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Principal’s Welcome

TimCleary

St Edmund’s College recognises the traditional custodians of the area, the Ngunnawal and Ngambri people.

Dear St Edmund’s College Community, 

It is with great honour and excitement that I extend a warm welcome to you as the new Principal of St Edmund’s College, Canberra in 2025. As many of you know, I return to St Edmund’s having started teaching here in 1986 in the Primary school.  Later, I returned to St Edmund’s – having taught at Waverley College and St Ignatius’ College Riverview – as Deputy Headmaster for five years. Since then I have been a Principal at St Augustine’s College in Sydney for 15 years and had other roles as Principal and as a Director in Sydney Catholic schools  – as well as two other Principal roles in Catholic education. In total I have already spent ten years at Eddie’s – so feel a sense of coming home. 

Our College has a rich history, rooted in the values of Edmund Rice, that has shaped not only the education we provide but also the character and spirit of our community. Since its founding in 1954, St Edmund’s has been dedicated to fostering holistic development in our students, ensuring they grow into compassionate, confident, and capable young men ready to make meaningful contributions to society. 

Over the years, St Edmund’s College has evolved, embracing a commitment to academic excellence, spiritual growth, and social responsibility. Our passionate staff and vibrant student body have made this institution a beacon of learning and personal development in Canberra for over 70 years. We take pride in our Catholic faith – and in our diverse community, which reflects a wide range of cultures and backgrounds, enriching the educational experience for all. 

As we look to the future, I am thrilled to share some exciting plans that will further enhance our College and community. Our focus will be on expanding our curriculum to include additional innovative programs that foster critical thinking, creativity, and resilience. We aim to integrate even more technology into our teaching methodologies, preparing our students for the ever-changing digital landscape of the 21st century. 

Additionally, we are committed to strengthening our community partnerships, encouraging collaboration with past students (our alumni) and all families and friends of the College.  We continue to embrace local organisations and businesses to deepen existing and explore new relationships to provide a supportive network for our students.  

As we arrive at the 71st year of educating young men in a proud tradition, we strategically commit to enhancing our facilities through the development of a new Masterplan to provide state-of-the-art resources that inspire learning and foster a sense of belonging for years to come. 

At St Edmund’s we share with millions of Catholics worldwide, in the year of the Jubilee, something that happens every 25 years. This year the theme is “Pilgrims of Hope.” 

Welcome Fratelli Tutti, (“Brothers and sisters all”) to that journey at St Edmund’s in 2025.

Tim Cleary

Principal