Dear Members of the St Edmund’s Community,

Today we inducted the class of 2020 as student leaders of St Edmund’s. In a world framed by coronavirus, bush fires and climate change we saw a positive light in these young men of our College taking on the mantle of leadership whilst preparing themselves for the future.

There is an implied challenge posed to our community and especially our students in our College Vision.

It states:
St Edmund’s College, an inclusive Catholic community, enriched by Ipswich culture and grounded in the Edmund Rice Tradition, educates and inspires young men
to live simply and to make a difference.

The challenge is to make a difference. Importantly making a difference as an Eddies man will sometimes be through great acts but mostly through one simple act at a time, through kindness, strength and gentleness.

“Show Some Ticka”: the theme for the class of 2020 was announced this morning. I cannot think of a better way for our young men to focus their leadership on meeting the challenge set in the College Vision. By placing their hearts front and centre in all they do, academically, spiritually and physically, I am sure they will make a difference.

I wish the young men of the class of 2020 all the best in what will for them, be an exciting and no doubt all too short year. I look forward to working with them as they “Show Some Ticka” in all they do over the course of 2020.

Year 7 Information Night

Seeing so many Eddies’ families attending Monday’s Year 7 Information Night speaks to the strength of our community. It was wonderful to meet parents and caregivers as an integral part of our team. I hope to see you at many more of these evenings over the course of your son’s time at St Edmund’s.

Inter-House Swimming Carnival

Congratulations to Morgan House on an exciting win in the Inter-House Swimming Carnival held on Wednesday. House spirit soaked the air and enthusiastic cheering drove each House to do their very best.

Inter-House events build the strength of our community and I invite parents and caregivers to be part of these as they occur throughout the year.

AIC Ecumenical Service

On Thursday St Patrick’s College Shorncliffe hosted the launch of the Associated Independent Colleges (AIC) year. Eight Year 12 students engaged with leaders from other AIC schools.

Well done to Max Banditt, Thomas Chandler, William Cruice, Liam Kember, Toby Patrick, Kerryn Ryan, Merrick Small and Patrick Towne for representing the College so well and contributing to the day in such a mature and thoughtful way.

Ray Celegato, Principal

This morning our senior class was commissioned as leaders of the school in our opening Mass. It was a wonderful celebration filled with joy and much anticipation for the year ahead. During the Mass, each of our Year 12 students was called by name before, united, they proclaimed the Seniors' Pledge. The pledge, written by the College Captains, was a commitment to be men who build an inclusive, peaceful community, whilst also uniting to proclaim commitment to their studies and a love for others.

At the conclusion of the Mass, our College Captains announced the theme for the year. They spoke with energy and conviction, setting the bar high for all students in the year ahead. I will include their words below rather than paraphrasing and congratulate each of them for their inspiring words.

2020 College Captains’ Opening Address

Liam Kember
Good Morning, students and teachers. We’re here to introduce the 2020 theme for St Edmund’s College. The seniors and I have come up with a theme that shares the vision we see for St Edmund’s. It sets a standard for the legacy the students will carry on for schooling life. We all know that Eddies is an amazing place. It’s a place where friendships are made, and brotherhoods are formed. We all faced many challenges, obstacles, difficulties along our journey leading to this moment. We all have experienced success and triumphs along our journey leading to this moment. This year is our year. This year is our time, our moment, our opportunity to put it all on the line.

Luc Van Meurs
Your heart is a pump. It’s a muscular organ about the size of your fist located slightly left of the centre of your chest. Together, your heart and blood vessels circulate blood and oxygen around your body, thus, providing life. We are the blood and oxygen of the heart that is St Edmund’s College. And for us that cycle is almost over, but the heart has always been more than just its biological definition. The heart is the compassion and understanding, for our fellow brothers and sisters. The heart gives us life. Love gives us life. The passion we have for each other, this very community is what drives us as Eddies men.

Max Banditt
Boys, the theme for 2020 is ‘Show Some Ticka’. Showing some tikka, is not just any old saying. It is a task, a motive and a reminder to each and every person here in St Edmunds College community. The very thing that makes Eddies different is our ability to open our hearts to brothers in need, show some compassion and thus show some ticka. So, boys, let’s fire up for a big year. Let’s develop the strength of the Wolfpack, show everyone a little bit of Eddies culture and overall SHOW SOME TICKA! This overarching theme carries on the values of St Edmund’s men who came before us and it can be expressed through sport, academics, performing arts and most importantly, service to our community.

Thomas Parker
We centre each day within the College around being a brother to another, being kind men, strong men and gentlemen. We give our all for the blue and white and strive to uphold the legacy placed upon us by the legends who roamed these grounds before us. ‘Show Some Ticka’ will empower our athletes to push harder, will empower us to put others before ourselves and will empower us to believe in our passions. Show Some Ticka!’

2020 Senior Pledge

We promise to be the Eddies men we are meant to be.
To be proud of our community and history and invite all to join in our story.
To use our gifts to stand for justice and live the Gospel.
To be committed to being curious in our learning.
To offer gratitude and be present to staff and students as well as our parents who have made us the men we are.
May our words be kind,
Our actions, gentle,
And our character, strong.
We are Eddies’ Gentlemen. May our heart beat strong.

Term 1 Highlights - Mark your diaries!

Combined Colleges’ Parish Mass - Sunday 16 February, 6.00pm.
All are invited and welcomed to join us at Mass: St Mary’s Church, Elizabeth Street. There will be a pizza supper after Mass.

Year 12 Retreat - Between 24 to 26 February at the James Byrne Centre, Toowoomba
This year 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 Wednesday 26 February by 2.45pm.

Marysia Rice, Assistant Principal Identity

Thank you to the parents who attended the information evening on Monday. The partnership between the College, student and parent is most important, with the student at the centre.

Professional Development

This week Senior School staff and students participated in Professional Development in preparation for 2020 external examinations. Workshops presented information about online support materials for teachers and students in the form of tutoring, quizzes and tracking progress.

Year 11 Conference and Parent Information Evening - Monday 10 February

Ms Henness and I look forward to the Year 11 Conference on Monday 10 February. The focus will be 21st Century Skills and preparing to be a senior school student. This is a most important day for the students. Following this is the Parent Information Evening commencing at 6.00pm in the College Hall.

We look forward to seeing all parents from all pathways on Monday evening. There is a separate presentation in Ambrose Place after the general introduction for students doing Work Placement or TAFE.

A Final Note

It was wonderful to have the ABC Radio broadcast from Ipswich this week to highlight what our city has to offer, its wonderful heritage, proximity to the country and it beauty.

We thank God for the life-giving rain.

Best wishes.

Carmel James, Assistant Principal Learning and Teaching

Queensland School Libraries Week and Library Lovers Day

Queensland school libraries positively influence the learning outcomes of students through teaching multiple literacies and encouraging a lifelong love of learning and reading. School Library Week will be celebrated from Monday 10 to Friday 14 February. The theme this year is School Libraries Build 20/20 Vision.

Library Lovers Day falls during this week on Friday 14 February. To celebrate both occasions the library has organised a number of activities. Firstly, we have Blind Date with a Book where a hand-wrapped book, carefully curated from a wide range of popular genres, is tagged with intriguing clues alluding to the book inside. A free heart-shaped chocolate is included with the loan.

On Monday 10 February during First Break the Valentine’s Tower Competition will be held. Entrants will have to build the tallest tower using only heart- shaped lollies and toothpicks. Students can compete in teams of two to four. Entry forms are available from the library.

Our Lovers of Literature Kahoot is during First Break on Tuesday 11 February. This Kahoot will test your knowledge of books, movies, TV shows and popular culture.

Manga and Anime Workshop

On Thursday 27 February, St Edmund’s Library has organised a free Manga and Anime Illustration workshop for interested students. Ty Hanson, creator of Millennium Exile will be working with students on creating their own Anime and Manga characters. The workshop is from 2.00pm to 4.00pm in the Library. See Mrs Callaghan in the Library for more information and a permission form.

Congratulations to the students from Year 12 2019 who applied for a place in tertiary institutions.

68% of students were offered their first preference, 16 % their second and 105 their third preference. Some students accepted places in interstate courses while others choose to accept course offers form private tertiary training providers. Overall, it was a very good outcome for the 2019 students.

Year Ten Careers Assessment

All Year 10 students will undertake a careers test next Tuesday run by Business Improvement Australia. This test will provide data to use as a basis for an interview, which will lead to the generation of a careers report for each individual student. Students will need to be ready by having a fully charged laptop ready for the test.

The College has used this assessment program for the past five years and has seen great value in the purpose and direction that it provides for our Year 10 students.

We wish to extend this opportunity to our current Year 10 cohort to assist them in making suitable pathway and subject choices going forward into Year 11 and 12.

The assessment will occur in L302 and L303 Lynch Building.

Group A – Surname A to K - 8.45 to 11.10

Group B – Surname L to Z - 12.00 to 2.45pm

Apprenticeships and Traineeships

Australian Apprenticeships and Traineeships Pathways

If you are interested in an Australian apprenticeship or traineeship and don’t know where to start, the Australian Apprenticeships Pathways is a useful website. It contains information for people considering career options, employers looking at recruitment and those providing support and advice. The Australian Apprenticeships Pathways website is an Australia wide information hub for:

• Students providing tools and resources to assist them research apprenticeship and traineeship pathways
• Job Hunters seeking apprenticeship and traineeship information as well as job hunting ideas
• Employers providing apprenticeships and traineeships information and support for employers
• Industry Insiders providing tools and resources for people delivering apprenticeship and traineeship services and advice

Other useful information includes:

Find My Work Type has three sections: Career Interest Explorer, Work Type Explorer and Research Industries. These pages can help you identify your work interests which is an important part of your career planning, as your career interests can help you decide on your future career pathway. Career interests are different to abilities and skills. They are activities that you enjoy doing or are interested in.

The Career Interest Explorer is a quiz that tests the strength of your interests, and shows you which work types you prefer. You can Research Industries by choosing a work type which best fits your interests. The Work Type Explorer helps you explore occupations within your selected work types including:

• Analytic and Scientific
• Creative and Artistic
• Helping and Advising
• Practical and Manual
• Nature and Recreation
• Organising and Clerical
• Persuading and Service

Your interests can change over time, so it's good to redo the Career Interest Explorer each time you do some more career investigation. Or you can move through the Work Type Explorer and Research Industries pages to find information about the work types that you prefer.

Defence News

Australian Defence Force (ADF) GAP Year

Want a gap year with a difference? Consider joining the Australian Defence Force for a year. Get an exciting 12-month taste of life in the Navy, Army or Air Force, full job training, meaningful work, memorable experiences and more. Click here to find program benefits and jobs available. 2021 ADF Gap Year program applications open in March 2020. Register your interest in the program on the ADF Gap Year website and receive updates.

Australian Defence Force (ADF) Work Experience

Thinking of applying for the ADF when you finish school? As joining the ADF is a lifestyle decision not just an occupational decision, you need to explore this career option thoroughly. One way to do this is through work experience. Visit the Defence Work Experience Program website and click on Placements to look for work experience opportunities remembering that they fill up quickly. You apply online and should discuss your interest in an ADF work experience program with your school Guidance Counsellor/Officer before applying.

Australian Defence Force Information Sessions

Stay informed about important upcoming Queensland and National ADF events and information sessions by visiting the ADF Defence Jobs or the ADF Facebook site.

Upcoming events:

29/01/2020 Toowoomba: Defence Careers Information Session. Brisbane: Army Reserve Information Session

30/01/2020 Gold Coast: Defence Leadership & Management Careers Information Session

Maroochydore Management & Leadership: Defence Officers Information Session

03/02/2020 Brisbane: Trades Careers Information Session

04/02/2020 Gold Coast: Defence Careers Information Session

05/02/2020 Chermside: Defence Careers Information Session

Defence Jobs website

The Defence Jobs website is your first port of call for information about jobs with the Australian Army, Navy and Air Force. You can use the site to answer the following questions:

Can I join the ADF? You can check out specific information regarding eligibility requirements including: Quick Eligibility Check, Your Commitment, Citizenship, Age and Gender, Health and Fitness, Behaviour and Appearance.

What Defence jobs would suit me? Explore the Jobs section of the ADF website to find an ADF job that you would enjoy. You can search by category or by job.

How can I experience what it’s like before I join? There are several resources on the website that can increase your understanding of life in the Defence Forces. For example:

• Discover what Life in the ADF is like by exploring their website which provides information on jobs, lifestyle and benefits, joining the ADF and information for students
• Join the Australian Defence Force Cadets, where you will develop leadership, team building and survival skills
• Explore the Training opportunities available in the ADF, including Sailor Training and Officer Training in the Navy, soldier training in the Army, Army officer training, Airman/Airwoman Training and Officer Training in the Air force and Reserves
• Consider Defence Force Work Experience, which provides a unique experience into the wide variety of careers available in the ADF
• Visit Submariners to experience working and living under water
• Discover ADFA by taking an interactive journey inside the Australian Defence Force Academy
• Check out Your Future is Up? for Air Force experiences
• Connect with the ADF on Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn for current activities

Jobs Spotlight

Do you know about a Botanist, Quality Control Assors or Lagger

Botanists study the anatomy, physiology, biochemistry and ecology of plants. They speciaise in Plant Pathologist, Plant Physiologist, Plant Taxonomist. A bachelor degree in science majoring in botany, plant science or a related field is needed to work as a Botanist. Many Botanists complete postgraduate studies.

Quality Control Assessors and Product Examiners examine products to ensure conformity to specifications and standards of presentation and quality. Also known as Quality Assurance Assessor or Quality Control Assessor. They can specialise as a Film Examiner, Metal Products Viewer, Textile Examiner, Tyre Finisher and Examiner, Vehicle Assembly Inspector. You can work as a Product Examiner without formal qualifications, however, they may be useful. Training is available through VET (Vocational Education and Training).

Laggers apply insulating materials, such as felt, fibreglass, polyurethane and cork, to pipes, steam generators, process vats and ducting, and secure insulation with wire, wire netting, staples, metal strapping and using welding torches. You can work as a Lagger without formal qualifications, however, they may be useful.

Looking at a job in policing or security?

There are several employing organisations you can investigate. These include:

• Queensland Police Recruiting
• Australian Federal Police
• Australian Defence Force
• Australian Secret Intelligence Service
• Australian Security Intelligence Organisation
• Australian Border Force
• Queensland Corrective Services
• Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol

When you are exploring these websites, you can investigate:

• What are the jobs (and job titles) used by the organisation?
• What are the duties undertaken in these jobs?
• Entry requirements – age, education level, tests required, physical/medical requirements, criminal checks, drivers licence, etc.
• If you get the job, do you have to live away from home?
• Do they recommend you do specific university or TAFE courses?
• Would having a second language be an advantage?
• What is the recruitment process?
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Can you contact the organisation by email from the website for other questions you might have?

It’s important for you to speak with your School Guidance Officer/Counsellor if you find the information difficult to find or understand. They will be your first step to gaining more information or suggestions about a career within the services.

Tertiary News

Options for preparing for UCAT

UCAT is a very different testing process. While you can’t study specific content for UCAT, it is important to prepare for the test. The most effective preparation is to practice sitting for the test, using the same conditions and time limits as the real test. The UCAT website has practice tests that you can access, participate in a question and or tour tutorials and question banks.

Several organisations offer preparatory courses for students who plan to sit for UCAT. These include:

• MedEntry
• MedStart
• MedView
• National Institute of Education

Note the following from the official UCAT website:

‘Candidates should be aware that whilst there are many commercial companies publishing books and offering coaching for our test, the UCAT ANZ Consortium does not work with any of these companies or endorse the use of their materials. Taking advantage of these opportunities can cost candidates a great deal of money and we would advise you to be sceptical about claims they can help you do well in the test by coaching.

Commercial organisations will be using items that are not necessarily of the standard you will encounter in the UCAT and this may distort your performance whilst practising. Screen views may be different and commercial organisations are unlikely to include the new item types which you may encounter in your test. They may also not replicate the UCAT scoring accurately and may give misleading indicators of your anticipated UCAT score.

We therefore strongly advise candidates to use the official Practices Tests and Question Banks on our website, and to be cautious about using resources from any commercial providers as these are not affiliated with UCAT in any way.’

UCAT testing for 2021 entry into some health courses.

The UCAT ANZ is a compulsory entry requirement for our Australia and New Zealand Consortium universities. You are required to sit the test between 1 - 31 July 2020 and you can make bookings from 2 March to 15 May 2020. The courses listed below require you to have a UCAT ANZ results gained in 2020. Your result cannot be carried over from one year to the next. For example, results from UCAT ANZ 2020 can only be used to apply for courses commencing in 2021.

Some pathways to medicine/dentistry/clinical sciences will not require the UCAT ANZ. For some applicants a different test may be required. You should always check the entry requirements for each course or programme using the websites of the universities to which you intend to apply before booking a test.

There are no general exemptions from the test.

Mr Mark Currie, Careers Guidance Officer/Adviser

The Year 8 Camp will be held at Camp Kokoda from Monday 9 March to Wednesday 11 March 2020.

Year 8 Camp information was distributed to all students on Friday 31 January.

Please refer to: EDE --> Year Levels --> Year 8 - to access camp information and all Consent/Medical Forms.

Completed forms should be returned to the Deans’ Room by Monday 10 February.

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

Welcome back to what will be a big year for the Performing Arts Department. There are sure to be many highlights throughout this year including the Performing Arts Nights, the College Musical and the Cultural Showcase. A large number of students will be involved in these events and the many other performance opportunities throughout the year.

Year 7 Talent Identification Day

All Year 7 students participated in the Talent Identification Day process last week. This was a chance for them to hear information about the Instrumental Music and Co-Curricular (Music) programs offered at the College. All students had the opportunity to talk to our Instrumental Tutors and try out some of the instruments they can learn here at the College. Students who signed up to learn-an-instrument during this process were given an information note earlier this week for their parents to complete and return. The Parent Information Note must be completed and returned to either myself in Room K205 or the Student Office by Monday morning 10 February at the very latest to enable lesson timetables to be completed and lessons to commence.

Any Year 7 students who did not receive a note are welcome to see me in my office at Room K205 to collect one if they would really like to learn an instrument. Please note, as Year 7 students will be attending camp next week their lessons will commence in Week 4. Timetables will be published on EDE and outside Room K205 and I will endeavour to email a timetable to all students involved in the program. If you would like a copy of your son’s timetable, please email me at tkirkwood@sec.qld.edu.au

‘School of Rock’ Auditions

Auditions for our College Musical production ‘School of Rock’ will be taking place in the Music Room this afternoon (Friday 7 February) and on Monday (10 February). Good luck to all students who are participating in this process. I encourage all of our students ‘to have a go’ as being part of a musical is always a very enjoyable experience. We will be calling for students to help with backstage/technical roles later in the year so please keep an ear out for this.

Here’s to a wonderful year!

Mr Tim Kirkwood, Director of Music

Year Level Champions

Year 7
1 - Koda Cuthbert-Hough (M) 44pts
2 - Kaelan McNamara (A) 42pts
3 - Patrick Albion (R) 31pts

Year 8
1 - Rhys Jensen (C) 48pts
2 - Dylan Casey (F) 33pts
3 - Angus Richardson (A) 33pts

Year 9
1 - Jack Chandler (C) 44pts
2 - Ethan Isaacs (A) 34pts
3 - Michael Tate (R) 33pts

Year 10
1 - Rohan Weier (E) 42pts
2 - Tyler Cuthbert-Hough (M) 40pts
3 - Stewart England (F) 35pts

Year 11
1 - Ryan Verrenkamp (A) 46pts
2 - Rory Jackson (T) 33pts
3 - Corey Taylor (C) 32pts

Year 12
1 - Thomas Chandler (C) 46pts
2 - William Cruice (E) 38pts
3 - Luc Van Meurs (M) 28pts

CYMS-St Edmunds Trophy 100m

Ryan Verrenkamp (A)

Combined Aggregate Points

1 - Morgan 753
2 - Elliott 747
3 - Ambrose 703
4 - Callan 697
5 - Finn 500
6 - Treacy 487
7 - Rice 464
8 - Ignatius 419

FRIDAY 7 FEBRUARY - Years 8 to 12

Bus for Years 8 to 12 Australian Rules players leaves the College at 2:30pm and returns at approximately 7:30pm

SATURDAY 8 FEBRUARY - Year 7

Bus for Year 7 Australian Rules players leaves the College at 7:30am and returns at 10:45am.

BUS INFORMATION

Bus for 9A, 9B, 9C, 8A, 8B, 8C, 7A, 7B, 7C & 7D departs SEC at 7:00am and returns at 2:00pm approximately.

Please note: Players are asked to arrive at least 30 minutes before the game starts.

Mon 10 Feb: P Smith, M Rose

Tue 11 Feb: G Weier, M Towne

Wed 12 Feb: S Walker, K Jackson, S Dutt

Thu 13 Feb: D Morris, K Elliott

Fri 14 Feb: T Williams

St Edmund’s College Tuckshop is seeking volunteers to assist with food preparation on a monthly roster. If you could assist, even for a few hours until the students’ first lunch break (approx 11.30am); any offers would be greatly appreciated.

Please direct your inquiry to the College Tuckshop on 3810 4485, (7.00am to 2.30pm), or College Reception on 3810 4400, (7.45am to 3.45pm). Our Tuckshop Convenors, Ms Narelle Rea and Ms Gina Weight, would welcome your assistance.

Members of St Edmund’s College Community have been invited to participate in the Edmund Rice Foundation Australia third annual ERFA Brisbane Golf Day being hosted at St Lucia Golf Links on Friday 27 March 2020.

Please refer to the link regarding sponsorship opportunities as well as how to register: https://erf.org.au/erfagolfday