Liberating Education

A Catholic school in the Edmund Rice tradition we challenge all to prophetic leadership within the school community and beyond.

Empowering Tomorrow’s Leaders at St Edward’s College

At St Edward’s, we regard the development of leadership capabilities as a fundamental component of a comprehensive education. To this end, we offer a broad array of leadership opportunities across all year levels, designed to foster students’ growth in confidence, articulate communication, effective collaboration, and critical thinking.

Leadership Portfolios

2025 Captains and Prefects

A key avenue for student leadership is through our Leadership Portfolios, which are closely linked to the role of College Prefect. These portfolios allow students to work alongside staff in planning and delivering a variety of school initiatives throughout the year. Open to students from all year groups, these roles help develop essential skills in organisation, public speaking, and event promotion.

Students aspiring to become Prefects in Year 12 are expected to have actively participated in a portfolio during Years 10 and 11. The portfolios include:

• Spirituality, Liturgy and Social Justice
• Culture, Publicity and Social Events
• Sport, Healthy Lifestyle Environment
• Literacy and Academia

Year Group Leaders

Year Group Leaders at a Recent Leadership Session

Students in Years 8 to 11 are also invited to apply for the role of Year Group Leader. These positions are designed to nurture leadership potential in younger students, giving them the chance to collaborate with senior leaders and contribute to the implementation of portfolio initiatives.

We commend all students who have stepped forward to take on these leadership roles. Their commitment reflects a strong desire to grow personally and to contribute meaningfully to the College community. We look forward to seeing the creative and impactful initiatives they will bring to life throughout the year.

Year 11 Students Embrace the Max Potential Program

We are proud to announce that three of our Year 11 students—Charlie Cranny, Isaac McCudden, and Finn Ryan-Englund, have been selected to participate in the prestigious Max Potential Program, an initiative of Clubs NSW.

This 22-week program offers a unique opportunity for young leaders to grow through personal leadership development and one-on-one coaching. Designed for students from schools, TAFE, universities, and the broader community, Max Potential empowers participants to unlock their full potential during their senior school years and beyond.

One of the program’s standout features is its strong focus on community engagement. Each student is paired with a dedicated mentor who supports them in designing and delivering a community service project—an experience that not only builds leadership skills but also fosters a deep sense of social responsibility.

Participation in Max Potential equips students with:

• Enhanced confidence and communication skills
• Goal-setting and time management strategies
• Real-world experience in project planning and execution
• A lasting impact on their local community

We are confident that Charlie, Isaac, and Finn will find this journey both challenging and rewarding, and we look forward to seeing the positive contributions they will make. Please join us in wishing them every success!

Charlie Cranny

Isaac McCudden

Finn Ryan-Englund

Completion of the Waterford Project and Leadership Development

At St Edward’s College, the Waterford Project serves as a cornerstone of our commitment to nurturing leadership in students from Years 8 to 11. One of the primary objectives of this initiative is to provide students with meaningful opportunities to develop and demonstrate leadership through service. By completing their Waterford hours, students engage with the model of servant leadership exemplified by Jesus, fostering a deeper sense of empathy, responsibility, and community engagement.

Leadership Through Daily Action

Leadership at St Edward’s is not confined to formal roles—it is a quality encouraged and recognised in everyday actions. Students are urged to lead by example in the classroom, during retreats and camps, on the sporting field, and while participating in excursions. This holistic approach reinforces the belief that “true leaders demonstrate leadership at all times.”

College Prefect Program

Students in Year 11 who aspire to formal leadership positions are invited to apply for the role of College Prefect. Prefects are elected by both staff and peers and serve in this capacity until Term 3 of their HSC year. These students make a significant contribution to the life of the College by:

• Leading weekly assemblies
• Representing the College at religious and cultural events
• Volunteering at Open Day
• Assisting in the coordination of College carnivals, discos, and other key events.

The role of College Prefect provides an invaluable platform for students to refine their public speaking, organisational, leadership, and promotional skills. Eligibility for this role requires prior involvement in one of the College’s Leadership Portfolios, ensuring that candidates have demonstrated a sustained commitment to leadership development.

Year 12 Retreat – A Journey of Reflection and Growth

In Week 3, our Year 12 students took part in their annual Retreat – a powerful and reflective experience that marks a significant milestone in their formation journey at St Edward’s. Held at the Edmund Rice Retreat Centre in Mulgoa, the three-day program offered students a valuable opportunity to pause, reflect, and reconnect with their values, relationships, and spiritual life.

The timing of the Retreat is intentional, aligning with a pivotal moment in the students’ final year as they begin to consider their path through the HSC and life beyond school. Through a series of thought-provoking workshops, students were encouraged to reflect deeply on their time at St Edward’s and the kind of young men they aspire to become.

Beyond introspection, the Retreat also provided a chance to unwind and recharge before the demands of the final school term. A standout moment was the healing ceremony on the final evening, centred around the theme “Forgiveness is the virtue of the brave.” This moving experience, followed by a student-led liturgy, beautifully encapsulated the spirit and themes of the Retreat.

The students’ engagement, openness, and thoughtful discussions on topics such as relationships, gender equality, and personal values were truly inspiring. Their maturity and insight reaffirm our confidence in the next generation of Eddies’ men—young people who are not only prepared to face the challenges of today’s world but are also committed to shaping a more compassionate and just future.

I would like to thank Mr Alex Powell, Mr Tony Beacroft, Mrs Francesca Palmer Brown, Mr Eamonn McCauley, Ms Sarah Evans, Mr Pat Dell, Ms Jodie Connor, Ms Sinead McCauley,  Ms Jessica Beagin, Mr Tim Woodbine and Mr Nevin Odden for taking time away from their families to lead this retreat.

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Year 12 Mid-Course Reports

The HSC Mid-Course Reports were released earlier this week and are now accessible via the Compass Portal. These reports provide a comprehensive overview of each student’s progress, including:

• Mid-Course Examination mark and rank
• Cumulative assessment mark and rank to date
• Achievement levels for course outcomes
• Individual teacher comments on student progress

This report offers the most accurate snapshot of student performance so far in the HSC year, highlighting both strengths and areas for improvement.

It was encouraging to see many students achieving outstanding results, whether in individual subjects or across their entire course load. These achievements reflect the dedication and effort many students have shown throughout the year.

Tips for Effective Revision

To support students in their preparation, here are some practical revision strategies:

• Create a Study Schedule: Break your revision into manageable chunks and allocate time for each subject. Stick to your plan and adjust as needed.
• Use Active Recall: Test yourself regularly on key concepts rather than just re-reading notes. Flashcards and practice questions are great tools.
• Practice Past Papers: Familiarise yourself with exam formats and identify areas that need more attention.
• Teach Someone Else: Explaining a topic to a friend or family member helps reinforce your understanding.
• Stay Organised: Keep your notes, resources, and materials well-organised to reduce stress and save time.
• Take Breaks: Use techniques like the Pomodoro method (25 minutes study, 5 minutes break) to maintain focus and avoid burnout.
• Look After Yourself: Prioritise sleep, nutrition, and exercise. A healthy body supports a focused mind.