Dear Parents and Carers,

As we draw the curtain on 2025, we take a moment to celebrate what has been another outstanding year at the College. Our students have embraced opportunities with enthusiasm, and shared countless moments of pride and connection. I would like to sincerely thank each of you, our parents and carers, for your unwavering support of the College throughout this most rewarding year. Together, as a Catholic learning community we have achieved so much.

Congratulations to each of our students for their perseverance as they continue to grow within their individual learning journeys. I firmly believe that success in any field is not an accident. Instead, it is nurtured through disciplined efforts, from listening to feedback and then trying again, and from surrounding yourselves with like-minded people who genuinely believe in you.

I extend special congratulations to those students in Years 7-10 who were formally recognised earlier this week at the Thanksgiving Awards Assembly. While a complete list of award recipients is included later in this newsletter, I would like to highlight the following major student awards presented:

• Keira Leadership Award: Gwil Barnes
• Stage 4 ANSTO Science and Engineering Award: Ryan Evans
• Kathleen McGuiness Public Speaking Award: Nicholas Aivaliotis
• Fr Chris Riley Award for Leadership through Social Justice and CSL: Malachy Hurley
• Fr Hugh Leonard Award Accelerated Studies of Religion 2: Daniel Morozov
• Fr Hugh Leonard Award Catholic Studies: Ben Pearson
• Reuben F Scarf Award for Commitment to consistent effort and application: Harrison Chapman
• Alison Byrnes Community Leadership Award: Sam Stevin
• Stage 5 ANSTO Science and Engineering Award: Daniel Morozov
• ADF Long Tan Leadership Award: Bowen Saunders
• ADF Future Innovators Award: Daniel Morozov
• Gospel Spirituality Award: Year 7 – Isaac Hutchinson; Year 8 – Daniel Carolan; Year 9 – Federico Senise; Year 10 – Nathan Washbourne
• Inclusive Community Award: Year 7 – Joshua Wilkinson; Year 8 – Darcy Stepanovski; Year 9 – Calvin Perkiss; Year 10 – Ben Pearson
• Liberating Education Award: Year 7 – Jaxson Matthews; Year 8 – Alexander Torta; Year 9 – John Carolan: Year 10 – Jonathan Bendeich
• Justice & Solidarity Award: Year 7 – Max Biela; Year 8 – Jake Schulze; Year 9 – Christian Da Silva; Year 10 – Mitchell Wilson

The Thanksgiving Awards Assembly was also a meaningful reminder of the extraordinary generosity of our College community. The collective efforts throughout the annual St Vincent De Paul Christmas Appeal, has resulted in significant donations of food and money to support the most vulnerable in our wider community. This remarkable display of compassion and solidarity reflects the true spirit of Christmas and our shared commitment to making a difference in the lives of others.

Looking ahead to our Centenary in 2026, we do so with a deep appreciation of our community and with great faith in the young men who continue to embody the Spirit of ERC.

Within this Christmas season, I wish all members of the ERC community a joyful and peaceful holiday. May this time be filled with love, hope, and the blessings of family and friends. May the birth of Jesus inspire joy and a true sense of renewal in all of our lives.

Wishing you a safe, healthy, and blessed Christmas.

Yours sincerely,
Dr Stephen Gough

We’re pleased to provide a construction update on the new Centenary Innovation Centre!

Significant progress has been made in recent months and we are currently on track for a completion date in the second half of the 2026 school year. Over the past few months, the focus has been on establishing the main structural elements, with the steel framework set to be in place when students return at the start of next year. This will give parents a clear vision of the centre’s impressive scale.

Once the Centenary Innovation Centre is complete we will begin in earnest on the Stage 2 of the Masterplan by converting the current TAS and Trade Training building into a contemporary learning cola space, as well as Diverse Learning flexible learning spaces, and a new Food Technology kitchen.

We are very excited about the transformative impact both the Innovation Centre and Stage 2 will have on our students’ learning and overall school experience.

Dr Stephen Gough

Thank you to all our families for your support throughout 2025. I hope that you and your families have a happy, holy and restful Christmas. We look forward to welcoming the boys back to school for our Centenary Year, a reminder that Year 7 & 12 will return on January 29 and Years 8-11 on January 30. These holidays can often be a time when young people experiment with different hair styles, ear piercings and the like. We respectfully request that upon their return to school in 2026 that all students are compliant with our College uniform and personal presentation policy.

Please note that all students traveling to school by bus or train are required to have a student opal card, if you have changed addresses or your son has misplaced his opal card please ensure you apply for one ASAP via this link.

Tips for helping a young person adapt to social media restrictions

With new Social Media restrictions coming into effect this week, Beyond Blue have some great ideas about how families can support teenage children who may find the change challenging. They suggest that parents…

• Stay calm and curious: Listen without judgement to what they’re saying. Social media may be a big part of their life and they will miss it, particularly over the holiday period.
• Ask open questions: Use questions like “what do you think about…?” rather than a question that needs a yes or no answer. Give them time to respond – even if they need hours, or days, to form their thoughts.
• Validate their feelings: Change can be hard, especially when it affects friendships and identity. Let them know you understand that.
• Focus on their strengths: Remind them of their creativity, resourcefulness, and problem-solving skills.
• Find alternatives together: Young people use social media for a range of reasons. Help them understand the role social media has played in their life and explore other ways of finding those benefits, like sports, hobbies, volunteering or creative activities.
• Get support for yourself too – adults may not have all the answers, and that’s OK. Find answers from reliable sources like the eSafety Commissioner, talk to other parents and carers, and reach out to Beyond Blue if you’re feeling overwhelmed.

Further information about how to support a young person respond to the changes in social media laws can be found here.

Mrs Hughes
Deputy Principal

During the College Thanksgiving Assembly on Wednesday 11 December, we celebrated and recognised the outstanding academic achievements and efforts of Years 7-10 students during Semester 2. It was so impressive to see so many academic awards presented. Also noteworthy was a further increase in the number of academic excellence awards presented. Congratulations and well done to the following award recipients:

College Medal:

Year 8: Jack Agius, Jaffer Al-Shididi, Zayn Baghdadi, Blake Barlow, Gwil Barnes, Sunny Barry, Sergio Biondini, Mason Bonham, Reed Brogan, Fletcher Browne, Daniel Carolan, Jayden Cheema, Jayke Childs, Aston Di Pietro, Emerson Eckermann, Ryan Evans, Braxton Ewen-Chappell, Grady Farrugia, Bentley Faucett, Sonny Fogarty, Diego Garcia, Peyton Gelfius, Isaac Gizzi, Vivek Gohil, Lewis Green, Markus Henley, Lachlan Heyman, James Hillier, Liam Hirst, Hugh Hogan, Oliver Holt, Ethan Humphrey, Jye Johnson, Angus Jones, Charlie Kerr, Levi Kinnas, Bowen Love, Marcus Mitrovski, Beau O’Dea, Edward Page, Emmett Plunkett, Salvatore Raschilla, Sebastian Rodwell, Jake Schulze, Eli Shepherd, Jacob Spencer, William Staples, Eli Stephenson, Thomas Stojanovski, Konstantinos Stratis, Henry Sullivan, Ryan Thai, Nikolas Todorov, Nino Todorov, Alexander Torta, Justin Velosa, Claude Vincent, Thomas Whitmee, Ryan Yeo, Roman Young

Year 10: Lucas Crooks, Alkhataab El Hamad, Xavier Forlano, Lucas Germano, Levi Hilton-Picen, Bailey Jacobs, Jasper Jacobs, Xavier Jaque, Rocco Lazaroski, Cruz Mainwaring, Austin McCallum, Isaac Mitrevski, Daniel Morozov, Brody Murdoch, Isaac Papakosmas, Cale Parr, Baxter Roper, Sam Stevin, Spencer Strother, Ryan Tang, Zeke Thompson, Christian Ugonotti, Samuel Ugonotti, Kai Wallace, Cosmo Warren, Tennyson Wright, Sean Zhai

CSL Inclusive Community Badge

Year 7: Max Biela, Isaac Hutchinson

Year 8: Gwil Barnes, Emerson Eckermann, Grady Farrugia, Jensen Norris, Jake Schulze, Harcharan Sidhu, Darcy Stepanovski, Ryan Thai, Nikolas Todorov

Year 9: Ash Anderson, Noah Charteris, George Griffin, Eamon Hinds, Orlando Hunt, Jasper Leighton-Powderly, Lucas Mendivil Coelho, Mason Miller, Sahil Naidu, Calvin Perkiss, Jye Prem, Vidath Ranasinghe, Alexander Sjostedt

Gabrielle Condon Creative Writing Award

Stage 4: Ryan Evans

Stage 5: Christian Da Silva

Academics Awards

Year 7

Year 8

Year 9

Year 10

Provided through the College subscription to The Study Skills Handbook, please find an article entitled ‘Finding Resilience Through Reflection’.

Wishing all members of the College community a blessed and peace-filled Christmas and a well deserved relaxing and enjoyable holiday!

Mrs Bell
Director of Studies

The atmosphere at our final school assembly was truly magical, thanks to the wonderful contributions of our talented Musicians.

As students, staff, and the parents in attendance gathered for the start of the assembly, the air was filled with the sounds of seasonal cheer. This dedicated group provided a selection of Christmas music, setting a warm, festive, and reflective tone for the occasion.

We were also treated to an exceptional solo performance by Elijah, who performed Debussy’s beautiful and challenging “Clair de Lune.” His performance was nothing short of amazing and very dynamic, showcasing a deep musicality that captivated the entire audience.

We are especially thankful for the time the students spent rehearsing for this performance, alongside all the other commitments and events they have been involved in this term and throughout the year.

Their commitment to sharing their musical gifts with the entire school community, including our visiting parents, is deeply appreciated, and their performance added a very special flair to our end-of-year gathering.

The students involved were: Flint Kim, Elijah Fedele-Sirotich, Daniel Morozov, Emerson Eckermann, Lachlan Eckermann, Bowen Saunders, Alexander Torta

A massive thank you to all the musicians involved for their dedication, practice, and outstanding performances. They have truly helped us end the school year on a high note!

Mr Bonaccorso and Mr Haybittle

The HTA History Mastermind competition provided an exciting way for students to test our history knowledge and teamwork skills. Teams from Year 7, 9 and 10 answered challenging questions connected to the NSW History syllabus as well as general historical knowledge. We had achieved great results with the Year 10B team making the semi-finals, which involved competing against another team on stage. Ms Shumack also won the teachers’ trivia! Overall, this day was exhilarating and made me build a deeper connection with my friends and other schools.

Sahil Naidu (Year 9)

Our Debaters have been active over the past few weeks demonstrating their skills of argument against a range of teams. This week our Year 11 Team of Christian Yeo and Rhys Barnes proved “That Santa should be sacked” against a visiting team from St Mary’s. Christian Yeo is to be congratulated for taking on the role of two speakers to fill in for team members who were unavailable. Recently our Year 9 and 10 teams travelled to St John’s Nowra where our Year 10 team was undefeated in all of their debates. They also were commended not just for their talents but for their respectful attitudes and the way in which they related to each team. Well done to Jonathan Bendeich, Isaac Mitrevski, Izac Lavis, Daniel Morozov and Sam Stevin for being such wonderful ambassadors for our College. Our Year 7 and 8 teams attended the recent UOW Debating Day where they met the challenge of impromptu debates with short preparation times often against much older teams. Each team won a debate, and agreed their teamwork, argument and refutation improved over the course of the day. Congratulations to all of these teams who were able to apply critical thinking, listening skills, teamwork and rhetoric, demonstrating the argument for Debating!

Ms Shumack

During Week 6, Year 9 students were privileged to attend a powerful excursion to the Jewish Central Synagogue in Bondi. The focus of the visit was learning about the atrocities of the Holocaust and reflecting on the incredible strength of the human spirit to overcome evil. The highlight was listening to two Holocaust survivors, who generously shared their stories of survival during the Holocaust and World War II. Students were also given a tour of the Synagogue by volunteers from the Jewish Museum Organisation. This allowed them to view artifacts brought to Australia by the Jewish population who immigrated in the years following the War. This meaningful experience perfectly supported the students in-class ‘The Search for Meaning,’ providing deep, real-world reflection on the Holocaust narratives they encountered.

Mrs Anderson

Year 9 Visual Design Mural

Starting in Term 3, the Year 9 Visual Design class began a huge project, starting with learning graphic illustration techniques and leaving a lasting impression on the school by creating a mural out of their illustrations.

Every aspect of this project was entirely student work. From the initial sketches to chalking the design onto the wall, the students drove the process. They delegated roles amongst themselves during each lesson to manage the workload efficiently. This constant collaboration was vital, as they worked together to ensure the final mural was completed to the highest standard.

Our progress on the wall was strictly dictated by the weather. We went out to paint during every scheduled lesson where it didn’t rain. To ensure we met our deadline, the group showed great dedication by working through the entire day on Monday of Week 9. This final push allowed us to finish the design.

I want to give a special mention to every student who contributed to this collaborative effort: Xavier Bridger, Ari Bronska Milic, Vincent Caruana, Cruz Coleiro, Xavier Crapis, Ryder Davies, Liam Faddy, Jacob Fowler, Farbod Ghafarnezhad, Locke Gray, Heath Hanson, Thoma Jolly, Baxter Mallon, Harrison Mann, Austin McLeod, Bede O’Donnell, Flynn Sheahan, Blair Stanton.

Well done boys.

Mr Sunarya

Throughout 2025, the Year 10 Music students have shown consistent dedication and a willingness to develop their musical skills by delivering an outstanding semester of musical achievement. They didn’t just learn music—they created it, excelling in the production and recording of their own original compositions while simultaneously honing their technical skills with impressive performances.

Their commitment extended far beyond the classroom, with the students generously sharing their talents at numerous College events: the Mothers Day High Tea, The College Open Day, Battle of the Bands, The Fathers Day Breakfast, and the Stage 5 Assembly.

They capped it all off with their involvement at the Extravaganza on the Narandha Veranda end-of-year concert. Their dedication to enriching the College community through music has been truly exceptional.

The linked Google Slides offers a glimpse into their incredible work, featuring a few of their compositions and performance recordings.

Mr Bonaccorso

The recent Extravaganza on the Narandha Verandah was a resounding success, showcasing the incredible musical talent of our students across a wide range of styles. The program itself was both diverse and dynamic. It featured a wide array of performances, starting with a traditional Yidaki solo and moving on to other classic hits and genres, including Vulfpeck’s intricate funk piece, “Dean Town,” and heavy rock titles like “Tornado of Souls,” “Losfer Words,” and “Gone Away.”

The evening built to a fantastic close with several memorable final acts. The College Jazz Band first took the stage, delivering classic blues hits and a unique rendition of the Beatles’ standard, “Come Together.” Immediately preceding the Stage Band’s final number, Year 8 students Gwil Barnes and Lachlan Eckermann performed Neil Young’s “My My, Hey Hey,” which deeply impressed the audience with its mature interpretation. The ERC Stage Band then stepped in for a high-energy conclusion. Their dynamic final set was particularly effective, inspiring some members of the audience to get up and dance to the “The Nutbush.”

A huge congratulations to all the students involved for their outstanding performances! Their hard work and diverse abilities truly made the event special. We extend our sincere thanks to staff and parents for their support and attendance.

A special acknowledgement and thank you to our event photographer, Jack Baldassari from Year 8, for capturing the day’s memorable moments!

Please see this gallery for additional photos.

Students involved in the Performance: Elijah Fedele-Sirotich, Finn Boswell, Tiberius Csapo, Fabrizio Massa, Dylan Pascoe, Max McManus, Emerson Eckermann, Lachlan Eckermann, Gwil Barnes, Alexander Torta, Jack Baldassari (Photographer), Flint Kim, Luca Thomas, Harrison Chapman, Xavier Forlano, Joel Horley, Caden Lester, Bowen Saunders, Ryan Tang, Jaxon Towers, Kai Walsh, Daniel Morozov, Samuel Curcio, James Massarella, Caelan Sinclair, William Hiscox

Mr Haybittle and Mr Bonaccorso

STEM
On Tuesday, the Year 10 STEM class finished their course by launching their bottle rockets on Sheppard’s Oval. Throughout the year the class mentored St Therese students using Vex Robots as their CSL project – they also hosted a STEM activity day for the Year 5/6 students at the College. This was the first year group to use the Tello Drones, completing a series of rescue scenarios for their main assessment task. Thank you to Mr Buchanan, Mr Sirianni, Mr Sjostedt, Mr Britten and Mr Clarke for working with the students during the year.

Computing Technology
The Year 9 and 10 Computing Technology elective classes finished their course with a VR Inservice from Mr Rahn Healy from ‘Mindflight7’. Students had the opportunity to explore a range of VR applications and develop new project ideas while working with an industry expert in game design. Throughout the year the class has acquired a range of practical skills in game design, building mobile phone applications and working with mechatronic devices.

Robotics in Year 7
As part of their Design and Technology ‘Robotics’ rotation, students in Year 7 have worked with our new micro:bit and BitBot devices to solve a range of challenges. They have used the Microsoft MakeCode programming environment to refine their programming skills.

Software Engineering
This year the Year 12 class completed the first online HSC Software exam and are to be commended for their work in this new course. The Year 11 class is currently working through their Cyber Security and Web Programming modules. For the Year 10 elective choices next year, we will also be offering the new ‘Enterprise Computing’ option in addition to the Software course.

Computer Club
The students in our final ‘Computer Club’ for the year enjoyed exploring VR applications, as Mr Healy stayed after school following his earlier session. Throughout the year on Wednesday afternoons the club has been home to a core group of Year 7 gamers, while also allowing students the opportunity to explore a range of VR, Vex Robotics, Drones and Gaming Applications. The Club will start up again in Term One next year.

Mr Dempsey

Get ready for an inspiring chat in the latest episode of The Rice Bowl Podcast!

In this episode, Isaac and Bowen sit down with the 2026 College Captains, Harrison McDonald (C) and Nicholas Aivaliotis (VC). As Edmund Rice College approaches its momentous Centenary, Nick and Harry share their hopes, aspirations, and vision for the year ahead, discussing their ideas for the Centenary celebration, what motivates their leadership, and their overarching goals for the College community as they lead the College into this historic milestone.

Don’t miss this insightful conversation with the future leaders of ERC!

Listen now:

Mr Bonaccorso

As we come to the end of another year, I write to you with a sense of gratitude and pride for what has been a truly productive and positive year for the students and the entire Edmund Rice College community. Our shared commitment throughout the year to dignity and kindness towards one another is a strong foundation we must continue to build upon, especially as we enter the reflective and generous Christmas season.

This time of year offers a powerful reminder of our responsibility to those who are less fortunate—those who are homeless, separated, or disadvantaged within our broader community. Our College Touchstones—being Inclusive, Liberating, and Socially Just—call us to move beyond ourselves and demonstrate wellbeing, integrity, and responsibility through tangible acts of generosity. We are encouraged to do more, not less, to help those who cannot help themselves or their families.

I invite all students to actively demonstrate this essential kindness, not only within the College gates but in all public spaces we share—on transport, in shopping centers, parks, and on the beach. By being authentic in your understanding of the spirituality taught through the example of Blessed Edmund Rice and the coming new birth of Jesus Christ, you truly embody the spirit of our College.

In College tradition, we celebrated the final day of term with our Awards & Thanksgiving Assembly. This gathering serves a vital dual purpose for our community:

• Acknowledgement of Achievement: We will recognise and reward students who have excelled academically, demonstrated outstanding leadership, committed service to others, applied themselves diligently to their studies, and consistently upheld the College Touchstones by being a “good person for others.”
• Community Giving: As we prepare for the birth of Christ, this is a profound time for us to give back. We ask our community to bring hope and peace to those who go without many of the essentials and pleasantries we often take for granted.
  Edmund Rice College wishes all students, staff, families, and friends a safe, peaceful, and connective time together. As St Francis of Assisi wisely said, “For it is in giving that we receive.”

We are pleased to announce the Pastoral Coordinators & Assistant Pastoral Coordinators who will be guiding our students in 2026:

Year 12: Mr Patrick Preeo & Mr Brendan Belsito
Year 11: Mrs Carmen Russell & Mr Ryan Griffiths
Year 10: Mr Andrew Marsh & Mr Daniel Breeze
Year 9: Mr Jeremy Forshaw & Mr Joshua Crapis
Year 8: Mr Ben Bourke & Ms Rosanna Stella
Year 7: Mr Marco Panozzo & Mrs Amy Field

School Holiday Activities & Fun Things to Do in the Illawarra!

As the term concludes, we encourage all students to make the most of the upcoming holidays. It’s a perfect time to relax, connect with friends and family, and explore the incredible region we call home. We’ve found a few exciting local activities and attractions for every interest:

For students seeking action and adrenaline, the Illawarra offers some fantastic options:

• Treetops Adventure Nowra: Challenge yourself on varying levels of rope courses and ziplines through the forest.
• Revolution Laser Arena (Spring Hill): Battle it out in laser tag or try their new VR Escape Rooms and Arcade.
• Hangdog Indoor Climbing Gym (Coniston): A great spot to challenge your physical skills and build confidence through bouldering and rock climbing.
• Cringila Hills Mountain Bike Park: A popular spot with trails, a pump track, and a jumps park for all skill levels.

Balance that energy with some downtime, culture, and learning:

• Sunset Cinema Wollongong: Enjoy magical summer nights watching movies under the stars at the beautiful Botanic Garden.
• HARS Aviation Museum (Albion Park): Step back in time with guided tours and get up close to historic aircraft.
• Wollongong City Libraries: A welcoming space offering free resources, Wi-Fi, and dedicated study areas, including HSC Lock-in Sessions for our older students.
• LEGO Robotics & STEM Camps: Programs running locally for those interested in science, coding, and creative problem-solving.
• Local Gems: Take advantage of the coastline and explore the region’s beautiful Rock and Beach Pools—a great, free way to enjoy the summer heat!

For a full list of events and activities, including dates, costs, and bookings, please visit the following guides:

• What’s On in Wollongong (General Activities)
• Parent Guide Illawarra (Teens Focus)

We wish all our students and families a restful, active, and safe break.

Mr Bates
Acting Director of Pastoral Care & Wellbeing

Our Year 12 Student Leadership team for 2026 attended the EREA Student Leaders Conference in Mulgoa. This enriching experience brought together aspiring student leaders from across the EREA NSW school network to participate in workshops, listen to inspiring speakers, and develop essential skills for effective leadership. The theme, “Servant Leadership” focused on practical skills crucial for making a positive impact both in and outside of the school environment, all while investigating servant leadership based on Edmund Rice’s teachings.

Our students had the opportunity to listen to Br Jeff Regan, Talk2meBro co-founder Jack Brown, former Illawarra Hawks basketball player Kevin White, and former Leader of the Opposition John Brogden OAM. The guest speakers encouraged thought provoking conversations which helped shape our students’ own perspective where they emphasised the importance of checking in with one another and not being afraid to speak up. This conference provided a wonderful opportunity for our 2026 Student Leaders to look towards the coming year by establishing future partnerships and sharing stories across the EREA Colleges network.

Miss Tomasi

The pastoral focus for Year 9 in 2025 was to “Be Transformed”, becoming a Good Man; adopted from Romans 12:2, which challenges the boys to move from being conformed by culture to being transformed by God’s truth through new thinking, enabling a life that truly reflects divine purpose. As a cohort, I am proud to say that the Year 9 boys have embraced this challenge and shown genuine growth throughout the year. Whether it be through their recognised academic success in the classroom, or their participation in extra curricular initiatives, sporting accolades, liturgies, reflection days or overcoming fears and obstacles on the Year 9 Ski Trip earlier this year.

I would also like to take this opportunity to congratulate and formally acknowledge the Principal’s Award recipients for Term 4. Your hard work and dedication to school life does not go unnoticed. Congratulations: Ash Anderson, Ari Bronska Milic, Taylor Cleary, William Crampton, Xavier Crapis, Matthew Davis, Liam Faddy, Nash Ferguson, Lachlan Leicht, Austin McLeod, Aaron Pasztor, Aiden Rayner, Yusuf Unal, Lincoln Woods

Finally, I would like to introduce the Year 10 2026 Student Representative Council. Congratulations to the following students, who will lead the Year 10 cohort with determination and passion, in the spirit of Blessed Edmund Rice.

• Liturgy: Federico Senise
• Sport: Samuel McMahon
• Era For Change: Yusuf Unal
• Sustainability: Luca Thomas
• Community and Culture: Malachy Hurley
• First Nations: Nate Russell
• Wellbeing: Bede O’Donnell
• Keira: Seth Momirovski
• Rice: Charlie McQuire
• Ignatius: Tynan Caswell
• Crown: Samuel Shaw
• McMahon: Lincoln Woods
• Waterford: Lachlan Leicht

To the Year 9 Boys, thank you for being and doing your very best each and every day. It has been a pleasure to work alongside you for the past 3 years. As you approach the next season of your life and high schooling journey, step forward with confidence, humility and a willingness to keep growing. Continue to challenge yourselves, support one another, and strive to be young men of character who live out our call to Be Transformed. I look forward to seeing the many ways you will contribute to the College community as young men and leaders in the years ahead.

I wish you and your families a very Merry Christmas and a safe and prosperous New Year.

Mr Panozzo
Year 9 Pastoral Care Coordinator

We are thrilled to introduce the dedicated and enthusiastic team who will represent Year 9 in the Student Representative Council (SRC) for the 2026 school year! The Year 9 representatives will be focused on initiatives that enhance the learning environment, enhance student wellbeing and foster strong connections within their cohort.

The Year 9 SRC for 2026 is composed of a balance of experienced members who served in 2025 and new faces ready to contribute their fresh perspectives. This blend ensures continuity for ongoing projects while welcoming new energy and ideas to the council.

Meet the 2026 Year 9 SRC Representatives

• ERA for Change – Fletcher Browne
• Social Justice – Hugh Hogan
• Liturgy – Daniel Carolan
• First Nations – Cooper Everingham
• Community Culture – Alexander Torta
• Sustainability – Reuben Pascoe
• Wellbeing – Gwil Barnes
• Sport – Darcy Stepanovski
• Waterford – Henry Sullivan
• Rice – Claude Vincent
• Ignatius – Ryan Yeo
• Crown – Ryan Thai
• McMahon – William Synott
• Keira – Zachariah Crook
• SRC Representatives:  Nino Todorov, Nikolas Todorov, Callum Ardita, Jaffer Al-Shididi

We would like to congratulate this group of boys and thank them for their commitment to making 2026 a fantastic year for Year 9! Thank you to all the boys who represented the cohort in 2025.

Principal Award Recipients – Term 4:

Congratulations to a large group of Year 8 students who were recipients of the Principal’s Award in Week 8.Students who attain this award have acquired 25 plus merits / positive referrals, which is a tremendous effort. As part of this award all students receive a $30 Movie Voucher. Congratulations to the following students:

Jaime Barreto, Wil Bryson, Beau O’Dea, Rhys Szilagyi, Sonny Cooper, Carter Cleghorn, Aidan Quigley, Matthew Conroy, Jonty Musker-Ivaneza, Archie Clifton, Jack Agius, Harry Miller, Jensen Norris, Caiden Hawke, Massimo Casarotto, Christopher Morgan, Owen Schembri, Oscar Krauss, Levi Kinnas, Archie Davidson, Fletcher Brown, Lewis McLeod, William Lambert, Kye Hulbert, Jackson Fraser, Mason Micevski, Thomas Docherty, Anderson Bennett, Rio Morand, Sam Pearson, Xavier March, Oliver Wilson, Mason Aranega, Damon Silveri, Oscar Mauricio, Thomas Dal Bon, Bill Bramble, Bede Woods, Matteo Naumovski, Alexander Daravong, Alexander Giacon, Lachlan Eckermann, Chase Ramsey, Novak Lazicic, Jacob Longmire, Copper Everingham, Lachlan Norris, Bowen Love, Darcy Stepanovski, Harcharan Sidhu, Caleb Antonelli, Elias Alenaddaf, Jacob Svarc, Finlay Kilpatrick, Ethan Jones, Yojit Koduri, Henry Ly, Lucas White, Triston Lozenkovski, Toby O’Kane, Alby Churven, Patrick Parker, Harrison Brown, Zachariah Crook, Hunter Cruickshank, Zac Stambulka, Ryan Evans, Jakye Childs, Kynan Langley,

Kind regards,
Mr Marsh and Ms Stella

Recently the College had the latest cohort of boys from Year 10 take on their Silver Award, Qualifying Adventurous Journey. This year 21boys had prepared themselves for the 3-day hike by attending a number of lessons prior to the trip, based around navigation, emergency procedures, equipment and preparing a meal plan.

The boys had adequately prepared themselves for the 30km hike in the Budawang’s National Park. Now it was on with the adventure. We had great weather for hiking. We split into 3 groups to give the boys some independence and responsibility for navigation. We made good time and arrived early enough for a well-deserved swim in the Cascades of the Corang River. Then shelters were put up, and meals were cooked to appease the hungry boy’s appetites.

The following morning each of the 3 groups made their way to the Burrumbeet Brook camping caves for some lunch. It was the hottest of the 3 days and the windiest. The afternoon was set aside to walk to the Yurnga Lookout to see the central feature of the Budawang’s, Monolith Valley and onto views of Pigeon House Mountain and the south coast. It was too unpleasant to be out in the heat and the wild weather, so we retreated to check out some other camping caves. The boys enjoyed exploring the nooks and crannies of the escarpment before return for a well-deserved rest and settling in for an early dinner around the campfire. The boys reflected on the journey so far and what lay ahead of them the next day.

We woke on the third day to a cooler day, ideal for the walk out, the longest of the 3 days. We packed up in good time and proceeded to make our way back to the minibus. Features were ticked off, as we made it to Corang Arch, climbed over Corang Peak and passed Tinderry Lookout on our 5-hour journey. All in all, it was a legendry trip that won’t be forgotten soon. Thanks to all the boys and thanks to Mr Sunarya, Mr Bramble and Mr Tognetti for their support on the trip.

Mr Volk
Duke of Edinburgh Adventurous Journey Coordinator

The atmosphere surrounding Sydney’s major annual rugby event continues to swell, showcasing an unforgettable blend of fierce competition and rich cultural exchange. It is clear this event keeps getting bigger every year, solidifying its place as a much-anticipated fixture.

The true pinnacle for many is the opening ceremony, where the cultural display of war dances and traditional foods ignites the field, creating a powerful sense of heritage and pride.

Despite challenging conditions, including intense heat, the footy was great, with ERC boys Baxter Roper, Morrison Cocksedge and Hunter Barrett playing for the Koori Rugby teams. Players had an amazing time and met some great people in the process. Reflecting on the competition, Captain Baxter Roper expressed satisfaction, noting a good performance from the team and that he looks forward to next year with renewed ambition.

Mrs Jennison

On the 4th of December, a group of Edmund Rice College students, accompanied by Mrs Schodde and Mr Richardson, travelled to Symbio Wildlife Park to volunteer their time at the KidsWish Christmas Party. This iconic event welcomed over 3000 children living with disabilities or illness and their families, supported by roughly 200 volunteers running a range of engaging activities and stands such as the sports and sensory zone, photos with Santa, the silent disco, and a toy station where children could choose a gift to keep. These activities allowed the children not only to step away from their worries but to simply run, play, and enjoy a carefree day with their families. The celebration wasn’t just about the kids, but also about people coming together and creating a warm, joyful atmosphere. For many families, the event offered a rare moment of community connection and genuine happiness, making the experience truly memorable for everyone involved.

Isaac Campbell, Liam Tweedie and Nate Russell (Year 9)

Please see the 2026 ERC SPORT information flyer.

NSWCCC Individual pathway registrations / nominations are now open, please ensure registrations are done promptly (closing dates have not been released yet).

For all College teams, trials, training and information – students will receive emails about these in Term 1 2026.

Mr Timpano
Sports Coordinator

On Tuesday, December 2nd, our Year 9 and 10 PASS (Physical Activity and Sport Studies) classes traveled to Wollongong North Beach and Harbour for an exciting day of outdoor learning. To complement their current theory unit on “Lifestyle, Leisure and Recreation,” the excursion moved the classroom to the sand, giving students a chance to apply their knowledge in a real-world setting.

Although the weather conditions were not ideal, it certainly did not dampen the spirits of the group. With guidance from the experts at Pines Surfing Academy and our dedicated teaching staff, students showed great resilience and participated enthusiastically in surfing, stand up paddle boarding, nature walking, and a variety of beach sports.

We are incredibly proud of the exemplary behavior and positive attitude displayed by every student, who got involved regardless of the elements. It was a day filled with camaraderie and skill-building. A massive thank you to everyone who helped organise this successful trip!

Mr Fowler

The dates and details for the exciting 2026 Thredbo Interschools mountain biking competition have been released! 1st to 6th March (for all age groups).

There will be a note coming out towards the middle of Term 1 2026, but if interested, please register and book accomodation as soon as possible, as it always books out.

Please feel free to share these details with other serious riders at the College that I may have missed. We are always looking for new team members. While it is a competition, it is very inviting, even if you haven’t competed before.

All the necessary information can be found HERE

Thanks in advance,

Mr Griffiths and Mr Volk

The 2026 NSW All Schools Triathlon is now taking registrations.

The event is being held on Wednesday 25th Feb 2026.

Please use the below link to get further information:

https://csnsw.sport/sports/csnsw-sport-programmes/triathlon

Like previous years, there is also a team relay event held on Thursday 26th Feb, which consists of the following relay legs below.

Students are encouraged to organise their own team, then see Mr Timpano to discuss registration as this must be done by the College.

Sports Coordinator

Individual nominated sports for Term One – Expression of Interest registrations will open by the end of November.

Look out for further updates via the CNSW Sport website and on the ERC TASS DAILY NOTICES.

If you have any questions please contact Mr Timpano at the College.

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

2026 TERM DATES

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CANTEEN MENU

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PROCEDURES FOR PARENTS / CARERS

Student Absences

Whilst the preferred method of communication regarding absences is via the TASS Parent Portal we understand that sometimes access to the portal can be limited. We therefore ask parents/carers to provide daily absence information (Whole day absences/late arrivals/early departure/absence notes etc.) via the following email address: absences@erc.nsw.edu.au

Reminders:

• Leave required for 4-9 days needs to be requested by emailing the College: office@erc.nsw.edu.au
• Leave requests for 10 or more days requires completing an Application for Extended Leave Form (which can be found on the College website under Quicklinks).

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.

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.

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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.

First Annual Concert and Gymnastic Display

In December 1926 the College gave its Inaugural Awards night. The Illawarra Mercury reported on a time when Choral, Orchestral, Recitations and Gymnastic prowess were a measure of ‘an intelligent mind in a sound body’ , evidence that the first year of the school was a resounding success. Held at the Crown Theatre, Awards for Academic and Sport were distributed with Cups for Senior, Junior and Juvenile’s and Book prizes for Academic success.

Due to the generosity of ‘Old Boy’ families, we have examples of both Cups and Books presented in 1928, 1934 and 1935.

George Rowan was presented the Senior Cup – 3rd place in 1928 alongside Academic passes in English, Mathematics (1) and (11), Chemistry, History and Business Principles and John Caffrey received Book Awards in 1934 and 1935 for his efforts in 3rd Year and 4th Year

Sydney Thunder School Holiday Clinic – Illawarra 

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Wollongong Youth Services – Open Day

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2026 Wollongong Aquathon

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Holy Cross Fete: Helensburgh

Holy Cross Parish Primary School is holding its annual Fete on Saturday 14th March 2026. It is our major fundraiser for the year bringing our community together for a day of fun, laughter and support.

I would like to extend an opportunity for Edmund Rice students to partake in community service hours at our School Fete helping on stalls – Side Show Alley (running games), Fairy Floss/Sno Cone stall, assisting on the raffle ticket sales or serving at our BBQ stand.

The details are:

Date: Saturday 14th March 2026
Time:10am to 2pm
Where: Holy Cross Primary School Helensburgh 1 McMillan St Helensburgh NSW 2508
Email: hchfete@gmail.com

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