Dear Parents and Carers,
Earlier this week, our College community gathered together for the first time in over twelve months for a full-school College Assembly. Usually, this would not be a newsworthy event that would commence a newsletter, but these are not regular times, as we know all too well. The unspoken anticipation and energy of the entire student body, as they gathered in the Edmund Rice Centre, was equally matched by their respectful attendance and responses to the relevant liturgy and presentations that were each underpinned by the theme and challenge for our young people to respond to the call of being a ‘Man of Honour.’ During this time, I asked that our students take the time to reflect within this Lenten period on their spiritual journeys and encouraged each student to strive towards making a meaningful difference within our local and broader community.
The College Assembly, along with the recent Year 8-11 Parent/Teacher interview opportunity, Parents and Friends (P&F) Annual General Meeting, and the Stage 4 Mathematics Parent Workshops, are each a timely reminder of how far we have all come together. Whilst I fully appreciate that we are still amongst the ever-changing COVID related conditions, I also wish to express my deep appreciation to the staff, students and parents across our College community for their conscientious response to the educational partnership we share.
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Following this week’s Annual General Meeting for the Parents and Friends (P&F) Association, we congratulate the following parents and carers who accepted the endorsed nominations as the 2022 P&F Committee:
Presidency (shared): Robert Tomasiello and Francis Fenech
Vice President: Katrina Sinclair
Treasurer: Martin Carolan
Secretary: Ainsley Eckermann
On behalf of the ERC community, I sincerely thank our P&F Committee for their strong commitment and ongoing generous support of our College community.
A reminder that all Year 7 parents and carers are warmly invited to attend tomorrow’s Welcome BBQ. This event is a valuable opportunity for our new parents and their families to gather and further establish supportive connections with other parents and carers within a social environment.
Year 7 Parent Welcome BBQ – Saturday 19th March, 2.00 pm – 5.00 pm, on the ERC grounds.
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The College Advisory Council recently met for the first time this year. The College Advisory Council is appointed by Edmund Rice Education Australia (EREA). The Council considers a diverse agenda including Mission and Vision, Strategic Improvement, Annual Plans, Annual Budget, Master Planning and Capital Development.
The Advisory Council is a wonderful strategic group for the College in continuing to ensure that ERC is an authentic Catholic School in the Edmund Rice tradition.
Thank you to each of the Council members, including Mr Chris Lyon (Chair), Mr David Chard, Ms Peta Renkin, Mr Michael Brannon, Mrs Belinda Hughes, Mr Matthew Hennessy, Mr Barry Formosa, and Mr Brendan Pearce.
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A reminder to parents and carers of Year 5 and Year 6 students that Year 7 2023 and 2024 applications are now being taken. Due to the current interest in ERC, the College has currently increased the availability of family tour bookings and staggered enrolment interviews. Current and prospective parents and carers are invited to access the College website for enrolment processes or to contact Ann Preston apreston@erc.nsw.edu.au directly, if you have any questions about the enrolment process.
Stephen Gough