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)
Right To Disconnect
You may be aware that an amendment to the Fair Work Act 2009 came into effect on Monday 26 August. The “Right To Disconnect” is a new workplace entitlement meaning that a staff member may refuse to read, monitor, or respond to work-related calls, emails, texts or other means of communication outside of their working hours. This includes contact or attempted contact from the school as well as contact from parents/carers and students.
St Edmund’s College is committed to respecting staff members’ right to disconnect from work outside of their regular working hours. We have an expectation that staff members reply to electronic communication from the employer, students, parents, colleagues or others within the hours of 8.00am to 5.00pm, Monday to Friday.
Where contact is made by the employer, students, parents, colleagues or others outside the span of hours outlined above, employees will respond within 24 hours (for colleagues) or 48 hours (for third parties, i.e. parents/carers and students) from the next designated working day, when reasonably practicable, with consideration to individual leave, weekends, public holidays and flexible work arrangements.
This affects parent / carers and students in that it is reasonable for staff members to respond to emails from parent / carers and students within 48 working day hours of receiving the communication (email, phone call or text).
I will communicate this to students at this week’s assembly, so students are clear about when to email teachers with drafts, requests, etc and factor in the 48 hour requirement.
I would ask that parents / carers are mindful of this new requirement when attempting to make contact with staff members.
Engagement with Learning
As we enter the second half of Term 3, students across all year groups may be feeling the effects of a long, cold term. Now more than ever, parental engagement is crucial to maintaining momentum and supporting the learning journey of our boys.
When students observe parents partnering with their teachers in engaging with their learning, it boosts their motivation; it provides support by help your child navigate challenges and celebrate success and it improves outcomes as research shows engaged parents lead to better academic results
Parents and carers can best engage with their child’s learning by checking in regularly about schoolwork and upcoming assessment tasks; creating a comfortable study environment at home; encouraging healthy habits: proper sleep, nutrition, and exercise; communicating with teachers about your child’s progress; and celebrating small victories to maintain positivity.
Your involvement makes a difference. By working together, we can help our students finish the term well and set them up for continued success.
Gospel Reflection: John 6:60-69
In last Sunday’s Gospel, we witnessed Jesus’ own disciples (not his apostles) doubting his claims of divinity. Despite witnessing his teachings and miracles firsthand, they struggled to accept his assertions of being the Son of God. This historical context highlights a fundamental aspect of faith – it often requires a journey from scepticism to belief.
Faith has long been a cornerstone of religious belief, allowing individuals to connect with the divine despite the absence of tangible proof. This spiritual conviction goes beyond the realm of scientific observation, touching on profound questions of existence, purpose, and morality.
For many of us, faith provides comfort, guidance, and a sense of meaning in life. It offers a framework for understanding the world and our place in it, even when faced with life’s uncertainties and challenges. This trust in a higher power can inspire hope, foster community, and motivate acts of kindness and compassion.
Critics argue that belief without evidence is irrational. However, proponents counter that faith addresses aspects of human experience that extend beyond the physical world, dealing with questions of consciousness, ethics, and the nature of existence itself.
Ultimately, the significance of faith lies in its ability to provide solace, purpose, and a moral compass for millions worldwide, transcending the need for tangible proof.
After this, many of his disciples went away and accompanied him no more, but the apostles stood firm,
“Then Jesus said to the Twelve, ‘What about you, do you want to go away too?’
Simon Peter answered, ‘Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the message of eternal life,
and we believe; we have come to know that you are the Holy One of God.”
Congratulations to …
Linus Richardson (Year 6, O’Brien) on being awarded the 2024 Under 11 Swimming ACT Age Champion for the long course season. Among his achievements were first in 9 -12 years 100 metre breaststroke; 11 years 50 metre backstroke; 11 years 50 metre breaststroke; 11 years 50 metre freestyle and 9-12 years 100 metre freestyle. Linus also recently represented the ACT School Sports team in Queensland.
AJ Sanft (Year 10, Treacy) on receiving the ACT U18 Boys Softball Most Valuable Player at the recent School Sport Australia Games. This is a great achievement particularly as AJ is 16 years of age and has competed in his third U18 tournament.
Traffic
This is 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.
Prayer for Faith
Loving God,
We come to you in need of faith and hope.
We know that with you, all things are possible,
and we trust that you have a plan for our lives.
Please give us the strength and courage to believe in your promises,
even when things are difficult.
Help us to have hope in the future,
knowing that you are always by our side.
We pray for the wisdom to see your hand in the world around us
and the grace to follow your will
Amen.
Blessed Edmund Rice, pray for us.
Live Jesus in our hearts, forever.
Joe Zavone
Principal
Christus Lux Mea