Dear families and friends of St Edmund’s College,
We celebrated our Year 12 Graduation Day last Friday, and it truly marked a momentous occasion for everyone involved. Throughout this emotional day, we followed a series of special traditions, each one representing a pivotal moment in the lives of our graduating students.
Our first tradition was the Eucharistic Mass held at St Christopher’s Cathedral. This held great significance, symbolising the culmination of years of work and effort by our Year 12 students. Linking the Eucharist to this milestone highlights the deep gratitude for the knowledge gained, the support received, and the transformative journey these students undertook during their time at the College. The Mass was a profound acknowledgment of the spiritual dimension intertwined with the remarkable achievements of our young men, offering prayers and blessings for their futures beyond graduation.
Following the Mass, our Graduation Assembly took place in the College Hall, where each student was individually recognised before the entire College community. A poignant tradition unfolded as each student, upon being presented to the community, rang the bell – a symbolic act marking their final day. It’s a moment that honours their school experiences and signifies the pivotal junction they now face.
The Graduation Dinner, hosted at the Hellenic Club, gathered students, parents, and staff. Here, we not only presented awards recognising outstanding achievements but also upheld the tradition of students transitioning from their old school tie to the old boys’ tie. This shift in tie symbolises their transition from current students to old boys. In a touching display of symbolism and significance, the person who initially helped the students put on their school tie also assists in putting on the old boys’ tie – a very touching symbolic gesture.
I want to extend my heartfelt congratulations to our Year 12 students for not only completing their final weeks with grace, dignity, and a sprinkle of fun but also for fostering positive engagement with their teachers and peers.
Graduation Day for the Class of 2023 was a day filled with reverence, tradition, and heartfelt moments, marking a poignant conclusion to this chapter of their educational journey.
I would also like to extend my gratitude to Deveraux Tapelu, the 2023 College Captain, and Liuaki ae Lotu Percival, the College Vice-Captain, for their proposal for a new initiative starting next year. Deveraux and Liuaki hold the distinction of being the first students of Pasifika descent to assume significant student leadership roles. This milestone holds immense significance for them and their families. In acknowledgment of their achievement, Deveraux and Liuaki will inaugurate an annual award from 2024. This award aims to recognise and acknowledge a student of Pasifika heritage in Years 9 – 12, recognising characteristics of strong leadership and active community engagement. Their commitment to establishing this award resonates with their belief in the College community’s unwavering support throughout their time here, and it reflects their desire to reciprocate this support. Their decision to give back through this award stands as a remarkable and generous gesture, embodying the spirit of gratitude and fostering a culture of empowerment within the College community.
Special Awards – Class of 2023
| Blessed Edmund Rice Award (significant contribution to the vibrant spirit and positive culture of the College) | Kalen Billiards, Paul Oscar Brown, Scott Dolvin, Thomas Hickey, Callum Hicks, Damian Jelfs-Smith, Lorcan Jennings, Jacob MacDonald, Hayden Martinussen, Joseph McBride, Liuaki ae Lotu Percival, Tobias Saunders, Charlie Sneddon, Rhys Spence, Lachlan Vearing. |
| The College Award for Vocational Studies (excellence, commitment and application to vocational studies) | Aaron Ciuffetelli |
| The Adam Darmody Award (consistency and role model in Performing Arts) | Connor Moloney |
| The Sportsman of the Year (outstanding performance in the student’s chosen sports) | Deveraux Tapelu |
| The Bishop O’Brien Cup (outstanding Christian leadership) | Connor Moloney |
| The Denyse Gibbs Award (achievement, integrity, determination, overcoming adversity) | Roy Kuchel |
| The Oldfield Cup (outstanding commitment to community service) | Hamish Chapman |
| The Byrne Award (personal integrity and initiative) | Deveraux Tapelu |
| The Blue and White Award (selected by Year 12 students to a peer who best represents the qualities of an Eddies boy) | Deveraux Tapelu |
Presentation of Awards, Tuesday 5 December
Parents will soon receive details regarding the Presentation Ceremonies for both the Junior School and Years 7 – 11. These significant events are scheduled for Tuesday 5 December.
Separate communication has been distributed for Junior School parents.
The Presentation Ceremony for Years 7 – 11 will commence at 11.30 conclude approximately at 12:30 pm. Following this, there will be no further classes for high school students. Those who remain on campus will have the opportunity to assist staff members with various organisational tasks such as moving and cleaning. High school students who intend to leave school after the Presentation Ceremony must ensure their parents have notified Student Services (studentservices@stedmunds.act.edu.au) by Monday afternoon at the latest.
I eagerly anticipate celebrating the diverse array of academic accomplishments during both Presentation Ceremonies on Tuesday. It promises to be a fitting conclusion to our school year, commemorating the achievements and hard work of our students across all levels.
Pre-Loved Uniforms
As we approach the year-end, I kindly urge parents and carers to consider contributing any school uniform items to our second-hand uniform collection. The generosity of our parents in the past has greatly supported this initiative, and we are continually seeking to replenish our supplies. Please feel free to drop off any pre-loved uniforms at the Reception, ensuring they have been washed and pressed.
While I recognise there are alternative methods for disposing of pre-loved uniforms that may offer financial incentives to parents, I am sincerely grateful to those who choose to donate to us. Your contributions enable us to share these uniforms with families in need. Thank you for your ongoing support.
Prayer for the Graduating Class of 2023
Loving God,
We thank you for all our Year 12 students who have graduated from St Edmund’s College.
You have blessed them during their years in school with wisdom, friendships, and skills.
You continue to challenge them to make this world a better place because of their education.
Help them to look forward to their next steps: continuing in their education or entering the work world.
Give them faith and a sense of purpose in their next steps.
Show them how to serve others in effective ways.
In all their endeavours, instil within them the awareness that fulfilment lies in aligning their actions with your will.
May they carry the assurance of your perpetual presence, knowing that the good work you have initiated within them will be brought to completion.
May they be guided by compassion, inspired by wisdom, and empowered by the spirit of service. Bless them abundantly as they navigate the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead.
Blessed Edmund Rice, pray for us.
Live Jesus in our Hearts, forever.
Amen.
Joe Zavone
Principal
Christus Lux Mea