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)
Last week I attended an online meeting of independent school principals with representatives from the Office of the eSafety Commissioner. The session provided valuable insights into the digital landscape our students navigate daily, particularly focusing on the challenges faced by adolescent males online.
One of the officers presented findings from a practical research study they had conducted, exploring how adolescent males can be inadvertently exposed to inappropriate online material. The research methodology involved creating a TikTok account posing as a 16-year-old. Although no gender was specified during account creation, TikTok’s algorithms swiftly inferred the account holder was male. The researcher then followed a diverse range of accounts, including the NBA, an international soccer player, an Australian actor, and a female American singer. Additionally, they performed a single search for “healthy skin routine” to establish an initial interest profile.
The results were eye-opening. Within just one hour, TikTok’s algorithms suggested four accounts to follow, each potentially problematic for a teenage user. These suggestions ranged from cosmetic surgery and inappropriate relationship advice to a vlog by a female sex worker and a site offering harmful sexual advice from an “intimacy coach”. Some of these suggestions were accompanied by “in-app” prompts, encouraging the user to explore similar content. However, the researchers noted that these prompts, when used judiciously, could also help users “clean up” their TikTok feed. By actively customizing their preferences, account owners can influence the algorithms and limit their exposure to inappropriate content.
The meeting also delved into the alarming practice of “sextortion” and its targeting of adolescent males. I was startled to learn about the existence of organized networks of financial extortionists worldwide who specifically prey on teenage boys. These criminals manipulate their victims into sharing inappropriate images, followed swiftly by financial extortion attempts. The shame and embarrassment associated with sharing such images have led many adolescent males into highly stressful situations, sometimes with tragic outcomes.
A crucial point emerged from this discussion: in cases of sextortion, victims should always report the incident to the police, not the eSafety Commissioner’s office. This distinction is important because while the eSafety Commissioner plays a vital role in online safety, it functions as a regulatory agency rather than a law enforcement body. Understanding this difference can be critical in ensuring that such serious matters are addressed by the appropriate authorities.
Of course this reporting depends on the courage and confidence of the victim to inform his family and inform the authorities. Often the shame behind the actions of the young man limits his confidence in telling his family and the authorities. Some good resources to assist in this area can be found at:
https://www.esafety.gov.au/key-topics/image-based-abuse/deal-with-sextortion
https://www.esafety.gov.au/newsroom/blogs/lifting-the-veil-on-sextortion
https://www.accce.gov.au/sextortionhelp
This meeting underscored the complex challenges our students face in the digital world and highlighted the importance of ongoing education and support to help them navigate these spaces safely.
Co-Curricular Events
Last weekend was a huge weekend of co-curricular events for St Edmund’s. We had 13 teams in the Basketball semi-finals; our U16 Football squad played their semi-final match, and we had 12 teams in the Rugby grand finals. I congratulate all of our teams in the semi finals and grand finals. Regardless of a loss or a win, we are proud of their achievements. I must single out this the efforts of the First XV team on Sunday afternoon again Damaralan College. Just as we had accepted a narrow defeat at the very end of the game, we scored a try after a siren and ended up with a narrow victory, winning the grand final game and bringing home the trophy. It was a very close game which could have gone either way, but it was a last second post-siren try that got us over the line. The excitement was palpable.
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all our teams who made it to the semi-finals and grand finals. Whether in victory or defeat, we are immensely proud of their dedication, sportsmanship, and achievements. Their efforts have brought great pride to St Edmund’s, reinforcing our strong tradition in sports and co-curricular activities.
Special recognition goes to our First XV Rugby team for their exceptional performance in last Sunday afternoon’s grand final against Daramalan College. The match was a nail-biter, demonstrating the true spirit of competitive sport. The game remained intensely close throughout, and as the final siren approached, it seemed we might face a narrow defeat. However, in a stunning turn of events, our team scored a try after the siren. This last-second effort secured a narrow victory and brought home the trophy. The excitement and energy surrounding this incredible comeback were palpable, serving as a testament to the determination and skill of our athletes.
The U16 Football team plays its grand final match next Saturday 14 September at the Calwell Fields at 11.30.
The First V Basketball team plays it grand final game at 8.30 pm on Sunday 15 September at the Belconnen Basketball Stadium.
Defence
On Tuesday last week, a group of our Year 9 Defence students joined Samantha Marris, our Defence School Mentor, at Manuka shops for a meaningful community service initiative. The students volunteered their time to sell Legacy merchandise, raising vital funds in support of this important organisation.
Legacy, founded in 1923 by ex-servicemen, is an Australian non-profit dedicated to supporting families of Australian Defence Force personnel. These families have made the ultimate sacrifice, losing loved ones or seeing them suffer health consequences due to their service in conflicts ranging from World War I and II to more recent engagements in Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan.
Through their efforts, our students successfully raised over $1,000 for this cause. This achievement not only contributes to Legacy’s crucial work but also instils in our students the values of community service, empathy, and respect for those who serve our nation.
On Wednesday last week, select Year 10 and 11 Defence students also accompanied Samantha Marris and joined peers from St Clare’s College to commemorate the Battle for Australia at the Australian War Memorial. The solemn ceremony honoured the courage and sacrifices of those who fought in numerous engagements between 1942 and 1945.
Our students had the privilege of crafting a wreath to lay during the event. They also had the rare and special opportunity to meet some of the few remaining Australian World War II veterans. Participating in this ceremony was not only an honour but also a poignant reminder of our nation’s history and the valour of those who served.
Congratulations to …
Kieran Cunningham (Year 4, O’Brien), Lawson Slade (Year 6, Treacy), Oliver Cunningham (Year 6, O’Brien), Ari Davis (Year 6, Treacy), Tommee Cunningham (Year 7, O’Brien), and Hamish McPherson (Year 8, Haydon). While waiting at the bus stop in Jerrabomberra one morning during last week’s extremely windy weather, these boys picked up the fallen bins on the street and collected the rubbish that had fallen out of them. The local residents were extremely grateful and of course we are so proud of these Eddies boys!
Nate Davidson (Year 6, Treacy) who was a part of the Schools Sports ACT 12/U Boys Hockey Team that went through the National Championships undefeated last week, winning the Gold Medal. Nate’s team also won the School Sport Australia Fair Play Award.
Julian Whitbread (Year 4, Treacy) who attended the Coerver Performance Academy trials held at the University of Canberra. The Coerver Soccer School is a technical development program for youth soccer players to maximise each player’s development. Julian has been successful at trials and is now one of 30 boys selected in the Under 11 Boys age group, representing the greater Canberra region.
Miles Holmes (Year 9, Haydon) on his selection in the School Sports ACT 15&U Touch Football Boys representative team. Miles will represent SSACT at the School Sport Australia Championships in October in Queensland.
Allan Brookman (Year 6, Clancy), Bryson Budden (Year 6, Mulrooney), Hugh Gibson (Year 6, Mulrooney), Louis Thornton (Year 7, Haydon) and Tom Gibson (Year 5, Mulrooney) for their selections in the School Sports ACT 12&U Touch Football team, also playing in Queensland in October.
Prayer / Reflection from last Sunday’s First Reading Isaiah 35:4-7
“Thus says the Lord:
Say to those whose hearts are frightened:
Be strong, fear not!
Here is your God,
he comes with vindication;
with divine recompense
he comes to save you.
Then will the eyes of the blind be opened,
the ears of the deaf be cleared;
then will the lame leap like a stag,
then the tongue of the mute will sing.
Streams will burst forth in the desert,
and rivers in the steppe.
The burning sands will become pools,
and the thirsty ground, springs of water”.
Blessed Edmund Rice, pray for us.
Live Jesus in our hearts, forever.
Joe Zavone
Principal
Christus Lux Mea