Ash Wednesday is an important day in the calendar of the Catholic Church. As a College community, we came together in the ERC for a deeply reverent and prayerful liturgy on Ash Wednesday. It was a time of collective reflection and introspection, where students actively participated and demonstrated commendable concentration. We extend congratulations to all students for their involvement and engagement during the liturgy, as their respectful participation enriches our communal worship experience and deepens our spiritual journey during this sacred season. Mr Beacroft Director of Mission   [foogallery id="50133"]

Come and join us for Open Day on Saturday 9 March 2024. Take a student-led tour of the College anytime between 10 am and 2 pm and see our purpose-built facilities, chat to our knowledgeable teachers and staff, and watch demonstrations of the various  subjects we offer at St Edward's.  Finish off the tour with a sausage sandwich and drink. All welcome! Please register your intention of attending for catering purposes. Register Here   [embed]https://youtu.be/qikYuo6RldQ[/embed]

Click the YouTube link below for the latest Homeroom Edition of SECTV, hosted by Juan Jose Rodriguez Caldas and Kale Puata.   [embed]https://youtu.be/nng_KXueHkI[/embed]

Year 7 PDHPE Year 7 started the year with a unit that aims to help students cope with all sorts of challenges and changes. Students are preparing a ‘How to…’ guide for other Year 7 students facing a particular challenge. Many chose to provide strategies for starting high school, others chose strategies for coping with other changes such as puberty. The Balance and Bounce unit sees the Year 7 students tumbling, balancing, springing and landing performing various gymnastics skills, building up to a routine. [smallgallery fooid="50255"]   Year 8 PDHPE Year 8 PDHPE students are having fun learning a ‘little played’ sport in Australia, European Handball. They will be assessed on their skills and the rules of this fast moving sport. They are also looking at how to make good choices in relation to risk taking. Year 9 PDHPE are enjoying the gymnastics springing, landing and vaulting unit. They are also analysing their own diets and exercise programs. PASS are studying Australia’s Sporting Identity - how did we come to be known as such a sporting nation? Boys were asked to write a persuasive speech explaining why someone should be awarded Australian of the Year. Year 10 PDHPE are experiencing the components of fitness through practical applications. They are researching how to do various fitness tests of health-related components. They will then demonstrate and administer the tests to the rest of the class and help them analyse their results. PASS researched issues in Sport, in particular the rise and fall of Lance Armstrong, banned for life for performance enhancing drugs and blood doping. They then researched an issue that interested them, and informed the class on their findings through an audio-visual presentation. Year 11 Outdoor Recreation has seen the introduction of students from St Joseph’s College to the course. Our combined female and male team is having all the fun this term by participating in fantastic experiences in the outdoors. They have already attended Work Placement on the Year 7 Camp at Crosslands, Galston Gorge. They are attending their next Work Placement with the boys at Year 9 Camp at Wee Jasper with Mr Summerhayes and Mr Gentle overseeing the Year 11's who are assisting, mentoring and encouraging the students. They will also set up tents, tents and more tents as well as experiencing caving. They proved to be excellent role models at the Year 7 Camp and the staff were appreciative of their help. PDHPE will attain their First Aid Certificate with Central Coast First Aid Training. They will gain valuable life skills with experienced presenters who work on the frontline as Paramedics, Fire Fighters or Lifeguards. They will be participating in a one day expedition - mountain biking, orienteering and kayaking their way in and around the Brisbane Water area. A challenging day filled with the natural beauty that surrounds us. We are so fortunate to be able to use the jetty and waterfront to paddle from and to school. SLR were also lucky enough to join forces with four St Joseph’s girls. They are learning the finer safety and technique details of Track and Field events and are also participating in a coaching unit where they are discovering the challenges faced by teachers every day in classroom management and delivery of skills. Year 12 PDHPE have had their heads down busily working on extended responses for various assessment questions on factors that affect performance. Year 12 have the added practice of exam technique by sitting for their reintroduced Midcourse exam. SLR have been experiencing the hands on practical unit of resistance training and are completing a movement laboratory based on physiological information learned in class.   A special thanks to the PDHPE staff team who all make these amazing experiences happen!

We are excited to announce that three of our talented artists from the 2023 HSC Visual Arts Course currently have their work showcased at the Coast: Next Gen Art Exhibition. Rhys Butcher, Joshua Judd, and Hayden Mexon have represented our College brilliantly, and we are proud of their accomplishments. The exhibition, hosted by the University of Newcastle and supported by various sponsors, offers a fantastic opportunity for students to display their creativity and skill in a professional gallery setting. It's a testament to their hard work and dedication. We encourage everyone to visit the exhibition at Ourimbah Campus and show your support for our talented artists. The works will be on display until 5 April, providing plenty of time for you to appreciate and be inspired by their creations. Additionally, there is a chance for our students to participate in the People's Choice Award. Your votes can make a difference, so don't hesitate to cast yours for your favourite piece.  

Downie Trophy Quarter Final New year, same cricket season! Our Opens team travelled to Maitland in very warm condition and elected to bowl after winning the toss. There were initial thoughts of potentially chasing a target of 300+ runs as All Saints raced to 0/61 from eleven overs. Enter our spinning combination - to say this trio were dominant is an understatement! Our spinners combined for a remarkable 23 overs, 12 maidens, 7-20. St Edward's ripped through the opposition's top order, our spinners were ably assisted by some fantastic fielding to dismiss All Saints for 94 runs. Hugh Wheeler, in Year 9, was exceptional taking a rare “5fer”, finishing with 5-11 from ten overs. Wonderfully supported by Luca Norris with 2-6 from his ten overs. Our innings started very shaky, and conjured memories of our Downie Trophy Grand Final loss last year chasing a small target. At the end of our first over we sat in the precarious position of 2-6. Cameron Wehrle (33*) and John James (49*) steadied our ship, and with a barrage of either shots for six or single, chased down our target of 95 in just 9.3 overs to secure the victory. The team now moves on to the State semi-finals in two weeks which will be contested at the Central Coast Regional Sporting complex at Tuggerah.   [smallgallery fooid="50324"]

Our carnival for this year has been run and won! Staff and students headed to the Peninsula Leisure Centre Woy Woy, on Friday 10 February. A milder day, made for an enjoyable time at the pool for those in attendance this year, our participation numbers seemed to be down on previous years, from event to event. However, spirit and enthusiasm amongst our crowd was its usual colourful best. We had the College and House colours on display with the younger boys and our seniors taking advantage of the fun and frivolity, dressing up to mark the occasion. There were some tremendous individual efforts across all age groups, with the following boys placing: Age Name House Place Under 12 Will Tritton and Zachary Donnelly Dylan Wilcock Spillane Shanahan Spillane Equal Age Champion Equal Age Champion 3rd Place Under 13 Riley Herring Preston Bush Micah Pope Spillane Spillane Shanahan Age Champion 2nd Place 3rd Place Under 14 Billy McCarthy Cooper Stark Logan Atherton Spillane Doolan Spillane Age Champion 2nd Place 3rd Place Under 15 Shaylan Bennett Cruz Tucker Harrison Evans Spillane Spillane Spillane Age Champion 2nd Place 3rd Place Under 16 Tahj Regattieri Harry Rutherford Eden Pearson Shanahan Shanahan Shanahan Age Champion 2nd Place 3rd Place Opens Lachlan Bunney Kale Puata Cashar Darwin Cooper Jones Shanahan Knights Shanahan Knights Age Champion 2nd Place Equal 3rd Place Equal 3rd Place   Overall,  Spillane won the House Competition on 747 points, closely followed by Shanahan on 724 points. Knights came in third with 539 and Doolan were well down this year on 232 points. All boys who have qualified for the school team have been notified and we look forward to reporting on their results from the Broken Bay (CSBB) carnival on Tuesday 12 March at SOPAC, Homebush. A big thank you to both staff and students for their contribution to a wonderful day, that certainly highlighted the school spirit and the wonderful way we all come together for these College events.   [foogallery id="49924"]

Representative Sport NSWCCC Cricket We wish John James in Year 12 all the best when he plays for the NSWCCC Under 18 Cricket Team at the NSW All Schools Championships at Maitland (Tuesday 20 – Thursday 22 February). 2024 Sport Events Please see below the NSWCCC representative pathway for sports selections for individual entry sport occurring early in Term 1. The closing dates for registrations are very soon. Please note all closing dates are firm dates. No registrations will be permitted after the closing dates. All individual sports registrations are completed on the CSNSW.SPORT website. Parents must have an account and add their child to have access. (Sport Registration HELP is available on sport information page). Registration for Events  You will need to ‘create account,’ if you do not have one OR ‘login’ using your existing account (NSWCCC or Polding). Once logged in, click on ‘register my child’ and follow the directions to register your son. Please be aware that these initial sports have closing dates to register. Portal details update – Parents need to go in and update details (ie. Child’s school year and new school – Yr 7). Check this has been done if you cannot see registration options (you should be able to). ** For the below Broken Bay (CSBB) events, College teams will attend. Information regarding these teams will be in the Daily Notices in Weeks 1 & 2 next year. More details are available on the csnsw.sport website NSWCCC Golf Selections– close date 16 February 2024 – Selection date Monday, 11 March at  Belmont Golf Club – More information  https://csnsw.sport/sports/nswccc-secondary/golf NSWCCC Baseball Selections – close date 22 February 2024 – Selection date – Tuesday, 5 March at Castle Glen 1 & 2, Castle Hill  – More information https://csnsw.sport/sports/nswccc-secondary/baseball NSWCCC Tennis Selections – close date 22 February 2024 – Selection date – Monday, 4 March at North Parramatta Tennis Courts – More information https://csnsw.sport/sports/nswccc-secondary/tennis NSWCCC Cricket – EOI (15yrs and under) – close date 23 February 2024 – Selection date – Tuesday, 12 March at TBC  – More information Cricket | CSNSW Sport Portal NSWCCC Volleyball – EOI - (15yrs and under) – close date 22 February 2024 – Selection date – Friday, 8 March at Menai Indoor Sports Centre - (19yrs and under) – close date 15 March 2024 – Selection date – Friday, 5 April at Menai Indoor Sports Centre   – More information Volleyball | CSNSW Sport Portal NSWCCC Diving – All Ages– close date 22 March 2024 – Selection date – Thursday, 4 April at TBC  – More information Diving | CSNSW Sport Portal NSWCCC Water Polo – (17yrs and under)– close date TBC – Selection date – TBC at Ryde Aquatic Centre  – More information  Other sports will be promoted closer to their advertised closing date. Further information regarding NSWCCC team selections for all sports is available on the Welcome to Catholic Schools Sports Services | CSNSW Sport Portal Calendar Week Event Venue  Competition Date 4 CSBB Opens and Under 15's Touch Football Doyalson Tuesday 20 February 2024  - Postponed 4 NSW All Schools Opens Cricket Maitland Tuesday 20 and Thursday 22 February 2024 4 NSW All Schools Triathlon Individual Penrith Regatta Centre Wednesday 21 February 2024 4 NSW All Schools Triathlon Teams Penrith Regatta Centre Thursday 22 February 2024 5 Cricket - Downie Shield Finals CCRSC Tuggerah TBA 6 NSWCCC Tennis Selection Parramatta Monday 4 March 2024 6 NSWCCC Baseball Selections Castle Glen Tuesday 5 March 2024 6 NSWCCC Under 15 Volleyball Selections Menai Friday 8 March 2024 7 NSWCCC Golf Selections Belmont Monday 11 March 2024 7 CSBB Swimming Carnival SOPAC Tuesday 12 March 2024 8 CSBB Opens Basketball Terrigal Thursday 21 March 2024 9 Northern NSWCCC Under 15 AFL Selections Warners Bay Tuesday 26 March 2024 9 CSBB Under 15 Rugby League Selections Kanwal Wednesday 27 March 2024 9 Under 15 Rugby League Panthers Visit Penrith HPC Tuesday 26 March 2024 10 NSWCCC Swimming Carnival SOPAC Thursday 4 April 2024 10 NSWCCC Under 19 Volleyball Selections Menai Friday 5 April 2024 10 Annual Blacktown Rugby League Game (Under 14 & Under 15’s) College Oval Friday 5 April 2024 11 NSWCCC Under 15 & Opens Touch Championships CCRSC Tuggerah Wednesday 10 April 2024   Jason Carpenter Leader of Learning Sport

Please see the links below for the latest job opportunities:   Trainee - Finance Graduate Universal Mortgage Experts located in Toukley, we are growing their team and looking for a Trainee - Finance Graduate. This is a fantastic career opportunity for a graduate student at your school, with mentorship provided by one of Australia’s leading Mortgage Brokers. UME helps 1000’s of clients to buy their first or dream home, invest in the property market. We also review and refinance mortgages to help clients to pay off their home faster. UME can also look after any asset finance, general and personal insurance requirements, including car and personal finance. Nathan Aird, Director and Mortgage Broker at UME is famously known within the finance community. Nathan has received many industry accolades, including being recognised as the Australian Finance Group - Champion Broker and one of the Nation’s Top 10 brokers. We are passionate about offering high school graduates a career, studies paid for and completed within work hours, with training and mentoring provided. We are looking for a kind and friendly individual, who is confident in math! No experience necessary. Career paths include: Administration Officer Loan Processor Credit Analyst Parabroker Mortgage Broker We have a great team, who are professional and fun! Finance Graduate Job in Toukley, Gosford & Central Coast NSW - SEEK To learn more about Universal Mortgage Experts – Find us on Facebook.   Apprenticeships Available Chop Butchery at Bateau Bay Square currently have apprenticeship opportunities.  Please contact Matt or Saul for more information. admin@chopbutchery.com.au  

Please see the links below for the latest information from universities and post school study options.     An Excellent Opportunity for Students, Teachers and Parents Considering a Career in Medicine or Dentistry? Topic: UCAT, Interviews, Med School Applications & Pathways into Medicine and Dentistry (for universities in Australia) When? 20 February 2024,  7.00pm – 9.00 pm (AEDT) Presenter: Zobair Bary (Author & coordinator of the NIE Medical and Dental School UCAT and interview training programs. Founder of the Future Doctors Australia Program). This is a free webinar. REGISTER NOW An invaluable forum recommended to students considering a career in Medicine or Dentistry, and especially for those who already know that they will be sitting the UCAT or attending Med School Interviews. This forum is an excellent opportunity for students and parents to find out about the UCAT, Interviews, Pathways into Medicine, and have all questions answered by expert teachers who have been working in the field since 1999. The session is PACKED with invaluable information during which we will be covering the following topics, and more.  What is UCAT? UCAT scores? UCAT Sub-tests? Year 10, 11 and 12 - things to consider now. The Undergraduate Selection Criteria Application process into universities for medicine and dentistry When and who can sit the UCAT GAMSAT Can you prepare for the UCAT? Undergraduate interview process Med School Applications Gap Year Alternative degrees and career choices Q & A     I am pleased to extend an invitation to students and the school community to attend our next 'Study in the US' virtual information session. The session will draw from my experience working as Assistant Director of Admissions at a US university and cover the application process as well as the higher education system in the US. We've seen a substantial increase in interest and successful student application outcomes, even comparing to pre-covid times. Study in the US. Wednesday 6 March at 6pm AEDT Further information and registration can be found here. The free presentation is best suited for students and their families in years 9 - 12. Thank you in advance for passing the registration link along to those who may be interested in a US university pathway. Kind regards Debbie Shively Internationally Educated 02 8006 9737  

We would like to inform you about an upcoming project that will be taking place on Frederick Street, that will impact your access to the College. Central Coast Council will be installing a new sewer rising main and connection point within Frederick Street. Work Schedule The works are scheduled to commence on Monday, February 26th, and are expected to be completed by late March 2024. Work will begin each day at 7:00 am, with workers arriving onsite from 6:30 am, and will cease at 5:00 pm. There may be occasions when Saturday works are necessary, which will take place from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm. Traffic Impact During the works, the western side of Frederick Street will be closed to traffic within the works area. This means that Frederick Street will be reduced to a single lane, with traffic controls in place. Parking Restrictions Parking along Frederick Street will be restricted, particularly on the western side (even number properties). Staff, parents and residents will be asked to move their vehicles where necessary to facilitate the works. Access to Properties If you need to access the school to collect your son from sick bay, your access to and from the grounds will be guided by contractors onsite. Please follow their instructions to ensure smooth access during the works. Student drop off and pick up As a safety precaution, parents are kindly requested not to drop off or pick up their children from Frederick Street while the works are in progress. We recommend using Duke Street or Albany Street as alternative routes during this period. We understand that these works may cause inconvenience, and we appreciate your cooperation and understanding during this time. Thank you for your attention to this matter.

We kindly request the full co-operation of all parents/carers in adhering to these firm guidelines to ensure the safety and efficiency of student drop-off and pick-up procedures. Your compliance is essential to maintaining a smooth and secure school environment. Private Transport – Student Drop-off and Pick-up Student Drop-off: Parking in or across the College driveways or neighbours’ driveways is strictly prohibited. It is advisable that students are dropped off in Duke or Albany Streets. No Double Parking: Under no circumstances should anyone double park as this leads to dangerous traffic congestion, creating a hazard for pedestrians. Short-term Parking: Visitor Parking: Visitors may utilise the designated visitor parking spaces located in front of the reception area. College gates open at 9:30 am and close at 2:30 pm. Student Pick-up During School Hours: Reception Attendance: Parents/Carers picking up their sons during school hours must physically attend the reception office to collect the student. Students must have given a note to their Pastoral Leader to obtain permission to leave with their parent/carer. For students in Years 7 to 11, leaving the College grounds during school hours is strictly prohibited unless they are accompanied by their parent/carer. After School Pick-up: Driveway Restrictions: Similar to drop-off, parents/carers are not permitted to park in or across the College or neighbours’ driveways after school hours. No Double Parking: The same rule applies—avoid double parking to prevent unnecessary traffic congestion.  

Bus Safety Week reminds all road users to 'be bus aware'. Our school bus operator, Busways, is reminding all road users, parents, and students to ‘be bus aware’ as part of Transport for NSW’s Bus Safety Week campaign, running Feb 19 - 25. Part of the ‘Be Bus Aware’ campaign, Bus Safety Week sees Governments, bus operators, and emergency services raise awareness about the importance of being safe in and around buses and spread the message to ‘Be Bus Aware’. Busways Managing Director Byron Rowe said motorists need to be aware that buses are large and heavy vehicles that cannot stop quickly. “When a bus is forced to brake heavily it can cause passengers to be thrown around inside the bus,” he said. “During Bus Safety Week we are educating the community to give buses room and not pull out in front of them. We all have a part to play in bus safety, whether you’re a pedestrian, motorist or bus passenger.” Bus Safety Week provides a timely reminder to parents to have a talk with their children about bus safety; to motorists when giving way to buses; to pedestrians to make sure they are alert of their surroundings; and to cyclists to ensure they can see where buses are. The ‘Be Bus Aware’ campaign has been developed with input from Bus NSW, NSW Police and Transport for NSW.

Please see the link below for the latest positions vacant at the College:   [embed]https://www.stedwards.nsw.edu.au/our-college/employment/positions-vacant/[/embed]

Online Wellbeing Resources Each week members of the St Edward’s College Pastoral Team  will be offering guidance and resources to assist families as our boys navigate high school. We invite you to take the time each week to explore Yadhaba Online for articles that may be helpful. Mr Keith Mills Director of Pastoral Care Click Here to View the Latest Resources on the College Website.   This issue World Day of Social Justice The Secret of Parenting

Please see below correspondence emailed home in Term 1, 2024.   Student Photographs - Sent 12 April 2024 Term 1 Student Led Conferences - Years 7-12 - Sent 13 March 2024 Year 9 Parent information Sheet 2024 - Sent 11 March 2024 Years 8 to 11 Waterford Letter to Parents - Sent 26 February 2024 Road Works Frederick Street - Sent 22 February 2024 Years 8-12 Parent Survey - 15 February 2024 Year 8 Parent Information Evening - Sent 13 February 2024 Year 7 Camp Information - Sent 13 February 2024 Years 11 Information Evening - Sent 7 February 2024 Year 7 Information Evening - Sent 6 February 2024 2024 Year 9 Camp Information and Consent Form - Sent 5 February 2024 Year 7 Information Evening - Sent 2 February 2024 Year 10 Parents - School Vaccination Program - Sent 2 Feburary 2024 Year 7 Paper Planes and Pizza Night - Sent 31 January 2024 Uniform and Grooming - Term 1 - Sent 31 January 2024 Year 11 Information Evening - Sent 30 January 2024 Commencement 2024 - Year 7 - Sent 24 January 2024 Commencement 2024 - Year 8 - Sent 24 January 2024 Commencement 2024 - Year 9 - Sent 24 January 2024 Commencement 2024 - Year 10 - Sent 24 January 2024 Commencement 2024 - Year 11 - Sent 24 January 2024 Commencement 2024 - Year 12 - Sent 24 January 2024