Principal's Message
Dear parents and carers,
Thank you to the many fathers, grandfathers, and father figures who were able to join us last week for the Annual Parents and Friends Father’s Day Breakfast. It was a fantastic atmosphere and a wonderful way to celebrate as a community. The College thanks the dedicated Parents and Friends committee for orchestrating yet another welcoming event.
While honouring those fathers and father figures, both living and deceased, we offer our prayers of thanksgiving to St Joseph, the father of the Holy Family, as they continue to guide and inspire us.
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As we approach next week’s Year 12 Graduation celebrations, I commend Year 12 for how they continue to apply themselves during each day and each remaining lesson. Students are currently using the feedback from their results of the recent HSC Trial examinations to maximise their learning in the remaining weeks leading to their HSC examinations next Term. The consistent and steady example of our senior students to the younger boys in our College is a testament to their commitment to striving for excellence across all subject areas. In this way, I would like to congratulate those students who have recently completed their HSC major work projects and final performances. The outstanding quality of the recent Visual Arts and Music HSC Exhibition was an authentic example of a liberating education in action. Thank you to every member of the Creative and Performing Arts Team, under the guidance of Ms Mary Costello, for your hard work and generosity in holding this community event.
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The recent ‘pinning of the badges’ at last week’s whole-school assembly was a meaningful symbol of the invaluable partnership between parents and schools in educating our young people. Throughout the school year, many opportunities allow ERC parents and carers to engage in person as active members of our College community. First-time visitors to the College often comment on the respectful manner in which ERC students generally conduct themselves.
It is always worth reminding ourselves of the importance of high-quality supportive relationships between parents and teachers and how this is a key to the success of an individual student’s academic engagement across a school year.
Best wishes,
Stephen Gough
Identity
From the Director of Identity
Season of Creation
As part of the whole Christian church, as spring unfolds in the southern hemisphere and autumn in the northern hemisphere, we are drawn into the Season of Creation. “Let Justice and Peace Flow” is the theme of this year’s ecumenical Season of Creation, inspired by the words of the prophet Amos: “Let justice flow on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream” (5:24). Pope Francis writes:
“The evocative image used by Amos speaks to us of what God desires. God wants justice to reign; it is as essential to our life as God’s children made in his likeness as water is essential for our physical survival. This justice must flow forth wherever it is needed, neither remaining hidden deep beneath the ground nor vanishing like water that evaporates before it can bring sustenance. God wants everyone to strive to be just in every situation, to live according to his laws and thus to enable life to flourish. When we “seek first the kingdom of God” (Mt 6:33), maintaining a right relationship with God, humanity and nature, then justice and peace can flow like a never-failing stream of pure water, nourishing humanity and all creatures.”
Perhaps we can all consider how we are caring for God’s earth and the most vulnerable who are at the mercy of the acceleration of climate change. The challenge: what is one thing that you can do to be more sustainable in your own life?
Mrs Hurley
Director of Identity
Student Learning
Creative Arts, Learning & Teaching 8 Sep 2023
The Stage Band Strikes a Chord with Local Primary Schools
Learn moreCreative Arts, Learning & Teaching 8 Sep 2023
Year 9 Visual Design Aisle6ix Screen Printing Company Visit
Learn morePastoral Care
From the Director of Pastoral Care & Wellbeing
R U OK is annual campaign born from the lived experience of Gavin Larkin, whose father died by suicide. Gavin was a passionate champion for the fact that a conversation could change a life. He advocated for building both the confidence and skills to equip people with the ability to have a genuine conversation beginning with asking R U OK?
R U OK undertook research to understand what a meaningful R U OK? conversation looks like for Australians in 2023, identifying three key elements:
- Trust: Australians need to know the person they speak to is someone they trust, and, for many, someone they are close to.
- Authenticity: Australians want to know the person asking them genuinely wants to hear the answer.
- Environment: Australians prefer to have these conversations in a private space with enough time to share what they want to say.
By taking the time for an R U OK? conversation and genuinely listening with an open mind, we can all help the people in our community feel supported and connected.
Next week will have a four day focus on the importance of this conversation, with a particular focus on how to have these conversations during our Pastoral Lessons on Tuesday. Throughout the week we will have a range of lunchtime activities that provide opportunities for connection, which is the foundation of all good conversations. These activities will include;
- Monday Lunchtime Yoga in the ERC
- Tuesday Recess Biscuit decorating in the Senior Cola
- Wednesday Wellbeing Trivia in the Narandha Learning Centre (Library)
- Thursday – Staff and students are asked to wear something yellow to mark the day and make a Gold coin donation for the R U OK charity. Our hope is to replicate the R U OK Day, to raise both awareness as well as funds to support the organisation.
Mrs Hughes
Director of Pastoral Care & Wellbeing
Sport
Upcoming Events
Music Class Spotlight: Year 10 Music’s Outdoor Concert Extravaganza!
I am thrilled to announce the Year 10’s Outdoor Concert in the Covered Outdoor Learning Area (COLA) on Wednesday, September 20th during Recess 2. The air is buzzing with excitement as our talented students gear up to showcase their musical prowess in a stunning afternoon of performances.
The Year 10 Music class has been hard at work perfecting their individual and group items and the concert promises a diverse range of musical genres and instruments, ensuring an unforgettable experience for those who attend.
From soulful solo ballads to energetic group ensembles, the audience can expect a captivating journey through different musical styles. The students have poured their passion and creativity into their performances, aiming to create an immersive and entertaining show.
The outdoor venue adds a touch of magic to the event, as the crisp September air and the natural surroundings provide the perfect backdrop for the musical talents of our students to shine. Students are invited to come together to support and celebrate the hard work and dedication that the Year 10 Music class has put into preparing for this special event.
Mr Bonaccorso
Music Teacher
Community Announcements
Parents and Friends Committee
Father’s Day Breakfast
The Parents and Friends would like to thank everyone that attended the Father’s Day Breakfast and donating to The Barstool Brothers.
A very big thank you to all our helpers, Rob & Anna Tomasiello, Francis Fenech, Katrina Sinclair, Ainsley Eckermann, Stacey Elston, Afaf Mekhaael, Michael Jennett, Fiona Carolan, Kathy & Tom Hicks, Jenny Jancetic. Rebecca Browne, Antoinette Frendo, Helen, and Angelo Zachristos, a Thank you to the Lachlan, Daniel, Geordie and Callum from the Barstool Brothers for cooking our BBQ. A thank you again to the school staff and groundsmen that helped us setup and clean up.
Thank you to the office staff who helped leading up to the morning, especially Ann Preston. Thank you to Denis from Pellegrini Mobile Coffee Van for making all the coffees.
Last but not least Thank you Rob from Grandma Rosie’s Unanderra for donating the Sausages, eggs, onions, sliced bread, and fruit for our breakfast. Grandma Rosie’s does so much for the community and the Edmund Rice P & F functions. Please help support his business by buying your fresh fruit and vegetables. They deliver locally every day.
Francis Fenech
President Edmund Rice College Parents & Friends