Dear Members of the St Edmund’s College Community, Fratelli Tutti, I hope this message finds you all in good spirits as we settle into the term.
I would like to extend my gratitude to Archbishop Christopher Prowse and Fr Chris Eaton for celebrating our commencement Mass last Thursday. Their presence and support during this significant event were truly uplifting. It was a moment of profound importance as we gathered not only to celebrate the beginning of a new academic year but also to receive the commissioning and blessing for myself as Principal and for our college leaders for 2025. The Mass was indeed a highlight for us all, as we were challenged by His Grace to embody the spirit of Jesus’ sacrifice in our daily lives. His message of ‘tough love’ resonated deeply, reminding us that love is not only about kindness but also about the courage to challenge and uplift one another. I was extremely proud of the boys as they conducted themselves with dignity and acted and sang reverently and with passion.
Magnificent energy, well done everyone – a great start to many great community celebrations to come.
Last week, I had the honour of travelling to Brisbane with Julia Roach, one of our dedicated primary teachers, to attend the funeral of Brother Matt McKeon, who recently passed away at the remarkable age of 99. Brother Matt devoted his life to the prayer and education of boys within the Edmund Rice family. Having spent 20 years at St Edmund’s College, he was a cherished member of our community, and his legacy of kindness and service will forever remain in our hearts. He exemplified what it means to lead a life of purpose and dedication, and we will continue to honour his memory in our work.
Brother Matthew McKeon
Born 12 June 1925 – Died 1 February 2025
God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.
1 John 4:16
This is a busy school- with swimming carnivals, retreats, camps, and other community events in full swing. Thank you to the many staff who work tirelessly and give their time to make theses occasions special. It is great to see the boys’ level of enthusiasm and inclusion across all domains of college life. As the co-curricular season is well underway and a change of seasons imminent, I ask all boys to actively participate in representing their brothers and the College by ‘having a go’! and signing up to become active participants in the myriad sports and activities on offer. As we move forward into week four of this term, let us carry the lessons of love, service, and commitment to our community that Brother Matt embodied, and that Archbishop Prowse encouraged us to live out.
“The water that I give will become
A spring within you…”
(John 4:14)
Prayers for our Holy Father, Pope Francis at this time of grave illness.
Thank you for your continued support and engagement with our college. Warm regards,
Tim Cleary
Principal