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)
At last Wednesday’s College Assembly I had the privilege of presenting a Principal’s
Award for Outstanding Leadership to Alec Watson in Year 11. I would like to share with you Alec’s citation, so you have the opportunity to see what a fine young man he is:
“Today marks a special occasion as I present the Principal’s Award for the fourth time in three years.
Traditionally, this award recognises a student who has demonstrated exceptional leadership and initiative in a very specific situation. However, this time, I’ve chosen to acknowledge outstanding leadership in a different arena – the world of sport.
The recipient of this award is not just a great athlete; he is an example of what it means to be a true sportsman and leader. This young man has been an instrumental and crucial member of both our First XV Rugby team and First V Basketball team. His exceptional skills have significantly contributed to the success of both teams, culminating in their recent grand final appearances.
But it’s not just his athletic ability that we acknowledge today. What truly sets this student apart is his unwavering commitment to positive sportsmanship and his profound sense of humility.
Someone who has humility does not believe they are better than other people, they do not put themselves above other team members and they genuinely believe that what they do in that team comes from the team, not just their own individual effort. They truly understand what it means to be part of a team and that the team
comes first.
Some people see humility as a weakness – in fact, it is the exact opposite. It is, in fact,
one of the greatest strengths a person can possess. A humble individual doesn’t see themselves as superior to others. They don’t seek to raise themselves above their teammates. Instead, they genuinely believe that their achievements are a result of collective effort, not just individual talent. They embody the essence of teamwork, always putting the team’s interests before their own.
Our recipient has demonstrated these qualities time and time again. A perfect illustration of this occurred moments after he scored the winning try in the final minute of the First XV grand final. When congratulated on his game-changing play, his immediate response was to credit his team, saying he couldn’t have scored without their collective effort.
This student is a fine athlete, he is a gentleman on the rugby field or basketball court and his humility, sportsmanship and initiative allows him to shine as a human being.
It is therefore my great pleasure to present this Principal’s Award for Outstanding Leadership in Sport to a young man who embodies the true spirit of athleticism and leadership – from Year 11, Alec Watson.”
Co-Curricular Events
I had the honour of attending the culmination of our grand final events recently. The Under 16 Football team faced Canberra Grammar on Saturday 16 September, in what proved to be a thrilling conclusion to the season.
Under a beautiful autumn sky, our boys burst onto the field with remarkable energy and determination. Despite their spirited performance and a strong opening, Canberra Grammar ultimately claimed victory. The exceptional effort of our U16 squad throughout the season has been instrumental in reigniting passion for football within our school community.
The following evening, our First V Basketball team took centre court against Marist College in an electrifying showdown. The match was tight from start to finish, with both teams demonstrating exceptional skill and tenacity. In a testament to their perseverance and teamwork, our players emerged triumphant, securing the coveted trophy.
I extend my heartfelt congratulations to both our U16 Football and First V Basketball teams, as well as all our grand finalists across various sports. Your dedication and sportsmanship have brought the winter sports season to a magnificent close.
Congratulations to …
Nicholas Weir (Year 9, Clancy), Matthew Bool (Year 9, Rice) and Liam Burke (Year 12, O’Brien) who represented St Edmund’s in the ACT Honours Band. This band is a selected band that consists of Year 9 – Year 12 students from throughout the ACT (both public and private schools).
Billy Unsworth (Year 6, O’Brien) and Hayden Ellis (Year 7, Mulrooney) who represented the ACT at the U12 Schoolboys Netball Championships in Melbourne.
Steve Nealon (Year 11, Haydon) who has been selected in the Australian Schoolboys U18s Football side to tour the UK and Ireland! Steve is the youngest player named in the squad. He ended last year’’ U16s overseas tournament as the squad’s highest goal scorer.
Prayer for the term break
Gracious God,
We are grateful for these moments of respite and renewal,
allowing our bodies to rest, our minds to unwind, and our spirits to soar.
We cherish the blessing of new experiences and fresh perspectives,
which broaden our horizons and deepen our appreciation for life’s diversity.
May this break be rich with tranquility,
strengthening the bonds of family and friendship.
Let laughter echo in our hearts and peace settle in our souls,
as we step away from routine and embrace the beauty of change.
Grant us the wisdom to fully immerse ourselves in this time,
returning reinvigorated, with renewed purpose and clarity.
In our rest, may we find Your presence,
And in our joy, glimpse Your eternal love.
Blessed Edmund Rice, pray for us. Live Jesus in our hearts, forever.
Joe Zavone
Principal
Christus Lux Mea