MyStrengths is its pioneering strengths-finder assessment, the world’s first designed specifically for teenagers. This tool, along with the school’s programs and staff workshops, equips students with the language and understanding to describe themselves positively and accurately. By peeling off the negative labels, the program replaces them with affirming, strengths-based descriptors.
Throughout the two-day program, Year 10 students engaged in various activities and assessments aimed at helping them recognize their unique strengths. The impact was profound, as students began to see themselves in a new light, fostering self-acceptance, confidence, and hope for the future.
Dan Hardie and the MyStrengths team envision a world where every young person genuinely likes themselves. The successful completion of this program at Edmund Rice College marks a significant step towards that vision, empowering our students with the tools they need to thrive both personally and academically.
As we reflect on the positive changes observed in our students, we extend our gratitude to the MyStrengths team for their invaluable contribution. We look forward to seeing the long-term benefits of this program as our students continue to grow and develop their strengths.
Mr Preeo and Mr Belsito
Year 10 Pastoral Care Coordinators
Sport
Edmund Rice College U/13s Rugby League Team Wins Southern Country Title
The U/13s Rugby League team from Edmund Rice College were victorious in the Southern Country Rugby League Championship, held on Wednesday, 5th June. Demonstrating skill, teamwork, and sportsmanship, the team played three games, emerging in each with dominant performances.
In their opening match, the boys faced Lumen Christi Catholic College and delivered an impressive 32-0 shutout. Their dominance was evident from the start, with organised plays and a solid defensive effort that kept their opponents scoreless. Captain, Lewis McCleod was recognised for his performance in this game, claiming player of the match honours.
The second game saw Edmund Rice take on St John’s Nowra. Maintaining their strong form, the team won decisively with a score of 28-4. The highlight of this game involved centre, Nate Ryan, crashing through St. John’s College’s defence, running 75 metres to score a spectacular try.
The final game of the day was another display of excellence, with Edmund Rice securing a 36-0 victory against Bateman’s Bay High School. This match was a testament to their unwavering defence and relentless offense, ensuring no points were conceded while steadily increasing their lead.
The success of the team is a direct result of their outstanding attitude on the day and their commitment to training leading up to the carnival. Each player contributed to the victories, showcasing the depth of talent and dedication within the squad.
As a result of their championship win, the Edmund Rice U/13s team will now advance to compete in the Country Cup titles in Wagga in early Term 3. This opportunity is a fitting reward for their dedication and achievements, and the team looks forward to continuing their successful run.
Coaches
Mr Marsh / Mr Meafou
NSWCCC Football Wollongong Champions
The NSWCCC Football Championships were held at Valentines Sport Park on Tuesday 28 & Wednesday 29th of May. The College was represented by Yoan Ciugureanu, Tzar Harb, Oliver Morgan, Alessandro Calmasini, Ryan Plumridge who were picked in the Diocesan Team and Mr Brendan Belsito who was the coach of the Wollongong team.
Wollongong dominated their pool stage by only conceding 1 goal, scoring 6 and winning all 4 of their games which progressed them into the final.
The Final for the Boys between Parramatta Gold and Wollongong was hard fought; however, Wollongong showed their class coming from 1-0 down to win 4-1 with Yoan Ciugureanu bagging a brace! Wollongong again proved why they were the form team in the Boys Championship for 2024.
Congratulations, boys and Mr Belsito!
Mr Timpano
Sports Coordinator
Community Announcements
Parents and Friends Association
Dear Parents and Carers,
Great Ready for an unforgettable evening of frosty fun and chilly challenges at the ERC P&F first ever Trivia Night – ‘Things That Make You Go Brrrr’
Join us for an exciting night of brain – teasing games and cool cash and prizes with a whole lot of laughter.
‘Team Up or Go Solo’ – Form a team with your friends or contact the P & F and we can allocate you to a team.
📅 Date: Saturday 24th August 2024
🕕 Time: Doors open 6pm
📍 Location: ERC Centre
💲 $20 Per Person or $200 a table of 10
🎟️ On Sale Thursday 6th June 9am – https://events.humanitix.com/erc-trivia-night-2024
🔞 Strictly Adults Only Event
What’s in store:
❄️ Fun Trivia & Games
❄️ Cash & Prizes
❄️ Dress Code and Table Theme – Embrace the theme in your best winter attire or anything that makes you go “Brrr”!
❄️ Let’s not forget Dancing
Tickets are limited so don’t miss out on a night of icy excitement and frosty fun!
We can’t wait to see you there and find out who will be crowned the ultimate trivia champion.
Stay Cool
ERC P & F Committee
News from the Canteen
The Canteen has recently introduced the following Flexischools Program to assist families in ordering their son’s lunch online. Parent are asked to complete online orders before 8:30am.
