As Term 2 progresses and the cooler Canberra weather sets in, it’s encouraging to see our students at St Edmund’s still energized and eager to learn. The transition into the colder months can sometimes feel like a slow start, but our boys are proving once again that they are up for the challenge. I am particularly pleased with the way in which the boys have returned in their winter uniform, worn entirely and proudly.
Student Academics
You may have seen a recent article in The Canberra Times, which discussed the ATAR results of ACT schools over the past five years. While St Edmund’s performance was highlighted in 2024, it’s important to note that the data reflected the school’s enrolment when we were a much smaller cohort of just 63 students in Year 12.
This year, our number has grown to 87 students in Year 12 and we have every expectation that this cohort will be better placed to achieve individual and shared goals at the conclusion of this academic year.
We are incredibly proud to share that in 2026, 188 students across Years 11 and 12 are studying at the College in our the senior school, providing a greater breadth and depth of academic offerings for the boys to achieve their potential.
At St Edmund’s, we remain committed to providing an environment where every student can thrive—whether that’s through further education, apprenticeships, or other opportunities. We look forward to seeing our students continue to work hard this term and celebrate their achievements at the end of the year.
In Term 3 the College will review and plan our new strategic direction for 2026 -2029.
The emphasis on our new Strategic Plan will be Curriculum Development and focus on the Pedagogical Paradigm (ie. how we teach and how boys best learn – matched with what we will then do to support learning) across all years 4-12.
EdMums
On Friday, May 2nd, we were delighted to host our annual EdMums Event, a special evening that brought together our amazing mums for a night filled with fun, laughter, and connection. This event has become a welcome tradition, providing a wonderful opportunity for mums to unwind, share stories, and strengthen the bonds within our community.
I was pleased to visit this function for a short time and to speak on the extraordinary practical outcomes of ‘unconditional love’ that mothers provide to their sons.
It was nice to see generations of past and present mums (case in point the Stonham’s) who span generations of attending Eddies and who are still deeply connected to the community.
Mother’s Day
Mother’s Day is a special occasion to honour and celebrate the incredible women who nurture, love, and support us. It’s a time to express gratitude for the sacrifices, wisdom, and warmth that mothers and mother figures bring into our lives.
Whether through simple gestures, thoughtful gifts, or healing words, Mother’s Day reminds us to cherish and appreciate the bonds we share with these remarkable women.
This Friday, we will hold our Mother’s Day Mass to honour and acknowledge all the mothers in our community. The service will include prayers and meaningful moments that highlight the commitment and care of mothers and mother figures. We invite you to join us for this occasion as we come together as a community to recognise the important role these women play in our lives.
Old Boy’s Thomas Emerson (2010) & Leon Rebello (2012)
We are proud to announce that Old Boy’s Thomas Emerson (Class of 2010) and Leon Rebello (Class of 2012) have successfully been elected to parliament. Thomas became one of the first independent leaders elected to the Australian Capital Territory Legislative Assembly in 23 years and Leon has been elected as the Federal Member of Parliament for McPherson, Queensland, representing the Liberal National Party. We congratulate them on this outstanding achievement and wish them every success as they begin this journey.
We pray for those gathered in the conclave, that they may be guided by the Holy Spirit in electing our new Holy Father.
Blessed Edmund Rice… Pray for us.
Live Jesus in our heart… Forever.
Tim Cleary