The Parent Support Line is available to parents of St Edward's College students. The Support Line allows parents to book a phone consultation with one of the College Counsellors, it is a safe place that provides support for parents regarding issues they may be experiencing themselves or with their son/s. Parents are encouraged to reach out and know that support is readily available to them. Click the help image below to book a suitable time for a College Counsellor to call you.

All families are aware of the integral nature of the St Edward’s College Waterford Community Service program in the development of selflessness and care for others, in our boys. We believe that the current challenges we are faced with regarding isolation can also provide our boys with a great opportunity to complete their Waterford hours providing care and support for members of their family. For 2020, we encourage boys to complete fifteen Waterford hours in the home. Possible activities could include: contacting grandparents, family friends, isolated people or elderly neighbours to check on them, mowing lawns and gardening maintenance, helping siblings with reading, homework/schoolwork and spending time playing in the backyard with them, learning to cook and preparing meals for the family, cleaning the home (not just their own room), looking after younger siblings if parents are at work or shopping, or connecting with family and friends overseas therefore focusing on communication as a means to deal with social isolation. Parents are asked to sign off on their son’s community service hours on the summary sheet available on the College Website or below. Fundraising is another way students can achieve Waterford hours.  Some examples of fundraising may include supporting local groups Lifeline, Coast Shelter as well as overseas communities who are suffering from the effects of COVID-19.  Students will receive 1 Waterford hour for every $5 raised.  Further further information about this please contact Mr Pat Dell, Leader of Learning - Social Justice on pdell@stedwards.nsw.edu.au Other opportunities by participating in The Salvation Army's Red Shield Digital Door Knock can be found below: Click here for more information about The Salvation Army's Digital Door Knock     Clothing and food donations to the Smith Family, Coast Shelter, St Vincent de Paul and other charity organisations is another way to earn Waterford hours.  One bag or box of food equals one Waterford hour, parents can record donations on the Summary Sheet. Waterford-Project-Summary-Sheet  

Thrive Inside with a Smiling Mind We're here to help you remain inspired, stay connected and foster good mental habits during the Coronavirus crisis. Thrive Inside is a special initiative to help you stay calm and healthy in the physical constraints of your home,  while remaining calm and healthy inside your mind. Since lockdowns were imposed there has been a huge surge in people using the Thrive Inside app. Click Here for More Information and Link to the Website  

As part of their learning, Year 8 Religion students have been closely examining the Life and Times of Jesus. Rather than write about it, the boys were encouraged to prove what they know in a visual format. They were introduced to the concept of Storyboarding and used some software to create their own cartoon strip of one of the parts of Jesus’ life. Others used Powerpoint or various software tools and the results are fantastic! They were able to delve more deeply into their own knowledge of the life of Jesus while having fun at the same time. Great work, boys! Click the Links Below for Samples of Year 8 Work Storyboard of Jesus (1)   Storyboard of Jesus (2)   Storyboard of Jesus (3)   Storyboard of Jesus (4)   Storyboard of Jesus (5)   Storyboard of Jesus (6)   Storyboard of Jesus (7)   Storyboard of Jesus (8)   Storyboard of Jesus (9)   Storyboard of Jesus (10)   Storyboard of Jesus (11)      

Year 7 Creature Drawings Year 7 have been working hard at home being creative in their online lessons. Students have been working on Drawing Technique tasks developing their drawing skills. Using these skills, students have created beautiful tonal drawings. The drawings were created by appropriating images from Graeme Base’s Uno’s Garden and incorporating their own fantasy creature.   [smallgallery fooid="25063"]

Year 7 Ceramics In Term 1, Year 7 were hard at work creating ceramic creatures that were inspired by their study  of Graeme Base’s picture book Uno’s Garden. The works demonstrate their creative talents and amazing artmaking skills. The photos of individual works show the students’ works wet on completion. The other 2 photos show the works last week in the kiln after the bisque firing. The works are ready for the students, when they return to school, to decorate with glaze and take home to share with their families. [smallgallery fooid="25071"]    

Please click the link below to view a promotional video from the Visual Arts Faculty.   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qXa6yqU1T8U

St Edward's students have been working hard in French making cooking demonstration videos, PowerPoint presentations and re-visiting French songs, listen to some wonderful examples of our students conversing and singing in French.   Year 8 In Term 1, students learnt how to present themselves in French. They created a PowerPoint, imagining that they were taking part in a cultural exchange and they were presenting themselves to their French host student. They also presented themselves during an activity undertaken in class, where they recorded themselves conversing in pairs.   Ari - Speech to My Family   Aidan - Speech to My Family   Joshua - Speech to My Family   Archie - French Presentation   Christopher - French Presentation   Tim - French Presentation   Seth - French Presentation   Year 9 In Term 1, students learnt how to describe people and themselves. They created a bilingual video imagining that a French exchange student came to St Edward's College for a cultural exchange. [embed]https://youtu.be/Ezjv8sQkHKo[/embed]   Year 10 Students have studied a famous French artist “Stromae” and have re-visited his songs and created a bilingual music video.  Year 10 students have also made a cooking demonstration video of a typical French dish. [embed]https://youtu.be/eb5OSgM1BZA[/embed]     [embed]https://youtu.be/ZxD0UCsOpUQ[/embed]   [embed]https://youtu.be/H3N28jZLc0U[/embed]

These are challenging times for students, educators and parents alike, with a rapidly changing education landscape to navigate in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. In parents supplementing what teachers do, the focus is on helping their children in their readiness for learning, ensuring they are prepared and focused for the lesson. Importantly, parents aren’t expected to deliver material or content. For more information see the link below: Strategies for Home Supported Learning   Betty Kiekebosch Leader of Learning Diverse Learning bkiekebosch@stedwards.nsw.edu.au

School Sport Australia (SSA) The Board of School Sport Australia (SSA) has decided that due to the COVID-19 outbreak and subsequent restriction on school sport programs, all SSA Championships for the rest of the year are cancelled. This includes: 14 Years and Under Boys and Girls Australian Football - Darwin, NT - 8 to 15 August Combined (12 Years & Under and 18 Years & Under) Boys and Girls Basketball - Bendigo, Vic - 15 to 21 August 10 to 19 Years Boys and Girls Cross Country - Adelaide, SA - 21 to 24 August 10 to 19 Boys and Girls Years Diving - Brisbane, Qld - 21 to 27 November 16 Years & Under Boys Football - Sydney, NSW - 13 to 18 September 18 Years & Under Boys and Girls Golf - Bellarine Peninsula, Vic - 23 to 28 August 12 Years & Under Boys and Girls Hockey - Canberra, ACT - 16 to 21 August 16 Years & Under Boys and Girls Hockey - Hobart, Tas - 1 to 8 August 13 to 19 Years Boys and Girls Swimming - Brisbane, Qld - 5 to 9 August 15 Years & Under) Boys and Girls Touch Football - Wagga Wagga, NSW - 1 to 6 November 15 Years & Under Boys and Girls Volleyball - Brisbane, Qld - 15 to 21 August CSNSW (CCC) Sport: Please continue to monitor the CSNSW sport website for updates and the most current information regarding suspended events. Refunds will be processed as soon as possible from the Catholic Schools Office for all NSWCCC Sports that have been paid. A few parents have emailed, but if you could update the parents whose children have been selected in our events (Touch and Rugby League) I would appreciate it. NSWCCC have suspended events up until 12 June 2020, including the NSWCCC Football Championships at Valentine Park. We are also currently suspending: NSWCCC Junior Basketball Championships NSWCCC Open Basketball Championships NSWCCC Knockout Football CSNSW Sport Website   Broken Bay (BBSSSA) Sport: All Broken Bay Secondary Sport events in Term 2 are suspended, with the hope that we can reschedule some for later in the year. Broken Bay will not make any decisions regarding Term 3 sport until there is a more accurate understanding of the COVID-19 situation. Term 2 BBSSSA Events  

See the links below for virtual career pathways talks and expos available to students and parents   YouTube Link to View Talks       Click here for more information   Click Here to Register   Details: 12pm to 8pm (AEST) ·         Explore the Virtual Careers Expo Hall ·         Visit more than 50 stands hosted by exhibitors from across the country ·         Talk to staff and student ambassadors through text or video chat ·         Head to the Webcast Hub for live and on-demand video presentations ·         Meet other students in our virtual social lounge ·         Explore the virtual campus ·         Attend from the comfort of your own home (or school) ·         Learn more about how COVID-19 will affect your school year  

NSW Early Entry Programs  

See the links below for the latest apprenticeship and scholarship opportunities.   [embed]https://www.stedwards.nsw.edu.au/curriculum-learning/careers-and-vocational-education/careers-news/[/embed]

The University of Newcastle has a YouTube channel with clips about University life. The short clips are for students and parents who are interested in getting more information about life at the University.  See the links below for the YouTube channel and some others that may be of interest.   University of Newcastle YouTube Channel Link    Applying for UAC  Indigenous Early Entry Scheme  Ma & Morley Scholarship  Shaping Futures Scholarship Fund (equity based scholarships)   Open Foundation Pathway   Click the link below for Newcastle University's Digital Resources and Events including HSC Subject Support Sessions, Webinar Sessions for Parents and Year 12 Presentations. University of Newcastle Digital Resources and Events    

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, 2020 only. The following uniform requirements apply for Terms 2 and 3: Students welcome but are not required to wear College blazer. Summer uniform permitted while temperature remains warm. Tie to be worn if wearing winter uniform. In colder months, students to wear College jumper or College tracksuit top, if they do not have a blazer. On days where a student has PD/H/PE, they are permitted to where their College sport uniform or tracksuit to school for the day. No non-school uniform items are to be worn at any time. Cowan and Lewis will be opening their warehouse at Unit 3/6 Bowen Crescent West Gosford for uniform purchases from Monday May 4 to Friday May 8 between the hours 8.00 am-5.00 pm. From Monday May 11, the warehouse opening hours will be reduced and families will be notified of the new temporary hours once confirmed. The College Uniform Shop on campus will not be open until all students have returned to the normal school routine. Families can access the warehouse or alternatively order online, and items can be delivered to the College office for students to collect.    

Parenting Ideas:  E-Book - Coping and Tools for Managing Teenage Anxiety Kids typically face many hardships, frustrations and difficulties as they go through different stages of development. How stressful these everyday events are for children will depend on many factors  including their own spirit, the support they get from home and their coping skills.  For helpful information see the Coping E-Book below. E-Book - Coping Click Here for the Coping_E-Book   Tools for Managing Teenage Anxiety When someone is anxious, they are often worried about a future event. Their restless mind needs to take a rest from future thinking, ruminating and worrying. Settling back into the present gives them a chance to relax and calm down. The practice of mindfulness, even if just for a few seconds, is a wonderful way to let go of their worries. Encourage your young person to practise mindfulness regularly and at different times of the day. Here’s some mindfulness tools that can help them to bring their focus back to the present. Ask them to count out loud on their fingers: • Five things they can see • Four things they can hear • Three things they can feel (such as their feet in their shoes) • Two things are grateful for • One person they love Deep Breathing When someone is stressed, their whole physiology is on edge. When they are anxious their breathing becomes shallow. Deep breathing activates their relaxation response to relieve stress. As a result, the heart rate decreases, muscles relax, pupils constrict and the stomach starts to do its job that was put on hold when anxiety struck. Encourage your young person to breathe in this way: • Say to them “Come on, let’s take three deep breathes together” • Encourage them to breathe into their belly to get control over their body and steady their mind Exercise Exercise releases chemicals called endorphins that increase your young person’s feelings of wellbeing. It also relieves the muscle tension that builds up over a day of working, worrying and ruminating. There are many ways to get more movement into your young person’s life including: • Engaging in regular sports • Walking to school and to other activities • Taking regular movement breaks from homework • Joining you in a morning walk When anxiety comes a problem Anxiety becomes a problem when it impacts on your young person’s quality of life and prevents them from participating in everyday activities such as school, interests and social events. If this happens your young person may need professional support. Their school, your local general practitioner and the relevant department at your local council can assist.    

St Edward's College subscribes to Parenting Ideas, which is one of Australia's most trusted sources of parent education and support. As part of our membership, our parents and College community can attend some fantastic free webinars this year at no cost (the general public are charged $37 for each session).    So why not enjoy this exclusive benefit by redeeming your free vouchers online today. 2020 Webinar Program for Parents    

Please see the links below for the latest information regarding COVID19.   Contact Information Mark Bonnici, Principal Email: principal@stedwards.nsw.edu.au Reception Email: info@stedwards.nsw.edu.au Telephone: 4321 6400 Enrolments Email: enrol@stedwards.nsw.edu.au Telephone: 4321 6420 Technology Help Desk Email:  support@stedwards.nsw.edu.au Parent Portal/Social Media/Website Email: kfriend@stedwards.nsw.edu.au Terase Killin, College Counsellor Email: tkillin@stedwards.nsw.edu.au Marcus Missio-Spiteri Email: mmissio@stedwards.nsw.edu.au Paul English, Director of Pastoral Care Email: penglish@stedwards.nsw.edu.au Heidi Englund, Year 7 Pastoral Leader Email: henglund@stedwards.nsw.edu.au Paul Sullivan, Year 8 Pastoral Leader Email: psullivan@stedwards.nsw.edu.au Robert Speziale, Year 9 Pastoral Leader Email: rspeziale@stedwards.nsw.edu.au Alex Powell, Year 10 Pastoral Leader Email: apowell@stedwards.nsw.edu.au Eamonn McCauley, Year 11 Pastoral Leader Email: emccauley@stedwards.nsw.edu.au Scott Beattie, Year 12 Pastoral Leader Email: sbeattie@stedwards.nsw.edu.au Finance/Accounts Email: accounts@stedwards.nsw.edu.au   Parent Information COVID-19 (Term 3 -  Restrictions) - 18 August 2020   Parent Information COVID-19 (Term 2 - Action Plan) - 2 June 2020   Student Information COVID-19  (Returning to School Monday 1 June 2020) - 28 May 2020   Parent Information  COVID-19 (Term 2 - Latest Advice) - 19 May 2020   Parent Information COVID-19 (Term 2 - Returning to School) - 18 May 2020   Parent Information COVID-19 (Term 2 - Reintegration) - 11 May 2020   Parent Information COVID-19 (Term 2 Phase in Process of Face to Face Teaching) - 1 May 2020   Parent Information COVID-19 (Term 2) - 23 April 2020   Parent Information COVID-19 (Easter Message) - 9 April 2020   Parent Information COVID-19 (Last Week of Term) - 3 April 2020   Letter to Students COVID-19 (Last Week of Term) - 3 April 2020   Letter to Students From Jackson Robb, College Captain - 2 April 2020   Parent Information COVID-19 (From Director of Pastoral Care) - 31 March 2020   Parent Information COVID-19 (Financial Assistance) - 27 March 2020   EREA Letter to Parents and Caregivers- 27 March 2020   Parent Information COVID19 (Pastoral Care and Counsellors) - 26 March 2020   Parent Information COVID19 (Off Campus Delivery) - 25 March 2020   Parent Advice for Online Learning   Parent Information COVID19 - 24 March 2020   Parent Information COVID19 Year 12 HSC/Additional Information Assessment Week - 23 March 2020   Parent Information COVID19 Years 7 to 11 - 23  March 2020   Parent Information COVID19 Year 12 HSC - 23 March 2020   EREA Letter to Parents -  23 March 2020   Parent Information COVID19  Year 10, 11 and 12 Only - 19 March 2020   EREA Letter to Parents - 18 March 2020   Parent Information COVID19 - 17 March 2020   Parent Information COVID19 - 16 March 2020   Parent Information COVID19 - 10 March 2020   Parent Information  COVID19 - 27 February 2020