Well, what a start back to Term 3, it was with many refreshed students ready to take the new semester head-on. After an exciting reunion of sorts for those who hadn’t seen each other since the holidays, Semester 2 kicked off with a full school assembly to recognise those who have been working diligently in class and giving their best effort as well as those who were recognised with five or more merit awards during Semester 1. The merit award system is in place to acknowledge and recognize those boys who consistently embody the learning values of St Edmund’s College by working diligently in class, helping a mate, always giving their best effort, or importantly showing improvements throughout the year. Congratulations to all those boys who received merit awards across the semester, and I encourage all boys to continue to participate and do their best throughout the year. Similarly, at the same assembly, the school was blessed with a sneak peek of the combined musical production Little Shop of Horrors, which St Edmunds will partake in with Canberra Girls Grammar and Merici College. At the assembly, we were treated to a performance from Year 12 students Daniel Isherwood and Tadgh Loadsman, and if that performance was anything to go by, I’m sure we’ll all be in for a treat.
On Wednesday this week, we held a special NAIDOC assembly celebrating this year’s theme “Get Up! Stand Up! Show Up!”. We were showcased to a memorable and beautiful smoking ceremony by Ngambri traditional owner Aunty Matilda House, and were honoured to hear from guest speaker Wendy Brookman. The boys on this day and during this assembly showcased just how important these traditions are to the college, because underneath the concrete and asphalt of this great school, this land is, was, and always will be traditional Aboriginal land.
To conclude today, I want to talk about an upcoming event this Saturday the 30th of July – the annual Heritage Day and Old Boys’ reunion day. On this day both the first XV rugby team and the first XI football team will be playing at home and kicking off around 3:00 pm, with every rugby team playing against Marist throughout the day in the annual grudge match. The day will be used as a fantastic opportunity to raise funds for our Charity focus in Term 3 being Home in Queanbeyan and Karinya House. Many junior and senior school leaders will be promoting the charity on the day, starting with the Old Boys’ mass and morning tea commencing at 10:00 am, and culminating with the senior sporting matches. Not only is Heritage Round a day of great charity, but it is an awesome day to demonstrate school pride and comradery, and hence why I encourage every student and member of the wider St Edmund’s community to do their best to get out there and to partake in the days’ activities.
Edmund’s to the Fore.
Andrew McFarlane
School Captain