“Let us consider how to stir one another to love and good works.”
Hebrews 10:24-25
Dear families and friends of the St Edmund’s community,
The events of last week proved to be quite a highlight. We celebrated Founder’s Day last Thursday; an acknowledgement of the life and times of Blessed Edmund Rice. The day gave us an absolutely glorious weather. We commenced with Mass at St Christopher’s Cathedral, where our boys were exemplary in the way in which they conducted themselves in such a special sacred space. We were blessed by having the Darmody family involved in the offertory. The Darmody family has had a long term connection to the College, giving the Mass a strong sense of occasion and history. I give very special thanks to Mr Michael Monagle, Ms Bridget Cusack and Mrs Margaret Thomas for organising such a beautiful liturgy, and to Fr Chris Eaton for celebrating Mass for us.
Our Founder’s Day Mass also provides us with the opportunity to recognise some very special individuals in our community.
Br Matt McKeon is a Christian Brother who was an integral part of our St Edmund’s College community for 20 years. He was the spiritual heart of our Edmund Rice tradition. The Br Matt McKean Faith and Service Awards are named in his honour and are awarded to those staff, students and old boys who have made a significant contribution to St Edmund’s College and the wider community in service to others. This year we acknowledged the work of the following individuals who have demonstrated a commitment to the various communities to which they belong and we celebrated their sense of service. The profiles of each of these individuals are featured elsewhere in Vortex and can be found on our Facebook page. We congratulate:
Student Award: Daniel De Bruin, Year 12
Staff Award: Colin Rogers (TAS Assistant)
Old Boy Award: Jim Rice
We also acknowledged the members of staff who have made a strong commitment of time to the Eddies community, with special recognition given to Carlo Sorrentino for 40 years of service. Congratulations to:
20 years: John Doyle, Leanne Gair
15 years: Linda James, Pam Knight, Margaret Thomas
10 years: Broderick Bellew, Tim MacArthur, Elizabeth Mitchell, Alex Hausen
The rest of the day was spent back at school with the boys engaged in a range of activities, many of which were organised by Year 11 Business students. I just don’t know how I was talked into having wet sponges thrown at me for money; but it was all in the fun of the day and for a good cause. The day concluded with our senior students participating in the annual tug-o-war competition – always a highlight. My thanks to Ms Monica Day, Ms Kylie Rose, Ms Rebecca Jarman and Mr Joel Richardson for their hard work in organising a great afternoon. Again I need to thank our boys for engaging in these activities with a strong positive spirit and old fashioned fun!
This was followed by a beautiful Mother’s Day Mass the following day, again celebrated by Fr. Chris Eaton and organised by Ms Bridget Cusack and Mr Michael Monagle. The theme to this year’s Mother’s Day Mass was “Because of her, I can.” A very touching addition to this year’s event was the poem read by Tadgh Loadsman of Year 12 in recognition of his mother and other mothers who have passed away. Thank you Tadgh for demonstrating a great sense of emotional courage and creativity. Tadgh’s presentation can be found on our Facebook page.
The events continued throughout the week with a very successful Open Day on Saturday and Experience Eddies Day last Monday. Both of these events gave us the chance to showcase the school and the many opportunities we provide to our students. I thank Mr Ian Garrity and Mr David Kelly for organising these events and also thanks to our staff who always give so much of their time to make sure these events run smoothly and that we are able to clearly show who we are and what we do. A very special thanks to three members of our support staff who worked tirelessly to ensure that Open Day was a success – Mrs Marinda Venter, Miss Rhiannon Gardiner and Mrs Mikhala Anderson. I must also acknowledge the exemplary work of our students who always step up when they are needed to conduct tours and give assistance when needed. A great number of our students display a natural sense of leadership and this quality was commented on many times by our guests on Saturday.
The events of the last week again showed what a strong community we are. The Latin definition of community has to do with “public spirit”, and we certainly have a tremendous sense of public spirit here at St Edmund’s. It is heart-warming to know that we have staff and students who value and treasure who we are as a community, and work hard to ensure that this ideal is held high at all times; that our public spirit is always positive, shared and demonstrated clearly.
Congratulations
Last Friday, six students represented the College at the ACT Schools Swimming Championships. Hunter Harlor (Year 12 Treacy), Liam Guthrie (Year 12 Mulrooney), Ethan Guthrie (Year 10 Mulrooney), Lachlan Cheney (Year 8 Mulrooney), Thomas Keilor (Year 8 Rice) and Kyler Peisley (Year 7 Mulrooney) each competed and represented the College admirably.
A huge congratulations to Ethan Guthrie of Year 10, who set 2 new ACT records in the 16 years 50m and 100m Freestyle.
From the event, a number of students qualified for the Australian School Sports Championships. Ethan Guthrie of year 10 qualified for the 50m Freestyle and Breaststroke and the 100m Freestyle, Liam Guthrie and Hunter Harlor of year 12 both qualified for the 50m and 100m Breaststroke and Lachlan Cheney of year 8 qualified in the 200m Backstroke.
Congratulations to all of the students on their achievements and good luck to Ethan, Liam, Hunter and Lachlan at the Australian School Sports Championships.
Edmund Rice Prayer
O God, we thank You for the life of
Blessed Edmund Rice.
He opened his heart to Christ present in those
oppressed by poverty and injustice.
May we follow his example of faith and generosity.
Grant us the courage and compassion of Blessed Edmund
as we seek to live lives of love and service.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Blessed Edmund Rice, pray for us.
Live Jesus in our hearts, forever.
Joe Zavone
Principal
Christus Lux Mea