We have had a great start to the year with students and staff showing their commitment to Trash Free Tuesday. With a promising start, student numbers are well over 300, we hope this is a permanent change and trend for students. This positive start reflects the support the College Executive have given to all environmental initiatives proposed by students. It shows that the College strategic plan is being implemented at all levels. Our first Clean4shore was on in Week 4 and it was great to see that the positions filled up within 10 minutes of the announcement. Students who participate in this event, cleaning up the foreshores, are able to make the link between the rubbish they see in the waterways and what students are bringing for lunch. This has been a powerful agent for change with students who have participated in the event often bringing trash free lunch boxes every day. Our first Portfolio meeting was held on Wednesday Week 4 with a lot of new staff and students present.  The Environment Portfolio has always had a strong student voice and we look forward to sharing their visions and inspiring our College community in upcoming newsletters.  Projects and initiatives for 2021 include Clean4Shore, Mufti Day Trash Free Tuesday, The Push Up Challenge, Movember campaign, Earn and Return recycling and other environmental issues such as recycling stationery. Clean4Shore Report  

St Edward’s College aims to provide all students with a variety of leadership opportunities - academic, sporting, co-curricular and pastoral programs, to support their learning journey. Participation in student leadership is also strongly encouraged to promote a student voice and enable participation in the decision-making processes within the College. As a Catholic College in the Tradition of Edmund Rice - our ultimate model of leadership is Jesus Christ. The St Edward’s College Be the Voice student leadership program provides aspiring student leaders with a supportive learning environment where students are challenged to work cooperatively to achieve set goals, respect themselves and others, inspire and motivate their peers and, promote a culture of school pride and belonging. The newly elected Student Representative Council will undertake significant leadership roles as well as providing a voice for the student population and the broader St Edward’s College community. In 2021 there will be eight students per year group appointed to the positions of Student Representative Council. Each year group will focus on a theme that promotes a healthy lifestyle, mental health, and positive behaviours. In addition, students will also work in collaboration with the Perfects as members of the College portfolio initiatives.  

Please click the link below to view the latest edition of SECTV, hosted by Samuel Beatson and Joshua Zaia.   [embed]https://www.stedwards.nsw.edu.au/co-curriculum/st-edwards-college-television/[/embed]

Year 7 have begun their high school science careers studying Working Scientifically, learning skills that set the foundation for work they will carry out over the entirety of the time they study science. These skills range from measuring volumes, to lighting Bunsen burners in a safe manner, and using a variety of instruments to measure quantitative readings, from analogue through to the latest data loggers. The boys have also been learning how to use and create dichotomous keys, which will be put to use during their visit to Taronga Zoo this Thursday. Year 7’s first assessment task is a skills and process test on Tuesday 9 March (Week 7). Year 8 have been studying Our Chemical Earth, which focuses on the chemical make-up of the earth, identifying elements, compounds, minerals, how they are separated, how they can be recycled and some chemical processes. This week has seen the boys undertake their first assessment task of the year, investigating how the concentration of an acid affects the acid/metal reaction rate. Year 9 have been studying The Dynamic Earth looking at the processes and forces that have moulded our planet into its current form, as well as evaluating evidence that has helped scientists theorise about our planets past and make predictions of future tectonic movement. The boys are currently working on their first assessment task, researching and explaining the formation of continents, identifying and explaining Aboriginal Australian stories describing the creation of natural landforms and researching ways in which we can all reduce the impact of humankind on the environment. This work is due in Week 8 of Term 1. Semester 1 of each year sees students in Year 10 study 3 explicit units of work on Biology (Genetics), Chemistry (Chemical reactions and equations) and Physics (Mechanics). The content studied, along with the feedback from each assessment task, provides some guidance to students on their ability and suitability to undertake each of these subject to the HSC. Monday 8 March (Week 7) sees the boys complete the first assessment task on Genetics. This will comprise both an online multiple choice section and an extended response paper based section. Stage 5 Marine Studies have started the year with a focus on the key skills required for the year ahead. This includes completing a mandatory swim and water safety test, which was conducted last Thursday at Gosford pool. In the coming weeks, Year 9 will complete their Basic Snorkelling excursion to Toowoon Bay, and Year 10 will undertake an intensive 1 day course with NSW Maritime and Safety Training at Woy Woy to gain their boat licences. Stage 6 Science’s include both the Preliminary (Year 11) and HSC (Term 4 Year 11 and Year 12) courses for Biology, Chemistry, Investigating Science, Physics and 1-unit Extension Science. The boys have been working hard covering a great variety of content. Assessment tasks are upcoming, with the first for the year being HSC Chemistry undertaking a Depth Study on the Acetylsalicylic Acid Content of Asprin via titration and back titration. All other subjects have assessments upcoming, and these will be posted on both the Portal and on Canvas. Extension Science students are undertaking their major works, with research focussing on The Ideal Physiological Structure of a Sprinter and Agricultural Terraforming of Mars. The research undertaken is a combination of collecting primary data and analysing secondary data from industry partnerships. Exerts of the boys work will be shared later in the year. As a faculty, we are here to help support and guide your sons to achieve success in this subject. Please do not hesitate to contact your son's class teacher to investigate how you can support  learning in Science. [foogallery id="30222"]

Year 10 PDHPE In lieu of visiting Bstreetsmart this year, Year 10 PDHPE will attend the RYDA program at Wyong Racecourse on Wednesday 17 March.  They will leave at 8.30 am from the College and return before 3.00 pm.  More information will be available from PDHPE teachers. Click the link below for the Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/RYDAroadsafety/  

Under 15's Touch Football After trialling in the third week of Term 1, the following boys were chosen to represent the College at the Broken Bay School Championships: Sean Bullen, Zachary Straker, Samuel Flakus, Hunter Kay, Byron Marks, Luke Shereb, Donovan Wright, Matthew Humphries, Harper Turner, Samuel Logan, Korey Botting, Blade Marquart, and Oscar Mahoney. Captained by Sean Bullen, the team moved confidently through their pool games and had convincing wins, 6-2 over St Paul’s College, Manly; 8-0 over St Brigid’s Catholic College, Lake Munmorah; and 5-2 over Mater Maria College, Warriewood. An easy 8-0 win over St Leo’s College, Wahroonga, in the quarter finals, set the team up for a 3-1 win over Mary McKillop Catholic College, Warnervale, in the semi-final. Unfortunately, our young team was defeated by St Augustine’s, Brookvale in the final, 8-4. All the boys played well and with two thirds of the team playing up an age group, the challenge is to go one better next year. The player’s player on the day was Sean Buller, Year 10, who led from the front and was positive in all that he did on the field. After a possible/probable trial was held on the day, the following boys were selected for the Broken Bay Under 15's team to contest the NSWCCC Championships later this year: Sean Bullen, Matthew Humphries, and Sam Flakus. Zac Straker and Harper Turner were also named as Shadow Players for the team. Mr Paul English Coach/Manager

On Tuesday 16 February, the Open's Touch Football team played in and won the Broken Bay (BBSSSA) Gala Day. The team played pool games against: St Paul’s Catholic College, Manly: winning 7-2 St Brigid’s Catholic College, Lake Munmorah:  winning 8-0 Mater Maria Catholic College, Warriewood: winning 8-1 This meant they topped their pool and now would play a quarter final against St Peter’s Catholic College, Tuggerah. In a very lopsided game, the team ran in some fantastic tries to easily account for St Peter’s 10-1. The competition took a break at this point and moved to the ‘Possible and Probable’s' selection trial for the Broken Bay (BBSSSA) team. We had 10 boys selected in this trial, with 8 making the final team, they were: Owen Flaherty, Toby Paterson, Fletcher Powell, Tyler Moriarty, Sebastian Plaister, Zane Smith, Kieran Diamond and Tyrone Dorrell. Josh Attard and Joel Evans have also been selected as shadows for the team. These boys now progress to the NSWCCC Selection Carnival on Tuesday 30 and Wednesday 31 March at Nelson’s Bay. With the selection trial out of the way, it was back to the competition. Yet again we played Mater Maria and the boys were very much in cruise mode. Some individual brilliance and great team play saw us run away winners 5-1. Onto the final and a surprise opponent in St Paul’s. Having played them earlier, the team had a good idea of what they needed to do to control and overcome an enthusiastic St Paul’s team. Our key players controlled the flow of the game and we scored several well-constructed tries. St Paul’s did not go away and kept fighting back with the Eddies Boys running out winners 5-2 and being crowned Broken Bay Champions. A fantastic result and testament to a very good all-round team effort on the day. The team also included: Daniel Peters, Beau Newlands, and Tommo Peters. Jason Carpenter Coach

On Tuesday 23 February we finally got the opportunity to run the revised College Swimming Selection Carnival. Sixty-two students registered for events across the six age groups and made their way down to Gosford Pool. An overcast, windy, and chilly day confronted our swimmers. What the carnival lacked in atmosphere, the boys certainly made up for  with their competitive spirit and behaviour on the day. Some fantastic racing took place with several very close heats testing the video replay, which amounted to several discussions from the judges and timekeepers before the results were awarded. The following Age Champions were crowned on the day: Age Group Age Champion House Under 12 Cooper Smith Knights Under 13 Tahj Regattieri Shanahan Under 14 Archie Carpenter Doolan Under 15 Ashton Walters Knights Under 16 Jayden Redfern Doolan Opens Daniel McLoughlin Doolan The modified program allowed us some flexibility with the events we ran on the day. Instead of the usual house relays, we decided to run an all-age relay for each House and a ‘Champions of Champions Race’ that was handicapped for each of our 50 m Freestyle Age Group Champions. While the conditions did not lend themselves to breaking records, the competition between the House Groups was very close. The final outcome saw Doolan (White) being crowned Champions for 2021 in a very close result over Shanahan. The final scores were as follows: Doolan 265 points Shanahan 260 points Knights 233 points Spillane 204 points Congratulations to all our winners who will represent the College at the Broken Bay (BBSSSA) Swimming Carnival at SOPAC, Homebush on Thursday 11 March. Jason Carpenter Leader of Learning – Sport   [foogallery id="30164"]

The Years 7 and 8 Cross Country will take place on Friday 19 March at Hylton Moore Oval, Wattle St, East Gosford.  This will take place during Friday Afternoon Activities. Important information: Students will receive information about the course and race format in their PDHPE lessons this week. They will walk over in House Groups under staff supervision at the end of lunch. Students should take a hat and water bottle with them. The format will be Under 12/13’s race at 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 (which will be held at St Ives Showground, on Monday 10 May). Students will then return to the College on completion of both races, in time for afternoon roll Call and buses.

Congratulations to Nick Toohey and Thomas Owen (Year 12) who were both recently selected in the NSWCCC Under 19's Cricket team. The boys now head to the NSW All Schools Cricket Championships from Tuesday 16 to Thursday 18 March in Maitland.   Sport Update  Term 1 Week Sport Venue Date 6 Broken Bay Rugby League Selection Trials (Under 15's and Opens) Morrie Breen Oval, Kanwal Wednesday 3 March 7 BBSSSA Swimming Carnival SOPAC, Homebush Thursday 11 March 7 Annual Under 14 and Under 15's Rugby League Trial Game vs Blacktown Patrician Brothers College Oval, East Gosford Friday 12 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 Registration Closing Date Selection Date Volleyball 5 March 2021 10 March 2021 Water Polo 11 March 2021 15 March 2021 Hockey - Opens 15 March 2021 22 March 2021 Diving 19 March 2021 29 March 2021   Swimming and Touch Football registrations are through the Diocesan/Association pathways. For further information, go to the CSNSW Sport website Sport pages.  

Dean Umpad in Year 12 recently undertook a week's work placement at the Skill Engineer Workplace Learning Network. Dean had a busy week helping set up new office processes and updating databases. Dean also featured in the media release promoting the course, please see below.     Link to Facebook Post        

An ADF Gap Year is a unique opportunity for your students to experience life in the Navy, Army or Air Force, without needing to make a long-term commitment.     Click Here for More Information  

Seven Ways to be a Positive Influence on Children and Young People Parents and teachers influence children most during their first twelve years of life. We have less influence over teens as they become increasingly independent and look to their peers for guidance and approval. The following strategies will help ensure that you have a positive influence on children at any age. Be Available Nothing says “You matter” more than a busy parent giving a child undivided attention. Research has established that children whose parents are emotionally present for their kids have better social, academic, and wellbeing outcomes than those whose parents aren’t available. Be Warm Sometimes we can forget that our children are people too – particularly when they’re irritable, tired and obnoxious. By responding to kids warmly (even when you don’t feel like it), you show that you value them as people. A gentle touch, a smile, or soft words bring warmth to a relationship, and increase the likelihood that you’ll be listened to and be a positive influence on their lives. Listen, But Don’t Fix Parents can fix sore knees, broken hearts, messy friendships, and even some difficult homework projects. But kids generally don’t need adults to fix them. They just want us to ‘get’ what they’re going through. When you see the world through their eyes, you are more understanding – and more likely to be listened to when they need us. Set Limits Nothing says “I love you” more than a firm and clear “No!” from mum or dad. “No, you can’t say that to your sister. How can you make things right?” “No, it’s not ok for you to stay out until midnight. You’re 14.” “No, I don’t feel right about you having your smartphone/tablet/laptop in your bedroom. Ever!” Children and young people will often argue with you, but setting limits means that you are having a positive influence on your children. The trick is to not become too authoritarian or you’ll simply drive unwanted behaviour underground. Play Playing games and laughing together binds us close to our kids. Through play you build a relationship of trust with that facilitates our ongoing positive influence. Be Grateful Grateful people are happier, healthier, have better relationships, sleep better, have more income, are less materialistic, achieve better academic outcomes and are more energetic. By being grateful you’ll be a positive influence in the lives of your children. Say thanks often – and mean it. Love Them and Show it Every Day We’re always correcting our kids or telling them what to do. Pick this up, put that away, get off the computer, pack your bag, tidy up your room, and so on… and that’s before 7.30 in the morning! Our ratio of negative to positive statements can often be the wrong way round. So find opportunities to tell your kids such things as: • “You really make a positive difference around here.” • “I am amazed at the exceptional effort you make at…” • “I love you – no matter what.” Your time with kids is short. By setting a positive example, you can be a positive and lasting influence in your children’s lives.

Supporting Boys in Early Secondary School The first year of secondary school is a time of massive change and boys can struggle more than girls.  Even though some of our boys are physically mature and look big and grown-up, this time can be challenging, unpredictable and full of big emotions. Buried under some early adolescent angst are tendencies for forgetfulness and poor organisation due to brain pruning, which is a 'trimming down' process in the teenage brain where irrelevant/unused mental connections from childhood are lost. The larger environment of secondary school with its many different classes, and different teachers who have varied expectations can be particularly confusing for boys. Anxiety is often surging through their hormonally charged bodies and parents need to be mindful to recognise that for many pubescent boys, every day at school feels like going into a war zone because it is so unpredictable. Have Realistic Expectations In this transitional year parents need to be creating as calm and predictable an environment as possible at home given the everyday stress at school. Parents can do this by avoiding too many questions and too much pressure especially around homework. Especially avoid criticism, nagging and lecturing — they won’t improve anything. Keep Things Light Boys appreciate lightness and humour, especially when they may be struggling with anxiety or worry. Maybe you could find some funny, goofy cat or dog videos to show them or share some funny experiences that might trigger the beautiful happy neurochemicals in their brain. Be a bit ridiculous – intentionally. Share Developmental Changes Have brief conversations with your son about brain changes, especially pruning, so that he can understand why he may be struggling with organisation and be forgetting things that he used to remember. Once he knows there is a reason, he’ll tend to manage it better — indeed many boys are relieved! Help your son to work out ways to remember important stuff. Stoke his Spark If your son has a passion whether that be surfing, music, soccer or gaming help him keep it alive and burning throughout high school. Disengagement is very common among boys in the middle school years and those who have an interest they love and are capable at, tend to struggle less. Obviously if it is gaming there needs to be healthy boundaries around prioritising schoolwork … and a firm bedtime. Watch for Red Flags While it is normal to experience anxiety at the beginning of the school year, some anxiety can be ongoing and difficult for parents to identify. Some boys display anxiety through silliness, inappropriate behaviour, an increase in aggression often toward siblings, disrespectful language towards parents, changes in eating patterns and struggles with sleep. If you have ongoing concerns check in with your son’s year coordinator and seek help. Practise Kindness Even though this sounds counterintuitive if you are experiencing some hot moments with your early secondary school son, kindness especially in small unexpected ways has enormous power. Our boys struggle with low self-worth and when they muck up they struggle even more with feeling acceptable and loved. Above all, reassure your son often that you love him fiercely and unconditionally, no matter what.  

Maggie Dent Presents:  Communicating with Teenage Boys Commonly known as the ‘queen of common sense’, Maggie Dent has become one of Australia’s favourite parenting authors and educators, with a particular interest in the early years, adolescence and resilience. She has written seven major books including the bestselling Mothering Our Boys and her 2020 release, From Boys to Men. Maggie is host of the ABC podcast, Parental As Anything. Maggie is the mother of four sons and is a very grateful grandmother. This school has a membership with Parenting Ideas, one of Australia’s most trusted sources of parenting education and support. As part of this membership, all the parents in this school community can attend this webinar at no cost. Flyer:  Communicating with Teenage Boys Webinar