St Edward’s College is in a unique position to make a clear statement advocating for changes in behaviours and attitudes in relation to domestic violence. With over eleven hundred boys and men attending the College each day, we have a great opportunity to educate, to listen, to learn about, to challenge sexist and abusive behaviour and to empower young men with knowledge on how to take action if they see violence happening.

Providing teaching and learning experiences that are authentic, relevant and engage students in their learning has provided the basis of much of our deliberations. Our work has been guided by the research of Professor John Hattie.

On October 22, the Prime Minister delivered a National Apology to Victims and Survivors of Institutional Child Sexual Abuse. As an Edmund Rice College, we strongly support this much awaited and long-overdue moment in the history of our nation. For too many years, the victims who were horribly betrayed by the people entrusted with their care have fought for justice, acknowledgement and remorse.

Over the last school holidays Mr Jon Paul Grant, Grant Offner, Rory McIntosh, Miller Irwin, Tyrone Mafohla, James Rigas, Luke Keiler, (students form Year 11) and I attending the annual Immersion to Nairobi, Kenya. The theme of the Immersion is Kesheni, which means ‘Stay Awake’ in Swahili.

On Friday September 15, I had the honour of attending the John Lincoln Youth Community Awards at Government House. These awards are presented on behalf of the Order of Australia Association to twenty students from across NSW for their excellent commitment to community service.

St Edward’s College responds to the challenge of developing student leadership through the community service program the Waterford Project. As all students and families are aware, this program encourages students to look beyond themselves through acting selflessly in the service of others in need within the local community.