Due to COVID-19 we were not able to have our normal mass which includes the entire student body to celebrate the announcement of our new College Leaders for 2021-22. Instead, a solemn and beautiful mass presided over by Father Greg was celebrated at St Patrick’s Parish Church. With parents and one friend present, our new Prefects received their badges. The Prefect badges were blessed by Father Greg and pinned on their blazers by one of their parents. At the conclusion of mass, the 2021-2022 College Captain and Vice Captains were announced. Congratulations to: Michael Holmes - College Captain Owen Bradstreet - College Vice-Captain Luke Richards - College Vice-Captain Ronan Grattan - College Prefect Nicholas Green - College Prefect Ryan Green - College Prefect Noah Hamilton - College Prefect Jai Heaney - College Prefect Jett Heaney - College Prefect Wilheim Hieber - College Prefect Cooper Lord - College Prefect Cameron Shaw - College Prefect Louis Whyatt - College Prefect During this moving ceremony, the musicians performed various hymns, which provided a prayerful atmosphere. A big thank you to all who contributed to this wonderful community celebration. Congratulations to our new College Leaders. Mr Beacroft Director of Mission [foogallery id="34266"]     [embed]https://youtu.be/aA4DQa6PFg8[/embed]  

Our newly elected prefects have hit the ground running and have signed up again for Movember. Owen Bradstreet and Wilheim Hieber have put together a short video to share with our community, see below   [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pYg7YUilpYc[/embed]   This is for all the fathers, partners, brothers, sons and mates in our lives, because they’re dying too young, and it doesn’t have to be like this. The stats below should fuel your fire and remind the men you love of the health risks they face and what they can do about it. In Australia, men are dying 4 years earlier than women, and for largely preventable reasons. Men account for 3 out of 4 suicides. Suicide is the leading cause of death among Aussie men aged 15-44. 1 in 6 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer before they’re 85. Testicular cancer is the most common cancer in young Aussie men. We encourage all students, staff and our community to sign up to the St Edward’s Team by clicking on the following link or searching for the St Edward’s Team on the Movember website.  Students are encouraged to raise a minimum of $20 and will also gain Waterford Hours  https://movember.com/t/st-edwards-college-east-gosford?mc=1 A big thank you to Owen and Wilheim, Mrs Emmett and Mr Friend for helping put this together for the boys.  Thanks for your support of this student led initiative.

“At the end of the day, multimedia is a sheer act of creative will. You have to be prepared to stick with your art no matter what comes your way.” This quote by Nicholas Ozeki (Great filmmaker) is truly reflective in many ways of the sheer will and tenacity of the 2021 HSC cohort, especially those completing their Major Project this year. We thought 2020 was a year like no other and here yet again 2021 and COVID presented a whole new set of challenges for students to face. Among the changes of 2020 was the introduction of the collaboration with St Joseph’s Catholic College Students in Preliminary Industrial Technology Multimedia and coeducational classes. This year we will have the privilege to see these students graduate along with St Edward's, standing tall and pride. The Industrial Technology Multimedia course at St Edward’s College offers those students who wish to be creative, an avenue that is backed with the technical skills and design elements required in the Graphical arts, Multimedia and Animation industries. As predominately a practical based subject, the move to home-based-learning during the final months of their Major work submission students demonstrated intrinsic motivation, negotiation and determination to complete some impressive Projects. The projects ranged from animation and graphic design to cinematic, music and short films. There were projects on social youth culture, The Mist, What is Art and Who we are, the 5 senses and illusions, dreams and motivational and a dystopian world. Seeing both the St Joseph’s and St Edward’s students working together to explore, develop and achieve success in their own right will be a highlight of 2021. As psychologist Leonard Sax states “boys and girls have marked physical and psychological differences and hence they have to be educated differently”. Teaching both genders has demonstrated my new love and connection for teaching again. Explaining key terms in both an abstract concept as well as more visual and with application, has allowed for a deeper knowledge and understanding of content to both genders. It is clear to see that boys enjoy doing risky things, whereas girls are likely to underestimate it, which is evident in the completed Major Projects. [foogallery id="34332"]

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.

Please see the links below for apprenticeships, traineeships and course opportunities.     We are looking for a 1st year apprentice to join our expanding team at Seaside Joinery. Job Requirements: previous experience in woodworking/design technology basic knowledge of handheld power tools white card preferred basic math skills a keen interest in Architectural Joinery and Furniture Making hold strong communication skills and follows directions be self-motivated and reliable drivers license (L plates acceptable) Job Description: Seaside Joinery established in 2007 is based in Erina, we are focused on both designing and manufacturing high end architectural joinery with no two projects the same. Specializing in whole home installations and working for the leading builders and architects on the Central Coast our aim is to carefully manufacture and install items to the highest standard. 4 year apprenticeship with training through TAFE NSW in Cabinet making Full time employment, 6 month probationary period in the first year of apprenticeship Working hours: 6.30am to 2.30pm Monday to Friday, with the ability for overtime on Saturdays 6.30am to 11.30am – potential candidates MUST be available for the early morning starts Mentoring from highly skilled tradesmen in both the factory setting and on site Manufacture and install custom highly detailed architectural joinery pieces, including both factory & site work. Potential for further training in both CNC machine operation and design drafting using Pytha Below is the link to our website which provides examples of previous jobs completed. Seaside Joinery   Potential candidates can email their CV to : brenna@seasidejoinery.com.au AND call Brenna on  0413164861   Ozy Services - Casual Labouring   Opportunity for Year 12 students interested in casual work while waiting to receive there results. We are looking for casual labourers - must have white card and drivers license. Duties include pressure cleaning and general labour duties. Interested students please contact: Melinda Nicol Administration Manager 0427590085 Melinda.nicoll@ozyservices.com.au         Expressions Of Interest Form         Expressions Of Interest Form     Job Opportunities for High School Students Micromex is a Market Research company located in the Tuggerah Business Park and we currently have positions available for Market Research Interviewers. The hours of the role are from 4pm/5pm - 8:30pm weekdays and 10am-4pm weekends so fit perfectly with High School Students around their studies, we also offer a very attractive rate of pay. We would very much appreciate if you could share our current job advertisement with the relevant people (be it career advisors, etc.). Micromex Research - Telephone Interviewer description & application If you would like to ask any questions about our company, or speak with somebody prior to sharing our job ad, please contact: Hannah Henderson Field & Operations Manager (02) 4352 2388 Please note that there is no sales involved in this role – Interviewers conduct surveys only.   Westpac Young Technologists Scholarships The Young Technologists Scholarship is a game changer for high school graduates who are passionate about tech and eager to explore its potential for good. First up, they’ll receive $15,000 over three years. Everyone has different financial situations, so the funding is 100% flexible. This means they can choose how to spend it. The real value of this scholarship, however, comes through opportunities and experiences that would otherwise be out of reach. Click Here for More Information             Free Summer Skills Courses for 16 to 24 year olds who have left school.   Click Here for More Information       [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  

Please find below information regarding Term 4 including the latest COVID information.   Correspondence Emailed Home   Return to Face-to-Face Teaching - 28 October 2021   Year 12 End of Year Letter - 26 October 2021   Years 7-12 Parent Information Term 4 -  18 October 2021   Parent Information for Level 3 Plus Staged Return - 12 October 2021   Parent Information, Return To Face to Face - 11 October 2021   Years 7-10 Parent Information - 5 October 2021   Year 11 Parent Information - 5 October 2021   Year 12 Parent Information - 5 October 2021  

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]

Free Webinar - Using Birth Order Knowledge for a Parenting Edge Effective parents and carers are always looking for an edge to help them raise happy, confident, resilient kids. Many people do a brilliant job of learning on the run, but can miss a rich vein of knowledge that’s right in front of them – a child’s birth order position. In this webinar, Michael Grose explains how birth order position impacts on a child’s personality, attitudes and behaviour. He provides insights to help bring out the best in every child, reduce destructive sibling rivalry and increase family harmony. Key learning and discussion points include: how birth order works and why it sometimes doesn’t make sense why birth order applies to both large and small families how to conduct a birth order audit for your family the impact that your own birth order has on your parenting essential parenting strategies for kids who don’t quite fit the birth order mould Presented by Michael Grose Bestselling author and professional speaker Video overview Click this link to view the video overview: https://vimeo.com/505493809 When Wednesday 10 November  2021 at 8:00 PM AEDT Redeem your webinar now - it's easy Click this link:  https://www.parentingideas.com.au/parent-resources/parent-webinars/webinar-using-birth-order-knowledge-for-a-parenting-edge Click ‘Add to cart’ Click ‘View cart’ Enter the coupon code ORDER Click ‘Apply coupon’ Click ‘Proceed to checkout’ Enter our school’s name to verify your eligibility. The $39 discount will then be applied. Fill in your account details. These are the details you will use to login to your account and access your webinar and resources Click ‘Place Order’ This offer is valid until 31 December 2021. If you’re unable to make the broadcast time, just register anyway and you will get access to the recording.

Screen Time Habits for Good Eye Health Children and teens are spending an increasing amount of time on digital devices for both learning and leisure. Lockdowns, remote learning, and online learning have resulted in a surge of young people complaining about sore eyes, blurred vision, headaches, red eyes or general eye fatigue. Research suggests that there has been an increase in myopia (nearsightedness) rates for children and teenagers during the pandemic. Myopia is a vision condition in which someone can see objects near to them clearly, but objects farther away are blurry. One study revealed an almost 400% increase in six-year-olds presenting with myopia symptoms during the 2020 lockdown. The phenomenon referred to as ‘quarantine myopia’. Experts believe that screen time may be to blame. HCF Health Insurance data shows over 20% more school-aged children had claims entered for glasses or contact lenses in 2020, compared to five years ago. While it may seem logical to blame these negative impacts solely on screens, there’s emerging evidence to suggest that screens alone may not be triggering or causing eye strain or myopia. The pandemic has not only led to an increase in screen time but has also resulted in kids spending more time inside and less time outdoors in natural sunlight. Family history is also a known risk factor for children developing myopia. Given that kids will need to continue to rely on digital technologies for their learning and leisure, parents, carers and educators need to equip them with the strategies that will support their eye health and reduce the impacts of screen-related eye conditions such as eye strain and myopia. Following are some simple strategies to help keep screenagers’ sight healthy and in optimum condition. Keep an Eye on Their Eyes Be on the lookout for symptoms such as headaches, blurry vision, squinting, or rubbing eyes, as they may indicate potential eye issues. Take your child to an optometrist if symptoms persist. Teach Them the 20/20/20/20 Rule Every 20 minutes, they should take at least a 20 second break, look into the distance for 20 metres to develop depth of vision, and blink 20 times - because when they stare at a screen their blink rate declines by 66%. Remind Them to Close Their Eyes Learning through screens is mentally taxing, depleting the two regions of the brain which process what they see and hear online. Encouraging kids to close their eyes, even if just for 10 seconds, gives these regions of their brain a much-needed break. It increases alpha waves in their brains, leaving them feeling focused and alert after a short break. Remember the Arm’s Length Rule of Thumb Remind your kids to keep all their digital devices and reading materials at least an arm’s length away from their eyes. Brighten Up Make sure kids read with appropriate lighting, as poor surrounding light increases eye strain. You may need to adjust the brightness on the screen they are using, or the lighting in the room. Encourage Them to Head Outdoors Research shows that young children who spend more time outdoors are less likely to be short-sighted as teenagers, so ensure your children get at least two hours of ‘green time’ time a day. Evidence also reveals that just 40 seconds in nature will reduce stress levels. Given that technology plays a pivotal role in kids’ lives, it’s essential that parents, carers and educators equip kids with the skills and strategies that will protect their eye health. This requires strategies to deploy when kids are using devices and ensuring that their tech time doesn’t displace vital offline experiences, such as time in nature. Yet another reason why we need to balance their ‘screen time’ with their ‘green time’.