Edmund Rice Education Australia Touchstone
Liberating Education
As a Catholic school in the Edmund Rice tradition, we serve the individual needs of each person, providing teaching and learning experiences that are authentic, relevant, rigorous and creative.
Doco in a Day: St Edward’s Students Shine in National ‘Doco in a Day’ Challenge
In May this year, thirty-two students from St Edward’s College made a powerful impact through their participation in the Doco in a Day program — a national initiative that empowers young Australians to become storytellers and changemakers.
Organised by the Edmund Rice Foundation, the program challenges students to plan, film, and edit a short documentary in just 24 hours. The goal? To raise awareness about global issues such as gender equality, access to education, and environmental sustainability — themes that resonate deeply with the values of social justice and advocacy promoted at St Edward’s.
One of the entries from St Edward’s, titled ARE WE THERE YET, was a compelling exploration of the barriers faced by communities around the world in achieving equality and sustainability. The students worked collaboratively under tight time constraints, demonstrating creativity, critical thinking, and a strong sense of purpose.
Their documentary was submitted alongside entries from schools across Australia, with the winning team earning the opportunity to travel overseas and witness firsthand the impact of their advocacy and fundraising efforts. While results are still pending, the experience itself has already left a lasting impression on the students involved.
“It was intense but incredibly rewarding,” said one participant. “We learned so much about the power of storytelling and how we can use our voices to make a difference.”
The Doco in a Day experience not only honed students’ technical and creative skills but also deepened their understanding of global citizenship — a core pillar of the St Edward’s educational philosophy.
As the students await the final results, their work continues to inspire conversations within the school community about justice, empathy, and the role young people can play in shaping a better world.
Year 11 Street Retreats: A Journey of Insight and Compassion
Next week marks the beginning of the Year 11 Street Retreats — a transformative experience that continues to challenge and inspire both students and staff. These retreats are designed to take students beyond the classroom and into the heart of real-world issues, encouraging empathy, reflection, and social awareness.
Throughout the retreat, students will visit a range of organisations including Baptist Care and St Canice’s Church, where they will explore complex social issues such as drug addiction, mental health, domestic violence, and homelessness. These visits aim to push students out of their comfort zones and deepen their understanding of the struggles faced by those on the margins of society.
In addition to these experiences, students will engage in interfaith dialogue during a visit to a Jewish Synagogue, and will have the profound opportunity to meet Holocaust survivors at the Jewish Holocaust Museum — a moment that promises to leave a lasting impression.
A workshop hosted by Catholic Mission in North Sydney will further broaden students’ perspectives. Here, they will discuss the plight of children in detention and participate in a Q&A session exploring compassionate and practical responses to the needs of people seeking asylum.
Students will also visit the Anzac Memorial in Hyde Park, where they will reflect on themes of sacrifice, service, and national identity, and the historic St Mary’s Cathedral, a place of architectural beauty and spiritual significance that invites contemplation and connection to faith.
We extend our sincere thanks to Mr Tony Beacroft, Mrs Fran Palmer Brown, Mr Eamonn McAuley, and all the dedicated staff who accompany the students. Their thoughtful planning, guidance, and support are what make this experience so meaningful and impactful.
Images from the 2024 Street Retreat
