ERC Newsletter - Week 8 Term 1 2025

Dear Parents and Carers,

We have recently commenced some of the enrolment interviews for our future Year 7 cohorts. With the current demand for places at ERC, this process will continue well into next Term. It is always a wonderful part of my role to meet and hear from both new and current families as to the reasons for why they are choosing ERC for their son’s education. Time and again, parents speak of our strong academic reputation, our commitment to faith and values, and the well-rounded graduates we nurture.

These consistent reflections align with a recent research study confirming the lifelong benefits of a Catholic independent school education. Findings from the HILDA Survey show that Catholic school graduates are more likely to be employed, earn higher wages, and contribute to industries that serve the public. More importantly, they also report greater life satisfaction, better overall health, and a strong sense of community service, as well as being more willing to donate to worthy charities. These powerful outcomes reflect our holistic approach to an Edmund Rice education, which nurtures academic excellence, personal development, and faith-based values.

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NAPLAN assessments began last week and our students in Years 7 and 9 joined almost 1.3 million students who were expected to take the tests online in more than 9,400 schools and campuses across Australia.

I would like to commend all Year 7 and Year 9 ERC students for the diligent manner in which they have completed these online tests. The data from these tests will allow us the opportunity to see how these cohorts of students have progressed in both their literacy and numeracy knowledge and skills. While the College will receive preliminary NAPLAN data from June 2025, parents and carers will receive their child’s Individual Student Report from the start of Term 3.

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Following last week’s AGM, I am very pleased to announce the election of the 2025 Parents and Friends Association Committee:

President: Belinda Caruana Vice President: David McDonald

Treasurer: Elizabeth Simeoli Secretary: Rachel Nelson

In congratulating and thanking these generous parents, I sincerely thank our outgoing P&F President, Mrs Francis Fenech, for her wonderful service to the school community over many years. Francis’ farewell speech is included further in this newsletter.
I would like to also acknowledge the many parent volunteers who worked tirelessly in ensuring that last Saturday’s Year 7 Parent Welcome Barbeque was such a successful and welcoming community event. Thank you one and all.

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Together, the College students and staff are eagerly looking forward to celebrating our vibrant learning community at next Friday’s Founder’s Activity Day of fun. While there will be plenty of food and fun activities available, there is a growing excitement for the highly anticipated House chants which promises to be one of the highlights of the day’s celebration.

Best Wishes
Dr Stephen Gough

Next Friday, 28 March, is Founder’s Day Activities Day and we are very much looking forward to a day filled with lots of fun and house Spirit. A few reminders for the day

This day is compulsory for all students.
Parents/ Carers must give permission for attendance via TAS Portal.
Tokens, wristbands and pre-orders are available via the portal and will close on Wednesday evening.
Students in Years 7- 10 are required to wear their full Sports Uniform and are permitted to bring house colours to change into for the House Chant Competition.
Students in Years 11 and 12 are permitted to wear appropriate casual clothing in their house colours.

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From time to time the boys make choices that are not aligned to our College values and expectations. As a Catholic school we are committed to ensuring that our school is a safe and supportive community categorised by honesty, respect, compassion and justice.

Central to who we are as a school is the belief that every person is made in the image and likeness of God and therefore must be treated with dignity and respect at all times. This extends to those who serve our community as bus drivers, members of the maintenance team, teachers, support staff and each other. Furthermore, it extends to our environment and College property .

When things don’t go the way that we expect we value the opportunity to help our students gain a genuine understanding of the impact of their actions and make more positive choices for the future. We encourage the boys to speak up and sincerely thank those who do so in the interests of keeping all members of our community safe and ensure that they feel supported at all times. From time to time we hear that incidents are not reported for fear that things might become worse. I can assure you that when matters of concern are reported they are addressed immediately. Over the coming weeks I will share with you some strategies that might assist you in encouraging your son to report anything he sees, fears or feels is wrong.

Reframe the narrative – “Reporting isn’t snitching — it’s protecting.” Help him see that reporting is about keeping people safe, not about getting someone in trouble. You can say something like, “Standing up for someone who’s getting hurt isn’t snitching — it’s being strong enough to stop something wrong.”
Appeal to your son’s sense of justice – Most boys value fairness and justice. You may consider asking, “If that was your friend or sibling being bullied, would you want someone to step in?
Frame your son as a leader, not a follower – Boys often embrace the idea of being strong or influential. “Being a leader means doing what’s right, even when it’s hard.” “Most people stay quiet because they’re scared. It takes real courage to speak up.”

Boys can report any examples of behaviour that is disrespectful or unjust in a variety of ways They can report it to any teacher in person or confidentiality via email. Additionally, this year we have added an opportunity through our fortnightly Pulse survey to report anything that they have seen, heard or felt in the past fortnight. However, sometimes the people that they report to first are their parents. As with the boys, we are committed to maintaining parent confidentiality in the interests of maintaining a safe school environment, remember when considering whether or not to make contact with us, that ….

Boys don’t always speak up: Many boys stay silent out of fear, embarrassment, or the belief that nothing will change. Parents can be their voice when they can’t find theirs. We encourage all parents to contact the relevant teachers and pastoral coordinators if you have any concerns at all.
Reporting creates a safer environment for everyone in our community: Reporting helps us track patterns of behavior and step in before things escalate, protecting not only your son but all the boys in our community.
It teaches the boys that speaking up is brave: When parents report bullying, it models courage and compassion — showing the boys that standing up for what’s right isn’t “snitching” but an act of strength.
Schools need full visibility: Sometimes, teachers and staff may not witness the bullying. Parent reports ensure that we get the full picture and can respond appropriately.
You are not overreacting — you’re advocating: If your child feels unsafe or unhappy, reporting ensures the problem is acknowledged and addressed.

Mrs Hughes
Deputy Principal

Identity

Attending the International Women’s Day (IWD) Lunch was an incredibly enlightening and humbling experience. As ERC Volunteer helpers, our role involved welcoming guests and assisting with the online raffle ticket sales. While these responsibilities were rewarding in themselves, the true privilege was being part of an event that celebrated female empowerment and resilience.

One of the most impactful moments of the day was hearing from Rosie Batty, the 2015 Australian of the Year. Rosie’s story is one of unimaginable tragedy – she lost her son, Luke, to domestic violence. However, rather than allowing this devastating event to define her, she became a powerful advocate for women’s empowerment and domestic violence awareness. Her strength and determination to create change was truly inspiring.

I was especially fortunate to speak with Rosie Batty at the conclusion of the event. Despite everything she has endured, she remains incredibly humble, kind, and passionate. Her words resonated deeply with everyone in the room, leaving a lasting impact on all who attended.

The IWD Lunch was not only a celebration of women but also a powerful reminder of the importance of advocacy, resilience, and supporting one another. It was an honour to be part of such an incredible event.

Nicholas Aivaliotis (Year 11)

On Friday the 7th of March, 10 students from Years 11 and 12 volunteered at the International Women’s Day Illawarra Luncheon at the Illawarra Entertainment Centre. Accompanied by a group of St Mary’s students, they played a pivotal role in ensuring the day ran smoothly while also gaining meaningful experiences and learning valuable lessons. Their day began by warmly welcoming guests at the front doors and guiding them to the luncheon. After this they had the opportunity to listen to inspiring speakers before they then assisted with the selling of raffle tickets and participation in the silent auction.

Students witnessed the presentation of various awards recognising women’s diverse and outstanding achievements and contributions to society and had the extremely valuable opportunity to listen to guest speaker Rosie Batty and her heartbreaking but powerful story. This was not only eye opening but was also extremely and deeply impactful, broadening their understanding of the world, society and the diverse human experience. One student reflected; “The day, especially Rosie Batty’s story, really changed me as a person and taught me lessons I might not have learnt otherwise”.

Overall, the event was a huge success, allowing students to represent their school and give back to the community while also gaining invaluable insights, motivation and life lessons that will stay present to them long into the future while recognising the women in our society.

Oliver Hasham (Year 11)

Student Learning

Last week, our Year 11 Visual Arts students embarked on an unforgettable three-day art camp at the Bundanon Trust, immersing themselves in the inspiring landscapes that fuelled the work of renowned Australian artist Arthur Boyd.

Upon arrival, students were welcomed to the historic Homestead, the former residence of Boyd’s family. Walking through the house, they gained insight into his lifelong passion for art, particularly his deep connection to the Australian landscape. The tour also provided a unique opportunity to see his personal studio spaces and understand the influences that shaped his iconic works.

After the tour, students enjoyed a scenic lunch before settling into the Education Centre, where they spent the next few days creating their own artworks. The afternoon was filled with hands-on art making activities designed to capture the natural beauty surrounding them. Inspired by the rugged terrain and serene waterways, students experimented with various techniques, including delicate ink drawings by the creek, expressive charcoal studies of trees, and vibrant acrylic paintings of the river.

This immersive experience allowed students to explore new media, refine their artistic skills, and develop a deeper appreciation for the Australian landscape—just as Boyd once did. The camp was a perfect blend of learning, creativity, and connection with nature, leaving everyone inspired and eager to bring these new ideas into their future artmaking.

In the evenings, the students attended two artmaking workshops. The night photography session facilitated by Ms Costello explored the beauty of landscapes under the stars, using slow shutter speeds to capture light trails and reflections, transforming the landscape into ethereal compositions. The second workshop facilitated by Mrs Copas focused on collaborative creativity, where a group worked together on a large paper scroll using mixed media—inks, charcoals, and pastels—to create a dynamic, layered piece. The teamwork and shared artistic vision fostered a sense of connection and spontaneity, making both workshops a perfect blend of technical skill-building and creative exploration.

The students are to be congratulated on their engagement, positivity and overall enthusiasm over the three days. This exciting and unique opportunity will continue to be offered as part of the Year 11 Visual Arts Program in future years.

We look forward to seeing how this experience influences their work throughout the year!

Quotes from students:

“Year 11 camp was an amazing experience that I would happily do again if given the chance. The opportunity let me explore other techniques and mediums I otherwise wouldn’t have pursued. The late night talks with friends and even teachers helped improve relationships, and the free time before dinner was a much-needed rest for many of the boys.” Brodie Kelly

The Year 11 Visual Arts Camp was a fun and engaging camp. It taught me to expand on my knowledge of drawing and painting and to use my skills to my full potential whilst teaching me about Arthur Boyd. The Bundanon crew taught us about how to paint and draw the landscapes we could see, we were engaged and they wanted to help us out. The teachers also engaged within the workshops using their skills to make amazing artworks. It also taught me to admire nature all around, and to use different techniques to draw and paint the different natural shapes of the environment around. Alex Zachristos

I had an exhilarating time at the camp. I got to connect with peers and talk about life on a more personal level. I also got the chance to fully realise my skill with specific mediums. Also meeting new people that all share a passion for art making. Overall, I believe the camp was a great experience. Charlie Bucukovski

Mrs Copas

1 Unit Year 11 Film Studies Incursion

On Monday, 17th March, Year 11 Film Studies students engaged in an exclusive workshop with acclaimed film industry professional, Mrs Jasmin Tarasin. Recognised as one of the top five directors globally for her commercial work, Mrs Tarasin is a leading figure in the Australian film and television industry. Her extensive portfolio includes documentary, drama, commercial, video installation, and music video genres. Notable works include the award-winning documentary series The Closet Tales, commissioned by SBS, and Utopia Girls for ABC1.

The incursion provided students with an invaluable opportunity to learn from an industry expert, gaining firsthand insights into the art of storytelling and visual composition. During the day, students watched and discussed Mrs Tarasin’s renowned ‘Milo’ TV commercial, exploring its narrative structure and visual techniques. They then developed storylines for their own commercials, emphasising character development and brand messaging. Students engaged in an interactive session to understand how camera positioning and movement influence storytelling and applied their learning by creating a camera animatic draft film clip for their planned commercials, followed by constructive analysis for refinement and improvement.

The workshop provided an immersive, hands-on experience, allowing students to gain insight into the professional journey of a highly successful film director. It was exciting that the students received industry-relevant advice for pursuing a career in film and television. We are grateful that Mrs Jasmin Tarasin led an inspiring and educational experience, allowing the students the opportunity to work closely with a director of such calibre.

Mrs Rampe

1 Unit Year 11 Ceramics Incursion

On Monday, 17th March, Year 11 1 Unit Ceramics participated in their highly anticipated annual incursion workshop, led by Mr Tognetti. This hands-on experience provided students with an immersive opportunity to refine their ceramic skills and develop their own artmaking practice.

The incursion began with a focus on slab-building techniques, where students rolled out large clay slabs, cut them into various shapes, and meticulously moulded them into functional rectangular serving platters. Building on these foundational skills, the students were then introduced to the science of clay, exploring its industrial and artistic applications. The day then transitioned into a pottery wheel demonstration, where students received instruction on throwing clay and crafting bowls. Some students displayed a natural talent, quickly mastering the delicate techniques required for wheel-throwing.

The students then applied finishing touches to their ceramic pieces. Their platters and coiled bowls were refined with sculptural feet, carved decorations, and intricate designs, preparing them for glazing and firing in the kiln.

The Ceramic Incursion proved to be a valuable and enriching experience, allowing students to fully immerse themselves in ceramic-making for an extended period. This workshop not only enhanced their technical abilities but also fostered a deeper appreciation for the art and science of ceramics.

Mr Tognetti

Pastoral Care

The past two weeks have been busy and productive, focusing on student wellbeing and engagement.

Pastoral Focus: We’ve been reinforcing students’ rights and responsibilities, encouraging them to reflect on their roles within our community.

Wellbeing Check-ins: Our fortnightly Pulse Surveys continue to provide valuable insights into student wellbeing, learning engagement, peer connections, and how they’re managing assessments and homework.

Celebrating Success: Stage Assemblies have been held to acknowledge and celebrate student achievements and participation in extracurricular activities.

NAPLAN Success: We commend our students for their excellent application and cooperation during the recent NAPLAN testing, especially given the challenging heat. It was great to see everyone prepared with fully charged devices!

Important Presentations:

Year 9: Received Counselling Presentations covering crucial topics related to our pastoral program and community values.
Year 10: Explored “My Choices” and received detailed information regarding their upcoming Outdoor Camp to Bungonia and Morton National Park in Term 2.
Year 12: Listened to Darby Maguire speak about pushing personal boundaries and received a vital presentation from Wollongong Highway Patrol on Driver and Traffic Safety.

Founder’s Fun Day Activities (Friday, 28 March): We’re excited to announce our Founder’s Fun Day Activities! To enhance house spirit and prepare for the Athletics Carnival, we’ve moved some Founder’s Week events to next Friday, 28 March. This will be a fantastic opportunity for students to connect and enjoy themselves.

Supporting Our Students: We remain committed to identifying and addressing student concerns, providing support, strategies, and encouragement. We also strive to offer diverse opportunities for students to engage and participate in College life.

Welcome BBQ Success: A huge thank you to the P&F for organizing the successful Welcome BBQ last weekend. Despite the heat, it was wonderful to see new and existing families connect and build community.

Mr Bates
Acting Director of Pastoral Care & Wellbeing

Recently, students in Years 11 and 12 had the privilege of listening to Darby Maguire, an ultramarathon runner who raises money for Mental Health Initiatives that support young adult males. As a 21 year old currently studying to become a teacher, Darby highlighted the need for young men to support one another and push themselves to achieve their very best.

Below are some student reflections of the presentation:

Darby Maguire’s presentation in our Stage Six assembly was a motivating speech that showed us that success isn’t just about talent or special gifts, but rather about putting in effort and believing in yourself. Darby shared his experience of running over 900 km in 15 days from Coolangatta to Cronulla to encourage us to push past challenges, step outside our comfort zones, and keep working toward goals, even when things feel impossible. His run raised over $40,000 for Find Ya Feet, a mental health charity very close to him, showing how dedication and resilience can create real change. Darby highlighted the importance of setting unachievable goals that you may never think you can achieve, highlighting the fact that trying and failing is a way greater achievement than not trying at all. Another message he shared was that being a good person and striving to improve yourself doesn’t just benefit you, it also positively impacts those around you. His words reminded us that anyone can achieve great things with the right mindset, and that determination and selflessness go a long way in making a difference. (Digby Woods – Year 12)

After listening to Darby Maguire’s presentation this week, conversation amongst Year 11 and 12 students have focused on being ‘capable’. I’ve heard it in class and on the oval; because if there was one thing Darby wanted us to take away from the experience, it was that to achieve almost ‘unachievable goals’, you do not need to be gifted or special, but capable. His presentation was both inspiring and humbling as while we were sitting in our seats listening, he recounted his story of running from Coolangatta to Cronulla in just 15 days, raising $40,000 towards an organisation ‘Find Ya Feet.’ To make this more special I, and a few other boys from our cohort, have been involved with Tommy Herschell’s ‘Find Ya Feet’ through our Surf Life Saving Clubs and it was seriously incredible to hear that Darby’s efforts and fundraising were going towards such an important mission. (Nicholas Aivaliotis – Year 11)

Mr Forshaw
Year 12 Pastoral Care Coordinator

Sport

Diocesan Touch Football

On Thursday 6 March, 5 teams from Edmund Rice College, competed at the Diocesan Touch football Carnival. The students showed great teamwork skills, linking up to gain their teams valuable meters and tries. A high level of sportsmanship was shown by all and a great representation of the Colleges values.

Diocesan Selection – Congratulations to the following students for gaining selection in the Wollongong Diocesan Team:

U15’s – Samuel McMahon, Sonny Wheeler, William Morrison, Nash Ferguson
Opens – Fletcher Couchman, Cooper Morrison, Flynn O’Mara (Shadow – Jeremy Packer)

U13’s

The 13’s started in dominant fashion with a 6-0 victory in their opening match, quickly finding their rhythm. The boys remained undefeated, winning all nine of their games, demonstrating resilience even after losing Harley Schultz following the fourth match. Despite having to adjust their regular positions, they maintained composure and continued to perform at a high level. There were many highlights from all players, here were a few, Sean’s precise cut-out passes, Carter’s blistering speed on the wing, Brody’s athletic finishes, and Jack’s impressive endurance in multiple positions. It was a fantastic team effort from all players.

Team Members: Zaine Beath, Jack Calcraft, Harry Fletcher, Jack Kauter, Sean Manson, Brody Norrie, Carter O’ Loughlin, Riley Perry, Texas Pike, Harley Schulze, Harry Thomson

Coach: Mr McBriarty

U15-1’s

The 15-1 team started the day with a convincing 5-0 win. The next 2 games saw us put to the tests with the team going down by 1 try. The following 6 games the boys came together and scored an amazing 23 tries. Led by Sam McMahon, the boys showed some great skills and came up with some spectacular plays throughout the day. The team ended up coming 3rd overall.

Team Members: Samuel McMahon, Talan Nicholson, Sonny Wheeler, William Morrison, Cruz Coleiro, Blair Stanton, Nash Ferguson, Ayden Celebi, Lachlan Mason, Hunter Barrett.

Coach-Kylie Timmins

U15-2’s

Under 15-2’s team demonstrated impressive skills and unwavering sportsmanship throughout the tournament. Despite facing tough competition, the team maintained a positive attitude and never gave up, embodying the true spirit of the College. Their dedication and teamwork were evident in every game, making both the College and their families proud.

Team members: Lachlan Heyman, Jacob Austin, Alexander Sjostedt, Nate Russell, Finbar Virgona, Ben Hegyi, Ryan Davison, Liam Weaver, George Griffin, Sonny Cooper, Hunter Johnston, Bede O’Donnell

Coach – Mr Mitchell

Opens-1’s

The Open’s team had a successful tournament, undefeated until the final game, the boys fell just short losing 2-0 to the winner on the day, Corpus Christi.

Proud Coach, Kris Sjostedt, was impressed with the boys attitude and sportsmanship on the day. They set the standard for the younger boys to follow and represented their College with distinction.

Team Members: Ruben Mayers, Fletcher Couchman, Tyler Tagliapietra, Creighton Meafou, Archie Wheeler, Khye Forrester, Cooper Morrison, Flynn O’Mara, Izak McMurtrie, Cooper Brown

Opens-2’s

Eight games of competitive Touch Football in a day with only Eight players in a team is a hard task. These young men didn’t shy away from the challenge, they relished it. Finishing the day with 4 wins, 3 losses and a tie, our Opens 2’s team set a foundation for what will no doubt be a formidable team next year.

Team Members: Max Russell, Brodee Green, Leon Ennor, Finn Ardita, Peter Pantsos, Nash Weaver, Calix Langton, Tex Anderson

Coach – Mr Sullivan

On Monday 10 March, 19 students represented Edmund Rice College at the 2025 Diocesan Swimming Championships.

2025 College Swim Team: Riley Anthes, Callum Ardita, Jayden Beaumont Josh Beaumont, Cameron Browne, Taj Caldwell, Nash Hawkins, Oliver Johnson, Max Miller, Darcy Norris, Tom Pogson, Drew Potter, Jye Prem, Sebastian Rodwell, Harley Schulze, Jake Schulze, Darcy Stepanovski, Beau Thompson and Jayden Washbourne competed in a number of individual and relay events and were successful in achieving Boys Champion School; a massive 428 points in front of the second place school.

The absolute dominance by the College swim team was clear with Edmund Rice winning all 7 relay events by our Junior, Intermediate, Senior and All Age Teams. Individually, the boys received a massive 43 placings (22-1st, 11-2nd and 10-3rd places). This is double the placings of last year and have cemented ERC in the record books for these incredible achievements.

Congratulations to the following Age Champion Results:

Harley Schulze – 1st place 12 years age Champion
Beau Thomson- 1st place 13 years age Champion
Jake Schulze – 1st place 14 years age Champion
Nash Hawkins- 2nd place 12 years age Champion
Jye Prem – 2nd place 15 years age Champion
Oliver Johnson – 3rd place 16 years age Champion

Records

Nash Hawkins- New Record for 12 Years 50m Breaststroke with 37.44

A special mention to year 12 students Jayden Beaumont, Darcy Norris, Tom Pogson and Jayden Washbourne who have represented ERC over the last 6 years and have worn the ERC cap for the last time. Thank you for your leadership, you have been an asset to the Edmund Rice Swim team.

The following students were selected to represent the Wollongong Diocese at the CCC Carnival: Riley Anthes, Callum Ardita, Jayden Beaumont, Josh Beaumont, Nash Hawkins, Oliver Johnson, Max Miller, Darcy Norris, Tom Pogson, Jye Prem, Jake Schulze, Darcy Stepanovski, Beau Thompson and Jayden Washbourne

Tienelle Anderson
ERC Swim Manager

Community Announcements

2025 UOW Summer Masterclass
Over 200 students from 57 high schools completed the UOW summer master class, in 9 subject areas, during the first 3 weeks of January.

Amazing to think that 7 of our year 12 cohort gave up 3 weeks of their holidays to complete this extremely advantageous course. Even more amazing were the results: 5 high distinction and 2 distinctions.

By completing Summer Master Class students were able to:
• Complete one subject, 6 credit points, of the chosen first year degree (48 Credit points) at half of the normal cost.
• Are now a registered UOW student allowing access to the campus facilities.
• Experienced, first – hand, what it would be like to be a full time UOW student.

I would like to acknowledge and congratulate all our participating students (Pictured), from left: Daniel Conte, Xuren Fei, Jamie Dimovski, Ali Hadi, Alex Bowhay, George Newell, Thomas Hicks.

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UOW helping parents support students through Year 12 & beyond

https://mkto.uow.edu.au/DOMUGWEB20253434FutureTalk2025_Registration.html

Year 12 can be a stressful time—not just for students, but for their families and carers too. Making big post-school decisions can feel overwhelming This session is designed to provide clarity, support, and practical advice to help navigate this important year with confidence.

You will gain insights on:

How to support students through the HSC
The challenges they may face—and how you can help
UOW degrees, programs, and study options
Financial considerations for families, including scholarships, budgeting, accommodation, and moving away from home
Navigating higher education pathways and the evolving world of work
Understanding university jargon and demystifying the application process
Key industry trends shaping the job market
Connecting with other parents going through the same journey
UOW’s support services for a smooth transition to university
Practical advice on Early Admission, UAC, and university applications
A chance to ask questions in a friendly, supportive environment

Plus, you will receive regular emails packed with tips, resources, and expert advice to help you and your son feel prepared for Year 12 and beyond.

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Please access the Careers Website: which provides the latest information to help students make decisions about their future careers and life beyond school.

Go to erccareers.com
Then to important information
Click on to School Careers newsletter

Mr Cajar
Careers Advisor

EDMUND RICE COLLEGE CALENDAR 2025

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TERM DATES 2025

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PROCEDURES FOR PARENTS / CARERS

Parent Appointments

As a College we respectfully request that any parent wishing to discuss a matter of concern with a member of staff contacts the relevant staff member via email or via telephone through the College Office and requests an appointment. Staff members will get back to you at their earliest convenience. Parents presenting at the College Office may be asked to make an appointment and return at a mutually convenient time. For specific information about who to contact please refer to your son’s diary on pages 6, 7, 30 and 31.

Collecting your son from school

A reminder to all families that should a circumstance arise where you need to collect your son from school before the end of the school day we require you to come to the College Office. Students will not be permitted to walk to the carpark or the street to be collected. If they leave to attend a pre-arranged appointment we request that this is communicated to the College Office in writing via note or email. If you wish to have someone collect your son that is not currently listed on TASS then you will be required to communicate this clearly in writing, you will also receive a call to verify that you did in fact authorise this arrangement. All students arriving late or departing early are required to sign in and out through the Student Office.

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Change in Student/Family Circumstances/Contact Information/Medical Conditions

If any change has occurred/occurs in your family – separation, divorce, serious illness, the College should be notified as soon as possible. The College seeks to be supportive of families in such circumstances and such events always have a bearing on a child’s education. Likewise, a change of address, email or phone number (work, home or mobile) or emergency contact should be advised immediately.

If your son suffers from a medical condition it is vital that you inform the office of his condition and what treatment is required in an emergency. An emergency management plan must be developed for any students with serious conditions.

Please verify all information via the TASS Parent Lounge.

Contents

Principal's Message

Deputy Principal's Message

Identity

Hope Events in our Community

CSL OPPORTUNITY: THE GREAT ILLAWARRA WALK

CSL OPPORTUNITY: INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY

Student Learning

From the Director of Learning & Teaching

Curriculum Updates from the Director of Studies

Shape Exhibition 2025 - Sydney

Year 12 Hospitality Shines at the Lady Mayoress Afternoon Tea

ArtExpress Excursion

Vuong Pham Incursion

Year 11 Art Camp

Year 11 Film and Ceramics Incursions

Art Clubs

Premier's Reading Challenge

The Rice Bowl Episode 12-The Relevance of Founder’s Day: with Mrs Judith Hurley

🎶 Final Call: Battle of the Bands – Founder’s Day Showdown! 🎶

Pastoral Care

From the Acting Director of Pastoral Care & Wellbeing

Stage 6 Presentation - Darby Maguire

Sport

NSWCCC Golf - Zac Oyston

Diocesan Touch Championships

Diocesan Swimming Carnival

Year 10 Bouldering

ERC Students Tee Off with the Pros at the NSW Women’s Golf Open!

Community Announcements

Careers Newsletter

Parents & Friends Association

Notices