“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,
On Thursday evening of last week, my wife and I attended the Inaugural Tim Fisher Oration on Ethics in Public and Political Life at Parliament House, along with a group of Year 11 students and staff. The keynote speaker was John Anderson AO, Deputy Prime Minister of Australia and leader of the National Party from 1999 to 2005. Mr Anderson spoke about the strengths of our democratic nation and highlighted some of the current challenges of society and the importance to “speak up and turn up”.
Tim Fischer AC was an Australian politician and diplomat who served as leader of the National Party from 1990 to 1999. He was Deputy Prime Minister in the Howard Government from 1996 to 1999. After leaving politics, Fischer served as chairman of Tourism Australia from 2004 to 2007, and was later Ambassador to the Holy See from 2009 to 2012. “It is fitting that an oration has been established to honour Tim Fischer, who spent a lifetime serving his nation as a soldier, parliamentarian, both state and commonwealth, minister and diplomat. It is also fitting that the oration ‘calls forth young people to protect and promote the common good through ethical attitudes and action in public and political life’, as Tim demonstrated ethical leadership throughout his long service” (Catholic Voice, 5 June 2022). The Tim Fischer Oration was an opportunity not only to reflect on his life, but to consider how we are all called, including the generation of future leaders, to protect and promote the common good.
Many thanks to those from St Edmund’s who attended the Tim Fischer Oration last week. Staff: Mr Michael Monagle (organiser), Ms Caroline Devlin, Mr Jack Chalker-Harris and Mr Jeff Vayo. Students from Year 11: Paul-Oscar Brown, Hamish Chapman, Ronan Kovacevic, Lorcan Jennings, Roy Kuchel, Liuaki ae Lotu Percival, Charlie Sneddon, Rhys Spence, Devereaux Tapelu, Lachlan Vearing.
Gold Academic Awards
Congratulations to the following students for receiving a Gold Academic Award at the last assembly. Silver and Bronze Academic awards were awarded to students at their most recent House Assembly. The achievement of the Gold Award clearly demonstrates the dedication, diligence and determination that these students apply to their studies and academic growth.
- Patrick Barnes (Year 9, Rice)
- Tomas Gamez (Year 8, Treacy)
- Reuben McBride (Year 9, Mulrooney)
- Noah Nouri-Girones (Year 9, Haydon)
- Evan Richards (Year 9, Mulrooney)
Reminders from last week …
Musical, “Little Shop of Horrors”
I encourage all our students and families to attend our College musical, Little Shop of Horrors. The College has a wonderful tradition of staging popular and successful musicals, with this production looking like it will continue that great tradition.
Little Shop of Horrors is about a down and out, skid row floral assistant named Seymour who becomes an overnight sensation when he discovers an exotic plant with a mysterious craving for fresh blood. The plant, “Audrey II”, grows into an ill-tempered, foul mouthed, R&B singing carnivore who offers Seymour fame and fortune in exchange for feeding its growing appetite, finally revealing itself to be an alien poised for global domination. Sounds crazy but it works brilliantly. We have a large group of students and staff working on this production. You will be rewarded for your support of their hard work and talent with a great night out.
Performance dates are 9, 10, 15, 16, 17 September in the College Hall. Tickets can be purchased through this link.
2023 Enrolments
Our enrolments for 2023 are progressing very smoothly. If you are aware of any families who may be considering enrolling their son and have not yet done so, please ask them to contact the Enrolments Office. This may include families who have a son whose needs are not being met at their present school and may benefit from our Yarwun Gifted and Talented Program; or Year 10 students in other schools who would benefit from our Sports Academy Program, or students with an interest in Hospitality who would benefit from our partnership with the Hyatt Hotel Canberra, or students with an interest and talent in Rugby League who would benefit from our partnership with the Canberra Raiders.
Financial Assistance for Families
Some of our parents may not be aware that the ACT Government offers some financial assistance to school students at government and non-government schools. This is done through the Future of Education Equity Fund Years P–12. Information about this assistance can be found at this link. Of course, parents who require specific assistance with College fees are encouraged to contact the Finance Team at the College to discuss the possibility of fee concessions, or you may wish to contact me to discuss your situation.
Prayer for Peace, St. John Paul II
Lord Jesus Christ,
who are called the Prince of Peace,
who are Yourself our peace and reconciliation,
who so often said, “Peace to you”,
please grant us peace.
Make all men and women witnesses of truth, justice and brotherly love.
Banish from their hearts whatever might endanger peace.
Enlighten our rulers that they may guarantee and defend the great gift of peace.
May all peoples on the earth become as sisters and brothers.
May longed-for peace blossom forth and reign always over us all.
Amen.
Blessed Edmund Rice, pray for us
Live Jesus in our hearts, forever
Joe Zavone
Principal
Christus Lux Mea