The Power of Silence
Silence can be a powerful form of communication. It can convey many thoughts and emotions – calmness, tranquillity, reflection and a desire to listen to name a few. It often conveys respect, and this was on display in abundance on two occasions last week.
Each year I try and attend the ANZAC Day football match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. I was fortunate enough to experience this occasion again last Tuesday with my wife and son. The highlight of the day is never the football, even though it was a wonderful contest this year. The memorable part of the day was again the ANZAC Ceremony. There is a motorcade of veterans followed by the Observance Ceremony. This year, there were over 95,000 people in attendance.
The silence immediately following the Last Post is so powerful. It shouts respect, solidarity and gratitude for all of the men and women, and their families, who have sacrificed so much for our us and our country. It is a privilege to be able to participate in such a powerful ceremony.
ANZAC Day is a day of great significance to all Australians, and it is particularly important to members of the St Edmund’s College community because of our heritage as a war memorial school. When the Christian Brothers made the decision to build a new school in Canberra, it was decided very early on in the process that St Edmund’s would be a memorial to all the old boys of Christian Brothers’ Schools in Australia who had given their lives in service of our country.
In 1951, parents and boys in every Christian brother’s school across the nation were asked to contribute to building the memorial. The boys were told that if each of them could contribute the cost of one brick, that would be 25,000 bricks for the new school. When we reflect on the fact that some of the very foundations of our school were paid for, through the donations of shillings from families all across Australia, it highlights why ANZAC Day is of such significance to the St Edmund’s College community and the enormous responsibility and honour that this brings.
It was so very pleasing that our boys communicated great respect, solidarity and gratitude through their silence for our service men and women during the ANZAC Ceremony that occurred on Wednesday 26 April at the College. We currently have over 100 students who are the sons of parents who are active service men and women. All of our students engaged in the ceremony appropriately and maturely, and listened keenly to the addresses that were made during the assembly.
The College was very fortunate to have Brigadier Meggitt (father of Henry) address the assembly. Brigadier Meggitt is an experienced military officer who has had extensive operational experience and been recognised with several commendations and awards. Brigadier Meggitt reflected on the ANZAC Spirit and how our boys can show courage, resilience and mateship in their everyday lives.
I would like to thank Ms Brenda Galvin, staff and students involved in preparations, and our guests from the defence forces in providing such a powerful ANZAC Ceremony. I would also like to acknowledge Will Collett for his drive and effort in getting donations to upgrade our memorial monuments and all the families that donated funds for this work.
Inclusive Community
I would like to acknowledge the work of the St Edmund’s College Old Boys and Friends Association and advertise a number of events that have been arranged for 2023. In addition to the regular opportunities for parents and carers to engage with the College including parent teacher interviews, information nights, co-curricular activities, musicals and exhibitions to name a few, the College in partnership with the Association have arranged the following social events for parents and carers this year.
Please consider attending one, two or even three of these events so that you can meet other parents and carers, staff and old boys and friends of the school community.
Further information can be found on the College website – https://sec.act.edu.au/old-boys-friends/.
Tickets for Edmums Soiree and the Blue and White Ball will be available in the next few days. You can access tickets through the link above.
Edmums Soiree – Friday 2 June at the Marion on Regatta Point
This event will be held from midday on Friday 2 June. All mothers, grandmothers and carers of current students and Old Boys are invited to attend this occasion.
Blue & White Ball – 28 July 2023 at the Hellenic Club Woden
This is a fantastic night of entertainment for the Eddies community and gets bigger and better each year.
Heritage Round / Reunion Day – Saturday 29 July at St Edmund’s College
This event coincides with the Eddies v Marist rugby matches and is an opportunity to reflect on the heritage of the College, as well as a day that old boys are encouraged to attend and reunite. The day will commence with a Mass at 10am in the College Chapel. This will be followed by a morning tea at 11am and a tour of the College and an opportunity to watch the rugby.
Eddies Golf Day, Friday 10 November, Fairbairn Golf Club
This is a 9-hole four-person Ambrose event commencing with a complimentary lunch from 2pm and a 3pm shot-gun tee-off, followed by a presentation of prizes in the clubhouse from 5pm. No golfing experience is required, just a willingness to have fun. There will also be an informal afternoon tea and a presentation of prizes in the clubhouse commencing from about 5:00pm.
Dear Lord,
Grant that we may live each day to the full, inspired by the Holy Spirit.
Let us cast away all worries and concerns into your divine care.
Christus Lux Mea
Give us strength to confront all challenges that we face with hope and faith.
Let our community seek truth in all that we search for.
Christus Lux Mea
Let us stand for others always giving generously without counting the cost.
Blessed Edmund Rice
Pray for us
Live Jesus in our hearts
forever
Amen
Ian Garrity
Acting Principal
Christus Lux Mea