Principal Report
Dear Parents, Guardians, Friends and Students
I wanted to take this opportunity to share with you the wonderful achievements and growth we have witnessed among our students over the past few weeks. Our community has been united in its commitment to nurturing our core values that form the foundation of our educational journey.
During this time, our students have been actively engaged in cultivating two of these core values: excellence and tolerance. These values are deeply rooted in our Christian heritage and reflect the teachings of Jesus Christ, who exemplified them in his own life. We have been delighted to see our students embrace these values, and we have taken great pleasure in acknowledging and celebrating their efforts during our Friday assemblies.
The value of excellence has been instilled in our students through their aspiration to be the best versions of themselves. They have demonstrated this by consistently putting in their best efforts, pursuing academic achievements, and participating enthusiastically in all activities. Our community recognizes and celebrates their dedication, perseverance, and commitment to personal growth.
Equally important has been the focus on tolerance. Our students have embraced diversity, respecting and appreciating the uniqueness of each individual. They have engaged in meaningful conversations, listened to different perspectives, and sought to understand one another, fostering an inclusive environment that upholds the dignity of every person. We commend our students for their openmindedness, empathy, and their commitment to creating a community that values and celebrates diversity.
As we continue to build upon these foundations, I am excited to announce that starting next week, our students will be asked to focus on yet another of our core values: honesty. Honesty forms the bedrock of trust, integrity, and ethical conduct. We believe that by nurturing honesty in our students, we empower them to lead lives of authenticity and integrity.
Throughout the upcoming weeks, we will engage in activities and discussions that promote honest communication, integrity in academic pursuits, and the courage to take responsibility for one’s actions.
We encourage you, as parents and guardians, to join us in this endeavour by reinforcing the value of honesty at home and engaging in conversations that explore its significance.
We are immensely proud of our students and their commitment to these core values. Their dedication and growth are a testament to the strength of our Edmund Rice College community. We are Stronger Together, let us continue to nurture an environment where excellence, tolerance, and honesty thrive, empowering our students to become compassionate, responsible, and ethical global citizens.
Thank you for your ongoing support and partnership.
God Bless,
Marie Barton
Principal
Prayer
Let no one ever come to you without leaving
better and happier. Be the living expression of
God’s kindness: kindness in your face, kindness
in your eyes, kindness in your smile.
(Mother Teresa)
Amen.
Deputy Principal Report
Nurturing Excellence at Edmund Rice College: Upholding the values of Honesty, Respect, Tolerance and Trying Our Best
I recently attended the Regional Deputy Principal Network meeting with Deputy Principals from Western Australia, South Australia and Hobart and it provided me with an opportunity to reflect on what it means to be a member of our Edmund Rice College learning community at Bindoon. What makes us unique and what values do I and the other staff strive to uphold so that we can model best practices to students, which they will need for life outside of school. As I reflected on the ethos and values that underpin our learning community, it became evident to me that one of our paramount responsibilities is nurturing excellence among our students.
At Edmund Rice College, we strive to provide a learning environment where every individual can flourish academically, socially, and emotionally. All staff believe that by upholding the values of honesty, tolerance, respect and trying our best together in partnership with students, parents, and guardians we can cultivate a culture of excellence that will impact not only the lives of our students but also that of the broader community.
Honesty is fundamental in our learning community, as it establishes and maintains trust. By nurturing honesty, staff empower students to be truthful with themselves and others, taking ownership of their actions and growing from their experiences. This value fosters integrity and lays the foundation for a lifetime of ethical decision-making and moral character.
Respect is crucial at Edmund Rice College. We prioritize treating each other with dignity and courtesy, regardless of differences. Fostering respect creates a safe space where all members, including students and parents, feel valued. This culture of respect extends beyond our college, as students learn to appreciate diversity and practice inclusivity in interactions with the wider community.
At Edmund Rice College, we value tolerance. We create an inclusive environment where all individuals are accepted and valued, regardless of background or beliefs. By fostering tolerance, staff encourage students to embrace diversity, appreciate its enriching aspects, and develop a global perspective. Our staff promote and model open-mindedness, empathy, understanding, and a growth mindset, enabling students to contribute positively to our interconnected and diverse world.
At Edmund Rice College, we prioritize trying our best. Staff encourage students to set ambitious goals, prioritize personal growth, and embrace challenges. With a nurturing growth mindset, we inspire resilience and empower students to reach their full potential and make a meaningful impact.
We are dedicated to nurturing excellence at Edmund Rice College. Our community provides support, resources, and a collaborative learning environment. Through a comprehensive curriculum, innovative teaching methods, and diverse extracurricular activities, we empower students to explore their passions and discover their unique talents.
Nurturing excellence at Edmund Rice College is crucial and a shared responsibility. Upholding values like honesty, respect, tolerance, and trying our best, staff, parents, and guardians prepare students for success, personal growth, and positive contributions to society. As a community, we take pride in providing a holistic education that empowers students to be lifelong learners, compassionate individuals, and leaders of positive change.
I shared this message with my colleagues in schools across the country, emphasizing the importance of our College values and their integration into our Vision for Learning. Academic achievements are significant, but not the sole measure of excellence in our learning community. I challenged both my colleagues and all members of our community, students, and staff, to reflect on their efforts in nurturing excellence at Edmund Rice College. Together, let us work passionately and collaboratively to make Blessed Edmund Rice’s vision of providing education for all a lived reality in our school.
Tracey Crisp
Deputy Principal
Matthew 13:31-32 “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. Though it is the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of all garden plants and becomes a tree, so that birds come and perch in its branches.”
Yanchep National Park Excursion
Learning intentions: To develop a good understanding of what is happening in our place where we live as the climate changes
Success criteria: To be able to list the changes that are happening in temperature, floods, animals and plants effected by climate change
On Monday 29th May 2023, the whole school including staff, were privileged to take part in a full day of cultural emersion in Yanchep National Park with Indigenous Elder Derek Nannup. Meeting in the Wangii Maya and taking part in interactive activities of smoking ceremony, cultural performances and fire lighting were a great exposure to thousands of years of learning.
The dot painting on the Mai screen at Yanchep National Park tells the story of the water body central to the wildlife of the park, the people coming and going and the balance between the sea, woodland and the freshwater.
With walks around the Koala, Yorga Maya, Balga Maya and the lake helped us to see with our own eyes the spirit of ancient and modern times.
Having morning tea and lunch together helped to cement friendships and casual discussions with students and staff around the engagement of Indigenous cultures into every day lives. Hearing the stories of famous people such as David Unaipon, Albert Namatjira and Eddie Mabo was exceptionally important to hear the discoveries and driving forces these leaders have made to future Australian life.
The afternoon was a great challenge with boomerang and spear throwing activities to let us know how much more we need to develop our skills for living successfully on the land in an independent and environmentally supportive manner.
Cameron Eglington
Assistant Principal
Above: A presentation of the didgeridoo was given by host, Indigenous Elder Derek Nannup, who also gave the students the opportunity to throw the Boomerang and spear.
Clontarf Academy Report
The Clontarf Foundation have launched a new academy at Edmund Rice College in Term 1. The major aim of the program is to improve the education, discipline, self-esteem, life skills and employment prospects of young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men and by doing so, equipping them to participate more meaningfully in society. The Academy program is based around the 6 pillars of Sport, Education, Leadership, Well Being, Employment and Partners.
The Edmund Rice Academy finished Term 1 with 27 boys enrolled in the program. We have opened the Academy Room, creating a welcoming space for the boys before and after school, as well as at recess and lunch. The Academy staff provide an extra layer of support for the boys, assisting them in class, as well as monitoring attendance and engagement at school, and providing mentorship for the boys in the program.
We have started morning training with the boys, a 40 min training session two times a week at 6:30am, followed by a breakfast and conversation. The major outcome of morning training has been to build a routine that gets the boys to school on time and sets them up for a productive day at school. These sessions also serve as preparation for our sporting trips later in the year.
As well as this, we have introduced Afternoon Activities on Mondays and Wednesdays after school. These activites are driven by the students and the activities they want to do, based around teamwork, and continuing to build camaraderie between the boys.
Term 1 Attendance rate across the 27 boys was 82%, which was above our term 1 target. We are looking forward to taking the boys on our first camps in term 2, with the aim being for all boys in the program having access to at least one of the camps/excursions on offer.
Paul Pitchers
Academy Director
TAFE Reconciliation Event
On Thursday 1st June all our Year 10, Year 11 and Year 12 students were invited by Central Regional Tafe to attend their special Reconciliation event including delicious lunch at their Northam campus.
This year’s Reconciliation Week theme More than a word. Reconciliation takes action urges the reconciliation movement towards braver and more impactful action.
Reconciliation is a journey for all Australians – as individuals, families, communities, organisations and importantly as a nation. At the heart of this journey are relationships between the broader Australian community and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
The event introduction included didgeridoo playing and conversations about what ‘Reconciliation means for you’. Activities on the day included the unveiling of the new Aboriginal Learning Centre and unveiling of the Totem Poles at the Northam campus.
Theresa Okely
RTO & VET Administration Officer
Above: Staff and Year 11 & 12 students attended Central Regional TAFE for their special Reconciliation Event.
Year 10 TAFE Open Day
On Wednesday May 17 our year 10 students had the opportunity to visit an Open Day at the Northam campus of Central Regional Tafe. The day was organised to showcase the VET in schools courses on offer at Northam for Y11 and Y12 students and was visited by Year 10 students from numerous schools in the wheatbelt region.
The displays and presentations included information on:
- Health and Nursing Studies
- Community Services
- Automotive
- Engineering
- Building and Construction
- Business
- Information Technology
- Animal Studies
- Rural Operations
The day should assist the students to make informed decisions about their VET option choices for their final two years of secondary education and future employment possibilities.
Theresa Okely
RTO & VET Administration Officer
In the Classroom
Year 9 Teamwork Activity
Teacher
At right: The winning entry and the completed bridges made by the Year 9 students.
Year 7 & 8 Cooking Program
Teacher
At left: The office ladies were fortunate to receive a delish pizza for lunch, made by the Year 7 & 8 students.
Feeding the Students
There has been a lot going on this term with school football and other college events keeping us all busy. All the staff in the kitchen have adapted and structured time and planning around providing for all these events. Great job team!
We recently received beef and lamb from our local butcher, Jason, who dressed and cut our school grown produce. I am very happy with the quality and the students are really enjoying the meals. With the start of this term it is also the start of some colder weather. With this in mind we will be making a variety of soups for the students (and staff) to enjoy and warm up on the colder days. The year 7/8 class have started their cooking and preparing class in the kitchen/dining area which seems to be going quite well. Once again, our small team in the kitchen is working hard to provide the best we can, also keeping in mind dietary requirements and the emphasis of sugar and boosting red meat and leafy greens.
Thank you to the staff involved with the kitchen and the good communication we have with other areas of the school. Communication is the key. Team work makes the dream work.
Chondelle Turner
Kitchen Operations Manager
The West Coast Eagles Development Squad
Last year our girls were invited to attend an advanced training program for Indigenous and Multicultural Girls with the West Coast Eagles. We selected a group of students and went down to Mineral Resources Park for training and an information session with the Eagles. The program is run by Ex West Coast player Chad Morrison and a handful of current Eagles women’s players. Chad went to the Kirby Bentley Cup back in September and saw the talent of some of the Indigenous girls playing and decided he needed to make a special footy program for these girls.
Mineral Resources Park is the Home of the West Coast Eagles and we were so lucky to be able to go there and have a look around and train on the grounds that the West Coast Players train on. The girls were given a tour of the facilities, then led out to the huge under cover training area, which is kind of like a huge shed. They were shown all kinds of new training drills and games then had a little scratch match.
The program has continued into this year, and we were asked again to come down to training for 3 weeks. After the 3 sessions the girls would be selected to play in a game against the Fremantle Dockers Development squad. Five of the College girls were selected, Kia Francis, Tia Bellotti, Dessa Kwilla, Zakota Alone and Shauniyah Hodder they all displayed great skills and knowledge of the game.
Above: Selected girl boarders were fortunate to be invited again to attend an advanced training program for Indigenous and Multicultural girls with the West Coast Eagles.
The game was held at the Dockers Home ground at Cockburn ARC. The oval was beautiful, and the grass was top notch, but they didn’t have the facilities that the Eagles have. The match was very even and when the siren rang to end the game the Eagles were up by 2 points. It was such a good game with both teams very evenly matched in size and skills. I think the Eagles girls moved the ball a lot cleaner than the dockers girls and that made the difference. After the game our girls had lots of photos with the AFLW people who turned up and I saw a lot of interactions between other players and our girls.
There is another program starting up in July for all age groups of girls and some of our girls have expressed interest in it. So we will probably be attending more training and games with the Eagles this year.
Candice Van Herk
Football Coach
