Dear Members of the St Edmund’s Community,

From the stage, a full school assembly looks like a large painting: a canvas painted in blue and white dotted with young faces. Last Friday I looked for the light of recognition in just one of these young faces and saw none. “Eddie Van Halen” I said, confident the reference to this 80s guitar hero would be immediately grasped. Herein lay my mistake.

Our young men are immersed in YOLOs , FOMOs and a smattering of other “Os” found on various social media platforms. Sometimes amongst the pressure of presenting an ideal image and not wanting to be seen to fail, young people do not notice the reality that learning and improving comes from making mistakes. In fact, more than just making mistakes, making “good mistakes”.

I would claim that a “good mistake” has three defining characteristics. Firstly, it is one you own and learn from; secondly, it is one you pick yourself up and move on from; and thirdly it is one that makes you better.

Personally, I own the fact my musical tastes are hopelessly out of date and I have learned in 2020 there are more recognisable artists such as Ed Sheeran, Billie Eilish and Taylor Swift. I move on and will be better, particularly in my choice of music references.

In this journey we share with our young men, making mistakes will be inevitable. However, as a community, supporting the making of “good mistakes” will need to be just as inevitable. Whether it be mastering a maths problem, learning a piece of music, or playing a game of cricket, making “good mistakes” will also be the making of kind, strong and gentle, Eddies’ Men.

Academic Awards Assembly

Today we welcomed the students from the class of 2019. This year we celebrated not only the success of students in achieving excellent OPs but also outstanding results in vocational education and training.

Thank you to our guest speaker, Executive Director of the Queensland Children’s Hospital, Mr Dominic Tait. While at St Edmund’s, Dominic involved himself fully in all aspects of College life achieving excellent academic results, an OP 1 as well as representing the College at firsts level in both Rugby League and Rugby Union. As a graduate of the College he is a fine example for our current students to follow and his wisdom is greatly appreciated.

Additionally, hard work of students from Years 10 to 12 was also recognised. To all these young men, past and present students, your achievements are a credit not only to you and your hard work, but also to the team that works to support you.

Well done gentlemen and congratulations. Next week we celebrate our Years 8 and 9 student successes. As always parents and caregivers are most welcome to attend.

Rookies

The College held the first Rookies of the year this evening. Over one hundred excited Year 6 boys had their first taste of St Edmund’s and what we have to offer. From creating bread-boards to painting; science experiments to sport; the yard was a whirlwind of activity. We look forward to engaging with our new Rookies over the coming months and to welcoming them as Eddies’ Men in 2021.

Ray Celegato, Principal

Next week, as part of our ‘Eddies’ Men Can’ Student Formation Program, the Year 12 students will take time out for their senior retreat. Later in the term, the Year 7 students will also have a day to stop and reflect. These are significant and compulsory days in the lives of our students.

The ‘Eddies’ Men Can’ Student Formation Program encompasses all areas of College life. The program provides focus for retreats and pastoral care, development of study skills and attributes of a learner, team and skill development and so much more. The culmination of the formation program enables our students to be: kind men, strong men and gentle men. Throughout their years at the College, our students are guided through a journey grounded in the foundation of the EREA Touchstones and focused on four key attributes: Resilient, Respectful, Reflective, Responsive.

The four overarching attributes provide a common language across all year levels. The formation program develops from their time as Rookies, through to their final year at the College. Through explicit teaching of study skills, to involvement in teams and especially engagement with the retreat days, our students develop the outstanding attributes we see in the Eddies’ Men who graduate from the College.

Below you will find an overview of the ‘Eddies’ Men Can’ Student Formation journey as it applies to the retreat program. I encourage all students and families to check the calendar to see when the retreats occur throughout this year. Retreat days not only provide an opportunity for our students to refocus, but offer interactive and enjoyable time with their peers.

Rookies - The Journey Begins

Spread over five afternoons across the year, future Eddies’ Men have an opportunity to experience the opportunities that are in store for them at the College.

Year 7 - Belonging to our Community: The focus for our Year 7 students is on building relationships. Students spend time during their camp experience and a full day reflection program breaking open the EREA Touchstones and developing an understanding of the story of Edmund Rice.

Year 8 - Emerging Independence: Our Year 8 students start to take ownership of the Edmund Rice story. Through active, hands-on and immersive activities and programs, the students continue to explore how to live the Touchstones. Students have ongoing immersive service opportunities throughout the year as well as a retreat day in Term 2.

Year 9 - Outwardly Focused: As they become more confident, Year 9 are encouraged to engage in service to the College and to the community. At this stage, our students are directed to truly begin the journey from boyhood to manhood and actively live the story of Jesus through a Social Justice Retreat day in Term 3.

Year 10 - The Man I want to Be: The Rite Journey program is a memorable experience in the life of our Year 10 students. They are encouraged to step up, take leadership and find ways to share the Touchstones with the community as they grow into confident young men. The Year 10 program includes a challenge camp as well as significant rituals to mark stages in their journey.

Year 11 - Men of Character, Action and Words: This program focuses on guiding our Year 11 students into their senior years as the leaders of the College. We provide opportunity and space for them to critically reflect on the Touchstones as they nominate and select our student leaders. The Year 11 students participate in three reflection days throughout the year. Each day is built on the program of the previous day and leads to the nomination and selection of our student leaders.

Year 12 - Reflection of Eddie into the Future: The final stage of the retreat program is an opportunity for the Year 12 students to take some time away from school. The focus is their journey as Eddies’ Men and those who have supported them, as well as exploring values, practising mindfulness to prepare for the year ahead and considering the Eddies Man they will be in the future. This overnight reflective retreat takes place at the James Byrne Centre Toowoomba next week.

What’s on Highlights: Mark your diaries!

DanDaLion Inclusive Cricket - Sunday 23 February - 8.00am to 12 noon
We are holding a social and inclusive cricket match for students from St Edmund’s and St Mary’s, along with young people connected with the DanDaLion organisation. DanDaLion supports young people with ‘diffabilities’.

Year 12 Retreat - Between 24-26 February at the James Byrne Centre Toowoomba
Our Year 12 students will be divided into two groups for their retreat.
- Group 1: (Ambrose/Finn/Ignatius/Treacy) will depart the College at 2.00pm on Monday 24 February and return on Tuesday 25 February by 2.45pm.
- Group 2: (Callan/Elliott/Morgan/Rice) will depart the College at 2.00pm on Tuesday 25 February and return on Wednesday 26 February by 2.45pm.

Friday 13 March to Saturday 14 March - Edmund Rice Head to Heart Camp - Years 10 and 11 Students
Twenty students from St Mary’s and St Edmund’s Colleges are invited to participate in this 24-hour immersive experience. It is a camp to support children who may be at risk or are disadvantaged and is bound to be a lot of fun! Look out for more information. Training afternoons for this event will be on Thursdays 5 March and 12 March, 3.00 to 6.00pm.

Sunday 15 March: Combined Colleges’ Parish Mass 6.00pm
All are invited and welcome to join us at Mass. Smart casual attire. Students should sit in the choir section and pizza supper will be served following Mass.

Thursday 2 April: Year 7 Retreat Day
Year 7 students will gather to share their first retreat day. The day will build on their experiences at the Year 7 Camp as well as creating connections with other students and breaking open the EREA Touchstones.

Marysia Rice, Assistant Principal Identity

Year 7 students travelled to China, Mexico and Rome and examined priceless ancient artefacts up close this week as part of their English/History Ancient Artefacts assignment.

Teachers used Virtual Reality (VR) in the classroom to immerse students and pique their curiosity about the ancient artefacts they were studying in class.

Students visited the Terracotta Warriors in China and the ancient city of Chichen Itza in Mexico as well as examining artefacts such as the Rosetta Stone and Easter Island Statues.

VR technology creates an immersive experience that helps students learn effectively. Research has proven that immersion of students in the virtual world enables them to learn better. Such learning activities do not feel like work and students enjoy the learning process that increases their motivation.

Ms Karen Callaghan, Head of Information Services and Learning Resources

The formation of young men at St Edmund’s occurs in all aspects of College life every day but explicitly in our Eddies’ Men Can (EMC) lessons, which occur once a fortnight. The lessons aim to reinforce the strong values formed at home, challenge students to consider thought-provoking concepts and highlight issues relevant to their age and stage. This week in class our EMC students have:

Year 7 – Focused on healthy relationships and friendship. As enrolment data suggests that our new Eddies’ men are drawn from approximately forty-five feeder schools, it is essential that they have the tools to make new friends and know how to be a good friend.

Year 8 – Focused on the individual skills we bring to the world. Camp Kokoda will challenge students to work together and recognise that we all have different talents, and all bring a variety of skills to all aspects of life; in this case our forthcoming camp.

Year 9 – Focused on interacting appropriately in social settings and de-escalating emotionally charged situations. Adolescent males often misunderstand how their actions impact others and lack the skills to interact appropriately. This is the start of several lessons developed to assist our young men to cultivate skills to deal with anger and conflict.

Year 10 – Focused on moderating their relationship with gaming. Gaming is an evolving issue which can be addictive and costly. The aim of this lesson is to begin a conversation with students around the impact of gaming, provide them with some information around the dangers and ask them to consider their gaming habits. It would be foolish to ask students to completely stop their gaming, but by providing them with information and resources, they are able to make informed decisions regarding their habits.

Year 11 – Focused on teenage development and the creation of identity. As our young men grow and mature, they develop a sense of who they are or, their self-concept. This lesson asks students to reflect on who they truly are and critically review, evaluate and adjust their behavior so it works well for themselves and others.

Year 12 – Focused on challenging students to think about what legacy they will leave when they finish their final year at St Edmund’s College. How we engage and treat others dictates the respect that we are shown. Therefore, our seniors are urged to realise that, whilst age and stage should garner respect, it is our actions, words and character that gain the respect and admiration of others.

Thanks must go to our Pastoral Deans who have generously guided the EMC teaching teams. In addition to their guidance, our EMC teachers have reviewed and adapted resources and activities to best deliver to and engage students. I have encouraged our young men to be open-minded and responsive to the content delivered during EMC. Whilst they may not think it is relevant to them this week, it may be in the future.

Ms Vanessa Bell, Director of Students

Would you like to sponsor the St Edmund’s College 2020 Year 12 Skool2Skoolies fundraising ride?

All funds raised by this annual Skool2Skoolies initiative are directed to Ipswich Hospice and St Vincent de Paul.

A range of sponsorship packages are available, starting at $500, in graduated levels up to $2500.

Donations are also accepted.

If you would like more information regarding the annual St Edmund’s College Year 12 Skool2Skoolies fundraising initiative, please email Mr Michael Podolak, Pastoral Dean at the College: mpodolak@sec.qld.edu.au

2019 SEC Skool2Skoolies Riders

St Edmund's College 2020 Kokoda Trek

Saturday 19 September 2020 is the departure date (Week 1, Term 3 holidays) for the Kokoda Track 2020. St Edmund’s College will be seeking interest in taking a group of students, parents and teachers across Papua New Guinea to complete the legendary Kokoda Track. To accommodate for varying levels of fitness, we will allow ten days to make the crossing. Although physically demanding, trekking Kokoda is more a journey within, than a physical challenge.

The trek will be run by Trekking Kokoda who will take us across PNG with the event essentially tailored to our group and its requirements. Trekking Kokoda has been taking people across the Kokoda Track for more than ten years, including St Edmund’s College community and has a reputation as the safest trekking company. In addition, the company owner, Nathan is an ex-Eddies parent, lives in the Ipswich region and understands our community. Nathan’s company uses local guides only, many of whom are descendants of the legendary ‘Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels’ of the 1940s.

The Kokoda Trek is an opportunity open to students in Years 10 or 11 in 2020. Training will begin in February and continue throughout the year up until our September departure.

All interest should be directed to Mr Nigel Raddie at the College.

Email: nraddie@sec.qld.edu.au

Mobile: 0401 265 328

Cost $65.00

2020 Year 12 Jersey - Payment due today Friday 21 February

St Edmund’s College Senior Jersey orders and payments are required now.

The design is posted on the notice board outside the Deans’ Room, on the College App and Facebook page.
Cost of the 2020 Senior Jersey is $65. Payments can be made at College Reception via EFTPOS; Qkr!; cash/cheque in a sealed envelope clearly marked with the student’s name and “Senior Jersey”; or via a phone credit card transaction (Reception 3810 4400).
Students must sign to verify that their information is correct. Please direct all enquiries to Mr Mills during school hours on 3810 4400 or email: dmills@sec.qld.edu.au

Year Ten students will be involved in careers interviews run by Business Improvement Australia starting Monday 24 February. Interview times will be 8.30 am, 10.00 am, 12.00 noon and 1.30pm and will run for one and a half hours. Students have been emailed a draft schedule and a final schedule will be emailed on Thursday afternoon.

Students need to be on time for their interview and engage fully in the process in order to get the most out of it.

Exploring Apprenticeships

Career Interest Explorer – a quiz to help identify your career interests in vocational areas

Your interests are important in career exploration and decision making, as the information can help you identify your potential career pathways. Career interests are activities you enjoy doing or are interested in. Australian Apprenticeships Pathways have a Career Interest Explorer quiz which can help you identify your career interests in vocational fields. The quiz allows you to answer work type related questions and requires you to indicate your interest in activities relating to the following:

* Persuading and Service

* Nature and Recreation

* Helping and Advising

* Creative and Artistic

* Analytic and Scientific

* Practical and Manual

* Organising and Clerical

Your results will be a list of the work types in order of your interests. The work types you are most interested in will be at the top. From here you can search the related jobs and industries and come up with a list of possible jobs you can explore further through reading about them, talking to people already in the jobs and doing work experience.

Tax File Number – why you need one

A Tax File Number (TFN) is a unique number issued by the Australian Tax Office (ATO). It is required for:

• Starting work (including part-time and casual jobs)
• Lodging a tax return
• Applying for Commonwealth Government financial assistance such as pensions and other benefits
• Applying for the Higher Education Loan Program (e.g. HECS-HELP, FEE-HELP) and VET Student Loans when you start your university, TAFE or college study.

The easiest way to get a TFN is to:

• Complete an online application form from the ATO website
• Print a summary of your application which includes your application reference number
• Make an appointment for an interview at a participating Australia Post Office
• Take the summary of your application and proof of identity to the interview within 30 days of completing your online form

Visit the ATO website for details about this process. Year 12 students intending to apply for tertiary study in 2021 should apply for their TFN this year to avoid any delays early next year.

Employment Information

Graduate Career Advice

The Graduate Opportunities website has the profiles of key industries in Australia. Each profile includes the key jobs in the industry, Essentials, Specialisations, Getting hired, On the Job and related articles. You will also find information on an industry overview, pros and cons of a career in that industry and what salary and benefits you can expect as a graduate. A scan of this information will help you learn more about industries you are likely to work in one day. It will also make you aware of industries and jobs you didn’t know about including. Click here to find information about the following industries: Accounting and advisory, Banking and financial services, Charity, social work and volunteering, Construction and property services, Consulting, Creative arts and culture, Education and training, Energy and utilities, Engineering, R&D and manufacturing, Entertainment, travel and hospitality, Environment and agriculture, Government and public services, Health, Human resources and recruitment, IT and communications, Law, Mining, oil and gas, Retail and consumer goods, Transport and logistics. You can also browse by topic.

Tertiary News

The Best Universities for Environmental Studies

With environmental issues dominating world policy and the media, the prominence of climate change has also resulted in extra research funding for many universities. Click here to read more. Studying environmental science could see you specialise in areas such as:

• atmospheric science
• conservation
• ecology
• landscape management
• marine studies
• parks, recreation and heritage
• sustainable resource management
• toxicology
• wildlife and conservation biology

Mr Mark Currie, Careers Guidance Officer/Adviser

Deja-vu! Once again, our efforts to make a timely appearance on a Friday night swim meet were almost thwarted by yet another accident on the motorway. Arriving just on time, we fielded twenty-four eager swimmers. Participation was at an all time high which resulted in some encouraging times being posted. Our Swimmer-of-the-Meet was Damian Jendra. He competed in every event available to him and encouraged our younger swimmers to do the same.

This week will see our final invitational meet for the season, so we need to remain enthusiastic with a full complement of competitors. In the final week in the lead up to the AIC Championships, we need as many students attending as many training sessions as possible. This will ensure we will finish with our best foot forward in the AIC Championships on Monday 2 March.

Ms Natalie Henness, SEC Swim Coordinator

Firsts – Loss 0 – 3. Preparation is considered one of the many keys to success across any aspect of life and this is certainly the case in a sporting context. We did ourselves no favours by preparing poorly as a team on the day, following a disrupted week of training. This translated to our standard of play in the first set being completely dominated by a strong St Laurence’s opponent. The second and third sets were nail-biters, going down by the most narrow margin possible in both sets. We need to ensure we start our games strongly and look to build off the foundations we set.

Seconds – Loss 0 – 2. A slow start against strong opposition saw us drop our heads early, then struggle to get back into the game. We showed glimpses of good play; however, it was not enough in the end. Jacob Bell and Ethan had great games.

Thirds – Loss 0 – 2. St Laurence’s strong service game never allowed the Eddies’ men into the match. Nevertheless the Eddies spirit shone through to the end with our team rallying to win some hard fought points.

11A – Loss 0 – 2. This was a game that we may have won, had we showed up thinking that we could win. A rather laissez faire approach to our game against St Laurence’s meant that we were only ever on the back foot against a team that was ready to attack. Byron Williams performed at his best to support the efforts of the rest of his team mates after his injury lay-off.

10A – Loss 0 – 2. The team was not able to get into any rhythm and was comprehensively beaten. We will do better next round with better preparation.

10B – Win 2 – 0. Everyone fought hard to secure a great team win. Top efforts from Ryan Evans and Benjamin McCarroll.

10C – Win 2 – 0. This was a very exciting win against a strong opposition. The first set was a close encounter where we were successful 25 – 22. The second set began disastrously as we lost our way early in the set. Down 13 – 4 and 18 – 8 we slowly began to claw our way back into the game. Lauries became frustrated and called a timeout at 22 – 17. This was our cue to turn the heat up and we took the second set 27 – 25 to win the game. Jonathan Herron was outstanding with his upbeat encouragement of all players and Tobias Oxenham was sensational at serving.

9A – Win 2 – 1. A great win, taking trust in our team mates to complete their jobs. After a slow first set we rallied and targeted position on court to take it to a tie-break. Big hitting in the third set secured a well deserved win. Great game from Lochlan Davis.

9B – Loss 1 – 2. A great effort from the team. We pushed the opposition in each set. Everybody played their role and did what was asked of them on court. Honourable mention to Jayden Land for a great all round game.

9C – Loss 1 – 2. Excellent communication and resilience saw the team take a tight first set; however, St Laurence’s rallied to win the second. In the third, the whole team hustled to stay neck-and-neck with the opposition. Special mention to Thomas Cowell who held his nerve to save two match points before the team eventually fell 14-16.

8A – Loss 1 – 2. Service errors and an unenthusiastic approach allowed St Laurence’s to steal the win. We must reflect on how much we want to win and how hard we are willing to work when on court. Ryan White and Ryan Smith were our best players.

8B – Loss 1 – 2. Superb serving by Ryan Prenzler gave us a fighting chance. Martyn Leonard made some very smart hits whilst the whole team defended well in the third set. Our lack of foot movement and not calling the ball, cost us a team win.

8C – Loss 1 – 2. A slow start in the first set saw SEC go down disappointingly. A much improved second set allowed the team command the front court and take a 25-10 win. After an explosive start to the third and leading 8-2, a loss of focus and concentration saw the team lose 13-15.

7A – Loss 1 – 2. The Eddies team dug deep against a very strong St Laurence’s outfit, pushing the black-and-gold all the way. Down 7-2 in the second set, we worked our way back to a heart-breaking 23–25. The Eddies spirit showed we can mix it with a bigger opposition.

7B – Loss 0 – 3. A tough loss this week with the team going down narrowly in each set. Many service errors cost us greatly; however, the players never gave up and showed some ‘ticka’.

7C – Loss 1- 2. The team lacked some punch on court against a quality St Laurence’s outfit. SLC dictated terms and we could not find a consistent groove to match them. Once the pressure was off however, we showed what we can do and took out the third set.

7D – Loss 0 - 3. Service errors cost the team too many points throughout the whole game. A lack of communication allowed SLC to get away in each set.

FRIDAY 21 FEBRUARY - Years 8 to 12

BUS INFORMATION

Bus for Years 8 to12 Australian Rules players leaves the College at 2:30pm and returns at approximately 7:30pm.

SATURDAY 22 FEBRUARY - Year 7

BUS INFORMATION

Bus for Year 7 Australian Rules players leaves the College at 7:30am and returns at 10.45am

Please be advised that the Volleyball Court boundary lines are in close proximity to the surrounding wall.

BUS INFORMATION

Bus for 9A, 9B, 9C, 8A, 8B, 8C, 7A, 7B, 7C and 7D departs SEC at 7:00am and returns at 2.30pm approximately.

PLEASE NOTE:

• Please note unusual times for Firsts, Seconds and 10A
• Players must be ready for warm up 30 minutes prior to start time
• Firsts players must arrive 1 hour prior to start time

Monday 24 February: T Williams, K Schuh, T Rogers

Tuesday 25 Februrary: N Callaghan, K Heycott

Wednesday 26 February: J Roberts

Thursday 27 February: M Low

Friday 28 February: F Sippel, D McGuire

IMPETIGO - A case of Impetigo has been reported in the Year 7 cohort.

Please refer to the Queensland Health link:

https://www.health.qld.gov.au/data/assets/pdffile/0022/426820/timeout_poster.pdf

Term 1 School Fees were emailed to all families on Tuesday 11 February.

Reminder - Due date for payment: Wednesday 26 February

If you did not receive your fees statement or have a query regarding your statement, please contact the Finance Office: finance@sec.qld.edu.au

Dear Parents and Caregivers

Please find attached notice from the Australian Government to all schools regarding the 2020 Student Residential Address and Other Information Collection taking place between Monday 17 February and Friday 13 March 2020.