Welcome back to what is sure to be another exciting year full of opportunity and promise here at Edmund Rice College. It was wonderful to welcome our young men back on site after the disruption to learning throughout 2021. It has been most pleasing to see the majority of students adhering to the wearing of masks in alignment with the health orders. In what was a mammoth operation, I would like to thank parents for their cooperation in the distribution of the RAHT surveillance kits. Essentially this is round 1 of 2 in the plan for a safe return to school, more information about the distribution will follow in the coming week.

Student Transport
After a meeting with transport officials today, we have been able to voice the concerns of our community with regard to the beginning of the year, specifically the change in train departure and arrival times, as they continue to follow the weekend schedule. We were reassured that they too shared our concern and were looking at alternative solutions from both north and south service lines. Looking into not only lengthy connecting wait times caused, but also the high number of students on certain services. A further meeting with Transport NSW will take place on Monday, where our concerns will be raised and discussed once again. We will also address these issues with local government members in the attempt to fast track decisions to the concerns of our community.

General rules when travelling on public transport apply, these are clearly stated in the Code of Conduct on Buses and Trains (refer to Page 31 of the Student Diary). When travelling on the bus, students are reminded they must wear their masks and use their OPAL cards to TAP ON so accurate data can be forwarded to Transport NSW to support the increase in numbers and the need for extra services, due to the demands of the community.

Student Drop Off / Pick Up
A reminder to parents dropping their sons off before school that all students should be
dropped off outside of the College grounds. Parents and carers are reminded NOT to
enter the driveway from Mt Keira Road as this area is a high pedestrian area throughout the entire day. Please be mindful of the number of students entering and exiting the College at the beginning and end of the school day. Parents are further reminded that dropping off or picking up in the surrounding streets needs to be done following the local road rules. If you are picking your up and are stopping and or waiting in marked ‘No Stopping or No Parking Areas’ council parking rangers have indicated that they will be fining offenders.

Year 12 students who have permission to drive are also reminded of our local arrangement with the residents about where they can park, being courteous and following safe driving practices – especially with regard to speed around the surrounding streets. Simple reminder to ensure students park correctly and allow suitable travel time so they are not late, making poor parking decisions which evidently can be a financial burden.

Upcoming Events – Term 1

To view the College community google calendar, click on the LINK and ADD it.

Upcoming events for Term 1 (as it stand today within current guidelines)
8 February – Safer Internet Day
8 February – High achiever’s Assembly (by invitation only)
9 February – Y12 Retreat (ERC)
9 February – Y12 Retreat (offsite)
15 February – College Opening Mass
15 February – Parents and Friends meeting 7pm
17 February – Y10 Reflection Day
21 February – Y10 Camp
1 March – Try Y7 for a Day
3 March – College Swimming Carnival
7-9 March – Y7 Camp (A)
8 March – Y7 Reflection (B)
9-11 March – Y7 Camp (B)
10 March – Y7 Reflection (A)
19 March – P&F Year 7 Parents Welcome BBQ (Saturday 2 – 5 pm)
1 April – Y7 Vaccinations
8 April – Principal’s Reward Day (Easter Show)
8 April – Last day of Term 1

TASS Portal

A reminder for parents that critical information is communicated on the Parent Portal. Permission notes, updating medical details, daily notices, the College calendar and responding to student absences are accessible via this portal – https://erc.nsw.tass.cloud/parentlounge.

Please email helpdesk@erc.nsw.edu.au if you are having issues accessing this site.

Mr Walsh
College Deputy Principal