Chances are, a man close to you is struggling with their mental health right now. The signs can be subtle: a friend who’s not sleeping, a colleague who’s lost interest, a man in your family who’s more irritable than normal…but spotting these signs can make all the difference. In fact, it could be lifesaving. Check out Movember’s guide to spotting the signs at Click Here   The St Edward’s Movember Team have currently raised $2,470 and have walked, ran or exercised 271 kilometres!!  This is an incredible achievement and these gentlemen should be congratulated! Funds raised for Movember go towards setting up programs such as ‘Keeping Men Connected’ and a 'Social Innovators Challenge’ with the goal of establishing activities such as boxing, surfing or cooking, to be used to engage and enable friendships to support mental health and wellbeing.  These programs have shown that they have significantly increased happiness, wellbeing and social connectedness of the men who take part. What boys learn as teenagers will help to shape the men they become. Teaching them about mental health, how to look after their own, and how to support their friends is critical to their later-in-life health and happiness. For young guys, it can be tricky to know what is and isn’t normal when it comes to physical and mental health. That’s were Movember’s mental health projects come in. If you’d like to show your support you can donate to the Team by clicking on the following link Click Here

Home-based learning proved to be a positive experience for many students who used the extended breaks throughout the day to participate in valuable physical activity. However, not all students enjoyed home-based learning and couldn’t wait to come back to school!! Since we have been back on campus the boys have been engaging in many interesting health discussions and fun practical activities. Some classes have taken the opportunity during good weather to sit outside to do theory lessons. The focus for Terms 3 and 4 for all Years 7-10 PDHPE and the Physical Activity and Sport Studies (PASS) classes has been more on engagement and participation rather than completing formal assessment tasks. Examples of some of the tasks they have produced include: Year 7:  Safe and Sound - Drugs and Water Safety Year 8:  Bullying Year 9:  Risk Taking Year 10: Careers Vision Boards Year 10 Physical Activity and Sport Studies (PASS) have had a taste of golf, while the Year 12 Sport, Lifestyle and Recreation (SLR) classes have been taking ‘master classes’ with Mr Ellis and Mr Carpenter. The Year 12 Sport, Lifestyle and Recreation (SLR) class participated in The 2021 St Edward’s Invitational on The Royal St Edward’s Ovals. It is pleasing to see the improvement in their technique and accuracy, a lot of them had a lot of room for improvement. Healthy4Life Year 9 completed another Health4Life survey as a follow up to the online course they completed in Year 7. The study, run by Sydney University, tracks students yearly to gauge the level of understanding students gain after taking part in the course and PDHPE lessons. The main focus is ‘The Big 6’ Health behaviours for young people: alcohol, smoking, exercise, sleep, screen time and diet. There is also an ‘app’ linked to the study. Thirsty? Choose water! The Environment, Sport and Wellbeing portfolio lobbied for and were successful in acquiring a new refill station which was installed next to the old one. The first station was a gift to the school after Year 7 students participated in the Thirsty? Choose Water! initiative. The activities from this initiative have been incorporated into our school program and the boys have learned a great deal about the benefits to their health by choosing water over sweetened drinks. The water station records the number of refills that are made which demonstrates how many plastic bottles are avoided by refilling your own bottle. It also shows how many boys choose water over sweetened drinks. HSC - PDHPE The boys sat their PDHPE HSC exam last week and by all accounts it seemed to be a fair test. Home based learning gave them more time to study or more time to become disengaged! It will be interesting to see the results and we wish the boys all the best with their future endeavours. At least 10 students have gained early entry into PDHPE related courses. Year 11 2022 – Outdoor Recreation Course Mr Gentle, Mrs Dignam and Mrs Henderson are busy preparing the new Outdoor Recreation VET course that has been introduced for 2022. It sounds like a fun way to spend your school time: surfing, mountain biking, hiking, paddling kayaks and canoes, camping and doing work placement at our Year 7 and 9 camps. [foogallery id="34442"]

The New South Wales Education Standards Authority (NESA) has developed the Disability Provisions program to assist students completing the HSC examinations, who have a special examination need. This may be related to a physical condition, mental health issue, visual impairment, hearing loss or difficulty in reading and/or writing. The Authority aims to offer practical support to students with higher needs by providing provisions, such as separate supervision, extra time to rest/read/write, writers and/or readers. On behalf of these students the College makes an application online to NESA submitting specific supporting documentation. When a final decision has been made, NESA will send both the College and student written notification of the approved and/or declined provisions. Please be aware that if you have been granted the use of special examination provisions by the College for internal examinations and assessments, this does not automatically deem that you will be eligible for the same provisions in the HSC examinations. In completing the application process, evidence of the special examination need must be included, such as, medical evidence, timed essay samples, reading test results, in addition to relevant subject teacher comments. Please note that these applications should be submitted online to NESA by the end of Term 1, 2022, but can also be applied for up to the day prior to the commencement of the formal, external HSC exams. If your son wishes to apply for these special examination provisions for the HSC exams, you should contact me, Leader of Learning - Diverse Learning, Ms Kiekebosch, before the end of this term. If you have any queries regarding the above, please do not hesitate to contact me, either by phone or email at the College. Ms B Kiekebosch Leader of Learning Diverse Learning bkiekebosch@stedwards.nsw.edu.au  

Years 8-12 are responsible for purchasing their own stationery supplies. Stationery may be purchased independently, or parents may prefer to purchase stationery packs online through our supplier COS, please see the link below for stationery lists and information regarding online ordering. [embed]https://www.stedwards.nsw.edu.au/curriculum-learning/stationery-requirements-2022/[/embed]  

2021 NSW All Schools Championships Thursday 9 - Sunday 12 December, 2021 ENTRIES NOW OPEN Click Here to enter We're very excited to announce that we have now opened registrations for the 2021 NSW All Schools Championships. The Dates Are Thursday 9 December until Sunday 12 December 2021 to be hosted by Athletics NSW at the Sydney Olympic Park Athletic Centre. This event is open to all high school students in New South Wales - no qualification standards are required to enter. We have also released a DRAFT timetable of events (subject to minor change) to give all students/parents/teachers an idea of when each event will be held over the four days of athletics. This year's Championships will be delivered in a COVID-safe environment, at the Sydney Olympic Park Athletic Centre. We are currently working on providing our network with more information - including ticketing information, our merchandise collection for the event, and much more.

See below for apprenticeships available and casual work being advertised.  See the links for more information   Apprentice Joinery/Cabinetry     Apprenticeship Opportunity at Sheldon - Co-design Click here for the Job Advertisement on Indeed     Click Here for More Positions and Information   Sheetmetal Trade Assistants wanted – no experience required We are looking for 2 x Trade Assistants to join our team based at West Gosford starting asap. About the role In this role you would be assisting Sheetmetal Tradespersons in our factory to fabricate & assemble air conditioning ductwork – experience is not necessary as full training will be provided. Initially you would be working as a casual with full time hours & reasonable overtime. This could eventually become a permanent position for the right candidate. About you (what we are looking for) Be willing to learn ductwork fabrication & assembly work Show initiative Be physically fit & able to pass a pre employment medical & alcohol & other drugs screen Be reliable and punctual Be willing to make yourself available for reasonable overtime work (penalty rates will be paid for overtime) Have your own transport – you must be able to get to West Gosford, ready to start work by 5am Benefits Reliable weekly pay Great security & stability with a growing company that has a long association with St Eddies Overtime @ penalty rates Above award wages (Manufacturing & Associated Industries & Occupations Award 2020) Flexible working hours About Airpak Sheetmetal Airpak Sheetmetal manufactures & supplies air conditioning ductwork to the commercial air conditioning industry. It is a solid, family owned business, established in 2003. Airpak has a reputation for producing quality product and providing a supportive environment for staff. To apply Please send your resume to colleen@airpaksheetmetal.com.au   Careers in the Outdoor Registration       If you want a career and security for your son then consider one of BORG’s entry level positions. Family owned, rapidly expanding, Central Coast business, with over 2,000 employees nationally – huge career potential with loads of opportunities. See videos about the company https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cgQ_Xugics4 https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=crossmuller+careers Website: https://www.borgs.com.au/ Note: Crossmuller is owned by BORG Apprentice Boilermaker https://www.seek.com.au/job/55054170?type=standout#searchRequestToken=a3b8cbc0-fb10-4c89-ae1b-5bad406d6365 Apprentice Mechanical Fitter https://www.seek.com.au/job/54903481?type=standout#searchRequestToken=a3b8cbc0-fb10-4c89-ae1b-5bad406d6365 Apprentice Wood Machinist https://www.seek.com.au/job/54730390?type=standout#searchRequestToken=a3b8cbc0-fb10-4c89-ae1b-5bad406d6365 Apprentice Truck Body Maker https://www.seek.com.au/job/54903205?type=standout#searchRequestToken=a3b8cbc0-fb10-4c89-ae1b-5bad406d6365 Apprentice Sheetmetal Worker https://www.seek.com.au/job/54903326?type=standout#searchRequestToken=a3b8cbc0-fb10-4c89-ae1b-5bad406d6365 Apprentice Diesel Mechanic https://www.seek.com.au/job/54518651?type=standout#searchRequestToken=a3b8cbc0-fb10-4c89-ae1b-5bad406d6365 Apprentice Plant Mechanic https://www.seek.com.au/job/54518984?type=standout#searchRequestToken=a3b8cbc0-fb10-4c89-ae1b-5bad406d6365     Apprenticeship in Horticulture https://www.naturesvision.com.au/ Natures Vision Landscapes is looking for an enthusiastic Horticulture apprentice to join the team.  Please send your resume to info@naturesvision.com.au  

TAFE NSW is accepting degree applications TAFE NSW's offer a range of industry-aligned degrees taught by expert teachers that students can apply for without requiring an ATAR. From Fashion Design to Business and ICT – TAFE NSW offers students the skills they need for the job they want. Click Here for More Information   Careers in the Outdoor Registration   Subject Careers News Bulletin       SYDNEY 02  DECEMBER 6PM-7.30PM  | BYRON 16 DECEMBER 5.30-7PM  We are opening both our Sydney and Byron campuses for SAE's Creative Futures Info Night. Here, attendees can discover the endless creative opportunities that await in this exciting and dynamic industry. Did you know the cultural and creative industries in Australia are worth a massive $91 billion and employ more than 200,000 people? That’s more people than the mining, agriculture, forestry and fishing industries combined! This event will give insight into what it’s like to study at SAE. Your students can get a taste of what we call the SAE difference. What's on at Creative Futures? Access our industry experts Campus tours to check out our facilities Course information session Chat with our course advisors and finalise the best course for your career SAE offers Bachelor, Associate Degree and Diploma programs across Animation, Audio, Design, Film, Games, and Music. With unique learning practices and fantastic career opportunities, this is a great opportunity for students to come along and find out why SAE is the creative community for them. Please note that this event has a LIMITED CAPACITY. Each attendee will need to be registered individually and follow the COVID-19 government guidelines  Click Here to Register The NSW Government’s Infrastructure Traineeship Program is perfect for Year 12 students interested in developing their professional skills in the infrastructure industry, as well as having the potential to make a difference to Australia’s environmental footprint. This two-year traineeship program combines TAFE studies with practical experience working within NSW Government agencies and private sector employers. Apprenticeship Careers Australia will be hosting an information session for school careers advisors, parents and interested candidates on Wednesday, 24 November from 3:30pm – 4:30pm.  Registration and joining link can be found here: Click Here The presentation will include an overview of  Australian Traineeships and how they fit into the Infrastructure Traineeship Program, the roles and responsibilities of trainees, educational providers (TAFENSW) and employers. There will also be an opportunity for Q&A at the end of the presentation.         [embed]https://www.stedwards.nsw.edu.au/curriculum-learning/careers-and-vocational-education/careers-news/[/embed]

Exciting New Diplomas have landed for 2022! With the overwhelming success and positive feedback we have received from the Diploma in Engineering that commenced in 2021, we have some new diplomas available to study in 2022. These include: Diploma in Arts and Social Science Diploma in Business Diploma in Built Environment Diploma in Environmental Science Diploma in Education Studies Diploma in Information Technology Diploma in Science The diplomas are a great option for your students that may not get the ATAR for direct entry into the program of their choice. Students can apply for the diplomas via their UAC preferences. Including the diplomas under their dream Bachelor degree program, followed by Open Foundation as the final preference, provides the students with a suitable backup option. Top 5 benefits of studying a diploma 1   Up to 80 credit points towards an undergraduate degree 2   Guaranteed entry into the diploma's related Bachelor's program 3   Provides academic literacy, research and discipline-specific skills 4   Study at your own pace one year full-time or part-time 5   Access to academic learning support, counselling and peer support FIND OUT MORE HERE  

Students at Public Transport Hubs Including Gosford Railway Station and Bus Interchange Students are reminded to ensure good behaviour around transport hubs, due to the very real risk of serious injury from falling onto tracks or getting struck by trains or buses. Please be reminded that pushing and shoving one another, general horse play and throwing items at each other can result in injury as well as impactinig other users of the public transport network, putting them also in danger. From our perspective, now that students are returning, they seem to have forgotten what is required of them to travel, which is wearing a face mask while on the stations, at bus stops and on the trains and buses and using an opal card every trip, either a school opal card or a child opal card if they forget the school card. For those boarding trains and buses, be courteous to those who are paying for their travel, wait until everyone else has boarded the service before boarding so adults can get a seat after their day at work, don’t crowd around the train or bus doors on arrival at stops.

Please see the link below to the College website for the latest position vacant available for 2022.   [embed]https://www.stedwards.nsw.edu.au/our-college/employment/positions-vacant/[/embed]

You enter the kitchen. Your child looks at you like she’s hiding something. You see cake crumbs on the bench and the tips of her fingers. ‘Did you eat the chocolate cake?’ Your child smiles at you, with chocolate stuck in her teeth, and innocently replies, ‘No.’ You know your child is not telling the truth. The evidence is everywhere! So, what do you do? Honesty is an essential value for children and young people to develop as it’s central to building trust and community cohesion. Here are some simple, effective ways to encourage your child to be honest. Remember, Telling Fibs is Normal Catching your child in a lie can be frustrating, but remembering that it’s a normal part of growing up can help you keep calm. While there is a moral aspect to honesty, children in the early years of primary school tend to be very concrete thinkers, responding better to your immediate concerns such as ‘I need to know you are telling the truth’ instead of the moral aspects of right and wrong. For older primary aged children and teenagers, the broader issues of trust and morality are parts of the conversations you should have. Don’t Ask Questions if you Know the Answer If your son is smeared in chocolate cake, don’t say, ‘Did you eat the chocolate cake?’ Instead try, ‘I can see you ate some chocolate cake. You must have been hungry huh?’ Then pause and ask, ‘Do you think I’m pleased or upset? Why? What should we do next time?’ Use the awkward situation as an opportunity to find out more about what your child may need. Show the Truth If you are a parent of a teenager, you know how easily parent-teen relationships can be harmed by accusations and criticism. If you think that a teenager may have mislead you about an area of concern such as not being where they said they were, then it’s probably wisest to bring your young person’s attention to evidence of the truth rather than back them into a corner with an accusation. “You said you were at Jana’s, but her mum said that Jana didn’t have any visitors yesterday” is a statement of truth from your perspective that’s invites a response from a young person. Listen to Their Side Things often aren’t as they seem so if you think your child or young person is not being completely honest, be prepared to listen to their side of a story. This is not to suggest that you let them pull the proverbial wool over your eyes, but there are times when kids may believe they are telling the truth. Alternatively, they may have told a lie to keep themselves safe or to prevent them from following the crowd. Get your child talking, ascertain if they believe they are being truthful, and if they aren’t, listen to why they bent the truth. Let the Consequences do theTeaching Acknowledge truthfulness when a child or young person owns up to doing the wrong thing. Help them fix the dishonesty and discuss how to do better in the future. Avoid punishment as this will cause more lying in the future. Allowing the consequences to do the work helps keep your relationship intact and ensures that lessons are experienced, and responsibility is taken. Extract a Simple Promise Studies show that children are less likely to be dishonest once they have promised to tell the truth. If they tell you the truth, and then you punish them severely, they will be less likely to tell the truth in the future, promise or not. Model Honesty Many adults are guilty of social ‘white’ lies. Such ‘little white lies’ that conveniently bend the truth to your advantage are commonplace.  Children and young people take their cues from parents, so these little white lies show them it’s okay to bend the truth in certain circumstances. You don’t get away with anything when you are parent – your behaviour is always on show so stick to the truth, even when it’s difficult, if you want your kids to do the same In Closing Honesty takes time and maturity to learn, especially in the face of the clearly tactical advantages of bending the truth. As parents, nurture honesty in kids by modelling, discussing its merits and acknowledging that it’s not always easy to be honest.  And maybe, avoid keeping the chocolate cake on the kitchen table.

Turn Your Anger Around Without Yelling We’ve all had those days. You know the ones... the days where your child has refused to get ready for school, thrown food at their brother and is in a right mood. Your teenager slams the door when you ask them to clean up their bedroom. You ask and ask again. And again. And the kids just won’t listen. That, or if they listen, they won’t do as they’re told! When days like this happen – and they do – you can get so angry that you lash out only to regret your actions later on. With smacking now widely regarded as less acceptable, the lashing out often takes the form of yelling. It’s probably fair to say that yelling is the new smacking. Yelling is Harmful Researchers believe that yelling at kids can be just as bad as smacking. Yelling has also been linked to lower self-esteem in children and young people. Children who are raised in a home where yelling is common have a higher risk of developing psychological issues. When parents use yelling as a discipline measure, kids have an increased risk of developing behavioural problems, anxiety, stress and depression. Understand, Don’t Reprimand When your kids are really getting under your skin, instead of getting furious, be curious. You need to connect before you correct. Children don’t wake up in the morning and think, ‘How can I make life horrible for my parents?’ They might be having a hard time. Work out what needs aren’t being met and help meet them. Use Humour Humour is one of the best ways to take away anger and reduce stress. A good friend of mine was teaching his daughter to drive. The whole family was in the car while the daughter was driving when she missed a corner and ended up crashing into a petrol station sign. My friend looked at his daughter and at his family and said, "Well, while we’re here, does anyone need to use the bathroom?" By using humour, my friend released the tension in the situation. Then they could calmly talk about what had happened and how to resolve it. What a wonderful way to turn away from anger! Stay Calm and Kind Self-talk is now recognised as a great way to regulate your emotions and change your behaviour. When you’re starting to get upset there’s a mantra that you can use: ‘I’m going to be calm and kind.’ When you repeat this phrase, it reminds you of what you want, and helps you to better regulate your own emotions. Calmness is something of a superpower that can have have such a positive impact on those around you. Create Psychological Distance All parents seem to have just a bit more patience with someone else’s child or young person. Pretend that you’re ‘a favourite aunt who rarely never gets cranky at the kids. She always finds a way to be kind, even with the challenging child or teenager. If that doesn’t work for you, pretend your child is a neighbour’s kid! In Closing Yelling turns children and young people away. Speak softly. Speaking softly forces them to listen closely, and it make everyone feel better. Most parents hate yelling (as do their kids). When you are calm and kind, and look to understand, not reprimand, you will be able to keep anger and yelling out of your home. That’s better for your kids and for you.