Edmund Rice Education Australia Touchstone

Inclusive Community

As a Catholic school in the Edmund Rice tradition, we acknowledge the service and contribution of the Christian Brothers, teachers and support staff who work in partnership with Edmund Rice Ministries in furthering the Charism of Edmund Rice within our school.

Founders Day Mass

On Friday May 3, Father Vince from Terrigal Parish led the College in Mass to celebrate Blessed Edmund Rice Founder’s Day. This is an important day in the life of the College as we take time to acknowledge that we are part of a global Edmund Rice family which is united by a specific charism and values that underpin the quality and type of educational experience that we offer to young people. The Edmund Rice network has grown to, two hundred and eighty schools across the world, educating over two hundred thousand young people. In Australia alone we have a network of fifty-five schools and twenty-three Flexible Learning Centres providing a values-based education for over fifty thousand students.

What unites us as a global family are the values that guide the work that we do with young people. These values which are expressed in EREA Charter for Edmund Rice Schools provide guidance to all schools within our network in framing our unique charism. The touchstones of Gospel Spirituality, Liberating Education, Inclusive Community and Justice and Solidarity guide us in the development and implementation of learning and formation experiences that are designed to develop the necessary knowledge, skills and understanding for young people to not only survive but to flourish in a world which is constantly changing, empowering them to create a world which is better than the world that they are inheriting.

As teachers we have great faith in young people. Faith in their capacity to continue to learn, grow and mature into young people that have a social conscience, that will continue on in life to contribute positively to society. We will continue to guide them, support them and importantly challenge them to be the best that they can be. We do this because that is what Edmund Rice schools do.

I want to acknowledge the outstanding participation of our boys in this celebration. Their involvement in the Mass and the pride in which they sang the College Spirit Song and College Song was quite memorable. It was a day in which we can all feel very proud of the strong traditions and values of our St Edward’s community.

Anzac Day Commemorations

On Tuesday April 30, we commemorated Anzac Day as a community through a moving ceremony in the Edmund Rice Centre which was attended by all staff and students. This year’s celebration focused on the contribution of women through times of war. The extract below was shared as part of our commemoration.

As we gather to mark ANZAC Day, we shine a light on a vital yet often overlooked aspect of our military history – the contributions of women in war. This year’s theme, inspired by the “HERstory” exhibit at the ANZAC Memorial in Hyde Park, invites us to explore and acknowledge the myriad roles women have played in the defence of our nation. HERstory: Remembering Australia’s Military Women

Women have served in capacities both seen and unseen, from the nurses in the trenches of World War I to the intelligence officers in modern conflicts. Their involvement extends beyond traditional roles, reaching into the very fabric of military operations. They have been pilots, engineers, peacekeepers, and leaders – each position carrying the same weight of duty and courage as their male counterparts.

Focusing on women in war allows us to see the complete picture of our military heritage. It is not about singling out women for the sake of inclusion; rather, it is about recognizing that their contributions have been just as crucial in shaping our history. When we remember the service of women, we not only fill a gap in our historical narrative but also inspire future generations with the diverse and dynamic faces of bravery.

As we pay tribute to the men and women who have served our nation, it is essential to recognize that the impact of women in military roles has often been underrepresented in our commemorations. Today, by bringing these stories to the forefront, we not only correct a historical oversight but also enrich our understanding of what courage looks like. It looks like those who have juggled the dual demands of military duty and societal expectations, yet never faltered in their commitment to our country. By fully appreciating their sacrifices and achievements, we celebrate a more inclusive and accurate portrayal of our military history.

Moreover, we must also honour the pivotal roles played by women on the home front during times of conflict. Throughout history, while many served in uniform, countless others took up the responsibility of supporting families, managing farms, and running factories—keeping the very heart of our nation beating during its most challenging times. These women provided the essential backbone of society, ensuring not only the continuation of daily life but also the morale of those at the front. Additionally, they cared for returning soldiers, bearing the emotional and physical burdens of war long after peace was declared. Their resilience and dedication during these times were just as crucial to our nation’s survival and success as the fighting on distant shores.

Today, let us remember that the spirit of ANZAC is not defined by gender but by values: courage, mateship, and sacrifice. By highlighting the roles of women in war, we not only honour those who have often been unsung but also reaffirm their rightful place in our nation’s story of resilience and strength.

I would like to thank Mr Alex Rozario who was instrumental in organising this memorable event for our staff and students.

Outstanding Student Talent in the Performing Arts

Our wonderful Performing Arts Faculty led by Mrs Annette Rankin recently supported some of our very talented students in auditioning for the Central Coast Youth in Performing Arts. The Youth in Performing Arts, commonly known as YIPA, has been operating on the Central Coast since 1992. YIPA is a series of variety concerts held at Laycock Street Community Theatre in May each year.

I am pleased to announce that the following students were selected to perform in this year’s concerts.

Logan Atherton and Hoi Tin Ho from Year 8 were selected to perform on piano.  Thomas Schramm of Year 12 was selected as a vocalist, Max Taylor of Year 9 was selected to perform on guitar and a Year 12 band featuring Rex Allwood, Leon Towle, Matt Frost-Foster, Kai Maitland, Domenic Fatone, Charlie Jacobson, Alex Golden from St Edward’s and Liv Zaia from St Joseph’s were also selected.

A wonderful achievement for all these students. A short compilation of their performances appears below.

Mother’s Day

I would like to wish all mothers and significant women in the lives of our students at the College a very happy Mother’s Day for Sunday May 12.  The love, care and support that mothers provide their son each day, helps foster a respect for others in a way that no one else is able to do, and for this, he will be eternally grateful.

I hope your day is filled with great love and happiness.