Founded 1926 – Proudly Catholic and Comprehensive – Boys Succeed at Edmund Rice College

Edmund Rice College

Newsletter No 26/30 August, 2013 H www.edmundricecollege.nsw.edu.au H e: Hoffice@erc.nsw.edu.au H Ph: 4228 4344 Fax: 4229 5684

From the Principal

A Prayer for the Journey O Jesus, make our hearts so human,

Those others may feel at home with us, So like yours, the others may feel

At home with you. So forgetful of self,

That we might simply become the place, Where you and they meet, In the power of your love

And the joy of your friendship. Amen.

Last Friday our staff development day was facilitated by Brother Damien Price who led the staff on the topic of how the Edmund Rice charism underpins the fabric of the College and how we, as a staff individually and collectively, respond to the challenges of articulating and living out the Touchstones in the daily life of the College.

On the day we were reminded that a school in the Edmund Rice tradition cultivates a learning culture where all students are able to experience success and that such a school serves the needs of each student so that all students have the opportunity to realise their potential.

To this end our College has a responsibility to provide a holistic education where faith is integrated with learning and culture and at the same time provide a liberating education that gives each student an appreciation of the need to strive for the greater good of society.

In focusing on each touchstone Brother Price used aspects of Edmund Rice’s story and Gospel passages to highlight insights into Liberating Education, Gospel Spirituality, Inclusive Community and Justice and Solidarity.

One important aspect of the Edmund Rice charism is to celebrate community by affirming students and look for opportunities to develop relationships with parents, extended family, staff and students.

Such an event was the Fathers’ Day Breakfast which took place on Thursday of this week. The breakfast was organised by the Parent Forum and was attended by a large number of fathers, grandfathers and students, with 250 in attendance. I would like to acknowledge the wonderful support of our Canteen Manager, Mrs Narelle Ockenden, who coordinated the breakfast with the Parent Forum Executive and the volunteer mothers and fathers who served from 7.00am. On what was a beautiful spring morning the outside senior COLA quad proved to be a most suitable venue with music supplied by the College Band.

Fathers’ Day Breakfast

Founded 1926 – Proudly Catholic and Comprehensive – Boys Succeed at Edmund Rice College

Tuesday’s Assembly this week focused on our parent contribution to the College. Current representatives of our Parent Forum, Mrs Senka Stemberger and Mr Robert Tomasiello, and past Parent Forum Chair, Ms Liz Keenan-Tyler, accepted on behalf of our parent community a plaque which recognises the financial contribution of our parents to the resourcing of the College. The plaque will be placed in the junior library COLA, a $40,000 project that was fully funded by our Parent forum from funds in 2011 and 2012. The students in attendance – Years 7, 11 and 12 were reminded of the enormous contribution by our parents to the College community.

I would like to highlight two particular examples of student endeavour, which deserve commendation. On Friday, 23 August, two of our Year 11 students, James Colliss and Joshua Russoniello, represented our College in the Max Potential Challenge at Dapto Leagues Club. In a Challenge which lasts a few months, both boys unveiled exciting projects which resulted in the College winning a Commendation trophy. I would like to thank Mrs Sheree McDonell for coordinating the College’s entry into the competition.

On Sunday, 25 August, at St John’s High school three Edmund Rice College teams comprising Years 7-10 students competed in the Tournament of Minds, with our Yellow team taking out 1st place in the Maths/Engineering Challenge and our Red team Runners-up in the Language and Literature Challenge. It was a marvellous achievement by both groups of students. Congratulations to Mrs. Kinnane who coached the boys.

Peter McGovern

Founded 1926 – Proudly Catholic and Comprehensive – Boys Succeed at Edmund Rice College

Last Friday the staff of the College gathered for a formation workshop led by Christian Brother, Damien Price, from the Edmund Rice Education Australia leadership team in Melbourne. It was a fruitful and enjoyable day for all, as Brother Damien helped us to explore the Touchstones that underpin the philosophy of our College:

- Liberating Education - Gospel Spirituality - Inclusive Community - Justice and Solidarity

We were challenged to step outside our comfort zones and to attempt to walk in another person’s shoes. We explored ideas of ‘coming as guest’ into the lives of others, and being truly present in our testimony to each person’s innate dignity as a human being as we struggled to follow the “Upside-down Messiah”. We evaluated our successes, and formulated plans for moving forward as a community that honours the values inherent in the Touchstones that are the foundation of the EREA movement.

We were also extremely well catered for by the S.C.A.R.F. (Strategic Community Assistance to Refugee Families) Organisation – enjoying a wonderful feast of Iraqi food that was both diverse and delicious.

Finally, we gathered as a staff to celebrate the Eucharist, ably led by Fr. David O’Brien from West Wollongong Parish. The theme of our Liturgy centred around the fact that we are not perfect, but that with God’s constant help and guidance, we can be an authentic force for justice and peace in a broken world.

I believe all the Staff would agree that this was a valuable experience and that Br. Damien did an excellent job of leading us to a new understanding of what we should be focussing on with our students as an Edmund Rice Community. Helen Knowles – Liturgy Co-ordinator

Missions Totals Year 7: $125.40, Year 8: $12.10, Year 9: $39.80, Year 10: $96.50, Year 11:$25.80, Year 12: $52.55

CHRISTIAN SERVICE-LEARNING (Year 11): A reminder to all boys that their journal

must be submitted before any service hours are officially recorded.

MAX POTENTIAL: Our Year 11 students, Joshua Russoniello and

James Colliss, were selected to be part of the Max Potential leadership program. This is an extremely unique 22 week leadership development program where they match emerging young leaders with community coaches. Over this period these young adults develop personal goals that they set out to achieve with assistance of coaching in personal leadership principles, which we call 'MAXIMISERS'.

Students work with the assistance of a coach to complete a creative expression and ultimately a community service project of their choice. The coach helps them work through the hurdles that confront them and provide tools and advise to overcome such things.

Josh and James say, “Max Potential has enriched our lives through learning the values of success and leadership through positive experiences and coaching skills. We would highly recommend this program to the current year ten students”.

This program will run next year targeting current Year 10 students to apply for the program, with applications open soon. For more information please feel free to contact myself or visit the website http://www.max-potential.com.au/

Mrs McDonell

Founded 1926 – Proudly Catholic and Comprehensive – Boys Succeed at Edmund Rice College

Yellow Team: First Place South Coast Regional Final (Maths/Engineering Secondary Challenge)

Red Team: Runners-up South Coast Regional Final (Language & Literature Secondary Challenge)

(Absent: Jacob Figliomeni)

TToouurrnnaammeenntt ooff MMiinnddss

Last Sunday, 21 students from the College participated in the Regional Tournament held at St John the Evangelist High School in Nowra. Each team must have seven students selected from Years 7-10 with a minimum of two Year 7 students. We entered three teams this year: Two in the Maths/Engineering Challenge (Blue Team: Zachary Marshall, Emmett Walsh (Year 7); Danny Dang, Dylan Koprivec, Jordan Nicholls (Year 9); Andrew Mastroianni, Christopher Johnston (Year 10); Yellow Team: Jack Dunn, James Andraos (Year 7); Matthew Bujaroski, Zachary Damcevski, Jared Cabor, Matthew Mennilli (Year 8); Jeremy Maksour (Year 9) and one in the Language and Literature

Challenge (Red Team: Jacob Figliomeni, Jake Cavdarovski (Year 7); Pha-Hai Nguyen,

Justice-Noah Negro-Malfitano, Joseph Fernandez (Year 9); Kento Stricker, Lachlan Meuron (Year 10).

All up, there were ten high schools participating in our region. Our boys did extremely well with the Yellow team taking out First Place in the Secondary Maths/Engineering Challenge to Smith’s Hill, who were the runners-up. In the Secondary Language and Literature Challenge our Red team were runners-up to Smith's Hill. All our teams were a pleasure to work with, applying themselves consistently on their 6-week long term challenge, both during school time and after school. On tournament day, all teams applied themselves to the spontaneous challenge with enthusiasm and excellent team work.

A special thanks to the Library where the boys were based for most of the preparation period; to Mr Tognetti who

made his Art Room and materials available for the boys to work with; to the Science department who provided numerous items of equipment; to Mr Rule for his advice and Mr Pinazza who allowed the boys to use the equipment necessary to make their mechanisms; to the teachers who were understanding towards the end of the challenge when the boys needed some flexibility on class deadlines, and last but not least to Kevin Johnston, who drove the mini bus to and from the venue. It was a pleasure to have a number of parents present on the day to support and encourage our teams. Congratulations boys on a wonderful effort and best of luck to the Yellow team who will go on to represent our region at the NSW State Final which will be held at the University of NSW on Sunday, 8 September.

Mrs Barbara Kinnane (Enrichment Co-ordinator)

Founded 1926 – Proudly Catholic and Comprehensive – Boys Succeed at Edmund Rice College

On 21 August, the Edmund Rice College Football (Soccer) teams competed against Holy Spirit College in the "Annual Football Challenge". Due to the construction work currently being carried out around the College, the decision was made to host the event at Beaton Park Soccer grounds. To win the shield the Colleges had to total the highest competition points across the 4 age groups (13s, 14s, 15s and Opens). 2 points for a win (3 points in the Opens game), 1 point for a draw (regardless of age group) and no points for a loss. As a result of this scoring system ERC were able to secure the shield for 2013 with a 5-3 points score thanks to a victory in the 15s age group and drawn matches in the other 3 clashes. Game MVP's were selected from both teams in each game. For ERC they were Jacob Gorgovski (13s), Isaac Danzo (14s), Lee Kizi (15s) and Melih Yilmaz (Opens). Below are the individual game reports from the coaches.

13s - Mrs Schodde, ERC 4 v HSC 4: This was a great game of Soccer. As usual both teams started off very strong and kept that pace going the whole 50 minutes of the game. Holy Spirit scored very early in the game and scored another goal before the end of the first half. After some encouraging words from Mr Timpano at half time, the team came out firing with our first goal scored by Jacob from a free kick early in the second half. Jacob went on to score a second goal which evened up the score. The game was very exciting from there with Michael scoring a header goal that put us in front. Holy Spirit scored another two goals and put them in front. With seconds to go, Tane scored our equalising goal right on the bell. This draw helped to secure our win over HSC this year. Thank you to all the boys. The squad included: Dylan Ryan, Lachlan Donnelly, Chris Hollingshead, Nathan Bellinato, Iain Carlisle (c), Mark Vidaic, Nicolas Tomasiello, Jordan Heywood, Jacob Gorgovski, Michael Giraldi, Nicholas Thomas, Kai Calderbank-Park (g), Tane Nunn. Reserves: Brandon McConnell, Filip Angelkoski. Injured: Ben Learmonth. Well done!!!

14s Mr Sirianni, ERC 1 v HSC 1: “To say Football was the winner”, would tell part of the story in what was a brilliant game for parents and teachers to watch. The scoreline of 1-1 was an excellent result for the boys. The 14s were outstanding ambassadors of the College in that they played with real heart and determination. On paper, Holy Spirit were considered a strong side, which was evident early in the game. To the credit of all the boys we did not lose hope after conceding an early second half goal. All the boys played their key roles outstandingly and put the team first. Kieran Gorgievski and Louis Whitehouse both played their goal-keeping roles well and at times kept us in the game. We were all particularly appreciative of Dylan Ryan and Jacob Gorjovski who played both the 13s and our game. Scoring late in the second half to level the game was a fitting result for both teams.

15s Mr Magill and Mr Haybittle, ERC 3 v HSC 2: The team started off knocking the ball around well and scored two good goals, one a piece to Kyle Kirkland and Jordan Koroskoski to lead 2-0 at half time. However to use that good old cliché, it was a game of two halves, with Holy Spirit playing themselves into the game to tie it up at 2-2.With only a few minutes the result could have gone any way but ERC returned to the game plan that had served them so well in the first half and were rewarded when Kyle Senior scored from just outside the box to secure a 3-2 win. Congratulations to the team.

Opens Mr McCammon and Mr Timpano: With the 13s and 14s sharing the points and the 15s winning, the Opens team only needed a draw to take out the annual challenge. Edmund Rice College dominated the early stages of the game with Lucas, Andrew and Adrian putting the Holy Spirit goalkeeper under enormous pressure. That pressure finally paid off with Melih Yilmaz scoring from 40m out! ERC looked in total control but against the run of play Holy Spirit were able to get on the score sheet close to half time. The second half was a much more even contest with both teams going close to scoring, however with Paul, Jacob, Melih and Brad marshalling the defence, the boys were able to hold onto a draw which allowed for ERC to take home the trophy. Congratulations on a great effort all round.

I would like to thank all the coaches, players, ground staff (Daryl, Mick and Eddie), Canteen staff (Narelle and Mrs Whitehouse) and Lyn Hall (Program) for their preparation for the event. I would also like to thank the Match Officials (Mat Lopez – Premier League Referee , Domenico Marsala – Year 11, Joshua Crapis, Jacob Cordina, Brendan Pacitto, Jaiden Meli – Year 10) , Special Guest - Stephen Jones (Member for Throsby), Daniel Collison (current South Coast Wolves Goal Keeper) and Holy Spirit College players and coaches for their attendance, participation and effort on the day.

Mr MacDonald

Congratulations to Isaac Danzo (Year 8) and Dylan Ryan (Year 7) who have been selected in the U13s NSW State Soccer Team to compete in Coffs Harbour in October

Soccer ERC v Holy Spirit

Founded 1926 – Proudly Catholic and Comprehensive – Boys Succeed at Edmund Rice College

Dream, Believe, Achieve On 26 August, Dragons Captain, Ben Creagh, visited Year 8 to give us an insight into his life as an NRL player and how motivation is a vital factor in achieving your goals. He delivered a presentation to show us ‘any dream is not too big’. His message was "dream, believe, achieve". This presentation showed us that success is possible for anyone willing to make sacrifices and work hard towards their goals. This is not just in the game of Rugby League, but applies to all aspects of life. Ben discussed with us what his life is like being an idol for other people - the challenges and rewards. As an ex-student of the College, he told us about his time here at the school, his favourite subjects (PE with Mr Jeffery and Geography with Mr Kane) and how teamwork and friends helped overcome the difficulties he faced in his least favourite subject (Maths). He told us about his goals as an NRL player and his studies at Wollongong University to prepare for life after football. He also told us one important thing he learnt from Wayne Bennett ‘learn from and improve on the disappointments’. Hopefully the Dragons can put this into practice next season! We all enjoyed the presentation and gained inspiration from Ben. We would like to thank Ben and the Dragons One Community for giving their time to talk to us. Josh Constable and Daine Richards

CAREERS TV Screen for Careers (Years 7-12): Exciting new development in Careers has been the installation of a TV screen above the Careers door to display to students - especially seniors in the COLA. Text and images will loop across the screen. This is another method to deliver current information to students.

State Government Cadetship Programs (Year 12) - www.jobs.nsw.gov.au: HSC leavers who want a career in the NSW Public Service can access over 500 entry level cadetships. Go to website for more details.

TAFE talks at ERC (Years 10, 11, 12): This week saw a representative from Illawarra TAFE speak to students from Years 10, 11, 12. So very important for students to speak to a person - rather than just navigating a website. This was the last speaker in a program of guest speakers related to Careers. These talks have been very useful to those students who have attended. Unfortunately, the Mock Interview program had to be cancelled due to a lack of interest. Hopefully next year will see more students take advantage of such a program.

Indigenous Australian Engineering Summer School (Years 10, 11, 12) - www.engineeringaid.org Act by: 18th October 2013: 12-18 January 2014 will see 20 Indigenous students from Years 11 and 12 have the opportunity to explore the possibilities of studying and working within various areas of engineering. This week-long program will involve site visits, curriculum exercises and cultural activities, networking opportunities and a Harbour Bridge climb. If interested see Careers Adviser for more details.

UAC Equity Scholarships (Year 12) - www.uac.edu.au - Act by: 27th September 2013: Institution Equity Scholarships [IES] assist financially disadvantaged students and/or other educational disadvantages with the costs associated with higher education. Equity Scholarships through UAC are funded by individual institutions, donations or sponsorship. Commonwealth Scholarships for Indigenous students [CS] are funded by the Australian Government and assist Indigenous students access higher education. Application forms and booklets available from Careers Office.

Canteen Roster for week commencing Monday, 2 September – Group 4 Monday T Burleigh, C Lee Spicer, M Reid, S Middlebrook, N Cranny, A Hall, S Reid

Tuesday T Thompson, M Edwards, K Rosewarn, J Holman, S O’Brien, S Wilson

Wednesday J Wright, S Williams, M Petschler, P Calderbank

Thursday T Gigliotti, S Morrow, S Crisafi, K Campbell, S Potter, D Hegyi, A Vidaic,

Friday C Webster, S Howson, J Jovcevski, G Pallone, M Archer, K Welsh, G Thomas

Uniform Shop Opening Hours Tuesday, 3 September: 1.00pm – 4.00pm Thursday, 12 September: 7.45am – 10.45am

COMMUNITY NOTICE See Change Program for Families

6-week program for families/carers impacted by Drug and Alcohol and/or Mental Health issues in their family. 3 September – 8 October (Tuesdays 10.00am – 12.00pm)

Bookings essential Contact The Salvation Army First Floor Program (02) 4229 1079 for more information and to reserve a space.