“Let us consider how to stir one another to love and good works.” Hebrews 10:24-25
Dear families and friends of St Edmund’s College,
WELCOME TO TERM 2
I hope that all of our students and families enjoyed a lovely Easter and a safe, happy break.
You may be aware that the Public Health (Mandatory Face Masks) Emergency Direction 2022 (the Public Health Direction) has been amended to remove the requirement for face masks to be worn in indoor spaces at schools. The changes come as the ACT Government continues to review COVID-19 requirements to ensure that restrictions remain proportionate to the risk being managed.
Different school sectors have responded to this change in different ways. Whilst arrangements in ACT public schools will stay the same as they were in Term 1 for at least the first two weeks of Term 2, the changes will come into effect immediately at St Edmund’s College (as is the case with most other Catholic schools), i.e. from Tuesday 26 April. This only affects students in Years 7 – 12, as Junior School students have not had to wear face masks.
We have made this decision in light of the frustrations and limitations encountered with teaching and learning by the wearing of face masks in the classroom, and with the confidence we have in continuing our strategies to reduce the risk of transmission at the College.
Of course, staff and students are encouraged to continue wearing masks if they choose to do so, particularly if it helps them to feel more protected and if their personal circumstances require the wearing of face masks.
It is important that all members of the College community continue to work hard in implementing strategies to reduce the risk of transmission at the College:
- Staff and students are not permitted to attend the College if they have COVID symptoms (even if they receive a negative result on a rapid antigen test).
- Parents are asked to continue reporting student covid cases by informing the College on principal@stedmunds.act.edu.au
- Physical distancing will continue where possible and appropriate. We will continue to reduce mixing of cohorts by sitting students in year groups when in activities such as Tutor Group and House/College assemblies.
- Ensuring high standards of personal hygiene (hand washing/sanitising, coughing and sneezing into elbows; appropriate classroom ventilation, etc.)
- Staff organising events will continue to include COVID-safe strategies in their risk assessments and planning
We will continue to assess the risks involved at the College and may reinstate masks if the need arises, such as having a significant spike in case in our community.
Uniform: A reminder that winter uniform is to be worn during Terms 2 and 3. For students in Years 7 to 12, this includes wearing the blazer to and from school, as well as during school time up until tutor group and for formal events such as assemblies. Students who have purchased the College puffer jackets must still wear the blazer under the puffer jacket.
ANZAC DAY
ANZAC Day is a time for all Australians to recognise and acknowledge the more than 1.5 million service men and women who have served our country in all conflicts, wars and peacekeeping operations. It is also a time to remember the more than 102,000 Australians who sacrificed their lives in our country’s name. ANZAC Day holds a very important part in the history and tradition of St Edmund’s College, being the War Memorial school for all Edmund Rice schools across Australia.
Last Monday we had a group of fine young men represent the College at the Queanbeyan RSL ANZAC Day Ceremony, with Rhys Spence (Year 11, Rice) and Max Riva (Year 6, Rice) laying the wreath on behalf of the College community. I thank this group of students for being such outstanding ambassadors of the College and such an important event, and I thank Mrs Brenda Galvin (Defence Transition Mentor) and Mr David Kelly (Assistant Principal, Junior School) for supporting our students at this very important occasion.
Today we held our own ANZAC Day commemoration here at the College for the whole school. I will have details about this ceremony in the next edition of Vortex.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Below is a list of some of the upcoming events at the College. I would ask that you have a close look at these and respond accordingly. You may like to pass on some of this information to your friends and family who may be considering enrolling their son at the College next year. You might like to get together with friends for some of the other events, especially the Mother’s Day Mass and the Blue and White Ball.
On Wednesday 1 June we will be holding a special social event for the families who are new to the College this year. We normally hold this event in about Week 3 of Term 1, but covid restrictions prevented us from having such an event at the time. Even though we are well and truly into the year, it is still important for us to welcome our new parents and carers and have them get to know some of our staff in a more informal relaxed setting with food and drink. This is also a great opportunity for new parents and carers to get to know each other and perhaps start some good friendships. Specific information regarding this event will be released very shortly.
The Blue and White Ball is being held on Friday July 29. The Ball has always been a highlight of the year, but unfortunately has been postponed for two years in a row due to covid restrictions. I am looking forward to this year’s Ball being bigger and better than ever. Please click on the link below for booking details. The Blue and White Ball is proudly co-hosted by the Old Boys and Friends Association and the College.
- Parent Information Evening (for 2023 enrolments), Thursday 3 May click here
- Open Day, Saturday 7 May click here
- Founder’s Day, Thursday 5 May (for students and staff only)
- Mother’s Day Mass, Friday 6 May click here
- Experience Eddies Day (for students in Year 3, 4, 5 and 6 in other schools to experience typical day at St Edmund’s) Monday 9 May click here
- New Parents Function, Wednesday 1 June (to be advertised shortly) – this is for families new to the College in 2022 (delayed from early Term 1)
- Blue and White Ball, Friday 29 July click here
ANZAC Prayer
Gracious and loving God,
the cross of Christ is the sign of your desire for justice and peace for all.
Open our minds to your vision as we remember all who suffered
through Australia and New Zealand’s involvement
in wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations.
Grant all servicepersons who sacrificed health and life for the good of all,
the gift of your deep peace.
May we, who inherit the freedom for which they fought,
become instruments of your peace in our homes, workplaces and world.
We ask this prayer through Christ our Lord.
Amen
Blessed Edmund Rice, pray for us
Live Jesus in our hearts, forever
Joe Zavone
Principal
Christus Lux Mea