Dear Parents and Carers,

Last Friday, the College community, led by Fr. Duane, gathered to formally farewell the graduating Class of 2025. The departure of a graduating class captures the essence and the very spirit of a Catholic College – and when you consider the range of qualities of the young men who have reached this significant milestone, I am very proud of just how strong that spirit exists within our College community.

We congratulate Year 12 not only for their leadership and example of service to the younger students of the College but also for their wide-ranging talents and their many and varied achievements in both academic and co-curricular pursuits. The Class of 2025 leave us with a very strong legacy and a passion for inclusivity for all.

Our graduating class won historic sporting championship trophies for the College, developed into artistic photographers, creative chefs, skilled cabinet makers and metal workers, debaters, public speakers and chess champions. They are also the pioneers of what will become in, Term 4, the new vertical Friday House classes. The fact that they won’t directly benefit from this initiative, yet still championed it, is a sign of an authentic sense of school and house spirit – of giving without needing to receive.

Thank you to Year 12 Pastoral Coordinator, Mr Jeremy Forshaw, who, together with Mr Daniel Breeze and the Year 12 pastoral and classroom teachers, continues to guide and encourage our students for their upcoming HSC examinations.

Thank you to the Year 12 parents and carers for the wonderfully supportive way that they have each worked in close partnership with the College. It is through working together that we can celebrate this great sense of pride in these outstanding young men.

May the spirit of Blessed Edmund Rice continue to guide and inspire the Class of 2025 for many years to come.

We also acknowledge the Year 12 students who received the following awards:

Christian Service Learning Medal – for giving over 100 hours of voluntary service to the wider community during their senior years at the College:

Nathan Anderson, Timothy Armitage, Febin Binoy, Heath Crowther, Thomas Hicks, Henry Jones, Aaron Kirkland, Joshua Newman, George Newell, Jonah O’Dea, Kambell Quinn, Jayden Washbourne, Digby Woods, Angelo Zachristos

First Place in Subject – during their HSC Studies:

Angus Allen, Riley Ashe, Xavier Ayers, John-Paul Bridger, Noah Clark, Daniel Conte, Heath Crowther, Michael Da Silva, William Ecroyd, Khye Forrester, Harry Hall, Tzar Harb, Noah Hewett, Henry Jones, Alexander Levy, Creighton Meafou, Joshua Newman, Archie Oyston, Lucas Ramirez, Matthew Rosete, Brooklyn Smith, Jayden Svarc, Jack Teteris, Marc Todoroski, Jayden Washbourne, Riley Wilton

Year 12 Major Awards:

Timothy Armitage – ADF Youth Long Tan Leadership Award
Angus Allen – ADF Future Innovators Award
Creighton Meafou – Sportsman of the Year
Hayden Harrison – Peter McGovern School Spirit Award
Jayden Washbourne – Brother Oakley Award for Leadership through Service
Michael Da Silva – David Lear Cultural Award
Jayden Beaumont – AMPOL Medal for All Round Achievement
Henry Jones – Edmund Rice Leadership Award
Sebastian Corolla – Pastoral Care Coordinator’s Award
George Newell – Gospel Spirituality
Jack Teteris – Justice and Solidarity
Digby Woods – Inclusive Community
Heath Crowther – Liberating Education

I conclude this final newsletter for the term by paying tribute to our excellent teaching and support staff for providing our students with so many valuable and meaningful learning experiences. I would also like to thank parents and carers for your ongoing support of the College.

Wishing students and their families a restful spring break.

Dr Stephen Gough

Bus 18 a vote of thanks…..

We know how wonderful our boys are, and we see it every day. It’s in their care for one another, in the simple thanks as they leave a room, in their good mornings and good afternoons. We see it in their participation in extracurricular activities, their commitment to the CSL program, and their encouragement of one another in the classroom.

From time to time, we also receive extremely positive feedback about individual boys or a small group of boys who have gone out of their way to do good beyond the school gates. This week, we received some delightful feedback from Dion’s bus company. It wasn’t about behavior or manners, it was a deep and genuine expression of gratitude from almost an entire bus full of boys. Without any prompting from the College, the students who catch Bus 18 took the time to personally email the bus company, pleading for their bus driver, ‘Steve,’ to remain as their daily driver. Just a few days earlier, ‘Steve’ had informed the students that his roster had changed and he would no longer be their driver.

I’ve since had the privilege of reading the emails and couldn’t be prouder. The boys’ genuine expressions of appreciation for ‘Steve’ highlight the care and kindness he’s shown them on Bus 18 to Austinmer each day. In their emails, they described him as kind, always happy, and an excellent driver. Others talked about how he made the bus run smoothly, treated students with respect, and made the end of the day so much better.

It was so refreshing to see the boys use their voices to advocate for ‘Steve’. While we understand that the new roster won’t see his return in the short term, we are incredibly proud of the boys from Bus 18 for ensuring ‘Steve’ knows just how much they appreciated all he did for them.

On behalf of the College, we would like to offer our deepest thanks to ‘Steve’ and all the unsung heroes who drive our school buses. Thank you for getting our boys to and from school safely, for helping them feel seen, and for the kindness, patience, and respect you show our community.”

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A reminder that school returns for students on Tuesday October 14, 2025. Students return in summer uniform and as always are expected to return adhering to personal presentation and uniform policy.

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It would be greatly appreciated if any outstanding unexplained absences could be explained by the end of term.

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With HSC exams commencing in Week 1 families with students are encouraged to have a conversation with their sons about the advantages of catching public transport to school on the day of their exams.

• The decision to catch the bus or train can significantly reduce the stress resulting from traffic and the difficulties associated with finding a parking spot.
• Public transport is generally very reliable and arrival times predictable, assisting to ensure that the start of the day is calm and without unnecessary obstacles.
• Traveling by public transport also allows an additional opportunity for some final revision. focus or even just a chat with classmates, the sense of togetherness before an exam can be very powerful.

Mrs Hughes
Deputy Principal

Year 12 Graduates

Congratulations to our Year 12 graduates who finished formal classes this week. We wish them all the very best of luck as they complete their final preparations for the upcoming Higher School Certificate Examinations which commence on Thursday 16 October. Also a special commendation to those students who were presented academic awards at their Graduation Ceremonies held on Friday, 19 September.

Year 11 Student/Parent/Teacher Conferences

Year 11 Students will return to normal classes on Monday 22 September having completed their Final Preliminary Examinations. Year 11 Student/ Parent /Teacher Conferences are scheduled for Week 2 next term on Thursday 23 October in the Narandha Learning Centre from 3:00 – 7:00pm. Conference Bookings will open on Thursday 25 September and close at midday on Wednesday 22 October.

Year 11 Academic Awards Ceremony

The Year 11 Academic Awards Ceremony to celebrate the achievements of Year 11 Students in the Preliminary Year will be held in Week 3 next term on Tuesday 28 October in the Edmund Rice Centre from 8:15 – 9:15am. We look forward to celebrating this special occasion for Year 11.

Mrs Bell
Director of Studies

On Wednesday 10 September, the winners of the Eddies Portrait Prize competition, judged by Mr Nick Galvin, Arts Editor of the Sydney Morning Herald, enjoyed a special Enrichment Day at the Art Gallery of New South Wales.

The day began with a warm welcome from the Gallery’s educators, who guided us into the Yiribana Gallery to experience powerful artworks from across Indigenous Australia. Students were captivated by the Ku (dog) sculptures, exploring their narratives and cultural significance through guided discussion.

The program concluded with an innovative digital image-making workshop, where students used digital software and augmented reality technology to design their own camp dog and virtually install it within the galleries of Naala Badu, the Art Gallery’s new building.

Our final stop was Hazelhurst Arts Centre in Gymea, where we enjoyed viewing works from the collection. The day as a whole was both inspiring and memorable for all involved.

Ms Costello
Head of Creative Arts

The Road Less Traveled: Mrs Schodde and the Portuguese Camino

Join us as we step outside the classroom and onto the path less traveled with one of our own teachers. This year, the year of the pilgrim, our guest embarked on the Portuguese Camino—a demanding and inspiring pilgrimage through Portugal and into Spain. In this special episode, we explore what motivated this incredible journey, the challenges faced, and the profound lessons learned along the way. Link to Episode:

Mr Bonaccorso

The 2025 ECO ERC Sustainability Conference brought schools together from all across NSW to discuss important issues in relation to biodiversity and sustainability. The key focus was on how we can act to mitigate the effects that each of us and our schools pose on the environment.

Dr James Dorey, an evolutionary biologist from the University of Wollongong, spoke about his research on wild bees and why we must act in order to protect them. Sarah Anderson shared her story on why she started her company, Popes Produce Woonona and the pros of growing your own food. Sarah was able to provide us with tips and wisdom from her urban market garden, and teach us about the need for more organic gardens, and that they can come in many shapes and sizes. Sarah then led a mini beasts workshop, where students were able to design and create their own creature using clay and sticks.

The last activity of the day was building an insect hotel. Where each school got their own frame and they could decorate and fill their hotels with a range of materials such as bamboo, tigergrass, pinecones, sticks and logs.

Lastly, the team in the ECO ERC club would like to take the opportunity to farewell the Sustainability Prefect, Heath Crowther. Heath has been nothing short of an inspiration and role model for the young men who come to the meetings every week, and who help out at the many activities throughout the year such as the Waste Audit and the Sustainability Conference, Clean Up Australia Day and more.

We will really miss the calm yet inspiring way in which Heath leads our little club, along with his warm sense of humour.

Good Luck Heath, we know your future is bright and you will be a change-maker in our world.

Miss Leate and Ben Pearson

As Term 3 draws to a close, we have much to celebrate and reflect on.

This week, we say a temporary farewell to our Year 12 students as they finish their formal classes and prepare for their upcoming HSC exams. Last Friday, the entire College community came together to celebrate their graduation at the final assembly, followed by a special dinner. We wish them all the best as they take their next steps into tertiary studies, vocational training, a gap year, or employment. They will always be ambassadors for Edmund Rice College, carrying our principles, traditions, and pride with them wherever they go.

At the same time, we acknowledge our newly elected senior students who are stepping up to lead the College into 2025/2026—our centenary year. We are confident they will embrace their responsibilities with dedication and integrity as they begin their final year of studies.

For all our students, staff, and families, the rest of Term 3 and the upcoming holidays provide a chance to reflect. The foundations we build through our learning, mentorship, and extracurricular activities help our students grow in resilience, compassion, and spiritual strength.

With the holidays approaching, it’s a perfect time to take a break from screens and find activities that are fun, active, and engaging. I’ve included a few ideas below for those who might be looking for something to do. Let’s all use this time to relax, recharge, and reflect on our own wellbeing so we can return refreshed and ready for a successful final term of 2025.

Holiday Activity Ideas:

• https://whatsoninwollongong.com.au/whats-on-school-holidays-activities-2/
• https://parents-guide.com.au/free-things-to-do-with-kids-wollongong-illawarra/
• https://www.wollongong.nsw.gov.au/library/whats-on/for-kids-and-young-people/school-holidays
• https://parents-guide.com.au/top-10-things-to-do-with-kids-in-wollongong-illawarra/
• https://www.pcycnsw.org.au/sports-recreation/school-holiday-programs/

Finally I share with you an excellent Happy Families Parent’s Session by Justin Coulson focusing on Entitlement – Raising Responsible and Respectful Children. This will be on Wednesday 5 November, 7pm AEST

Entitled: Raising Responsible, Respectful Kids
Wednesday 5 November 7pm AEST / 8pm AEDT

On-demand gratification has become the modern-day norm, and our children have never known anything different. As a result, parents are noticing a clear pattern of declining levels of resilience and frustration tolerance. We naturally want them to be happy and successful, but we also recognise that a sense of entitlement can hinder their journey. While our hearts yearn to give them the world, we know it’s equally important to nurture gratitude, responsibility, and respect within their hearts.

Entitled with Dr Justin Coulson will dive deep into the issue of entitlement. We’ll explore its root causes, its impact on our children’s development, and most importantly, we’ll equip you with practical strategies to turn things around. You’ll learn how to shift your child’s mindset from “gimme” to “thank you”, and how to foster a sense of appreciation even in an age of abundance. In this presentation, we will navigate the challenges of parenting in today’s world and discover how to raise children who are just responsible and respectful, but empowered, resilient, and ready to make a positive contribution to the world.

Register to receive the webinar link as well as email reminders here:

Mr Bates
Acting Director of Pastoral Care & Wellbeing

Last Tuesday, at our Term 3 Stage 5 Assembly, we celebrated the incredible leadership and achievements of our Years 9 and 10 students. The Student Representative Council (SRC) leaders took to the stage to outline the exciting initiatives planned for the remainder of the year. They presented their ambitious goals across a range of key areas, showcasing the depth and breadth of student involvement at the College.

The SRC highlighted upcoming projects within ERA for Change, focusing on sustainable and ethical practices, alongside Social Justice campaigns targeting each year’s chosen charities. The Liturgy team shared their plans for enhancing our spiritual life in Term 4, while the Community and Culture leaders spoke about events designed to strengthen our College spirit encouraging students to get involved in our community using their unique gifts and talents. Updates were also provided on the latest developments in Sport, Wellbeing, and our beloved College Houses.

The assembly also provided a fantastic opportunity to publicly recognise and commend students for their outstanding academic achievements. It was a pleasure to see so many of our young men being celebrated for their hard work and dedication. We also acknowledged students for their significant contributions to extra-curricular activities encouraging all students to use their gifts and talents and get involved in our College community to make the most of their experience and reach their full potential.

Mr Panozzo and Mrs Russell

On Tuesday 2nd September our Year 10 students teamed up with St Marys Star of the Sea College for a 90s / 2000s themed disco. All students embraced the theme with incredible energy.

The event was a wonderful opportunity for students from both single-sex schools to come together in a relaxed and fun environment. It’s through these types of shared social events that we build stronger community ties and friendships. Edmund Rice College is committed to providing our students with a holistic education that extends beyond the classroom. This includes fostering collaborative opportunities where our young men can engage with their peers from St Marys, celebrating the strong partnership between our two schools.

A huge thank you to everyone who attended and to the staff from both Colleges who made it such a memorable night.

Mrs Russell
Year 10 Pastoral Care Coordinator

As Term 3 draws to a close, I would like to commend our Year 9 cohort for the way they have conducted themselves over the past ten weeks. It has been a busy, but rewarding term, highlighted by the traditional Year 9 Ski Trip, where the boys proudly represented the College. Their behaviour and respect was noted and praised by both members of the public and Thredbo staff. The boys’ commitment to their studies and school more broadly, has also been demonstrated through the many Principal’s and Commendation Awards presented this term! Beyond the classroom, our students have excelled in extra curricular events. Notably, our U/16 basketball team claimed victory in the Basketball NSW Schools Tournament, defeating Ulladulla High School in a nail biting final. A huge congratulations also goes to Samuel McMahon, who has been selected in the NSW All Schools Touch Football Team to compete later this year against some of the strongest teams in the country! The Year 9 boys also represented the College with distinction in the Annual Tournament of Minds, as well as in the House and South Coast Public Speaking competitions. Congratulations to all who took part!

A reminder that all Year 9 students will return to school in their College summer uniform for Term 4. You can find more details about uniform requirements on Page 5 of the College Student Diary.

Students will resume normal classes on Tuesday, 14 October, 2025.

Marco Panozzo // Joshua Crapis
Acting Year 9 Pastoral Care Coordinator // Assistant Pastoral Care Coordinator

On Monday 15th September, a group of ERC athletes competed at the NSWCCC Athletics Championships, held at the Olympic Athletics Stadium in Homebush, Sydney. Against the very best runners from across the state, our boys produced some outstanding performances.

• Archie Galvin – Gold Medal in the 1500m (12 Years) and Gold Medal in the 800m
• Lachlan Mason – 16th place in the 1500m (15 Years)
• William Mason – Silver Medal in the 1500m (17+ Years)
• Patrick Smith – Bronze Medal in the 1500m (16 Years) and Silver Medal in the 800m
• Mitchell Taylor – Bronze Medal in the 1500m (13 Years) and 4th place in the 800m
• Alex Torta – Silver Medal in the 1500m (14 Years) and Silver Medal in the 800m

Furthermore, Archie Galvin received a silver medal in the overall U12 Age Championships!

A fantastic effort from all our athletes, who represented the College with pride and distinction. Congratulations, boys!

Mr Timpano
Sports Coordinator

The U14s and U16s rugby teams travelled to the Central Coast Regional Sporting and Recreation Complex on 11th September to challenge for the State Secondary Schools 7s tournament.

The U14s got off to a shaky start but demonstrated huge resilience, clawing back a 3 try deficit to overcome Bomaderry High in their first game. However, a slow start against Cronulla High left them with too much to do in the second half, although they fought to the final whistle. The boys quickly recovered from their set back and achieved back to back victories against St Mary’s, Casino and Mater Maria, Warriewood and qualifying for the plate semifinal. Despite a huge effort they were unable to make it into the Plate Final.

The U16s put in an impressive performance in their first game comfortably beating Menai High. In their second game they got off to a flying start racing out to a 12 point lead against Hunter Sports High. Leading at half time the game was very competitive but a few errors gifted their opponents territory and possession and ultimately tries which culminated in defeat. Despite the set back, the boys showed tenacity in their third game after falling behind by 3 tries in the first half against Pittwater they clawed back the lead and won by 2 points. The final group game was delayed against Terrigal and the long day took its toll as Edmund Rice suffered defeat in their final game.

Overall, the U14s & U16s enjoyed a successful day where they demonstrated the values of the College through their sportsmanship, respect, resilience and tenacious spirit.

U14s Squad: Hunter Barrett, Cooper Dunn, Roman Young, William Synott, Zac Stambulka, Jake Schulze, Nate Ryan, Leon Atinga, Wil Bryson, Lewis McLeod, Leo Hicks, Jake Kisnat.

U16s Squad: Finn Ardita, Finley Henricson, Magnus Kersten, Jett Micevski, Austin Skarpona, William Morrison, Hami Miller, Baxter Roper, Bear Holland, Cale Parr, Alexander Falevai.

Mr Power

ERC was proudly represented at the National Interschools Championships held at the stunning alpine slopes of Mt Buller, Victoria – one of Australia’s premier snow sport destinations. Competing on the same runs as some of the country’s elite athletes, our students tested themselves against the very best in the nation.

Oscar Millar-Jenkins (Year 11) took on the thrills and challenges of Slopestyle Skiing, showing great courage and style.

Bowen Sharrock (Year 10) lined up in the Snowboard Giant Slalom (GS), powering through the gates with speed and precision.

Both boys earned their place at Nationals after cracking the Top 20 at the NSW State Finals, an incredible achievement considering the depth of talent across the state. Kobe Dent (Year 9) also qualified for Nationals but was unfortunately unable to make the trip to Mt Buller.

A huge congratulations to all three students for their outstanding efforts. To compete on a national stage at Mt Buller is a remarkable achievement!

Mr Timpano
Sports Coordinator

AFL SportsReady currently has an exciting position available at Edmund Rice College for someone wanting to pursue a career or a kick start in the Sports & Recreation or business industry. The Sports Administration trainee role is a full time position, with the trainee given to opportunity to study a Certificate III in Sports Admin / Business, and is best suited to a Year 12 graduate.

For further information regarding the position and the application process please access the following link:

Applications will close mid October.

Mr Timpano
Sports Coordinator

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

The College warmly invites all members of our community to attend the Centenary Race Day at Kembla Grange Racecourse on Saturday 11 October 2025, marking the official launch of our 100-year celebrations.

This special event will include premium hospitality, a two-course luncheon, live racing, and the presentation of the ERC Rugby League/Union Team of the Century. It promises to be a memorable day of celebration and connection for students, families, staff, and Old Boys.

Tickets and table bookings are now available at:
events.humanitix.com/erc-centenary-race-day

We look forward to celebrating this historic milestone with you.

2024 Edmund Rice College Yearbook

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CANTEEN MENU

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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.

HOLIDAY TRADING HOURS

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Senior School Blazer Fittings

Students in Year 10 are invited to book a fitting time for their Senior School Blazer on the following dates:

LIFELINE BIG BOOK FAIR

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BRICKCON