Dear Parents and Carers,
In keeping our HSC students in our thoughts, we pray that they move through this next period with the same confidence they have shown throughout these past years.
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Congratulations to the following students for representing the ERC community with distinction this week:
- Reuben Grundy and Cameron Banner for presenting ERC’s sustainability initiatives at the Catholic Earthcare Youth Summit.
- Balunn Simon and Elijah Hurley who both attended St Francis Xavier Cathedral for the opening and blessing of the Garden of Remembrance in memory of those who have given their lives in the service of the nation.
- Rhys Barnes who has made it to the Semi-Finals of the very prestigious UN Voice of Youth Public Speaking Competition
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Earlier this week, I shared with staff the strong affirmations from the external panel that conducted our recent EREA School Renewal process. I am pleased to inform you of the panel’s acknowledgment of how faithful our College is to the Charter for Catholic Schools in the Edmund Rice Tradition and the quality of stewardship endorsed in our College to provide students with the best of possible learning opportunities. I was particularly pleased with how an online survey effectively captured student voice and was then reinforced through a range of community focus group interviews. Please see below a selection of the panel’s commendations under each of the Touchstones for your review.
Liberating Education:
1.1 Teacher Qualities
Students surveyed indicated that they feel very supported by their teachers in their learning experiences. They overwhelmingly describe their teachers as helpful and encouraging (91% often/always) and extremely committed (92% often/always) to their teaching practice. An exceptionally high proportion of students responded that their teachers were knowledgeable (99.7%). Focus Groups confirmed that teachers were committed to clearly explaining the purpose of a task or lesson, demonstrating required skills and showing a completed product or object.
1.2 Creative and Challenging Lessons
A significant number of students surveyed indicated that they feel inspired by their lessons because they encounter tasks that are creative (92%), appropriately challenging (98%), and that their teachers vary lessons to increase student engagement (94%). Students appreciate that they have a voice in their learning activities and that tasks are regularly negotiated and inclusive of their input (91%). Focus Groups confirmed that student choice, group work, healthy competition, role play and movement were important motivators for students.
1.6 Student Pathways
The College ensures that students of all levels of ability can experience success through a range of academic and vocational pathways. Over the last five years, HSC results have consistently trended upwards, with the percentage of students gaining entry into University increasing. In addition, the College enjoys an enviable reputation for providing quality candidates for apprenticeships in a range of fields. Parents and employers value the quality of teaching and learning in the College’s Trade Training Centre.
Gospel Spirituality:
2.3 Gospel Values
Students surveyed expressed they have regularly seen or experienced the Gospel values being lived out in the school via the modelling of compassion and understanding (95%) and also the respect shown to people of diverse cultures and faith (97%). A very high number of students (90%) consider the College as a place of forgiveness where they are treated as unique, and life is celebrated in a joyful way. Focus groups confirmed that Gospel values were embedded in Religious Education and Catholic Studies classes and that scripture was brought to life through active service programs. Staff believe the lived experience of Gospel values is having a direct impact on how College graduates are making a positive impact.
Inclusive Community:
3.1 Welcoming and Caring Relationships
Students surveyed strongly agree that there is a culture of welcoming and friendly relationships within the school community (98%). They feel cared for and value the open and respectful relationships nurtured at the college and in the broader community (95% +). Focus groups confirmed that there is a sense of mateship and brotherhood in the community; that amidst diversity, there is a feeling of connection; that different people bring a range of gifts to the community; and that open communication and compassion are present within relationships.
Justice and Solidarity:
4.3 Justice as a Priority.
Students named the recognition and celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples (99%) and initiatives that promote care for the Earth as strong indicators that the school prioritises justice issues (98%). Over 95% of students feel supported to take action to change things that are unjust and to stand with people who experience exclusion. They also strongly believe their school offers a hope-filled outlook to the community. Focus groups confirmed that an understanding of cultures is vital to providing appropriate support and that immersions and field trips are essential.
These panel commendations are a strong vote of confidence in our College being true to each of the Touchstones and the charism of Blessed Edmund Rice. We look forward to the finalised report, which will provide key directions in our strategic planning for both 2022 and beyond.
Stephen Gough
Principal
