Principal’s Message

Fratelli Tutti,

I want to start by congratulating Jed Stuart (Old Boy Class of 2019), who will make his first official start in the NRL this weekend as Raider #404, facing off against the West Tigers. Many of you will remember Jed as an exceptional young man during his time here. Following his school years, Jed represented Australia in Rugby 7s and now embarks on an exciting new chapter, following in the footsteps of his father, Ricky Stuart, as a first-grade Rugby League player. We wish him every success in this remarkable milestone. 

This morning at our Mass, Harry Logan (Year 9)  received his First Holy Communion, a beautiful beginning in his sacramental journey. This is
the first of many such moments we will celebrate together, including the upcoming Sacramental Mass on Tuesday, June 24th, at 6:30 pm at
Saint Christopher’s Cathedral.

Throughout this week, our students in Years 10 to 12 are fully immersed in completing their Semester 1 exams. This period is a crucial milestone in their academic journey. It reflects the knowledge and skills they have developed over the past months and helps set the foundation for their future studies and goals. During these demanding weeks, I recognise the hard work, focus, and resilience required to balance revision, study, and well-being.

Our Gospel Choir is eagerly preparing to travel to Sydney for an exciting cultural excursion. There, they will experience a special performance by the renowned Signature Choir alongside the Sydney Symphony Orchestra. This event offers our students a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the power and beauty of world-class music performed at the highest level.

Looking ahead, I warmly invite all members of our college community to the much-anticipated Visual Arts Exhibition on Monday, June 23rd, at 3:45 p.m. This special event will showcase an impressive collection of artworks created by our talented Visual Arts students. Their pieces reflect their creativity and technical skills, personal growth, and unique perspectives developed throughout the semester.

With just seven school days left of Term 2, I commend our staff and students for their dedication throughout what has been a busy and rewarding term. I also want to remind students that devices will not be permitted during recess and lunch breaks as of Term 3; these moments are an important opportunity to disconnect, enjoy some fresh air, spend time with friends, and recharge before your next class.

A well-earned break is just around the corner, and I hope everyone enjoys this valuable time at home.
Warm Regards,

Tim Cleary
Principal

Dear Parents, Carers, and Members of our College Community,

Welcome to Week 6 of Term 2. It has been a busy and exciting time at the College, with many important events and activities. I’m pleased to share some updates and highlights with you.

Reconciliation Week – Reflecting on Our Commitments
Reflecting on National Reconciliation Week (27 May – 3 June), I am proud of how our College community embraced this important time for learning, reflection, and truth-telling. The 2025 theme, “Now More Than Ever”, is a powerful call to action for all Australians to continue the work of reconciliation—not only during this week, but every day.

Throughout the week, our students and staff engaged in classroom discussions, liturgies, and cultural learning experiences that deepened our understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives. These moments challenge us to consider how we live out the values of respect, justice, and solidarity in our daily lives.

Our commitment to reconciliation does not end with the calendar date; it continues in building relationships, listening deeply, and working for equity and inclusion across all parts of our College.

Careers Expo – Preparing for the Future
Yesterday, our Year 10 – 12 students had the opportunity to attend the College Careers Expo held at St Clare’s College. This engaging and informative event brought together universities, TAFE, training organisations, and industry representatives under one roof and was a valuable opportunity for students to explore the many pathways available to them.
Thank you to our Careers and VET team for organizing this important event.

Year 10 into 11 Information Night
Also, yesterday evening, we welcomed Year 10 families to our Year 10 into Year 11 Information Night. This evening is a vital step in the senior subject selection process and will cover:

• VCE, VCE VM and VET pathways
• Subject selection timelines
• Career planning support
• Q&A with Heads of Learning and Pastoral Leaders

If you were unable to attend and would like more information, please get in touch with our Studies Office at studies@sec.act.edu.au

EREA College Principals’ Gathering 5–6 June
This week, I am attending the Edmund Rice Education Australia (EREA) College Principals’ Gathering, which brings together school leaders from across the country. This annual event is an opportunity to reflect on our shared mission, strengthen collaboration within the EREA network, and respond to the evolving needs of our school communities.

The gathering will focus on our identity as EREA schools, the Charter Touchstones that shape our mission, and the leadership required to support inclusive, compassionate, and future-focused education.
While I am away, Mr Ian Garrity will oversee day-to-day leadership at the College.

Key Dates Ahead

• 5–6 June – EREA College Principals’ Gathering
• Week 7 – Parent Evening Y-safe
• Week 8 – Year 10 – 12 Senior Exams
• Week 9 – Last Day Term 2 (Friday 27 June)

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend ahead.
Warm Regards

Tim Cleary
Principal

As winter sets in, we are greeted by the crisp winds from the freshly powdered snow coming off Perisher. While the chill in the air reminds us of the changing times, the warmth of our community spirit shines brightly here at the College.

On Friday, we had the privilege of celebrating Founder’s Day, a special occasion that brings our community together to reflect on the values and legacy that make our College so unique. We started the day with a beautiful Mass organized by Mel Wilson, Bridget Cusack and Rachel Rasmussen, where we took the time to recognize and honour our dedicated staff members for their years of service as well as the announcement of the Br Matt McKeon Faith & Service Award winners. These outstanding members of our community have exemplified the values of faith, service, leadership, and community, and we are proud of their contributions to our College life.

Congratulations to all the award recipients, Brayden Fowler, William Smith, Paul Scholtens, Mike Brennan and Jake Doyle.

Following the Mass, our students enjoyed a joyful Market Day, where they participated in various fun activities and showed their entrepreneurial spirit. It was a fantastic opportunity for our boys to come together, support one another, and raise funds for future school initiatives.

I would like to take a moment to reflect on the recent inauguration of Pope Leo XIV. I had the honour of meeting with the then Father Robert Prevost, on several occasions to study and discuss Augustinian spirituality. Our conversations left me deeply moved by his commitment to faith, peace, and unity. As we embark on this year, which the Church has designated as the Pilgrimage of Hope, I am confident that Pope Leo XIV will lead the Church with wisdom, peace, and dignity. His papal motto, IN ILLO UNO UNUM, translated as “In the One, [we are] one,” encapsulates his vision of unity within the Church and the world. May his leadership inspire us all to live in harmony and to embrace our shared journey of faith.

I am pleased to share that our College has seen a very strong and successful intake of students enrolling for Year 4 and Year 7 for 2026. If you are a current family still needing to enrol siblings, or if you know of families who are thinking of enrolling, now is the time to secure a place. We strongly encourage all interested families to apply soon to ensure they don’t miss out on acceptance for 2026.

From the 21st to 23rd May, I will be attending the Charter Leadership Induction Program in Sydney, alongside other EREA Principals. During this time, we will be discussing the Edmund Rice Touchstones and how they continue to shape and inspire our educational practices and leadership. With everything going to plan for my return on Friday, I am excited to attend our College Cabaret for 2025. Our students and staff have put in an incredible amount of effort, and I know that it will be a fun-filled night for everyone involved and for those attending.

Stay warm and safe, and as always, thank you for your continued support.
Warm regards

Tim Cleary
Principal

As Term 2 progresses and the cooler Canberra weather sets in, it’s encouraging to see our students at St Edmund’s still energized and eager to learn. The transition into the colder months can sometimes feel like a slow start, but our boys are proving once again that they are up for the challenge. I am particularly pleased with the way in which the boys have returned in their winter uniform, worn entirely and proudly.

Student Academics
You may have seen a recent article in The Canberra Times, which discussed the ATAR results of ACT schools over the past five years. While St Edmund’s performance was highlighted in 2024, it’s important to note that the data reflected the school’s enrolment when we were a much smaller cohort of just 63 students in Year 12.

This year, our number has grown to 87 students in Year 12 and we have every expectation that this cohort will be better placed to achieve individual and shared goals at the conclusion of this academic year.

We are incredibly proud to share that in 2026, 188 students across Years 11 and 12 are  studying at the College in our the senior school, providing a greater breadth and depth of academic offerings for the boys to achieve their potential.

At St Edmund’s, we remain committed to providing an environment where every student can thrive—whether that’s through further education, apprenticeships, or other opportunities. We look forward to seeing our students continue to work hard this term and celebrate their achievements at the end of the year.

In Term 3 the College will review and plan our new strategic direction for 2026 -2029.

The emphasis on our new Strategic Plan will be Curriculum Development and focus on the Pedagogical Paradigm (ie. how we teach and how boys best learn – matched with what we will then do to support learning) across all years 4-12.

EdMums
On Friday, May 2nd, we were delighted to host our annual EdMums Event, a special evening that brought together our amazing mums for a night filled with fun, laughter, and connection. This event has become a welcome tradition, providing a wonderful opportunity for mums to unwind, share stories, and strengthen the bonds within our community.

I was pleased to visit this function for a short time and to speak on the extraordinary practical outcomes of ‘unconditional love’ that mothers provide to their sons.

It was nice to see generations of past and present mums (case in point the Stonham’s) who span generations of attending Eddies and who are still deeply connected to the community.

Mother’s Day
Mother’s Day is a special occasion to honour and celebrate the incredible women who nurture, love, and support us. It’s a time to express gratitude for the sacrifices, wisdom, and warmth that mothers and mother figures bring into our lives.

Whether through simple gestures, thoughtful gifts, or healing words, Mother’s Day reminds us to cherish and appreciate the bonds we share with these remarkable women.

This Friday, we will hold our Mother’s Day Mass to honour and acknowledge all the mothers in our community. The service will include prayers and meaningful moments that highlight the commitment and care of mothers and mother figures. We invite you to join us for this occasion as we come together as a community to recognise the important role these women play in our lives.

Old Boy’s Thomas Emerson (2010) & Leon Rebello (2012)
We are proud to announce that Old Boy’s Thomas Emerson (Class of 2010) and Leon Rebello (Class of 2012) have successfully been elected to parliament. Thomas became one of the first independent leaders elected to the Australian Capital Territory Legislative Assembly in 23 years and Leon has been elected as the Federal Member of Parliament for McPherson, Queensland, representing the Liberal National Party. We congratulate them on this outstanding achievement and wish them every success as they begin this journey.

We pray for those gathered in the conclave, that they may be guided by the Holy Spirit in electing our new Holy Father.

Blessed Edmund Rice… Pray for us.
Live Jesus in our heart… Forever.

Tim Cleary

As we enter this special time in the Church’s calendar, we reflect on the Passion of Jesus, a journey that leads us to both death and resurrection. This powerful message reminds us of the hope that Easter brings, and how our faith guides us through the wilderness, ultimately leading us to be embraced by those we love.

This year, we are reminded not only of the love of Jesus but also the incredible support of our community. Recently, our hearts were heavy as we learned about Aiden and Aaron, who were tragically struck by a speeding car on Canberra Avenue. The outpouring of emotion and the extraordinary support from all of you has been nothing short of remarkable. We are blessed to witness the strength and resilience of both boys, who, despite the severity of their injuries, have shown remarkable progress in their recovery. While the road ahead is long, we are grateful that both Aiden and Aaron are alive and, as of today, both have been moved out of intensive care.

In these challenging times, the love and unity within our community have been a shining example of God’s grace. We are deeply grateful for the prayers, donations, food, and outpouring of support that has come from all corners of our community. Thank you to all the staff, parents, and students for showing such care and kindness. You have truly made a difference.

Our Easter Liturgy Assembly will take place on Wednesday, April 9. This special gathering offers us the opportunity to come together as a community and celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, the cornerstone of our Christian faith. Easter is not just a day but a season that invites us to reflect deeply on the transformative power of Christ’s victory over death, symbolizing hope, renewal, and new life for all believers.

We are committed to local and global
justice and peace, grounded in a spirituality of action and reflection, inspiring us to listen to, walk with and learn from all creation, especially those who experience powerlessness.

As we approach Easter, the season of hope, we wish all of our staff, parents, and students a restful and peaceful school holiday. May the love of Jesus fill your hearts, and may you find comfort in the knowledge
that we are all embraced by God’s love. We look forward to seeing you on
Monday 28 April to begin Term 2.

Blessed Edmund Rice, pray for us. Live Jesus in our hearts, forever.

Wishing you all a blessed Easter,

Tim Cleary
Principal

Dear St Edmund’s College Community,

As we reach the end of Week 8, I would like to take a moment to express my gratitude to our dedicated staff for their exceptional participation and leadership in our Co-curricular program. Your commitment not only enriches the educational experience but also fosters a vibrant and engaging environment for our students. Thank you for your hard work and enthusiasm.

I also want to extend my appreciation to those staff members who have graciously hosted visiting schools in recent weeks. Your hospitality makes a significant impact, showcasing the welcoming nature of our St Edmund’s community.

As we prepare for upcoming engagements, I would like to remind our boys who will be travelling to other schools in Sydney in the coming weeks about the importance of presenting themselves in a positive light. This includes wearing their uniforms with pride, maintaining good manners, and exhibiting a positive attitude. These attributes reflect not only on themselves but also on our College as a whole.

We are excited to welcome many prospective parents and students to our campus in the coming days. Please mark your calendars for ‘Try Eddies Day’ on Monday, 31 March, and our ‘Open Evening’ on Wednesday, 3 April. These events provide an excellent opportunity to showcase the unique offerings of St Edmund’s College, and we encourage everyone to participate and make our visitors feel at home.

Additionally, I would like to remind families with siblings who are considering enrolment for 2026 to submit their applications soon. We anticipate a surge in applications, similar to what we experienced last year, and early submission will help ensure a smooth process.

The College wishes to extend our most sincere gratitude for your exceptional work at The Pines in Tuross Heads last week. Your team’s commitment and generous contribution of time and effort have not gone unnoticed. The work you and your team have done demonstrates an extraordinary level of Eddies community spirit. Thank you!

As we enter the third week of Lent, we are challenged to trust God in the unknown and difficult times. This week’s readings we hear of the Annunciation of our Lord- where Mary was given the news of the immanent birth of Jesus. What trust and faith Our Lady needed! We are called to trust in God during uncertain times and strive forward always as pilgrims of hope leaning on faith and surrendering to God’s will. Like Mary, we may not always understand the path before us, but we are invited to say “yes” to God’s plan, knowing that His grace is sufficient. May this Lenten season deepen our trust in Him, strengthen our faith, and lead us ever closer to the joy of Easter.

Thank you once again for your ongoing support and dedication to our community. Let us continue to work together to make St Edmund’s College a place of excellence and opportunity for all. Warm regards,

Tim Cleary
Principal

Dear Students, Staff, and Families, 

This week I was invited to attend the EREA Principal’s Conference in Brisbane. The EREA Principal’s Conference is a significant event that brings together 55 principals from schools across Edmund Rice Education Australia (EREA). This conference provides a valuable opportunity for principals to collaborate, share insights, and discuss strategies for enhancing the educational experience within the EREA school network.  

Our call to Faithfulness 
In the late 1700’s a group of young visionaries from
Waterford Ireland, inspired by their Catholic faith, formed by their work with the disenfranchised of
their city, and aware of the discrimination that the people of an occupied Ireland faced, made a commitment to act. In 1802, inspired by the work of Nano Nagle and the Presentation Sisters, Edmund Rice and his Companions opened a free school for boys in a new street stable. 

Our Call to Transformation 
As we begin the second quarter of the 21^st Century, we are asked to reflect, in light of the Gospels and our Catholic faith, on the challenges we face as individuals, schools, communities and church. How do we learn, educate and grow with courage, faith and hope in order to be active participants in and leaders of change? 

The conference is a wonderful opportunity to meet our brothers who share the Edmund Rice Tradition with Colleges and Flexi-schools (Flexible schools that cater for physical, social and emotional needs of individuals).  

We welcome and celebrate
diversity in our local,
national and global
communities, responsive
to each person’s aspirations
and needs, and committed
to the common good.

This Wednesday, we will come together as school to for Ash Wednesday, a significant day in the Catholic faith that marks the beginning of the Lenten season. For our school community, Ash Wednesday is a time for reflection, prayer, and spiritual renewal. The ashes placed on our foreheads serve as a reminder of our mortality and the need for repentance, while also inviting us to focus on personal growth, humility, and a deepened relationship with God. 

As we approach the season of Easter it reminds us of the passion, suffering and resurrection Jesus made to transform our lives. Easter is the most important part of the Christian calendar, and we are reminded during lent to reflect on our own capacity to be present to others and to turn to God.  

Saturday 8^th March is International Women’s Day. I want to take a moment to acknowledge and celebrate the incredible women who are parents and teachers of our boys. Your dedication, strength, and commitment to nurturing the next generation of leaders, thinkers, and compassionate individuals cannot be overstated. As role models and guides, you not only shape the lives of your own children but also influence the young men in our school, encouraging them to embrace respect, equality, and empathy. Your impact extends beyond the classroom and home, helping to create a world where our boys understand and appreciate the value of women’s contributions in the world.

Thank you for everything you do to uplift our community and inspire the future of our society. We are grateful for your tireless efforts, your resilience, and the powerful example you set each and every day. 

Finally, Mary, our mother, calls us to emulate her example of unconditional love. 

Blessed Edmund Rice – Pray for us. 
Live Jesus in our hearts – Forever  

Tim Cleary
Principal

Dear Members of the St Edmund’s College Community, Fratelli Tutti, I hope this message finds you all in good spirits as we settle into the term.

I would like to extend my gratitude to Archbishop Christopher Prowse and Fr Chris Eaton for celebrating our commencement Mass last Thursday. Their presence and support during this significant event were truly uplifting. It was a moment of profound importance as we gathered not only to celebrate the beginning of a new academic year but also to receive the commissioning and blessing for myself as Principal and for our college leaders for 2025. The Mass was indeed a highlight for us all, as we were challenged by His Grace to embody the spirit of Jesus’ sacrifice in our daily lives. His message of ‘tough love’ resonated deeply, reminding us that love is not only about kindness but also about the courage to challenge and uplift one another. I was extremely proud of the boys as they conducted themselves with dignity and acted and sang reverently and with passion.
Magnificent energy, well done everyone – a great start to many great community celebrations to come.

Last week, I had the honour of travelling to Brisbane with Julia Roach, one of our dedicated primary teachers, to attend the funeral of Brother Matt McKeon, who recently passed away at the remarkable age of 99. Brother Matt devoted his life to the prayer and education of boys within the Edmund Rice family. Having spent 20 years at St Edmund’s College, he was a cherished member of our community, and his legacy of kindness and service will forever remain in our hearts. He exemplified what it means to lead a life of purpose and dedication, and we will continue to honour his memory in our work.

Brother Matthew McKeon
Born 12 June 1925 – Died 1 February 2025
God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God,  and God abides in him.
1 John 4:16

This is a busy school- with swimming carnivals, retreats, camps, and other community events in full swing. Thank you to the many staff who work tirelessly and give their time to make theses occasions special. It is great to see the boys’ level of enthusiasm and inclusion across all domains of college life. As the co-curricular season is well underway and a change of seasons imminent, I ask all boys to actively participate in representing their brothers and the College by ‘having a go’! and signing up to become active participants in the myriad sports and activities on offer. As we move forward into week four of this term, let us carry the lessons of love, service, and commitment to our community that Brother Matt embodied, and that Archbishop Prowse encouraged us to live out.

“The water that I give will become
A spring within you…”
(John 4:14)

Prayers for our Holy Father, Pope Francis at this time of grave illness.
Thank you for your continued support and engagement with our college. Warm regards,

Tim Cleary
Principal

A New Term: A Journey of Gratitude and Community

As we embark on this exciting new term, I am filled with gratitude and enthusiasm for the journey ahead. It is my privilege to step into the role of College Principal, and I have been deeply moved by the warm welcome I have received from students, staff, and families alike. This strong sense of community spirit is truly a hallmark of St Edmund’s College, and I am honoured to be a part of it.

I would like to extend my sincere thanks to our dedicated staff. Your commitment to fostering a nurturing and enriching environment for our students is truly commendable. Your ongoing support and guidance have been instrumental in ensuring a smooth transition for me, and I am grateful for your collaboration and dedication.

We also welcome with open arms our new students and colleagues who have joined us this term. We are thrilled to have you as part of our community, and we look forward to seeing the unique contributions you will bring to our College.

As I walk through the halls and visit classrooms, I am consistently impressed by the pride our students take in representing St Edmund’s College. The neatness and care with which they wear their uniforms, coupled with their respectful demeanour, speak volumes about their commitment to our community values. Thank you, students, for being such exemplary ambassadors of our College.

The term has commenced with a true sense of calm and cooperation. This positive atmosphere is a testament to the collective efforts of everyone involved—students, parents, staff, and the wider community. Together, we are building a supportive and inclusive environment where every student can thrive.

Last weekend, I attended the Mass for Consecrated Life ‘Pilgrims of Hope for over 165 years’ with the Archdiocese of Canberra & Goulburn at St Christopher’s Cathedral. “Hope” in the Bible means “a strong and confident expectation” of future reward. St Paul the apostle argued that Christ was a source of hope for Christians: ‘for in this hope we have been saved’. The Archbishop spoke of an ancient message bringing “hope shown to the hopeless, so hopeful they may be”.

On Monday, February 10, the College had the privilege of hosting the EREA Board of EREA Colleges Ltd. This provided an excellent opportunity to showcase the foundations of our school to the eight members in attendance and engage in discussions about our identity and the modernisation program.

We have recently updated our house displays in the courtyard, and we have included a connection to our Irish heritage by including a symbol of a shamrock with the EREA Colleges Ltd logo and Blessed Edmund Rice Portrait. This is to represent Blessed Edmund Rice starting his ministry in Waterford, Ireland and to celebrate our Irish heritage.

New installation of our Irish heritage:

Next Thursday 20 February, we are excited to welcome His Grace Archbishop Christopher Prowse, who will concelebrate our Opening Mass of the year here at the College. I am looking forward to being commissioned as Principal alongside the blessing and induction of our College Leaders and being able to share this important moment with our community.

At the heart of all we do are our Edmund Rice Touchstones, which continue to guide us in every aspect of College life. Our focus for this year is Liberating Education. Each week, I will highlight the significance of the messages our touchstones represent and their importance in shaping our educational journeys.

Empowered by liberating teaching and

learning experiences, we open our hearts and minds,

so that we are hope-filled and free to build a better

world for all.

As we begin planning for the year ahead,  I would like to collaborate with our community as we prepare to begin the consultation process to develop our Strategic Plan (2026-2030). Additionally, I invite feedback as we conduct a consultation to further refine our Master Plan (2025-2032), focusing on the development of capital works to meet the evolving needs of our learning community.

We are working closely with APG, with whom I have had the pleasure of collaborating on several occasions during my time in Sydney, to finalise the Modernisation Project for our Master Plan. Members of our community with relevant interest, skills, and expertise are encouraged to submit expressions of interest to the Executive Assistant, Mikhala Andersen, via principal@sec.act.edu.au to be a part of this project.

Please feel free to reach out to me or any member of our administration team if you have questions or suggestions. Your feedback and engagement are invaluable as we strive to make St Edmund’s College a place of excellence and growth.

Thank you once again for your warm welcome and continued support. Here’s to a successful and inspiring term ahead!

Tim Cleary
Principal

Dear families and friends of St Edmund’s College,

2024 Scriptural Theme: “I have come so that they may have life and have it to the full” (John 10:10)

As this is my final Vortex article, I would like to share some thoughts with you about my time at St Edmund’s College and my career in general.

My educational journey spans 40 years, during which I have been fortunate to witness the remarkable growth and transformation of countless students, educators, and Catholic schools across southwest Sydney, metropolitan Sydney, and Canberra. My professional experience has been diverse and rich – I’ve worked in schools representing vastly different socioeconomic backgrounds, held a variety of positions ranging from pastoral positions, Head of English, Head of Administration, Assistant Principal Teaching and Learning and Deputy Principal. I have experienced educational environments from brand new schools to long-established schools. I’ve taught in co-educational settings and single-sex schools for both girls and boys, observing numerous educational trends emerge and fade.

When I began my career, the Gestetner machine was the most popular form for teachers to  get their work out to students, and teachers would often meet around the Gestetner machine, priming it up with methylated spirits and getting their stencils out for the day. You know you worked in a wealthy school if every classroom had an overhead projector and a television; in other schools you had to book these well in advance of your lesson. Videos were shown on television sets mounted on trolleys that moved from room to room – I cannot count the number of television sets I witnessed topple over in the corridor in my early days of teaching. In these days, there were no computers in schools at all.

Teaching and school life has certainly come a long way since I started in 1985 in southwest Sydney to 2024 in Canberra.  I could not think of any better way to finish my career in schools than to do so as part of the Eddies community.

I want to express my profound gratitude to several key groups who have been instrumental in our collective success over the past seven years at St Edmund’s College.

To our dedicated staff: they are the absolute backbone of St Edmund’s College. I have personally witnessed their unwavering commitment to student growth and development. Their professionalism, adaptability, and genuine care have genuinely transformed lives – and this is not merely a platitude, but a tangible reality often hidden within our daily routines. This applies equally to both teaching and support staff. Together, they have navigated challenges and celebrated triumphs while maintaining the highest standards. While many people have complimented me on turning the school around, I must emphasise that this transformation can only ever be a collective achievement – the result of our collective effort, day after day, term after term, year after year.

Our parent community has been an invaluable partnership. You have entrusted your children to our care, and together we have nurtured them into confident, capable young men. I can confidently say I have never experienced such positive, meaningful relationships with a parent body as I have here at Eddies. I thank our parents who have passed through the College for the past seven years for your support of me personally, and your support of the many initiatives and programs within the College.

The Old Boys continue to be wonderful ambassadors for our College. One of my greatest personal pleasures has been personally compiling The Pelican publication and engaging with old boys who generously share their stories. We have experienced the support of our old boys community at various times throughout the year, and their active presence makes a great difference to our community.

Our Advisory Council members have been crucial in guiding the school through both challenging periods and phases of growth. Their strategic insight, commitment to our Catholic identity, and steadfast support of our mission have enabled decisions that will benefit generations of students. Their volunteer service has truly been a gift to our community.   I particularly want to thank the outgoing Council Chair John Owen for his personal and professional support, and extend my best wishes to the incoming Chair, Chris Collett.

I also want to acknowledge my fellow Catholic school Principals – Sandy Darley from St Francis Xavier College, Anna Masters from Merici College, Michael Lee from St Mary Mackillop College, Craig Wattam from St John Paul II College, Rachel Davies from Daramalan College, Matt Hutchison from Marist College, and Ann Cleary from St Clare’s College. Our professional friendships and shared wisdom have not only made me a better leader but have reinforced the profound importance of our shared mission in Catholic education.

The College Leadership Team has been extraordinary.   A very special thank you to Ian Garrity (Deputy Principal) who has been a great support and works tirelessly for the school and all of its members; Tim Bibbens (Assistant Principal Teaching and Learning), Monica Day (Assistant Principal Student Wellbeing), Jodie Hinton (Business Manager), David Kelly (Head of Junior School), Margie Maher (Assistant Principal Technology and Innovation), and Mel Wilson (Assistant Principal Identity and Mission)  – their expertise, dedication, and shared vision have enabled us to implement positive changes moving the school towards the future while preserving our cherished traditions.  Many thanks also to my Executive Assistants, Mikhala Andersen and Kristen Ellis, who have closely supported me in my role.

Ultimately, I must acknowledge and thank our students – they are the very reason we exist. Our students can simultaneously enthral and frustrate, make us laugh and cry. While I cannot quantify the number of young people I have encountered over four decades, the Eddies boys stand out uniquely for their humour, energy, and ability to form genuine relationships. Being in their presence has genuinely been invigorating and profoundly inspiring, and I am most definitely a better person for being in the company of our fine young men.

As I retire and conclude my seven-year tenure as Principal, I carry with me a treasure trove of lessons learned, relationships built, and moments of joy and fulfillment. St Edmund’s College will forever hold a special place in my heart, and I am confidently optimistic about the school’s continued success.

Thank you all for this incredible journey and for allowing me to be part of this extraordinary community. My warmest wishes to all.

May God bless St Edmund’s College, now and always.

A Prayer for St Edmund’s College
Loving Father, we thank you for this sacred community – the students, staff, and families who together form the heart of St Edmund’s.

Bless the students of St Edmund’s,
as they prepare to step beyond these walls into a world that hungers for hope and understanding. Grant them the courage to be your light, to walk with integrity, compassion, and purpose. Prepare their hearts to be agents of change, equipped not just with knowledge, but with wisdom. Help them to see the dignity in every person, to stand for justice, to serve the marginalised, to lead with humility and love.

When challenges arise, let them remember the values learned within these walls – faith that sustains, hope that transforms, love that reaches beyond self-interest. Guide them to be peacemakers, bridging divides, healing wounds, bringing understanding.

Bless our staff,
who dedicate their lives to guiding and supporting the next generation of faithful servants. Illuminate their path with your grace, and grant them patience, wisdom, and understanding.

Bless the families of our College community –
parents, carers, and loved ones who support, who nurture, who pray, and who sacrifice. Bless their homes with love, peace, and unity. Grant them strength in times of challenge, joy in moments of celebration, and the wisdom to guide their son’s hearts.

Blessed Edmund Rice intercede for us,
guide our entire community, teach us to be instruments of peace and hope.
Help us to live out the values of Christ in our studies, in our relationships, and in our service to others.

Loving Father,
protect this community from challenges that may test our resolve.
Unite us in solidarity, in learning, and in faith – families, students, and staff. Help us to be a light in the world, reflecting your love and compassion.

We ask this through Christ our Lord, Amen.

Blessed Edmund Rice, pray for us.
Live Jesus in our hearts, forever.

Joe Zavone
Principal
Christus Lux Mea