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)
Week 2 was quite a momentous week in the life of St Edmund’s College. As well the regular busy nature of the daily operations of a school, we had two major events which were quite important milestones in our 70th anniversary year.
The Blue and White Ball was held on Friday 2 August at Hotel Realm. This annual event saw record attendance, with parents, old boys and staff enjoying a memorable night together. I extend my gratitude to Matt de Jongh, President of the Old Boys and Friends Association and members of the Association Committee for ensuring that this year’s Ball was truly an event to remember. Our support staff, Rhiannon Muir and Lauren Reid deserve recognition for their tireless behind-the-scenes work handling all practical elements of organising the Ball. The event attracted a very large number of parents, a wide range of old boys (including very recent old boys) and a large contingent of staff. The consensus was very strong regarding the huge success of the Ball, with the event being a very clear reflection of the very positive and tangible spirit within the College community. I would also like to thank current parent Justine Mitchell for providing the beautiful 70th anniversary cake (as well providing the cake for the Sacramental Program earlier in Term 2). Throughout the weekend, several groups of old boys held reunion events, which were reportedly very successful and lively.
The Blue and White Ball was followed on the weekend with the annual Heritage Round. This commenced with a very well attended Old Boys Mass in our Chapel, followed by morning tea and a tour of the school for the old boys in attendance. We were very fortunate in having old boy Monsignor John Woods (Class of 1971) celebrate Mass for us, along with retired Bishop Pat Power (original student of 1954). My great thanks to Bridget Cusack for organising the Mass, assisted by Mel Wilson and Rachel Rasmussen and Year 12 student Lachlan Nicholls. After Mass everyone gathered in the staffroom to enjoy morning tea, catch up on old times and tour the school. We were also treated to a wonderful display of the College, with old uniforms and memorabilia. Again thanks to Bridget Cusack for compiling this display, and thanks to Carlo Sorrentino, Fred Zarb, Tessa Zarb and Jodie Hinton for their assistance throughout the morning.
The rest of the day was taken up with a great sport. Here at school we had a whole day of rugby against Marist College, culminating in the First XV game in the afternoon, with an Eddies win to cap off a successful day (22-10). The school was full of people throughout the day and the energy was very positive. After quite an exciting build up throughout the week, I eagerly anticipated trying my very first sausage roll in a bun! (All I can say is that it must be better suited to the palates of adolescent boys). My thanks to Lee Boswell for his co-ordination of the grounds and games throughout the day and to the great number of staff members and parent helpers who came out to experience the day. My thanks also to old boys Craig Wagstaff (Class of 1993) and Chris Coleman (Class of 1987) for organising the BAR TV live streaming of the First XV game. We also thank former parent Matt Percy, who not only was our Master of Ceremonies at the Blue and White Ball but also took up the commentating role along with Chris Coleman for the live broadcast and some on-field events.
Whilst the First XV game was in play, the members of the Under 16 Football team were over at the other side of Canberra playing their match in Dickson, also celebrating a victory against Majura Park FC (4-1). The Heritage Round concluded the following day with the First V Basketball team playing against Marist College at the Southern Cross Basketball Stadium in Tuggeranong. Marist was the better team in this instance, but our First V certainly kept the game alive.
Visit by Archbishop Christopher Prowse
On Thursday 8 August, we had the privilege of welcoming Archbishop Christopher Prowse of the Canberra Goulburn Archdiocese to our College. The Archbishop met with our senior and junior leaders, as well as members of our newly formed Student Voice group. During his visit, Archbishop Prowse shared his personal journey with our students, touching on several key points: his own school experiences; the path that led him to priesthood; memories from World Youth Day in Sydney 2008 and the significance of prayer in daily life.
Following the engaging discussion, students enjoyed morning tea with the Archbishop, providing an opportunity for informal conversation. We extend our gratitude to Archbishop Christopher Prowse for taking time from his busy schedule to visit our College and connect with our students. His presence and insights were truly valuable.
Traffic
Last week I wrote to all parents and carers via email, with a reminder that the staff car park on Canberra Avenue is reserved exclusively for St Edmund’s College staff during school hours. For the safety of our students and staff, we request that parents refrain from dropping and collecting students in the staff car park between the hours of 8.00am and 4.00pm. There have already been several near misses in this area, and we want to eliminate any risk of accidents.
Please also be aware that it is illegal to park on the footpath or nature strips in the ACT. Access Canberra has warned us that vehicles parked in these areas may be fined at any time of the day. We appreciate your cooperation and support in ensuring our school remains a safe and welcoming environment.
Congratulations to …
- Ethan Guthrie (Year 12, Mulrooney), Phillip McNamara (Year 8 Mulrooney), Darcy Davis (Year 9, Haydon) and Kyler Peisley (Year 9 Mulrooney) on recently representing the ACT at the 13-19 Years School Sport Australia Swimming Nationals at the Gold Coast.
- our students who participated in the Interschools Snowsports Championships at Perisher a couple of weeks ago. Snowboard boarder cross: SEC Division 3 team Ryder Young (Year 8, Clancy), Toby Guy (Year 7, O’Brien) and Oliver Reed (Year 7, Rice) achieved third place. Ryder was placed fourth individually; with strong achievements by Oliver, Toby and Logan Harlor (Year 12, Treacy). Snowboard Giant Slalom: SEC Division 3 team (Ryder Young, Toby Guy and Oliver Reed) placed third again. Ryder was placed second individually, with strong more achievements by Oliver, Toby and Logan.
- Evan Richards (Year 11, Mulrooney) who represented the ACT at the Under 16 National Youth Championship in Wollongong in the last school holidays.
- Byron Wright (Year 8, Rice) who received both U14 Boys Player of the Series and U14 Boys All-Star team awards at the Indoor Cricket Nationals in the last school holidays.
- Jesse Borghouts (Year 11, Treacy) for selection in the GWS Under 16 team who played Gold Coast Suns on the Gold Coast in early July.
- Allan Brookman (Year 6, Clancy), Jason Keni (Year 6, Clancy), Zach Stonham (Year 6, Haydon), and Billy Unsworth (O’Brien House) who are representing the ACT in the 12&U Rugby League Championships held here in Canberra. Special mention to Bryson Budden (Year 6, Mulrooney) who was named a shadow player.
- Charlie Griggs (Year 7, Haydon) who recently represented the ACT in the School Sport 12&U Basketball team for the national championships in the Gold Coast.
Prayer Reflection: Gospel John 6:41-51
(from Sunday 11 August)
The Jews murmured about Jesus because he said,
“I am the bread that came down from heaven, “
and they said,
“Is this not Jesus, the son of Joseph?
Do we not know his father and mother?
Then how can he say,
‘I have come down from heaven’?”
Jesus answered and said to them,
“Stop murmuring among yourselves.
No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draw him,
and I will raise him on the last day.
It is written in the prophets:
They shall all be taught by God.
Everyone who listens to my Father and learns from him comes to me.
Not that anyone has seen the Father
except the one who is from God;
he has seen the Father.
Amen, amen, I say to you,
whoever believes has eternal life.
I am the bread of life.
Your ancestors ate the manna in the desert, but they died;
this is the bread that comes down from heaven
so that one may eat it and not die.
I am the living bread that came down from heaven;
whoever eats this bread will live forever;
and the bread that I will give is my flesh for the life of the world.”
Blessed Edmund Rice, pray for us.
Live Jesus in our hearts, forever.
Joe Zavone
Principal
Christus Lux Mea