The Environment Portfolio will be introducing Trash Free Tuesdays, where students are  encouraged to bring a trash-free lunch every Tuesday. Every piece of packaging or excess food that we can save from landfill makes a difference.  As part of our commitment to the environment we are going to hold Trash Free Tuesdays, commencing on Tuesday 30 April (Week 1, Term 2) to focus on reducing the amount of packaging material that we send to landfill. Senior students will visit tutor classes and mark off any student who has a Trash Free Lunchbox.  Students who participate in the challenge will go into a draw to win a weekly prize which will be announced at Friday’s assembly. Envirobank Return and Earn There will be another Return and Earn collection next Wednesday 10 April. Students can return their bags to the front of reception between 8.00 am and 8.30 am.  Remember 2 Waterford Hours and 2 Tatham points will be awarded to each full orange Return and Earn bag. Let’s see if we can divert more than our last collection of 1,435 containers! If you would like an orange bag please see Mr Gentle.

Edmund Rice Camps provide recreational week long and weekend camps for underprivileged children and teens. Below is a thank you to our students and past students from Camp organisers. Our January school holiday programs are a particularly difficult time for us, and in 2019 we required the help of 115 different volunteers. We were so lucky to have the support of current St Edward’s students Mathew Sturt, Mitchell Spry, Brent Mayol and Cooper Boelhouwer during this time. They were a fantastic addition to our  community, bringing a whole heap of new energy, leadership and awesome skills, as well as an empathetic grounding and commitment to social justice. Additionally, we were fortunate to be able to rely on the experience of returning College old boys Andrew Leonard, Mathew Sharpe, Hammish Loader, Owen Chaperon, Liam Meggs, and David Stockwell who continue to make significant contributions to camps. Thank you to all involved and to the College for their continued support.  

Enrolments are now open for Year 7, 2020 Our enrolment form is now available online, to enrol please use the link below: Enrol Now  

As the amazing Neil Gaiman says 'A book is a dream that you hold in your hand'. In English at St Edward’s we have been striving to bring a love of reading and imagination to our students. Students have been writing in their portfolios and journals and developing skills in all areas of English and literacy. Year 7 have been completing a unit on ‘Belonging’ with a focus on Australian Poetry. Learning about what it means to be a St Eddies boy and belong to an EREA school as well as looking at ideas of ‘Belonging’ in terms of our wider community. They have settled into the College and have enjoyed library lessons and lots of new technologies including practicing for upcoming NAPLAN examinations and completing Best Start testing. It has already been quite a full term for them. Year 8 have been learning about various issues and ideas through a play this term in a Unit called ‘Dramatic Form’. They have also completed some practical drama and some classes have had visits with our Year 12 Drama students in the theatre. Some great fun is being had in many classrooms with  improvisation and theatre sports. Year 9 have been creating multimodal texts over the past few weeks in a unit on ‘Documentaries of Survival’. This task has developed their ICT skills as well as analytical and reflective tools. Year 10 have studied ‘The Subaltern’ this term with a visual representation and reflection/analysis which develops their skills in both critical thinking and creativity. The boys have been learning about those people on the margins of our society which has strong links to our Social Justice Program and the touchstones of EREA schools. Year 11 have been working on ‘Reading to Write’ with a task based around a short story entitled ‘The Boat’ by Alastair Macleod. Students have created some fantastic pieces. Here are some excerpts:- Elias Prokopiou Gazing through the kitchen window, I looked upon the brilliant array of ships which seemed to foam through the oxford blue sea, like a bird swooping upon its prey. The ragged horizon of the sea meets the sky in a beautiful chaos. The sky broke, like an egg into full sunset, with the base of the water catching fire, as I forcefully knotted my apron, ready for the day’s turmoil of home labour. The delicate Epigaea repens, scattered across the land like polka dots, native to the traditional, barren, landscape of Nova Scotia which held ties to that of commercial fishing, for the ragged sea below called upon the fisherman and their families, held together by the millennial long branches of traditional convention. The scent of salt slowly descends upon me, transmogrifying into the form of a rugged, elderly man in large rubber boots, shaggy white hair and stubble sat dryly in whatever position he woke up. His woollen garments, containing the permanent sea stain and sweat, he squeaks over, lightly kissing my forehead as I turn each faucet to prepare the water to wash the previous days fishing wear just like the previous day and the day before that, and the day before that. Ashleigh Palupe    The boat has and, is and, always will be a very integral part of my family’s history, passed on from generation to generation. Ironically, it is named after my mother who just like the boat, is stagnant in her reality and is desperately trying to keep everything in her surroundings looped in her own time stone. Apart from Jesus, literature is one of the only things that saved me in those days. Books from all over the world, providing an escape from the perpetuated promises past, present and planned, planned for me even before I was born. Reading about other’s realities takes me out of mine and makes living this elongated, good for nothing life, more bearable. Disputing demons daily that forever seem to find me. Constantly fighting my own infinity war but, without a storm breaker or an infinity gauntlet to protect me or change the course of reality with the snap of my finger.   Our HSC cohort have been busy completing multimodal assessment tasks and the Craft of Writing. The Year 12 English Extension 1 class have completed their multi-modal presentations interrogating Literary Landscapes. Jake Vidler explored war literature – drawing on the works of Virginia Woolf and Wilfred Owen. Jake also looked to Tim Winton’s recent work on toxic masculinity. Jake digitally manipulated war images to convey his views on the changing landscape of war and masculinity. He further developed these concepts by writing three short studies and transforming these into audio books. Patrick Goard drew on the literary works of Jack Kerouac, Allan Edgar Poe and practitioners of absurdist theatre. Patrick composed three verses of Epic Poetry and then transformed these into a short film. The students were able to identify a specific literary world, challenge existing literary conventions, and creatively represent these values and beliefs in a contemporary setting.  

NAPLAN assesses literacy and numeracy – important skills that each child needs to succeed in school and life. The NAPLAN tests are designed to help us make sure students are on track with their literacy and numeracy development. Students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 participate in NAPLAN tests for reading, writing, conventions of language (spelling, grammar and punctuation) and numeracy. Between Tuesday 14 May and Friday 24 May, our school will participate in NAPLAN Online. Students do not need to be computer experts to take the NAPLAN test online. Making sure students have computer skills is part of our school curriculum, and our teachers will ensure your child is familiar with the online format. To see the types of questions and interactive features of NAPLAN Online, visit the public demonstration site. If you have any questions about NAPLAN Online, please contact your child’s teacher. For more info: How to support your child during NAPLAN Information for parent and carers Watch a video that explains NAPLAN Online Subscribe to ACARA’s monthly parent newsletter, Parent Update

HSIE Field Trips 5, 12 and 14 March 2019 Year 10 Geography students have been learning about coastal management. The aim of the field work is to study the processes responsible for the development of erosional and depositional landform features and the impact on the environment. During the field trip, the boys were required to investigate coastal processes, make observations and records, testing the water, soil and air quality, complete sketches, evaluate management strategies, study the wind, waves and currents at Wamberal Beach and assess risk factors between the runes at Wamberal and Terrigal CBD. A work booklet and activities were completed and performed at various intervals throughout the day. The Year 10 students are to be commended on their manner and level of engagement throughout the day. Also, a special thank you to the teachers who attended: Mr Boothe, Mr Judd, Mr Hannelly, Mr Herringe, Mr Streeting, Mr Millar, Mr Foster, Mr Boyd, Mrs Robinson, Mrs Mantellato, Mr Griffin, Mr Moloney, Ms Celebrin and Mrs Taylor. Your support and enthusiasm are much appreciated.   [smallgallery fooid="17978"]

The annual trial game against one of the powerhouses of schoolboy Rugby League was played on our manicured number one oval on Friday Week 8. Spectators witnessed two competitive games. Blacktown won both games but they were very competitive affairs. The Under 14's game was a free flowing contest with both teams creating many try scoring opportunities. St Edward's used their backs to gain ground where as Patrician Brothers' were intent on using their big forwards to plough through the middle of the ruck. In the end Patrician Brothers' were  too big and strong and scored 4 tries to 2 in securing their victory. There were many great individual performances on the day and every player should be congratulated for their effort and the spirit they displayed during the game. Malachi Smith was awarded the man of the match because of his great all round performance. In the senior game St Edward's started strongly against a Patrician Brothers' team that had great power and skill in their line-up. Credit must go to the determined and courageous men from St Edward's for the way they banded together and tried to counter every move the giant Patrician Brothers' team threw at them. Once again there were great performances from both teams and it took a long time for Patrician Brothers' to dominate on the score board. The final result was 4 tries to 1 in favour of Blacktown. Jack Jamieson received the man of the match award for his great defence and dynamic attack. A big thank you to our coaches Mr Sullivan and Mr Herringe and all the people who contributed to this special day of Rugby League, especially the boys from St Edward's College who put their hand up to play. [smallgallery fooid="18123"]

It was an early start to a Monday morning. The Eddies swim team headed down to the Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre in Homebush, to compete in the Broken Bay Secondary Schools Sports Association (BBSSSA) 2019 Swimming Championships. Despite the rain and the battle of the ‘Dad jokes’ between Mr Bell, Mr Ristuccia and Mr Hannelly down the freeway, the carnival ran smoothly with the boys enjoying many successes in the pool. It was also the first time that we arrived well before the official starting time. Highlights of the day included: Daniel McLoughlin was named the overall 15 years Age Champion. He placed first in the 15 years 200 m Freestyle, 50 m Backstroke, 100 m Freestyle, 50 m Freestyle and 50 m Butterfly. Daniel also managed to break two BBSSSA records: 50 m Backstroke and 50 m Butterfly. These records have not been broken since 2004. Joseph Bonham achieved first place in the 14 years 50 m Butterfly Second place winners of the day were: Keanu Wells 12 years 50 m Breaststroke Toby Armstrong 15 years 50 m Breaststroke Joseph Bonham 14 years 50 m Backstroke Ryan Green 15 years 50 m Backstroke, 50 m Freestyle and 50 m Butterfly Nate Vaughan 12 years 100 m Freestyle Riley Bissett Opens 50 m Freestyle Daniel McLoughlin 200 m Individual Medley Intermediate St Edward’s Relay teams: 4x50 m Junior Medley Relay – 1st place 4x50 m Intermediate Medley Relay – 1st place 4x50 m Opens Medley Relay – 2nd place 4x50 m Junior Freestyle Relay – 2nd place 4x50 m Intermediate Freestyle Relay – 1st place 4x50 m Opens Freestyle Relay – 2nd place 4x50 m All Age Relay – 3rd place St Edward’s College won the division of Intermediate boys Thank you to all the boys in the swim team; you not only gave 100% in the water, but you were true representatives of the College. A special mention to Jacob Curcio and Beau Newlands who unfortunately had to withdraw from the Carnival. They were both missed on the day. Thank you to the boys who swam in their place. Would also like to thank Mr Bell, Mr Ristuccia and Mr Hannelly for driving the bus as well as for their skills in time keeping. And lastly a big thank you to the mums and dads who came down to support not only their sons but the rest of the team as well. [smallgallery fooid="18256"]

NSW CCC Representatives Congratulations to Chet Robinson in Year 11 for making the NSWCCC Open’s Baseball team recently. Chet will attend the NSW All Schools Baseball trials this week in Blacktown. Sydney Independent Rugby League Congratulations to the following boys for making the SICC Rugby League teams to play at the NSWCCC Rugby League selections in May: Under 15's:   Ben Dufficy, Joel Sherub Opens:  Sandon Smith, Levi Kasun Week in Sport Week 10, Term 1 9 and 10 All Schools Touch Football AFL 9's - Opens and Years 7 and 8 NSWCCC Swimming Adcock Park (Tuesday 2 April) Bateau Bay Sporting Complex (Thursday 4 April) SOPAC Homebush (Friday 5 April) Week 11, Term 1 No events this week   NSWCCC Dates Term 1 Event Closing Date Selection Date Swimming (Long Distance) 22 March (Week 8) 5 April (Week 10) Diving 3 April (Week 10) 6 April (Week 10) Sailing (All Schools) Not given 16-20 April (Holidays) Term 2 Event Closing Date Selection Date Golf 29 April (Week 1) 6 May (Week 2) AFL North 3 May (Week 1) 8 May (Week 2) Rugby Union 3 May (Week 1) 6-7 May (Week 2)      

Year 12 Pathway Presentations begin Term 2 - these presentations are student directed with more question time. It is important that students have a plan post Year 12 and it is hoped that these presentations will assist in their planning. Thursday 2 May – Macquarie University Thursday 12 May – TAFE NSW Thursday 23 May – Newcastle University Thursday 30 May – Apprenticeships/Traineeship UAC opens on 3 April for students to register.  Students will receive their login and pin shortly from UAC. See attached link for information on how to apply. Click here HSC Preparation Courses in the Holidays In these subject-specific sessions, you have the chance to hear from HSC Markers on what they look for in examinations as well as key syllabus content. Click here for session information Year 10 also started their Pathways Presentations this week with Newcastle University Over 130 year 10 students from both St Joseph's and St Edward's attended the presentation. The Newcastle University's presentation is available below for your information. Newcastle University St Edward's Year 10 Presentation 2019  

Are you wanting to gain an apprenticeship in 2020 TAFE has produced a parent guide to assist you guide your son into courses at TAFE. Please see link below for the guide and YouTube clip. TAFE Parent Guide   [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VxXXMs6SBA4&feature=youtu.be[/embed]  

Expressions of Interest Seasons for Growth Program 2019 Commencing end of Term 2 for 13-18 year olds The Seasons for Growth Program aims to strengthen the social and emotional wellbeing of young people who are dealing with significant life changes.  It is an 8 week program. Who is the Program for? Any student who has experienced one or more of the following: The death of a loved one A serious illness of a loved one or close friend Separation or divorce of parents Unexpected change or loss in life circumstances If you are interested in your child attending the Seasons for Growth Program please contact Terase Killin, School Counsellor on 4321 6411, or send an email to tkillin@stedwards.nsw.edu.au  

Parenting educator Maggie Dent maintains how we communicate with boys impacts their self-esteem, emotional management and resilience. In this article Maggie provides wonderful boy-friendly communication guidance for parents and teachers. Research has shown that parents treat their boys and girls differently right from infancy. For example, infant boys are touched more frequently and handled more roughly before the age of three months. Also physical punishment is applied more significantly for boys than girls in many Western countries. This is despite the fact that research also shows boys are more vulnerable and fragile.  See below for the full article The Messages all Boys Need to Hear    

Catholic Schools Office - Parent Formation Opportunities Strengthen your Parenting Skills, with Tips from Parents Women's Reflection Morning with Katrina Zeno, author and speaker. "​Raising children in a hypersexualised culture" Wed 1 May, 10.30am - 12.15pm at St Agatha's Parish Pennant Hills Presentations by Alicia & Mike Hernon, founders of the Messy Parenting Project (USA). 22 May 2019. 7.30-9pm  "Messy Parenting 101". Star of the Sea Parish Terrigal. 23 May 2019. 7.30-9pm  "Keeping Love in Marriage Alive". St Agatha's Parish Pennant Hills. 23 May 2019. Daytime CSO Parent Retreat Day at Canisius Centre Pymble. 9.30am-2pm. These and more offerings can be found at the CSO Walking the Way website. Also, click here for a simple Parent’s Prayer which you may like to share. Finally, we are taking a group of Parent Leaders from our school communities on a little Walking the Way pilgrimage! It’s just for a day, to the beautiful Mount Schoenstatt Shrine and Spirituality Centre at Mulgoa on Friday 3rd May. We have 16 booked on a mini-bus, and can take 4 more. (Or more still if coming by private car.) If there is a parent-leader you’d like to tap on the shoulder, please pass on the attached flyer. Enquiries: jo.spek@dbb.catholic.edu.au 2019 Messy Parenting   2019 FLM Fiat A4   Messy Parent Retreat Day 2019   Mt Schoenstatt at Mulgoa Parent Pilgrimage