To the family and friends of the St Edmund’s community,
I trust that all of our students have had a relaxing break and have returned to school renewed and refreshed, ready for strong efforts throughout Term 2. A reminder that all students must be in winter uniform (including a blazer).
On behalf of the College we offer our sincere condolences to the De Juliis family following the death of Xavier and Tyler’s father after a long period of illness. As a Catholic College we pray that Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he ever rest in your peace.
OPEN DAY
I would encourage as many of our current parents as possible to inform any prospective parents you may know of our Open Day arrangements for 2019. We commence our Open Day arrangements with our first Experience Eddies Day – this took place yesterday (30 April) with prospective students having a taste of our Junior School and Year 7. If you know of any prospective parents who missed out on this event, please let them know we have another Experience Eddies event in October of this year. Open Day is next Saturday 11 May and this is followed by an Information Evening for prospective families on Tuesday 14 May, where Mr David Kelly (Assistant Principal, Junior School) and myself will inform our prospective parents of the opportunities and structures available here at St Edmund’s College. Whilst these events have been advertised widely, pleased inform any prospective families you may know of these events. Further information can be obtained by contacting the College by telephone.
65TH ANNIVERSARY BLUE AND WHITE BALL
A reminder that the 65th Anniversary Blue and White Ball is being held on the evening of Friday 17 May. It would be wonderful to have as many current parents and old boys there as possible to help celebrate the great milestone of 65 years of St Edmund’s College. The College is hosting the event along with the Old Boys & Friends Association and we invite our community, current and former families, friends and staff to join us in celebrating at the Hellenic Club in Woden. Present on the night will be special guests including key figures in the history of the College. Tickets include a 3-course meal, drinks package (beer, wine, soft drink) and music. Tickets can be purchased by clicking on this Facebook link: https://www.facebook.com/events/259205331616527/
LITERACY PROJECT
At St Edmund’s College we firmly subscribe to the research telling us that literacy forms the foundation of any effective and successful education. Sound literacy is necessary for effective participation in society, for conceptual development and critical thinking and for achieving academic success. Students become literate as they develop the knowledge, skills and dispositions to interpret and use language confidently for learning and communicating in and out of school and for participating effectively in society (ACARA).
We are very excited to launch the St Edmund’s College Literacy Project. This is an annual program where each faculty will devise literacy goals based on the needs of their students. The goals will become a focus of teaching and learning in each faculty, so no matter what class the student is in, from Years 4 to 12, he will be exposed to the explicit teaching of a focused literacy goal in that subject. These goals will be assessed informally throughout the year, with a review taking place later in Term 4 to form the foundation of the following year’s Literacy Project. Whole-school planning in literacy is essential to meet diverse literacy learning needs and ensure a sustainable approach to literacy.
Literacy is best learned through an explicit, balanced and integrated approach across all faculties in a secure, stimulating language environment, where experimentation and creativity are valued and when students’ interests and learning styles are respected. All teachers at St Edmund’s College are teachers of language and literacy and have high expectations of all students.
COLLEGE COMPLIMENTS
Over the past few weeks I have had the great pleasure of receiving a number of compliments about our students. It is so encouraging to know that we have a large number of students who represent the College in an admirable manner, demonstrating that they are young men of character and integrity. It is also encouraging to know that members of the Eddies community and the eider community take the time to let us know how impressed they are with our boys. Below are three such examples of recent compliments that I would like to share with you.
(1) I had the pleasure of watching St Edmunds vs St Augustine’s rugby matches last Saturday. My son played his first game for his new school in U12s. My son’s team is being coached by year three Year 11 students – Kai, Tyler and Ryan. I cannot speak highly enough of these fine young men. Apart from the dedicated, thoughtful and engaging way they approach their coaching duties, I have also witnessed a level of mutual respect that validated my decision to send my son to St Edmunds. The coaches know my son well, and have built a rapport with him. They take the time to shake his hand and thank him for his efforts. My son looks up to each one of them, and is inspired by their leadership, and the way they play the game. They are gentlemen and leaders.
I want to personally thank you for allowing these students to take on coaching responsibilities. I look forward to the year ahead, no matter the outcome, as I know my son will gain so much through his interactions with senior leaders of the school.
(2) I have 2 granddaughters at St Anthony’s Parish Primary School at Wanniassa and I helped out as a starter at their school carnival last week. A number of the St Edmund’s students were there helping and they are a credit to the school – very helpful and supportive of the young students. In particular, Rueben was great value. He encouraged the students throughout the day and, with the 800 metres, joined the ‘stragglers’ on their last lap providing encouragement and support. You can be very proud of their behaviour and they way they supported the day.
These students were from Year 11: Lewis Buckman (Haydon), Tyler Chan (O’Brien), Lachlan Davis (Mulrooney), Max Eccles (Mulrooney), Tom Lachlan (Mulrooney), Alan Malibe (O’Brien), Kye Pearson (Mulrooney), Wilson Wallace (Treacy) and from Year 12: Jason Howes (Clancy) and Rueben Misner (O’Brien).
COLLEGE BOARD CHAIR
In the last edition of Vortex we farewelled the College Board Chair, Mr Michael Cooney. I have the pleasure of now announcing that our new College Board Chair is Mrs Nichole Overall. Nichole is a highly respected member of the community and is very well known in both the Canberra and Queanbeyan communities. She is a freelance writer, communications consultant and author. Nichole has worked as a journalist, in public relations and marketing, and also spent a number of years as a small business owner. In addition, her community commitments range from local not-for-profit organisations to sporting groups. A member of the Board since 2011 and Deputy Chair for the last year, Nichole’s two sons attended the College between 2009 and 2017. Nichole will offer great local knowledge as well as fresh perspectives and insights to future directions of the College and how we are best able to serve our students and their families. We warmly welcome Nichole Overall to the position of College Board Chair.
COLLEGE PRAYER
Dear Lord,
Grant that we may live each day to the full, inspired by the Holy Spirit.
Let us cast away all worries and concerns into your divine care.
Christus Lux Mea
Give us strength to confront all challenges that we face with hope and faith.
Let our community seek truth in all that we search for.
Christus Lux Mea
Let us stand for others always giving generously without counting the cost.
Amen
Blessed Edmund Rice, pray for us.
Live Jesus in our Hearts, forever.
Christus Lux Mea
Mr Joe Zavone (College Principal)