It was great to be able to finish the year with some meaningful prayerful experiences. The Year Group Liturgies serve as a special opportunity for each year group to come together in a meaningful way, to reflect and offer prayers of gratitude for the year that has been completed. These liturgies are a time for students to express appreciation for their personal growth, achievements, and the experiences shared with their peers throughout the year. As part of the celebration, students prepared a thoughtful presentation of images that beautifully depicted the highlights of their busy and fulfilling year at St Edward's College. The images were a vibrant reflection of their hard work, dedication, and the strong sense of community within the school. A heartfelt thank you goes out to all those who contributed their time, effort, and creativity in making these occasions so memorable and enriching for all involved. Your support and involvement helped to make these liturgies truly special.   [foogallery id="57474"]   The annual Christmas Liturgy is a cherished tradition at St Edward's College, one that brings the entire school community together in a spirit of joy, reflection, and celebration. This special occasion is marked by the communal singing of Christmas carols, with senior students and staff leading the way. A significant part of the liturgy is the farewell of staff members who are leaving the school, whether retiring or moving on to new opportunities. This moment allows the community to express their gratitude for the contributions these staff members have made to the College. At the conclusion of the liturgy, we continued the long-standing tradition of presenting Christmas hampers, which are prepared by each homeroom. These hampers, filled with food and essential items, are given to families in need, spreading the spirit of generosity and kindness during the holiday season. This year, the hampers will be donated to Coast Shelter and St Vincent de Paul, and we thank all who contributed. This annual event is a beautiful reminder of the importance of giving, compassion, and community, and it serves as a meaningful way to celebrate the Christmas season while making a positive impact in the lives of others. Mr Beacroft Director of Mission  [foogallery id="57676"]

On Wednesday 10 December the College community gathered to celebrate the outstanding achievements and dedicated efforts of our students in and outside the classroom. We recognised and acknowledged student contributions to their learning and to our wider community. The awards presented were: Learner Profile Award:  Awarded to students in the top 10% of their year based on their Learner Profile score from Terms 3 and 4. Growth Award:  This Award celebrates students who have demonstrated improvement in their Learner Profile scores. This award recognises those who are striving to reach their full potential. School Spirit Award:  Recognising students who truly embody the heart and soul of our College. This award does not focus on academic achievement or athletic prowess but a commitment to the core values and community spirit that make our school a special place. Academic Award:  Presented to the top 3% of students in each course, based on their cumulative assessment marks for Terms 3 and 4. Students receiving an academic award have shown remarkable achievement and commitment to their studies. Principal's Award for Academic Excellence:  Awarded to students who have achieved the highest standards of academic success through exceptional dedication, hard work, and intellectual curiosity. These students have consistently demonstrated outstanding performance across their studies, setting an example of excellence and inspiring those around them. In addition to the College Awards, a number of special awards honor students who make significant contributions beyond the classroom, embodying the spirit of service, leadership, and community. These awards recognise boys who go the extra mile to support others, make a positive impact, and uphold our College values. Award Recipients   [foogallery id="57508"]  

Click the YouTube link below for the latest Homeroom Edition of SECTV, hosted by Lachlan Herd and Lisitoa Paea.     [embed]https://youtu.be/ai3kyN6O73U[/embed]

Term 4 is always a hive of activity in the Performing Arts Faculty with many events that showcase the contribution of performance to the whole school experience. Here is a snapshot of what’s been going on. Year 11 Entertainment students completed their work placement at The Skilled Creative learning how to put together a podcast which was aired. The boys spent five days at the newly acquired studios in Tuggerah and were able to use state of the art audio equipment to complete this task. Rehearsals throughout Term 4 have been taking place for the Combined Carols Event, the Performing Arts Evening, Year 7-11 Practical Assessments, The Academic Awards Ceremonies and preparation for next year’s Opening Liturgy. A group of Year 9 Music and Drama students worked tirelessly under the expert guidance of Ms Atayde on a scene from “Grease” including expert choreography, acting and vocals to bring to life “Greased Lightning” for our annual Performing Arts concert "One Night in November”. “One Night in November” was held in the Theatre on 25 November and was an incredible celebration of the remarkable talent within our student body. From breathtaking solo and ensemble performances to captivating drama monologues, the evening highlighted the hard work, creativity, dedication and joy of our students. The concert was a true testament to the artistic spirit thriving within our school, and it was made possible by the unwavering support of our parents and the commitment of our staff. We extend our heartfelt thanks to all the parents, families and teachers who attended and supported the event, as well as to the teachers and staff who contributed their time and expertise to make this night a resounding success. Your encouragement and dedication are greatly appreciated! This was also a big event for the Entertainment students who crewed their first big production, displaying great teamwork. As part of the technical crew, they played a vital role behind the scenes, ensuring everything ran smoothly from lighting and sound to stage management. For many of these students, this event marked their first opportunity to work on a large-scale production, and they rose to the challenge with impressive skill and dedication. Ms Livermore was also a fantastic asset on the night proving an expert hand at capturing these performances on camera. A wonderful group of 11 young men also worked on polishing four Christmas Carols to be performed at the inaugural Combined Carols Event that took place on Friday evening 6 December, at the College ovals. Mr Toole worked tirelessly with the boys to arrange the four pieces and Mr Kane assisted with the smooth running of the evening by working side of stage along with myself to ensure all acts were set and ready to go. The spirit of unity and celebration shone through in every performance, creating a magical atmosphere that brought our community together in a shared festive celebration. The event was truly a testament to the talent, dedication, and festive spirit of everyone involved.   [foogallery id="57445"]

As advertised in the annual calendar, we will be conducting our swimming carnival on Friday 7 February at the Peninsula Leisure Centre, Woy Woy. Information regarding the carnival will be communicated to the boys at the first assembly of the 2025 school year on Monday, Week 2. Below are some important practical details regarding the carnival: Transport Normal school buses will run in the morning / afternoon and students will catch a bus from the College to the pool and back again in the afternoon. Other students may make their own way to the carnival if appropriate. All boys making their own way to the carnival need to be at the pool by 8.45am, unless they are competing in the 200m events (see next point). Any student competing in 200m races need to be at the pool by 8.30 am at the very latest. Buses will not be at the pool by 8.30 am so these students will need to make their own transport arrangements. All students requiring afternoon bus transport will return by bus to the College and catch the afternoon school buses under supervision as normal. Uniform For identification purposes, it is imperative that all students in Years 7 – 10 attend the carnival in their College sports uniform as they would do on a normal Friday. They can change into their colour house clothes at the pool. Only Years 11 and 12 are allowed to wear mufti/casual clothing. General Directions As maximum participation is the aim of the day, points will be allocated for every student entering an event. Any boy who attends the carnival is required to participate by:- Swimming in all events appropriate to his ability level; - Assisting teaching staff in conducting the carnival in some capacity ie: official duties;  For supervision purposes when boys are not in races, they are to remain in the stands grouped according to their age divisions. Only the Years 10,11 and 12 will be permitted to gather on the grassed area.  Boys need to be equally prepared for cool or warmer weather and bring appropriate sun protection ie sunscreen, as the marshalling area is outdoors. Limited canteen facilities will be available – boys are encouraged to bring their own food & drink for the day. It is imperative that students do not bring large sums of money or valuable equipment such as air pods etc. In these situations, it is impossible for the College to take responsibility for items that may go missing. As the carnival is held indoors, it will be held even in the event of obvious inclement weather. Boys who live locally or who are being picked up by their parents can leave to go home directly from the pool at the conclusion of the carnival, which should be at 2.15 pm. No boy will be permitted to leave the pool precinct prior to the conclusion of the carnival, as rolls need to be marked and the usual important formalities carried out. I particularly ask that we have parental co-operation in this matter. Parents, carers and relatives are more than welcome to attend on the day however it is recommended you bring your own chair as seating is at a premium. The College Prefects and Leaders will be required at the pool early in the day to assist with carnival set up and again at the end of the day to assist with packing up of the carnival. The co-operation of boys and their families with these guidelines will ensure that it is an enjoyable day for all in attendance  

Representative Sport Sport Events 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. Portal details update – Parents need to go in and update details (ie. Child’s school year and new school – Year 7). Check this has been done if you cannot see registration options (you should be able to). CSNSW Sport Aquathon – 19 December It’s on again!! Holiday fun time. The 2024 CSNSW Sport Aquathlon open to students in Catholic schools in NSW. NSWCCC affiliated students register through csnsw.sport portal as per usual sport registration. Thursday, 19 December 2024 Heats from 8:30am Finals from 11:30am Amour Park & Max Parker Aquatic Centre, Revesby 8 – 11 years 100m swim, 1km run 12 – 19 years 200m swim, 1.8km run Entries close 6 December $40. Late entries $55 up to 13 December More information Click Here 2025 Sport Events 2025 NSW All Schools Triathlon and Para-Triathlon - individuals Entries are now open for the 2025 NSW All Schools Triathlon for 26 February at Penrith. Individual entries are through the Sports Unit DASH system (not the CSNSW Sport portal) Entry is $60 per participant. For more information>> To REGISTER>> 2025 NSW All Schools Triathlon - School Teams 27 February 2025 at Penrith – teams of 3 – 3 age groups – Junior, Intermediate and Senior. $75 per team. Entry by school sports coordinator – through log in on CSNSW.sport portal Team Registration>> For more information  - Click Here Please see Mr Carpenter with your team, if you are interested. Term 1 Sports Individual nominated sports for Term 1 – Expression of Interest registrations will open by the end of November – including softball, baseball, tennis, volleyball – Under 15's and Under 18's, cricket – Under 19's. Look out for further updates. Related Link:  Click Here for More Information Jason Carpenter Leader of Learning Sport

Year 10 students have been participating in their alternative program, which includes work experience and school-based activities. The purpose of this program is to upskill students, enhancing their pathway knowledge and employability skills. School-based activities have included guest speakers, workshops, attendance at the University of Newcastle Experience Day, mock interview practice, a Connect and Care for Country session at Bouddi National Park, and the Illuminate Education 5-day Entrepreneurial Program. Thank you to all the teachers and administrative staff who have worked tirelessly to make this happen. [foogallery id="57199"]

Please see below for holiday contact information, stationery and back to school dates. Enrolment During the Christmas break all matters relating to enrolment vacancies and notice of withdrawal can be directed to enrolments@stedwards.nsw.edu.au. For all new enquires please see the link below: [embed]https://www.stedwards.nsw.edu.au/enrolment/enrolment-enquiry/[/embed] Commencement Dates 2025 Group Return Dates 2025 Staff Tuesday 28 January 2025 Years 7, 11 and 12 Friday 31 January 2025 Years 8, 9 and 10 Monday 3 February 2025 Stationery Year 7 will receive a book pack on their first day of school.  Years 8-12 are responsible for purchasing their own supplies. Please find the link below for stationery lists for Years 8-11 for 2025.  Year 12 should be advised by their teachers of ongoing requirements for their HSC year. [embed]https://www.stedwards.nsw.edu.au/curriculum-learning/stationery-requirements-2024/[/embed] Uniform Cowan and Lewis, our uniform supplier, is now under new management. The company has been acquired by Midford, which will continue to provide uniforms for St Edward's College students. The shopfront at Unit 3, 6 Bowen Crescent, West Gosford, will remain operational, and online ordering is still available. Please refer to the flyer below for details on how to order online.  Click here for the Midford website. Trading for 2025 will commence 6 January, the West Gosford warehouse will be open Monday to Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, except on 27 January, which is a public holiday.   Pastoral To contact the Director of Pastoral Care please email kmills@stedwards.nsw.edu.au Please be reminded that on the first day of Term 1, all students must strictly adhere to the Hair and Grooming Guidelines. See the link to the website below for more information. [embed]https://www.stedwards.nsw.edu.au/parent-community/parent-college-uniform/[/embed]   Counsellors If you do not have regular access to counselling or support services, please consider the following as alternative pathways to seeking help and support in difficult or challenging times: Mental Health Telephone Access Line – 1800 011 511  This is the access point for mental health referrals. Life Line (24hr telephone counselling service) 13 11 14 or www.lifeline.org.au Kids Helpline (24hr telephone counselling service) 1800 55 1800 or www.kidshelpline.com.au Headspace Gosford – 4304 7878 Headspace Lake Haven - 4394 9100 headspace supports young people with mild to moderate mental health concerns. Youth Health – 4356 9333 Youth Health has counselling support for young people experiencing mild to moderate mental health concerns Youth Drug and Alcohol Service - 4394 4880  Youth Drug and Alcohol Support young people with moderate to severe drug and alcohol concerns.  

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. This issue: Supporting Your Son as we Move into the Holiday Period   Click Here to View the Wellbeing Hub on the College Website.   Mr Keith Mills Director of Pastoral Care