St Edward’s College is a non-selective Catholic school which is governed by Edmund Rice Education Australia (EREA) NSW Ltd.   The College was founded by the Christian Brothers and has been educating boys on the Central Coast since 1953. The College provides a wonderfully rich education which is authentic to the values which underpin the touchstones for schools conducted in the traditions of Blessed Edmund Rice the founder of Christian Brothers schools worldwide. These touchstones being: Liberating Education, Gospel Spirituality, Inclusive Community and Justice and Solidarity. St Edward’s first and foremost is a Catholic School which provides students with relevant and engaging opportunities to deepen their faith and spirituality. Students are encouraged to look beyond themselves putting their faith into action.  Through involvement in our social justice program students are challenged to become socially conscious, counter-cultural in their thinking and empowered to contribute positively to society through the promotion of inclusivity, justice and solidarity. The College is a learning community which provides a contemporary, holistic and liberating education that challenges, nurtures and inspires young men in Years 7-12 to be aspirational regarding their future. Students are encouraged to strive to achieve their personal best, developing the necessary knowledge, skills and attitudes to flourish in an ever-changing world. St Edward’s acknowledges that the pastoral care and well-being of students is paramount to the promotion of quality learning. We take our responsibilities for child safeguarding extremely seriously and therefore we commit to ensuring that our school has rigorous policies and practices to ensure that we are a place that is both safe and inclusive. Our child safeguarding programs are regularly updated and checked for compliance with regulatory requirements. The development of positive relationships, between teachers, students and families remains a focus, to ensure that a nurturing environment, in which all students feel safe and supported in their learning is promoted. St Edward’s is a comprehensive school, providing a diverse range of learning experiences in the classroom through the broad range of subjects offered. These learning experiences are supported by a diverse selection of extra-curricular, sporting, cultural and religious experiences, allowing all boys to demonstrate their talents in a variety of ways. I invite you to visit our website to establish a sense of the rich, holistic and varied learning opportunities available to boys who attend St Edward’s. Mr Mark Bonnici Principal

St Edward’s College is an Edmund Rice Education Australia (EREA) governed school and as such is subject to policies to ensure the safety and wellbeing of staff and students and to comply with government legislation.  

In 1844 Mr William Shone received a land grant for the vacant land in Frederick Street. The land parcel was sloping and full of trees, blackberries and swamp. During 1850 to 1885 the land was sold and sold again until it was finally owned by Mr William Rogers, a hotelkeeper and councillor. Mr Rogers constructed a cottage in 1889 and called it ‘Mona, Vale’. Mr Rogers reared his family in the cottage. After Mr Rogers’ death in 1906 the cottage was willed to his children who rented it to an asparagus farmer and to stock owners. The first school in Frederick Street began in 1918 when the Misses MacCabe turned ‘Mona, Vale’ into a school for girls. William Rogers II constructed a large building used for a dormitory for the girl boarders. The girls’ school continued to operate at Frederick Street until 1923 when it ‘out grew’ the premises and moved to Lindfield. Between 1925 and 1937 the property was used as a dairy farm by numerous tenants, but by 1937 ‘Mona, Vale’ was once again a guest house. During the war, in 1940, the grandson of William Rogers (who also has the same name) moved into ‘Mona, Vale’ with his family. During this time Land Army women worked the land as market gardens to help in the war effort. Part of the cottage was also used for furniture storage. In 1951 Mr Rogers built a new home on the property and left ‘Mona, Vale’ empty. On 11 February 1952, the Christian Brothers purchased a section of the Frederick Street site. Mr G M Pluim of Wamberal was given the task of drawing plans for the school and for renovations to ‘Mona, Vale’. The school had four classrooms, science laboratory, toilet block, office and library. The Christian Brothers took up residence in ‘Mona, Vale’ in April 1953 where they occupied two rooms and ate in the third. Finally on 12 May 1953 St Edward's College opened, with 70 boys in attendance. By the end of 1954 the number of boys had grown to 120. [caption id="attachment_26417" align="alignleft" width="280"] College Official Opening - 1953[/caption] [caption id="attachment_26418" align="alignleft" width="280"] View From Frederick Street - 1953[/caption] [caption id="attachment_26420" align="alignleft" width="280"] First College Concert - 1953[/caption]               As the years progressed, the number of enrolments grew and by 1966 St Edward's College boasted a second storey with four classrooms and offices as well as a new right wing with two science labs, three classrooms, a tuckshop, storerooms and toilets. The most appreciated addition to the College was, however, the handball court. The enrolment number reached 201 boys. Mona Vale wasn’t becoming any younger so part of it was demolished and a new residence was built for the Brothers’ in 1970-1971. Mona Vale was repaired inside and out, new lighting fittings were installed and it was converted to staff quarters with offices, a common room, small library and resource room. The Library was opened in 1972 and following this in 1980 the Technology block was completed. The Music Room (which was the former girls’ dormitory) was brick veneered. Between 1984 and 1987 St Edward's continued to grow with a new Library being constructed together with an AV room. A second story was added to the north wing and the canteen is improved. Soon, the College required an indoor sporting/assembly area and the Edmund Rice Centre opened in 1999 together with a new undercover bus shelter. By 2001 the Food Technology facility was opened and the Technology complex was improved to include a new art and woodwork area. Further development and improvements were made in 2004 to 2005. These developments included the addition of a third floor on the Haseler wing, which was also air conditioned; refurbishment of the existing rooms in the Haseler wing; new entrance and administration area; refitted rooms to accommodate 12 offices for the Pastoral Care team. In these improvements a lift, located near the Canteen, was also installed to allow access to all floors in the main building complex. On 5 November 2010 the St Edward's College Trade Training Centre, which adjoins the Technology complex, was opened. The Trade Training Centre allows St Edward's College to offer students trade based training while completing Years 10, 11 and 12. During 2014 construction commenced on the Shanahan Learning Centre.  The existing library, bookroom and careers building was demolished to enable the new multi-level Learning Centre to be erected. The Shanahan Learning Centre comprises a Music, Drama and practice room area, together with a 200 seat retractable tiered theatre area on the ground level; the second level includes a large canteen area and  a foyer area for the tiered theatre; a staff room, offices and staff lounge area make up the third level; and a library, technology centre is located on the top level.  The Shanahan Learning Centre was officially opened on 7 March 2015. In 2020 the new Wellbeing Centre was constructed. The new facility provided a specially designed area for the Pastoral Care team including the College Counsellors.  At the entrance of the building the Enrolment, Marketing and Communications offices were located. The Learning Hub was designed and constructed in 2021 as a contemporary, flexible learning space to support teaching and learning in a variety of contexts.  The facility was for the purpose of Diverse Learning for small groups.  The wall linings and floor coverings were constructed with sound proofing capabilities and made from 100% recycled plastic. In 2023 the Science Laboratory refurbishment program was completed, resulting in the creation of cutting-edge facilities for the teaching of subjects within the Science faculty from Years 7-12. A prominent aspect of this project was the establishment of a dedicated area for the delivery of Extension Science during the HSC years, which supported the increasing interest of students in this field of study. 70 Years Celebration - 1953 to 2023 Forever the Black and Red Publication

St Edward’s College proudly presents our Reconciliation Action Plan. St Edward’s is a member of the Edmund Rice Education Australia schools’ network that offers a liberating education based upon a Gospel spirituality, within an inclusive community committed to justice and solidarity. The values that underpin the Touchstones of Edmund Rice schools provide a blueprint that establishes our direction and defines our goals, ensuring that we follow the vision of Blessed Edmund Rice as we seek to make the Gospel a living reality within our community. In line with this vision, St Edward’s has made a commitment to live out the message of love and inclusion, particularly regarding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, refugees, people of other faiths, sexual orientation and gender. Click below to view the College Reconciliation Action Plan: Reconciliation Action Plan 2024 to 2025    

Thank you for your interest in employment opportunities at St Edward’s College. St Edward’s College specialises in boys’ education and seeks staff who have a genuine interest and talent in providing our students with the best possible education and pastoral care. If you believe you can be a role model in our academically focused Christian environment and you have the talent and commitment to enhance the learning and development of our outstanding young men, we welcome your application for positions available. COVID-19 Vaccination requirements: If candidates are requested to attend a face-to-face interview, candidates will be required to sign in at reception via a QR code and show proof of vaccination OR NSW Government Contraindication Form which is accepted as legitimate by NSW Health and standards outlined by EREA, Catholic Schools NSW and Education NSW.   Information for Applicants Mandatory child protection background checking applies for all paid child-related positions within the College. It is an offence under the Commission for Children and Young People Act 1998, for a person who has been convicted of a serious sex offence, murder of a child, child pornography offences, kidnapping and indecency offences to apply for, attempt to obtain or remain in child-related employment. Applicants for child-related employment should visit the NSW Government New Working With Children website to access the background check process. The applicant must then identify themselves and pay the required fee at their nearest RMS or Government agency. Application and/or clearance numbers must be provided to the College prior to employment. The applicant will also be asked to provide identification to the College with this application. In most cases, certified copies of a birth certificate or passport as well as a driver’s licence will suffice. St Edward’s College is an Equal Opportunity Employer and all information collected will be treated with strict confidentiality. Positions vacant will be advertised on the College Website and on Teachers On Net. Senior positions will also be advertised on the EREA website and in the Sydney Morning Herald. All position vacant applications should be addressed to the Principal, Mr Mark Bonnici. All position vacant applications must be submitted before the closing date by email: Email: principal@stedwards.nsw.edu.au View current positions vacant    

Edmund Rice was born at Callan in County Kilkenny, Ireland in 1762. His strongly based early education would lay the foundation for his future business life and career. His business career began in the port of Waterford where he worked with his uncle, Michael Rice, provisioning ships. He was talented and energetic and soon became a very wealthy man.   In 1785 Edmund fell in love and married Mary Elliot. By this time Edmund had become a well-respected and successful businessman who increasingly took more interest in the poor of Waterford as well as becoming more committed to his Catholic Faith attending Mass daily. Edmund’s happiness was shattered when in 1787 his father died and the following year Mary, his wife, was involved in a horse riding accident while pregnant with their first child. During the birth of their daughter in January 1789, Mary died due to complications and their young daughter, Mary, was born disabled. This shattering experience was the turning point in Edmund’s life. In 1796 Edmund wrote to His Holiness Pius VI concerning a plan to set up an order to educate poor youth in Ireland. In 1798 the Presentation Sisters, founded in Cork by Nano Nagle, came to Waterford and Edmund actively aided their establishment and charitable work. In 1802, drawing inspiration from Nano Nagle, Edmund renovated some property, and set up his first school for the ‘down and out’ children. Six boys made up his first class which was the beginning of an almost overwhelming success and in 1803 Bishop Hussey blessed Edmund’s impressive new school, Mount Sion. Edmund decided that the time had come to found a religious congregation of Brothers who would work in the schools. In 1808, Edmund and seven other companions took their first vows as Brothers of the Presentation, basing their life upon the principles laid down by the Presentation Sisters. Edmund would take the religious name, Ignatius. By 1809 there were seven hundred children attending Mount Sion. Finally, in 1822, Edmund Rice adopted new congregational rules and he, and his companions, would be known as Brothers of the Christian Schools or Christian Brothers. The Christian Brothers movement soon spread throughout Ireland and across the world. In 1825 the Brothers started schools in England and in 1843 they came to Sydney, Australia. Today, Edmund’s legacy has spread to over thirty countries where the Christian Brothers bring Christ’s message and Edmunds inspiration to thousands of people in their ministries and schools. At St Edward's College we can only rejoice that Blessed Edmund Rice’s message of love and hope continues to play a major part in our day to day lives.

St Edward’s College aspires to provide students with a liberating education that empowers them to build a better world for all. St Edward’s College is a faith-filled community. We are committed to growth and strive for equity and excellence. St Edward’s College promotes a safe and inclusive learning community, committed to fostering right relationships and the well-being of students and staff. St Edward’s College inspires students to be compassionate, curious, respectful and autonomous learners. St Edward’s College students demonstrate resilience, discipline and perseverance on their learning journey.            

St Edward’s School Song We'll ring out three cheers for St Edward's, School of our hopes and our dreams And over the Brisbane Water, We will remain supreme. Chorus: St Edward's gateway to knowledge True sign of Christ our head. The spirit of St Edward's through Edmund Rice we are led. St Edward's gateway to knowledge True sign of Christ our head The spirit of St Edward's, Forever the black and red. Here's to the friendship that brightens The morning of our lives. And to the faith that guides us, To love and serve in Christ. Chorus: St Edward's gateway to knowledge True sign of Christ our head. The spirit of St Edward's through Edmund Rice we are led. St Edward's gateway to knowledge True sign of Christ our head The spirit of St Edward's, Forever the black and red   St Edward’s College Crest Our Crest takes the form of: Faith in ourselves, one’s ideals and the future is essential. Based on this faith, knowledge and skills – in physical, intellectual and spiritual fields help us to attain the ideal of the College – The Educated Christian Gentleman.

The College Frameworks at St Edward’s College are designed to bring our Aspiration Statement to life, ensuring that every student receives a liberating education that empowers them to contribute to a better world. As a faith-filled community, we are dedicated to promoting growth, equity, and excellence. Our frameworks foster a safe and inclusive learning environment, prioritising the well-being of both students and staff and nurturing right relationships. St Edward’s College inspires students to develop compassion, curiosity, respect, and autonomy in their learning, while cultivating the resilience, discipline, and perseverance essential for success on their educational journey.

St Edward’s College is steeped in history and tradition. The official records that are displayed in this section form part of our history and we are proud to honour the office bearers and record holders that have made such a significant contribution to our College.

In the spirit of our founder Blessed Edmund Rice, the St Edward's College Prefect Portfolio system is based upon the tenants of collaborative and shared leadership.

The Annual College Report provides parents and the wider school community with fair, accurate and objective information about various aspects of College performance and development. Prior to publishing this report the College reviews its achievement of College development priorities and sets its priorities for the year to come, all of which is included in the report.  

The St Edward’s College Strategic Improvement Plan for 2020-2024 is the result of extensive consultation with staff, parents, students, the College Board, Leadership Team and the EREA School Renewal. The Plan is an aspirational document that outlines the strategic priorities, framed by the Edmund Rice Education Touchstones which guide us in providing a Liberating Education based on Gospel Spirituality within an Inclusive Community committed to Justice and Solidarity College staff are committed to our mission of challenging, nurturing and inspiring young men to be the best they can be. We strategically plan to achieve this through the provision of learning experiences which are engaging, dynamic, authentic, innovative, inspire critical thinking and develop the knowledge, capabilities and skills that will best prepare young men for the future. Strategic Improvement Plan 2020-2024  

Edmund Rice Education Australia (EREA) is the network of schools, entities and offices offering a Catholic education in the tradition of Blessed Edmund Rice.Enter leader text here EREA schools strive to offer a liberating education, based on a gospel spirituality, within an inclusive community committed to justice and solidarity. Established by the Christian Brothers in 2007, EREA has the responsibility for the schools owned by the Brothers at that time. With the addition of schools established since 2007 there are 55 schools enrolling over 40,000 students, through all states and territories of Australia. As part of their mission within the Church and inspired by the charism of Blessed Edmund Rice, schools offer an education guided by the Charter for Catholic Schools in the Edmund Rice Tradition. EREA has its own canonical and civil identity but remains closely connected to the Christian Brothers and their ongoing ministry. Schools operate in dioceses with the mandate of the Bishop of the diocese and work closely with local Diocesan education authorities. Charter for Catholic Schools in the Edmund Rice Tradition Catholic Schools in the Edmund Rice tradition strive to offer a Liberating Education based on a Gospel Spirituality within an Inclusive Community committed to Justice and Solidarity. The Charter for Catholic Schools in the Edmund Rice tradition describes our distinct, though not unique, identity as Edmund Rice Education Australia. The Charter provides a practical expression of this identity and so is of crucial use in decision-making, planning and review. The Charter uses four Touchstones to describe the culture of a Catholic school which is striving for authenticity in the Edmund Rice tradition. These Touchstones give us ideals authentically linked with the Charism which underpins the ministry in our schools and educational endeavours. They help us set our direction and define our goals as, following Blessed Edmund’s vision, we continue to reflect and to seek to make the Gospel a living reality in our communities. You can download the full EREA Charter here Edmund Rice Born in Callan, Ireland, in 1762, Edmund came to the bustling city port of Waterford as a young man. Following the tragic death of his wife, he became more aware of the disadvantaged people around him and in 1802, he set up a free school for boys living in poverty. Edmund was given the grace to respond to the call of Jesus by identifying with Christ in the poor. His example evoked a deep awareness of God’s loving presence in all. He invited his followers to share the Gospel insight to reach out to the needy. Learn more about Blessed Edmund Rice The Christian Brothers EREA was founded by the Christian Brothers and we continue to work closely with them in a variety of areas. The Christian Brothers dedicate their lives to the service of others, particularly those at the margins of society. They work across the world in areas of education, community engagement, faith formation and social justice. Since those small beginnings in Waterford in 1802, the Christian Brothers have reached out in mission to many parts of the globe. Christian Brothers and other members of the Edmund Rice Network are now working in over 30 countries. They are continuing to discern the signs of the times and respond to the needs of the poor and the earth, while working towards a just and sustainable future for all. Learn more about the Christian Brothers EREA Governance Structure Edmund Rice Education Australia (EREA) was established to succeed, carry on and expand the education ministries conducted by the Congregation of Christian Brothers in Australia. The purpose of EREA is to own, govern, manage and conduct these ministries in fulfilment of the mission of Jesus Christ in the Catholic tradition and in continuation of the charism of Blessed Edmund Rice. Please click here to find out more about the Governance Structure   EREA Strategic Directions 2020 – 2024     Find out more by visiting the EREA website   St Edward's College School Advisory Council Expressions of Interest   EREA Charter For School Advisory Councils