Former Australian Prime-Minister, Kevin Rudd, once said, – “People are happiest when they are giving, they are saddest when they are taking. And that is the core message of community.”
To all students, parents, old boys and members of our St Edmund’s family, I bring forth a challenge. I challenge each of you to think about what you care about, and how it is able to positively change our community.
With Caritas being our Term One charity focus, it seems fitting that I talk about community and its power. Caritas is a Catholic relief and development, social service group, focusing on the importance of community, as it aims to build a better world for all.
The College Leadership Team, are currently working heavily alongside the Heads of Houses and Assistant Principals, in planning activities in which we can come together. The St Edmund’s community has many directions, it can range from our relationships with the young men in the junior school, through to those across the road. Although COVID is currently restricting the activities in which we can do together, the captains hope to reinstate old traditions, such as the buddy program, lunchtime sport games, student vs staff sporting tournaments and friendly competitions with the students at St Clare’s. We also hope to create new traditions and ways in which we can strengthen the power of community.
The pandemic has restricted our community and not allowed us to do the traditional activities that are memorable for all. Whether it be going to Tuross, attending formal, or playing and watching your chosen co-curricular activity. It is these social events at which young men create everlasting memories and bonds between mates. While the school has done its best to provide us with as many social opportunities as possible, it is up to us, the students, to truly make the most of these opportunities.
As the current Year 11’s, learn the privileges of being a Senior Student at St Edmund’s, they also learn the responsibilities and the role in which they play, in and out of the college. With Seniors receiving privileges such as driving to and from school and leaving the campus during lunch, they must remember that they are constantly representing St Edmund’s and its wider community. I challenge all of my peers to use their voice and their influence to call out those who are impacting our community in a negative way. It is important to reflect on what it means to be a true ‘Eddies boy’ and how we can each can play a role in our family, at the college, and within our community. I encourage not only my student peers, but all reading, to give to our St Edmund’s College community, rather than take.
Thank you, and Edmund’s to the Fore.
Matthew McGrath
College Academic Vice-Captain – Stewardship of Liberating Education