Edmund Rice Education Australia Touchstone

Justice and Solidarity

We are committed to justice and peace for all, grounded in a spirituality of action and reflection that calls us to stand in solidarity with those who are marginalised and the Earth itself.

National Reconciliation Week

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. June 3 marks the historic 1992 Mabo decision in which the High Court of Australia recognised native title. Reconciliation must continue to live in the hearts, minds and actions of all Australians as we move forward, creating a nation strengthened by respectful relationships between the wider Australian community, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

As an Edmund Rice School, we acknowledge the traditional ownership and cultural heritage of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples of Australia and are committed to working with and walking alongside them, advocating for justice and promoting reconciliation. The following video was shared with our students at our online assembly last week, to highlight the significance of Reconciliation Week.

Throughout Semester 2 we will be embarking on the development of the College’s Reconciliation Action Plan in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people within our Central Coast community. Mr Henry Devlin, a local Aboriginal man, was employed at the start of 2020 to work with staff and students to support teachers and students in raising our awareness of the culture, history and traditions of Aboriginal people. Henry will be a key contributor in the further development of our connections with local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in the development of the College’s Reconciliation Action Plan. We look forward to presenting this plan to our whole community once developed.

Return to School

It has been wonderful to see our students and staff return to school full time from Monday June 1. The boys have certainly enjoyed the opportunity to reunite with their teachers and friends, and the College is beginning to adapt to what will be our new normal as we continue to respond to COVID-19. We are monitoring the advice received by NSW Health, CSNSW and EREA regarding activities such as excursions, Friday sport, camps and retreats. At this stage for the remainder of Term 2, most extra-curricular activities are not permissible. We will continue to keep students and families informed of changes to this advice.

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St Edward’s College TV (SECTV)

One of the very positive developments to emerge from connecting with students and families online has been the introduction of Whole School and Year Group Assemblies via Microsoft Teams. The College Prefects have demonstrated great leadership in developing the content delivered at Whole School Assemblies and their focus has been on maintaining a sense of community and the promotion of student well-being. The great success of this initiative has evolved into the development of St Edward’s College TV (SECTV), which will be launched on Friday June 5 during our Period 4 Pastoral Lesson. Mrs Jodie Connor and Mrs Josephine Emmett have worked with the students studying Entertainment, the College Prefects and our Information Services Department to establish a live broadcast which will be streamed throughout classrooms for all staff and students to view. Each episode of SECTV will be recorded and made available for all members of the community to watch. I thank Mrs Connor, Mrs Emmett and students involved for their creativity in leading this initiative.

Acknowledging Staff Service

During our normal calendar of events each year the College takes time to acknowledge the contribution of staff who have reached milestones in their service to the College. Their service would normally be acknowledged at our Founders Day Mass in May. At our first edition of SECTV on Friday June 5, we will take the opportunity to celebrate with our community the following staff members for their service.

Year 7 2021 Offers of Enrolment

The Year 7, 2021 offers of enrolment were sent to one hundred and ninety-two families across the Central Coast earlier in the week. Families have until Friday June 7 to accept this offer as outlined in the information received. Those families who were not successful in gaining enrolment in the first round, may still be offered a place if not all positions are accepted. Further information regarding the next stage of preparation for 2021 will be distributed to families at an appropriate time later in the year.

Winter Uniform Donations

Thank you to the many parents who have donated quality, clean used winter uniforms. These have continued to be brought into school since students have commenced their return and your support of this initiative is greatly appreciated. Parents who would like to express an interest in being provided with item(s) of the uniform can email info@stedwards.nsw.edu.au. All requests will be kept confidential and our Administration Staff will organise the distribution.