Dear Parents and Carers,

As we conclude a rewarding first semester, I take great pride in reflecting on such a sustained period of learning and achievement across our College. One of our foundational touchstones is ensuring that we provide a Liberating Education – an invitation to open hearts and minds through quality teaching and learning experiences.

Central to this semester’s success has been our commitment to learning growth. Across all year levels, students have engaged meaningfully with their learning journeys and demonstrated clear progress. Whether in the classroom, through assessment tasks, or personal projects, our students have continued to develop in their critical thinking skills, deepen their understanding, and grow in confidence.

Our recent NAPLAN results further reflect this growth. While individual student analysis is still underway prior to parents receiving their son’s NAPLAN report next term, both our Year 7 and Year 9 cohorts pleasingly achieved overall ‘strong’ indicators across all assessment components. This is a significant achievement and a testament to the consistent efforts of our students and the commitment of our dedicated teaching staff.

In the important areas of writing and critical thought, we were recently delighted to see Oliver Johnson (Year 11) awarded Winner of the Senior Article Category at the 2025 Young Voices Awards, hosted by Australian Catholics magazine and ACU. His article, “The outdoor industry is poisoning you,” was recognised nationally and exemplifies the kind of bold, informed voice we aim to cultivate in our students.

Public speaking and leadership have also shone brightly this semester. ERC was crowned Champion of the South Coast Public Speaking Competition, with Sam Stevin, Daniel Morozov, Isaac Mitrevski (Year 10) and Joseph Harb (Year 7) each earning first place in their sections. In the Quota Youth of the Year competition, Nicholas Aivaliotis (Year 11) won the public speaking award, while Sam Stevin (Year 10) was named Quota Youth of the Year for 2025. These successes reflect the depth of talent and civic engagement among our students.

A special commendation must also go to the ERC Ethics Olympiad team, who were awarded the Silver Medal after finishing as runners-up in this highly competitive national event. Their performance demonstrated impressive moral reasoning and sophisticated ethical insight – skills that reflect the heart of a liberating education.

Another example of academic enrichment, were our students from Years 7 to 10 who represented the College at the Southern Region Da Vinci Decathlon, achieving excellent results:

• Year 7 – 1st in Creative Producers
• Year 8 – 3rd in Ideation
• Year 9 – 1st in Science, 2nd in Ideation, and 3rd in Legacy
• Year 10 – 1st in Legacy and 3rd in Cartography

This interdisciplinary competition challenged students across areas such as engineering, mathematics, literature, and problem-solving – and provided another opportunity for teamwork.

In further success, the College fielded a large and enthusiastic team at the 2025 Sydney Academy of Chess Interschool Challenge, where the College was named Top School on the Day. This achievement in such a mentally demanding competition highlights the strategic skill of our students.

A special mention must also go to Daniel Morozov (Year 10), who was awarded the NSW Premier’s Anzac Memorial Scholarship. His thoughtful and reflective essay on the significance of war memorials earned him a place on an international history study tour to Korea and Singapore later this year – an extraordinary opportunity and a wonderful recognition.

We also send our very best wishes to our Year 11 students and staff who have now departed for our inaugural Timor-Leste Immersion. This experience offers an invaluable opportunity to live out our values of solidarity and service. Through meaningful connection with our neighbours in Timor-Leste, our students will be challenged and inspired as they walk alongside others in humility and mutual respect.

This semester has also seen outstanding achievements across a range of sports, including the following highlights:

• Each of our Rugby League teams claimed victory in the Southern Country Regional Finals.
• Our Futsal Soccer teams (U16s and Opens) being crowned Regional Champions at the NSW qualifiers.
• Our Yr 7 / Yr 8 Basketball team qualified for the NSWCCC Finals for next term.
• In representative sport, congratulations to Creighton Meafou and Cooper Morrison (Year 12) for selection in both NSWCCC Rugby League and Rugby Union teams. Jack Manns (Year 11), Hami Miller (Year 10), and Sam McMahon (Year 9) also earned state selection in rugby and touch football.
• In NSWCCC Hockey, Henry Jones (Year 12) and Harrison Clarke (Year 9) were both selected, while Jonah O’Dea (Year 12) secured a place in the NSWCCC Open Boys Volleyball Team.
• Our swimming squad performed brilliantly at the NSWCCC Swim Meet, winning multiple medals across individual and relay events. Congratulations to Nash Hawkins (Year 7), Callum Arditia (Year 8), Darcy Stepanovski (Year 8), Jake Schulze (Year 8), Beau Thompson (Year 7), Jayden Washbourne (Year 12), Jayden Beaumont (Year 12), Riley Anthes (Year 12), Tom Pogson (Year 12), Oliver Johnson (Year 11), Jye Prem (Year 9) and others on their stellar efforts.
• The following students were selected into the NSWCCC Cross-Country Team: Archie Galvin (Year 7), William Mason (Year 11) Milton Stepanovski (Year 10), Alexander Torta (Year 8) , Mitchell Taylor(Year 7) and Patrick Smith (Year 10).
• Zac Oyston (Year 11) was crowned NSWCCC Golf Champion and will now compete at the NSW All Schools Championships.
• In the NSW All Schools Triathlon, Milton Stepanovski (Year 10), Harry Fraser (Year 11), Darcy Stepanovski (Year 8), Max Polhill (Year 7), William Mason (Year 11), and Riley Anthes (Year 12) delivered exceptional performances.

This diverse array of learning experiences – academic, creative, civic, spiritual, and physical – is a powerful testament to a learning culture that endeavours to develop well-rounded young men.

As our students prepare to receive their semester school reports, we encourage all families to engage in reflective, supportive conversations at home. These reports are not just indicators of academic progress but also an opportunity to celebrate personal growth, set new goals, and strengthen the important partnership between school and home.

I wish all members of our community a safe and restful winter break. We look forward to welcoming our students back next term, ready to continue this journey of growth together.

Best wishes,

Dr Stephen Gough

As we conclude Semester One, students in Years 7–10 will receive their academic reports. These are more than marks, they’re a reflection of each boy’s growth, effort, and engagement. We encourage families to celebrate areas of success, revisit goals set earlier in the year, and use this moment to have constructive conversations about learning and wellbeing.

In the spirit of Liberating Education, we recognise that learning is as much about resilience, reflection and personal development as it is about academic achievement. For Year 7 and 10 students, the My Strengths and My Resilience programs provide further insight into how individual strengths can support ongoing progress.

We are proud of our young men, not only when they excel, but when they take responsibility, act with integrity, and reflect on the impact of their choices. These moments speak to our commitment to Gospel Spirituality and building an Inclusive Community grounded in honesty, respect, and growth.

Thank you to all families for your collaboration and support throughout the semester.

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Reports provide an opportunity for reflection on more than just grades. We encourage you to consider and discuss your son’s overall attendance throughout Semester One, recognising the strong correlation between attendance and academic success.

Additionally, this Semester we are pleased to include attendance at College events, being part of a community is about participating and supporting all aspects of College life, in particular.

Families whose son’s have been absent from school throughout Term 2 are asked to ensure that all absences have been explained. This can be done via the TASS Parent Portal, via email to College, or by calling the College Office.

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Families of students in Year 7 – 11 are encouraged to attend Parent/ Student/ Teacher meetings next Thursday July 3 this is a reminder that bookings are open until Midday Tuesday July 1. We request that all students attending are neatly attired in their full school winter uniform.

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Students return to school on Tuesday 22nd of July. Students are expected to return in full winter uniform, ensuring that they are well attired and well presented in accordance with our College Uniform policy. Students whose presentation is outside of our expectations will be supported in resolving any issues in accordance with our policies.

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Last night ten Year 11 students, Mrs Hurley and Mr Pullella set out for the Timor-Leste Immersion with Timor Unearthed. This is a wonderful opportunity for these boys and teachers, we are so proud of their commitment to walk in solidarity with the people of East Timor. As a College, part of our mission is to foster critical and reflective thinkers who engage with the world through service. This Immersion will challenge the boys and the staff to step beyond the familiar and experience the richness of the Timorese culture.

An immersion experience is all about presence – listening, learning, and walking alongside our brothers and sisters in humility and hope. The boys will be engaging with local communities in Timor-Leste, opening their hearts to new realities and forming meaningful connections grounded in the dignity of every human being.

This opportunity aligns with the College’s Touchstones of Justice and Solidarity and Inclusive Community, and it reflects our core values of Compassion, Dignity, Service, and Solidarity. It calls each participant to reflect not only on their personal transformation but also on their responsibility to be a voice for justice in their own community.

Prior to departure the boys took part in a comprehensive program, including personal reflection, cultural learning, and practical preparation. While on immersion, they will keep a journal to document their experiences, insights, and challenges. Upon return, they will continue their journey through presentations to peers, community engagement, and ongoing involvement in student leadership and advocacy.

We thank Mrs Hurley and Mr Pullella for all their efforts in preparation for the trip and thank all those families who have supported this program. The immersion experience is 10 days, however, the impact on hearts and minds will extend well beyond this time.

Safe travels to all who are attending we look forward to hearing and learning from your experiences when you return.

Mrs Hughes
Deputy Principal

Years 7 – 11 Student/Parent/Teacher Conferences

A reminder Year 7-11 Student/Parent/Teacher Conferences are scheduled for next Thursday, 3 July in the Edmund Rice Centre from 8:30 -11:30am and 2:30 – 7:00pm. This is an excellent opportunity to meet with teachers to discuss your student’s academic progress in Semester 1, including valuable insights into particular strengths and strategies for learning improvement next semester. Appointments can be booked via the Parent Orbit App. Please contact our IT Department via helpdesk@erc.nsw.edu.au if you need assistance with conference bookings.

Years 7/8 & 9/10 Academic Awards Ceremonies

Stage 4 and Stage 5 Academic Awards Ceremonies are scheduled on Thursday 31 July with Years 7 & 8 in period 1 and Years 9 & 10 in period 2 in the Edmund Rice Centre. Invitations to award recipients’ parents and carers will be emailed in Week 1 of next term. We look forward to gathering to celebrate the fine academic achievements of our Stage 4 and 5 students during Semester 1.

Year 10 into 11 2026 Subject Selection Interviews

A reminder Year 10 into 11 2026 Subject Selection Interviews will be held Tuesday 29 July between 2:30pm and 6:30pm. Year 10 parents and carers are reminded to please make an appointment to attend an interview by next Wednesday 2 July via the link emailed to parents and carers earlier this week.

Wishing all students a well earned restful and enjoyable holiday break.

Mrs Bell
Director of Studies

As English teachers, we know that reading is far more than simply decoding words on a page. When we talk about “visualizing reading,” we’re referring to the mental images and connections students create as they engage with texts.

According to McGraw and Hill “Pictures help students to see things clearly so that they can better articulate and reconsider their interpretations”

Skilled readers automatically create mental movies, hear character voices, and feel emotional connections to the story. This visualisation process is what transforms reading from a mechanical task into an immersive experience that builds comprehension and enjoyment.

At school, we’re helping students develop these visualisation skills through guided imagery exercises, graphic organizers and drawing representations.

This Semester, Year 7 created literary maps based on Tristan Bank’s Scar Town while in Year 8, Marsden’s Tomorrow When the War Began became the inspiration behind drawing their favourite scene. Year 8 also created an object (e.g a mask) conveying the phrase “Making Emotions Real” to practise visualising their reading.

In Year 9 and 10, students have finished the Term by creating visual representations of key themes displayed in the dramatic plays they have studied including Shakespeare’s Macbeth. In Year 11, students created Modernist trees – visualising the ‘root’s of Modernism which enabled the movement to grow and allow new forms of literature to flourish.

Finally in Year 12, students have visualised the poetry of TS Eliot through the hexagon activity by making conceptual connections.

Through visual activities, we are helping our students to understand the perspectives presented while clarifying key ideas and enabling reflection.

Mrs Guest

Year 10 History students were given the opportunity to participate in a forum with a group of Vietnam Veterans and a refugee survivor from the Vietnam War. The panel consisted of: Ian Birch (President of the Illawarra Branch of the Vietnam Veterans), Ron Woods (who served in the navy and undertook patrols of the South Vietnamese coastline), John Fairley (Army Public Relations Photographer), Teresa Tran (who was aged 15 when she escaped with her family on a wooden boat).

“At Edmund Rice College, we had the opportunity of hearing directly from people who experienced the Vietnam War. As a 15 year old student, I found it eye-opening. John Fairley shared the reality of what he saw through his lens—images that told the truth of the horror of war in ways words cannot describe. Ian Birch spoke about what it means to support veterans psychologically as a result of their combat experiences, even after the war ends. Ron Woods described how dangerous his job was, being always on alert. Who stood out most to me was Teresa Tran, who escaped Vietnam as a refugee at just 15, my age! Teresa got on a small wooden boat with 188 others, not even knowing where they would end up, just desperate to survive. Her story really hit me. It made me think about how lucky I am to live in peace and safety. Hearing all of them speak reminded me that history is more than just facts and dates, it’s real people with real stories, and we need to listen and learn from them.” Bowen Sharrock

John Fairley – Vietnam War Photographer

Mrs Lothian

On Tuesday 24th June, Year 10 Italian students had the privilege of attending a “Senior Meet-and-Greet” Dinner with students from Holy Spirit, St Mary’s and Figtree High.

The night was filled with fun activities and lots of delicious food and of course gelato for dessert! “Mamma Mia! Delizioso!”

It was a good opportunity to meet people from other schools who have also been learning about Italian culture and language.

We had the chance to learn about each other “chattando” in italiano, which was a fun way to make new “amici”.

“Grazie” to all the teachers who helped host the night, including Prof Bellomo and Prof Gaudiosi.

Mrs Bellomo

The first half of our Year 7 cohort has just completed their study of Music for the year, and what a semester it has been! We’ve introduced concepts that may have been entirely new to them, and it’s been incredibly rewarding to watch their progress.

Our students worked admirably throughout the semester, swiftly grasping the essential skills of listening/analysing music and reading sheet music. They then applied this knowledge to practical components, first mastering the piano/keyboard and eventually moving on to the guitar. The enthusiasm and rapid pace at which they acquired these skills and knowledge were truly unique to this year group.

We extend our sincere thanks to all the Year 7 students for their exceptional application and dedication. We eagerly look forward to welcoming them back in Year 8 to continue their musical journey.

Please take a moment to browse the attached gallery of photos celebrating a truly memorable semester of music!

Mr Haybittle

During last week’s Stage 5 Assembly, the talents of some of our Year 10 Music students were on full display, captivating the audience with two outstanding performances.

The rock band — made up of Caden Lester, Kai Walsh, Bowen Saunders, and Matthew Hay — delivered a powerful rendition of Eric Clapton’s Sunshine of Your Love. With driving guitar riffs, solid rhythm, and a confident stage presence, the band brought real energy to the assembly and impressed the audience with their tight musicianship and teamwork.

In contrast, Ryan Tang delivered a breathtaking solo performance of Montagues and Capulets by Sergei Prokofiev. His command of the piano and dramatic interpretation of the piece held the audience spellbound from the first note to the last.
Congratulations to all performers for showcasing the depth of talent in our Year 10 Music class and for making the assembly so memorable.

Mr Bonaccorso

The Eddies Portrait Prize

We are pleased to announce the Finalists and Winners of our Annual Eddies Portrait Prize. Students have the option of entering the prize, creating a portrait of someone they know who is special to them. This year we were honoured by having the prize judged by Mr Nick Galvin, the Arts Editor for the Sydney Morning Herald. He was very impressed with the quality of entries and spoke highly of the commitment the boys made to resolve their portraits.

Congratulations to the following students:

Stage 4 First Place – Gwil Barnes – Year 8 ; Stage 5 First Place – Isaac Mitrevski – Year 10

Second Place – Dion Brangovits and Maxim Lazaroski

Highly Commended: Benjamin Carlile, Joshua Wilkinson, Tyler Ryan, Samuel Tubridy, Dylan Ramsey, Vincent Kinsville, Maxwell Brown, Marco Simeoli, Vitaliy Riznyk,

Packing Room Prize: Lachlan Barlow

Finalists: Kai Edwards-Jones, Mansour Youssef, Tiberius Csapo, Sebastian Pearson, Dexter Petrou, Beau Tagliapietra, Noah Harb, Fionn Kelly, Ethan Murray, Oliver McNamara, Jacob Sekulovski, Hudson Ojeda, Kliment Vasileski, Leo Hicks, Dion-Jace Smith, Max Biela, Jude Morrissey, Jasper Horky, Morrison Cocksedge, Luca Spagnolo, Taj Donnelly, Sebastian Jaque, Brody Norrie, Houston Allen, Ari Wright

The Winners and Finalists will be officially recognised and will receive their prizes at our College assembly next term.

Stage 4 Visual Arts

This year has been the first year we have semesterised Year 7 Visual Arts. This has allowed students to develop deeper concentration, continuity in their artmaking and critical and historical studies, plus more sustained creative thinking. We have also enjoyed developing a new program based on the theme, ‘Australiana’. The students began by studying the work of Reg Mombassa / Mambo. They used his artwork to develop their understanding of compositional devices and to examine how and why artists use signs and symbols to develop ideas and cultural meanings in a way that goes beyond literal representation.

The students then created their own Mambo inspired drawings followed by their own iconic Australian ceramic car inspired by the work of Margaret Dodd. We then studied the renowned Aurukun Camp Dogs, known as Ku’ in the local Wik-Mungkan language, which are distinctive wooden sculptures originating from Aurukun, a remote Indigenous community in Far North Queensland. The boys enjoyed making their own Camp Dog sculptures based on their own dog or a dog they wished they could have.

Year 8 Visual Arts began their studies with the theme Hybrid Creatures and started with structured drawing lessons. Through observational drawing, they developed their skills, visual literacy, discipline and focus. This resulted in a resolved black pen drawing of a hybrid creature with a focus on repetition of shape and line. The students observed the wood block prints of Renaissance artist Albrecht Durer to help them develop their skills. Their drawing was then transcribed into a ceramic sculpture. Creating this sculpture developed the students’ skills needed in real world situations such as problem solving and critical thinking, patience, perseverance, spatial awareness, time management, hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills. This term the boys studied Pop Art with a focus on world culture in the 1960’s. The students designed a skateboard deck in the Pop Art Style using an onomatopoeia word with paint and posca pens. The standard of work was very high, and the students enjoyed exploring Pop Art techniques. We wish these students well for their studies in music next semester and look forward to meeting our Semester 2 visual arts classes.

Ms Costello

Cyber Safety in the holidays

The holidays are often a time when young people spend an increased amount of time on social media. When used properly, this is an excellent way for young people to stay connected with one another across the break. Unfortunately, young people don’t always make the best choices when online and they don’t always know how to ask for help when they are upset by what they read or see online. Please find here a link to the eSafety Comissioner’s website which has some excellent resources to support both parents and young people in relation to online behaviour.

Most importantly if you or your son needs to report an issue, there is a red button in the top right hand corner of the screen labeled Report Abuse. Clicking on this button allows you to report abuse under 3 specific categories:

• Cyberbullying
• Image-based abuse
• Illegal and harmful content

Making a report through the eSafety commissioner can action the removal of content immediately. This is the fastest and most effective way to address inappropriate content. I encourage you to have this conversation with your son to ensure he is aware of this service.

Mr Bates

The recent Edmund Rice Stage 5 Assembly was a notable occasion, celebrating the academic commitment of our Years 9 and 10 students. We were pleased to award Commendation Awards to those who have attained over 10 merit certificates, demonstrating a sustained love of learning. This achievement reflects a significant dedication to their studies.

The assembly also served to highlight important advocacy opportunities for our Stage 5 students, encouraging their support for all members of our community participating in this week’s Ration Pack Challenge.

Musical contributions were a highlight, with a distinguished solo piano performance by Ryan Tang and an engaging performance from one of our Year 10 Rock Bands, involving Matthew Hay, Caden Lester, Kai Walsh and Bowen Saunders. Both performances were engaging and enjoyed by staff and students.

We extend our sincere gratitude to Mr Bonaccorso for his instrumental role in preparing our students for their impressive performances. His support is greatly appreciated.

Mrs Russell and Mr Panozzo

Last week, Year 12 engaged in a valuable session with guest speaker Mark O’Connor from “The Happiness Advantage”. This focussed on practical strategies from positive psychology to support student wellbeing in the lead-up to the HSC exams.

Mark spoke about the strong connection between positivity, mindset, and performance, challenging the common belief that happiness is something to be earned only after achieving success. Instead, he emphasised the importance of being happy in the present, suggesting that this mindset leads to improved focus, resilience, and outcomes. Some of the areas that he explored included:

• The three stages of peak performance
• Changing negative self-talk and reframing unhelpful thinking
• Emotion management techniques to reduce stress and anxiety
• The power of self-talk and its impact on beliefs, behaviours, and performance
• Gratitude practices and strategies to help students “feel their success”
• The role of sleep, physical activity, play, focus time, connection, and down time in maintaining a healthy, high-functioning mind

Importantly, Mark provided actionable strategies to help students increase brain function and approach their studies with a peak performance mindset. These included managing energy systems in the body, improving sleep hygiene, and daily habits to support focus and emotional regulation.

The boys responded with strong engagement and appreciation, indicating they found the session both practical and encouraging as they approach their Trial HSC Exams early next term.

Mr Breeze
Assistant Year 12 Pastoral Coordinator

The Edmund Rice Year 7/8 Basketball Team competed in the NSW CCC Qualifying Tournament on 12 June at the Illawarra Basketball Stadium. The team has been training and preparing since the beginning of Term 1, demonstrating commitment and discipline throughout the season.

During their match against Holy Spirit, the team displayed impressive skill, composure, and maturity. Edmund Rice secured a hard-fought victory, winning 37–33. As a result, the team will progress to the NSW CCC Finals in early Term 4.

I would like to commend the entire team, as well as the broader Year 7 and 8 squad, for their dedication and consistent effort throughout the year. Congratulations on this achievement, and best of luck in the upcoming finals.

Team members include: Aidan Webb, Claude Vincent, Darcy Stepanovski, Dominik Raschilla, Fletcher Browne, Harvey Mack, Jacob Svarc, Lachlan Barlow, Lucas Mahfouz, Mitchell Taylor, Tane Tupuhi

Thank you also to Mr MacDonald for generously sharing his time and expertise during both training sessions and games.

Ms Sparks

Last Wednesday, nine students from ERC proudly represented the College at the NSWCCC Cross Country Championships, held at the Sydney Equestrian Centre. The event brought together the top runners from Catholic schools across the state, with competitors tackling a challenging course under cool and testing conditions. Our athletes displayed outstanding resilience and determination throughout the day.

Congratulations to the following students for their strong performances, with the top 10 place getters earning selection in the CCC team:

• Archie Galvin – 1st place out of 52 competitors (U12) – Selected in CCC Team
• William Mason – 2nd place out of 49 competitors (Under 17) – Selected in CCC Team
• Alexander Torta – 5th place out of 53 competitors (Under 14) – Selected in CCC Team
• Milton Stepanovski – 7th place out of 43 competitors (Under 16) – Selected in CCC Team
• Patrick Smith – 8th place out of 43 competitors (Under 16) – Selected in the CCC Team
• Mitchell Taylor – 10th place out of 53 competitors (Under 13) – Selected in CCC Team
• Harry Fraser – 11th place out of 49 competitors (Under 17)
• Harry Jackson – 15th place out of 49 competitors (Under 17)
• Lachlan Mason – 30th place out of 56 competitors (Under 15)

These students represented ERC with pride, and we commend all nine competitors for their efforts. Best of luck to our CCC representatives as they prepare for the NSW All Schools Championships in Week 1 of Term 3.

Mr Timpano
Sports Coordinator

Congratulations to Year 10 student Jarrah Longbottom, who has earned selection in the 2025 U16s Charles Perkins XI squad — a prestigious national program recognising the top Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth footballers from across Australia.

The Charles Perkins XI, recently renamed in honour of Dr Charles Perkins AO, celebrates one of Australia’s most influential figures in sport and civil rights. The program reflects Football Australia’s ongoing commitment to cultural identity, leadership, and excellence within the sport.

Jarrah will join the squad at the CommBank Emerging Socceroos Championships later this year, where he will represent not only his school and region but also a proud legacy of First Nations footballers. Well done, Jarrah!

Mr Timpano
Sports Coordinator

On Thursday 19th June, the Edmund Rice College U16s & Opens Football team travelled to Ian McLennan Park, Kembla Grange to compete in the NSWCCC Regional Finals.

The U16s team defeated St John’s 3-0 in their semi final, with the confidence of the team at an all time high, the boys worked extremely hard to overcome a tough Holy Spirit team 2-0 in the final.

In the Opens first match, the boys faced a strong Magdalene outfit and secured a hard-fought 2–1 victory. Building on this momentum, they delivered an outstanding performance in the final against Holy Spirit College, claiming a convincing 4–1 win.

These results see the teams progress to the Quarter Final stage of the NSWCCC Football Knockout, where they will face the winner of the Parramatta Diocese.

Congratulations to the teams on their impressive efforts and continued success!

Mr Timpano
Sports Coordinator

Over 850 schools Australia wide participate in the Bill Turner Cup under 15 football (Soccer) KO each year. We progressed to Round 4 this year and were drawn to play against Vincentia High School. After our 80 minute bus trip we discovered that the ground was in poor shape. We were greeted by a bumpy surface and a sandy goal mouth resembling a sand trap on the 4th hole at Wollongong. Coach Mr Crapis assembled the lads and delivered his pre match address.

The lineup was announced. 3 injured players meant a reshuffling of the team.

We went on with: Goalkeeper – Rocca Favretti; Defence – Darius Hamod, Stefen Anagnostopoulos, Christian Ugonotti and Callum Cajar; Midfield – Fabian Gaudiosi, Max Smith and Rocco Scagila: Forward – Xavier Godbee, Alex Bradshaw-Wett and Aiden Rayner; Reserves – Ethan Mathie, Will Edwards, Edward Page and Travis Potter

Early one way traffic and their goal was under siege. A well-constructed move that started with Stefan to Max to Xavier whose cross was met for a tap in by Aiden. Soon after an acrobatic scissor kick from Aiden made it 2:0.

In the midfield Rocco, Fabian and Max dominated. Then Darius was fouled with another chance looming. Up stepped Fabian who curled the ball around the wall into the bottom corner. 3:0, and the first half action didn’t stop there. A pin point corner by Aiden found the head of Fabian who deftly made it 4:0.

The defence of Stefan, Darius, Callum and Christian never gave Vincentia a chance. The statistician counted that keeper Rocco touched the ball once in the first half. The forward line of Xavier, Alex and Aiden had their defence in tatters as raid after raid created more holes than a good Swiss cheese.

During oranges coach Mr Crapis stressed not to lose focus and delivered an awe-inspiring speech also letting the reserve bench know that they too were going to feature. All four came on and the rout continued.

Early in the second half Max pounced on some good build up work to make it 5:0 and soon after another pinpoint corner, this time by Callum, found an unmarked Max to make it 6:0.

Another attacking raid on the left saw a desperate defence bundle over Travis about 20 metres out. It was up to Callum to deliver the free kick. His curling free kick missed everyone and found the back of the net. Was it a shot? Was it a cross? Only he will know, but either way it made the score 7-0.

In a rare Vincentia encroachment into our half and the ball somehow found our net. Then at 7:1 with seconds ticking away we were awarded a penalty. Christian already had the ball placed on the spot, pondering where to slot it. Up stepped Rocco the keeper who got himself on the scoresheet and at 8:1 this was the final result.

The next opponent was announced at a popular Nowra food and hydration stop on the return journey. It will be Illawarra Sports High who will be our next victim in round 5.

Mr Cajar

The Touch Footy Association (TFA) has quickly become a popular initiative at Edmund Rice College, offering our Year 9 students a great opportunity to stay active, build friendships, and enjoy healthy competition during recess and lunch breaks. Each term, four student teams are selected to compete in a round-robin format, with the top two teams progressing to the grand final. The competition has created a positive and energetic atmosphere across the College, building team spirit and engagement among students.

In Term 2, teams Dio and G-Gong stood out with consistent performances throughout the season, earning their spots in the much-anticipated grand final. A large and enthusiastic crowd from Year 9 gathered to support the event.

The final began as a tightly contested, low-scoring game. G-Gong opened the scoring just before halftime with a well-placed field goal, heading into the break with a narrow 1–0 lead. Their defence was solid, and they held strong under pressure. But the second half was all Dio. Sam McMahon quickly equalised with a field goal, sparking a shift in momentum. Nash Ferguson and McMahon followed up with tries, and Lachlan Mason sealed the victory with a final try in the closing minutes. Dio finished with 13 unanswered points, claiming a commanding 13–1 win and the Term 2 TFA title.

Congratulations to both teams for their efforts and sportsmanship throughout the competition. A special thank you to Samuel Shaw for his outstanding organisation and refereeing of the event.

Mr Crapis

NAIDOC Week is celebrated from the first Sunday in July to the following Sunday every year, and is when we can come together to celebrate and recognise the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. NAIDOC Week is an opportunity for all Australians to learn about First Nations cultures and histories and participate in celebrations of the oldest, continuous living cultures on earth. Our official NAIDOC Assembly will be in week 2 of next term here at the college, but I’d like to encourage our ERC community to get out in community and attend one of the wonderful NAIDOC Events happening in the school holidays locally.

• Monday – July 11th – Shellharbour
• Tuesday – July 8th – Shoalhaven
• Wednesday – July 9th – Warrawong
• Thursday – July 10th – Koonawarra
• Friday – July 11th – Bellambi

Mrs Jennison

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

UNIFORM SHOP HOURS – JULY SCHOOL HOLIDAYS

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.