Dear families and friends of St Edmund’s College,
2024 Scriptural Theme: “I have come so that they may have life and have it to the full” (John 10:10)
A very warm welcome to Term 4 to all our students and parents. We hope you all enjoyed a happy and relaxing holiday filled with memorable moments and plenty of rest. As we approach the final stretch of the academic year, we are very excited to embark on what promises to be a very productive term. As always, the coming weeks offer wonderful opportunities for growth, learning, and achievement. We look forward to seeing our students apply themselves with renewed energy and enthusiasm as we work together to finish the year strong.
Recent Events
I extend my deepest thanks to Ms Rose, Ms Leffers, and Mr O’Brien for their dedication in guiding a large group of our students on a cultural trip to Japan during the recent school holidays. The tour proved to be an outstanding success, with our students enthusiastically embracing a diverse array of meaningful cultural experiences.
I must also commend our Year 12 students for their exemplary conduct at their recent Formal, held at The Marion, Regatta Point. The evening commenced with each student personally introducing their partner to me. This personal touch set the tone for what turned out to be a wonderful celebration. The Formal not only highlighted the maturity of our senior students but also created lasting memories that will undoubtedly be cherished for years to come. It was a fitting tribute to their journey through their years at Eddies.
The term commenced in a very positive manner when I received this lovely email last week, complimenting some of our cricketers: “Yesterday, Sunday 13 October 2024 at 2.30pm, the Tuggeranong Vikings Cricket Club (TVCC) attended your turf oval for a schedule Colts 2 ACT Cricket T20 match. I was one of the umpires for the TVCC. Can I say that your Colts 2 players were some of the most respectful, polite and mature young men I have ever had the pleasure of umpiring. They were humble in their victory, and at all times showed respect for themselves, the TVCC players and the officials. They really should be congratulated on how they held themselves and represented their school; and I hope they continue with this sportsmanship mindset.” I would like to thank our cricketers for their fine display of positive sportsmanship and strong character. Their display of respect, politeness, and maturity on the field is a testament to the values we strive to instil in all our students, both on and off the sports field.
Gospel Reflection & Student Leadership
Last Sunday’s Gospel came from Mark 10:35-45. This passage from Mark’s Gospel presents a pivotal moment in Jesus’ teaching about the nature of true discipleship. It begins with a request from James and John, two of Jesus’ closest disciples (some consider their request to be quite audacious, but I believe that James and John are coming from a good place with their request). They approach him seeking positions of honour and power in his coming glory (wanting to sit on his left and right side). This reveals their misunderstanding of Jesus’ mission and the nature of God’s kingdom, rather than indicating that they are selfish or arrogant.
Jesus responds with patience and wisdom, asking if they can share in his suffering – “drink the cup” he must drink and be baptised with his baptism. This foreshadows the challenges and sacrifices that lie ahead, not just for Jesus, but for all who would follow him.
The request of James and John sparks indignation among the other disciples, prompting Jesus to gather them for an important lesson. He contrasts the leadership style of the Gentile rulers, who dominate and exert authority over others, with the radically different approach required in God’s kingdom. Jesus teaches that true greatness comes not from lording over others, but from serving them.
Jesus presents himself as the ultimate example of this servant leadership. He states that he came not to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. This powerful statement encapsulates Jesus’ mission and provides a model for all his followers.
This passage challenges our human tendencies to seek status and power, instead calling us to a life of humility and service. It reveals the counter-cultural nature of God’s kingdom, where the first shall be last and the last shall be first, and where true greatness is measured not by worldly standards, but by one’s willingness to serve others sacrificially.
In a Catholic school, student leadership should reflect Christ’s model of servant leadership. Just as Jesus taught his disciples that true greatness comes through service, student leaders are called to prioritise the needs of their peers and the school community over personal gain or status. This might manifest in various ways – from organising events that benefit the entire student body, to advocating for those whose voices often go unheard, or simply being available to support and encourage fellow students.
The passage challenges the worldly notion of leadership as a position of power and privilege. In contrast, it encourages student leaders to view their roles as opportunities for greater responsibility and service. This aligns closely with Catholic social teaching, which emphasises the dignity of every person and the importance of working for the common good.
Student leaders at St Edmund’s College can draw inspiration from Jesus’ statement that he came “not to be served but to serve.” This could translate into a leadership style that is collaborative rather than authoritative, one that seeks to empower others rather than to dominate. It might involve student leaders taking on tasks that others might consider beneath them, demonstrating humility and a willingness to collaborate with their peers.
Moreover, the passage’s emphasis on Jesus giving his life “as a ransom for many” can inspire student leaders to make sacrifices for the benefit of their school community. This doesn’t mean martyrdom, of course, but it could involve giving up personal time to help others, standing up for what Is right even when it Is difficult to do so, or putting the needs of the community before personal desires.
By embracing this model of servant leadership, student leaders at St Edmund’s can contribute to creating a school environment that truly reflects Gospel values. They can help foster a community where every member is valued, where service is celebrated, and where leadership is understood as a call to greater responsibility and care for others. We have now completed the student leadership process for our 2025 leaders, and I congratulate every one of these fine young men and their families for being recognised by their peers and teachers for being young men of strong character and vibrant spirit – young men who can genuinely demonstrate the value of servant leadership. I wish all these students the very best for their leadership endeavours in 2025.
Junior School
Gospel Spirituality: William Childs
Inclusive Community: Thomas Haskins
Justice and Solidarity: Tom Gibson
Liberating Education: Owen Evans
Clancy: Sebastian Georges
Haydon: Leo Watson
Mulrooney: Dantae Lauvao
O’Brien: Oliver Bleathman
Rice: Angus Johnston
Treacy: Logan Mihalic
Senior School
College Captain: Jackson Hasler
College Vice-Captain: Sean Clarke
College Vice-Captain: Isaac Foster
College Vice-Captain: James Epplestun
Clancy House Captain: Nathan Lander
Clancy House Vice-Captain: Lo’i Taula
Haydon Captain: Trent Nagel
Haydon Vice-Captain: Tom Love
Mulrooney House Captain: Reuben McBride
Mulrooney House Vice-Captain: Patrick Traynor
O’Brien House Captain: Lukas Bathgate
O’Brien House Vice-Captain: Charles Booth
Rice House Captain: Patrick Barnes
Rice House Vice-Captain: Kieran Spence
Treacy House Captain: Shankar Patil
Treacy House Vice-Captain: Jesse James
Prayer: A Leader’s Prayer
(source: jesuitresource.org)
Leadership is hard to define.
Lord, let us be the ones to define it with justice.
Leadership is like a handful of water.
Lord, let us be the people to share it with those who thirst.
Leadership is not about watching and correcting.
Lord, let us remember it is about listening and connecting.
Leadership is not about telling people what to do.
Lord, let us find out what people want.
Leadership is less about the love of power,
and more about the power of love.
Loving God, as we continue to undertake the role of leader let us be
affirmed by the servant leadership we witness in your son Jesus.
Let us walk in the path He has set and let those who will, follow.
Let our greatest passion be compassion.
Our greatest strength love.
Our greatest victory the reward of peace.
In leading let us never fail to follow.
In loving let us never fail.
Blessed Edmund Rice, pray for us. Live Jesus in our hearts, forever.
Joe Zavone
Principal
Christus Lux Mea