As advertised in the annual calendar, we will be conducting our swimming carnival on Friday 6 February at the Peninsula Leisure Centre, Woy Woy. Information regarding the carnival will be communicated to the boys at the first assembly of the 2026 school year on Monday, Week 2. Below are some important practical details regarding the carnival: Transport Normal school buses will run in the morning/afternoon and students will catch a bus from the College to the pool and back again in the afternoon. Other students may make their own way to the carnival if appropriate. All boys making their own way to the carnival need to be at the pool by 8.45am, unless they are competing in the 200m events (see next point). Any student competing in 200m races needs to be at the pool by 8.30 am at the very latest. Buses will not be at the pool by 8.30 am so these students will need to make their own transport arrangements. All students requiring afternoon bus transport will return by bus to the College and catch the afternoon school buses under supervision as normal. Uniform For identification purposes, it is imperative that all students in Years 7–10 attend the carnival in their College sports uniform as they would do on a normal Friday. They can change into their colour house clothes at the pool. Only Years 11 and 12 are allowed to wear mufti/casual clothing. General Directions As maximum participation is the aim of the day, points will be allocated for every student entering an event. Any boy who attends the carnival is required to participate by: Swimming in all events appropriate to his ability level. Assisting teaching staff in conducting the carnival in some capacity i.e. official duties. For supervision purposes when boys are not in races, they are to remain in the stands grouped according to their age divisions. Only the Years 10, 11 and 12 will be permitted to gather on the grassed area. Boys need to be equally prepared for cool or warmer weather and bring appropriate sun protection i.e. sunscreen, as the marshalling area is outdoors. Limited canteen facilities will be available – boys are encouraged to bring their own food and drink for the day. It is imperative that students do not bring large sums of money or valuable equipment such as air pods etc. In these situations, it is impossible for the College to take responsibility for items that may go missing. As the carnival is held indoors, it will be held even in the event of obvious inclement weather. Boys who live locally or who are being picked up by their parents can leave to go home directly from the pool at the conclusion of the carnival, which should be at 2.15pm. No boy will be permitted to leave the pool precinct prior to the conclusion of the carnival, as rolls need to be marked and the usual important formalities carried out. I particularly ask that we have parental co-operation in this matter. Parents, carers and relatives are more than welcome to attend on the day however it is recommended you bring your own chair as seating is at a premium. The College Prefects and Leaders will be required at the pool early in the day to assist with carnival set up and again at the end of the day to assist with packing up of the carnival. The co-operation of boys and their families with these guidelines will ensure that it is an enjoyable day for all in attendance.

Click the YouTube link below for the latest Homeroom Edition of SECTV, hosted by Benjamin Geddes-Brown and Luke Nakagawa.     [embed]https://youtu.be/lqbQNaLsPcY[/embed]

Please see below for holiday contact information, stationery and back to school dates. Enrolment During the Christmas break all matters relating to enrolment vacancies and notice of withdrawal can be directed to enrolments@stedwards.nsw.edu.au. For all new enquires please see the link below: [embed]https://www.stedwards.nsw.edu.au/enrolment/enrolment-enquiry/[/embed]   Commencement Dates 2026 Group Return Dates 2026 Staff Tuesday 27 January 2026 Years 7, 11 and 12 Thursday 29 January 2026 Years 8, 9 and 10 Friday 30 January 2026 (Summer School Uniform) Stationery Year 7 will receive a book pack on their first day of school.  Years 8-12 are responsible for purchasing their own supplies. Please find the link below for stationery lists for Years 8-11 for 2025.  Year 12 should be advised by their teachers of ongoing requirements for their HSC year. [embed]https://www.stedwards.nsw.edu.au/curriculum-learning/stationery-requirements-2024/[/embed] Uniform Midford, continues to provide uniforms for St Edward’s College students. The shopfront is at 72-82 Mann Street, Gosford and online ordering is also available. Please refer to the flyer below for details on how to order online.  Click here for the Midford website. Trading for 2026 will commence Monday 5 January, Monday to Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, except on Australia Day, 26 January, which is a public holiday.   Pastoral To contact the Director of Pastoral Care please email kmills@stedwards.nsw.edu.au Please be reminded that on the first day of Term 1, all students must strictly adhere to the Hair and Grooming Guidelines. See the link to the website below for more information. Reminder regarding aerosol deodorants: For the safety and wellbeing of all students and staff, aerosol deodorants are not permitted on College grounds. Aerosols can trigger asthma and allergic reactions, and pose a risk in enclosed spaces. Please ensure your son brings roll-on or stick deodorants instead.   [embed]https://www.stedwards.nsw.edu.au/parent-community/parent-college-uniform/[/embed]   Counsellors If you do not have regular access to counselling or support services, please consider the following as alternative pathways to seeking help and support in difficult or challenging times: Mental Health Telephone Access Line – 1800 011 511  This is the access point for mental health referrals. Life Line (24hr telephone counselling service) 13 11 14 or www.lifeline.org.au Kids Helpline (24hr telephone counselling service) 1800 55 1800 or www.kidshelpline.com.au Headspace Gosford – 4304 7878 Headspace Lake Haven – 4394 9100 headspace supports young people with mild to moderate mental health concerns. Youth Health – 4356 9333 Youth Health has counselling support for young people experiencing mild to moderate mental health concerns Youth Drug and Alcohol Service – 4394 4880  Youth Drug and Alcohol Support young people with moderate to severe drug and alcohol concerns.  

The Year 8 Outdoor Education Camp at Camp Somerset on the Colo River has proven to be one of the most formative experiences of the year. The Year 8 Outdoor Education Camp at Camp Somerset on the Colo River has proven to be one of the most formative experiences of the year. Immersed in natural surroundings, students stepped away from everyday distractions to take on a series of outdoor challenges. Over three days, the boys participated in physically and emotionally demanding activities including hiking, canoeing, high ropes and team-based problem-solving tasks, all requiring cooperation, courage and perseverance. The camp offered more than adventure—it also provided valuable moments for reflection and connection. Staff observed students encouraging one another, facing fears and developing newfound confidence. Many returned with a stronger sense of self, deeper bonds with peers and a greater appreciation for the power of community.   [smallgallery fooid="63497"]