A watched pot never boils. Anyone who has desperately needed a cup of tea will know the meaning of this adage. To me, this seems to also be the case when watching the construction of buildings. The other day, on a rather fresh morning, I stood on the veranda of the Edmund Rice Building watching the workmen go about their business. Soil was being moved, holes were being dug and concrete was being poured. Despite this storm of activity, the process of making the new Open Learning Centre a reality seems interminably long. As is the case of really wanting a cup of tea, in really wanting something to be, my relationship with time seemed to change.

Interestingly enough, a slight head-turn to the right brought an early morning Mary Street into view, with the glorious sight of Eddies boys and Mary’s girls walking up the hill to their respective colleges. In groups and singly, one step in front of the other, they moved slowly to the beginning of the school day. A triangle of three Eddies boys involved in an animated exchange, the young man at the apex strenuously making a point, his two friends smiling and listening as they all moved along. A group of St Mary’s girls walking, quite unconsciously in lock step, each foot fall amazingly synchronised. In ones, twos, threes and more, the slow tide of blue, white and maroon rises as 8:30am approaches. No doubt their relationship with time is also altered as the clock ticks, again seemingly interminably, towards the bell signalling the start of the day.

Our community revolves around relationships whether with our cup of tea, with time or with each other. This week on Tuesday and Thursday, Parent, Teacher, Student interviews were held under two different formats. Using Microsoft Teams on Tuesday and in person on Thursday there was an opportunity to discuss and plan for improvement and bettering outcomes.

In reflecting on these two evenings, it is remarkable how they mirrored the type of relationship our community values. Undoubtedly digital communication has exploded since last year and the onset of the COVID pandemic. Nonetheless it was very evident from this week that our Eddies Team values the close ties that build through being together in the flesh. Watching from the edge of the Hall on Thursday evening, one could see earnest conversations with a spectrum of emotions in play. Concern, surprise and happiness projected from the faces of mums, dads, Eddies men and teachers sitting in groups of three or four. Parents and caregivers, teachers and our Eddies Men, together, working toward one aim.

Over the course of 2020 and for some of 2021 we watched the proverbial pot as it heated, waiting for it to boil, hoping the water would finally end for good, the interminable restrictions that kept us apart. It’s been a long wait. At least it seems so. Apparently time is relative, but progress has been made cautiously. I look forward to more evenings and opportunities where we are able to gather, not via a screen, but in person, here at the top of our hill, building together the relationships that make our community the Eddies Team.

For our students, there is immeasurable value in taking time out for retreat days. A retreat refreshes and revitalizes and gives the opportunity for reflections, prayer, growth and unity. These days are also important for our community and culture as our staff and students have the opportunity to reconnect in a more relaxed environment, rekindling and deepening relationships with each other and with God.

On Tuesday our Year 7 cohort had their first experience of a retreat program. The students spent time breaking open the EREA Touchstones. Throughout the day, these young men participated in four sessions each designed to add greater depth to how we see the four Touchstones at work in our community. For Gospel Spirituality, the students used water colours to reflect on their sense of spirituality. ‘Sound off for Schools’ came in with wireless headphones for the Liberating Education session and led the students through mindful practice to improve their focus. Staff from Caritas helped the boys to better understand equality providing insight around the Justice and Solidarity. Finally, the young men were provided with the opportunity to reflect on how we can be a more Inclusive Community.

I would like to thank all the staff who assisted with the planning and implementation of these programs during a busy time. I am very grateful for their energy and support. Later in the term, the staff will have time for their very own reflection and retreat day allowing them the same opportunity to refresh and feel revitalized.