As we come to the close of another year St Edmund’s College, I look back over the year with gratitude and pride in all that we have accomplished as a community. All we strive to achieve was on display last Friday with the Year 12 Graduation day. To see the Year 12 students surrounded by a community of family members, staff and peers that showed so much pride in their achievements is what we aim for at Eddies. This has been a year filled with hard work, perseverance, and moments of joy as our boys have tried to live out our values of strong character and vibrant spirit. As we prepare for the Christmas season it I good to look upon what has been this year as well as look ahead with anticipation to the opportunities the new year holds, especially with a new principal.
Last week Mrs Blore, Mr Masters and I were fortunate enough to go away on a leadership camp with the incoming student leadership team for 2025. This experience proved to be a defining moment for our emerging leaders, as they bonded, learnt more about each other, grew together as a team and prepared for the responsibilities they will take on in 2025. The camp focused on developing skills in leadership, teamwork, identify core values, communication and developing goals as a leadership group. It is hoped the leaders were able to come away with a strong sense of purpose and commitment to serving our school community next year, and we are confident that the Year 12 leadership team will inspire and lead with integrity and vision in the year ahead.
Whilst we are entering the summer holiday season, I do want to encourage a few things with all students. Returning into a new year after several weeks off can be difficult when we fall into relaxed habits (online over drive – for some of us as an example). I would like to recommend that parents and families encourage boys to do the following over the holidays:
- Monitor online screen time and hours that this happens during the night. Many of our students struggle coming back to school after spending hours into the early morning gaming online.
- Get plenty of exercise and outdoor recreation time.
- Catch up on sleep.
- READ – The holidays are a wonderful opportunity to pick up a book and immerse ourselves. It keeps learning going and keeps the mind sharp and stimulates curiosity. It’s a habit that will serve the boys well into the new year.
I would now like to express my heartfelt gratitude to all of our families for their unwavering support throughout this year. It is your dedication, partnership, and commitment to our school that makes Eddies such a special and unique place. Whether it’s attending school events, supporting your sons in their academic pursuits, or working alongside us to create a positive environment, your involvement has played a crucial role in the success of our school year.
I would also like to publicly thank the amazing St Edmund’s staff (all of them) who go above and beyond at times to support the education and wellbeing of the boys at the College. It is not an easy task to try and educate let alone manage teenage boys on a daily basis and the patience, enthusiasm, dedication and persistence of staff also helps build this wonderful community. So, thank you to all the staff who do so much for the boys.
It would also be remiss of me not to mention Mr Joe Zavone who has always been an advocate for the wellbeing and pastoral care of the boys. His calming and level-headed nature will be missed in the Wellbeing space.
After the all challenges, events, chaos and hard work of the school year, we know our boys—and our families—are looking forward to a well-earned rest. The holiday break is a time to recharge, reflect, and enjoy the company of loved ones. I encourage everyone to rest physically and spiritually. Please take time to enjoy some downtime, but also remember that the holidays are a great opportunity to engage in activities that feed the body (Christmas may overdo it), mind and spirit. Whether that’s reflecting on the year, catching up on a good book, celebrating with friends and family, enjoying the outdoors or finding moments of peace in prayer, I hope the holidays offer a sense of renewal.
On behalf of the Student Wellbeing Team at the College, I wish all our students, families and staff a blessed and restful Christmas break. May it be filled with peace, joy, and fun time spent together. We look forward to welcoming everyone back in the new year, ready to embrace all the possibilities that 2025 holds.
Ms Monica Day
Assistant Principal – Student Wellbeing