Congratulations to the following students who have achieved Edmund Rice Awards in 2020, for their outstanding effort in the Waterford Project.   Edmund Rice Honours (100 Hours of Service to the Community) Year 8 Year 9 Year 10 Year 11 Year 12 Seth Armstrong Jay Clarke Cohen Crook Alex Golden Jye Lebrocq Jacob Stephens Harry Tanner Keanu Wells Jack Wighton William Zahra Tom Conroy Blake Downs Sebastian Eager Thomas Kirkland Marley Medina Fletcher Moore Noah Nakagawa Jayden Redfern William Shaddock Keenan White Finnegan Clunas Ronan Grattan Wilheim Hieber Jeremy Innes Jayden Lind Jackson Roger Jarrah Wells Louis Whyatt Jamie Cairns Harry Martin Harrison Newman Samuel Schweinheim Harry Meggs James Milburn Daniel Pearce   Edmund Rice First Class Honours (100 Hours of Service to the Community for Three Consecutive Years) Year 10 Year 11 Year 12 Liam Golden John Missak Mark Sweeney Otis Farrugia Harry Ellwood Eli Rickard Hayden Smith Kai Wheelock Joshua Armstrong Jacob Curcio Jackson Robb   Edmund Rice Honours with Distinction (100 Hours of Service to the Community for Five Consecutive Years) Aidan Davis Joseph Hussein Aaron Judd Hayden Smith Edmund Rice Gold Award - Merritorious Commendation (100 Hours of Service to the Community for Six Consecutive Years) Kai Darwin Daniel Osling Logan Pugsley Justin Spittles Award for Social Justice Kai Darwin Mitchell Price Award for Service to the College Joseph Hussein

The College has been allowed to continue our annual Christmas hamper appeal for local charitable groups Coast Shelter and St Vincent da Paul. Our appeal for staff and students to contribute tinned and non perishable items suitable for a Christmas day meal, will commence after the examination period in Week 6. Our support staff will again contribute toiletry items to be included in gift bags for Raintree Retreat at Kincumber. Look out for more information over the next few weeks.  

The online HSC 2021 Curriculum Information Evening will be held on Thursday 22 October 2020 commencing 6.30 pm. The information evening will be held via Microsoft Teams  and has been arranged for students and parents so that several points can be discussed at this early stage of the HSC Course. The meeting will provide information about: HSC Assessment – an explanation of the booklet that will be distributed to students. The documents that students receive from NESA when their results arrive. What happens to assessment marks before they appear on the HSC, i.e. moderation or scaling of HSC assessment marks by NESA. The calculation of the ATAR Parents can also ask questions in the discussion board during the meeting. The link to the online meeting is below: Link: Year 11 HSC 2021 Curriculum Information Evening   Note:  HSC Assessment begins this term – students will be given a timetable that outlines the assessment tasks due this term.   If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the College. gsummerhayes@stedwards.nsw.edu.au cmurdoch@stedwards.nsw.edu.au        

Jesus and the use of Icons in the Church While examining the history of the Church, Mrs Evans' Year 8 Religion class investigated the use of iconography to symbolise the Holy Trinity, in particular, Jesus. This investigation led us to research the practices of Orthodox and Maronite Christians, as well as the history of the Catholic Church and the use of icons. A very lively discussion about the value of icons made of solid gold ensued! The students created their own icons of Jesus using orthodox mosaics and frescoes as inspiration. The halo behind Jesus’ head was then covered in 24 carat gold leaf and mounted behind the niche doors often found surrounding very valuable icons made with gold and semi-precious stones. [foogallery id="28439"]

At the beginning of Term 3, Year 8 French classes studied a cultural unit on Le Tour de France - a race that would ordinarily almost be over by the start of term, but due to the COVID pandemic it was delayed in France until August/September. This allowed us time to study and then follow the race, cheering on teams and riders we'd learnt about. The boys completed an assessment task in pairs, researching a rider of choice and writing a script in French of an interview between a sports reporter on French TV and their chosen rider. They then donned costumes, including an official Tour de France maillot jaune (yellow leader's jersey) and filmed their interview in front of a green screen, adding a background of choice, sound/visual effects, and English subtitles. In this task they were practicing vocabulary they've learnt through the year, such as greetings, introducing themselves, saying numbers and the date, and describing pastimes. Some examples of their excellent, creative videos are attached here for your enjoyment. Later in the term the boys learned about meals and ordering food/drink in a café or restaurant. Once again, they had the opportunity to put this knowledge into practice and improve their pronunciation and confidence by acting out a little scene. We look forward to another fun term of French ahead! [embed]https://youtu.be/W6At6Sdqr-4[/embed]  

Years 8-12 are responsible for purchasing their own stationery supplies for 2021. Please find below the stationery lists for Years 8-11 for 2021.  Year 12 should be advised by their teachers of ongoing requirements for their HSC year. Year 8 Stationery List Year 9 Stationery List Year 10 Stationery List Year 11 Stationery List   For parents wishing to purchase stationery packs online through our supplier COS, please see the links below and follow the steps indicated. COS Year 8 Online Order Information COS Year 9 Online Order Information COS Year 10 Online Order Information COS Year 11 Online Order Information  

CSNSW Sport Registrations for 2021 are now open.  See the link below for more information CSNSW Sport Portal - Registrations 2021    

  Apprentice Mechanical Fitter Position Complete Pneumatic Solutions (CPS), is offering an opportunity for a young person to join our highly motivated team as an apprentice mechanical fitter. This indentured apprenticeship will be over a four-year period with continued long-term employment for the correct applicant. The person we seek will need to be highly motivated, punctual, honest, reliable, show a willingness to learn and have a pleasant, respectable manner. A keen interest in mechanical and robotic applications with an inquisitive thirst for how things work – a must. A current driver’s licence or in the process of obtaining one, preferred. CPS is a local company established for over 17 years with head office in Somersby NSW as well as offices in Sydney and Newcastle. The position offered will be based in Somersby. www.cpscompressors.com.au CPF specialise in all facets of compressed air, from its generation, by the sales and service of all types of compressors, the building of pipe systems to distribute the compressed air and the supply and design of pneumatic/robotic automation systems. Criteria: Currently completing HSC  and fits criteria outlined above. Please send your application to Kyle Priddis, Service Manager. Kyle@cpscompressors.com.au Apprentice Horticulture - Landscape Construction Cert III Vacancy Interested students should contact Hayley for any questions and email your resume to: NW Landscapes, located in Lake Munmorah. Contact: Hayley – 0438 449 476. Applications can be emailed to: nwlandscapes@bigpond.com     Apprentice Electrician Positions NECA Training and Apprenticeships are currently recruiting for Electrical Apprentices for 2021.  See the link form more information. Click here for more information and to register Apprentice Brick and Blocklaying Positions We encourage you to get in touch with us for a work trial, with a view to commencing apprenticeship. About Australian Brick & Blocklaying Training Foundation (ABBTF): Our mission is to ensure Australia maintains a strong supply of quality bricklayers and your contribution is uniquely valuable in achieving it. With growing demand for bricklayers in the building and construction industry, there are many opportunities for young people to start their apprenticeship now more than ever. The Australian Government’s new wage subsidy (Boosting Apprenticeship Commencements) has assisted more employers to take on apprentices. Top 10 reasons to consider joining the Bricklaying industry! Bricklaying apprenticeships are ideal for anyone looking for a career in the building and construction industry. It provides a hands-on learning environment with consistently challenging projects demanding versatility and skills development. Visit our website for more information: Click Here       Click Here for More Information   [embed]https://careerswithstem.com.au/our-biggest-issue-ever-is-out-now/?utm_source=Refraction+Media&utm_campaign=013cc78195-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2018_04_04_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_20dc88b9ea-013cc78195-148839045&mc_cid=013cc78195&mc_eid=a99a44ad06[/embed]   Click the image above to see the latest Careers with Stem University of Newcastle - Future Students News   Click Here to Read the Latest News   Click Here for More Information   Master Builders Association Master Builders Association will be holding a virtual talk, via Zoom, on Wednesday the 28th of October at 7pm. The MBA will be talking about: Apprenticeships within the Construction Industry Master Builders Pre-Apprenticeship Program and How to register your interest in starting your career in the building and construction industry Click Here to Register    

The Design Your Career Youth Summit is for senior secondary school students preparing to make further education and career choices. This global online-only event, presented by The Ingenarium and supported by Careers England, Careers and Transition Education New Zealand and Cognita, is FREE to register and attend. It will run over one week from 9 November, with all content remaining accessible to registered attendees for a limited time afterwards. Registrations are NOW OPEN at www.youthcareersummit.com   What’s Included at the Summit Attendees will hear from: 30+ Technologists, Educators, CEOs, Talent Managers, Entrepreneurs, Innovators and Career & Leadership Counsellors including: Hon. John Anderson AO, former Deputy Prime Minister of Australia Andrea Clarke, Bestselling Author of “Future Fit” Dr. Michelle Dickinson, Innovator, Adventurer, Nanogirl Dr. Nancy Gleason, Director Ballon Centre for Excellence in Teaching, NYU Kieran Gordon, Executive Director, Careers England Leigh Gray, Kaiarahi, Careers and Transition Education New Zealand Steven Lee, Managing Partner Financial Services, Ernst & Young APAC Prof. Louise McWhinnie, Dean of Transdisciplinary Innovation, UTS Anthony Salcito, Global Vice President of Microsoft Education Join for free to discover: How digital disruption is transforming work and careers The future skills and capabilities that will be in demand, including the “soft” skills that are becoming increasingly important The emerging paths to career impact and value How to prepare for jobs that don’t yet exist The importance of psychological capital & mental toughness What you can do to stand out to colleges and employers Tips for good education career planning & decision making How parents can support their kids through this process   Register now at www.youthcareersummit.com.    

Through the generosity of various College stakeholders, the College is able to offer one part-scholarship to current Year 10 students and one part-scholarship to current Year 8 students, which will contribute to the costs of schooling for the subsequent two years at St Edward's. For more information and the application forms, please see the link to the College website below: [embed]https://www.stedwards.nsw.edu.au/enrolment/enrollment-scholarships/[/embed]

See the information below for how to redeem your free Webinar voucher. Parenting Like a Cat and Dog Flyer  

Think of two children who you have regular contact with: one who is resilient and happy, and one who is struggling and languishing. Imagine you are interviewing each of them and you ask them to rate their response to these six questionnaire items: • I think I am doing pretty well • I can think of many ways to get the things in life that are important to me • I am doing just as well as other kids my age • When I have a problem I can come up with lots of ways to solve it • I think the things I have done in the past will help me in the future • Even when others want to quit, I can find ways to solve the problem. Chances are that the child who is resilient will respond affirmatively to these items. The child who is struggling is more likely to say ‘no’ than ‘yes’. These items form the basis of the internationally-recognised Children’s Hope Scale that is used to assess the hopefulness of children and teens. Hope is a critically important predictor of their wellbeing and resilience. Understanding Hope Psychologists say a person has hope when they believe that they can find ways to achieve their goals and to motivate themselves to try and follow those ways and meet those goals. Hope theory suggests we need three things to actually have ‘hope’: • Goals: something we are aiming to achieve in the future • Pathways: at least one way (and hopefully more than one) that we might follow to achieve those goals • Agency (sometimes called efficacy): the belief that we can actually make things happen along those pathways in order to meet the goals. Hope or Optimism Hope sounds a bit like optimism. We hope good things will happen … so we’re optimistic. But there’s more to it than that. While optimism is the belief that good things will happen in the future, and the sense that the glass is half full, hope is about taking that optimism, making it goal oriented and putting legs on it to make things happen. And while optimism is great for boosting wellbeing and can act as a useful tool for inoculating people against depression, it seems hope does it better. This may be because while optimism is a positive mindset, hope is about action. In contrast, if you don’t have hope, you're, well, hope-less. That’s related to all the things we don’t want for our children. Hopeless kids don’t try, have poor relationships and feel helpless. They don’t achieve goals, often because they don’t set any. And when they do set them, that’s where it stops because they don’t have enough hope to find ways to achieve those goals. Encouraging Kids to be Hopeful Parents who want to instil hope in their children can try the following three ideas: 1. Build a future focus Speak to your children about their possible futures. What do they want to achieve, and why? Have them imagine their potential best selves. Talk to them about what they’re looking forward to. Ask them what they want to have, do and be. 2. Work with them on plans (or pathways) When your child or young person says “I want to be a marine biologist”, be encouraging and then ask them, “What do you need to do to get there?” Discuss pathways, options and possibilities. Thinking about the future and making plans is central to fostering hope. 3. Help them solve problems When your child or young person is stuck, instead of giving them an answer, ask them, “What do you think is the next best thing to do?” or “When have you overcome something like this before?” This type of question promotes a sense of agency or efficacy. Rather than having our children rely on us for all the answers, they can rely on themselves, their resourcefulness and their initiative. They can recall times they’ve succeeded before and use that to build hope that they can succeed again.   As parents, our wish for our children is that they will grow up happy and resilient. Our wish can become ‘hope’ when we use these three keys to build hope in them as they look towards the future.  

Are you struggling to talk to your son about difficult topics like alcohol, drug use, pornography, mental health and masculinity? Attend the upcoming webinar 'Let’s Talk Young Men’s Health’ this International Men’s Day on 19th November to learn how you can have these conversations at home to improve your son’s wellbeing. Cost:  $25 Bookings essential, see the link for more information:     Click Here for More Information