Founder's Day This event will be held on Friday 3 September 2021. The aim is to raise well over $20,000 for our Edmund Rice ministry in Kenya and local disadvantaged groups as well. Importantly, the aim of this fun day (mini fete) is to build community at the College. Parents are asked to please ensure your son pays $20 donation to the front office, between now and August. Founder’s Day will be a casual clothing day, with lots of fun activities provided by staff. Over 100 raffle prizes will be won on the day eg smart tv, watches, sports shorts, lollies, bluetooth speakers and many more. To assist us in our aim to raise over $20,000, we seek donations of prizes (suitable for teenage boys) from business and or families. If you can assist, please contact me via email pdell@stedwards.nsw.edu.au  or by phoning 43246435. Funds Raised by: Years 7-9 will be donated to Kenya, Christian Brothers Ministry Year 10 will be donated to Coast Shelter Year 11 will be donated to Walgett, St Joseph’s Primary school Year 12 will be donated to Edmund Rice Camps     Walgett Our group of Year 11 students travels to Walgett in north-western NSW in Week 10. We have been travelling there since 2006 and the aim is to learn more about Aboriginal culture and some of the challenges facing isolated rural communities. Waterford Waterford is completed by all students in Years 8-11. Please ensure that your son is seeking ways to complete his 15 hours of Service for others.  There is a wide range of options available to him and the completion of hours is due by the end of Term 3. Please contact me by email  pdell@stedwards.nsw.edu.au or 43216439 if you have any questions. Waterford Opportunity Donate your old footy boots for 2 Waterford Hours. An Aboriginal group in Dubbo has requested donations of second-hand football boots to assist and enable young people from disadvantaged communities, to be able to participate and play football. Please see  Mr Dell or Mr Samyia for further details. [embed]https://www.stedwards.nsw.edu.au/curriculum-learning/faculties/social-justice/[/embed]   Pat Dell Leader of Learning - Social Justice

A Day in the Life of St Edward's College for Year 6 Students On 4 March the College welcomed, for the day, nearly 300 Year 6 boys representing some 35 primary schools from Brooklyn to Toukley. Feedback from the boys was that they had a great day and enjoyed learning experiences in Science, French, Music, Art, Woodwork, PE and seeing our learning centre/library. They had the opportunity to produce a piece of artwork, a wooden box in woodwork, as well as working in groups to build a paper straw replica of the Eiffel Tower during their French lesson. Please see the images from the day below. Group 1 (Star of the Sea) [smallgallery fooid="30945"]   Group 2 (St John the Baptist, Woy Woy Primary, Woy Woy South Primary, Umina Beach Primary, Ettalong Primary, Holgate Primary) [smallgallery fooid="30986"]   Group 3 (Holy Cross, Copacabana Primary, Wamberal Primary, Bateau Bay Primary,  Avoca Beach Primary) [smallgallery fooid="30262"]   Group 4 (OLR The Entrance, OLR Wyoming, Terrigal Primary) [smallgallery fooid="30540"]     Group 5 (St Patrick's, Central Coast Adventist, Central Coast Grammar, Coast Christian, Point Clare Primary, Empire Bay Primary) [smallgallery fooid="30795"]   Group 6 (Brisbania Primary, Brooklyn Primary, Kariong Primary, Mount Colah Primary, Narara Primary, Niagara Park Primary, St Mary's, Woodport Primary, Gosford Primary, Gosford East Primary, Ourimbah Primary [smallgallery fooid="31049"]

While school excursions are starting to pick back up again, Visual Arts students are still prevented from visiting major galleries in large numbers. What happens when we can’t get to the Gallery? We bring the Gallery to us. The Eddies Theatre was set up with a “pop-up” display of artworks from all over the world – featuring names such as Picasso, Renoir, Emily Kngwarreye, Guy Warren, David Boyd, Judy Cassab and our own talented Visual Arts teacher, Jessica Beagin. Here is what one of the senior students had to say about the immersion: “It was amazing, to be in this dim room and have art all around, whilst inspiring music played as you looked at all the breathtaking art. There was a video playing of the potential of what you can do with your life and what art can be. We got to see what could be done with still images as the projector showed famous paintings from throughout history that were animated to look alive. We heard how art and painting has changed Jim Carrey’s life entirely and how painting can open up so many opportunities. The exhibition was inspirational, showing us that we can put anything we want into art and that we can express ourselves however we want. By the end of the immersion, I walked out having felt hope, inspiration and had chills sent down the back of my neck as I felt enlightened at the possibilities art presents to us all.”   [foogallery id="31113"]

Please see the link below for the Year 12 Assessment Week timetable for Week 9.  Individual timetables are also available on the Portal.   Year 12 Assessment Week 9 2021  

Please click the link below for the latest edition of SECTV, hosted by Max Whitton and Joshua Collis.   [embed]https://www.stedwards.nsw.edu.au/co-curriculum/st-edwards-college-television/[/embed]

Under 14 and Under 15 Annual Rugby League Game vs Blacktown Patrician Brothers On 12 March our two teams took on the mighty Patrician Brothers’ Blacktown in our annual game. This game has been played for 18 years and is a testament to the camaraderie between the two Colleges. There was a great atmosphere throughout both the games especially when the crowd roared. Taking on last year’s State Champions is a tough task but our boys were up for the challenge. Under 14's With a total of 32 students putting their hand up to play, this game was sure to be entertaining and it certainly didn’t disappoint. Our team came out firing and Kieran Dafter crossed the line in the early stages to put us in front. Blacktown clawed their way back to turn the tables and the game went on like this – back and forth – for the rest of the match. Tries to Jay Clarke and Cameron Day helped keep the scoreboard ticking over, yet it was Blacktown who came away with the win in the dying moments.   [smallgallery fooid="31177"]   Under 15's The game began well for St Edward’s with great charges from the forwards and slick work from the backs. This gave our boys plenty of confidence, but Blacktown were not going to go away without a fight. As the game progressed Blacktown showed their great depth and began to dominate both on the field and the score board. The tough tackling from all players and organised attack was a feature of these highly entertaining contest. At full time St Edward’s narrowly won the game. All those who played need to be congratulated for the spirit in which the games were played.   [smallgallery fooid="31316"]   After the game, 1 player from each team was selected as the best player. Final Scores Under 14’s:  St Edward’s 16 Blacktown 20 Under 15’s:  St Edward’s 18 Blacktown 16 Man of the Match Awards Under 14’s:  Archie Mesritz Under 15’s:  Matt Humphries  

Broken Bay Swimming Carnival St Edward’s sent a team of 23 competitors to contest the Broken Bay Carnival at SOPAC, Homebush on Thursday 11 March. The team dominated the carnival, achieving some excellent results. Highlights for the day included: The Opens 4x50 m Freestyle Relay team setting a new Broken Bay record of 1:43:01. The team consisted of: Taine Beavis, Ryan Green, Nick Green and Daniel McLoughlin. Ashton Walters (16 years) and Daniel McLoughlin (17+ years) Age Champions. Tahj Regattieri (13), Archie Carpenter (14), Jayden Redfern (15) all finishing second in their Age Group. Winning all seven relays Clean sweep of the Division Titles (Junior, Intermediate and Senior) 19 boys progressing through to the NSWCCC Swimming Carnival on Monday 29 March The team consisted of: Cooper Smith, Ronnie Jordan, Tahj Regattieri, Eden Pearson, Kye McIntosh, Archie Carpenter, Deakin Wright, Sam Cormack, Cooper Jones, Sam Logan, Cashar Darwin, Kale Puata, Ashton Walters, Cohen Crook, Jayden Redfern, Jack Vaughan, Kye Holliday, Joseph Bonham, Daniel McLoughlin, Nick Green, Kyle Graham, Nathan Irvine, Taine Beavis and Ryan Green. A big thanks to Ms Celebrin and Mr Hannelly for assisting with the team on the day. [foogallery id="31433"]

NSWCCC Congratulations to Bryn O’Grady-Cousins and Taine Beavis in Year 11, who were both recently selected in the NSWCCC Waterpolo team. The boys attended selection trials on Monday 15 March at Ryde Pool. Riley Millers in Year 9, is also to be congratulated for his selection in the NSWCCC Golf team to contest the NSW All Schools Strokeplay (54 holes) Championships at Batemans Bay from Monday 24 – Wednesday 26 May. If he qualifies in the leading 16 Boys, he will then contest the Matchplay Championships (Thursday 27 and Friday 28 May). Broken Bay Rugby League Teams On Wednesday 3 March, the Broken Rugby League Selection Trials were held at Morrie Breen Oval, Kanwal. Trials were held for the Under 15’s and Open's teams. Congratulations to the following boys: Under 15 Opens Matt Humphries Harley Dimech Lachlan Tibbutt Sean Bullen Devonte Vaotuua Jared Gilston Kory Botting Fletcher Powell Beau Newlands Tyler Moriarty Toby Paterson Charlie Cartwright Matt Kuech Marlon Guest Tommo Peters Ulysses Fotofili Ben Taylor Emmet Nicholls Daniel Peters The boys will now attend the Sydney Independent Catholic Colleges (SICC) selection trials on Wednesday 24 March at Norford Park, Sefton. This Week in Sport Week 8 Term 1: Week Sport Fixture Date 8 Broken Bay Under 13's Touch Football Nolan's Reserve, North Manly Wednesday 17 March 8 College Cross Country Years 7 and 8 Hylton Moore Oval, East Gosford Friday 19 March 9 SICC Rugby League Selection Trials Norford Park, Sefton Wednesday 24 March 10 NSWCCC Swimming Carnival SOPAC, Hombush Monday 29 March 10 NSWCCC Touch Football Championships (Under 15's and Opens) Nelson's Bay Tuesday 30 and Wednesday 31 March 10 NSW All Schools Triathlon (Individual) Penrith Regatta Centre, Penrith Tuesday 30 March   NSWCCC Sport Registrations 2021 for pathway sports opened on 1 February. Registrations are via the CSNSW.sport portal. For instructions on how to register go to – Guide For Parents – Sport Registrations Term One Individual Nominations Sport Registrations Sport Closing Date Selection Date Boys Hockey 15 March 22 March Boys Diving 19 March 29 March Term Two Individual Nominations Sport Registrations Sport Closing Date Selection Date Under 14 Boys AFL 1 April 21 April Under 16 Boys Rugby Union 23 April 4 and 5 May Under 18 Boys Rugby Union 23 April 4 May Open Boys Basketball 29 April 3 May Under 16 Boys Football 29 April 5 May Swimming and Touch Football registrations are through the Diocesan/Association pathways. For further information, go to the CSNSW Sport website Sport pages.

The Year 7 and 8 Cross Country will take place this Friday 19 March at Hylton Moore Ovals, (Wattle St) East Gosford, during Friday Afternoon Activities. Important information: Students will receive information about the course and race format in their PDHPE lessons and the Daily Notices this week. Students will walk over in, House Groups, under staff supervision at the end of their lunch break (12.35pm). Students should take a hat and water bottle with them. The format will be Under 12/13’s race 1.30 pm and the Under 14/15’s race at 1.55 pm. Any boy in the Under 12 or Under 15 age groups will receive a wristband prior to running to identify them at the finish. The top 8 runners in each age group will qualify for the BBSSSA Cross Country Championships (St Ives Showground, Monday 10 May). Students will then return to the College on completion of both races, in time for afternoon buses.

2021 Apprenticeship and Traineeship Expos The extremely successful face to face Apprenticeship and Traineeship Expos are back, providing opportunities for students and job seekers not received anywhere else. Not to be missed. Bring copies of your resume and get in first. **Free entry** When and Where Central Coast Apprenticeship and Traineeship Expo Tuesday 31 August 2021 - 3.00 pm to 8.00 pm Mingara Recreation Club, 12/14 Mingara Dr, Tumbi Umbi NSW [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cyv_QCLNI1A[/embed]

Vaping (e-cigarettes) has recently been in the media highlighting increased usage among young people.  The College encourages parents to have informed conversations with their son/s about this concerning behaviour.  There is information available on various health websites including Department of Health and the Australian Government National Health and Medical Research Council. Below is also some information provided by The Australian Lions Drug Awareness Foundation Newsletter which may assist families in having the conversation with their son/s. PARENT INFORMATION: Vaping amongst young people Australian surveys show vaping by young people has increased. Young people who vape nicotine are exposed to a toxic chemical that can harm adolescent brain development (the brain continues to develop until the age of 25) and lead to dependence. There is also some evidence that vaping nicotine is associated with later tobacco use among teenagers. Why are young people attracted to vaping? The advertising and promotion of vaping products is illegal in Australia. However, companies can use other strategies to target youth. Social media has been found to play a role as both an information source and as a means of exposure to e-cigarette advertising in Australia. Companies are also glamourising their products to seem cool or fun and creating flavours that appeal to young people. There have been a number of studies which have found that e-cigarette flavours which give off the perception of sweetness (such as candy or fruit flavoured) may make buying and trying e-cigarettes more appealing among young people. “In recent years we have also seen the proliferation of shops selling enticing non-nicotine e-cigarettes and liquids with thousands of attractive flavours like green apple ice, cinnamon roll and alpha mint. These are purely recreational products that have no place in our market for either kids or adults.” – Cancer Council Australia. Talking about vaping with young people. Are you concerned about a young person who may be vaping? Having a conversation about it might feel tricky, but it’s always a good idea! Start with information    Get the key facts, learn the basics about vaping products, and think through what you want to say. Consider some questions you might be asked, and how you want to respond. Approach it calmly You might want to start the conversation when you’re doing an activity together, such as driving or preparing a meal. Keep things casual and relaxed. You might want to use something you saw in a TV show or on the news as a chance to bring up the issue. Don’t make assumptions If you think they may have tried vaping, avoid making accusations. Going through someone’s space looking for evidence isn’t recommended, because it can undermine trust. Avoid judging or lecturing Listen to their point of view and keep it a two-way conversation. Being mindful to keep your body language and tone respectful can go a long way. If they have tried vaping, try asking questions like: ‘what made you want to try?’ and ‘how did it make you feel?’ Don’t exaggerate Make sure you are honest with them about potential harms and avoid exaggerated statements. Focus on health and explain your concerns Focus on how you care about them and want them to be healthy. For example, if they are vaping nicotine you can say that you are concerned about the evidence that this can affect adolescent brain development.   (Reference : Lions International, The Australian Lions Drug Awareness Foundation Newsletter, Number 83 – February 2021)  

College Winter Uniform The College winter uniform must be worn during Terms 2 and 3.  The winter uniform is available for purchase from the College uniform suppliers, Cowan and Lewis at their West Gosford warehouse, Hours of operation are Monday – Friday 9.00 am to 5.00 pm. The warehouse will be open throughout the school holidays and will only be closed for Good Friday and Easter Monday. Appointments are no longer required. [embed]https://www.stedwards.nsw.edu.au/parent-community/parent-college-uniform/[/embed]    

My father used to tell me that to be a good footballer I needed to look like a footballer. He always made sure I played with my socks pulled up, boots clean and football jumper tucked in. His attitude was I should at least look the part. Fast forward a few generations and Dad would probably tell me today that if I wanted to be a footballer I should think like a footballer. His thinking would be right because any significant skill development usually comes before a positive mindset, or at least, a mindset that captures the essence of what’s required. This mindset concept is easily applied to many areas of parenting and family life, including leadership, which is required in school, at work, in the community and in family life. Thinking like a leader comes before leadership action so attending to a child or young person’s mindset lays the foundation to real leadership. The following mindsets are good starting points for developing leadership mindsets in the next generation. Be Accountable The mark of true leadership whether for adults or young people is the willingness to take responsibility and be accountable for your actions. Responsibility and accountability are features that great leaders share, so encourage children and young people to accept personal responsibility for their actions, learn from their mistakes and avoid making excuses when things go wrong. For this to happen parents and teachers need to forgive their mistakes and poor decisions so that they feel they can take responsibility without fear of harsh retribution. Plan Ahead Thinking about what needs to be done, planning ahead and managing time are skills that enable many young people to become effective leaders. The ability to think ahead, strategise and figure out a plan may sound like corporate-speak but it’s something that kids of all ages can accomplish. We can plant the planning seed by encouraging them to think ahead and set aside some time to plan before tackling any activity – whether it’s a homework project, resolving conflict with a sibling or asking for an increase on their allowance. Work Together The ability to form, maintain and work in teams is a central leadership capacity. Teamwork refers to a range of skills, including problem solving, working with others, listening and following that enable a team to work towards one purpose. All children are capable of working together, although introverts and pubescent teens can struggle to work collaboratively. Sow the seeds of teamwork by encouraging kids to support their siblings and friends when they struggle and to accept everyone in games and activities. Tune In Emotional intelligence is an essential set of skills that unfortunately many leaders lack. Emotional smarts allows leaders to communicate effectively, relate well and resolve problems when they arise. Develop your child’s emotional intelligence by encouraging them to tune in to and regulate their own emotions, and tune into the emotions of others. Help them see behind the behaviour of others and discover the emotions that may be driving behaviour. For instance, a sibling’s aggressive behaviour may be driven by anger, annoyance or even sadness. In Closing Leadership thinking requires kids to be accountable for their actions, plan ahead rather than act rashly, be open to working with others, and to tune into their own emotions and the emotions of those around them. These are mindsets worth nurturing using the tools of modelling, overt teaching (particularly with secondary school students) and providing plenty of descriptive, encouraging feedback.

Establishing Digital Boundaries for the Screen Generation Parents need to establish digital boundaries and be the pilot (for primary children) and co-pilot (for adolescents) of the digital plane. Many parents establish screen time limits for their ‘screenagers’ (i.e. their children and teens) by stipulating how much time they can spend plugged in. Focusing solely on time is not the only digital boundary to consider. It’s best to expand our dialogue beyond screen time as the only metric that’s used to assess young people’s digital behaviours. We also need to create boundaries around: The Screens Kids Use The most critical boundary parents need to establish with their children and teens relates to what they’re doing online. Have conversations about the apps, platforms, games, videos, TV shows and media they consume and create. Visit the eSafety Commissioner’s or Common Sense Media’s websites to help you understand the various platforms and tools, so you’re better prepared to know the risks and lessen some of the potential pitfalls. The Time of Day Establish what technology can be used at different times of the day. Ideally, devices would be switched off at least sixty minutes before bedtime as the blue light can delay the onset of sleep and reduce the quality of their sleep. Minimise exposure to rapid-fire, fast-paced screen action before school as this can hyper-arouse the brain and make it challenging to pay attention in class. Technology Zones As a family, determine the ‘no-go tech zones’ in your house such as bedrooms, bathrooms, meal areas and play areas. Encourage them to use technology in publicly accessible, high-traffic areas of the home such as the kitchen, dining or lounge area. A young person is very unlikely to be sending nudes whilst sitting on the lounge or kitchen bench! The People They Interact With Talk to your child or teen about who they’re interacting with online and reassure them that if there’s a problem online, they need to come and talk to you, as the pilot or co-pilot of the digital plane and avoid withdrawing screen time as a punishment. Setting and enforcing firm digital boundaries with children young people is vital if we want them to cultivate healthy digital behaviours. These skills are critical if the screen generation is to thrive in the digital world.