Principal Report
Dear Parents, Guardians, Friends and Students,
Some people come into our lives and quickly go…
Some stay and make footprints on our hearts…
And we are never, never the same.”
Author Unknown
As I embark on a new chapter in my life’s journey, I bid farewell to the exceptional community of Edmund Rice College, Bindoon. The past eleven years have been an incredible privilege, filled with enriching experiences, unwavering support, and the profound satisfaction of contributing to this remarkable institution.
To be part of this vibrant Catholic community, whose values align deeply with my own, has been an immense blessing. Walking in the footsteps of Blessed Edmund Rice and carrying forward his legacy has been a challenge I wholeheartedly embraced. The opportunity to nurture and guide the young minds entrusted to our care has been a privilege I will forever cherish.
I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Edmund Rice Education Australia, particularly Wayne Tinsey and Peter Leuenberger, for recognizing my potential and entrusting me with the stewardship of this exceptional place. The experiences and knowledge I have gained during my tenure have indelibly shaped my perspectives and aspirations.
The Edmund Rice College staff is truly a remarkable team, each individual bringing their unique strengths and talents to our community. Their dedication to providing exceptional care and consistency for our students exemplifies the school’s motto, “Stronger Together.” I have been immensely fortunate to work alongside this exceptional group of individuals, and I am deeply grateful for their camaraderie and support.
As I move on, I wish all members of the Edmund Rice community the very best in their future endeavours. I am confident that the College will continue to flourish, providing the highest quality education and nurturing care to its students. May it steadfastly uphold the values and programs that have shaped its rich history.
Edmund Rice College, Bindoon, stands as a beacon of education and community, a place where unique individuals come together to create something truly extraordinary. Saying goodbye will be incredibly difficult, but I carry with me the warmth, wisdom, and friendships I have cultivated here. Thank you for allowing me to share this extraordinary journey with you.
It has come to that time of the year when it is necessary to say farewell to some of our staff and families who will not be with us in 2024.
- Shelley Higham started here August 2008. Her unwavering commitment, exceptional skills, and support have left an indelible mark. In her current role as Publications Officer, she consistently demonstrated meticulous attention to detail and boundless creativity, elevating our communications to new heights of elegance and professionalism. Her contributions have been instrumental in shaping the College’s public image and effectively conveying our mission and values. As Shelley embarks on this new chapter of their life, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for years of dedicated service. May your retirement be filled with joy, fulfillment, and countless opportunities to pursue your passions.
- Neil and Angelee Morrow joined us at the start of 2023 from New Zealand. They are leaving us to be closer to where they are building a new home.
- Neil has set high standards for the students in his care and this is particularly evident with his Year 11 and 12 Mathematics students. Neil also taught Year 10 Math and HASS. We wish him well in his new role at Court Grammar School.
- Angelee Morrow came to us with a wealth of knowledge around learning needs and literacy. During the year she has done multiple different roles and her flexibility in accepting these because of staff illness can not be underestimated. She has been Pastoral Services Coordinator since Miss Anna went on Maternity Leave and she has shown great care and challenged the students in this role. We wish her all the best in her new role at Kennedy Baptist College.
- Aidan Lynch joined our community as a member of the Clontarf team working with our young men this year. He has been the Operations Officer – Edmund Rice Academy and has had a significant impact our young people, assisting them in becoming resilient, while also challenging them to make the right choices. Aidan has been successful in gaining a new position as Director – Girrawheen Academy. I know he is intending work collaboratively with Paul Pitchers to build a relationship between the two academies. We wish you all the best in this new role.
- Rosie Hall joined us this term to teach English. Arriving from England for a holiday she came to work for us – she has certainly fitted in well in our community. We wish you all the best when you travel back home and hope you have enjoyed your time in WA.
- Goodbye to those families who will be leaving us at the end of the term: To the Ashwin, Bullen, Camiller, Dodd, Farquharson, Harris, Jenzen, Lulu, Mair, Narabup, Price and Zepeda families, good luck in all that you do and we trust you will always treasure the time that you have spent in our community.
I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge several sectors of our community:
- To every single staff member at the College for all they do throughout the year. Without their dedication and commitment it would not be possible to offer many of the programs available at the College and the care which is provided on a daily basis. Thank you.
- To all of our wonderful trainers from Central Regional TAFE and Perth Creative College, for all the work that they do with our students, your contribution is integral to the work of the College, your contribution is outstanding. Thank you.
- To all of our parents thank you for your ongoing support of the work which we do here. Your partnership is vital.
- To our wonderful students, have a fantastic holiday. I know the staff are looking forward to working with you next year as you all work towards building a community which is always Stronger Together!
I wish everyone a safe and happy holiday and may the blessing of this season of love be with each and every member of our community.
God Bless,
Marie Barton
Principal
Christmas is a time for us to connect with our families, cherish the people we love, and remind ourselves of the true meaning of the holiday season. It’s a time to reflect on the birth of Jesus Christ and his message of peace, love, and compassion. For many, Christmas is a time of joy and celebration. However, not everyone has the opportunity to share this joy with loved ones, and some may find themselves alone and isolated during this time.
As we gather with our families and friends, please take a moment to remember those within our communities who may be experiencing loneliness and isolation. Small acts of kindness can make a big difference in the lives of those who are struggling. During this time of giving, let us remember to extend our compassion and generosity to those who may be feeling isolated. Our simple acts of kindness can make a profound impact on their lives.
Together, we can make sure that everyone feels loved and supported during this special time of year.
May your Christmas season be filled with love, joy, and compassion.
Amen
Clontarf Academy Term 1 Report
During Term 1 the Clontarf ERC Academy was filled with a number of activities, events and excursions, on top of our weekly morning trainings and afternoon activities.
Jabari Trott attended the Clontarf Senior Dinner, where he was able to interact with all of the Clontarf young men that will be completing Year 12 in 2024. The Major Trip, State of Origin Program and Leadership camp were discussed, as well as enjoying an awesome dinner and comedy routine from Clontarf Alumni.
We were able to organise our first Clontarf Carnival, an indoor cricket carnival that was run at the Kingsway Indoor Complex, with 10 teams from 8 Clontarf Academies competing. Our boys played well, especially given that for most of our team, cricket is not a sport that they have played a lot of. We finished 2nd in our pool, but more importantly, the boys showed great Clontarf Spirit, and applied themselves well.
Our Reward Camp was held in week 8, and the 8 boys selected, had to maintain a high level of attendance and behaviour in order to be selected for the camp. We started the camp with some mini activities at Neil Hawkins Park, while enjoying some Subway. The boys then got competitive with a few games of Lazer Tag, before heading back to ERC to enjoy the Boarding Christmas Dinner. We were up early the next day to enjoy a full day at Outback Splash, which was the first time that a few of the boys had ever been to a water park. The tyre maze got the best of all of us, but we did unearth some future golfers at the Mini Golf. It was a great end to what was a fun few days with the boys.
I also want to take the opportunity to wish Aidan all the best with his exciting new opportunity as Director of the Girrawheen Academy. We have been fortunate to have you with us at ERC this year, we will miss you, and however we look forward to seeing you when we play the Girrawheen Academy in future carnivals and camps.
We would like to wish all the students, staff and families a safe and happy Christmas, and look forward to seeing you all back in 2024
Paul Pitchers
Director – Edmund Rice Academy
During Term 1 the Clontarf ERC Academy was filled with a number of activities, events and excursions.
Try a Trade
This program is designed to give students an introduction to a trade career. The three day workshop was a hands-on experience of carpentry and bricklaying, perfect for those exploring a trade as a career or for the curious to gain a few skills.
On day one the workshop provided students with an insight into induction procedures, the setting out of tools, equipment and materials for the required task to be completed. With their bricklaying tools and materials ready the students commenced constructing individual brickwork piers. They finished the day with the clean-up of tools and equipment, a very important part of the tradies’ job.
Day two provided students with the opportunity, knowledge and skills to construct low level walls between their brick piers. They then set out carpentry tools and materials to construct a pergola using the brick work completed.
Day three allowed for the completion of their Pergola, including decking. Then to conclude the program, students were required to dismantle the complete project and clean up tools and materials used. Perhaps, one day these students will be constructing their own pergola with their acquired knowledge and skills or be able to provide the housing construction industry in WA with much sort after tradespeople.
Theresa Okely
RTO & VET Officer
Above: Students enjoyed the 3 day Try a Trade workshop.
Adventure World Excursion
On Monday 4 December, all of the students and most of the staff attended Adventure World. The day was balmy; neither too hot, nor too cold. Many rides were enjoyed by the students. For some of our students this was the first time they had attended Adventure World.
Above: Students and staff enjoyed the end of year excursion to Adventure World.
Boarding Report
We have finally made it to the end of the year and I am hoping that everyone is looking forward to Christmas as much as my family and I are!
The end of this term has been hectic, with students coming and going. waiting for flights from ABSTUDY, weekend activities, bbq and boat cruising with other schools and a heap of cleaning, cleaning, cleaning.
Sam Jenner
Head of Boarding
Above: Boarding students and staff enjoyed the annual Boarders Christmas Dinner in the student dining room.
