Archived Newsletters - St Edward's College

11.12.24

Touchstones – 11 December 2024

On Tuesday, December 10, we gathered to celebrate the academic achievements, talents, and dedication of our students at St Edward’s. The Awards Ceremony honours the hard work and commitment of boys in Years 7-11 throughout the school year.

05.12.24

Touchstones – 5 December 2024

The performing arts are an essential part of our students' overall educational experience. Many of our boys possess exceptional talents in these areas, and they are nurtured and supported by our dedicated and passionate Performing Arts faculty.

21.11.24

Touchstones – 21 November 2024

At St Edward’s, we are deeply committed to creating a supportive learning environment where all students feel welcome and cared for. Over the past two years, the majority of our staff have participated in a Mental Health First Aid course, facilitated by our qualified College Counsellors, Marcus and Terase.

07.11.24

Touchstones – 7 November 2024

Year 10 will soon embark on a three-week Work Experience and Skills Development Program, starting on Monday, November 25. This program offers students a valuable opportunity to engage with the real world and develop essential work readiness and entrepreneurial skills

24.10.24

Touchstones – 24 October 2024

Over the last school holidays Ms Terase Killin, Mr Alex Powell and Mr Alex Rozario, Harvey Olsen, Max Judd, Oscar Woolford, Max Oteiwi, Nicholas Husk, Jonte Wicks, Jaden Roesch, Logan Treble (students from Year 11) and I attended the Immersion to Nairobi, Kenya. The theme of the Immersion was Kesheni, which means ‘Stay Awake’ in Swahili.

26.09.24

Touchstones – 26 September 2024

This week we say goodbye to our Year 12 students as they conclude their formal classes and shift their focus to final preparations for the HSC Examinations. This remarkable group of young men has upheld the tradition of excellence that defines our school.

12.09.24

Touchstones – 12 September 2024

The College Founder’s Day celebration last Friday was a truly memorable event, marked by a vibrant community spirit. Staff and students came together for a day filled with enjoyable activities, all aimed at supporting our Edmund Rice partners in Kenya.

29.08.24

Touchstones – 29 August 2024

On Friday September 6 the College will be participating in our biannual Edmund Rice Founders Day. This day is set aside every second year to celebrate our Edmund Rice charism. This day highlights our commitment to the two touchstones of Inclusive Community and Justice and Solidarity

15.08.24

Touchstones – 15 August 2024

These prefects were selected through a rigorous process involving a detailed written application and student and staff voting. On Wednesday August 14, these students participated in a Leadership Induction Day at Killcare Surf Club facilitated by Mr Powell, Ms Connor, Mr Herringe and me.

01.08.24

Touchstones – 1 August 2024

On Wednesday July 24 the College Community gathered to celebrate the academic achievements of students throughout Semester 1. A new process for acknowledging student academic achievement has been introduced this year to align more closely with the College Learner Profile which was implemented throughout 2023.

04.07.24

Touchstones – 4 July 2024

On Saturday June 26 the most Reverend Bishop Anthony Randazzo celebrated Mass at St Patrick’s Parish, East Gosford during which six students from St Edward’s received the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, Reconciliation or Holy Communion.

20.06.24

Touchstones – 20 June 2024

The first of the Year 11 Street Retreats will be held next week and will once again prove to be a very challenging and insightful experience for staff and students. Visits to a variety of organisations such as the Wayside Chapel, Baptist Care and St Canice’s Church, to explore issues associated with drug addiction, mental health, domestic violence and homelessness are designed to take students out of their comfort zone and raise awareness about the plight of those at the margins of our society.

06.06.24

Touchstones – 6 June 2024

The National Reconciliation Week theme for 2024, Now More Than Ever, is a reminder to all of us that no matter what, the fight for justice and the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people will - and must - continue.

23.05.24

Touchstones – 23 May 2024

Developing leadership skills is an integral component of the educational experience offered at St Edward’s. A variety of leadership opportunities are available to students in all year levels.

09.05.24

Touchstones – 9 May 2024

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.

04.04.24

Touchstones – 4 April 2024

On Holy Thursday the St Edward’s and St Joseph’s communities came together to participate in a liturgy that highlighted the important Easter messages of love, hope and sacrifice.

21.03.24

Touchstones – 21 March 2024

As a Catholic school conducted in the traditions of Edmund Rice, it is important that we take time as a community to reflect on the important sacred stories that underpin our faith and our values. Easter and the sacred story of Jesus’ death and resurrection is one of the central Holy Days of Christianity.

07.03.24

Touchstones – 7 March 2024

An integral component of the educational experience offered to students at St Edward’s is the Years 10 to 12 Retreat Program. These programs compliment the holistic education that underpins the work that we do with our boys.

22.02.24

Touchstones – 22 February 2024

On Thursday February 22, we gathered as a community to celebrate the 2024 Commencement Mass. Father Vince, the Parish Priest from Terrigal Parish, led this special celebration.

08.02.24

Touchstones – Thursday 8 February 2024

Welcome to the first edition of Touchstones for 2024. I welcome all students and families, in particular new families to our community. We welcomed a new cohort of Year 7 students to the College, and it has been great to see how well they have already begun the transition to high school.

12.12.23

Touchstones – 12 December 2023

On Monday 11 December, we took time to celebrate the academic success and wonderful gifts and talents of our boys at St Edward’s. The awards ceremony is designed to acknowledge the application and effort of boys in Years 7-11 throughout the year.

30.11.23

Touchstones – 30 November 2023

Visual and Performing Arts play a critical role in the overall educational experience offered to our students. Many of our boys maintain wonderful gifts and talents in these domains and they are supported by the passionate and talented members of our Performing and Visual Arts faculties in developing these gifts.

16.11.23

Touchstones – 16 November 2023

St Edward’s College prides itself on partnering with families in supporting our boys in developing an understanding of core values that will guide them throughout their lives. This year, the College launched the new Learner Profile which has been used throughout the year to guide boys with their learning, and progress made in association with this Learner Profile has been reported to students and parents with each of the academic reports.

02.11.23

Touchstones – 2 November 2023

It with great pleasure that I share with our community that Mrs Juliana Dignam, College Leader of Careers and Vocational Education and Training, was awarded the Careers Advisers Association of NSW and ACT, Careers Adviser of the Year at a ceremony held in Sydney last Friday.

19.10.23

Touchstones – 19 October 2023

As a member of the Edmund Rice Education Australia network of schools, St Edward’s is required to participate in a process of Cultural Renewal. The purpose of the Renewal Process is to provide the College with feedback in the form of commendations and recommendations in relation to how the College is fulfilling its responsibilities

21.09.23

Touchstones – 21 September 2023

This week we farewell our Year 12 students as they complete their formal classes and begin their final preparation for the HSC Examinations. This group of fine young men have continued the strong tradition of excellence in relation to their commitment to achieve their personal best

07.09.23

Touchstones – 7 September 2023

On Tuesday September 5, we gathered as a community to acknowledge the appointment of the newly elected prefects for 2023/24. We also took time to thank the outgoing Prefects for their wonderful contribution to the life of the College during their term of appointment.

24.08.23

Touchstones – 24 August 2023

It is with immense pleasure that I announce the following students as Prefect Leaders for the 2023/2024 School Year. These prefects were selected through a rigorous process involving a detailed written application and student and staff voting.

10.08.23

Touchstones – 10 August 2023

I am honoured to announce to our community that Mrs Juliana Dignam, the College Leader of Learning in Careers/VET Education, has been nominated as a finalist for the NSW/ACT Careers Adviser of the Year award.

27.07.23

Touchstones – 27 July 2023

On Wednesday July 19, the College Community gathered to celebrate the academic achievements of students throughout Semester One. Students received awards in the following three categories: Consistent Effort, Academic Achievement and Outstanding Academic Achievement. Students who received a Consistent Effort Award have been nominated by their teachers for their continued application and effort across all their subjects.

29.06.23

Touchstones – 29 June 2023

On Thursday June 15, the College held a Musical Performance Night to mark the 70th Anniversary of the College. The evening, which was held in the Edmund Rice Centre, was a huge success, providing an opportunity for past and current students to perform musical items.

15.06.23

Touchstones 15 June 2023

The first of the Year 11 Street Retreats will be held next week and will once again prove to be a very challenging and insightful experience for staff and students. Visits to a variety of organisations such as the Wayside Chapel, Baptist Care and St Canice’s Church, to explore issues associated with drug addiction, mental health, domestic violence and homelessness are designed to take students out of their comfort zone and raise awareness about the plight of those at the margins of our society

01.06.23

Touchstones – 1 June 2023

Reconciliation Week is a time to learn about our shared histories, cultures and achievements and to explore how each of us can contribute in a positive way to achieving reconciliation in Australia. The theme for this year’s Reconciliation Week is “Be a Voice for Generations”.

18.05.23

Touchstones – 18 May 2023

We are honoured to share that our college has been invited to the EREBB Schools for World Congress in Dublin this year, and we are proud to have Mr. Bonnici representing our school as EREA school leaders from around the world gather to explore the theme of "Educating with Hope in Our Hearts and Hands".

04.05.23

Touchstones – 4 May 2023

Most Reverend Bishop Anthony Randazzo of Broken Bay joined us on Thursday April 27, along with Father Greg from St Patrick’s Parish, to celebrate Blessed Edmund Rice Founder’s Day. This year’s Eucharistic celebration was of even more significance as we took the opportunity to also celebrate the College’s 70th anniversary as a school.

06.04.23

Touchstones – 6 April 2023

As a Catholic school conducted in the traditions of Edmund Rice, it is important that we take time as a community to reflect on the important sacred stories that underpin our faith and our values. Easter and the sacred story of Jesus’ death and resurrection is one of the central Holy days of Christianity.

23.03.23

Touchstones – 23 March 2023

An integral component of the educational experience offered to students at St Edward’s is the Years 10 to 12 Retreat Program. These programs complement the holistic education that underpins the work we do with our boys

09.03.23

Touchstones – 9 March 2023

We are constantly working with and encouraging our boys to develop greater control and responsibility for their learning. The move to a learning conference approach over the last few years is an important strategy employed by the College to support our boys in developing this greater autonomy. Throughout this week, teachers are working with students on establishing learning goals for each subject.

23.02.23

Touchstones – 23 February 2023

On Thursday February 16, we gathered as a community to celebrate the 2023 Commencement Mass. Father Greg, Parish Priest from St Patrick’s East Gosford, led this special celebration as we began the commemoration of the 70th Anniversary of St Edward’s College.

09.02.23

Touchstones – 9 February 2023

I welcome all students and families to the start of the 2023 school year. We welcomed a new cohort of Year 7 students to the College and it has been great to see how well they have already begun the transition to high school. We have an exciting year ahead, with a number of initiatives that have been in the planning stage to be implemented this year as we continue our school improvement journey.

15.12.22

Touchstones – 15 December 2022

On Tuesday December 13, we took time to celebrate the academic success and wonderful gifts and talents of our boys at St Edward’s. The Awards ceremony is designed to acknowledge the application and effort of boys in Years 7-11 throughout the year.

01.12.22

Touchstones – 1 December

We are pleased to be able to invite families to attend our Annual Awards Assembly which will be held in the Edmund Rice Centre on Tuesday December 13 from 9.00am to 11.00am. The outstanding work of students in many domains of College life will be celebrated at this event.

17.11.22

Touchstones – 17 November 2022

It has been very pleasing after the interruption caused by the pandemic to see our boys attend camps again this year. Year 9 attended their camp in Term 2, while Years 7, 8 and 10 have been organised for this term. The College Outdoor Education program provides our boys with physical, emotional and social learning experiences which are enjoyable, while at times taking them out of their comfort zone.

03.11.22

Touchstones – 3 November 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic has prevented members of the St Edward’s community from participating in the annual immersion program to Nairobi, Kenya. Although this has been very disappointing, we have maintained a connection with the Mary Rice Centre and the Edmund Rice Advocacy team that work in the Kibera slum in Nairobi.

20.10.22

Touchstones – 20 October 2022

I am very grateful to have been provided with the opportunity to participate in Professional Renewal Leave throughout Term 3. It was a wonderful experience in which I travelled throughout various regions of our beautiful country taking time to relax but also visit a range of schools to learn new ideas.

23.09.22

Touchstones – 22 September 2022

This week saw the conclusion of formal classes for our Year 12 students. Whilst there is still much to complete, with exams and final assessments, there is no doubt this is a significant milestone in every young man’s life. During one of our year group pastoral meetings, I urged the boys to remember that they were not done yet

08.09.22

Touchstones – 8 September 2022

National Child Protection Week (4-10 September) is an annual event starting on the first Sunday of September. This year’s theme ‘Every child, in every community, needs a fair go’ aims to spread the message that to treat all of Australia’s children fairly, we need to make sure every family and community has what kids need to thrive and be healthy.

25.08.22

Touchstones – 25 August 2022

As a boys’ only College, there is a significant focus within our work on growing boys into quality young men. In this regard I have long respected the work of Arne Rubinstein, who writes extensively on the transition of young people successfully making a safe, healthy transition into adulthood – especially boys.

11.08.22

Touchstones – 11 August 2022

In recent years I have become passionate about how schools prepare young people to deal with the ups and downs that life throws their way. How can we make sure that our young people who leave the school gates at the end of their schooling have a tool kit that allows them to deal with the inevitable pit falls of life, but similarly recognise when things are going well so that they remain humble and not get carried away?

28.07.22

Touchstones – 28 July 2022

I sometimes hear sports coaches at their post-match press conference questioned about why was it that their team was defeated in a game they were expected to win. Invariably the theme of their response is, 'we just didn't show up today' or 'we just weren't switched on'.

29.06.22

Touchstones – 30 June 2022

We have commenced planning the next stage of the College Building Master Plan with our next project being the refurbishment of some of our existing Science Laboratories. We have visited schools to obtain ideas and are working with PMDL Architectural firm

16.06.22

Touchstones – 16 June 2022

St Edward’s is dedicated to nurturing and encouraging the spiritual growth of each person, providing opportunities for our young men to deepen their faith and spirituality, through reflection, prayer, sacred stories, rituals and the sacraments.

02.06.22

Touchstones – 3 May 2022

Reconciliation week marks a very important time each year in the life of our nation and our school. Throughout this week we reconfirmed our commitment as a College, to continue to learn more about our true history, our shared histories, cultures and achievements and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.

19.05.22

Touchstones – 19 May 2022

Year 12 students participated in their annual Retreat throughout Week 3. This thought-provoking experience in some ways is the culmination of the formation opportunities offered to the young men of St Edward’s. Students spend three days at the Edmund Rice Retreat Centre at Mulgoa and are provided with time to reflect on their values in relation to themselves, their relationships with others and on their sense of spirituality and relationship with God.

05.05.22

Touchstones – 5 May 2022

Students are encouraged to continue to challenge themselves to be the best they can be in living up to the values that we hold so deeply at St Edward’s – service, compassion, inclusivity, peace, justice and solidarity with those at the margins. For it is being strong and steadfast in the pursuit of these values that we remain true to the rich traditions of our founder Blessed Edmund Rice and the many Christian Brothers, staff and students that have gone before us.

07.04.22

Touchstones – 7 April 2022

It was wonderful to be able to invite our new Year 7 families to an information evening on Wednesday March 30. The purpose of the evening was to welcome families to our community and provide them with information regarding the educational program offered at St Edward’s.

24.03.22

Touchstones – 24 March 2022

St Edward’s provides many opportunities for students to develop and demonstrate leadership skills both within the school and externally within the community. The Student Leadership program which has been established in recent years is a wonderful way in which students who wish can challenge themselves to step out of their comfort zone and be representatives of the student body

10.03.22

Touchstones – 10 March 2022

It was wonderful to receive the updated advice from NSW Health and CSNSW recently regarding the relaxation of many of the protocols associated with COVID-19. The removal of mandatory mask wearing and cohorting in particular allows us to return to implementing many of the important community activities that are so important in building school spirit, a sense of belonging and the reinforcement of the important values that we promote at the College.

24.02.22

Touchstones – 24 February 2022

On Wednesday March 2 we will celebrate the beginning of the season of Lent with an Ash Wednesday presentation. Ash Wednesday is one of the most important holy days in the liturgical calendar. Ash Wednesday takes place forty-six days before Easter Sunday, and opens Lent, a season of fasting and prayer.

10.02.22

Touchstones – 10 February 2022

I welcome all students and families to the start of the 2022 school year. Once again, this year we are challenged by new protocols and restrictions in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and I am pleased to report that even with the uncertainty that still may exist, it has been a very smooth start to the year.

09.12.21

Touchstones – 9 December 2021

On the evening of Friday December 3, we gathered to farewell our Year 12 graduating class. The celebration included a Graduating Liturgy and Award Ceremony. It was so pleasing after the difficult year that our Year 12 students have experienced that we could farewell them in an appropriate way marking the end of their six years with us.

25.11.21

Touchstones – 25 November 2021

The staff at St Edward’s take our role seriously in fostering the leadership potential of students at the College. We participate in and implement a range of initiatives that are designed to provide students with a voice and develop and grow their own leadership potential in a safe and supportive way.

11.11.21

Touchstones – 11 November 2021

On Wednesday November 3 we celebrated the appointment of the 2021/22 Prefects with a Mass and special blessing at St Patrick’s Parish Church in East Gosford. It gave me great pleasure to announce the newly elected Captain and Vice Captains as part of this ceremony.

28.10.21

Touchstones 29 October 2021

As we commence the return of the students to face-to-face teaching, I would like to take the opportunity to thank the wonderful people that make up our St Edward’s Community. The COVID-19 pandemic has again provided great challenges to society, but no more than in the lives of the young people in our care.

14.10.21

Touchstones – 14 October 2021

We are looking forward to the commencement of students returning to school from Monday October 18 commencing with Year 12. The plan for this staged return which was released earlier in the week has adopted the protocols that have been established by the NSW Government and Catholic Schools NSW.

16.09.21

Touchstones – 16 September 2021

The EREA Climate Crisis Statement was launched on 19 August 2021. The Statement speaks to us with hope and optimism grounded in a call for renewed and reimagined action. It has been developed over 18 months through consultation with over 1600 young people from EREA schools and various other members of our school communities.

02.09.21

Touchstones – 2 September 2021

The recent announcement by the NSW Government regarding the extension of Home-Based Learning into Term 4 will naturally be a cause of concern for parents, carers and students. Our greatest challenge with this announcement is ensuring that we can support our boys in maintaining motivation and remaining engaged in their learning and promoting positive wellbeing.

19.08.21

Touchstones – 19 August 2021

As we enter week six of Home Based Learning, it is pleasing to see how our boys are responding to the challenges of working independently online. All students’ experience of Home-Based Learning will be different. Some will have days in which they are engaged, while at other times they may find it far more difficult to maintain motivation.

05.08.21

Touchstones – 5 August 2021

Hopefully all families have had time to read and comprehend the plan for the continuation of Home-Based Learning up until the end of Week 7. We hope that we will be in a position within NSW that we can commence a reintegration of students back to face-to-face learning and our lives will begin to return to some normality.

22.07.21

Touchstones – 22 July 2021

Who would have thought when we finished school for our term break in June, that we would be commencing Term 3 with Home-Based Learning? When we reflect on our experiences from last year, we know that our boys stepped up to the challenge of having to work online from home. Whereas we understand that it is challenging and certainly does not replicate the rich learning experiences possible in a face-to face learning environment,

24.06.21

Touchstones – 24 June 2021

Listening to the voice of our young people is a critical component in the development of our approach to the learning experiences offered in this domain. Our Year 12 Prefects recently invited the St Joseph Year 12 Prefects to a breakfast meeting

27.05.21

Touchstones – 27 May 2021

The year 2021 marks the bicentenary of Catholic Education in Australia. On Monday May 24, Father Paul from East Gosford Parish celebrated Mass in the Edmund Rice Centre with staff and students from St Patrick’s Primary School, St Joseph’s Catholic College and St Edward’s College to commemorate the long and proud tradition of Catholic Schools in delivering a high-quality, faith-based, holistic education to the young people in our care.

13.05.21

Touchstones – 13 May 2021

Year 12 students participated in their annual Retreat throughout Week 3. In some ways, this thought-provoking experience is the culmination of the formation opportunities offered to the young men of St Edward’s. Students spend three days at the Edmund Rice Retreat Centre at Mulgoa and are provided with time to reflect on their values in relation to themselves, their relationships with others and on their sense of spirituality and relationship with God.

29.04.21

Touchstones – 29 April 2021

Father Vince from Star of the Sea Parish in Terrigal will join us on Friday April 30 to celebrate the Eucharist in commemoration of Blessed Edmund Rice Founders Day. At this celebration, we acknowledge that we are very fortunate to be members of a wonderfully supportive and caring community.

01.04.21

Touchstones – 1 April 2021

Easter and the sacred story of Jesus’ death and resurrection is the most important Christian festival and the one that is celebrated with great passion. As Christians, we believe that Christ undertook suffering and death willingly on our behalf, in obedience to God the Father

18.03.21

Touchstones – 18 March 2021

St Edward’s College holds at the very heart of its foundation a commitment to the promotion of respectful and inclusive relationships. We are in a unique position as an all-boys school to foster in our young men a deep understanding of the role that they play in working alongside the women in their life in becoming part of the solution to the inequities that exist in society today.

04.03.21

Touchstones – 4 March 2021

The College has introduced an opportunity for students in Years 8-11 to participate in a leadership role within the school with the introduction of a Leadership program titled “Be the Voice”. This program is an initiative of the Pastoral Team and is led by our Deputy Principal Mr Jay Sutton and Director of Pastoral Care Mr Paul English.

18.02.21

Touchstones – 18 February 2021

We gathered as a community on Tuesday February 9 to celebrate the Commencement Mass to begin the school year. We thank Father Greg for joining us in this celebration. This important event provides the opportunity for us to unite in prayer for the year ahead, asking the Lord for guidance, courage and resilience in the pursuit of our own goals as individuals and as a community in striving to be the best we can be.

04.02.21

Touchstones – 4 February 2021

Welcome to all our new families to the St Edward's College community. We are very excited about the year that lies ahead, the challenges of last year when we all had to adapt and respond to the every changing social landscape due to COVID-19, provided us with an opportunity to grow, learn and try new approaches to the way in which we teach, communicate with families and organise our day to day operations. We are very thankful to families for the support they have given us during what has been a difficult period.

03.12.20

Touchstones – 3 December 2020

It is with great sadness that I inform members of our community of the passing of Wendy Weir, the College’s Property Maintenance Supervisor on Saturday November 28. Wendy was inspirational to all who knew her for the way in which she battled cancer over a fourteen-year period, never complaining or asking for special consideration.

19.11.20

Touchstones – 19 November 2020

NAIDOC Week celebrations have been held across Australia from November 8-15 to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. NAIDOC originally stood for ‘National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee’. This committee was once responsible for organising national activities during NAIDOC Week and its acronym has since become the name of the week itself.

05.11.20

Touchstones – 5 November 2020

St Edward’s College has established a close working relationship with St Patrick’s Parish over several years. One of the highlights of this relationship is the preparation of students each year to receive the sacraments of Baptism, Reconciliation, Confirmation and the Eucharist. Mr Tony Beacroft, the College Director of Mission and Identity, works with boys, families, Father Greg and Father Paul in gaining an understanding of these important Catholic celebrations of faith.

22.10.20

Touchstones – 22 October 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic has created many challenges for us this year as a school community but we have continued to learn and grow, constantly striving to provide the best quality care and education for the young men of St Edward’s, in alignment with the principles which underpin the College Aspiration Statement.

24.09.20

Touchstones – 24 September 2020

St Edward’s College takes great pride and appreciates the important responsibility we have as a community in supporting families in building good young men of the future.

10.09.20

Touchstones 10 September 2020

National Child Protection is being celebrated this year from September 6 to September 12. Under this year’s theme of Putting Children First we are invited to look at how we can prioritise the children in our lives and throughout our communities as individuals, as part of families, organisations, communities and society.

27.08.20

Touchstones – 27 August 2020

Thursday 27 August will be the first of two evenings set aside for students, parents and teachers to participate in online Learning Conferences. This initiative has emerged out of the learnings that we have gained from using online platforms to engage with students and parents in response to COVID-19.

13.08.20

Touchstones – 13 August 2020

It is with great pleasure that I announce the following students as Prefect Leaders for the 2020/2021 school year. These prefects were selected through a rigorous process involving a detailed written application and student and staff voting. On Wednesday August 12 Mr McCauley, Mrs Emmett, Mr Herringe and I will lead these boys through a Leadership Induction Day at Avoca Surf Club.

30.07.20

Touchstones – 30 July 2020

We are continuing to respond to the constantly changing landscape as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The adversity that we have faced within our community throughout this year have not been experienced in our lifetime. Although it has been very challenging, we are continually working hard to ensure we are learning from the experience from a teaching, learning and operational perspective.

02.07.20

Touchstones – 2 July 2020

This week we farewelled the Christian Brothers from the St Edward’s site to take up residence in Sydney. The Central Coast community will be forever indebted to the work of the Brothers in providing a wonderfully rich Catholic education, founded in the charism of Edmund Rice, for so many young men.

18.06.20

Touchstones – 18 June 2020

Our world is changing rapidly and being able to equip young people to not only deal with these changes, but be co-creators of a better world, is at the very heart of our vision as an Edmund Rice School. Providing a liberating education that engages students in teaching and learning experiences that are authentic

04.06.20

Touchstones – 4 June 2020

National Reconciliation Week (NRW) was celebrated across the nation from Wednesday May 27 to Wednesday June 3. These dates commemorate two significant milestones in the Reconciliation journey. May 27 marks the anniversary of the 1967 referendum when Australians voted to remove clauses in the Australian Constitution that discriminated against Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

21.05.20

Touchstones – 21 May 2020

As we begin to prepare for the return of our boys to full time face-to-face learning, I would like to share with you some of my own reflections and learnings in response to the challenges that we have faced in response to COVID – 19. The staff of St Edward’s pride ourselves on the commitment we maintain to providing a liberating education which challenges our boys to be the best they can be.

07.05.20

Touchstones – 7 May 2020

Due to the difficult financial situation faced by many families and lack of lead in time to organise a winter uniform, the following uniform requirements apply for Terms 2 and 3. Uniform Terms 2 and 3: Due to the difficult financial situation faced by many families and lack of lead in time to organise a winter uniform, the following uniform requirements apply for Terms 2 and 3.

02.04.20

Touchstones – 2 April 2020

Who would have thought at the beginning of the year we would be facing such challenging times. A little uncertain, a little anxious and possibly even scared for our loved ones who are faced with this dreaded virus. My message today however, is one of hope and reassurance.

19.03.20

Touchstones – 19 March 2020

At a recent assembly the Prefects and Leaders of the Spirituality, Liturgy and Social Justice Portfolio presented a powerful presentation to launch their school wide health promotion campaign to raise awareness about adolescent and male mental health.

05.03.20

Touchstones – 5 March 2020

St Edward’s College is committed to ensuring that we establish a safe and welcoming environment for the young men in our care. We aim to develop respectful relationships within a culture wherein protecting children and young people from harm, and the promotion of child safety, participation, empowerment and wellbeing, is embedded in the everyday thinking and practice of all our staff.

20.02.20

Touchstones – 20 February 2020

We gathered as a community on Tuesday February 11 to celebrate the Commencement Mass to begin the school year. We thank Father Greg and Deacon Paul, for joining us in this celebration. This important event provides the opportunity for us to unite in prayer for the year ahead, asking the Lord for guidance, courage and resilience in the pursuit of our own goals as individuals and as a community.

06.02.20

Touchstones – 6 February 2020

Welcome to the first edition of Touchstones for the year. It is with great excitement that we commence the 2020 school year and welcome all staff and students back to school after what has hopefully been a relaxing and enjoyable holiday break. I would like to welcome the new Year 7 cohort and other new students and families who have joined the St Edward’s community this year.

05.12.19

Touchstones – 5 December 2019

As an Edmund Rice School with a proud tradition of providing a quality Catholic education, we are continually challenging, nurturing and inspiring young men to be the best they can be. We strive to offer an innovative and liberating education, based on gospel spirituality, within an inclusive community committed to justice and solidarity.

21.11.19

Touchstones – 21 November 2019

Throughout 2019, the Pastoral Team led by Deputy Principal, Mr Jay Sutton and Director of Pastoral Care, Mr Paul English conducted a review of the Pastoral Care system to ensure that the strategies that we employ in this domain are grounded in current research and reflect the values and philosophy inherent in the Touchstones, Inclusive Community.

07.11.19

Touchstones – 7 November 2019

The NSW Education Standards Authority have conducted a preliminary review of the current NSW Curriculum and have identified that there is a need for significant change if we are to truly serve the needs of preparing our young people for meaningful adult employment and effective citizenship in the years ahead. The consultation to date provided teachers with an opportunity to provide feedback about the current curriculum, with some common themes emerging.

24.10.19

Touchstones – 24 October 2019

Over the last school holidays Mrs Meagan Armstrong, Mr David Ritchie, Joshua Armstrong, Aidan Davis, Kai Darwin, Joseph Hussein, Aaron Judd, Daniel Pearce, Jackson Robb, (students from Year 11) and I attended the annual Immersion to Nairobi, Kenya.

26.09.19

Touchstones – 26 September 2019

Throughout 2019, the College has embarked on the process of developing the 2020-2025 Strategic Plan. An important aspect of this process is the collection of feedback to assist in developing this plan for ongoing school improvement. Parents, student and staff surveys, student focus groups and the College Board Strategic Planning Day are some of the avenues in which feedback has been obtained.

12.09.19

Touchstones – 12 September 2019

St Edward’s College is very fortunate to be a member of an international network of schools and ministries under the banner of Edmund Rice Education Beyond Borders (EREBB). This network is committed to the education of young people from many different faiths and cultures, in over twenty countries throughout the world.

29.08.19

Touchstones – 29 August 2019

It is with great pleasure that I launch the St Edward’s College Building Master Plan. This master plan is the culmination of an extensive consultation process, gathering ideas from many members of the College community including staff, students, Board members and parents.

15.08.19

Touchstones – 15 August 2019

A Prefect Investiture Mass will be held on Thursday September 5. At this Mass, we will acknowledge our outgoing prefects for their work over the last year and officially present the newly elected prefects to the college community. The College Captain and Vice Captains for the 2019 / 2020 school year will also be announced to the college community.

01.08.19

Touchstones – 1 August 2019

In the September/October school holiday’s, seven Year 11 students will be accompanying Mrs Meagan Armstrong, Mr David Ritchie and myself to the St Edward’s College annual immersion to Nairobi Kenya. The Year 11 students attending are: Josh Armstrong, Kai Darwin, Aiden Davis, Joseph Hussein, Aaron Judd, Daniel Pearce, and Jackson Robb. The theme of the tour is Kesheni, which means ‘Stay Awake’ in Swahili.

04.07.19

Touchstones – 4 July 2019

I take great pleasure in visiting classrooms on a regular basis to experience the wonderful opportunities provided to students to assist them in their learning. Recently I spent a morning visiting a range of classes to get a sense of a day in the life of students at St Edward’s. These visits provided me with a great sense of joy and pride that we are working hard to live up to the Touchstone, Liberating Education.

20.06.19

Touchstones – 20 June 2019

One of the key missions of the College is to foster the spiritual growth of all members of the community. Each year students who have not yet received the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation or The Eucharist are invited to participate in a preparation process to receive these sacraments. It is always pleasing to see young men at St Edward’s make the conscious decision themselves to join the Catholic family by taking steps to receive these sacraments.

06.06.19

Touchstones – 6 June 2019

National Reconciliation Week (NRW) is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia. As an Edmund Rice School, we are committed to the achievement of authentic reconciliation, justice and equity through acknowledgement and practice of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowing.

23.05.19

Touchstones – 23 May 2019

Year 12 students participated in their annual Retreat throughout week 3. This thought-provoking experience, in some ways, is the culmination of the formation opportunities offered to the young men of St Edward’s. Students spend three days at the Edmund Rice Retreat Centre at Mulgoa and are provided with time to reflect on their values in relation to themselves, their relationships with others and on their sense of spirituality and relationship with God.

09.05.19

Touchstones – 9 May 2019

It is with great sadness that I share with the St Edward’s community the passing of Br Anthony Denis Cusack aged 91, on Tuesday April 23. Br Denis joined St Edward’s in 1993 and has served the Gosford community tirelessly in an administration support role until December 2018. Br Denis joined the Christian Brothers as a Juniorate in 1942, at the age of fourteen and became a Novitiate in 1945 at just seventeen years of age.

04.04.19

Touchstones – 4 April 2019

As a catholic school conducted in the traditions of Edmund Rice, it is important that we take time as a community to reflect on the important sacred stories that underpin our faith and our values. Easter and the sacred story of Jesus’ death and resurrection is the most important Christian festival that is celebrated with great passion.

21.03.19

Touchstones – 21 March 2019

On Friday March 15, schools across the nation participated in events to promote the National Day of Action against Bullying and Violence. Senior students from the College delivered a moving presentation at our Friday assembly, highlighting the impact that bullying can have on young people.

07.03.19

Touchstones – 7 March 2019

As a Catholic community, we are experiencing a time of great distress due to the recent events involving the conviction of Cardinal George Pell our country’s most senior Catholic cleric. The verdict of guilt by the courts would no doubt raise great questions within our community, the wider community and across the nation.

21.02.19

Touchstones – 21 February 2019

We gathered as a community on Tuesday February 12 to celebrate the Commencement Mass to begin the school year. This important event provides the opportunity for us to unite in prayer for the year ahead, asking the Lord for guidance, courage and resilience in the pursuit of our own goals as individuals and as a community. Our theme for this celebration was ‘Be the best that you can be’. We have all been blessed by God with certain talents and gifts, and students were challenged throughout this celebration to use their talents to be the best of their ability.

07.02.19

Touchstones – 7 February 2019

would like to wish a warm welcome to all members of the St Edward’s community to the start of what will be an exciting 2019 school year. In particular, I would like to welcome all new families to our community. One hundred and ninety-two Year 7 students began their journey at St Edward’s last Thursday, and they were warmly welcomed by the whole school at an assembly on Friday.