It was great to be able to finish the year with some meaningful prayerful experiences. The Year Group Liturgies serve as a special opportunity for each year group to come together in a meaningful way, to reflect and offer prayers of gratitude for the year that has been completed. These liturgies are a time for students to express appreciation for their personal growth, achievements, and the experiences shared with their peers throughout the year. As part of the celebration, students prepared a thoughtful presentation of images that beautifully depicted the highlights of their busy and fulfilling year at St Edward’s College. The images were a vibrant reflection of their hard work, dedication, and the strong sense of community within the school. A heartfelt thank you goes out to all those who contributed their time, effort, and creativity in making these occasions so memorable and enriching for all involved. Your support and involvement helped to make these liturgies truly special. The annual Christmas Liturgy is a cherished tradition at St Edward’s College, one that brings the entire College community together in a spirit of joy, reflection, and celebration. This special occasion is marked by the communal singing of Christmas carols, with senior students and staff leading the way. At the conclusion of the liturgy, we continued the long-standing tradition of presenting Christmas hampers, which are prepared by each homeroom. These hampers, filled with food and essential items, are given to families in need, spreading the spirit of generosity and kindness during the holiday season. This year, the hampers will be donated to Coast Shelter and St Vincent de Paul, and we thank all who contributed. This annual event is a beautiful reminder of the importance of giving, compassion, and community, and it serves as a meaningful way to celebrate the Christmas season while making a positive impact in the lives of others. Mr Beacroft Director of Mission  [smallgallery fooid="63922"]  

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]

On Tuesday 9 December the College community gathered to celebrate the outstanding achievements and dedicated efforts of our students in and outside the classroom. We recognised and acknowledged student contributions to their learning and to our wider community. The awards presented were: Learner Profile Award:  Awarded to students in the top 10% of their year based on their Learner Profile score from Terms 3 and 4. Growth Award:  This Award celebrates students who have demonstrated improvement in their Learner Profile scores. This award recognises those who are striving to reach their full potential. School Spirit Award:  Recognising students who truly embody the heart and soul of our College. This award does not focus on academic achievement or athletic prowess but a commitment to the core values and community spirit that make our school a special place. Academic Award:  Presented to the top 3% of students in each course, based on their cumulative assessment marks for Terms 3 and 4. Students receiving an academic award have shown remarkable achievement and commitment to their studies. Principal’s Award for Academic Excellence:  Awarded to students who have achieved the highest standards of academic success through exceptional dedication, hard work, and intellectual curiosity. These students have consistently demonstrated outstanding performance across their studies, setting an example of excellence and inspiring those around them. In addition to the College Awards, a number of special awards honor students who make significant contributions beyond the classroom, embodying the spirit of service, leadership, and community. These awards recognise boys who go the extra mile to support others, make a positive impact, and uphold our College values.   See the Program and List of Recipients [smallgallery fooid="63799"]  

This term, St Edward’s embraced our diverse global community through our annual Eddie’s Cultural Festival. Rather than our usual lunchtime activities, this year’s festival invited students to experience culture more deeply within their learning spaces, with a focus on participation, respect, and curiosity. Our Year 9 cohort took part in an energetic Chinese Martial Arts incursion, led by external presenters. Students not only enjoyed the physical challenge, but also gained an appreciation for the discipline, history, and cultural traditions behind the movements. Many students commented on how different it felt to “learn with their whole body” rather than just from a textbook. Some of our Visual Arts students explored the beauty and precision of calligraphy, discovering how written language can also be a powerful art form. In Music, classes were introduced to the rhythms of Brazilian drumming, filling the College with vibrant percussion and highlighting the way music can connect people across languages and borders. Eddie’s Cultural Festival continues to be an important part of College life, reminding us that culture is something to be shared, celebrated, and respected. We thank all staff and students for their enthusiastic involvement, and we look forward to building on these experiences in future years as we continue to celebrate the richness of cultures within and beyond our St Edward’s community. [smallgallery fooid="63768"] [embed]https://youtu.be/HH4LyjN2wmY[/embed]

This term has been nothing short of extraordinary for the Performing Arts Faculty at St Edward’s! Our students have showcased their talent, creativity, and dedication through a series of inspiring events and achievements. Whether developing their skills in classroom tasks, performing on stage, or working behind the scenes on production elements, our students have truly excelled. Combined Concert Band PerformancesThe St Joseph’s and St Edward’s Combined Concert Band performed at the recent St Joseph’s Co-Curricular Assembly, impressing audiences with their energy and musicianship. On Monday, the band took their music on tour, performing at St John the Baptist Primary School and Deepwater Plaza. These opportunities highlight not only their musical growth but also their commitment to sharing the joy of music with the wider community. One Night in November – A Celebration of the ArtsLast Tuesday evening, our Performing Arts showcase, One Night in November, celebrated the remarkable talents of our Year 7–11 Music and Drama students. The event opened with a stunning student art exhibition in the foyer, setting the perfect atmosphere for an evening of captivating performances. From heartfelt musical pieces to dynamic dramatic presentations, our students displayed creativity, confidence, and passion that made us all proud. It was especially inspiring to see those new to the stage grow in confidence and perform alongside our more experienced students. The night was truly special, enjoyed by an audience of supportive family members, friends, and staff. Our Year 11 VET Entertainment students formed the backbone of the production team, working collaboratively to deliver a polished and professional showcase. I was incredibly proud of their developing skills and confidence in the live production arena, as well as their contributions to the pre-production process, including crafting the running order, designing lighting and vision elements, and managing staging. They are a wonderfully creative and efficient team. Outstanding Achievement – Encore SelectionWe are thrilled to announce that Orsen Bailey’s HSC Music performance, originally nominated for Encore, has been selected for the final program! Orsen will perform at the Sydney Opera House in March 2026—a remarkable achievement that reflects his hard work and passion for music. We could not be prouder. Congratulations, Orsen! Our Year 12, 2026 Music class will be there cheering him on. As we reflect on this term, we are filled with pride for every student who has contributed to making the Performing Arts such a vibrant and inspiring part of our school community. Their dedication and enthusiasm continue to enrich our culture and remind us of the power of creativity. [smallgallery fooid="63570"]

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.

The St Edward’s College chess team recently competed in the final high school tournament of the year, hosted at Green Point Christian College, delivering a memorable and rewarding experience for all involved. The event brought together students from various schools, each demonstrating a shared enthusiasm for strategy, problem-solving, and healthy competitive spirit. Over the course of the structured seven-round competition, our players faced timed matches that demanded focus, consistency, and adaptability. Despite the competitive environment, the atmosphere remained supportive, with students showing respect, commitment, and sportsmanship throughout the day. One of the standout achievements for St Edward’s came from Ruben Redelinghuys in Year 7, who secured third place in his age group. His performance displayed strong tactical understanding, careful planning, and impressive composure under pressure, making him a proud representative of our team and a sign of exciting potential among our younger players. Between rounds, St Edward’s students could often be found reviewing their games, discussing strategies, and offering each other advice. This collaborative approach reflects the core strength of our chess community: a shared commitment to learning, thinking critically, and improving together. The tournament not only highlighted the progress made by the team this year but also revealed areas where further growth and development can take place. With continued dedication and practice, we are confident that future competitions will bring even stronger performances and new achievements. Overall, the event was a valuable and uplifting experience that reinforced the positive direction of the St Edward’s College chess program and the passion of the students who drive it forward.   [smallgallery fooid="63542"]

The Opens Water Polo team travelled to Peninsula Leisure Centre, Woy Woy, to contest the Wombats Cup, hosted by the Woy Woy Water Polo Club. The event featured high school teams from across the Central Coast competing in both the Boys and Girls divisions. The team consisted of: James Griffith (Goalkeeper), Tahj Regattieri, Tam Johnston, Seamus Meares, Nate Saley, Billy Carpenter, Eden Pearson, Harry Rutherford and Lachlan McMahon. Our boys were drawn in Pool A and played matches against Brisbane Water Secondary College (winning 11–3), Green Point Christian College (winning 5–2) and Gosford High School (winning 6–1). These round games allowed the team to refine their combinations and settle into an effective playing style. James was outstanding in goals, making several difficult saves look effortless. Tahj, Eden, Billy, Lachlan and Seamus continually pressured the opposition on the counterattack, turning defence into offence, while Nate, Tam and Harry controlled the middle of the pool and dictated the tempo. The boys combined exceptionally well, showing composure with and without the ball, which led to some impressive polo and a comfortable pool win. In the semi-final, we faced Terrigal High School, who have had the edge over us in recent years. The boys started strongly and maintained control throughout, running away with a convincing 10–1 victory. This set up a Grand Final clash with Wyong High School, the dominant team in this competition over the past few years. We opened the scoring early, but Wyong responded with two goals to lead 2–1 at halftime. Despite trailing, we looked the stronger side heading into the second half. From there, we dominated possession, restricted Wyong’s scoring opportunities, and produced several excellent team and individual goals to secure a 5–2 victory. Regaining the title was a fantastic achievement for the team. They played cohesively throughout the day, and it was especially pleasing to see the growth of players who do not regularly compete outside of school. Nate Saley was deservedly named Player of the Grand Final for his outstanding performance. Well done to all the boys on a fantastic team effort.

Representative Sport College Sporting Team Events Information regarding these teams is posted on the College Daily Notices. This will be read each morning in Roll Call. Students can also access these notices from their laptop Homepage. Students need to check this each day and make sure they attend meetings, selection events and training in preparation for the below events. Term 1 Sporting Events – 2026 College Teams Pathway Events and Representative Opportunities. Week Date Event Venue 2 6 February 2026 College Swimming Carnival PLC Woy Woy 4 19 & 20 February 2026 Surfing High Schools Challenge South Bar Beach, Newcastle 5 24 February 2026 CSBB Under 15 Touch Football Championships Adcock Park, West Gosford 6 5 March 2026 CSBB Under 16 Rugby League Selections EDSACC Oval, Bateau Bay 7 10 March 2026 CSBB Swimming Carnival SOPAC, Homebush 7 12 March 2026 CSBB Opens Touch Football Championships Nolan’s Reserve, Manly 8 16 March 2026 CSBB Open Basketball Championships Terrigal Stadium 10 31 March 2026 Sydney Metro Under 16 & Under 18 Rugby League Selections Parramatta 10 1 & 2 April 2026 NSWCCC Swimming Championships SOPAC, Homebush   2026 NSWCCC Representative Sport Selections Representative Sport Opportunities, students must register online and be selected/invited to attend selection events. Registration      Register via the CSNSW Sport Portal. Need help? Click here: SPORT REGISTRATION HELP. Term 1 Week Date Event Venue 3 10 and 11 February 2026 NSWCCC Under 19’s Cricket Riverwood 4 17 February 2026 NSWCCC Under 18’s Softball Stanhope 5 24 and 25 February 2026 NSW All Schools Triathlon Penrith 6 2 March 2026 NSWCCC Opens Tennis Parramatta 6 4 March 2026 NSWCCC Opens Baseball Castle Glen 6 6 March 2026 NSWCCC Under 18’s Volleyball TBC 9 27 March 2026 NSWCCC Under 15’s Volleyball TBC   Below is a detailed explanation of the registration process for Representative Sport. CSNSW Sport portal: Parent HELP SETTING UP AN ACCOUNT You will need to go to csnsw.sport, click on login, then "Forgot Password" - as your password will need to be reset. Portal details update – Parents need to go in and update details (ie. Child’s school year and new school – Year 7). Check this has been done if you cannot see registration options (you should be able to). If you have NOT previously had account, you will need to set one up so you can register your child. Go to www.csnsw.sport Click on Create A New Account which is located in the blue box on the top right hand side of the page Click on Setup Parent Account Complete all the fields and click on Create Account. You will receive a confirmation email. ADDING A CHILD Click on Add Child Complete all fields. Click NEXT Complete all fields on the next page and click on Add Child REGISTER FOR A SPORT Scroll to your child’s profile Click on Register for a Sport Select the Sport Click Next Review your child’s details and if they are correct tick the “Acknowledgement” box and click Next Sport Specific Details - review all the event information and click Next Consent to Participate - Complete all the fields and click on NEXT Your registration is not complete until you have completed all steps - including payment if payment is required (Checkout) PROGRESSION TO NEXT LEVEL Once you have been selected to the next level you will receive an email to login in to your account Scroll to the child’s profile and there will be a box in red “Confirm Selection”. Click on the box. Review your child’s details and if they are correct tick the “Acknowledgement” box and click Next Sport Specific Details: Review all the event information and click Next Consent to Participate: Complete all the fields and click on Finish Add to Cart: Levy and uniform will be displayed. (If applicable) Follow the prompts and click on Checkout This will take you to the payment options. Complete payment. CHECKING THE PROGRESS OF YOUR CHILD'S REGISTRATION At any stage you can check your child's registration progress. The stages are colour coded GREEN - the registration is complete ORANGE - the registration is awaiting Principal Approval or School Action RED - You have not completed the registration and must return to the process You can check details, what you have agreed to and your cart/orders by clicking on View Registrations and scrolling through the sections. (Purchases are at the end)

Over the past 12 days, Year 10 students have taken part in a vibrant program designed to build their work-related skills. From work experience placements to interactive workshops, presentations, excursions, and volunteering, the schedule was packed with opportunities to learn and grow. Highlights included visits to Newcastle University and a presentation from Macquarie University, the Illuminate Program, a money management workshop, and sessions on becoming scam-savvy. Students explored career pathways through North Construction, heard an inspiring personal journey from an Eddies Old Boy, and engaged with the Australian Defence Force (ADF) to learn about future opportunities. They also deepened their understanding of First Nations culture during an excursion to Bouddi National Park and supported the Over 55 community in Terrigal through a gardening project. Special interest workshops added even more variety, with activities such as creating a personal brand, fishing, kayaking, buying and affording a car, eating for performance and recovery, cooking basics, creating music, and a maths extension course. It’s been a dynamic and rewarding program that has equipped students with practical skills and broadened their horizons for the future.   [smallgallery fooid="63608"]

See the latest articles from Careers with STEM.   Click Here to Read More   Click to Take the Quiz   Read The Story Here  

Click the links below to read the latest information about apprenticeships, traineeships and job opportunities.     Job Opportunity for Year 7 -11 – Warehouse Assistant  Location: Erina Paper & Packaging, 1/183 The Entrance Road, Erina, NSW 2250 Contact: (02) 4365 1498 | Email: erinapandp@gmail.com Are you a  Year 7 -11  student looking for a job that helps you build real-world skills and gain valuable work experience? Erina Paper & Packaging is currently seeking motivated and reliable students to join our team as Warehouse Assistants. This is a fantastic opportunity to develop practical skills in a supportive environment while getting a head start in the workforce. Key Responsibilities: Picking and packing customer orders Stocking shelves and maintaining inventory Assisting with daily end-of-day closing procedures (Filing Work) Limited customer interaction (via email using prepared scripts) General warehouse organisation and cleaning What We’re Looking For: Students in Year 7-11 A positive attitude and willingness to learn Good attention to detail Ability to work independently and as part of a team For more information contact: Kashbi. R Erina Paper & Packaging 1/183 The Entrance Road ERINA NSW 2250 PH: (02) 4365 1498

Click the links below to read the latest from universities and post school courses.   NIE has scheduled a number of workshops over the summer break to support Year 10, 11 and 12 students who are aspiring to study medicine or dentistry and want to make a strong head start in preparing for the medical school entry assessments. The upcoming school holidays are the perfect time for students to begin their UCAT preparation, build interview confidence and gain a valuable advantage before the busy school year begins. Coming up at NIE during Summer Holidays! 20 December 2025: Comprehensive Interactive 2-Part UCAT Workshop 22 December 2025: Public, Rural, and Indigenous Health Topics in Medical Interviews 27 - 28 December 2025: Intensive 2-day Interview Training Workshop 10 - 11 January 2026: Intensive 2-day Interview Training Workshop 4 - 17 January 2026: Academic Insights  is a 13-day residential summer school program in Sydney offering experience at the university level. Available areas to choose from are Medicine, Psychology, Veterinary Studies, Creative Writing, Engineering, Business Management, and Law. 24 January 2026: Comprehensive Interactive 2-Part UCAT Workshop 31 January 2026 (Sydney - Chatswood; this is the only in-person attendance workshop in 2026): Comprehensive 2-Part UCAT Workshop

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.  

Online Wellbeing Resources Each week members of the St Edward’s College Pastoral Team will be offering guidance and resources to assist families as our boys navigate high school. We invite you to take the time each week to explore Yadhaba Online for articles that may be helpful. This issue: Reconnecting After Social Media Ban [caption id="attachment_63590" align="aligncenter" width="150"] Reconnecting After Social Media Ban[/caption]   Click Here to View the Wellbeing Hub for Other Resources