During this week’s assembly, we presented the winners of our inaugural Edmund Ignatius Rice Senior Essay and Speech Competition. This competition was championed and supported by 1970 College Captain, Dr David Curran.ÌýThe aim of the competition is to encourage and recognise academic excellence in both the written and spoken word. It also provides students with an enriching opportunity to explore the EREA Touchstones in our contemporary world.ÌýDavid has a love of language, oratory and the humanities and has dedicated his life to serving others in the medical profession and by teaching others at university.Ìý

The students from Year 11 and 12 who participated in the competition, submitted writing of the highest calibre in the essay round. Of these entrants, three finalists were selected by the judging panel to transition their work into a speech to deliver in front of a judging panel and discerning audience. I would like to thank the judges Ms Catherine Stewart (Head of Religious Education), Mr Barry Smith (Head of History), Dr Michael Couani (Head of English) and Dr David Curran.Ìý

Congratulations to the following students for their outstanding contribution to the competition:

°ä´Ç³¾³¾±ð²Ô»å²¹³Ù¾±´Ç²Ô²õ:Ìý

• Cillian Donnelly
• Lachlan Hoy
• Thomas Jackson-Whitlock
• Giles Strachan
• Oscar Wilson
• Nicholas Zanapalis

Highly Commended:

• Harry Bowcock
• Lachlan Miranda

Finalists

• 3rd Place Finalist $500 – James Medland
• 2nd Place Finalist $750 – Asher Thomasyu
• 1st Place Winner $1000 – James Peate.

New Years 7-11 SRC Reps!

Congratulations to our new Year 7 -11 SRC representatives for 2024/25.

• Year 7 – Leo Vigil
• Year 8 – Kingsley Turinui
• Year 9 – Luke Ibrahim
• Year 10 – Sam Altree Williams
• Year 11 – Kayden Baker
• Year 11 – Thomas Jackson-Whitlock.

Curriculum Opportunities 

Please take a moment to look at some exciting curriculum opportunities that our students have undertaken recently in Mrs Lynsey Porter’s newsletter article. From 20 senior students visiting the University of Sydney’s St. John’s College Dinner, to others discovering the The M in STEM: Where Maths Can Take You at the University of Sydney, to the Inaugural LEGO League and Inaugural Robotics Competitions, to Engineering a Sustainable Future or our passionate anglers putting classroom knowledge to the test.Ìý

Joe Simonella – 100 Mile Run for Mental Health

On 19 June Old Boy Joe Simonella (Class of 2020) will be running 100 miles (172 km) from Nowra to Clovelly, to raise awareness for mental health and fundraise for R U OK? to help spread their message about checking in on our friends and peers. Here is the Joe Simonella fundraising page

University of Sydney Year 10 Subject Selection Webinar

The University of Sydney is running a repeat of their subject selection information webinar specifically for ³ÉÈË×ÛºÏÍø students and parents/carers. The webinar will run on 3 June 6pm-7:30pm. We will have staff available to answer questions. The link to the webinar registration is  if you would like to attend.

College Production – Tartuffe 18-20 June 2024

Tickets will be available on the school events page from 9am on Monday 20 May. Buy your tickets

Tuckshop Assistance Needed Please

Can you volunteer to assist us in our daily operations from 9:30 am till 1:45 pm? We really need you! Lunch is provided for all volunteers. We greatly value the assistance of our volunteer workers as it allows us to be more efficient in our services for students.

We welcome all members of the ³ÉÈË×ÛºÏÍø Community – mothers, fathers, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and carers. We are happy to take on any availability, whether it’s once a week, month, or even once a Term – it all helps.

The Term 2 2024 volunteer roster is online, so if you are interested, please volunteer as soon as you can by clicking

2024 Old Boys’ Muster – 1 June, 5pm-10pm

The 2024 Old Boys’ Muster is just around the corner! This provides Old Boys from any year an opportunity to reconnect with old friends and meet new ones. Join us for a night to remember as we gather on the roof with views of the coastline, city and out to the airport. Be treated to a complimentary delicious feast of spit-roasted pig and lamb, adding a gourmet touch to our evening of camaraderie. Drinks can be purchased at the bar.Ìý

Event details

Date: 1 June 2024

Time: 5pm-10pm

Location: ³ÉÈË×ÛºÏÍø

Please take a moment to confirm your attendance by clicking on the link below, if you haven’t already done so. Your presence will truly make the event special.

³ÉÈË×ÛºÏÍø Old Boys’ Union

wcobuexecutive@gmail.com

EREA Charter Renewal and Mission Strategy Invitation to Open Forum and Online Forums

You’re invited to join the Edmund Rice Education Australia national community to imagine how our school, and all Edmund Rice Education Australia schools, can be the best they can be for our young people and for our world. We need your help to shape the future for 41,000 plus young people.

Both the in person and online sessions will provide you with the opportunity to discuss with others what you value about your school and what you hope it might strive to become. What comes out of these discussions will assist the EREA national community to renew its understanding and articulation of what it means to be a Catholic school in the Edmund Rice tradition.

The Open Forum will be held at St Patrick’s College, Strathfield in the Scientia Building on 27 May 2024 at 6:30pm.

The Online Forums will be held on the following dates:

• Thursday, 30 May – 7pm
• Wednesday, 5 June – 11am
• Thursday, 6 June – 6pm
• Tuesday, 11 June – 2pm

If you would like to attend one of these forums please use the registration links below to register for either the Open Forum at St Patrick’s College or one of the online forums.

*Please do not confuse the College’s 25-27 Strategic Planning process being run in conjunction with the AIS. Each student, parent, staff member and stakeholder group will be receiving an email shortly regarding this College process.Ìý

Monday, 20 May – Sunday, 26 May 2024

• Monday, 20 May – YEAR 10 Career Profile interviews all week
• Monday, 20 May – YEAR 11 Kairos Retreat, Day 3 of 4
• Tuesday, 21 May – YEAR 11 Kairos Retreat, Day 4 of 4
• Wednesday, 22 May – YEAR 11 NESA Sydney Writers’ Festival for Secondary School students excursion, Carriageworks, Eveleigh
• Friday, 24 May – May Procession, half day, 12pm finish
• Friday, 24 May – Old Boys’ Union Annual General Meeting, PAC, 12:30-12:45pm

Monday, 27 May – Sunday, 2 June 2o24

• Monday, 27 May – National Reconciliation Week begins
• Monday, 27 May – YEAR 8 Cadet Parent Information Evening, Performing Arts Centre, 6:30pm
• Tuesday, 28 May – YEAR 11 compulsory Cardoner Project immersions presentation, Period 1, PAC
• Tuesday, 28 May – YEAR 12 Engineering Studies excursion, understanding aerodynamics – flight training
• Tuesday, 28 May – YEAR 12 Geography excursion, Barangaroo
• Friday, 31 May – YEAR 12 2024 HSC and Careers Expo visit, Royal Randwick Racecourse, 8:45am departure by bus, returning 11:55am

June-August

• Wednesday, 5 June – World Environment Day
• Thursday, 6 June – 2024 European Music Tour Farewell Concert, PAC Theatre, 6:30pm
• Monday, 10 June – King’s Birthday public holiday
• Thursday, 13 June – Year 10 Dinner Cruise, Star City Casino Wharf, meet at 5:30pm-10pm,
• Sunday, 16 June – Annual Passing Out Parade and Awards Ceremony, Centennial Quad, 11am
• Sunday, 16 June – Cadet Dining in Night, College Gymnasium, 6:30pm, RSVP here
• Monday, 17 June – Fiji Immersion 2nd Formation Night, Library 6pm-8pm – (friendly reminder for parents to please bring a plate to share).
• Tuesday, 18 June – Thursday, 20 June – Tartuffe (The Hypocrite) by Moliére, PAC Theatre,
• Thursday, 20 June – Cambodia Immersion 2nd Formation Night, TAS Foyer, 6pm-8pm – (friendly reminder for parents to please bring a plate to share).
• Thursday, 20 June – Timor-Leste Immersion 2nd Formation Night, Library, 6pm-8pm – (friendly reminder for parents to please bring a plate to share).
• Thursday, 27 June – Term 2 classes conclude
• Friday, 28 June – Staff Professional Learning Day
• Friday, 28 June – Fiji, Cambodia and Timor-Leste Immersions depart Sydney
• Thursday, 4 July – NAIDOC Week begins
• Wednesday, 31 July – YEAR 7 vaccinations – permission required
• Monday, 5 August – YEAR 12 Trial HSC examinations begin
• Sunday, 11 August – City2Surf
• Saturday, 24 August – Blue & Gold Ball, College Gym – tickets on sale Thursday, 9 May at 5pm

We wish all mothers, grandmothers, stepmothers and significant female carers a respective Happy Mothers’ Day on Sunday. I hope you are acknowledged for the significant role you play in your children’s development, for the care and support you provide and the wisdom and skills you share so generously.

I hope boys are thankful and appreciative for all that you have done and sacrificed for them and will continue to do for them. The College also thanks you for the significant contribution mothers have made to ³ÉÈË×ÛºÏÍø throughout its 121 years of service. Mothers and other female carers have made a significant impact on the lives of students, the school’s culture and the sense of community. Happy Mother’s Day.

Senior School Mother’s Day Breakfast

A prayer for all Mothers; 

Today, loving God,

we pray for our mothers:

who cared for us when we were helpless,

who comforted us when we were hurt,

whose love and care we often took for granted.

Today we pray for

those who are grieving the loss of their mother,

those who never knew their biological mother, and now yearn for her;

those who have experienced the wonder of an adopted mother’s love;

those families separated by war or conflict.

Lord, give them special blessings.

Keep us united with you and with each other,

so that we can be and become all that we are meant to be.

Amen.

Blessed Edmund Rice Feast Day – 5 May 2024

We wish a blessing upon all that have worked in Christian Brother Schools and Catholic Schools in the Edmund Rice Tradition, for the lasting legacy of schools across Australia and the world, which all began in 1802 with the establishment of the first school in Waterford, Ireland by our Founder Edmund Rice.Ìý

Please find an EREA Feast Day message from the Chair of the EREA Council, Dr Michael Slattery

Hearts For Arch Day 

In 2020 our community was rocked when we lost Year 8 student Archie Perkins. Archie passed away from a pre-existing heart condition over the summer holiday period. This came as a terrible shock to Archie’s family and the ³ÉÈË×ÛºÏÍø community, particularly Archie’s close friends and Year group. Archie would have been graduating from ³ÉÈË×ÛºÏÍø this year and in memory of him, we will be holding a Hearts For Arch Day.Ìý

This day will be held on Thursday, 13 June 2024 in which the students will wear mufti uniform and are required to give a gold coin donation. All money raised will go directly to the Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network Cardiac Unit and to the purchase of the mobile ECG units; Kardia.The aim to provide a Kardia mobile to every eligible cardiac patient at Sydney Children’s Hospitals, and at $173 each, every dollar counts. Donations can be made through the .Ìý

We also encourage students to purchase merchandise which they can wear throughout Week 7. This will be available for purchase at school on Thursday 13 and Friday 14 June, however, you can also purchase merchandise

We look forward to welcoming Archie’s family to our College Assembly where they will share Archie’s story and the importance of the Hearts for Arch Foundation.

Strategic Planning – Perspectives Survey 

The 2025-2027 Strategic Planning process will begin shortly. The College will be seeking feedback from stakeholder groups. The information gathered will assist in furthering the growth and development of our school community. We will use the survey results to help inform and direct future school planning and improvement strategies.

The survey instruments that we are using have been created by the Association of Independent School NSW (AISNSW). These surveys have been specifically designed to assist schools in gaining an understanding of stakeholders’ perceptions of five important areas: School Environment, Teaching and Learning, Student Wellbeing, Leadership and Community. All staff, students, parents/guardians/carers, leaders and board members will be invited to participate.

The surveys will be distributed via email to all from ‘evidence@aisnsw.edu.au’ on behalf of the school and will take approximately 10-15 minutes to complete. All information will be anonymous and no data information will be stored past the process.Ìý

Your input and contribution are important to the success of our continuous school improvement process as we aspire to improve the learning experience for everyone at our school.

Thespian in Action 

Congratulations to Fox Stapleton (Year 11) who played the senior male role in the St Catherine’s School 2024 School Musical Legally Blonde, which opened last night. Fox produced a stellar performance along with his St Catherine’s School colleagues. It was truly an enjoyable evening of entertainment with all students delivering a very high standard of performance.Ìý

Mr Peter Lamb (Head of Drama) and I were both impressed also with the number of Fox’s peers who had bought tickets to go along and support him and friends at St Catherine’s. We saw this same support last Term for Mackenzie Singh (Year 12) and Matthew Frost (Year 12) who had lead roles in the KRB 2024 School Musical.

It is a nice attribute that I see often from ³ÉÈË×ÛºÏÍø boys and something we as a community should acknowledge and encourage. I am looking forward to ³ÉÈË×ÛºÏÍø’s production in Week 8 of this Term (18 – 22 June 2024), Tartuffe (The Hypocrite) where we will see a number of our students along with St Clare’s and Ascham students perform.Ìý

Courage2Care Presentation Inspires and Provokes

During Thursday morning, our entire Year 10 cohort participated in a special program delivered by the Courage2Care organisation. Focussed on the Holocaust, the key message of child survivor Mr Jack Feller and the volunteer presenters was for ³ÉÈË×ÛºÏÍø staff and students alike to be upstanders and not bystanders. In line with our Wellbeing program, for our staff and students to act against bullying and discrimination in all its forms.

The centrepiece of the presentation was Mr Jack Feller relating his personal, harrowing story: being born to parents in hiding in Nazi-occupied Poland, surviving the final months of the war with a foster family and being reunited with his birth parents at 11 months of age. As Mr Feller told our students, he survived because Polish neighbours stood up to the Nazis at risk of their own lives.

Year 10 History students are currently engaged in a deep-learning investigation of the Holocaust, which covers the entirety of Term 2. The study includes formative tasks related to the Courage2Care presentation, as well as a formal assessment task on refuting Holocaust denial.

The Courage2Care incursion is part of the College’s ongoing community engagement project, seeking to reach out to groups within the immediate neighbourhood of ³ÉÈË×ÛºÏÍø and beyond.

Thank you to the History Department staff who organised this important incursion. A great initiative which is sure to have inspired our students as well as to provoke deeper thinking about themselves.

Dr Panos Diamadis

Teacher

pdiamadis@waverley.nsw.edu.au

Redfern Jarjum College ‘ Our Mob’ – 15 June 2024

Every two years, Jarjum College holds a fundraiser at the International Convention Centre Sydney to assist them to raise funds to support the educational model of their school. It is also a great opportunity for us to share with the wider community our success. Given the on-going partnership between ³ÉÈË×ÛºÏÍø and Jarjum, they would love to see some of our community present on the evening.

You can purchase your ticket .Ìý

Enquiries: please email Natasha Evans nevans@rjc.nsw.edu.au

University of Sydney Year 12 Information Evening – Wednesday, 22 May, 4pm – 7pm

The University of Sydney is offering an information evening to explore their iconic campus and learn more about university entry, scholarships, study options and more at their information evening for Year 12 students and their caregivers.

Don’t miss this opportunity to explore your options and ask any questions you have about joining the Sydney student community next year. This on-campus event will include a tour, course advice exhibition and information sessions on curriculum, scholarships, student support, campus life and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander study pathways.

If you can’t make it in person, don’t worry – the online session on 23 May will cover everything you need to know! 

The University of Sydney also has a number of upcoming webinar events to help you discover what it’s like to study a bachelor’s degree there. Their events are best suited for students from Years 10-12, and include tips on your school subjects, preparing for uni and how to choose a course.

• Monday, 13 May – Friday, 24 May – YEAR 10 Career Profiling Student Interviews via Zoom, College Library
• Monday, 13 May – Friday, 24 May – YEAR 8 Social Justice excursion, My Big Kitchen, Bondi
• Tuesday, 14 May – YEAR 11 RYDA excursion, Cricket NSW Wilson Park, Sydney Olympic Park
• Tuesday, 14 May – Pasifika Dinner with parents/carers, PAC Foyer, 6pm-7:30pm
• Wednesday, 15 May – YEAR 10 mandatory Allwell Testing, Periods 1-4
• Wednesday, 15 May – Conlon House Mass and Supper, College Chapel
• Thursday, 16 May – World Education Support Staff Day
• Thursday, 16 May – YEAR 12 Marine Studies Fishing Trip, Rose Bay, 10:45am onwards
• Thursday, 16 May – Edmund Rice lunch activities, BBQ lunch, DJ in Centenary Quad
• Thursday, 16 May – YEARS 5-12 Edmund Rice Assembly, Gym, 12:15pm
• Thursday, 16 May – Tevlin House Mass and Supper, College Chapel, 6pm
• Friday, 17 May – IDAHOBIT Day (International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia)
• Friday, 17 May – YEAR 12 PDHPE Sports Science excursion, Recoverie, Coogee
• Friday, 17 May – YEAR 11 Visual Design excursion, ceramic workshop, National Art School, permission required by 13 May via Parent Portal
• Friday, 17 May – Parents’ Association Mother/Carer & Son Dinner, Randwick Racecourse, 6:30pm-10:30pm – book tickets here
• Saturday, 18 May – Tuesday, 21 May – YEAR 11 Kairos Retreat

Weeks Ahead

May

• Wednesday, 22 May – YEAR 11 NESA Sydney Writers’ Festival for Secondary School students excursion, Carriageworks, Eveleigh
• Friday, 24 May – May Procession
• Friday, 24 May – Old Boys’ Union Annual General Meeting, PAC, 12:30-12:45pm
• Monday, 27 May – National Reconciliation Week begins
• Monday, 27 May – YEAR 8 Cadet Parent Information Evening, Performing Arts Centre, 6:30pm
• Tuesday, 28 May – YEAR 11 compulsory Cardoner Project immersions presentation, Period 1, PAC
• Tuesday, 28 May – YEAR 12 Engineering Studies excursion, understanding aerodynamics – flight training
• Tuesday, 28 May – YEAR 12 Geography excursion, Barangaroo
• Friday, 31 May – YEAR 12 2024 HSC and Careers Expo visit, Royal Randwick Racecourse, 8:45am departure by bus, returning 11:55am

June-August

• Wednesday, 5 June – World Environment Day
• Thursday, 6 June – 2024 European Music Tour Farewell Concert, PAC Theatre, 6:30pm
• Monday, 10 June – King’s Birthday public holiday
• Thursday, 13 June – Year 10 Dinner Cruise, Star City Casino Wharf, meet at 5:30pm-10pm,
• Monday, 17 June – Fiji Immersion 2nd Formation Night, Library 6pm-8pm – (friendly reminder for parents to please bring a plate to share).
• Tuesday, 18 June – Thursday, 20 June – Tartuffe (The Hypocrite) by Moliére, PAC Theatre, details coming soon
• Thursday, 20 June – Cambodia Immersion 2nd Formation Night, TAS Foyer, 6pm-8pm – (friendly reminder for parents to please bring a plate to share).
• Thursday, 20 June – Timor-Leste Immersion 2nd Formation Night, Library, 6pm-8pm – (friendly reminder for parents to please bring a plate to share).
• Thursday, 27 June – Term 2 classes conclude
• Friday, 28 June – Staff Professional Learning Day
• Friday, 28 June – Fiji, Cambodia and Timor-Leste Immersions depart Sydney
• Thursday, 4 July – NAIDOC Week begins
• Wednesday, 31 July – YEAR 7 vaccinations – permission required
• Sunday, 11 August – City2Surf
• Saturday, 24 August – Blue & Gold Ball, College Gym – tickets on sale Thursday, 9 May at 5pm

Welcome back to term 2 and I hope your sons had a lovely break and are ready for a great term ahead. I acknowledge that many of our Year 12s would have done many hours of study over the break as they continue to prepare for their HSC trials and next steps in their life post school. I wish them the very best on their continued preparations.Ìý

I’d like to take this opportunity to welcome some new staff members to the College. We look forward to them sharing their experience, wisdom and perspectives with both colleagues and students.Ìý

Ms Bella Davies (English Teacher) holds a Bachelor of Education (Secondary: Humanities and Social Sciences) and Bachelor of Arts at the University of Sydney. Previously, Bella worked as a Senior Coach and Session Leader at HSC CoWorks, and she also facilitated workshops at Elephant Ed, a company focused on sex education and promoting healthy relationships.

Ms Emma Brown (Mathematics Teacher) joins us from The Radclyffe School, Manchester, UK. She holds a Bachelor of Science with first class honours in Mathematics with Psychology.Ìý

Ms Madeline Eddy (Learning Support Assistant, Junior School) joins us from ³ÉÈË×ÛºÏÍø Public School and Forest Lodge Public School. She holds a Bachelor of Teaching (Primary/ Early Childhood).

Ms Leanne Chapman (Canteen Assistant) has been working casually with us in the Canteen and has now transitioned to permanent part time. Leanne has a long association with the College across four generations and with the Major General Chapman Award for Cadets in honour of her grandfather.

Welcome back to the following staff:

• Ms Stephanie Jackman – TAS Teacher (Paternity leave).
• Mr Barry Smith – Head of History (Long service leave). Thank you to Mr Nic Brophy who acted as Head of History for Term 1.Ìý 
• Mr Steve O’Donnell (EREA Leadership Professional Development in South Africa with Edmund Rice Schools from around the world). Thank you to Mr Steve Wilmot and the Activities Office.
• Ms Alicia Romijn – Science & Relief Teacher.
• Welcome back to Ms Michelle McDonald who recently got married and is now Ms Michelle Richardson.

Congratulations to Ms Cassie Foster who has been appointed as the Acting Head of House – Brennan for Terms 2 and 3 while Ms Kaitlyn Downey is on maternity leave.Ìý 

As we begin this new Term, I would like to take this opportunity to remind our students of the importance of using feedback from the Parent/Teacher/Student conferences to set academic goals and stay committed to their studies. This is a crucial time of the year, and we must all work together to ensure that our students strive for their best possible education outcomes.

At assembly this week I spoke about; 

Our thoughts and prayers are still with the families and friends who lost loved ones in the tragic events that happened at Bondi Junction over the holidays. I know that some of you were friends of some of the people who were killed and I also know a few staff, students and parents were in Westfield Shopping Centre that day and witnessed the traumatic events.

Some of you will have seen graphic images online or in the media or have previously spent a lot of time in Westfield and this is all quite upsetting for you still. Or maybe this event has brought up previous trauma that you have experienced. Either way, I would encourage you to talk with your friends, parents, wellbeing mentor about this or see one of our psychologists. No one needs to go through issues alone and we will all experience challenges along life’s journey where we need assistance.Ìý 

With five of the six victims being female at the Bondi Junction event and 31 women having been murdered in Australia in the first four months of 2024, which is a 28% increase on 2023 figures for the same time period, a national crisis has been declared to address gender-based violence. And, whilst this is tragically the pointy end, there are thousands more women being abused, assaulted, controlled and humiliated in their own homes and across the community by men, and usually by men they trust.

You may have seen in the media one of the many marches across capital cities over the weekend calling for much more to be done to reduce gender violence. But this is not a new crisis in Australia or in fact across the world, as gender-based violence is one of the most widespread human rights abuses. This is a continuous tragedy in motion that needs our ongoing attention.Ìý

Gender-based violence is an umbrella term for harmful acts of abuse perpetrated against a person’s will and rooted in a system of unequal power between women and men. The perpetrators of gender-based violence are predominantly men, and the victims are most frequently women.Ìý

It’s not acceptable that one in three women in Australia experience physical or sexual violence. It is all of our responsibility to ensure that women and girls, and everyone, everywhere, can live free from violence. Violence of any type is not acceptable against anyone.Ìý

Clearly there is a need in Australia and other countries for greater institutional reforms in this space, greater accountability for perpetrators, and easier and quicker access to support for victims. But there is also a need for a deeper cultural change and this is where all of us have a role to play in ending gender violence, particularly males. As a parent, it should be as safe for my daughter as it is for my son to go out at night time and the statistics do not lie, it is not. So what can we do on an individual level and as a school community? 

We can continue to challenge harmful norms and call out friends or colleagues when we hear them disrespecting women.Ìý

We can ensure we are building respectful relationships with women we interact with and with our local girls’ school communities.

We can ensure that misogynistic comments where hatred of women or a belief that men are better than women are not acceptable anywhere or anytime. For over 2000+ years this has been embedded into our societies and structures, but it is not the equality or improved world we are seeking.

We should recognise that most men are good men, but good men need to step up and play our part in this ongoing crisis that is affecting all women in our country.

We should understand that there are some social commentators out there who try to skew the argument that there are male victims of gender violence too and that is true, there are – but over 90% of gender violence is men being violent with females. This sort of argument is just an attempt to dilute from the national crisis, so don’t fall for that one.Ìý

And finally, I think Ms de Kantzow summed it up well in her ANZAC Day address, that all our relationships should be fundamentally based upon care, compassion and respect. Respect is sharing power and valuing difference equally.Ìý

ANZAC Ceremony 

Due to ANZAC Day falling during the school holidays, our College chose to commemorate ANZAC in a Commemoration Service on 1 May, displaying the ongoing successful partnership between ³ÉÈË×ÛºÏÍø and St Catherine’s cadets. Years 10-12 students, staff, official guests, and our College community assembled in the Gym to mark this national day of remembrance and Years 5-9 watched the service from their classrooms via livestream.

Commanding Officer – WCCU, MAJ(AAC) Julie-Ann de Kantzow delivered a moving speech about the sacrifices of Australian women and men, focusing on the service of women in particular. She drew our attention to those women in the shadow of history – ANZAC women – whose names are not recognised on any cenotaph, and encouraged us all to live by their example.

“Without these women, without their care, compassion and respect for humanity, the mortality rate in Gallipoli would have been so much higher. Without their care, compassion and respect, many soldiers would have died without kindness on their side and connection to home.� 

This ceremony was a time for our entire community to reflect and honour the contribution and sacrifice made by so many men and women who have served during battles and conflicts in various theatres of war.Ìý

We recognise the service of our cadets in the Catafalque Party, Flag Party, VC Guard, Wreath Layers and Flag Raisers. We also thank the students who spoke so reverently at the dais. Our talented Senior School Brass ensemble performed and Lachlan Issac (Year 11) played ‘The Last Post’ and ‘The Rouse.’ 

Lest We Forget.

Happy Orthodox Easter! 

Happy Orthodox Easter to those celebrating this weekend. This vibrant celebration is a time of profound significance for millions around the world, marking the resurrection of Jesus Christ. We hope you have a lovely weekend celebrating with family and friends.Ìý

House Photos, Sibling Photos and Year 12 Cohort Photo

On Wednesday, 8 May our House, sibling and Year 12 cohort photos will be taken in the College Gym. Students must be in full winter uniform including their blazers and ties please.

Parents’ Association Meeting – Wednesday, 8 May

The next face-to-face meeting will occur on Wednesday, 8 May in The Grange Building Boardroom, 12A Carrington Road ³ÉÈË×ÛºÏÍø, 5:30pm-7:30pm. We encourage as many parents/carers to attend as possible. Our friendly and welcoming environment makes it easy for parents to meet, socialise and become involved in College life. The agenda for this meeting will include: 

• HSC 2023 – how we performed and some strategies we are utilising to improve – Ms Lynsey Porter, Deputy Principal – Teaching & Learning 
• Security of the College – Mr Graham Leddie
• Parent Q & A.

Strategic Planning – Perspectives Survey 

The 2025-2027 Strategic Planning process will begin shortly. The College will be seeking feedback from stakeholder groups. The information gathered will assist in furthering the growth and development of our school community. We will use the survey results to help inform and direct future school planning and improvement strategies.

The survey instruments that we are using have been created by the Association of Independent School NSW (AISNSW). These surveys have been specifically designed to assist schools in gaining an understanding of stakeholders’ perceptions of five important areas: School Environment, Teaching and Learning, Student Wellbeing, Leadership and Community. All staff, students, parents/carers, leaders and board members will be invited to participate.

The surveys will be distributed via email to all from ‘evidence@aisnsw.edu.au’ on behalf of the school and will take approximately 10-15 minutes to complete. All information will be anonymous and no data information will be stored past the process.Ìý

Your input and contribution are important to the success of our continuous school improvement process as we aspire to improve the learning experience for everyone at our school.

Mother/Carer & Son Dinner Event

This much anticipated event is fast approaching on Friday, 17 May. Almost 600 seats have been sold with only a handful remaining. Act fast if you would like to secure a seat! Read more in the Parents’ Association section HERE.

Year 12 Tutorials in Term 2, Week 2 2024

Please find below the schedule for the Year 12 Tutorials in Term 2, Week 2. Topics covered during the tutorials include content revision, study skills, exam preparation and practice papers. These tutorials have proven extremely valuable and, while not compulsory, are strongly encouraged.

It is important that we know attendance numbers so teachers can prepare accordingly. To that end, the expectation is that students who register for the tutorial, attend. Rolls will be taken to assist us to manage the program. The cut-off time to register for morning tutorials is 3pm the day prior. Ms Brooke Kent has emailed the registration sheet to students to register their attendance at the tutorials.

Junior School Confirmation at Mary Immaculate Church

For parents/carers seeking information regarding the Sacrament of Confirmation, it is important that you contact your local parish to find out the details regarding when the Sacrament will be celebrated, and when the preparation classes will be held.

For students who attend St Charles Borromeo Parish (Mary Immaculate Church) and attend ³ÉÈË×ÛºÏÍø, the Sacrament of Confirmation will be celebrated on Sunday, 23 June 2024 at 2pm.

Please be aware that the Sacrament of Confirmation is celebrated each year, therefore only Year 6 students will be enrolled to receive the Sacrament.

View the boundary map to see if you are within the parish boundary.

For further information, important dates and to register your son to receive this Sacrament, click

The document below will also give you important information regarding the dates of the Preparation program.

View the Sacrament of Confirmation Preparation Note

Year 11 Cardoner Project

The Cardoner Project, a not-for-profit organisation that offers immersion experiences for students post school, will be presenting to all Year 11 students on Tuesday, 28 May 2024 during Period 1 in the PAC. All students are required to attend this presentation please.

College Canteen Term 2

Can you volunteer to assist in our canteen in Term 2? We really need you! Lunch is provided for all volunteers. We welcome all members of the ³ÉÈË×ÛºÏÍø Community – mothers, fathers, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and carers. If you are interested, please volunteer as soon as you can by clicking

Secondhand Clothing Pool – College Blazers Urgently Needed 

Have you outgrown your blazer? If so, please consider donating it to the Clothing Pool as soon as you can, so other boys can keep warm this Term! More information is HERE.

• Monday, 6 May – Secondhand Clothing Pool regular trading hours resume, Monday 8:20am-9:30am and Wednesday 2:30pm-3:30pm
• Monday, 6 May – CIS Swimming Championships
• Tuesday, 7 May – CIS Swimming and Diving Championships
• Tuesday, 7 May – YEAR 11 DAT SHAPE excursion
• Tuesday, 7 May – YEAR 7A Football Rice Cup, Wanderers Football Park
• Wednesday, 8 May – YEAR 12 Leaders and House Captains Consent Workshop, ³ÉÈË×ÛºÏÍø Library, 2:35pm-3:30pm
• Wednesday, 8 May – Term 2 Parents’ Association Meeting, face to face only, The Grange building, 5:30pm-7:30pm
• Wednesday, 8 May – YEAR 12 photo, YEARS 5-12 sibling photos, YEARS 5-12 House group photos, College Gym, students must be in full winter uniform including blazers and ties 
• Thursday, 9 May – Junior School Mother’s Day store, more information coming
• Thursday, 9 May – Blue & Gold Ball tickets on sale at 5pm
• Thursday, 9 May – O’Connor House Mass and Supper, Chapel, 6pm
• Friday, 10 May – Senior School Mother’s Day Breakfast, Cosgrove Basketball Court, 7:45am-8:45am – NB: location changed to College Gym
• Friday, 10 May – Walk Safely to School Day
• Friday, 10 May – Junior School Mother’s Day Mass, 12pm
• Friday, 10 May – YEAR 11 Legal Studies Criminal Law Workshop, ³ÉÈË×ÛºÏÍø Library, Period 4 and Lunch
• Saturday, 11 May – , St Mary’s Cathedral, recommended arrival 5:30pm, seating 5:45pm, commencement 6pm
• Sunday, 12 May – Mother’s Day

Term 2 Week 3B – Monday, 13 May – Sunday, 19 May 2024

• Monday, 13 May – Thursday, 23 May – YEAR 10 Career Profiling Student Interviews via Zoom, College Library
• Thursday, 16 May – World Education Support Staff Day
• Thursday, 16 May – YEARS 5-12 Edmund Rice Assembly, Gym, 12:15pm
• Friday, 17 May – IDAHOBIT Day (International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia)
• Friday, 17 May – Parents’ Association Mother/Carer & Son Dinner, Randwick Racecourse, 6:30pm-10:30pm – book tickets here
• Saturday, 18 May – Tuesday, 21 May – Kairos Retreat

Weeks Ahead

• Friday, 24 May – May Procession
• Monday, 27 May – National Reconciliation Week begins
• Tuesday, 28 May – YEAR 11 compulsory Cardoner Project immersions presentation, Period 1, PAC
• Wednesday, 5 June – World Environment Day
• Monday, 10 June – King’s Birthday public holiday
• Tuesday, 18 June – Thursday, 20 June – Tartuffe (The Hypocrite) by Moliére, PAC Theatre, details coming soon
• Thursday, 27 June – Term 2 classes conclude
• Friday, 28 June – Staff Professional Learning Day
• Thursday, 4 July – NAIDOC Week begins
• Wednesday, 31 July – YEAR 7 vaccinations – permission required
• Saturday, 24 August – Blue & Gold Ball, College Gym – tickets on sale Thursday, 9 May at 5pm