ERC Newsletter - Week 8 Term 2 2023

Mount Sion Primary School in Waterford City, Ireland,
founded by Edmund Rice in 1802.

Dear parents and carers,

During the past fortnight, it has been heart warming with the number of students who have approached me throughout the school day to ask, “How was Ireland, Sir?” This question has then led to unplanned but engaging conversations with individuals and sometimes small groups of students about the authentic connection we each share in the gift of being a school community in the tradition of Edmund Rice. I shared with each of these students that I was fortunate to visit the site of Edmund’s very first school in Waterford, which was founded in 1802 (pictured above). However, the eventual success of this school, which then led to today’s legacy of over 200 schools in 26 countries, was informed by the hard learnings of the failure of Edmund’s original educational venture of a night school, only a block away from where the above photo was taken.

Edmund’s night school was held in a renovated horse stable for ‘street kids’ with six boys attending his first class. However, not long after this, he was overwhelmed by the number of boys seeking to learn. The original volunteers who agreed to assist Edmund walked out within days, and the eventually paid assistants also gave up shortly after. Despite the immense criticism that faced Edmund from the local neighbours and his business associates for even trying to assist young people in such a foolhardy venture – Edmund persisted.

Such an example of persistence is a strong message to each of our students during the end of this school semester. Whether it be our Year 7 students receiving their first-semester report or Year 12 students preparing for the challenge of the HSC Trials in the early weeks of next Term, the importance of persisting in the face of setbacks is vital to success. Blessed Edmund Rice teaches us that failing at something means we have more to learn. Without challenge and adversity, it is impossible to grow – to be better and stronger. Here, I also highlight the importance of the adults in the lives of our young people and the example we each show. Young people are looking to us for encouragement and reassurance. Young people don’t have the life experiences that we can call upon when things do not turn out as we wish, so remaining positive and hope-filled is an imperative example. The recent EREBB Congress has served to remind me that the core values of our College, as expressed through each of the Touchstones, demonstrate our commitment to the liberating formation of young people who are each grounded in the concept of social justice in preparation for them to make a positive difference to our world.

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I am very pleased to announce that the newly appointed Director of Studies is Mrs Jennifer Bell, commencing in Term 3. Mrs Bell comes to us with a wealth of senior leadership experience. She is the current Assistant Principal at St Joseph’s College, Albion Park and has previously held roles as Maths Coordinator and Curriculum Coordinator. During this time, I would like to sincerely thank Dr Gerry Sozio and Mr Frank Sirianni for the extra responsibilities and duties they have undertaken throughout this semester.

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I firmly believe in the importance of student voice and how integral the development of communication skills is to boys’ education. Whether it be through the written word of our recent assessment and exams, the increasing profile and success of the College public speaking and debating teams, this week’s opportunity for Year 8 students to engage with St. Mary’s, or the Ration Pack Challenge Fundraising and Refugee Advocacy activity – the myriad of opportunities for ERC student voice are each central to our College vision and mission. In thanking our generous teaching and support staff, and as we approach the final week of classes, I wish to congratulate all students on a very productive school Term and wish each of them a restful winter holiday.

Best wishes,
Stephen Gough
Principal