The Heart and Heritage of St Edmund’s College
As we gather in reflection, it feels meaningful to acknowledge how St Edmund’s College has been more than a school for all of us. It has been a second home, a community, and a place that shapes not only minds but characters. For many years, our college has stood as a beacon of faith, integrity, and resilience—values that resonate with every Eddies boy who walks through its gates. Each of us can feel proud to be part of a legacy that has touched countless lives and moulded young men who carry its spirit long after they leave.
This year, St Edmund’s College Canberra celebrates an incredible milestone—its 70th anniversary. For seven decades, St Edmund’s College has stood as more than just a school; it’s been a family, a foundation, and a launchpad for thousands of young men. As we honour our past, reflect on our present, and look to the future, it’s a time to appreciate the unique journey each boy has walked and the community that has walked alongside him.
Founded in 1954, St Edmund’s College Canberra, was created by the Christian Brothers, with a clear mission: to build strong character, unbreakable values, and a sense of purpose in the lives of young boys. Inspired by the legacy of Blessed Edmund Rice, the school embraced a spirit of compassion, service, and faith that has shaped everything we do. It was a simple idea with profound depth—teaching boys to grow not only in intellect but also in heart, compassion, and resilience. Imagine those early days, the energy and hope of students who walked these halls when Canberra was a young city and St Edmund’s College was the first Catholic boys’ school in the area. It was a time when every boy knew his classmates like brothers and every achievement felt like a shared victory.
Over the years, the legacy of St Edmund’s College has been built by countless moments of hard work and dedication. The spirit that fills the air here is fuelled by the stories we all know so well—the early mornings, the late nights, and the camaraderie. Our history is filled with moments like the cold winter mornings on the rugby field when parents cheered from the sidelines, bundled in scarves and jackets, with hot drinks in hand. Midnight hours lit by desk lamps, as Year 12 boys pushed through their studies, with family members helping as they could, making tea or just quietly encouraging them to keep going. And let’s not forget the parents and friends who stayed up sewing costumes for junior school events, crafting pieces of magic for their sons’ performances or for the cabaret. Each of these memories reminds us that St Edmund’s College is not just a school—it’s a community. It’s the teachers who go beyond lessons, mentoring students and providing a sense of direction. It’s the parents and coaches who have been there for every step of the journey, every achievement, and every setback. These moments have left their mark on every young man who has ever been part of the St Edmund’s family, creating an enduring bond that connects us all.
For generations, graduating from St Edmund’s College has been a rite of passage—a moment that symbolizes the journey from boyhood to manhood. Our Year 12 students carry the torch of tradition as they prepare to step into the world, shaped by the experiences and values they’ve gained here. The journey through St Edmund’s College is about more than just academics; it’s about building a foundation that will guide these young men in every stage of their lives.
In the College’s seven decades, thousands of “Eddies Men” have gone on to make their mark in communities near and far, embodying the values instilled in them here.
Each graduation is a moment of pride for the whole school—a celebration of the growth each boy has experienced, and a chance to honour the teachers, families, and friends who have supported him along the way. For these boys, the milestone of leaving St Edmund’s College is symbolic of so much more than academic achievement; it represents the close of a chapter in their lives and the beginning of something new and unknown. With the values of St Edmund’s College at their core, they step into the future as men of integrity, ready to face the world.
A Rich Legacy to Treasure and Continue
Our 70th anniversary also reminds us of the traditions that make St Edmund’s College unique. From the House system that creates a family-like bond among students to the diverse co-curricular activities that build character and camaraderie, St Edmund’s College offers something truly special. Each boy who walks these halls is part of a legacy that celebrates resilience, spirit, and friendship—a tradition that has been passed down from one generation of Eddies Men to the next.
Central to this legacy is the stoic leadership of our principal Mr Joe Zavone, who has lead St Edmund’s College with an unwavering commitment to its core values. His dedication to nurturing well-rounded young men has left a lasting mark on every aspect of the school. Under his guidance, St Edmund’s College has continued to be a place that upholds academic excellence, fosters community, and embraced change while staying true to its rich tradition. He has inspired all from students to teachers, and families alike—to live with purpose and lead with integrity. As this year closes, so too a rich history of his leadership, stewardship and educating students for over 40 years, and for that the College community and all those whom he has come across would be forever indebted to his life of ‘Christlike’ servanthood in the education sector.
The College’s alumni, affectionately known as “Old Boys,” continue to play a vital role in the school’s community. They return as mentors, supporters, and guides for our current students, often attending events or supporting school initiatives, bringing with them stories and experiences that enrich our shared history. Many of these Old Boys remember their own years here, filled with the same experiences our students have today-helping them see that they, too, are part of a rich lineage of St Edmund’s College men who have been taught to lead with courage, compassion, and conviction.
As this year’s Year 12 students prepare to graduate, they carry with them a legacy of “Eddies Spirit” that has been nurtured throughout their time at the College. For some families, it is the end of their journey here after a long commencement with Grandfathers, Uncles, Dads and Brothers having graduated years before. It is their journey and many others that stand as a testament to the school’s mission of developing strong, compassionate, and capable young men ready to contribute positively to society.
This year like many others, is a proud moment for the entire St Edmund’s community—a time to celebrate its 70 years of history, honour its present, and look forward to the school’s future. The College’s unwavering commitment to quality education, community, and character development will undoubtedly continue to shape young lives for generations to come.
Tim MacArthur
Head of Rice House – Pastoral Care.