Principal’s Message

“If we walk in the light, as he is the light, we have fellowship with one another.” 1 John 1:7

To the family and friends of St Edmund’s College,

Last Sunday the Catholic Church in Australia celebrated the solemnity of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop.  Mary MacKillop’s story is one of faith and commitment.  She was born to poor Scottish immigrants, had seven siblings and a father who was regularly absent.  She commenced working at age 14 when she became governess to her cousins in Penola, South Australia, providing them with basic education.  The young priest there at the time, Father Julian Tenison Woods, was so impressed by Mary’s work with her cousins that he encouraged her to work with the poor children of the town, commencing a very strong and rewarding relationship between the two. Along with Tennison Woods, Mary founded Australia’s first order of nuns, the Sisters of St. Joseph of the Sacred Heart, only six years later, as well as establishing St. Joseph’s School in a converted stable in Penola, providing a free education to children from the area. Mary endured a great deal of conflict and obstacles in her life, incurring the wrath of local bishops and priests for many years. Pope Benedict XVI recognised Mary as a saint and she was canonized that October 1995 – Australia’s first saint.

It is impossible to capture the great work of Mary MacKillop in such a brief article.  Mary was instrumental in shaping the development and growth of Catholic education in Australia.  In many ways her work can be placed alongside the work of Blessed Edmund Rice in their focus on education for the poor and marginalised, and not only dedicating their lives to serve this great need, but inspiring others to follow their lead in this dedication with the establishment and growth of their respective religious orders.

“Whatever troubles may be before you, accept them bravely, remembering Whom you are trying to follow. Do not be afraid. Love one another, bear with one another, and let charity guide you all your life. God will reward you as only He can”. Mary MacKillop

It is very hard to believe that our Year 12 students have only about three months until they graduate. Much thought is being given at the moment by our Year 12 students to what life after school might look like.  It is also the time of year where it is easy for some Year 12 students to lose motivation as the finishing line draws nearer.  I would encourage our Year 12 students and their parents to make full use of the services here at the College to ensure that the next few months are fulfilling and successful.  Students can access our Careers Adviser, our VET Co-ordinator, the College Counsellor and the Heads of House, as well as individual members of staff to discern their pathways and directions, to discuss their concerns and issues and to set a good course until the end of the year.

Similarly, our Year 10 students are starting to consider their future pathways as they approach their senior school studies.  Again, I would strongly advise our Year 10 students and parents to make full use of our services and staff at the College so any discernment and decisions regarding senior school are made with good knowledge and understanding.

I have been conducting the enrolment interviews for Year 7 2022 for the last few months.  It is always a pleasure to meet with students and families who wish to join the Eddies community.  I am also pleased to see a very positive trend emerge in the reasons given by these families when I ask them why they want their boys at St Edmund’s.  The reasons given tend to fall into four main categories – the academic program offered by the College; our sense of genuine inclusion and diversity; our values and priorities and lastly, the first-hand experiences that prospective parents have had with either our current students or our old boys in the community, and the desire to have their sons experience the same spirit and develop the same sense of character. We have seen a positive development in our growth in enrolment numbers in particular year groups over the past few years and I truly believe this is because, as a College, we are committed to and genuinely live out our vision beliefs of being a College of vibrant spirit, strong character and tailored learning.  This does not mean we rest on our laurels.  In fact, it means the exact opposite – that we continue to strive to provide our students with the best possible environment in academic, cultural, social and sporting life.

I have had some messages from the community recently that our boys are not wearing masks when they are out and about in NSW (e.g. Queanbeyan, Googong, Jerrabomberra, Bungendore, Yass, etc).  Although it is not the College’s responsibility, I have reminded our boys about the importance of wearing masks in public places in these areas. I would ask our NSW parents to remind boys that if they are over 12 years old, they must be wearing a mask in public places in NSW and I would ask our ACT parents that if you know your sons are visiting public places in nearby NSW areas, that they must be wearing a mask as per NSW Government requirements. https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/rules/changes/face-mask-rules

Ever generous God,
You inspired Saint Mary MacKillop
To live her life faithful to the Gospel of Jesus Christ
and constant in bringing hope and encouragement
to those who were disheartened, lonely or needy.
With confidence in your generous providence
and through the intercession of Saint Mary MacKillop
We ask that you hear our needs and grant our requests.
We ask that our faith and hope be fired afresh by the Holy Spirit
so that we too, like Mary MacKillop, may live with courage, trust and openness.
Ever generous God hear our prayer.
We ask this through Jesus Christ. Amen.

Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop, pray for us
Blessed Edmund Rice, pray for us
Live Jesus in our hearts, forever

Joe Zavone
Principal
Christus Lux Mea

“If we walk in the light, as he is the light, we have fellowship with one another.” 1 John 1:7

To the family and friends of St Edmund’s College,

The Edmums event last Friday evening was certainly one of the community-event highlights of the year. It was wonderful to have such a large number of mothers attend the event (I believe around 88) sharing company, food and drink in strengthening and enriching our community.  Thank you to all of our “Edmums” who attended – you certainly created a lively, positive atmosphere at Psychedeli in the city.  Thanks to also to Sharon Isherwood who donated a beautiful hamper for the lucky door prize as well as providing a gift bag for all attended (Sharwood Hampers, sharwoodhampers.com.au).  A very special thank you to the College Community Development and Engagement Team, Jodee Marques and Rachel Smith for their great organisation, time and effort, very ably supported on the night by staff members Mikhala Andersen and Rachel Lemon.  After a COVID break last year, I feel that the Edmums events will continue to be a much-anticipated event in the College calendar.

Last Thursday evening we held our regular Careers Information Night.  This is a valuable opportunity for our older boys to consider their post-school pathways.  It was wonderful to see some positive and encouraging follow up posts and comments on LinkedIn from some of our old boys who came along to offer their advice and knowledge to our current students. Thank you to our Careers Adviser, Mrs Rebecca Jarman and to our VET Coordinator, Mr Alex Hausen, for their organisation and co-ordination of the event, and to our many stall holders for giving of their time and experience.

I recently came across an article written by a friend of mine for the Sydney Catholic Weekly.  The author is Anthony Cleary, Director of Religious Education and Evangelisation for Sydney Catholic Schools. Anthony makes a very relevant and strong point about the pursuit of excellence and its place in Australian culture (especially Australian schools), using the Olympic Games as a context. I would like to share this article with you, hoping that its message has some resonance with you.

“Owing to COVID-19 restrictions, the Games of the XXXII Olympiad are like no other. Public spectators have been barred and athletes pursue dreams in near-empty stadiums, left in isolation to compete against rivals and themselves.

That said, the purpose and spirit of the games has not been diminished, and the age-old adage of Citius, Altius, Fortius (Faster, Higher, Stronger) still rings true.

The Olympics continue to represent ideals of human nature and the human spirit. They promote a genuine sense of shared humanity, with fellowship and camaraderie between different peoples and cultures, a commitment to self-improvement and the pursuit of excellence.

As people would well remember from Sydney 2000, the Olympics foster a unique spirit, characterised by a strong sense of fraternity and ‘oneness’ with others. They represent a departure from the mundane and the ordinariness of the everyday.

In so many respects, the Olympics are counter-cultural. An examination of Australian life, and that of other parts of the Western World, suggests that some of the Olympic ideals are dying, if not already dead.

Unlike the Olympics, where athletic achievement is progressively ‘faster, higher, stronger’, with new records set at each Games, the measurable standards of some sectors and industries are in decline.

As a teacher, I have long been concerned with approaches to education, student attitudes and achievement. For several decades, the educational sector has undergone cycles of review and reform.

Despite this, and the unprecedented financial investment of successive Australian governments, our nation’s place in international rankings of student achievement continues to drop. We must seek solutions to halt this trajectory of decline and raise the bar of our own educational standards. This of course, requires a change in our philosophical approach to learning and it involves the conscious and focused pursuit of excellence.

Excellence is not a dirty word, nor is competition.

For much of its history, Australia has been shackled with the reputation of the ‘tall poppy syndrome’, the phenomenon in which people’s successes and achievements are cynically derided by others. It rests on the belief that personal excellence leads to arrogance, and therefore should be avoided. It is a warped and misguided view of equality.

This cultural trait can be very damaging, and in the past has cost Australia some of its best and brightest minds. The recent Wimbledon championships, with the successes of our very own Ash Barty and Dylan Alcott, highlight that those who achieve excellence often embody humility and model the value of perseverance and hard work.

Despite worthy examples to the contrary, there remains a general suspicion of many ‘tall poppies’ and a resentment of their achievements. This is particularly sad as it often deters people, especially the young, from giving their best and pursuing their dreams.

How the ‘tall poppy syndrome’ took hold, I don’t know – for it goes against so many of our natural inclinations. Generally, we do rejoice in the achievements of others, especially if they are unanticipated or the result of dedication and hard work. And often, their successes inspire us in our own efforts.

We must guard against the idea that competition is a bad thing. If properly embraced, it is not. Rather, it teaches us many life-long values. Importantly, it teaches us that winning isn’t everything and that we don’t always win. It also teaches us how to be a good and gracious winner.

Some in our society abhor the idea of competition, believing that it can be destructive to people’s self-esteem. But that need not, nor should not, be the case. Leaving the centre court at Wimbledon as women’s champion, Ash Barty would have read the inscription of Rudyard Kipling, ‘if you can meet with Triumph and Disaster and treat those two imposters just the same’.

Kipling’s verse is refreshing and insightful, making abundantly clear the nature and value of competition. The pursuit of excellence is decried by some as elitism, and for others it evokes a fear of failure. We should not be paralysed by prejudices or fears, however.

Like all Olympiads, the Tokyo games highlights both the appeal and value of Citius, Altius, Fortius. Through their example, the athletes remind us that the pursuit of excellence ultimately involves the giving of one’s best”.

Nicholas Odgers (Year 12), Treacy House Captain, also gave us an Olympic story of encouragement and hope in last week’s Vortex.  If you haven’t read Nicholas’ article yet I would urge you to do so. https://sec.act.edu.au/outsider-to-olympic-champion/.  Also in last week’s Vortex, Mr Trent Masters, our Head of Mulrooney House, also gave us an insight to the spirit of the Olympics and how this can be applied to school life.  This article can be found here: https://sec.act.edu.au/lessons-from-the-olympics/

I would also urge all members of the St Edmund’s community to read the latest edition of The Pelican if you have not already done so.  The Pelican is our alumni magazine, highlighting the stories of old boys of the College as well as other members of our parent community. There are some wonderful stories in The Pelican.  I would like to thank Mrs Margaret Maher, our Assistant Principal ICT and Innovation, for producing the last edition of The Pelican.  This can be found here (best to read it on a desktop or laptop) https://sec.act.edu.au/pelican/pelican-semester-1-2021/

I have started some preliminary discussions with our uniform suppliers about another level of warmth during our winter season.  I strongly feel that for our students, a blazer and jumper for high school students or jacket and jumper for junior school students is just not warm enough on those mornings when we are looking at very low, single digit temperatures. The idea would be to have an optional puffer-type jacket that would be worn over the blazer or junior jacket.  I already have a small group for students involved in exploring this idea and I would also like a small group of parents involved in an advisory capacity.  If you are interested in being a part of this informal parent advisory team, would you please let me know by emailing me at principal@stedmunds.act.edu.au.  Please note any meetings to explore these ideas are more than likely to be held during the school day so students can attend as well.

Gracious Father,
Whose blessed Son Jesus Christ came down from heaven
to be the true bread which gives life to the world:
Evermore give us this bread,
that He may live in us, and we in Him;
who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever.
Amen.

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

Joe Zavone
Principal
Christus Lux Mea

“If we walk in the light, as he is the light, we have fellowship with one another.” 1 John 1:7

To the family and friends of St Edmund’s College,

It is wonderful to be back after a relaxing break of four weeks (six weeks including the school holidays). My wife and I were very fortunate in being able to enjoy a driving holiday before the COVID situation worsened in NSW and Victoria.  This was my very first driving holiday and I must admit I enjoyed it greatly.  We travelled down the south coast of NSW to Lakes Entrance in Victoria, with a brief stopover in Melbourne to see the play Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (we were the lucky few to be chosen for the 50% audience capacity).  We then made our way along the Great Ocean Road, stopping in a number of beautiful small towns (Lorne, Apollo Bay, Port Campbell, Warrnambool). From the Great Ocean Road we travelled inland to Halls Gap in the beautiful Grampians, Daylesford, Echuca then back into NSW to Albury (on the very same day that a lockdown was announced for Victoria).  We were so very blessed to be able to travel during this time just before lockdowns and restrictions, and I will always remember the absolutely stunning sights we came across – the ruggedness of the coast along the Great Ocean Road, the magnificence of the Grampians and the simplistic beauty of the Murray River.  I was also taken aback at the stunning scenery on our way home around the Hume Highway south of Canberra from the Snowy Valley area.  I have never travelled on the Hume south of Canberra and was in awe of the beautiful soft undulating hillsides in this area.  It was a privilege to be able to travel for six weeks and immerse myself in God’s creation, seeing the beauty of our Earth and our country around every corner.

My deepest thanks to Mr Ian Garrity who was Acting Principal during my long service leave for his care, time and attention in ensuring that the College was running smoothly.

I have been welcomed back to Canberra with very cold and wet weather.  Unfortunately this has also caused the postponement of our Heritage Day activities last Saturday.  This is normally a very busy day, especially with a number of our old boys meeting up for their reunions, culminating in the First XV Rugby match against Marist College.  The decision to postpone the activities was certainly not done lightly and was undertaken with a great deal of discernment and in consultation with key parties.  The ACT Government and other schools had already made the decision to close all their fields for weekend sport. It was therefore disappointing to read a small number of negative and spiteful comments on our social media regarding the postponement of activities.  We easily could have gone ahead with the Old Boys Mass and morning tea, but we did not wish to make the event a fragmented, piecemeal event.  We would rather have a whole day of activities which is in keeping with the spirit of the day.  We will inform the College community as soon as possible of the new arrangements and details for the Heritage Day.

There are a number of important events in Term 3 of which the community needs to be aware.  This coming Thursday (29 July) we have our annual Careers Information Night for our older students and their parents. Not only is this event important for students to start exploring their future pathways, but it is also a great showcase for the businesses and programs of our old boys, parent community and local community in general. This is followed by an important Information Evening for Year 10 and parents on Wednesday 11 August, focusing on the important requirements and processes for the transition to Year 11, with individual interviews for students and parents taking place on Monday 23 August. This is an extremely important time for Year 10, and our aim is to be able to meet the needs of all of our students as best we can for their two years of senior schooling. If parents of Year 10 students are planning on enrolling their son in another school for Years 11 & 12, I would strongly urge you to please have a conversation with us first to see if we can tailor your son’s learning to his specific need and desires.

As Mr Garrity mentioned in last week’s Vortex, we will have surveys for our parents, students and staff to complete over the next week or so.  These surveys will provide us with valuable data to use in shaping the next stage of our Strategic Vision 2022 – 2024.  I would urge you to please complete the survey so we have some good, solid information with which to work, ensuring that your views and perceptions have a place as we shape the next few years of the College vision.

It is with much excitement that we recognise the achievements of old boy Lewis Holland (Class of 2010).  Lewis represented the school in Rugby each year during his time here and is now a professional rugby player. Lewis is representing Australia in the Tokyo Olympics in Rugby 7s. He also participated in the 2016 Rio Olympics. The Eddies community sends Lewis and his team our very best wishes.

I have once again written to Chris Steel, Minister for Roads and Active Travel and Andrew Crichton, Director of the School Safety Program, regarding the progress of the consideration of making the area of Canberra Avenue outside of the College a 40 km school zone.  I noted with interest that since my initial request to Minister Steel last year (18 February 2020), the ACT Government has introduced 40 km speed limit in areas around the ACT of high pedestrian and cyclist activity to improve safety for all road users.  The web page detailing this introduction states that “research shows that the introduction of a 40km/h area significantly reduces the risk of death for vulnerable road users. A 10km/h decrease in speed can reduce the risk of death from approximately 80% (50km/h) to 30% (40km/h).” https://www.cityservices.act.gov.au/roads-and-paths/traffic. I find it extremely frustrating that these changes have been made to ensure pedestrian safety, but no consideration has been made to our students crossing a busy road every morning and afternoon.  I will keep you updated of the progress regarding this issue.

I have also been informed by one of our parents about another travel / transport issue which is most frustrating.  Students who stay behind after 3.25 to attend a school-based activity (e.g. sport training) and then catch a bus home are not permitted to use their bus pass and need to pay a fare. I have commenced correspondence with key government authorities regarding this issue as it is most unfair that students who are involved in the co-curricular life of a school are then penalised for this by not being permitted to use their bus pass and being asked to pay for the trip, especially as they have been nowhere else between the end of school and the bus trip home. The parent involved has had a number of communications with key government authorities and I thank this parent for initiating this communication.

Last Sunday (25 July 2021) was designated by Pope Francis as the first World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly. It coincides with the Feast of Saints Joachim and Anne, grandparents of Jesus, on 26 July. In this inaugural year Pope Francis takes the day’s theme from Jesus own words: “I am with you always” (Matt 28:20). These words, he writes, “are also the words that I, as Bishop of Rome and an elderly person like yourselves, would like to address to you… The whole Church is close to you – to us – and cares about you, [and] loves you…”  The day draws attention to the vital role grandparents and the elderly play in our communities and in the mission of the Church.  I grew up very close to my maternal grandparents Caterina and Paolo, and know what it is like to have a very strong, positive bond to one’s grandparents – it is indeed a very special relationship.  The Pope writes that grandparents and the elderly “… remind us that old age is a gift and that [they are] the link between generations, passing on the experience of life and faith to the young … The prayer of the elderly can protect the world, helping it perhaps more effectively than the frenetic activity of many others.”  St Edmund’s College is grateful for the important contribution grandparents, senior family members and friends provide to our young men.

Also at this time we think of the communities in other states who are enduring a lockdown, especially people and businesses who are struggling financially, and schools and students who are in the midst of extended remote learning. This is not an easy time, and we continue to pray for these communities and in fact all communities across Australia to find their way out of lockdowns and restrictions and start to enjoy the basic freedoms we take for granted.

God of compassion,
Jesus taught us to love our neighbour,
and to care for those in need
as if we were caring for you.
In this time of anxiety, give us strength …
strength to comfort the fearful, strength to tend the sick,
strength to support our sisters and brothers in lockdown.

Be close to those who are ill, afraid or in isolation.
In their loneliness, be their consolation;
in their anxiety, be their hope;
in their darkness, be their light;
through Him who suffered alone on the cross,
but reigns with You in glory,
Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

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

Joe Zavone
Principal
Christus Lux Mea

Dear parents and carers,

I hope that all families had a smooth transition back to school last week and have settled into to good routines. We have been impressed by the attitude that the boys have displayed for the start of semester.

2022-2024 Strategic Directions
The College is about to commence our process of writing our next three-year strategic directions documents. An important component of determining our key priority areas for the next few years is the use of student, parent and carer, and staff feedback. The College has engaged Michael Elphick to facilitate the distribution, collation and analysis of perception surveys for these three groups.

During the next week or so parents and carers should receive an email with a link to the 2021 Parent and Carers Survey. Please take the time to complete this survey when it arrives. Your feedback, as well as feedback from students and staff, will provide crucial data about various aspects of the College, and will assist in determining our priority areas for improvement over the next few years.

2021 NAIDOC ASSEMBLY
The 2021 NAIDOC Assembly held last Friday was a wonderful celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures. Students broke open the 2021 NAIDOC Week theme, ‘Heal Country’ and House Captains presented the six spirit guides for our six houses. The spirit guides were a 2020 initiative. Every house is now recognised not only by their house crest, but also by their chosen spirit guide. We are striving to promote the idea of kinship within the houses and promote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander values and customs in the spirit of reconciliation.

We were fortunate to have Ms Pat Anderson give a passionate and informative presentation at the assembly. Ms Anderson is an Alyawarre woman, and St Edmund’s family member, known nationally and internationally as a powerful advocate for the health of Australia’s First Peoples. She was appointed Officer of the Order of Australia in 2014 for distinguished service to the Indigenous community as a social justice advocate, particularly through promoting improved health, and educational and protection outcomes for children. Ms Anderson spoke about history and culture, injustices and impacts of the past, as well as our assembly theme, reconciliation and Heal Country.

The St Edmund’s College Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) was outlined in the second half of the assembly. The RAP was developed in 2020. Some of the key aims in the College RAP include:

• To acknowledge and recognise the contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
• To develop relationships between St Edmund’s and the Ngunnawal and Ngambri people, and other community members
• To create and nurture an environment where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures are experienced and valued by all students and members of our school community
• To provide opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to celebrate and embrace their heritage.

I would like to thank Ms Ashleigh Kerin and the students involved in preparing and presenting the assembly. The following passage was delivered at the beginning of the assembly by Max Page and Charlie Rigney. It is taken from the following website: https://www.naidoc.org.au/get-involved/2021-theme

So, what is NAIDOC week?
NAIDOC week celebrations are held across Australia each July to celebrate the histories, cultures and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

This year’s theme is Heal Country.  Country is inherent to our identity.

It sustains our lives in every aspect – spiritually, physically, emotionally, socially, and culturally. It is more than a place.

When we talk about Country it is spoken of like a person. Country is family, kin, law, lore, ceremony, traditions, and language. For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples it has been this way since the dawn of time.

Through our languages and songs, we speak to Country; through our ceremonies and traditions we sing to – and celebrate Country – and Country speak to us. Increasingly, we worry about Country.

For generations Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have been calling for stronger measures to recognise, protect, and maintain all aspects of our culture and heritage for all Australians. We have continued to seek greater protections for our lands, our waters, our sacred sites and our cultural heritage from exploitation, desecration, and destruction.

We are still waiting for those robust protections.

Healing Country means hearing those pleas to provide greater management, involvement, and empowerment by Indigenous peoples over country.

Healing Country means embracing First Nation’s cultural knowledge and understanding of Country as part of Australia’s national heritage. That the culture and values of Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islanders are respected equally to and the cultures and values of all Australians.

Destruction and desecration of our sacred lands or ancient sites – some of the oldest human occupation sites on the planet – is an enormous loss for both our nation and the world.

But to truly heal Country we have more to do.

Our lands will continue to burn from bushfires, droughts will continue to destroy our livelihoods, without using traditional practices that have protected this country for centuries.

For generations, our Elders and communities have advocated, marched and fought for substantive institutional, structural and collaborative reform.

The aspirations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are the culmination of generations of consultation and discussions among our nations on a range of issues and grievances.

Healing Country means finally resolving many of the outstanding injustices which impact on the lives of our people.

It must be a fair and equitable resolution.

Fundamental grievances will not vanish. In the European settlement of Australia, there were no treaties, no formal settlements, no compacts. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people therefore did not cede sovereignty to our land. It was taken from us. That will remain a continuing source of dispute.

To Heal Country, we must properly work towards redressing historical injustice.

While we can’t change history, through telling the truth about our nation’s past we certainly can change the way history is viewed.

After 250 years, our children and our future generations deserve better.

For generations we have repeatedly called for just recognition of our right to participate on an equal basis in economic and social terms.

Yet such participation cannot be successful unless, first, there is formal recognition that Indigenous people have been dispossessed and, second, definite, specific steps are taken to redress the grave social and economic disadvantage that followed that dispossession.

Healing Country is more than changing a word in our national anthem – it is about the historical, political, and administrative landscapes adapting to successfully empower and celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, nations, and heritage.

We are all looking for significant and lasting change.

We cannot afford to let pass the very real opportunity that now presents itself for reform based on a fundamental change in the relationship Australia has with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Heal Country

Ian Garrity
Principal (Acting)
Christus Lux Mea

Welcome to Term 3

It was great to see staff and students return this week following the semester break. I hope that families were able to enjoy the last few weeks without the day to day demands that occur during term time. Hopefully the recent COVID-19 outbreaks did not spoil the holiday time and families were able to get away or relax at home.

Staffing Update
We have had a number of staffing changes for the start of Term 3. We welcome three new members of staff. They are:

• Ms Brenda Galvin, our new Defence School Mentor,
• Ms Jessica Willoughby, will be teaching HASS and English, and
• Mr Rohan Holloway, will be teaching Science.

We also welcome back Ms Frances Sargeant and Mr Tim MacArthur who have returned from leave.

Ms Klara Manenica is away for Semester 2. Mr Trent Masters will be the acting Head of Mulrooney House during this time.

COVID-19 Information
As mentioned above, we are again on alert with regard to COVID-19 and its impact at the College. All students and staff will continue with implementing our COVID-19 procedures and follow advice from local Health authorities. Some of the most important practices include:

• Maintaining a high standard of hygiene practices including hand washing and sanitising, limiting the sharing of equipment and maintaining safe distances where possible,
• Students and staff staying at home if they have flu-like symptoms,
• All visitors to the College using the Check In CBR app,
• Following density restrictions for events with visitors at the College,
• Limiting or cancelling excursions to interstate destinations.

All students and parents are required to follow all current Health orders from the ACT and NSW Governments. This is particularly important for any family who have travelled during the recent holiday period. If you have travelled recently, please ensure that you follow the health orders for your circumstances. These can be found at:  Entering or returning to the ACT and NSW Health Orders.

The College is prepared to transition if ACT schools are directed to move to remote learning. Further details of procedures will be sent to parents if this situation arises.

Term 3 Events
Term 3 is again a busy term. Please find details below of some of the key events for the term for noting and your planning include:

• Friday 16 July – NAIDOC Assembly (11.15am – 12.00pm)
• Tuesday 20 July – Experience Eddies Day (8.45am – 2.00pm)
• Saturday 24 July – Heritage Day (see information below)
• Thursday 29 July – Careers Information Night (6.00pm – 7.30pm)
• Friday 30 July – Edmums Soiree (6.00pm-9.00pm)
• Monday 9 August to Wednesday 11 August – Yr 5 Camp
• Wednesday 11 August – Year 10 Parent Information Evening (6.00pm – 7.30pm)
• Friday 27 August – Yr 12 AST Preparation Day and Yr 11 Retreat Day
• Tuesday 31 August and Wednesday 1 September – AST First Sitting (Yr 12)
• Thursday 2 September – MUFTI Day for HOME / Karinya House
• Friday 3 September – Father’s Day Mass (9.30am – 11.00am)
• Friday 3 September – Sleepout for House and HOME (7.00pm – 7.00am)
• Tuesday 7 September and Wednesday 8 September – Parent Teacher Interviews (from 4.00pm)
• Thursday 17 September – Yr 12 Formal (6.30pm)

Heritage Day – Saturday 24 June 2021
This event coincides with the Eddies v Marist rugby matches and is an opportunity to reflect on the heritage of the College, as well as a day that old boys are encouraged to attend and reunite. The day will commence with a Mass at 10am in the College Chapel and will be celebrated by old boy Bishop Pat Power. This will be followed by a morning tea at 11am and a tour of the College and an opportunity to watch the rugby. To assist with our COVID-safe planning, old boys and friends are required to register their attendance.  Click here to book your place at the Mass and morning tea 

St Edmund’s College Prayer

Dear Lord,
Grant that we may live each day to the full, inspired by the Holy Spirit.
Let us cast away all worries and concerns into your divine care.
All: Christus Lux Mea

Give us strength to confront all challenges that we face with hope and faith.
Let our community seek truth in all that we search for.
All: Christus Lux Mea

Let us stand for others always giving generously without counting the cost.
Blessed Edmund Rice
Pray for us
Live Jesus in our hearts forever
Amen

Ian Garrity
Principal (Acting)
Christus Lux Mea

“If we walk in the light, as he is the light, we have fellowship with one another.” 1 John 1:7

To the family and friends of St Edmund’s College,

Usually I feature the achievement of a student in a “Student Spotlight” section of my Vortex address every so often.  This week I am thrilled that all of my Vortex address is about the wonderful achievements of a number of our students.

Outstanding sportsmanship
I was informed of the great sportsmanship demonstrated by players of the Rugby Under 12 White (Div. 2) over the weekend.  The boys need to be highly commended for their efforts, behaviour, resilience, and attitude.  Throughout the course of the game, the referee had to stop the game multiple times due to being verbally abused by the opposing side’s coach.  The Ground Marshall was called over to attend and was also sworn at by the same coach.  The opposing team’s parents were swearing and being disrespectful to the Eddies boys, referee and other spectators, even when they were told by one of our Eddie’s parent to be more respectful towards the boys and the referee.  Our boys were sworn at by the opposing players, a large number of head-high tackles were made on our boys and they were also kicked while on the ground after the play had been completed.  I am very pleased and proud to report that our boys not only had a good win and played well, but they rose above all of the bad behaviour from the opposing team, doing so with respect for their school, themselves, their teammates, coaches, and parents.  The parent who informed me about this incident said that “in true Eddie’s spirit, the boys held their heads high and made their school, parents, coaches, and teammates extremely proud by not retaliating, the boys played their game well and within the rules.”  I sincerely thank the boys in this team, their parents and the coach for putting good sportsmanship and decency above the disgraceful behaviour of the opposing team and their supporters.  Edmund’s to the fore!

I am also pleased to say that I witnessed great sportsmanship and effort in watching the Football First XI play at Hawker on Saturday and again with the Basketball First V at Tuggeranong on Sunday.

Sacramental Program
When Mr Monagle (Assistant Principal, Mission and Identity) consulted with me at the beginning of the year to organise a sacramental program for our students, I initially envisaged a very small group of boys who would celebrate their sacraments.  Instead we had around 34 students who wanted to experience the sacraments.  Mr Monagle and Ms Cusack have organised the Sacramental Program for our students for the past 7 weeks. I thank them for their initiative and creativity in preparing our boys for this very special event.

Dale Fisher (Year 5) and Jonah Ong (Year 4) were baptised in the Catholic Church by Father Trenton van Reesch in our Blessed Sacrament Chapel last week. My most sincere congratulations and best wishes to Dale and Jonah.

On Tuesday night, around 34 boys experienced their First Holy Communion and / or their Confirmation at St Christopher’s Cathedral, accompanied by their families and members of staff. Congratulations to these students on such a significant occasion in their individual and communal faith journey.

Students experiencing both First Holy Communion and Confirmation:
Lochlan Anderson, Harry Cattle, Archer Eaton, Harry Locker-Lloyd, William Patch, William Roberts, Myles Bullpit-Troy, Pearce Bullpit-Troy, Jackson Ward.

Students experiencing their First Holy Communion:
Tyler Cotton, Alex Hamson, Oliver Reed, Xavier Reed (and their sister Millicent Reed), Zac Taylor, Dale Fisher, Jonah Ong

Students experiencing Confirmation:
Koby Carmody, Michael Cawthron, William Clausen, Henry Farfan, Cooper Giteau, Rafael Guarin, Alexander Hipwell, Ethan Laughton, Charlie Litchfield, Archie Manwaring, Mason McKay, Aidan Moloney, Charles Nadin, Brodie Petropoulos, Harry Raby, Oliver Roughley

Athletics Achievement
I am so pleased to announce that Rory Forbes (Year 9, Rice) has been selected as one of 35 young talented ACT athletes in the Athletics ACT 2021 Target Talent Program (TTP) Squad.  The squad will head to Sydney for a combined TTP Camp with Athletics NSW, for some high quality training, data collection and education components. The athletes will then return to the ACT for a number of follow-up sessions, building on the skills developed over the course of the camp. Congratulations to Rory and we all wish him well.

College Assembly
I was so impressed with a number of our students at our last College assembly. Connor Moloney (Year 10, Treacy) performed a magnificent guitar piece. Eden Mordike (Year 12, Rice) is one of our College Vice-Captains and he gave a truly inspirational Captain’s Address motivating our boys to achieve great things and have pride in what they do.  Joshua Nicholls (Year 12, O’Brien) shared his very clever and creative video “House of Lies”, shown as part of our Cabaret a few weeks ago.

Rugby Union Achievement
Congratulations to the following students who have been selected to the ACTJRU Brumbies U15 Squad Southern States Championships 2021.  This is a fine achievement with the boys rising above a large number of others to make the squad: Bronson Brown (Year 9, O’Brien), Braydan Darmody (Year 9, Mulrooney), Rory Forbes (Year 9, Rice), Billy Lachlan (Year 9, Mulrooney), Nixion Lemisio (Year 10, Haydon), Mackai Reedy (Year 9, Clancy), Tipa Vaili (Year 9, Haydon).

Community Service
Last week we had some of our Year 11 & 12 students helping out with the athletics carnival for Saints Peter and Paul Primary School in Garran.  Mr Joel Richardson, our Head of Health and Physical Education informed me that the staff of Saints Peter and Paul Primary could not speak highly enough of our boys and were overwhelmed by their attitude and effort with the younger students.  Congratulations to our boys for their fine efforts here: Jonathon Coe (Year 12 Treacy), Harvey Cox (Year 12, Treacy), Wilson Cox (Year 12 Treacy), Harry Davis (Year 12 Treacy), Jonathon Dent (Year 12, Rice), Liam Guthrie (Year 11, Mulrooney), Liam McCallion (Year 12, Clancy), Thomas McCarthy (Year 12, Haydon), Luca Morella (Year 11, Haydon), Dillon Morris (Year 12, Clancy), Ethan Papp (Year 12, Clancy), Liam Spence (Year 11, Rice).

Leave
This will be my last Vortex address for a while.  Mr Ian Garrity will be Acting Principal whilst I am leave, beginning next week until late July.  I would ask that you give Mr Garrity your full support and encouragement during this time.

Prayer for our Sacramental Program students
Loving God,
You send out Your Spirit to touch the hearts of all people,
so that they may believe in You and in Jesus whom You sent.
Look kindly on all of our sacramental program students
as they listen to Your voice.
Open their hearts to Your Spirit and
bring to fulfilment the good work that You have begun in them.
Make each of them an instrument of Your love.
Guide them to appreciate what is holy in others,
and to be patient with what they do not understand.
Deepen their faith in the Gospel and help them to pass it on by their example.
We pray that You will continue to guide them and sustain them.
Through Christ our Lord, Amen.

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

Joe Zavone
Principal
Christus Lux Mea

“If we walk in the light, as he is the light, we have fellowship with one another.” 1 John 1:7

To the family and friends of St Edmund’s College,

We are well and truly in the midst of the winter co-curricular season, with all our winter team sports (Basketball, Football and Rugby Union) having seen their first few games.  It is a wonderful sight to see our ovals alive with the energy of coaching and training throughout the week and to see our young men developing and refining their skills and using these skills in partnership with each other to form a strong team.  Working within a team is a great skill in itself.  The overall aim of the co-curricular program is to develop these team skills, to develop the specific skills of the particularly sport and to develop a strong sense of positive sportsmanship and a healthy sense of competition.  Of course winning games is a great consequence of the many hours of training and playing and we all enjoy a victory, but it is not the ultimate goal of our program. The co-curricular program is designed to complement the spiritual and academic development of our students through a sense of identity, belonging and happiness. The activities provide another level of interaction between students and staff and between students and other members of the College community.

Involvement in the co-curricular program has been a long tradition here at St Edmund’s College.  A sense of pride and tradition is developed through the activities.  All members of our community who contribute to our co-curricular program must reflect the core values of St Edmund’s College – players, coaches, managers, co-ordinators.  This includes students, members of staff, parents, old boys and members of our wider community.

I cannot stress strongly enough that there is absolutely no place for poor behaviour and poor sportsmanship in our co-curricular program.  This is the case for both students and adults involved in the program.  There is no place for a coach who belittles the opposing team or belittles his or her own team when things are not going in the right direction.  There is no place for a parent who yells abuse at referees when decisions are not popular.  There is no place for inappropriate language, fiery tempers, threats, ridicule, sarcasm or any other type of behaviours which contribute to an unhealthy sports environment and demonstrate poor sportsmanship.

I would encourage all parents involved in our co-curricular program to carefully read the following material from https://www.playbytherules.net.au/. 

Parents play an invaluable role in club and community sports. Occasionally, however, some become over emotional, verbally abusive and sometimes even physically aggressive. It’s important that the inappropriate actions of a few parents don’t ruin the sporting experience for everyone else.

Information to help you understand the issue

Angry parents:

• sometimes use foul language, make threatening gestures and remarks directed at the coach, umpire or other team
• have a win at all costs mentality
• are likely to ‘coach’ and ‘referee’ from the sidelines and concentrate on faults and failings rather than successes
• diminish everyone’s enjoyment of the game.

Inappropriate behaviour by parents can result in:

• children withdrawing from sport
• reduced membership
• fewer people willing to volunteer for coaching and official positions; and/or
• an increased risk of legal action. Clubs have a legal responsibility to address behaviours that offend community standards or are against the law (e.g., racial vilification, sexual harassment, criminal or common assault).

Where would junior club sport be without mums and dads? Who would ferry children back and forth between sporting fixtures, hand out half-time oranges, wash uniforms and make sure players arrive on time wearing both boots?

We all know that, if not for mums and dads, we would struggle to find enough club administrators, referees, coaches, scorers and line markers, and the spectator stands would be bare. Without a doubt, they are an invaluable resource and an essential part of any sport.

But what about those parents who turn ugly? You know the type. They scream instructions from the sidelines, admonish the referee (who is often barely a teenager), challenge the coach, sometimes storm onto the playing field or even get into a punch-up with an equally passionate opposing team parent. It happens.

So what can we do about it? What role do coaches play? How about club administrators? How can parents successfully tread that line between supportive and aggressive?

Tips for parents:

• Be a good role model. Children watch and learn from you, so make sure you set a good example.
• Avoid a ‘win at all costs’ attitude. Although you may think winning is important, the focus for junior sport should be on fun.
• Be aware that your abusive behaviour may be against the law. Ask yourself, ‘Would my mother be upset or offended by what I am saying or doing?’ If the answer is yes then it’s best to sit down and be quiet.
• Try not to be critical of coaches, referees or umpires. Many are volunteers who give their time to make sport possible for all our children, and some are just learning. If you have some constructive advice for them, leave it until after the game or have a chat with the head coach or referee.

Parents can help create a positive sporting environment and reduce sport rage by being good role models.

• Encourage fair play
• Emphasise trying hard and having fun, not only winning
• Never ridicule or yell at a child for making a mistake
• Cheer and acknowledge good plays by both teams
• Thank the official, coach and other team after the game.
• Respect officials, coaches and opponents
• Accept decisions by officials – they are human and can make mistakes.
• Deal with issues in a controlled and professional manner after the game.
• Keep your emotions in check
• Be enthusiastic, but don’t scream instructions from the side line
• Don’t get into shouting matches with anyone
• Never use bad language or harass others.
• Uphold your club’s code of conduct
• Understand, uphold and support your club’s code of conduct for parents.
• If you have put your hand up to be an official in junior sport it’s important to understand all your club’s rules and regulations, the spirit of the game and the relevant codes of conduct.

This link is a light hearted look (with a very serous message) at the issue of good sportsmanship by the community: https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/rugby-cartoon-sideline-parents-are-ugly/FQBFQ2WJQCKZNEVL4W4SEY25WU/

Solemnity of the Holy Trinity

Last Sunday the Catholic Church celebrated the Solemnity of the Holy Trinity. There is perhaps no doctrine as essential to the Christian religion as the Holy Trinity.  The belief in one God in three Persons makes Christianity unique in all the world. The doctrine of the Trinity teaches us that God is a relationship of perfect love between the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. The Trinity welcomes us as sons and daughters into this family communion of love.

The Holy Trinity is at the core of e importance in Christian life.  All prayers in the Church begin in the Name of the Holy Trinity and end glorifying the Trinity. All Sacraments are administered (we are baptised, confirmed, anointed, our sins are forgiven, and our marriage blessed, and our Bishops, priests and deacons ordained) in the name of the Holy Trinity. We bless ourselves, and the priest blesses us, in the name of the Holy Trinity. Whilst a belief in the Holy Trinity is at the very core of our lives as Catholics, it is one of those great mysteries that grows richer and deeper the more we engage with it as a mystery.

There is a very old and much-repeated story about St. Augustine, one of the intellectual giants of the Church.  He was walking by the seashore one day, attempting to conceive of an intelligible explanation for the mystery of the Trinity.  As he walked along, he saw a small boy on the beach, pouring seawater from a shell into a small hole in the sand.  “What are you doing, my child?” asked Augustine.  “I am trying to empty the sea into this hole,” the boy answered with an innocent smile.  “But that is impossible, my dear child,” said Augustine.  The boy stood up, looked straight into the eyes of Augustine and replied, “What you are trying to do – comprehend the immensity of God with your small head – is even more impossible.”  Then he vanished.  The child was an angel sent by God to teach Augustine a lesson.  Later, Augustine wrote: “You see the Trinity if you see love.”  According to him, the Father is the lover, the Son is the loved one and the Holy Spirit is the personification of the very act of loving. This means that we can understand something of the Mystery of the Holy Trinity more readily with the heart than with our feeble mind. Evagrius of Pontus, a Greek monk of the 4th century who came from what is now Turkey in Asia and later lived out his vocation in Egypt, said: “God cannot be grasped by the mind. If God could be grasped, God would not be God.”

Prayer for the Solemnity of the Holy Trinity
Glory be to the Father,
Who by His almighty power and love created me,
making me in the image and likeness of God.
Glory be to the Son,
Who by His Precious Blood delivered me from hell,
and opened for me the gates of heaven.
Glory be to the Holy Spirit,
Who has sanctified me in the sacrament of Baptism,
and continues to sanctify me
by the graces I receive daily from His bounty.
Glory be to the Three adorable Persons of the Holy Trinity,
now and forever.
Amen

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

Joe Zavone
Principal
Christus Lux Mea

“If we walk in the light, as he is the light, we have fellowship with one another.” 1 John 1:7

To the family and friends of St Edmund’s College,

I must offer my congratulations to all involved in last week’s Cabaret.  From all accounts it was an amazing evening of entertainment and I am so sorry that I missed this year’s performance. All feedback has been overwhelmingly unanimous in its positivity, with much praise directed towards our very talented students – vocals, dance, band and orchestra, drama, video production, house performances and so on.  I thank Mr Nigel Palfreman and his team not only for co-ordinating such a fabulous evening of entertainment, but in taking the time and making the effort in motivating our boys to take centre stage and have the confidence and resilience to shine in the spotlight. In talking to other teachers about Cabaret, I kept on hearing one common theme – how great it was for all of our boys to be supporting their fellow students in their performances; creating a very strong sense of belonging and identity. Once again, congratulations to all involved and thank you for your significant and tangible contribution to the Eddies community.

The issue of vaping in schools has been emerging over the past few months.  Had I been asked a few months ago if vaping was an issue at St Edmund’s College I would have confidently said no.  But things have changed in the past few weeks and we now need to deal with this emerging issue, as do most other high schools across Australia.  Surprisingly, vaping does not seem to be an issue with our older students.  It is disappointing that some our younger high school students seem to be involved in vaping without realising the consequences of this harmful and horrid activity.  I need to state firmly that vaping at school or whilst in school uniform is strictly forbidden and we will not hesitate to take swift action on this issue – action involving definite consequences and educative reflection.  I urge parents to take the time to carefully read the following two articles about the harmful effects of vaping on young people and to please discuss this with your child:

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-05-24/rising-popularity-in-puff-bar-nicotine-ecigarettes/100160650

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-02-19/teachers-urge-parents-to-talk-about-vaping/13172532

Pentecost
Along with Christmas and Easter, Pentecost ranks among the great feasts of Christianity. It commemorates not only the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles and disciples, but also the fruits and effects of that event: the completion of the work of redemption, the fullness of grace for the Church and its children, and the gift of faith for all nations.

“And when the days of Pentecost were drawing to a close, they were all together in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a violent wind coming, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. And there appeared to them parted tongues as of fire, which settled upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in foreign tongues, even as the Holy Spirit prompted them to speak” (Acts 2, 1-4).

The Holy Spirit gave the apostles the gifts and fruits necessary to fulfil the great commission – to go out and preach the Gospel to all nations. It fulfils the New Testament promise from Christ (Luke 24:46-49) that the Apostles would be “clothed with power” before they would be sent out to spread the Gospel. Pentecost is considered the birthday of the Church – Peter, the first Pope, preaches for the first time and converts thousands of new believers. The apostles and believers, for the first time, were united by a common language, and a common zeal and purpose to go and preach the Gospel.

The Holy Spirit is normally depicted in the form of tongues of fire (as in the account above) or as a dove.  I recently came across a beautiful image of the Holy Spirit as a goose, a depiction that was new to me.  Here is the description accompanying this image, “It’s Pentecost.  We celebrate God sending the Holy Spirit onto his Church.  We pray that as this image is shared around the world that the Holy Spirit flows with it and empowers and influences.  In Celtic tradition the Holy Spirit is represented as a bird, but not the peaceful and serene dove landing on Jesus at his baptism.  The wild goose tells a different side of the Holy Spirit.  To begin with, wild geese are not controllable, you can’t restrain a wild goose and bend it to your will.  They are raucous and loud, unlike the sweet and calming cooing of a dove, a goose’s call is strong, challenging, strident and unnerving – and just a bit scary.  In much the same way the spirit of God can be demanding and unsettling and at times even a little scary.”

Image (C) Mary Fleeson 2019 Lindisfarne Scriptorium

Prayer for Pentecost
Spirit of our Loving God,
May Your fire revive us.
Spirit of our Loving God,
May Your blessing embrace us.
Spirit of our gentle God,
May Your mercy enfold us.
Spirit of our mighty God,
May Your wisdom inspire us.

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

Joe Zavone
Principal
Christus Lux Mea

“If we walk in the light, as he is the light, we have fellowship with one another.” 1 John 1:7

To the family and friends of St Edmund’s College,

The story of the Ascension of Jesus, found in the first chapter of Acts, describes the ascent of Christ from the Earth to the Heavenly realm. This was the basis of last Sunday’s readings. According to Acts, the ascension of Jesus takes place 40 days after the resurrection in the presence of his disciples.  Christ is risen up after advising them to stay in Jerusalem until the arrival of the Holy Spirit. As he raises, a cloud obscures him from their view, and two men in white arrive to tell them that he will return “in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.”  Through his ascension, Jesus took his seat at the right hand of God: “He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty.”

For me, one of them most powerful lines in this account is when the two men in white (I am assuming they are angels) tell the disciples, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand here looking up at the sky?”  It is as if the angels are saying to the disciples, “You need to stop staring and wondering what happened to Jesus and just do the work he wants you to do.  Just do it!”.  The St Edmund’s community is a community grounded in Catholic faith, and as such we are entrusted to go and do God’s work.  Yes there are certainly times for appropriate contemplation and reflection, but nothing tangible is achieved by long term contemplation and reflection unless it is accompanied by appropriate action.  We have been tasked by God to feed the hungry, give water to the thirsty and welcome the stranger (Matt 25:35).  This is done by work and effort, not by staring in the sky and pondering the mysteries.  Edmund Rice did had a strong sense of work and effort in working with the poor in Waterford; offering an education to the young people of the time and providing them with food and material goods. This is the tradition from which we have emerged as a College community.  The EREA Touchstone of Justice and Solidarity calls us to be “committed to justice and peace for all, grounded in a spirituality of action and reflection that calls us to stand in solidarity with those who are marginalised and the earth itself”.

The main principles of the Touchstone of Justice and Solidarity for a Catholic school in the Edmund Rice tradition are to:

1. develop a curriculum that integrates themes of justice and peace, underpinned by Catholic Social Teaching;
2. adopt prophetic stances in the light of Gospel practices and is involved in advocacy for just causes; 3. promote participation in service and solidarity learning programs in partnership with those on the margins;
3. seek to provide opportunities for involvement in immersion programs in which students and staff form relationships, work with and learn from those on the margins, leading to mutual transformation;
4. commit to working with and walking alongside the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples of Australia, advocating justice and promoting reconciliation;
5. be actively involved in developing global partnerships through participation in Edmund Rice Education Beyond Borders;
6. commit to promoting an integral ecology through demonstrating a deep reverence for the earth as both God’s work and our home, promoting ecojustice and working towards a sustainable and regenerative future for all creation;
7. recognise that its members are part of a global community and actively supports the development of all humanity;
8. nurture a culture of critical reflection and prayerful discernment in justice and peace issues.

A few weeks ago we acknowledged members of staff, students and an old boy in the wonderful work they do in standing alongside others.  We have staff and students involved in community outreach programs and providing tangible support to various charities around Canberra and Queanbeyan.  We offer practical support to the members of our own community (parents, students and staff) who are suffering and doing it tough.   But I feel that as a community grounded in Catholic tradition, we can do much more and should be doing much more. We can never really say that we have done enough with so many in need around us.  We will continue to explore the opportunities and avenues which allow us, in the words of Pope Francis, to restore hope to young people, help the old, be open to the future, spread love, be poor among the poor, include the excluded and preach peace.
(Pope Francis, 2013).

Student Spotlight
On a cold, wet, and windy April morning, 1458 people lined up to race the Canberra Times Running Festival 10-kilometre race. Nicholas Odgers (Year 12, Treacy) was one of those people.  Nick placed first in the male 15-17 age group, and 72nd overall, with a time of 41 minutes.  The tough conditions were offset by a picturesque course that weaved around Parliament House, went along the lake, and past Telopea Park, making the difficult task more enjoyable. The additional support of spectators’ cheers helped everyone push through the pain. Nick said it was a great experience and looks forward to racing again next year.  Congratulations to Nick on this fine effort and achievement.

If your son has made a significant achievement in an area in or out of the College, please feel free to notify me at principal@stedmunds.act.edu.au and I will feature the achievement in Vortex.  It is so important to celebrate the skills and achievements of our students across a number of fields.

Cabaret
My very best wishes to the many performers in this year’s Cabaret to be held on Thursday night.  This is an absolutely wonderful opportunity for our students to share their gifts, talents and skills in a showcase of entertainment and performances of their own making. It is so important especially in a boys school setting to have students be confident in the spotlight of performance.  It is these students who provide the balance in College life.  I am sure that our Cabaret performers will shine (as usual) and own the stage on Thursday night.

Prayer for the Ascension
Let us pray
that the risen Christ
will lead us to eternal life.

God our Father,
make us joyful
in the ascension of your Son Jesus Christ.
May we follow him into the new creation,
for his ascension is our glory and our hope.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.
Amen.

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

Joe Zavone
Principal
Christus Lux Mea

“If we walk in the light, as he is the light, we have fellowship with one another.” 1 John 1:7

To the family and friends of St Edmund’s College,

In last Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus puts to us perhaps what is the greatest challenge we are asked to face in our lives – to love one another as he has loved us.

John 15:9-17
“I have loved you just as the Father has loved me. Remain in my love. If you keep my commandments you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my own joy may be in you and your joy be complete. 

This is my commandment: love one another, as I have loved you.  No one can have greater love than to lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends, if you do what I command you.

 I shall no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know the master’s business; I call you friends, because I have made known to you everything I have learnt from my Father.  You did not choose me, no, I chose you; and I commissioned you to go out and to bear fruit, fruit that will last; so that the Father will give you anything you ask him in my name. My command to you is to love one another.”

Jesus’ commandment calls us to give ourselves to one another for the sake of building one another up and making concrete the love that God in Christ has for each of us.  Jesus’ statement here is quite controversial – he takes the ten commandments given to Moses in the Book of Exodus and the 613 practical commandments of the Jews, and reduces them all down to just one about love – to love one another as he has loved us.  The love of Christ is unconditional and sacrificial.  This is a huge ask of us and perhaps seems too big to grasp and too big to undertake.  But it is not too big – we can love one another with small steps and small gestures, for in time those small steps and small gestures will accumulate and start to make significant differences in our loves and the lives of others.  We often talk about “vibrant spirit” and strong character” here at the College.  These terms have a relational quality to them – they are about how we get along with others and what we do for others; how we love others.  The Statement of Eddies Pride gives us a pathway to love others – we strive to achieve our personal best; we invest in respectful relationships; we contribute to a constructive learning environment; we honour the College name and we reflect the College motto in what we say and do.  There is nothing here that is too big to undertake and achieve, and as we walk alongside our young men in living out the Statement of Eddies Pride, we also walk alongside them in their small steps and small gestures in loving one another in a practical and meaningful way.

Vinnies Night Patrol
On Monday evening of this week I had the privilege of accompanying another two members of staff to Civic to work on the Vinnies Night Patrol Van.  Night Patrol is one of Vinnies’ most recognised services, and visits the streets of Canberra and surrounds 364 nights of the year, providing engagement, material aid and light refreshments to people in need. Night Patrol volunteers engage with people by offering friendship, support and compassion.  The Night Patrol Van is staffed by staff members of St Edmund’s College on a monthly roster and is co-ordinated by Mr Mike Brennan from our Science faculty.

I have never been involved in this sort of work, and last Monday evening certainly opened my eyes and heart to the situation of some of our most vulnerable people in Canberra.  We offered them hot drinks, sandwiches, fruit, clothing items, sleeping bags, blankets, and hygiene packs, but more importantly we offered them an opportunity to talk and to know they are valued.  I thank Mr Brennan for commencing this initiative at the College and commend our staff for being involved in such important and heartfelt work – in reaching out to our neighbours in need and answering the call of Jesus question to love another as he has loved us.

Student Spotlight
Marianos Nikolis (Year 8, Clancy) recently travelled to Qatar, competing in the Asia Talent Cup, a prestigious superbike championship event.  I asked Marianos to provide an account of his trip and highlights of his experience.  We congratulate Marianos on his effort and ability.

“My trip to Qatar was an overall great experience and a great eye opener for my growing riding career. Having the opportunity to travel for the Asia Talent Cup in such hard conditions due to Covid meant I was very appreciative for the people who made this possible, as well as my school and teachers for their continuous support. Within my riding in Qatar I quickly learnt that the way the races and tests are run was so different to Australia.  I had to adapt to the riding level of the competition as the overall riding style was very high and fast. I had set myself a goal in my debut as a rookie to finish in the top 10 throughout the races. I was continuously gaining experience and getting used to the much larger tracks, the race distance was 73km with only 30mins of racing with temperatures of 47 degrees and wind gusts of up to 63km/h. The bike that I was assigned to keep with me throughout the whole year presented many challenges with these difficult conditions. During my trip I participated in all of the four races, in which I maintained some very consistent results.  I was very happy in my last race which I was fighting for the podium, being in third place for a total of five laps. I ended up finishing 7^th in the championship after 2 rounds out of 24 riders. I can say that within my trip as a whole I hoped to gain as much racing knowledge as possible and will this take onboard with me for my future races. Achieving race results in the top 10 gave me great confidence that I will be able to stay competitive and challenge for the podium in the upcoming rounds. Next up is Japan against some of the fastest riders in the world!”.

Earlier this week I received an email forwarded to me by Mr Angus Balmaks, our Co-curricular Manager, praising the sportsmanship of some of our students.  Well done to the Rugby U14 Boys Gold division team for their thought and consideration of their opposing team.

“I’d like to express my gratitude to the St Edmunds coach and the other members of the St Edmunds College Canberra U14 boys’ Gold division team.  Unfortunately, Trinity’s U14 boys’ team is currently struggling for numbers and although we have 16 players on our books, only 11 were available for their round 2 match last Saturday. We are in the process of recruiting more players and hope to have a full squad available to play you in the return fixture.

From all reports your College members were very accommodating which ensured all the boys got onto the paddock and played the game they love in a fun and safe environment.  Eddies offered Trinity some extra players and matched numbers on the day. These men and boys deserve all the praise on offer to them for their great sportsmanship and keeping the traditional values of rugby going!”

Prayer
Loving God,
I choose to love You with my whole heart, mind, soul and strength.
I also choose to love all people as You love them.
Give me the grace to live these two commandments of love
and to see them as the path to holiness of life.
Amen.

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

Joe Zavone
Principal
Christus Lux Mea