The College Founder's Day Mass was a special day for St Edward's celebrating 70 years serving the Central Coast community. There were many invited guests who have had significant involvement with the College over the years. It was an honour to see past Christian Brothers, Principals, College Captains, Duxes, old boys and past staff in attendance. The students were reverent, respectful and prayerful throughout the ceremony which was presided over by Bishop Anthony Rondazzo. Father Greg Skulski from St Patrick’s Parish concelebrated Mass with Bishop Anthony. Congratulations must go to all our brilliant musicians consisting of staff and students who performed during Mass. Students in the band were thoroughly prepared by Mrs Rankin and Mr Toole. Their performances added so much to the prayerful atmosphere of the mass. A big thank you to all that contributed to this wonderful community celebration. Mr Beacroft Director of Mission and Identity   Images from the Mass [foogallery id="44502"]   Music from the Mass [embed]https://youtu.be/9a8xziIEOvI[/embed]

Recently the College received a letter from Frederick Were, a 13 year old from Nairobi, Kenya, who the College has supported for the last five years. Frederick often writes to the College to thank us for the support we provide which allows him an education. Please see his letter below:

It has been a busy and exciting start to 2023 for the Performing Arts Faculty. From the classroom to the stage and screen our students have been immersed in developing their skills in performance, composition, improvisation, editing, technical operations in theatre and film making. Lunchtimes are abuzz with creativity, our music practice rooms fully booked, the Concert band meeting each Monday to go across to St Joseph’s and the enthusiastic students of the Drama club meeting in the drama space run by Ms Atayde. This year we welcomed Mr Justin Kane (Music) and Ms Elena Atayde (Yr 9/10 Drama) into the faculty. Here is a brief overview of what’s been happening in and around our classrooms. Year 7 Music Year 7 students have been busy learning about pitch and rhythm through hands on activities including music creating and development of practical skills on the ukulele, guitar and keyboard. With a new focus on formative assessment over a series of weeks Year 7 have been enjoying developing their skills and having agency in their learning through being able to elect levels of practical and composition activities. Year 8 Music Year 8 Music students have enjoyed learning about the broad world of Rock music through an engaging program that takes them through the development of Rock in the 1950’s to present day. They have just begun work on our Term 2 Topic which explores the amazing contribution music makes to the world of TV, Film and Multimedia. Concurrently students have spent time further developing their practical skills through formative assessment focussing on their accompaniment skills which is a foundation skill for beginning to perform with each other in small ensembles. Through this fun and engaging activity, they not only develop their technical skills but also learn to work as part of a team and learn about the importance of timing, balance and individual contribution. Year 9 Music In Year 9 Music the boys are developing performance techniques and confidence through ensemble work and by playing in front of their peers. They are to be congratulated on their efforts this term. An important aspect of the course is to expand the boys’ listening skills through a wide range of aural activities and music analysis. They have also developed an understanding of music theory and its relationship to their chosen instruments and how this can improve their performance. Year 10 Music First term began with a focus on Classical music, learning not only about the music but the society and culture from which it emerged, this perspective allowing for some very engaging discussions. A strong focus on learning how to analyse scores and identify compositional techniques gave students a deeper insight into musical structure and the use of the concepts of music. Term 2 has seen a shift to the study of more contemporary music through a focus on Rock. Year 10 are enjoying rehearsing for an upcoming performance task in their small ensembles where they are also required to analyse and discuss compositional techniques of the pieces they are playing.  Many of these students were also excellent ambassadors for the school and Music faculty by performing for and being mentors to the Year 6 students who attended 'A day in the Life'. Year 11 Music Our Year 11 class is a vibrant and supportive cohort who have embraced the senior music course with enthusiasm. Some of these students have stepped onto the stage and into the public arena for the first time ever, which is an enormous achievement. This talented class are enjoying developing their technical skills and creating an environment where they perform with each other and for each other regularly to build their confidence. Currently they are working on their compositional skills, creating original melodies, and developing their aptitude for harmonic progression and accompaniment.  Many of these students took the opportunity to perform at the College Open Day and a wonderful ensemble group performed at the Easter Liturgy with the honour of performing the finale number Viva La Vida to a very appreciative audience.     Year 12 Music This talented class are busy preparing for their performance assessment and a performance evening next term before their HSC practical examination takes place. They have continued to develop their aural and compositional skills, most recently completing a rearrangement of the iconic Waltzing Matilda into a different genre with some exceptional results. This task drew on their understanding of the concepts of music and the manipulation of these to represent specific characteristics of a style. This Thursday they will attend a HSC Music Study Day with other Year 12 Music students from across the coast taking part in workshops covering their core and elective units as well as hearing from senior HSC markers and past students. Students will also have the opportunity to perform and listen to some of the HSC pieces from the wide range of attendees as they receive constructive feedback from HSC markers.  Many of these students also performed at the College Open Day, Easter Liturgy and 70th Anniversary Liturgy providing most valuable soundscapes to enrich these experiences for all present. Year 9/10 Drama It has been an exciting start to the year for Year 9 and 10 Drama students who are relishing the purpose-built Drama space, fully equipped with stage lighting, a props room and staging facilities. Performing Arts staff were treated to a wonderful performance by students in this space at the end of Term 1 as they completed their first assessment performance centred around improvisation and play building. Students were tasked with putting together a 2–3-minute performance in groups based on a given stimuli and incorporating the elements of drama. It has been wonderful to see the confidence and creativity of this group of students go from strength to strength under the nurturing and inspiring guidance of their teacher Ms Atayde. Entertainment Our Year 11 and 12 Entertainment students are an integral part of all productions big and small at the College. Already this year they have had the opportunity to work on the staging of the Commencement Mass, The Easter Liturgy and the bump in and bump out process of the very special 70th Anniversary Liturgy held last week. Year 11 students are beginning work placement next term and have had their first taste of working on the large-scale events. Year 12 students are busily completing their Certificate III qualifications, whilst also enjoying being back in the Theatre to complete competency tasks in Lighting and getting ready to complete the Working Backstage effectively, where they stage, light, provide audio and acting for a scene from Macbeth. Some of these talented students will also work backstage at the upcoming YIPA series of concerts at Laycock St Theatre. Screen and Media Our Screen and Media students have been busy further developing their skills and creativity. They have been filming for a range of school events, as well as creating documentaries, podcasts and short films and are working on feature news stories for SECTV. The Year 12 short films were a highlight of Term 1 with not only some truly creative camera angles, scene setting, lighting, cinematography  and editing taking place but also the unearthing of some serious acting chops!  Concert Band The concert band had a strong finish to 2022 and we were delighted to welcome several new members this year to our weekly rehearsals at St Joseph’s. In March the boys took part in the Band Jam event held on site at  St Joseph’s where they acted as mentors to band students from many feeder primary schools. This was a very successful venture and the boys are to be congratulated on their excellent leadership and mentorship shown to much younger students. Currently the repertoire of the Concert band includes a jazz piece Sway,  a medley of classics, Enter Sandman and Promise the Australian Eurovision entry.  We look forward to hearing their finished pieces and celebrating them in front of audiences as the year progresses. Events and Performances Our students have been very fortunate in their exposure to live performances last term - with Year 11 and 12 Music students travelling to the Opera House as audience members for Encore - the showcase event for HSC Music performance of excellence. This year was made extra special by being able to support our very own 2022 HSC Music student Patrick Ward who was selected to perform his HSC Flute piece.   Our Year 9/10 Drama students and Year 11 Vet Entertainment students were treated to a trip to Belvoir St Theatre in Surrey Hills to see a very engaging performance of Steven Sondheim’s acclaimed musical Into The Woods. This was a fantastic opportunity for our students to experience theatre in an intimate and immediate setting and they thoroughly enjoyed the staging and performances. YIPA: Congratulations to the following students whose items were selected to perform at this year’s YIPA series of concerts at Laycock St Theatre. The standard and magnitude of auditions was extremely high and it is a testament to the quality of the items the boys presented to be included. Lachlan Herd (Drama), Taylin Burgess (Music), James Nilsson (Music), Leon Towle and his ensemble including Kai Maitland, Charlie Jacobsen, Matthew Frost Foster, Domenic Fatone and Sacha Byrne (Music) Coast Academy Of Music: Our Individual Music Tuition program with Coast Academy of Music has expanded in 2023 and we are very fortunate to have Adrian Cross and Tom Brett continue leading tutorage in guitar, keys and drums. As mentioned earlier, our students have enjoyed the opportunity to play for a wider audience this Semester and the school community has enjoyed their contribution to events and liturgies. We thank the boys for their performances including: Open Day: Where the Music area welcomed visitors on a Saturday and replicated the experience of a rehearsal, with music winding its way out of 6 practice rooms and classrooms. Families visiting were delighted to see and hear the varied genres being performed. The Entertainment students also put on an engaging light and audio show in the theatre to showcase our incredible facilities. Easter Liturgy: Where it was wonderful to see our musicians and performers contribute to the celebration of the Easter Liturgy to finish off Term 1. It is always lovely to see the performance collaborations between St Edward’s and St Joseph’s and this year was no exception with some truly moving pieces befitting the occasion. A special mention must go to our youngest performers (Harrison Evans, Jack Whitworth, Reagen Gomez, Joseph Sykes and Joey Hey all in Year 8) who showed tremendous composure in front of a capacity filled ERC. [embed]https://youtu.be/6UkkQeZiMaw[/embed]   70th Year Anniversary Mass with the Bishop: We started this term with this important Mass and some of our very talented Year 12 musicians James Nilsson, Daniel Herd, Sebastian Eager, Taylin Burgess and Kalen Hogan performed Hey Brother, The College Song, Edmund Rice Hymn and some beautiful solo instrumentals during communion. Our Music staff also contributed to this important occasion with vocals and guitar accompaniment to We Shall Overcome and Watch Over Me. We were joined by Max Taylor of Year 8 who added beautiful counter melodies on his violin and James Nilsson on the accordion. We continue to look forward to many more opportunities for the boys to perform, create and produce across all of the Performing Arts KLA’s in 2023. [foogallery id="44628"]

Mrs McDonald, our creative English Leader of Learning, recently introduced Shakespeare's Macbeth to her Year 9 class in a unique and engaging way. She decided to set up a crime scene in the classroom, using props and clues from the play to create interest and capture the students' attention. The crime scene was set up with caution tape, bloodstained clothes, a bloody dagger, and other props that hinted at the murder of King Duncan in the play. The students were given the task of solving the crime, using their knowledge of the play and their critical thinking skills to piece together the clues. The use of props and the crime scene approach was a great hook to draw the students into the new module of work, and they were immediately engaged and interested in the lesson. Mrs McDonald's creative approach helped to make the complex themes and language of Shakespeare's Macbeth more accessible and relatable to the students. Through this interactive approach, the students were able to gain a deeper understanding of the play's characters and plot, and they were able to apply their knowledge in a fun and interactive way. Overall, Mrs McDonald's introduction to Macbeth was a success, and it set the stage for a rewarding and engaging module of work for the Year 9 students.  

NSWCCC Under 18 Rugby Union Congratulations to Kaelan Markey in Year 11 who was recently selected in the NSWCCC Under 18's Rugby Union team. He will now contest the NSW All School Championships with games against CHS, AICES, and ISA, from 21 May to 23 June. This will culminate in a selection trial for the NSW All Schools teams. Coming Up in Sport Term 2 Week Event Venue Date Week 2 NSW Water Polo Under 17's Selections Ryde Monday 1 May 2023 Week 2 Broken Bay Opens Football Gala Day Cromer Park Thursday 4 May 2023 Week 3 NSWCCC Basketball Selections Sutherland Opens - Monday 8 May 2023 Under 16's - Tuesday 9 May 2023 Week 3 Broken Bay Cross Country TBA Tuesday 9 May 2023 Week 3 Central Coast Under 15's Rugby League City Cup Erina Oval Wednesday 10 May 2023 Week 3 NSWCCC Under 16's Football Selections Kareela Wednesday 10 May 2023 Week 3 Bill turner cup Soccer Round 2 vs Central Coast Adventist School College Oval Thursday 11 May 2023 Week 3 NSWCCC Volleyball Opens Selections Menai Friday 12 May 2023 Week 4 NSWCCC Hockey Selection Under 16's and Opens Bathurst Monday 15 May 2023 Week 4 NSWCCC Hockey Teams Championships Bathurst Tuesday 16 and Wednesday 17 May 2023 Week 4 CSBB Intermediate Football Gala Day Cromer Park Wednesday 17 May 2023 Week 4 Central Coast Under 13's Rugby League City Cup Berkeley Vale Wednesday 17 May 2023 Week 4 AFL Year 7 to 9 Central Coast Gala Day CCRSC Tuggerah Thursday 18 May 2023 Week 4 NSWCCC Rugby League Selection Trials Under 16's and Opens St Mary's Friday 19 and Saturday 20 May 2023 Week 5 NSWCCC Opens Football Selection Trials Glenwood Monday 22 and Tuesday 23 May 2023 Week 5 CSBB Opens Basketball Gala Day Terrigal Monday 22 May 2023 Week 5 AFL Year 10 to 12 Central Coast Gala Day CCRSC, Tuggerah Thursday 25 May 2023 Week 6 NSWCCC Opens Basketball Championships Port Macquarie Monday 29 and Tuesday 30 May 2023 Week 6 College Athletics Carnival Adcock Park Tuesday 30 May 2023 Week 6 Central Coast Under 16's Rugby League Morry Breen Oval Wednesday 31 May 2023 Week 6 NSW All Schools Swimming Carnival SOPAC Homebush Thursday 1 and Friday 2 June 2023 Week 7 CSBB Under 13's Football Gala Day Cromer Park Tuesday 6 June 2023 Week 7 Central Coast Opens Rugby League and Under 14's Cochrane Cup TBC Wednesday 7 June 2023 Week 7 Hunter/Central Coast Year 9 and 10 Touch, All Schools Wallsend Thursday 8 June 2023 Week 8 NSWCCC Cross Country Sydney Equestrian Centre Tuesday 13 June 2023 Week 8 Central Coast Rugby League Grand Final Day EDSACC Wednesday 14 June 2023 Week 9 Under 14's Central Coast Futsal Championships Niagara Park Wednesday 21 June 2023 Week 10 Sydney Metro Finals Day - Under 13's, 15's and Opens TBC Wednesday 28 June   Information for Representative Sport 2023 can be found from the one central website – CSNSW Sport Click Here Broken Bay BBSSSA Sport On the homepage, scroll down to Diocese/Associations and click on Broken Bay (Secondary). This website will give you access to all the current information for each Broken Bay Sport including dates, venues, information regarding teams and an up-to-date calendar. Broken Bay Representative Sports (Pathway – via a college team) Touch Football Under 15 and Opens Swimming Rugby League Under 15 and Opens (students must register with Mr Carpenter) Soccer Opens Cross Country Athletics Aside from rugby league, students must first make a College team to contest a BBSSSA carnival, before they can register for the next stage in the pathway for that sport. Each sport differs in the pathway it provides. With regards to all sports, students are reminded to be listening to the morning Daily Notices during Home Room for the names of staff who are organising various teams and information regarding those teams/events. CSNSW (NSWCCC) On the homepage  https://csnsw.sport/, scroll down to Sport Search. Step 1 click on CCC Step 2 select the Sport This website will give you access to all the current information for all CSNSW Representative and School-based events including dates, venues, information regarding teams and an up-to-date calendar. It is also the central location that you can register your son for pathway and non-pathway sports. 2023 NSWCCC Teams with Nomination Closing Dates Registrations are open for these sports with closing dates as listed (Please confirm via the CSNSW Sport website as closing dates may have changed) Parents who wish to register their sons for these trials must do so via the  CSNSW Sport website prior to the closing date. Note: These are state level trials and as such students should have a strong playing history. Event Closing Date Event Date Link Volleyball:  15 years and under 31 March 2023 6 April 2023 Volleyball | CSNSW Sport Portal Volleyball: 19 years and under 28 April 2023 12 May 2023 Volleyball | CSNSW Sport Portal Sailing (NSW All Schools) 19 years and under 8 April 2023 11-14 April 2023 Sailing | CSNSW Sport Portal Rugby Union: 16 years and under 14 April 2023 26 & 27 April 2023 Rugby | CSNSW Sport Portal Rugby Union: 18 years and under 14 April 2023 26 April 2023 Rugby | CSNSW Sport Portal Water Polo: 17 years and under 21 April 2023 1 May 2023 Water Polo | CSNSW Sport Portal Basketball: 16 years and under 28 April 2023 9 May 2023 Basketball | CSNSW Sport Portal Basketball: 18 years and under 28 April 2023 8 May 2023 Basketball | CSNSW Sport Portal Football: 16 years and under 28 April 2023 10 May 2023 Football | CSNSW Sport Portal Hockey: 16 years and under 5 May 2023 15 May 2023 Hockey | CSNSW Sport Portal Hockey: 18 years and under 5 May 2023 15 May 2023 Hockey | CSNSW Sport Portal Canoeing 22 & 23 May 2023 Canoeing | CSNSW Sport Portal Rowing (NSW All Schools) TBC Rowing | CSNSW Sport Portal   Other sports will be promoted closer to their advertised closing date. Further information regarding NSWCCC team selections for all sports is available on the CSNSW Sport website How to Register Individual Students Via the CSNSW Sport Website For parents/families: To register a student on the CSNSW Sport website for a NSWCCC sporting event or trial. STEP 1 Setting up a new account (If you have never registered a child for a Broken Bay or NSWCCC team previously) Go to the Catholic Schools NSW Sport website https://csnsw.sport/ Click on Create Account in the blue box on the top right-hand side of the page Click on ‘Parent’ Complete all the fields Adding a child Once you have logged in as a parent, click on ‘Add Child’ Complete all fields. STEP 2 Register for a sport Once logged into the CSNSW website (top right) Go to your ‘Dashboard’ (top right of page and click on your name/icon) Scroll to your child’s profile Click on ‘Register for a Sport’ Select the Sport from “available sport registration” e.g. RUGBY LEAGUE 15 YEARS – CCC Click ‘Next’  Check that your child’s school and year group are correct Complete all the following information and consent pages The final section will require a payment Once you have completed all sections and payment has been made an email will be automatically sent to your child’s principal for approval. If you have any queries regarding CSNSW, please contact your school Sports Coordinator, jason Carpenter or: Karen Grant Head of Secondary Sport karen.grant@dbb.catholic.edu.au   Combined 2023 CSBB and NSWCCC Calendar    

See the links below for upcoming opportunities:   Bridge and Wharf Carpentry Apprenticeship Industry: Building & Construction Description: DMI Marine Constructions DMT Marine Constructions Seeking a first-year apprentice. If you like working with timber, work on water, drive boats and eventually operate machinery and move through the ranks this could be for you. Must have: White card, PPE Own reliable transport & drivers' license or working towards The ability and will to commit to work and quality finishing Willingness to obtain tools as apprenticeship progresses The position requires an eagerness to learn and positive attitude towards work If you have any questions, please contact Dean on 04 5258 8507. Note: Work experience will be provided for interested students to ensure the right fit for you and our business.     Sheet Metal Apprenticeship Artwerx Laser Cutting is a family-owned business based at Gosford specialising in Laser Cutting and Press Brake Folding of sheet metal, general metal fabrication of stainless steel, mild steel and aluminium. We are looking for an apprentice to undertake a Cert 3 to train and nurture as the next generation of tradesman to continue with our expansion into the future to keep up with demand. Ideally, you will possess a keen eye for detail, a strong interest in metal work, and a ‘can do’ attitude.  Out of trade apprentices with sheet metal experience are encouraged to apply. We offer a 38-hour week to work with a dynamic and friendly team. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted for an interview. License and own transport preferred Cut off for job submission will be Monday 22 May 2023 at Midday.   Danielle Smith Artwerx Australia 19 Tatura ave, Gosford NSW 2250 Ph: 4323 9598   www.artwerxaustralia.com.au   Interested in the Construction Industry? Don’t miss this event. For Years 10, 11 and 12 students and parents.  Construction Industry Careers Festival: More than just Building Things Mingara Recreation Club on Wednesday 7th June 2023. Students and Parents will be exposed to influential industry leaders, VET pathway’s success stories, careers advisors, and industry bodies to ‘try before you buy’ and then directly become involved in a career in construction. Our aim is to give students a more comprehensive look at the specific industry of construction and building, rather than a broader careers event. The agenda includes: Five panel discussions, including young people who have been through the VET program and are now working in the Construction Industry, industry leaders, industry bodies and other experts (TBA). Panel topics include: Panel 1: Construction? What Does My Future Look Like?  Panel 2: What opportunities does the VET program offer? Panel 3: Women in Construction? Panel 4: Why Construction has Been a Success For Me? Panel 5: Can I Become a Business Owner in the Construction Industry? Time to network between panels to ensure connections are made. Panels are all filmed for further education about these topics Q&A session Live ‘interviews’ with special guests and supporters Our EXPO section will be open all day and include 30 Exhibitors Speakers, (Short 2-minute talks - optional attendance) Workshops, (attendees connect with mentors with a view to post event collaboration - optional attendance) Options for post event site visits coordinated at various construction companies nearby (office or site visits). Wander through the exhibitions, choose which panels to watch and participate in workshops during the day (full agenda to follow). Entry is free and morning tea will be provided. Coffee and Tea is also provided all day, with lunch available to purchase at our coffee cart or the facilities at Mingara. Students and Parents will be exposed to influential industry leaders, VET pathway’s success stories, careers advisors, and industry bodies to ‘try before you buy’ and then directly become involved in a career in construction. Contact: Michael Brolly on Michael.Brolly@businessnsw.com for link to register. Construction Industry Careers Festival Flyer    

Please see the information below for the latest university information.    

NSW Fisheries has joined forces with St Edward’s and we are proud to announce our inaugural Sports Fishing Award for 'CATCH OF THE YEAR'. Are you able to show a great catch? It can be based on size, number, or rarity. The following rules apply: You must be a LAND BASED fisherman. No spearing or boat based fishing entries will be accepted. You must have a photo of you with the fish, AND a photo of the fish against a measurement (tape or chart). You must have caught the fish between 1 January 2023 and 31 October 2023 This will be judged by an expert panel. Please email photos to Mr Lord, Mr Summerhayes or Ms Evans. The trophy will be presented at school assembly during Term 4. Posters advertising this award have now been placed all around the school. See the above teachers for more information.

Enrolment applications for Year 7, 2024 are closing soon. The enrolment process is completed online via the College website: Click Here to Enrol online The enrolment information clearly outlines the enrolment criteria. Applications received after Friday May 19, will be processed as late applications. Current families who are aware of family or friends who wish to apply for their son to attend St Edward’s, are asked to encourage them to visit the College website for information about the College and the process of enrolment.  

Raising Teens can definitely be challenging, but don’t despair, there is light at the end of the tunnel. As kids grow into teenagers, it might feel like they aren't talking to you as much and might focus more on their friends. But that doesn't mean they don't want to talk to you at all! It's important to keep checking in and having conversations with them regularly. Asking for their opinions and listening to their ideas shows that you respect them as they mature. If you often find it difficult to connect, talking while doing something together, like driving or cooking, can be a good way to have a casual conversation. It's less intimidating than sitting face-to-face and can make it easier for them to open up. ​​​​​​Top Tips Be open and available. Let your children know you want to talk with them regardless of the topic.  Always show them that you enjoy talking with them. Stay up to date with what's going on in their life on a daily basis. Talk about things that interest them. To get the conversation going, ask them about something they are interested in (sport, music, a video game, a movie or series they have watched).

Please see below correspondence emailed home in Term 2, 2023. Using the Canteen - Sent 28 June 2023 2023 Semester 1 Concludes - Sent 26 June 2023 2023 Term 3 Student Led Conferences Parent Information Letter Year 11 2024 Subject Selection Presentation - Sent 14 June 2023 Year 11 2024 Subject Selections - Sent 9 June 2023 Year 10 - Subject Selection Expo - Sent 2 June 2023 Athletics Carnival 2023 - Sent 22 May 2023 Student Compliance and Safety - Sent 12 May 2023 College Photographs - Sent 2 May 2023 Years 7 to 10 Friday Afternoon Sport - Sent 1 May 2023 Year 10 Parent Letter Vaccination Program - Sent 26 April 2023 Term 2, Personal Grooming - Sent 24 April 2023