It never ceases to amaze me that the excitement we derive from something new in our lives is not always shared by others. I have been happily (my family would say insufferably) for months now, detailing the progress of the new floor in our Hall. “It’s real American maple…from America.” “They’ve just put the lines down for the courts and the crest is next!” “It looks sooo nice, like a new building!” These highly informative updates are often greeted with the understanding and patience that is set aside specifically for dads when they get overly excited in novel situations.
Given this reaction, my next fit of excitement was somewhat muted, shared only with those who understand the joys of such things as CNC machines. A CNC — Computer Numerical Control for the uninitiated — machine is basically a cutting machine. Our Eddies CNC machine allows a spinning bit to move across large sheets of material - plywood, thin sheet aluminium, what have you - cutting anything from simple shapes, like rectangles and circles, to complex patterns, like complicated writing or cutting paths for puzzles. Satisfyingly, I have occasionally been able to share some “fanboy” moments over the CNC machine with our Industrial Technology and Design staff, all of whom seem to instinctively understand the exhilaration that should be drawn from such an amazing piece of tech.
The truth of the matter is — my unrequited excitement aside — that we do have a new floor in the Hall. During these last nail-biting few months, we have watched work progress at what seemed glacial pace. The rather tired and deeply in need of repair marquetry floor of the past was replaced with new wood, freshly sprung, perfectly nailed and finished with the latest in epoxy coatings. Yes, it does look like a new building.
We do also have a new CNC machine. The arrival of this machine has been a long time coming, as these types of technology are not only complex but expensive. Our young men now have an avenue to develop their creativity - collaborating, designing, innovating and using their skills. This machine provides them with a chance to engage in activities that would have been science fiction a short number of years ago.
On Wednesday as a College, we gathered — on our new floor — to celebrate our Ash Wednesday Liturgy. Quietly, respectfully, our young men accepted the ashes from their Homeroom teachers. Adaptively, in these COVID safe times, the ashes did not come from the remains of palms burnt on Palm Sunday, placed on the forehead from a shared bowl. They came in the form of a sticker. All our young men sitting “in the round”, facing our newly painted College Crest at the centre of our Hall, celebrated the beginning of the season of Lent, as only our young men can.
While my excitement for these things may not be shared by all, I believe as a community we do share the excitement of one very important thing - the excitement that comes from seeing our young men growing and developing their talents and skills, their beliefs and their faith. A hall floor and a CNC machine, exciting though they may be, are simply objects and means to a quite significant end, that of giving each and every Eddies Man the opportunity to make the most of themselves, and to enter the world prepared and able to “live simply and make a difference”. An outcome I am sure we all agree, is truly exciting.
The Departure
On Tuesday morning Rangers Rugby fields witnessed the launch of The Rite Journey College formation program. Parents, caregivers and young men gathered with The Rite Journey teachers for “The Departure”, the initiating ritual of the program. Over the course of the year the young men of Year 10 will be challenged to learn about themselves, who they are and the person into which they will mature. I was pleased to see so many mums, dads and family members present, despite the understandably complicated nature of organising busy mornings. A juice box and bacon and cheese scroll breakfast completed the morning. I look forward to the year ahead as our Year 10 Eddies Men transition from the priorities of adolescents to a better understanding of their place in the world as adults.
Rookies 1
Friday sees the first Rookies afternoon of the year. This program has been invaluable for prospective students to the College, helping them to acclimatise to our campus, our opportunities and our Eddies way. Year 6 students from many of our Ipswich Catholic Primary schools, as well as a wide variety of independent and state schools, will gather to play sport, participate in Science and Creative Arts activities and, believe it or not, construct an item designed and created on the new Eddies CNC machine.
Exciting days indeed.
