Service During the Christmas Holidays One again, the College is proud to report that many boys completed numerous hours of service for others in the recent holiday period. Examples include: senior boys as Edmund Rice Camp leaders, Coast Shelter Gosford, surf clubs, Rural Fire Brigade and many others. Your efforts are valued and appreciated. Waterford The Waterford Project, which is a compulsory requirement for St Edward’s students in Years 8 to 11, continues in 2019 for the 20th year. All boys in Years 8 to 10 are required to complete at least 15 hours of meaningful service for others and boys in Year 11 must complete three service activities. Our program is optional for Year 12 students. Edmund Rice Honours is awarded to any student who achieves 100 hours or more in a year. Waterford activities for 2019 can be backdated to October 2018 and the program must be completed by the end of Term 3 each year. We ask that parents please talk with their son/s regularly about Waterford progress. Why are students asked to complete Waterford service each year? Justice and compassion are key teachings of Jesus It is proven to assist a student's personal growth The program offers students opportunities to explore career options and to enhance their overall education, through awareness Injustice exists in our world and our role is to ensure our students engage by: Awareness, Advocacy and Action Edmund Rice schools across Australia challenge all students about issues eg Reconciliation with our First People, Human Rights (eg asylum seekers)   Once again St Edward's College Religious Education teachers will be facilitating the Waterford Project during class time. Please contact me on 4321 6439 if you have any questions about the Waterford Project or Social Justice at the College.   Mr Pat Dell Leader of Learning (Social Justice)    

During the summer school holidays, school prefect and College Vice Captain Lukas Kalos attended the National Gallery Of Australia’s Summer Scholarship program. Lukas won the coveted place in the scholarship program after submitting a portfolio of written and artistic response to the Gallery. He was chosen to be one of only 16 students from across Australia to participate in the program, which offered an all-expenses paid trip including flights, accommodation, meals, Gallery workshops and personal instruction from some of Australia’s top contemporary artists. Lukas had to personally respond to the work of Rosetsky using a Silver Gelatin double exposure photograph as inspiration. Lukas responded with a work that spoke eloquently about the ties that are the foundation of our families and communities; how those ties not only bind us together but hold us apart and even thwart our future growth. Yet we also tie ourselves together as we drift through making family memories, interweaving our thoughts, feelings and experiences in rich and rewarding ways. Over the week, Lukas was able to refine his artistic skills with artist David Rosetsky, famous for his subliminal works on the themes of family and discourse. The scholarship is a magnificent opportunity to meet and create with peers from around the country, as well as fellow artists and curators. It exposes the students to the variety of employment opportunities offered to Visual Arts students and creates meaningful contacts for future development in their respective fields. Both the Betty Churcher Foundation and Fairfax Media finance and back the program, proving just how important the creative future of our students has become. Lukas will be using the resources and skills developed within the program to further refine his future Visual Arts Body of Work. Well done Lukas!

Disability provisions in the HSC are practical arrangements designed to help students who could not otherwise make a fair attempt to show what they know in an exam room. These provisions granted, are solely determined by how the student’s exam performance is affected.   Each school is responsible for determining and approving disability provisions for all school-based assessment tasks while NESA determines disability provisions for the Higher School Certificate examinations. To apply for provisions, schools must submit an online application to NESA. This application indicates and includes recent evidence. Evidence may include medical reports, reading results, spelling results, writing samples and teacher comments. Provisions that can be applied for, include separate supervision, access to reader and/or writer, rest breaks and extra time. Strong evidence is needed in support of the application in order to be successful. Access to in-school provisions does not guarantee equal or similar provisions being granted by NESA for all formal, external exams. Generally, online applications are applied for during Term 1 but can be applied for up to the day prior to the formal exam period. If you have any queries regarding these provisions, please don’t hesitate to contact me via College email. bkiekebosch@stedwards.nsw.edu.au Betty Kiekebosch Leader of Learning Learning Support

As the new academic year begins, parents and students are reminded that Homework Help and task support continue each morning in the library from 8:00 am till 8:45 am. Students may access assistance and, in particular, receive additional maths support. Students should just visit and introduce themselves in the Innovate Room which is located alongside the quiet reading area in the central part of the library. Ms Betty Kiekebosch Leader of Learning Learning Support  

Year 8 students have received a Flip Out and Clip N Climb Waiver form via their tutor class this week. Flip Out and Clip N Climb activities will begin in Week 3, Term 1 for Friday Sport.  Parents are asked to please read and sign their son’s forms and have them returned via his tutor by next Wednesday 13 February 2019.  If you require a new Waiver form please see the attachments below or students can download the forms via the Student Portal. Your prompt assistance in returning these forms is appreciated.  If you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact Mrs Kylie Beynon in the Mona Vale building or by phoning 4321 6478. Flip Out Waiver 2019   Climb n Climb Waiver Form 2019  

Welcome to all the Year 7 students and families as well as all our other year groups and their families. We look forward to another great year of competition for St Edward's teams and individuals in both school-based and external-based events and competitions. The following information relates to Reporting on Sporting Teams/Events, School-based Sporting Events during Term 1 and Representative Sport for Broken Bay (BBSSSA) and NSWCCC Sport. Reports for College Teams Team and individual results from school-based events, will be conveyed via the Touchstones newsletter. Team coaches and or managers will endeavour to file a report at the completion of the sporting event and a report will also appear in the College Yearbook. Where possible individuals and teams will also be recognised at College Assemblies – if time and schedules permit. Please remember to keep me informed if your son/s achieve recognition in the sporting arena outside of the College. These achievements will be acknowledged via the ‘News and Events, Student Spotlight’ section of the College website. Address all emails with information to jcarpenter@stedwards.nsw.edu.au and/or kfriend@stedwards.nsw.edu.au. School-Based Sporting Events During Term 1 include: College Swimming Carnival - Friday 8 February BBSSSA and NSWCCC Swimming Carnivals Open’s Touch Football BBSSSA Touch Football Gala Day NSW All Schools Triathlon (individuals/teams) Open’s and Under 15 BBSSSA and SICC Rugby League Selections Open’s Rugby League NSWCCC Cup Gala Day Year 9 and 10 Touch Football All Schools Gala Day Under 13 and Under 15 BBSSSA Touch Football Gala Day College Cross Country Carnival for Years 7 and 8 only, Friday 16 March   Sport Information With regards to all sports, students are reminded to be listening to the Morning Notices during Tutor for names of staff who are organising various teams and for who to see if they wish to enter other various individual competitions.   Representative Sport For all new students and families, students compete or nominate for selection via the BBSSSA (Broken Bay Secondary Schools Sports Association) and NSWCCC (New South Wales Combined Catholic Colleges) pathways into NSW All School and School Sport Australia teams/events. The 2019 calendars for BBSSSA and NSWCCC are located on the College Website under the Co-Curriculum tab. On the BBSSSA and NSWCCC  websites you will find all the Sports events held throughout the year. There is also a full calendar to check entry closing dates, selection trial dates, sport specific information for individual and team events. The website allows parents/caregivers to enter their child into various EVENTS WHERE AN INDIVIDUAL ENTRY IS REQUIRED and pay the entry fees. If your son is selected in either a BBSSSA or NSWCCC team, they will be given instructions on how to register. Entry fees for College teams and those who represent the College individually at BBSSSA level will be covered by the College.  However, once a student progresses beyond this level all costs become the family's responsibility. Please remember to inform the College if your son(s) is selected in or they are attending selection trials outside BBSSSA or NSWCCC events (eg NSW All Schools) as we do not always receive notification of this. We will only receive confirmation of selection in BBSSSA and NSWCCC teams and events.   Mr Jason Carpenter Leader of Learning (Sports Coordinator)  

How to register for NSWCCC Individual entries Access the following website: www.csss.nsw.edu.au Select NSWCCC Select The sport you wish to register for e.g tennis, golf, triathlon Select Register   You will need to create a log in, (if you have not previously done so) Select I Need Help Logging In Scroll down to I don't have a login Select Register   As the parent, fill in the first page to register your child You will now need to check your email for the password and the login Go back to www.csss.nsw.edu.au and Login You will now be asked to add the details of your child (Please note that your child will stay in the system and will go up an age group each year. The only time a parent will need to re-enter a child is when they roll over from primary to secondary) Once finished, you will go to My Account Here you can change your password and add other children, as well as change school details if your child changes secondary schools Save your details Go to the Sports link eg tennis, golf, triathlon (back on the homepage) Select Register Select the registration form Once you register, you will need to make payment. Please follow the steps for the Bpay section. You can pay this online. If payment is not made before the date, then your child’s nomination will not be accepted. However, the nomination will need to be approved by your School Principal/Sports Coordinator. If the Principal/Sports Coordinator does not accept the nomination, you will be reimbursed your fees. Both the Sports Coordinator and Principal will be notified of your nomination and one of these people will either accept or turn down the nomination. This may be related to attendance, behaviour and or the student not meeting the requirements of the Code for Learning here at the College.  

Students interested in using the College Gym this year, must collect a ‘Permission and Pre-screening’ note from the desk in the staffroom foyer (please ask a staff member) or alternatively download a copy from the Student Portal or download the form below. The signed note must be returned to the staffroom or to the Gym upon arrival. Students must sign-in as they enter the Gym. Student's names that are not on the list, may not use the Gym. The Gym is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday lunch times. Students must bring a change of shirt. The Gym is only open to Year 8 or above. Students must not use any equipment until the supervising staff member is present. Gymnasium guidelines and permission letter  

Pathways Presentations As part of the Careers and Transition Program at St Edward’s College the following presentations have been organized to inform students of their pathway options so that they can make informed decisions after school.  Please note that attendance is not compulsory and is only for interested students.  My advice to students who are unsure about pathway options, is to attend all of the presentations. Year 10 Location: ERC Foyer during Lunch  (12.40 pm - 1.18 pm) 1 April - Newcastle University 2 April - TAFE 3 April - Apprenticeships 4 April - Macquarie University 5 April - ADF (12.10 pm-12.50 pm) Parents are more than welcomed to attend these presentations, but you will need to sign in and out at the front office. Year 12 Location:  Library Senior Area or as otherwise stated during Period 5 7 March - UAC (Webinar in The Theatre) 5 April - ADF with interested Year 10 (12.10 pm-12.50 pm) 2  May - Macquarie University 9  May - TAFE 23 May - Newcastle University 30 May - Apprenticeships These presentations are held during our senior study period. VET Courses (Vocational Education and Training) White Card Course News – Year 11 Students in Construction and Entertainment will be completing their White Card Course on Tuesday 19 February, 21 February, 26 February and 28 February to enable them to go out on work placement  in Term 2.  Registration (Privacy Note) can be found in Student VET Folders.  Please return via VET Coordinator or  VET Teacher. Work Placement Update – Year 11 Students in Construction, Hospitality, Metal and Engineering and Entertainment have been busy registering for their work placement which begins in Term 2.  Below is a reminder of when your son is going out on work placement for 5 days.  Please note, on his return, he will need to catch up on work missed from other subjects.  This can often feel daunting at first, but if students read ahead in their course work in other subjects, prior to going out on placement, it makes the transition back to school easier. Date Framework Teacher Term 2, Week 2 6 May to 10 May Metal and Engineering 1 Mr J Brown Term 2, Week 3 13 May to 17 May Hospitality 1 Mr S Massey Term 2, Week 4 20 May to 24 May Metal and Engineering 1 Mr J Brown Term 2, Week 5 27 May to 31 May Hospitality 2 Mr S Massey Term 2, Week 6 3 June to 7 June Construction 1 Mr S Murray Term 2, Week 8 17 June to 21 June Construction 2 Mr M Bondfield Term 2, Week 9 24 June to 28 June Construction 3 Mr S Murray Term 2, Week 10 1 July to 5 July Metal and Engineering 2 Mr J Kershaw Term 3, Week 2 29 July to 2 August Metal and Engineering 2 Mr J Kershaw  

The start of the year is a great time for making changes and improvements to the way you raise kids. The trouble is, our good intentions towards change often become derailed around March, and we return to our default mode of parenting. So nothing much changes from year to year. At Parenting Ideas, we have selected the five tips that we think will have the most positive impact on kids this year. Switch on your kids’ strengths Most of us have been conditioned to focus on what kids can’t do. It’s not your fault. You were trained by teachers and parents who were adept at picking up your poor behaviours, highlighting errors and encouraging you to eliminate your faults. There is a better way. The Positive Psychology movement lead by US-based psychologist Dr. Martin Seligman showed that when we can unearth kids’ strengths we are, in effect, unlocking their true potential for success and happiness. Three elements come together to make a strength, and parents need to be mindful of all three: performance (being good at something); energy (feeling good doing it); and high use (choosing to do it). Rather than locking on to your child’s weaknesses, set your antennae to your child’s strengths. Balance kids’ extra-curriculur activities Alongside social media and news events, being busy is now recognised as a major stress for many children and young people. Over-scheduling kids’ lives is a relatively new phenomenon. Go back a couple of generations and a few sports, music lessons and things like scouting movements were the mainstays of after school life for most kids. Now the choice of activities to keep kids busy after school hours is mind-boggling. Having so many options is wonderful but it does place a new set of pressures on parents. Many complain that family life is like now living in a hamster wheel, always in constant motion, with hardly a time to catch their breath. The cost of loading kids up with scheduled activities is that many don’t get the chance for free play, or simply ‘vegging out’ on the couch. The benefits of all this activity in terms of kids’ skill development, personal growth and broadening social horizons is well-founded. However finding a balance is tricky as every child, like every family is different. Focus on friendships Friendships are an important part of the road to adulthood for a child or young person. With families shrinking in size peer relationships are now fundamental in providing kids with a sense of belonging, a place to hone their identity and a group upon which they can develop their future relationship skills such as tolerance, empathy and forgiveness. Friendships can be problematic. Not every child is naturally outgoing and makes friends easily. If your child is like this, but generally seems happy, then there may be no need to do anything. If your child has difficulty forming friendships and is worried by that, then there are many ways to approach this including: encouraging kids to spend one-on-one time with others, making extra-curricular activities fit their interests, and coaching kids to develop friendly behaviours. Give kids tools to manage anxious moments Let’s just say it upfront. We don’t have a childhood resilience problem as many teachers and professionals say, but we do have a childhood anxiety problem. A big one! And it’s mostly undetected as community understanding of anxiety is low. It’s our experience at Parenting Ideas that many parents are anxious and they don’t know it, and many children routinely experience anxiety, which goes unrecognised. Everyone feels worried from time to time, but these feelings pass when the stressful situation has passed. Anxiety occurs when these anxious feelings don’t pass, and happen for no obvious reason. It’s a serious condition that can be managed and minimised with their right tools. Develop rights of passage Why are young people, like moths drawn to a flame, attracted to that annual end of school year beach and booze fest known as schoolies? Why do young people who for the best part of a year put their future self first and study hard to achieve best possible school results, put themselves at risk for a solitary week? It’s more than letting their hair down. In the absence of adult-initiated rights of passage young people will always fill the void and create their own. For many young people schoolies is the right of passage. As a community we’ve struggled for many years to create meaningful rights of passage for young people. Once a young person’s first job, or their twenty-first birthday were significant markers of maturity, offering a sense that they were entering into the adult world. Community changes have largely eradicated these traditional markers, which make it harder for a young person to know when they’ve become an adult. There are many healthy ways to recognise a young person’s growing maturity and mark his or her journey into adulthood. Many families are now creating their own rituals to mark key events such as the end of primary school, the start of the teenage years or various stages of adolescence. These traditions are now becoming legitimate rights of passage for young people.