Principal’s Message

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)

NAIDOC Week Assembly
Last Wednesday we held an assembly to acknowledge and celebrate NAIDOC Week, a time when we honour the history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. I would like to thank Wendy Brookman for being our guest speaker and sharing her thoughts, wisdom, and experience. As well as being a mum and aunty to some of our boys, Wendy is a valued member of our School Advisory Council and a very busy contributor to many community-based organisations.

Below is part of my address to the student body from this assembly:

This year’s NAIDOC Week theme, ‘Keep the Fire Burning,’ calls us to action The fire symbolises the spirit of Aboriginal culture – a spirit that has burned for over 65,000 years. It represents resilience, wisdom, and connection to Country. Despite attempts to extinguish this fire through colonisation and discrimination, it continues to burn brightly.  But keeping the fire burning is not just the responsibility of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. It’s a duty we all share. I want you to take note of the word I’ve used there – it’s not just something that some of us like to do – it’s a duty we all share. It’s an obligation, a requirement, a responsibility for every single one of us.

In this school, 4% of our student population are Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander. When I mention that to people in other schools, especially other non-government school leaders, they say how great that number is because their percentage is far less. And yes, it’s wonderful to say that 4% of our students are Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander. But let’s flip that figure – that means that 96% of our student population is not Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander. Now that sounds very different, doesn’t it? So while 4% is a decent figure compared to other schools, it still puts Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students in the minority. And when you are in the minority, you cannot do all of the heavy lifting by yourself. You can’t keep the fire burning alone

What all of us can do, as a school community, is to amplify Aboriginal voices and keep the flame of culture alive. Amplify their voices, not be their voices, because First Nations people have voices, and often those voices are quite strong, but they become lost in many issues, arguments, stereotypes, and generalisations. So we amplify First Nation voices – we allow them to be heard, we recognise them, we support them, and we provide platforms for those voices.

We all know that fire needs a few things to keep burning – heat, fuel, oxygen, and good airflow. So what can we add to the fire to keep it burning?

We can listen and learn. How many of you have read books by Aboriginal authors, or watched films by Aboriginal directors, or can name Aboriginal artists?

We can respect and acknowledge. We always acknowledge the traditional owners of the land on which we stand. How many of you know about the Ngunnawal and Ngambri people, their history, and their customs?

We can challenge racism and stereotypes. We speak up when we hear misconceptions about Aboriginal people or culture, or when we hear inappropriate words and descriptions.

We can advocate for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander rights. We can stay informed about issues affecting communities and support initiatives that promote equality and justice.

Remember, amplifying Aboriginal voices doesn’t mean speaking for them.  It means creating spaces where those voices can be heard clearly and respected deeply.  Let’s continue to create that space here at St Edmund’s College, and wherever you are, every single day.

As we celebrate NAIDOC Week, let’s commit to keeping the fire burning not just for today but every day. Let’s ensure that the wisdom, strength, and spirit of the world’s oldest continuing culture continues to illuminate our shared future.

Heritage Round Weekend
Whilst all weeks are very busy in the life of a school, this week is an exceptionally busy week for us with the Blue and White Ball on Friday evening, followed by Heritage Round on the weekend.  This year our Heritage Round focuses on all our winter sports, including basketball, football and rugby union.   The Heritage Round is a wonderful mixture of friendly rivalry against Marist College as well as opportunity for our old boys and their families to reunite, reconnect and enjoy some time together.

I will write more about the Heritage Round in the next edition of Vortex.  I would encourage as many of our students and families to support our teams this weekend and build the spirit of the Heritage Round weekend.  Heritage Round kicks off at 10.00am in our Chapel with the Old Boys Mass. All old boys and their families and friends are invited to this Mass and should have already registered for this event. This is followed by morning tea, a tour of the College (depending on demand) and then a series of reunions with old boys catching up with each other, either at school or at another venue.
The sporting focus of the Heritage Round is as follows:

Saturday 3 August
*Rugby Union: St Edmund’s College First XV vs Marist College; Owens Oval, 3.00pm
*Football: St Edmund’s College Under 16’s vs Majura Park FC; Dickson District Playing Fields (Antill St, Dickson), Field 1; 3.10pm

Sunday 4 August
*Basketball: St Edmund’s First V vs Marist College; Southern Cross Basketball Stadium; 4.30pm
At the College Assembly on Wednesday of this week I clarified with students the appropriate behaviour and attitude for the Heritage Round games, and especially for the First XV game in the afternoon.  Some of the points covered in the assembly will be as follows:

• Students spectating are to wear full winter uniform (no variations at all).
• All students are to demonstrate positive sportsmanship throughout the whole day, and especially during the First XV Rugby game in the afternoon. Students not demonstrating good sportsmanship and appropriate behaviour will be asked to leave the grounds.
• This demonstration of good sportsmanship is particularly important at times when the opposition scores a try or kicks for goal.
• Students are to be respectful in their dealings with the opposition players and spectators – not using derogatory language or negative physicality before, during and after a game, including not booing during a game.

We would also expect all our old boys attending to behave in a similar manner, supporting the expectations of the College. We are very much looking forward to a great coupe of days of sport this weekend.

The Spirit of Sport
Over the last couple of editions of Vortex I have shared with you some writings and reflections about the true nature of sport. This theme is continued today with an excellent article I found a few weeks ago.  The article is written by Paul McKeon and I am grateful to Kidspot (news.com.au) for permission to share this with you.  It is a timely reminder of the true, deeper values of sport.

Click on this link to the original website source.

“I could see it in his face from across the room. My son and his mates had just joined a new basketball league in Sydney’s east. Well into the first half of their first game he was still on the bench, along with two others. His excitement was beginning to turn.

The second half was worse. He didn’t get onto the court until the final few minutes of the game, when the opposing team was up by more than 10 points, and it was clear the chances of victory had vanished.

Disappointed for him, I spoke to the coach afterwards. Having been a volunteer in another sport I was wary of coming off as a pushy parent, but I also wanted to understand his approach.

Was there a deliberate strategy I’d missed?

In this level, under 12, games are played over two 20-minute halves. With nine players, dividing equally, each would be on court for roughly 22 mins. So, an equitable range might be somewhere between 10 and 30 mins each.

My son’s own game was falling well below that.

The coach’s answers boiled down to ‘my job is to win’ and ‘if he wants more game time, he needs to get better’.

Rather than risk being thought of as unreasonable, I let it go. It was only on reflection I realised how mistaken his thinking was.

We’d chosen this particular league because the boys had been lacking competition elsewhere. Having picked up basketball as neighbours during the COVID lockdowns they were 18 months into playing and needing a challenge.

While my son and his friends are competitive and like to win, this was not a representative league. There were no try-outs and teams were not formally graded. All that was needed to play was to pay the $600 fee.

I’m not one to argue it’s necessary for every player to get equal time. My son is also self-aware enough to know he’s not the strongest player and he always wants his team to win. But it’s hard to feel pride in a result you’ve played little part in.

When I relayed our experience to others they were sympathetic, especially his teammate’s parents. But I was also second-guessing myself. The coach clearly wasn’t 100 percent wrong. Winning isn’t everything but it is not nothing either. Was I wrong?

Then I remembered my own experience.

In four years as a volunteer AFL coach and team manager I probably fielded teams in at least 100 games and watched as many more. I can barely remember the results of most of them. What stands out now most clearly is the experience of seeing the kids grow.

I learned too.

Early in my second year I reached a low point. Three games into the season we suffered a crushing defeat. Late that night, as I typed my post-game report to their parents, I was ready to resign.

“You had one job,” I told myself.

But a funny thing happened. The next week, those same boys bounced back and played their best game of the season. The resilience those nine-year-olds showed taught me that coaching, and sport in general, is about more than winning.

Of course, we want our coaches to push players. So, this is not to suggest wrapping kids in cotton wool. One of the lessons of a semi-contact sport like basketball is that sometimes you’re going to get physically hurt or hurt someone else. There are lessons worth learning in those experiences.

It’s also not to suggest protecting them from unpleasant experiences. As I discovered, the best lessons often come when you lose. I think the bravest thing sportspeople do is to walk onto the court, pitch or field knowing only one team will walk off the winner.

My experience of coaching taught me that in most kids’ sport, the goal isn’t shown in the final result. The scoreboard is simply a measure of how well you and the team have dealt with the hand you’ve been given on that day; and it’s not the reason to play.

In part, kids’ sport is about fostering what academics call ‘pro-social’ behaviours. Organisational psychologist, Adam Grant, author of Hidden Potential, describes this as “the desire to benefit others or expend effort out of concern for others”.

You and I might call it being a good sport.

Contrary to what our natural instincts might tell us at first, the number one job of a good coach in kids’ sport, at least in non-representative competitions where parents are paying for the experience, is to develop the players and team to reach their best.

After all, even a poor coach can win with a team of champions. I should know, I did it in my first year when my team was made-up primarily of the sons of the other coaches; the kids who wanted to play an extra game each Saturday. I felt like the G.O.A.T.!

And, of course, it is easy to get caught up with the desire to win. Coaches are often young people themselves. They may have been great players too. Having been a young man myself once I know it’s difficult to appreciate you might still have things to learn.

But if we remember the coach is the adult in the room and, as we constantly hear, performance in sport is 90 percent mental, it’s hard to see a beneficial lesson in leaving any kid who wants to play sitting on the bench for 80 percent of a game.

It should be obvious really. Coaching isn’t about winning. These games aren’t about representing Australia. While there may be a nice keepsake for the winners at the end of season, the result has no lasting impact beyond bragging rights.

What does last are the kids’ memories of how they were treated and what they learned. In my own coaching days, my best measure for how well we’d done each season was how many kids came back the following year and brought their friends along to join.

That’s winning in my book”.

The Fathering Project
St Edmund’s College supports The Fathering Project, an organisation recognising that fathers, and father figures, play a vital role in children’s lives.  The Fathering Project is an evidence-based organisation that aims to promote positive fathering behaviours and fathers’ engagement with their infants, preschool, primary school and adolescent-aged children.  It is the first intervention program to be implemented in Australia which focuses on the fathers of all children.

The evidence demonstrating fathers’ potential to positively influence their children’s health and mental health, social success and academic achievements is now robust, indisputable, and compelling. I would strongly recommend that our fathers (in fact all parents) take a careful look at The Fathering Channel website especially their resources and research .  With a focus on evidence-based prevention and intervention, The Fathering Project aims to be the premier national provider of resources and support for fathers and father figures, and a recognised global expert on the impact of fathering on family and community wellbeing.

Prayer: The Spirit of Sport
Loving God,
We ask your blessing on the games we are about to play.
Give each one of us the courage to play this game in a manner which by our words and our actions is pleasing to you.
Let us enter our competitions in a spirit of sportsmanship and with a respect for the members of the opposing team.
We ask You to bless each one of us, especially the coaches, officials, parents and players.
Keep us under the protection of your son, Jesus Christ,
and help us be aware of his presence with us in this game,

Amen.

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

Joe Zavone
Principal
Christus Lux Mea

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)

Community Praise
Last week I received a lovely email from Toby McNamara, a parent of a female student at Canberra Grammar and an old boy of St Edmund’s (Class of 1987). Toby wrote to both myself and the Principal of Canberra Grammar, affirming and praising the actions of some of our cricketing students in a game played in Term 1. With Toby’s permission I have shared his message with you:

“Dear Dr Garrick and Mr Zavone,

I just wanted to contact you both about a not so recent cricket game between CGS and SEC played on Friday 1 March 2024. I apologise for the delay in sending this email, which I wrote at the time of the game but sadly neglected to send. I still think the essence of the topic is worth sharing with you both.

This particular game was the last of the year for my daughter and her team, the Stage 1 Friday night CGS Renegades. They were playing the SEC Stage 1 Friday White.

This has been my daughter’s, and most of her teammates, first year of cricket. This game typified why sport is such a rewarding microcosm of life. SEC outplayed CGS by a significant margin but the game was played in wonderful spirit. I umpired the game along with two SEC current students and I have to say the sportsmanship of the SEC boys was amazing. My daughter was praised for her bowling my two SEC batters while they were at the crease. To say she got a boost from this is an understatement. There were numerous other examples of the SEC boys displaying great sportsmanship which warmed my heart.

From the CGS perspective half the team were girls, and they were outstanding in everything they did, especially considering it was their first year of cricket and most started the season being only 8 years old. We hope to get a full team of girls for next year’s competition and surely this year has been a great foundation for the years to come.

As a former SEC student and First XI cricketer if you were to tell me 30+ years ago that I would be watching my daughter play for CGS against SEC on Lonergan Oval on an idyllic, balmy Friday afternoon I would have doubted your sanity. That it was a game played in such great spirit made me proud to be associated with both schools.

I hope you can pass on my warm regards to the cricketers and coaches of both these teams for playing sport as it is surely intended to be played.”

How encouraging and heart-warming it was to receive this message, particularly in light of the next article I am sharing with you around the spirituality of sport. The words we use and the actions we take, no matter how small, can have such a significant and lasting impact. I extend my thanks and gratitude to our cricketers for their encouraging behaviour and making such a positive difference to members of the opposing side.

The Spirituality Of Sport
This week I am sharing with you another brief extract from The Australian Bishops Commission for Evangelisation, Laity and Ministry document entitled “Open the Way to Christ: Fostering a Pastoral Ministry of Sport” (full text found here: https://nce.catholic.au/s/sport)  The document reveals that the sporting field is an opportunity to put Catholic Social Teachings into practice, to consider how we can serve others and work towards building a level playing field for all.  This extract is entitled A Rich Harvest (the conclusion to the document):

“St Irenaeus famously wrote: “The glory of God is a human being fully alive.” Sport is a human activity that reflects the beauty, splendour and wonder of God’s creation. It will continue to attract people around the world because there is undoubtedly something inherently good about it. Crowds of people will continue to flock to major sporting events in Australia, from football Grand Finals to the 2032 Olympics in Brisbane, where athletes from around the world compete for the highest sporting prize – an Olympic gold medal. But while athletes and sports enthusiasts look forward to such momentous competitions, people of faith will remain committed to lifelong training in the “spiritual gymnasium,” eagerly striving for the “imperishable crown” of eternal life (1 Corinthians 9:25).

Throughout its long association with sport, the Church has always maintained hope in a renewed focus on sport’s true dignity, value and purpose. With so many involved in sport around the country, there is a wonderful opportunity for people of faith to contribute to this renewal by exemplifying the virtues sport can foster, and in doing so, witnessing to the Gospel and opening the way to Christ. We encourage individuals, families, parishes, and dioceses to prayerfully consider how they can best engage in this vibrant mission field.”

In Loving Memory
We pray for the soul of Janet Lole, the mother of Ms Rachel Rasmussen, Head of Creative Performing Arts, who passed away last week and whose funeral is being celebrated this coming Friday. We keep our prayers with Ms Rasmussen and her family at this time.

Eternal rest grant unto Janet, O Lord,
and let perpetual light shine upon her.
May the souls of all the faithful departed,
through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
Amen

Co-curricular Review
We are conducting a formal review of our Co-curricular program at St Edmund’s College to ensure it continues to meet the needs of our community. This review will evaluate the range of activities on offer, student participation, financial aspects, staff demands, as well as the benefits to students, staff, and the wider community. We will also examine the effectiveness of the program’s management and structure, and compare it with similar schools. Students and parents will have the opportunity to share their thoughts on the program through surveys and forums. Your feedback will play a crucial role in helping us enhance the program’s effectiveness, efficiency, and inclusivity. More information about how you can participate in this review will be sent out at the start next term.

Deputy Principal
I would like to take this opportunity to thank Ms Margaret Maher, our Acting Deputy Principal, for her marvellous work over the past 12 weeks. It has been an absolute pleasure working alongside Ms Maher and being enthused by her energy and insights. We welcome back Mr Ian Garrity from long service leave as he recommences with us at the beginning of Term 3.

Mid-year Academic Reports
By this time parents should have received or will shortly receive mid-year academic reports for students. These reports provide a snapshot of a student academic performance midway through the year, helping students, parents, and teachers understand how well students are progressing toward their 2024 academic goals. Identifying academic or behavioural issues at this time allows for timely intervention, with teachers and parents working together to provide the necessary support. Mid-year reports help students set or adjust their academic goals for the rest of the year. They provide a clear picture of strengths and areas for improvement, motivating students to focus on specific subjects or skills and working to strengthen weaknesses or consolidate strengths.

I encourage parents to engage in a meaningful, robust discussion with their sons about academic progress, challenges, plans for improvement and directions for Semester Two.

Holiday Message
Our students have already commenced their holiday break as this Vortex edition is published. We have had a wonderful Semester One.  I hope all our students have an enjoyable mid-year break and make the most of the time given to them to relax and re-energise.

Prayer for the holidays
Loving God,
At the end of Semester One
we thank you for times of refreshment and opportunities to have a holiday,
so that we may be renewed in body, soul and spirit.
We thank you for the gift of enjoying different and new experiences.
May our time away from school be one that is filled with fun and the joy of friendship.
May our hearts be filled with happiness and peace and may we laugh often.
We praise you for this special gift,
Amen.

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

Joe Zavone
Principal
Christus Lux Mea

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)

I had the very good fortune to accompany our Year 12 Tertiary English students to a performance of the Bell Shakespeare Company’s production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream at the Canberra Theatre Centre last Thursday evening. We had a wonderful night at the theatre, immersing ourselves in the great tradition of Shakespeare and the richness of the story of A Midsummer Night’s Dream.  It took me back to my days as an English teacher in Sydney where I would often take students to the theatre to view a production of a text we were studying, or just to enjoy a night at the theatre.  Similarly, I have greatly enjoyed being back in the classroom teaching Year 9 English this term (can you believe the last time I taught junior high school English was 1996!).  I never realised how much I had missed teaching English until I commenced with this class, studying Australian identity through a close study of David Williamson’s play The Club, and looking at related texts such as Banjo Patterson’s ballad Clancy of the Overflow. Not only has it been an enriching experience for me (and hopefully for my Year 9 students) but it has such a enriching experience to have in my final year of working in schools prior to my retirement.

As our Year 11 and 12 students approach their examinations this week and continuing into next week, I would like to wish each and every one of them the very best of luck. This is a time to showcase the hard work and dedication they have put in throughout the semester.  We remind our senior students to believe in themselves and their abilities. They have all the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed. It is important to remind them take a deep breath, stay calm, and remember that they are capable of achieving great things.

The Spirituality Of Sport
Those of you are read Vortex regularly will know that I have a great interest in the spirituality of sport. The Australian Bishops Commission for Evangelisation, Laity and Ministry has just released a document entitled “Open the Way to Christ: Fostering a Pastoral Ministry of Sport” (full text found here: https://nce.catholic.au/s/sport)  The document reveals that the sporting field is an opportunity to put Catholic Social Teachings into practice, to consider how we can serve others and work towards building a level playing field for all.  It is a very rich and powerful document, and I would like to share with you extracts from the document over the coming weeks.  I encourage you to please take the time to read this carefully and perhaps share it with your sons and members of the family who have in interest in sport. My keenness to share this with you also comes within the very sad context that the most significant problems we have here at St Edmund’s with poor sportsmanship is not with our students but rather has unfortunately been with a handful of parents. This extract is entitled Grace On The Sporting Field:

“Sport often arouses a range of strong feelings and emotions within those who are involved. Sometimes, for players, officials, parents or spectators, these emotions can spur on performance or evoke a sense of awe and wonder; at other times they can be expressed in aggressive or abusive behaviour. For people of faith there exists a great responsibility to act with grace and respect, both on and off the field. This means going beyond simply abiding by the laws of the game, which often make no comment about poor sportsmanship. Instead, we are called to demonstrate an ethical and charitable attitude towards all involved, always playing within the true ‘spirit of the game’.

Before developing character, sport first reveals it. Competitors are called to rejoice in their gifts, to acknowledge their limitations and to recognise and applaud the skills of their opponents, rather than viewing them as an ‘enemy’. Although there is joy in victory, defeat should also be accepted graciously; and there should be a spirit of camaraderie between opponents after the final whistle. For spectators, there is a need to gracefully accept all decisions made by coaches and officials. Sport teaches us that life is not always fair, but we are encouraged to pick ourselves up in a spirit of perseverance, to learn and to commit wholeheartedly to the next contest.

The sporting field is an opportunity to put Catholic Social Teachings into practice; that is, to consider how we can serve others and work towards building a level playing field for all. How might we offer a voice, a caring enquiry or a discreet action to assist those overlooked or excluded due to socio-economic circumstance, race, religion, or sexual orientation? What changes might we seek to initiate when the dignity of another is undermined? How might we foster efforts to enhance our club’s or competition’s contribution to the good of the wider community?

The potential for individual growth in virtue present in sport is especially important when considering junior sports and school competitions. Such settings provide an ideal platform to build lifelong virtues in children and young people, and to demonstrate that the goal of all human activity is to bring people closer to God. Pope Benedict XVI wrote that, for young people, sport can become a “school of formation in the human and spiritual values, a privileged means for personal growth and contact with society”

Sport also reflects the synodal model of the Church encouraged by Pope Francis. Through sharing our gifts in a way that glorifies God, while observing and listening to others, mutual enrichment is realised. By working, listening and growing together, and by recognising that each person has something to contribute, division can be overcome, wounds can be healed and a shared goal can be achieved. In fact, the importance of working together was recognised by the International Olympic Committee in 2021, when it adjusted its 140-year-old motto of ‘Faster, Higher Stronger’ to include the word ‘Together’.

The sporting field is not a church, but both are places of encounter … a love of sport can offer opportunities for deeper relationships characterised by learning, prayer, and support in joy and sorrow.”

College Building Fund
As you may be aware, voluntary contributions to the building fund are tax deductible. Contributions to our building fund are vital in enhancing our facilities and creating a better learning environment for our students.
As we approach the end of the financial year, we would be grateful if you could consider making a tax-deductible contribution to our building fund.  We thank you for your ongoing support and commitment to St Edmund’s College. Your support truly makes a difference to the College’s growth and development. Please use this link to make a donation to our building fund.

Congratulations to …
Phillip MacNamara (Year 8, Mulrooney), Kyler Peisley (Year 9, Mulrooney), Darcy Davis (Year 9, Haydon) and Ethan Guthrie (Year 12, Mulrooney) who have been selected to represent School Sport ACT at the School Sport Australia Championship, as part of the School Sport Australia Games, 27 – 31 July on the Gold Coast.

Brayden Kent (Year 8, Haydon), Kaleb Matthews (Year 8, O’Brien), Taniela Mapapalangi (Year 8, Clancy), Harry Borton (Year 9, Mulrooney), Ezra Taiatini (Year 9, Rice), Cooper Stevenson (Year 9, Treacy), Karney Kelly (Year 9, Haydon), Altas Lomitusi Atilua (Year 10, Treacy), Campbell Lloyd (Year 10, Haydon) and Sonny Lauvao (Year 10, Mulrooney) for being been selected in the ACT U15’s Schoolboys Rugby League final team for 2024. The team will be heading to Port Macquarie to compete in the Australian Secondary Schools Rugby League Championships, 29 June – 5 July.

Prayer for students sitting exams
Loving God,
As our students prepare to take their exams,
we come before You to ask for Your guidance and support.
Grant them peace of mind and the confidence to face each test with courage and clarity.
Help them to remember all they have studied and to apply their knowledge wisely.
Give them the focus to stay calm and composed, trusting in their abilities and in the hard work they have put in.
Bless them with the strength to overcome any anxiety or fear,
and the resilience to persevere through any challenges they may encounter.
Surround them with Your love and protection,
and let them feel Your presence during this time.

We pray for their success
and for Your wisdom to be with them in every moment.
In Your holy name, we pray.
Blessed Edmund Rice, pray for us.
Live Jesus in our hearts, forever.

Joe Zavone
Principal
Christus Lux Mea

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)

Last week we enjoyed a public holiday here in the ACT in recognition of Reconciliation Day, a part of National Reconciliation Week.  I sincerely hope that members of our community recognised the day as more than just a day off work and school.  National Reconciliation Week (NRW) began in 1993 as the Week of Prayer for Reconciliation, supported by Australia’s major faith communities. In 1996, the Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation launched the first official NRW, and in 2001, Reconciliation Australia was established to continue national leadership in reconciliation efforts.

In 2001, around 300,000 people walked across Sydney Harbour Bridge to support reconciliation, an event mirrored in cities and towns nationwide. I was privileged to join the walk across Sydney Harbour Bridge with many colleagues and students from the school in which I was working at that time.  The energy and motivation for change was palpable.  The following information is adapted from the Reconciliation Australia website:

Today, NRW is celebrated nationwide in workplaces, schools, community organizations, and by individuals from 27 May to 3 June, marking the 1967 referendum and the High Court Mabo decision.

Reconciliation must live in the hearts, minds, and actions of all Australians. We all have a role in building respectful relationships between the wider Australian community and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The 2024 NRW theme, “Now More Than Ever”, reminds us that the fight for justice and the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people must continue. Despite divisive moments, disengagement is not an option. We need to tackle the unfinished business of reconciliation. Reconciliation supporters must defend the rights of First Nations peoples, call out racism, and amplify Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices.  This is an essential foundation of the St Edmund’s College Reconciliation Action Plan.

Careers Expo & Year 11 Information Night
Many thanks to Mr. Trent Masters (Careers and VET Coordinator) and Mr. Tim Bibbens (Assistant Principal, Teaching and Learning) for organising these two significant events. It is crucial for our students to be well-informed and aware of their options, and I hope these events will inspire them to consider their future opportunities and identify the appropriate pathways to achieve their goals.

Our senior school boasts a robust and diverse program where both tertiary and accredited learning pathways are equally valued, supported and encouraged by our dedicated teaching staff. Our partnership with the University of Canberra through the St. Edmund’s Sports Academy further enriches these pathways, offering students the opportunity to study a suite of subjects that lead to direct, non-ATAR entry into selected undergraduate courses at UC. Additionally, our collaboration with the Canberra Raiders provides yet another avenue for tailored learning during Years 11 and 12. These partnerships enhance the already strong academic program we provide in our senior years.

We welcome enrolments at the senior school level, so if you know of families interested in having their son join us at the beginning of Year 11, please encourage them to contact our Enrolments Officer as soon as possible.

Congratulations to …
Beau Gibson (Year 8, Mulrooney) recently represented the ACT at the Australian Gymnastics Championships for Level 8 Under 14. The ACT team secured the Gold medal over NSW and Victoria. Individually, Beau excelled by winning the bronze medal for the all-around category. He also achieved success in specific events, earning a silver medal on the pommel and vault, and bronze medals on the floor and high bar.

Henry Rettig (Year 7, Rice) for recently earning his black belt in Taekwondo. Henry has dedicated several years to practicing Taekwondo, training multiple days a week. He is now excited to further develop his skills and aspires to become a Taekwondo instructor at his club.

2025 Enrolments
If you are aware of families contemplating St Edmund’s College for their sons’ education next year, regardless of the year group, I encourage you to direct them to our Enrolments Officer, Ms. Rhiannon Muir, as our places tend to fill quickly (last year, we had waiting lists across several year groups).

Student Drop Off and Pick Up
Parents are not to use the staff carpark (off Canberra Avenue) to drop or collect students before and after school. This is a dangerous place for our students to be moving through and we would like to keep this area for staff only. There is plenty of room around the perimeters of the school for drop off and pick up, especially Barrallier Street, Frome Street, Blaxland Cresent, and Wills Street (not McMillan Crescent).
Afternoon pickups from the front driveway are also problematic with cars blocking McMillan Crescent from Canberra Avenue. Again, I would ask these parents to consider organising your son to wait for you at a suitable place around the perimeter of the school. Thank you for helping to keep our community safe.

Prayer for Reconciliation
God of all creation,
As we journey together in this Great Southern Land,
we pray for healing, forgiveness and unity,
creating a path of good will, with justice and compassion.
Jesus, through the power of your love, you have given us the courage, wisdom and strength to share our gifts and talents in humility;
in peace and understanding we reconcile with each other.
Creator Spirit, we come together in prayer and thanksgiving for the many blessings we have received. Allow your Spirit to wash over us and give us strength to walk together as one.

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

Joe Zavone
Principal
Christus Lux Mea

Dear families and friends of St Edmund’s College,

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

We held a beautiful Mother’s Day Mass at school on Friday 10 May. It was a heartfelt occasion where we came together as a community to honour and celebrate the invaluable role of mothers and mother figures in our lives. It is so lovely to see how our young men interact with their mothers on this event. The atmosphere was filled with love, gratitude, and reverence as students, mothers, grandmothers and special individuals gathered to pay tribute to the nurturing presence of mothers. Many thanks to Ms Bridget Cusack and Fr Chris Eaton for making the event so special, and of course my thanks to the great numbers of family members who attended.

Winter Sports Season
Now that we are well and truly into our winter sports season with basketball, football and rugby union, I would like to share with you a message about sportsmanship written by Waylon Murray Director of Sport at Kearsney College in Outer West Durban, South Africa.  I recently came across this on social media and reached out to Waylon to seek his permission to reprint his article for our community. Waylon has summed up beautifully the significance of sportsmanship, which clearly reflects the values of sportsmanship we hold here at St Edmund’s. The article focuses on rugby, but the underlying message can be applied to any sport.

“People often lose sight of the bigger picture when it comes to high school rugby matches. Winning games becomes the ultimate goal for many, overshadowing the importance of developing true sportsmen and focusing on the journey of growth and learning. It is crucial to understand that great projects, like building a strong sports culture, take time and consistency. It is about instilling values, discipline, teamwork, and respect rather than just chasing victories. High performance setups in high schools are competitive by nature, no coaches or students strive to lose sporting fixtures , we lose perspective that we reside in an educational sphere not a professional sporting body, our mandate to our students will always be to develop a well-rounded students that have opportunities to grow holistically in their academic environment.

Placing excessive emphasis on winning can lead to a toxic environment where players, coaches, and even spectators become obsessed with the outcome rather than the process. This not only hampers the overall development of the individuals involved but also disregards the essence of sportsmanship and fair play.

Creating a positive sporting culture requires the right people who are committed to the vision of nurturing individuals both on and off the field. Coaches play a significant role in shaping athletes not only as players but as individuals with integrity and character. Their guidance and mentorship should focus on developing skills, fostering a sense of community, and promoting a healthy competitive spirit.

Criticism and competitiveness are expected in sports, but there is a fine line between constructive feedback and being hateful or malicious. No one has the right to engage in behaviour that undermines the values of sportsmanship and respect. Treating opponents, teammates, and officials with dignity and honour is fundamental in creating a positive sporting environment that nurtures growth and mutual respect.

It is essential to shift the focus from just winning high school rugby matches to developing well-rounded sportsmen through a strong sporting culture. Emphasising values, teamwork, and personal growth will not only benefit individuals in their sporting pursuits but also in their lives beyond the field. Let’s remember that true victory lies in the journey of self-improvement and building a community of athletes who strive for excellence with integrity and respect”.

Gospel Reflection, John 20:19-23
Last week’s Gospel reading centred on the theme of Pentecost:
In the evening of that same day, the first day of the week, the doors were closed in the room where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews. Jesus came and stood among them. He said to them, ‘Peace be with you,’ and, after saying this, he showed them his hands and his side. The disciples were filled with joy at seeing the Lord, and he said to them again, ‘Peace be with you. ‘As the Father sent me, so am I sending you.’ After saying this he breathed on them and said: Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive anyone’s sins, they are forgiven; if you retain anyone’s sins, they are retained’.

When Pentecost comes to mind, our thoughts often turn to the famous account in the Acts of the Apostles (which was last week’s First Reading) with the rush of a violent wind, the tongues of fire descending on the apostles, and their miraculous ability to speak in other languages. Last week’s Gospel reading presents us with a different perspective on Pentecost – one that is quieter yet equally profound. It teaches us that the Holy Spirit manifests in diverse ways, often in ways less dramatic than the events of the renowned day of Pentecost.

In the reading, Jesus appears among the apostles, offering peace, and then breathes on them, saying, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” He commissions them, saying, “As the Father sent me, so I am sending you.” The bestowing of the Holy Spirit upon the disciples is a Pentecost moment, but it is a quieter, less theatrical Pentecost.

For many of us, this is closer to our experience of the Holy Spirit: God coming to us in times of need, when we are lost, scared, or confused. The Holy Spirit does not arrive with a roar but in a gentle whisper, offering peace in moments of anxiety. Jesus, through the Holy Spirit, often comes to us when we need him most, albeit not in a loud, conspicuous manner. It is typically through subtle gestures – a friend’s note or gesture, a meaningful song, a seemingly coincidental occurrence, or a timely scripture passage – that we sense the Holy Spirit’s presence in our lives. These quiet Pentecost moments reaffirm Jesus’s promise to be with us always and remind us of God’s real, albeit often understated, presence in our lives.

However, these Pentecost moments can slip by unnoticed. We must be attentive to them, observing and listening with the eyes and ears of faith. We need to slow down, pray, and find ways in our lives to rediscover the gifts of the Holy Spirit.

Congratulations to …

• the two Eddies teams for their success at the High School Oztag Gala Day last week. The Year 7/8 team defeated Daramalan College, and the Year 9/10 team defeated Melba Copland School. It was a wonderful day for both teams and the feedback regarding the teams’ behaviour and sportsmanship was very positive.
• the premiership-winning Stage 2 Gold Cricket team who received their medals and trophy last week at the Cricket ACT presentation night. The boys had a great season and receiving their awards was a great culmination to the season. Thanks to parent Eamon O’Donoghue for his time and efforts coaching the boys.
• Harley Reid (Year 9, Clancy) and Harry Cattle (Year 8, O’Brien) on their selection in the 15 & Under Canberra Dolphins Water Polo squad for the Water Polo Victoria East Coast Challenge. Best of luck to Harley and Harry as they travel to Melbourne for this event.
• all of our Eddies teams (from the Junior School) who played in the Matt Giteau Cup (rugby union) last week. All divisions had success on the day.
• Steve Nealon (Year 11, Haydon) on his selection in the Australian 16s Schoolboys Football team in the game against the touring New Zealand 16s Schoolboys side, which took place in Sydney during the school holidays. The Australian team side won 3-0, with Steve scoring one goal and one assist.
• All students who attended the First XV Rugby match against Marist College at GIO Stadium last Saturday. Their behaviour and appearance were exemplary and they proved to be fine representatives of the College.

Uniform
A reminder for all high school students that during Terms 2 and 3, it is mandatory to have a blazer as part of your daily attire. While the puffer jacket is offered as an optional choice for warmth, the blazer remains a compulsory component of our dress code. Please ensure that the blazer is worn to and from school each day. Please adhere to the following guideline in terms of layering for warmth: the jumper serves as the first layer, followed by the blazer as the second layer, with the optional puffer jacket as the third layer. It is important to note that the puffer jacket should not be worn independently of the blazer. The beanie is also an optional item of winter clothing that should be worn outside only.

Any additional items for warmth beyond these specified layers are not considered acceptable parts of the College uniform. As stated to the boys, if an item cannot be bought from the Uniform Shop, it cannot be worn. A simple message and easy to remember.

2025 Enrolments
If you are aware of families contemplating Eddies for their sons’ education next year, regardless of the year group, I encourage you to direct them to our Enrolments Officer, Ms. Rhiannon Muir, as our places tend to fill quicky (last year, we had waiting lists across several year groups).

Student Drop Off and Pick Up
Parents are not to use the staff carpark (off Canberra Avenue) to drop or collect students before and after school. This is a dangerous place for our students to be moving through and we would like to keep this area for staff only. There is plenty of room around the perimeters of the school for drop off and pick up, especially Barrallier Street, Frome Street, Blaxland Cresent, and Wills Street (not McMillan Crescent).
Afternoon pickups from the front driveway are also problematic with cars blocking McMillan Crescent from Canberra Avenue. Again, I would ask these parents to consider organising your son to wait for you at a suitable place around the perimeter of the school. Thank you for helping to keep our community safe.

Pentecost Prayer
Come Holy Spirit
Come Spirit like rain, refresh, renew, revitalise.
Come Spirit like fire, embolden, enlighten, enable.
Come Spirit like a mighty wind, move, challenge, enkindle.
Come Spirit like wave, move, tear down, lift up.
Come Spirit, come Breath, draw us close, make song, bring intimacy.
Come Spirit, come Love, make one, make justice, make peace.
Come Spirit, come Kingdom, come Love.

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

Joe Zavone
Principal
Christus Lux Mea

Dear families and friends of St Edmund’s College,

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

Term 2 has certainly commenced in a big way.  We have had many significant events mark the commencement of Term 2, and I will try to do them justice in this Vortex report.

On Tuesday 30 April we held our ANZAC Commemorative Assembly. It was an honour to once again welcome the Australian Federation Guard Catafalque Party who graced our gathering with their presence. Additionally, we were incredibly privileged to host Captain Carlie Gibson as our guest speaker. Carlie, who serves as the Military Public Affairs Officer for the Land Combat College at the esteemed Royal Military College – Duntroon, not only brings professional expertise but also a personal connection as a mother to two of our students and a great supporter of the College. During her address, Carlie shared a poignant narrative, highlighting the valour and sacrifice of a young 14 year old who bravely enlisted in World War One. The story deeply resonated with our students, capturing their attention and stirring reflection. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Carlie for generously sharing her time and inspiring us with her words. We also extend our appreciation to the defence families who joined us.  Many thanks to Ms Kylie Rose for organising our ANZAC Day Commemorative Assembly.

On Wednesday 1 April our Performing Arts Faculty organised a special concert for International Jazz Day (a UNESCO initiative). The concert consisted of a performance by our combined St Edmund’s & St Clare’s band, with several local primary schools in the audience. I thank Ms Rachel Rasmussen and Ms Leanne Thomas for their work in organising this wonderful and educational afternoon of jazz music (my favourite was the traditional Spiderman theme – great piece of music!).

Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights last week saw the culmination of months of rehearsal in the performance of our school musical, School of Rock. Through the guidance and encouragement of Rachel Rasmussen, Leanne Thomas and Rhys Hekimian, our students were empowered to step out of their comfort zones, embrace their talents, and shine on and off stage. A huge thank you to these teachers as well to all our performers for their hard work and tireless efforts. Many thanks to the small band of lead performers from St Edmund’s for sharing their talents with us – Lachlan Nicholls (Year 12, O’Brien) and Liam Burke (Year 12, O’Brien), Nicholas Isherwood (Year 9, O’Brien), Dale Fisher (Year 8, Haydon), William Childs (Year 5, Mulrooney) and William O’Sullivan (Year 5, Haydon).

We celebrated Founder’s Day on Friday 3 May. This was the feast day of Blessed Edmund Rice, a day on which we not only celebrated the life and times of Edmund Rice and the rich enduring legacy of his charism, but also the day on which we proudly celebrated the 70th anniversary of St Edmund’s College, the oldest continuing Catholic school in Canberra.   The Founder’s Day Mass was indeed a highlight of the year, with our boys conducting themselves in a reverent and appropriate manner.

We were very fortunate to have a large contingent of Christian Brothers attending our Mass, including the Deputy Provincial Leader Br Paul Conn, former Principal Br Bob Wallace, former Deputy Br John Giacon, and former member of staff and old boy Br Bernie Gartland.

We were also fortunate to have attending Dr Michael Slattery, President of EREA and Chair of the Trustees of EREA; Chris Woolley CEO of EREA Colleges Ltd; Dr Liam Smith National Executive Director and Peter Fullagar, our Regional Director of Education and former Principal of St Edmund’s.

I sincerely thank Mel Wilson and Bridget Cusack for organising the Founder’s Day Mass, as well as Margaret Thomas, Rachel Rasmussen and Leanne Thomas for guiding our students in the band and choir.  The boys enjoyed a great afternoon of fun and activities back at school after the Mass, organised by Kylie Rose and Monica Day.

Amongst all of our other special guests, I would like to single out one individual guest.  Mr Damian Borgia was a former member of staff and an old boy (Class of 1992) who now works at Merici College.  I originally worked with Damian at St Patrick’s College for Girls in Campbelltown in Sydney, where Damian and I became good friends.  At that time I was awe struck by Damian’s artistic ability; he is a brilliant artist, specialising in sketching.  I reached out to Damian last year with a special request for our 70th Anniversary.  I explained to Damian that nearly all Edmund Rice schools around the world have the same portraits of Edmund Rice.  I wanted a portrait of Blessed Edmund Rice that was unique to St Edmund’s College for our 70th celebrations, that no other Edmund Rice school anywhere in the world had.  I commissioned Damian with this task.

Damian’s portrait captures the younger spirit of Edmund Rice walking alongside two students of the College, students whose everyday actions are influenced and shaped by the life and character of Edmund Rice.  These students serve as embodiments of the collective spirit of all past, present, and future members of our College community. Radiating from the portrait is a captivating sense of light and optimism, infusing the artwork with a profound sense of beauty and positive energy.  I thank Damian so much for this very special enduring gift he has given our community.  It captures beautifully the vision of our College.  The framed original is hanging is our Reception area.

I felt disheartened by the number of parents who permitted their sons to be absent from school on Friday. I hold a firm belief that the absence of regular lessons on a particular day should not serve as justification for a small group of students to skip school altogether. Founder’s Day stands as the pinnacle of our community calendar, embodying our shared values and fostering a sense of belonging. It is regrettable that some students and parents chose not to partake in this important day, disregarding the essence of community spirit and engagement. Participation in events like Founder’s Day strengthens our bonds within the school community and cultivates a deeper appreciation for our heritage and values. It is vital to uphold the significance of such occasions and embrace them as opportunities for collective celebration and reflection.

At the Founder’s Day Mass we also acknowledged several people in two special groups of awards:

Acknowledgement of Staff Service Awards
We acknowledged the dedication and commitment of our staff members who have been an integral part of our community.  Their unwavering loyalty and hard work have not only contributed to the success of the school bit have also touched countless lives along the way.  Their journey with us represents not just a tenure but a testament to the passion and devotion to the College mission.  I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the following members of staff:

25 years of service: Sue Dowling (finance staff), Bridget Cusack (Junior School), Julia Roche (Junior School)
15 years of service: Tim Bibbens (Assistant Principal Teaching & Learning), Andrew Castrission (High School), Holly Ellem (Junior School), Linda Meulen (High School), Joel Richardson (Head of PHPE)
10 years of service: Alana Beard (High School, Head of House)

Br Matt McKeon Spirit and Service Awards
Mr Matt McKeon was a cherished member of the St Edmund’s College community for over two decades.  He epitomised the spirit and values of our tradition as a Christian Brothers school.  In honour of his legacy, the awards recognise staff, students and alumni who exemplify outstanding dedication to St Edmund’s College and / or the broader community through selfless service.

Staff recipients: Audra Martin (TAS assistant) and Lisa Millar (Head of Diverse Learning)
Student recipient: Jackson Hasler, Year 11
Old Boys recipient: Anthony Fainga’a and Saia Fainga’a (Class of 2004).

War Memorial
Much progress has been made on our War Memorial located at the front of the school. The plaques have undergone restoration or have been replaced entirely, and we are proud to unveil new signage adorning the memorial. This revitalization ensures that our memorial now stands as a fitting tribute to the members of the St Edmund’s community who served their country.

I extend my sincere gratitude to Will Collett, one of our parents, for spearheading and overseeing this endeavour. Will has also orchestrated the involvement of volunteers from Disaster Relief Australia, whose invaluable assistance has been instrumental in this undertaking.  The culmination of this work will be marked by a special blessing ceremony conducted by our chaplain, Fr. Chris Eaton, on Wednesday 8 May.

Father Son Weekend
In amongst all the other activities and events throughout last week, the College held a Father & Son Weekend. These weekends provide dedicated time away from daily distractions, allowing participants to focus on each other and build trust and understanding. Through shared activities and experiences, fathers serve as role models, imparting important values and life skills to their sons. Additionally, these weekends create opportunities for open communication, emotional support and positive influence, all of which contribute to healthy development of the father-son relationship, fostering a sense of community among families and strengthening the school’s social fabric. My thanks to David Kelly (Head of Junior School) for facilitating this important event.

Uniform
A reminder for all high school students that during Terms 2 and 3, it is mandatory to have a blazer as part of your daily attire. While the puffer jacket is offered as an optional choice for warmth, the blazer remains a compulsory component of our dress code. Please ensure that the blazer is worn to and from school each day.  Please adhere to the following guideline in terms of layering for warmth: the jumper serves as the first layer, followed by the blazer as the second layer, with the optional puffer jacket as the third layer. It is important to note that the puffer jacket should not be worn independently of the blazer.  The beanie is also an optional item of winter clothing that should be worn outside only.

Any additional items for warmth beyond these specified layers are not considered acceptable parts of the College uniform. As stated to the boys, if an item cannot be bought from the uniform shop, it cannot be worn. A simple message.

2025 Enrolments
If you are aware of families contemplating Eddies for their sons’ education next year, regardless of the year group, I encourage you to direct them to our Enrolments Officer, Ms. Rhiannon Muir, as our places tend to fill quickly (last year, we had waiting lists across several year groups).

Student Drop Off and Pick Up
Parents are not to use the staff carpark (off Canberra Avenue) to drop or collect students before and after school. This is a dangerous place for our students to be moving through and we would like to keep this area for staff only. There is plenty of room around the perimeters of the school for drop off and pick up, especially Barrallier Street, Frome Street, Blaxland Cresent, and Wills Street (not McMillan Crescent).

Afternoon pickups from the front driveway are also problematic with cars blocking McMillan Crescent from Canberra Avenue. Again, I would ask these parents to consider organising your son to wait for you at a suitable place around the perimeter of the school. Thank you for helping to keep our community safe.

Prayer
Loving God, we thank you for the life of Blessed Edmund Rice.
He opened his heart to Christ present in those oppressed by poverty and injustice.
Grant us the courage and compassion of Edmund
as we seek to live lives of love and service.
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