To the friends and families of the St Edmund’s community,
Vibrant Spirit. Strong Character. Tailored Learning
It is wonderful to be back at the College after being on long service leave for the past two weeks. My wife and I took the time to visit Central Australia and immerse ourselves in the wondrous landscape and culture. The time spent at Uluru and Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) with an indigenous guide was especially significant and memorable. I was so glad to be able to visit Uluru just a few days after it was closed to climbing. The area is so special and sacred to the local indigenous community and I hope now that peace is restored in their special place.
Whilst I was away we had our annual Big Band Bash, the biggest night of the Combined College Band’s year. The Big Band Bash was preceded by the Band Camp, where students were able to fine tune their skill and undertake some intensive practice in their performance items. I have heard many wonderful reports of the Big Band Bash. Congratulations to all of our participating students (from both St Edmund’s and St Clare’s College) and many thanks to our conductors and instrumental teachers. A very special thanks to Mrs Margaret Thomas and Ms Ashleigh Kerin for their hard work and contribution to ensuring the success of another great Big Band Bash. It is so important for us to value and promote the musical life of the College and its place in the wider culture of the College.
Our annual Edmums event was also held during my absence. From what I have heard our guests had a great time enjoying each other’s company as well as partaking in the wonderful hospitality on offer. Thank you to the large group of mothers who participated in this year’s event. Thank you also to Ms Emma Bacchetto, Ms Rhiannon Gardner and Mr Jacob Knowles for their work in coordinating the event and to Mrs Paula Moeller, Mrs Rebecca Jarman and Mr Alex Hausen and their team of students for catering with a delicious range of food and drink. I look forward to being at next year’s Edmum’s event.
Congratulations to BJ Darmody (Year 7, Mulrooney) and Jonah Anderson (Year 7, Treacy) who represented the ACT 15&U Touch Football Team at the School Sports Australia Nationals at Deakin Touch Fields last week. This is an impressive achievement given that the boys are only 13 years old. The team achieved a Bronze medal with Jonah being awarded the Rising Star Medal.
The Uniform Shop is now taking orders for new items of uniform for next year. Parents are strongly advised to book an appointment to have your son measured and appropriate items ordered. It is advised that you make this booking as soon as possible rather than leaving it to the end of the year or early next year. Please see the flyer that has been included with this week’s Vortex.
As we near the second half of Term 4 I would ask all parents to ensure that their sons remain on track to finish the year in a positive and constructive manner. I would ask parents to check that students are leaving home in the morning with the correct items of uniform, and that classwork, homework and assignment work is being checked regularly. It is too easy at this time of year for some students to become complacent with the way they look and the way they learn. We aim to finish the year in exactly the same way we started the year in terms of smart appearance and positive learning experiences.
I will praise your name for ever, my king and my God.
I will extol you, O my God and King, and I will bless your name forever and ever.
Every day will I bless you, and I will praise your name forever and ever.
The Lord is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and of great kindness.
The Lord is good to all and compassionate toward all his works.
Let all your works give you thanks, O Lord, and let your faithful ones bless you.
Let them discourse of the glory of your kingdom and speak of your might.
The Lord is faithful in all his words and holy in all his works.
The Lord lifts up all who are falling and raises up all who are bowed down.
Blessed Edmund Rice, pray for us.
Live Jesus in our Hearts, forever.
Christus Lux Mea
Joe Zavone (College Principal)