Principal Report
Dear Parents, Guardians, Friends and Students,
As we approach the end of the term and the year, we also draw near to Advent, a season of preparation for the birth of Jesus Christ. This special time reminds us to open our hearts and minds to God’s message of love and hope.
During Advent, we are called to be strong witnesses of our faith, to be a voice for the voiceless, and to show compassion and openness to reconciliation. It is a time to reach out to those in need, whether they are strangers, the lonely, or those who struggle to be understood. Extending a helping hand, offering a listening ear, and practicing patience can make a world of difference in someone’s life.
As Christians, we are called to listen to one another and find new ways to share the Good News. Each of us has a unique role to play in spreading God’s message, whether it’s in our communities, our homes, or far away.
I am continually amazed by the dedication and hard work of our school staff. They work tirelessly to provide a quality education for our students, wearing many hats and facing constant pressure.
Since the start of the term, our staff has been involved in a diverse range of activities, including:
- Shearing
- Baling hay
- Organizing excursions and incursions
- Participating in staff meetings
- Assemblies
- Preparing for a football carnival with a visiting school
- Finalizing staff contracts, curriculum and timetables for the upcoming year
And most importantly, they have been dedicated to teaching and learning, ensuring that our students receive the best possible education.
Please keep our staff in your prayers as we reach the midway point of the term. Their commitment to our school community is truly remarkable.
Interim Reports – Term 1 2024 Academic Year
The teachers are currently preparing the interim reports for all of the students. These reports will be coming home to families at the end of the term, along with the year book and other information. Please keep an eye out for this envelope. If you have changed your address or have a new PO Box please notify College Reception immediately so that we can update your information.
God Bless,
Marie Barton
Principal
Prayer for School Staff
Lord,
Bless our teachers and school staff.
Thank you for calling them to work with our children.
Give them a spirit of grace and compassion always.
Bless them with strength and endurance
to perform their many tasks,
and may they know and feel the deep gratitude
of those whom they teach.
Amen
Deputy Principal Report
Nurturing Excellence at Edmund Rice College: Upholding the values of Honesty, Respect, Tolerance and Trying Our Best
Dear Parents, Students, and Staff,
I trust this message finds you well and thriving. As we approach the end of a busy term filled with exciting events, I am pleased to share some highlights that have truly defined the spirit and essence of our wonderful school community.
World Teachers Day Celebration: A Moment of Joy and Connection
We recently celebrated World Teachers Day with great enthusiasm and camaraderie. Our staff came together for a shared morning tea, sharing laughter and creating lasting memories. In the spirit of appreciation, each teacher received a special Teacher Emergency Kit, complete with coffee, herbal relaxation tea, chocolates, snacks, and a stress ball. It was heartening to see our dedicated educators taking a moment to unwind and enjoy the company of their colleagues.
Football Carnival Triumph: A Day of Sportsmanship and Leadership
Our College community showcased its athletic prowess during a thrilling Football Carnival against Quinns Baptist College. The day was a testament to the collective efforts of our students, staff, and the supportive parent community. I sent an email, to staff expressing my gratitude to the entire team for making the event a success, highlighting the outstanding sportsmanship and leadership displayed by students on and off the field.
The camaraderie and good sportsmanship observed during the carnival were truly commendable. Special mention goes to our student ambassadors who warmly welcomed our visitors, fostering an atmosphere of hospitality and friendship. The positive feedback from Quinns Baptist College staff and students underscored the success of the event and the bonds formed between the two schools.
Empowering Young Women: SALT Workshop
To empower our young women, students from years 8-12 participated in the Supporting and Linking Tradeswomen (SALT) workshop. This initiative provided valuable insights into making positive career choices and exploring various schooling and career pathways. Our students gained a deeper understanding of the opportunities available to them, ensuring they are well-equipped to pursue fulfilling careers and support themselves and their future families.
Honouring Remembrance Day: Reflecting on Sacrifice and Service
On the 10th of November, our College community came together to acknowledge Remembrance Day. Students engaged in a solemn presentation on the 10th Light Horse Battalion, participated in a whole college service, and explored artefacts from WWI and WWII. It was a poignant moment for reflection, allowing our students to appreciate the sacrifices made by those who served our country.
As we navigate a busy term with classes in full swing, I want to express my gratitude to the entire Edmund Rice College community for your unwavering support.
In the midst of all the activities and events, let us remember the importance of fostering connections, celebrating achievements, and preparing our students for bright and promising futures.
Looking ahead, interim reports will be sent home at the end of this term, providing valuable insights into the progress and accomplishments of our students.
Thank you for your continued dedication to the Edmund Rice College community.
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.”
Remembrance Day
Edmund Rice College Year 7 classroom hosted the Remembrance Day exhibition this year.
Remembrance Day marks the end of fighting on the Western Front on November 11, 1918. Formally known as Armistice Day, in reference to the formal agreement the German leaders signed to end the war. The name was changed to Remembrance Day after World War II ended in 1945. It has since become a day to remember the service and sacrifice of those who have died since World War I.
A Liturgy was held in the chapel followed by an informative display and history discussion from Mr Phil Sullivan about the 10th Light Horse Display. Mr Sullivan came with a full horse and soldier display along with various items including medals, weapons, ration packs, and horse equipment.
The West Australian Army Museum also kindly provided displays in relation to WW2 and Indigenous soldiers for the students to interact with, and our own school presentation, which included photos and a short history of some of our own families and current serving ex students.
Edmund Rice College would like to thank Mr Phil Sullivan for providing the display and talk on the day, Ms Natalie Talbot, Ms Sam Jenner, Mr Brett Nelson, Mr Darryl Welsby and Mr Greg and Mrs Trish Shemeld for providing their family history and photos and finally, Ms Sharai Blowes and Mr Nazahrius Hart, who are currently serving.
Trish Shemeld
Administration
Supporting & Linking Tradeswomen (SALT)
Year 9/10 female students participated in the Supporting and Linking Tradeswomen (SALT) workshop at the College.
The aims of SALT are:
- Providing support and mentoring to tradeswomen in Australia including apprentices and women seeking to work in the trades.
- Providing avenues for women to meet other tradeswomen, apprentices and others to share experiences.
- Promoting women in the trades to the general public and industry.
- Advocating for change to attitudes to women working in the trades.
- Campaigning for changes which enable women to train and work in the trades.
- Promoting diversity and acceptance for all people in the trades
Students were provided with information on making positive career choices and SALT also talked about the many different pathways which enable women to earn reasonable wages to support themselves and their families.
Above – Year 9/10 female students participate in the workshop.
Boarding Report
We are definitely gearing up for the end of the year in Boarding, with several really cool events organised for the end of Term with a little taste of early Christmas celebrations. Next week the Boarders are heading on a River Cruise, being organised by the CEWA Transition Service Unit staff. We went last year for the first time and the students really enjoyed the experience. Seeing the City lights from the boat on the Swan River and the delicious food they got on the trip up the river.
The Boarders Christmas dinner is being held on the Wednesday 29 November, we look forward to an early Christmas dinner prepared and cooked by our wonderful kitchen staff. We hope to catch a glimpse of Santa as well. The Boarding Houses are starting to look a lot like Christmas, as the students and staff decorate the common areas and put up their trees.
Students finish school in Week 9 of this Term, with Boarders departing school and heading home Monday 4 December through to Wednesday 6 December. As itineraries come through, I will send them through to parents. We remind parents of students who live locally to get leave forms in with details of which day they will be picked up and by who, so we know which day your child is going home.
We have lots of packing and cleaning to do as the Boarders leave and lots of washing to be done in the school laundry, and we have lots of abandoned lost property if your child arrives home without something, let us know. We hold items til the start of next Term before sending them to the local Op shop. Next Term, Boarders are due back at the College Tuesday 30 January 2024, please ensure you are in your community ready for your children to fly back to Perth for start of Term. If you aren’t going to be home and need to reschedule flights, please call me in time for flights and trains/buses to be changed.
Sam Jenner
Head of Boarding
