Pelican: Semester 1, 2023

St Edmund’s College FOUNDATION

Inspired by the charism of Edmund Rice the St Edmund’s College Foundation (the Foundation) was established to give financial assistance to marginalised or disadvantaged families so that the cost of educating their sons would be alleviated.

Since its inception in 1988 the Foundation has supported the education of over 100 young men at St Edmund’s College in Canberra.

The Foundation’s aims:

• To support families who are experiencing financial barriers that may limit their ability to provide an Edmund Rice education for their sons.

• To provide appropriate fee relief to ensure students have the quality education they deserve.

• To support families who may be affected by difficult circumstances so students are able to continue their education at St Edmund’s College without disruption.

How to Donate

Contact foundation@stedmunds.act.edu.au or 6239 0673 and ask to speak to our Finance Staff for more information on how to make a donation.

Donations of $2 or more to the St Edmund’s College Foundation are tax deductible in Australia.

“Your donation to the Foundation will enable families in need of help in educating their sons leaving a lasting legacy that will benefit current students as well as students for generations to come.”

JOE ZAVONE

Principal’s Reflection

Welcome to the first edition for this year of The Pelican, the Eddies alumni magazine. I am thrilled that in this edition we have contributions from two original students of the College, Tony Liston and John Rogers. We are very fortunate to have both Tony and John share their memories and thoughts from the very first days of the College back in the mid-1950’s, and I thank them for their time and efforts in allowing us to share these memories. Both Tony and John have continued their association with the College in different ways, with Tony’s grandson graduating last year and John’s grandson graduating this year (both boys have been House Captains as well). I am sure you will enjoy reading Tony and John’s recollections.

I also thank our other contributors for sharing their memories of the College throughout the last few years - many thanks to Class of 1987 Chris Coleman, Class of 1991 Paul Munslow, Class of 2001 and former staff member James Keeley, current member of staff and Class of 2005 Brendan Ferguson.

The contributions in The Pelican involve the sharing of memories of College life as well as life after school. If you would like to contribute to The Pelican or know of someone who would like to contribute, please feel free to contact me to arrange this. We have two editions of The Pelican each year - one in each semester, and would welcome any past student’s contribution.

It was absolutely wonderful to commence the school year without restrictions and masks, and be able to get into school life with our normal sense of enthusiasm and energy. We commence 2023 with a larger student population (as we have for the past few years). Our growing community is a great sign that we are genuine in offering our students an education and sense of school life which is relevant to them, with vibrant spirit, strong character and tailored learning. It is also encouraging to see every year that a number of students who leave us at the end of the year (other than Year 12) for one reason or another are keen to come back to us the following year as they do not see the individual care and concern we have for our students in their new environment.

Our College Advisory Council has lost two key members in the last few months, with Lara Kirk and Br Brian Berg reaching the end of their tenures. I cannot thank Lara and Brian enough for their

contribution to the Council, and for the unending support of the College. We will definitely miss Lara and Brian (and I especially thank Brian for sticking with us as he is 90 years old this year!). The Advisory Council has been instrumental in working with the College Leadership Team and other members of staff in developing the next stage of our Strategic Directions. The current Advisory Council members are: John Owens (Chair), Wendy Brookman, Deborah Clayton-Baker, Chris Collett, Julie Fitzgerald, Jamie Haynes, Sarah Kelly, Gerard Tiffen and Craig Wagstaff. You will find a report from John Owens in this edition of The Pelican.

Late last year the College Foundation launched a “One for One” Appeal amongst the old boys community. The intention of this appeal was to raise enough funds to assist at least one student with school fees for one year, hence “one for one”. I thank those old boys who contributed to the appeal, especially Paul Scholtens and Matthew Scholtens, who made a very generous and significant contribution. Whilst we achieved the aim of the appeal, I must admit I was disappointed to learn that we only had three contributors from our entire old boys community. Throughout this edition of The Pelican, you will come across ways in which you can contribute to the College and assist us in expanding the opportunities we provide our students. This can be done with contributions to the College Foundation, the Building Fund or by considering our bequests program.

Our Eddies Education Partnership Program continues to grow from strength to strength. This was launched only at the beginning of last year and we were able to develop three partnerships quite quickly, the University of Canberra (through our newly created Sports Academy), the Hyatt Hotel and the Canberra Raiders. Late last year we developed a partnership with Accelerate Physiotherapy in conjunction with old boy Will Maher. I thank Will and his team for coming on board and working with our staff and students. We have also started a wonderful collaboration with St Clare’s College in a number of areas - we continue with collaborations in the areas of performing arts, sport and social life, but we also add to this collaborations in the curriculum area with shared classes in Fitness, Music and languages. I thank the leadership team at St Clare’s, and especially Principal Ann Cleary, for their co-operation and

initiatives in this important partnership. All of these partnerships work to enhance the educational experience of our students and to provide them with special opportunities and skills. If you are in a position of developing a possible partnership with the College, please do not hesitate to contact me and we can progress this idea for the benefit of our young men.

In this edition we also feature the members of staff who have committed their time to working with our students at St Edmund’s. I congratulate these staff members and thank them for their dedicated

service and care of our young men. Please also take the time to read the two student addresses we have published in this edition - we have the Graduation Address from the 2022 College Captain Andrew McFarlane as well as the Opening Address from the first assembly by our 2023 College Captain Deveraux Tapelu. We include these student addresses as they capture beautifully the true Eddies spirit and energy.

Joe Zavone Principal

2023 Acknowledgement of Staff Service Awards

Congratulations to the following members of staff for their dedication, commitment and service to the community of St Edmund’s College Canberra for a significant period of time.

Anna Blore 15 years

Martin O’Rourke 15 years

Julie Dachs 10 years

Denzil Fox 15 years

Samantha Brady 10 years

Colin Rogers 15 years

Margaret Maher 10 years

Nathan Rutter 15 years

ANDREW MACFARLANE

2022 College Captain Graduation Address

Good Evening Mr Zavone, staff, parents and guests and of course the Year 12 cohort of 2022. This year I have had the honour of being your College Captain and it’s one that I have thoroughly enjoyed and have worn with great pride.

To put into words the lifetime of experiences and opportunities at St Edmund’s College would be too difficult a task, but I’ll do my best.

Memories of Junior School include the first day of Year 4 where we had 80 odd boys crammed into Mr Di Fronzo’s classroom where Mr Di Fronzo tried to convince us his arm was bitten off by a shark; our beloved Ethan Phengrasmy getting the infamous nickname of Bobby and Andre Jugovac successful recalling to Year 4 students the plot line to all of the Rocky films. And of course, Ms Patricia Doyle standing in front of us much to our fear. Junior School continued fast for most of us singing our times tables in Mr Bell’s classroom and the famous camps to Tuross. Who could forget the chicken and gravy rolls and the fun had up there? A thank you must go to all the Junior School staff that kicked off our journey at st Edmunds and left us with a good impression leading into high school.

Our time in high school started in 2017 and this is where our brotherhood began to grow. Everyone uses the word brotherhood but to me it’s more like a family - the friends I have gained, lifelong friends. The lessons we have all learned can only be put down to the excellence of staff we have here at the College. When somebody asks me what makes Eddies different to the rest, I say the brotherhood, the opportunity and I also say without hesitation we have the best teachers who not only care about our learning but our wellbeing. So on behalf of the Year 12 students, we owe all the teachers a massive thank you. On a personal note I would like to thank Miss Tanisha Elliott, my four Heads of House over my time, Ms Monica Day, Mr Pat Langtry and Mr Trent Masters for the support they have given me and the lessons they have taught me to grow into my role as College Captain this year. I would also like to thank the vice-captains Josh Hobbs, Matt McGrath and Henry Alsworth as well as all the House Captains for making my job the easiest and most rewarding.

I don’t think it is an understatement to say that almost every student here tonight has had the best moment ever at St Edmund’s or around the boys at St Edmund’s, whether it be the standing ovation after the school musical, the lunchtime shenanigans with the boys, winning a grand final or having the honour of receiving an award in front of the whole school. The feeling of pride that you have for the 30 seconds to a minute after those experiences is immeasurable, and if you could bottle that feeling up and sell it you’d be a billionaire. You know what I’m talking about. That feeling would not be possible without St Edmund’s College.

I have saved the last two things to speak about to the end for a reason. I would like to give the biggest thank you to all our parents for the early morning knock on the doors, the scramble to get to the bus on time, the trainings, the functions, the many “be careful or don’t be home too late”. Without our parents we would not be standing here as the young men we are today, so thank you. And thank

you for making the best decision to send us through St Edmund’s. To my parents Ian and Lisa, I know at times it has been hard with the ridiculous number of training, the long trek in and having a son who failed his driving test three times, so I couldn’t even help you out. The debt I owe you is massive, thank you very much and so much love to you.

Lastly, to the Year 12 cohort … whatever you decide to do with your lives I’d like to leave you all with a final message. The final as your College Captain, so signing off for the final time here we go:

Dear Year 12, many of you will never put on the school uniform again, never walk through the halls or onto the fields and look into the stands and feel a whole school/community behind you. I know it hurts. Through injury, adversity and even family tragedy, you always made that choice. To never let your brothers down. For me that’s the definition of character and character is all that a man has in his life. When you are handed your certificates and hand in your time at Eddies, know that your life as part of this school is not over… it’s only beginning, because you will never hand in the lessons you’ve learned, the respect you’ve earned and the family you’ve created. You will wear that for the rest of your life. Forever an Eddie’s boy. I love you boys.

Edmunds to the fore.

DEVERAUX TAPELU

2023 College Captain Welcome Address to College Assembly

Good morning, Mr Zavone, staff, students and the St Edmund’s community.

My name is Deveraux Tapelu, and I am your College Captain for 2023. I begin today by expressing my deep gratitude and thankfulness for the opportunity to serve as your College Captain. I thank Mr Zavone, staff, fellow students and the St Edmund’s community for the support and encouragement I have received so far. I am equally proud and humbled by this honour. I also congratulate the Vice Captains, House and Junior School leaders. I am looking forward to working with them to ensure that this year is a successful one for all.

Welcome to our first day of 2023!

It is so wonderful to see our school grounds and corridors covered in a sea of blue and white today!

I firstly would like to welcome Year 4, Year 7 and all new students of St Edmund’s. I know you are feeling many mixed emotions today – some of you are excited, some may be scared, some may be nervous and that’s okay because this is all normal (believe me, I am feeling it too as it’s only my second day as College Captain), but I would like to assure you, St Edmund’s is not just a school but a brotherhood and a tight knit community that embraces you today as you begin your journey as an Eddies boy. It is very hard starting a new school, or like the Year 7’s who have left the comfort of Junior School and will have to adjust to bigger assignments and moving from one classroom to another. But rest assured, St Edmund’s has an excellent network of teachers and staff who are willing to help and guide you so that your experience here at the College is rewarding, fun and successful.

I encourage you to explore and utilise the school to its maximum capacity – from learning in the classroom, to reading in your free time, researching using the library resources, participating in the Performing Arts, choosing a sport such as cricket, basketball, soccer or rugby, participating in STEM, joining the school carnivals, camps and of course

eating one of the best chicken and gravy rolls in our canteen.

I would like to welcome our new staff members. I speak on behalf of St Edmund’s College when I say it is our good fortune and privilege to have teachers of your calibre join our school.

I would like to welcome our returning Eddies boys. I hope you have had a restful Christmas and an enjoyable start to the new year. I have no doubt that you are ready to hit the ground running.

Here at St Edmund’s College we are proud of the strong and enduring brotherhood. Simply put, the brotherhood means you will never walk alone. You have joined a community that supports and respects each other. We do not just rally behind our mates, but we uplift and strengthen each and every one of our brothers.

We live by the Statement of Eddies Pride, which consistently encourages us to achieve our personal best, show resilience when things get tough and engage in all aspects of school. We nurture respectful and positive relationships with everyone in our College and wider community. We contribute to a constructive learning environment and meet College expectations. We always work to honour our College name, reputation, and facilities. We reflect on the College motto - Christus Lux Mea (Christ is my light), in all that we do and say.

As your leaders, we believe in continually improving the culture and environment of the College. To achieve this, we are committed to being respectful, compassionate senior members of the school who are good listeners and communicators. We will do our best to be fair in our decision making, we will respect our College environment and upkeep

the College rules, and we will always be your support network.

Finally, I wanted to leave you with a few tips to start you off on the right track this year. Remember, preparation is half the battle won. Get organised for classes, plan ahead for those assessments, play a sport, maintain good habits, set small goals and achieve them. Do everything whether big or small well. All the little good things you do add up. Remember to get outside and enjoy the sun or rain. Have fun! Check in on your mates. Be kind always. Lend a hand to those in need and always ask a

brother “are you okay” and then be the empathetic ear who listens.

I wish you all the very best this year. And may the road rise up to meet you.

Edmund’s to the fore!

We are excited to announce the Eddies Education Partnership Program, where we the College collaborates with community organisations to enhance and broaden the education of our students. The Partnership Program works to improve student engagement, improve academic outcomes for students, enhance the social wellbeing of students and broaden vocational options and skills We thank the following organisations for being in partnership and collaboration with us, offering our students a wide range of opportunities and skills.

The College is partnering with the University of Canberra through the new St Edmund’s College Sports Academy This provides an opportunity for our students to consider a sports-focused pathway that offers direct, non-ATAR entry to a number of undergraduate courses at the University of Canberra. This means that a tertiary pathway is now open to students who may not have necessarily considered a tertiary education, or who were wanting a more tailored, individual approach to the tertiary pathway

St Edmund’s College is partnering with the Canberra Raiders through our Sports Science program The Raiders partnership will provide a clear connection between St Edmund’s College and the Canberra Raiders for students playing Rugby League, maintaining and engaging these students at a high level both academically and physically.

Regular on-field training will be developed by College staff and the Canberra Raiders The partnership will allow contracted Canberra Raiders juniors to have a pathway to an independent Catholic education with a dedicated pastoral care system Students will participate in Rugby League Gala Days and have a clear representative program for Rugby League students enrolled at St Edmund’s College.

The College is in partnership with the Hyatt Hotel in Canberra This partnership will allow our Hospitality students to immerse themselves in all aspects of the Hospitality industry, engage in real work opportunities and work alongside experts in the Hospitality field to develop their skills and competencies, be mentored and coached and build their professional network This is a wonderful initiative for our students, providing a unique opportunity for them to broaden their skills and options.

St Edmund’s College is proud to formalise a partnership with Accelerate Physiotherapy. Accelerate Physiotherapy will work extensively with our CoCurricular and senior Talented Sports Programs to provide elite level athlete screening, assist in the injury and rehabilitation of student athletes and to help develop athlete knowledge of content studied in senior courses St Edmund’s College is excited to strengthen this partnership and work towards student athlete development

CHRIS COLEMAN Class

of 1987

Unlike many of the people profiled in these pages, I wasn’t an Eddies boy from Grade 4 or Year 7. I started there late in 1985 for my final term of Year 10, but the ensuing two and a bit years certainly helped shape me into the man I am today.

You could almost call my time at St Edmund’s a ‘condensed’ version. It included all the usual stuff… camp at Tuross, going on a retreat, nearly setting myself on fire in the chem lab, walkathons, and sport, although - ironically, given what my future would hold, not rugby. We’d moved to Canberra from Melbourne, so the rugby codes were very foreign beasts to me.

It was also a time where I made many friendships that last until this day. And even among the class of ’87 members I don’t see or speak to regularly, there’s a definite bond. Two minutes into a conversation and it’s like the intervening decades have evaporated.

One of the areas where the College shaped my life was definitely in my career. At the 30th anniversary reunion, one conversation turned to how few people were still doing what they said they wanted to during our College years. The estimates varied, but they were all in single-digits, and I was one of that small number.

One night, a couple of weeks before the end of Year 10, I phoned into the nightly countdown show on 2CC (in those days, one of the hottest music stations in the country) to request a song. I cracked some sort of lame joke, which the DJ recorded and replayed on air. The next day, it seemed everyone had heard it. For the new kid in the school, the sudden burst of popularity planted the seed. I wanted to be on radio.

Much to the dismay of various Maths, Physics, and Chemistry teachers, the kid who was an average English student (at best) had set his heart on a career where command of language was important.

My parents, and other teachers realised there was no point trying to talk me into doing something more sensible. Careers advisor extraordinaire, Ian Walton, gave me two pieces of advice: Be good at what you choose to do, and always look to be better at it. And be prepared to take an opportunity when it comes up.

Working in radio, like all media, requires more than ability to turn into a career, it needs luck. Being the right person, applying for the right job, at the right time, is crucial. Of course, I decided to increase the difficulty and set my sights on being a sports broadcaster.

After Year 12 where I sometimes spent more time doing harness racing shifts on 2SSS, Canberra’s now-defunct racing radio station, than studying or doing assignments, I decided on a gap year. (That ‘gap’ is now into its fourth decade.) A series of day jobs followed, but nights and weekends were spent on community radio.

2SSS eventually got tired of me hanging around the studios and offered me a job as sports coordinator in 1990 for the princely wage of $11,000 a year. It wasn’t much, but it was a full-time role, and looking back, for a 20-year-old, a job I was eminently unqualified for!

Commercial radio jobs followed. A short contract in Albury was followed by moves to Orange in 1992, Coffs Harbour in 1993, back to Orange in 1996, Wagga Wagga in 1998, Goulburn, then Muswellbrook in 1999, before the ABC embarked on a massive recruitment drive in 2001, and hired me to move to Dubbo.

On the personal side, I married in 1992, and my son Rhys was born in 1993, but that marriage ended in 1999.

My connections to Eddies continued through this time. Every few months the studio line would ring, and it’d be a fellow class of ’87 veteran passing through the area who’d heard me and wanted to say hi.

I worked in many roles – music presenter, program director, news editor, the list goes on – and interviewed people as diverse as prime ministers, state premiers, stunt pilots and even Sir Bob Geldof.

A second trip to the altar in 2003 was followed by a move with the ABC to Wagga Wagga as a regional manager in 2004. Working for the ABC opened many doors, with regular opportunities to fill in on programs in Sydney and Canberra, as well as state and national shows.

That old advice about taking opportunities and getting better at what you do must have stuck, along with the importance of helping others. I became a part of the ABC’s emergency broadcasting team, and helped out communities during floods, storms, cyclones and bushfires in several states.

Living in Wagga, with two stepsons playing the Brumbies provincial program, meant many regular trips to Canberra, and the frequency of those trips increased when the reforming Australian Baseball League awarded a licence to the Canberra Cavalry. During the club’s second season they asked me if I would like to become ‘the voice of the Cavalry’ and do the commentary for the live streams of their games.

Over the decade since, I called hundreds of baseball games, including the Cavalry’s national title in 2013 in Canberra, alongside fellow class of ’87 member, and Team Australia player, Phil Brassington, and the remarkable Asia Series win later that year in Taiwan.

This was followed by the ABC choosing me to head up their national radio call of the Major League Baseball series from the Sydney Cricket Ground in 2014, where I met and interviewed the greatest sports broadcaster of all time, Vin Scully. He then, in a surreal moment, started asking me questions about the SCG for info to use in his broadcasts to the USA.

Someone at MLB heard me in 2015 and even

suggested one of my home run calls was ‘the greatest call of all time.

Despite all this, and awards for covering basketball and motorsport in addition to baseball, the dream of an ongoing commentary job still proved elusive.

In early 2016, an ABC restructure saw my job disappear, but opened the door to my career going full circle, and I wound up back in Canberra, at 2CC, but as the drive show host, taking the talkback calls. And still calling sport as a side gig!

In 2018, after more than 32 years as in broadcast, I joined the public service in a media liaison role. The lure of ongoing, steady employment, and the ability to spoil my grandchildren was too strong.

And just days after starting in that role, I was offered the job as lead commentator for the brand new Canberra Raiders rugby league coverage on Mix 106.3. Finally! The ongoing sports job. Even if it was on a part-time basis.

It might seem a long way from asking Rex Purcell in 1987 if Eddies had ever thought about having someone do commentary of the First XV rugby games, to winning a Commercial Radio Award in 2022 for Best Sports Event Coverage, but it’s not really. It’s all about taking pride in what you are passionate about.

They are values instilled in me at Eddies, and still have today.

BRENDAN FERGUSON

Class of 2005 and member of staff

Stepping out of one’s comfort zone is never easy, but it often leads to the greatest growth. That is exactly what awaited me as my family traded in the comfort of Queensland’s subtropics for the frosty morning school bus rides of Canberra. I was not thrilled with the relocation, but it was for a compelling reason as my sister was attempting to qualify for the Olympics in archery and needed to be near the AIS. To add further inconvenience, my family had misjudged the dates of the ACT school year and had to organise a uniform and enrolments the day before the term started, leaving me with two choices of school. I went with St. Edmund’s simply because the other option would require me to repeat a year due to the different age cutoffs between states.

When I first arrived at St. Edmund’s College in 2004, I was feeling overwhelmed and out of my depth. I had left the comfort zone of a close-knit group of friends that I had grown up with and was rushed into a new school system in a different city. However, it did not take long for me to find my place at Eddies and for it to become a second home. Arriving as an awkward, quiet teenager who was introverted until I warmed up to people, I was adopted by my future friend group of extroverts. I was surprised by the inclusive and accepting atmosphere – the group was patient and included me until I could open up and be myself. I was grateful to have found friends who appreciated me for who I was, and I flourished under their encouragement, growing more confident the longer I spent in the Eddies community.

Another transformative moment at Eddies that is clear in my mind occurred after completing an oral presentation during English class with

Leanne Gair. Being still new to the school and a poor public speaker on a good day, I had offered to do a larger share of the written work for the script and PowerPoint presentation. However, when it was my turn to present the content, I was a nervous mess and was fittingly awarded a lower grade. Then, to my surprise, without requesting it my two classmates met with our teacher after class to plead a case for our grades to meet in the middle as they confessed that I had done a larger share of the work behind the scenes. Their request was granted, and I was full of admiration for these two students, who I barely knew by name, as they sacrificed their own achievement in the name of fairness. Yet another paving stone added to the future path Eddies had laid out for me. Without cultivating my public speaking skill by building confidence, I would never be able to stand and talk in front of an audience of students daily.

During my time at St. Edmund’s College, I also had the opportunity to work with younger students and students with diverse needs in the school as part of my charity volunteer work. This experience set the foundation for my future career as a teacher and showed me the impact that I could have on the lives of others even when I lacked confidence. St. Edmund’s College provided me with many opportunities to grow as a person and to step out of my comfort zone. Whether it was through participating in school events, taking on leadership roles, or trying new subjects, I was encouraged to challenge myself and to pursue my passions.

My journey after graduating in 2005 has seen me embrace the change a lot more freely than I used to. Despite the ups and down and further lessons along the way, the start of the positive changes can

be traced back to my time here. The journey started with me studying Civil Engineering in Sydney, then coming back to Canberra where I met my wife and to spend some time working at the Queanbeyan City Council. After that position became redundant, we were soon back in Sydney with our first child and shortly after that we were relocating yet again. The ability to adapt to a change in surroundings and cultivate a close community of friends was very much appreciated during this time.

This time I was moving to seek a new career and I completed a graduate diploma to qualify as a teacher as it was the last state to phase out the oneyear study option. After being rushed to choose where I finished my high school education, I took a risk and it paid off in ways I could not anticipate. The same was true here as I rushed a career swap and am now grateful for the benefits. I spent some time at another school in Toowoomba, also wonderful

for its own unique reasons, but I recently made the move from Queensland to Canberra again, but this time with a family of my own. A wife and two young sons of my own who handled the change much better than I did.

When we moved back to Canberra for family, I could not pass up the opportunity to return to the Eddies community. I am grateful for the supportive environment that St. Edmund’s College provided me with and for the lessons that I learned there inside and outside of the classroom. I am proud to say that I now teach at the same school that gave me so much and that I can give back in my own way.

MATT DE JONGH

President, Old Boys and Friends Association

The Old Boys & Friends Association is looking forward to the full suite of events in 2023 - the EdMums Soiree, Blue & White Ball, Heritage Round Reunion Day and Golf Day. All of these events help to bring the Eddies community together and the Old Boys & Friends Association also assists in the promotion of school reunions. A big thank you to the College for the continued support in co-hosting these events.

As reported in the Semester 2, 2022 edition of the Pelican, the EdMums Soiree, Blue & White Ball, Heritage Round – Reunion Day were all a huge success and were able to be held for the first time since the covid restrictions of 2019.

As has been a tradition in recent years, the Old Boys & Friends Association welcomes the outgoing Year 12 graduates as members and presents the students with their caps. This Breakfast BBQ event was held in November 2022 and included a special guest in foundation student Bishop Pat Power.

The Golf Day was held in December at the picturesque Fairbairn Golf Club and was a huge

success. In 2022 we had a record number of players and sponsors and we are grateful for their generous support. There was a great atmosphere at the event and it was wonderful to have the presence of Ms Doyle, who is also the Patron for the Old Boys & Friends.

In 2022 the Old Boys & Friends Association has also successfully launched some new merchandise in the form of the Eddies hoodie and beanie which have been very popular among the Eddies community.

For further information on the Old Boys & Friends Association our website can be found through the College website, or look us up on Facebook and Instagram. You can sign up online as a member for as little as $30 a year, and importantly a portion of funds raised by the Association is donated to those in need through the College Foundation.

We are looking forward to these events again in 2023. Thank you to the hard working Committee that ensures the Old Boys & Friends Association continues to co-host successful events with the College.

PARTNER WITH US DONATIONS AND BEQUESTS

When you give to St Edmund’s College, you are directly investing in our students and supporting their growth and development.

Making a philanthropic gift to the College enables countless opportunities for future generations of Eddies students, including your own child. Our students will enjoy an exceptional and vibrant education that will set them up for a bright and prosperous future.

Your gift allows the College to fulfil its vision of a world where we can provide an education which challenges young men to be the best they can be and opens doors to their future.

WAYS TO GIVE

There are several ways that you can financially support the work of St Edmund’s College. Many donations have tax deductibility status for Australian donors.

One off or regular donation to St Edmund’s College Building Fund

Give a donation so that it can be used where it is most needed. The St Edmund’s College Building Fund enables the community to make a direct contribution to the refurbishment, maintenance and future development of infrastructure at the College. Please contact the College on 6239 0621 and ask to speak to the Principal, or email principal@stedmunds. act.edu.au or make a donation online by following this link and select Building Fund.

One off or regular donation to the St Edmund’s College Foundation

Inspired by the charism of Edmund Rice, the St Edmund’s College Foundation was established to give financial assistance to marginalised or disadvantaged families so that the cost of educating their sons would be alleviated. Since its inception in 1988 the Foundation has supported the education of hundreds of young men at St Edmund’s. Your donation to the Foundation will enable families in need of help in educating their sons leaving a lasting legacy that will benefit current students as well as students for generations to come.

For more information on how to donate contact foundation@stedmunds.act.edu.au or 6239 0673, or make a donation by following this link and select St Edmund’s College Foundation.

Make a bequest

Those who have experienced the special quality of St Edmund’s can make bequests to the College, so we can continue to deliver excellence in education in the Edmund Rice tradition. A bequest is a very personal form of giving, and a gift to St Edmund’s provides you with the opportunity to create a lasting educational legacy to our future generations of young men.

Please contact us on 6239 0621 and ask to speak to the Principal if you are interested in giving in this way, or email principal@stedmunds.act.edu.au.

JOHN OWENS

Chair, College Advisory Council

Firstly, I would like to express what an honour and privilege it is for me to be the Chair of the College Advisory Council. As a former Christian Brothers boy (from Tamworth), the son of a Christian Brothers boy (my father went to Nudgee), and the father and step-father of Eddies boys, I feel greatly honoured to be able to continue a threegeneration association with the Blessed Edmund Rice-inspired education charism, now in the form of Edmund Rice Education Australia (EREA), here at St Edmund’s College Canberra.

EREA is undergoing important changes to its structure and governance arrangements, bringing it into line with community expectations and modern governance requirements. This process is still unfolding for St Edmund’s, but I think it important to note that these changes to governance will occur in the background, and have little day-today impact in the quality of care, attention, and educational excellence received by our boys at Eddies.

2022 was a big year for the College. Our recovery from the pressures and challenges imposed on the College by COVID 19 (and the Government’s response to it) continued, and the pattern of College life completed its return to business as normal. I am very conscious that the initial COVID 19 response period imposed great pressure on our boys and their families, with many of the normal rituals – and milestone events – of College life being disrupted for the classes of 2020 and 2021. So it was great to see 2022 regain something of a ‘normal’ pattern.

With the easing of COVID 19 restrictions, we enjoyed a number of community events that had been missing from our calendar in the previous two years, including a great Blue and White Ball, Edmums events, and a very successful Heritage Day.

2022 was also marked by a number of new partnerships for St Edmund’s. An exciting new sports partnership with the University of Canberra (in the form of the Canberra Sports Academy

Program) was launched in June 2022, and we are already seeing its benefits in terms of our boys going on to study at UC and new boys coming to Eddies to be part of the program. In addition, we also saw new or expanded partnerships with the Canberra Raiders, the Hyatt Hotel Canberra, and Accelerate Physio. These partnerships reflect and enhance our deep links with the Canberra community, and provide new and exciting educational pathways and opportunities for our students.

In 2022 the SAC has seen a number of new members joining the Council, increasing the size, diversity, and array of professional experience available to the Council. Joe Zavone and I were delighted to welcome new members Wendy Brookman, Deb Clayton-Baker, Chris Collett, Julie Fitzgerald, Jamie Haynes, Sarah Kelly, and Craig Wagstaff to the Advisory Council in 2022. I would also like to record my thanks and appreciation to Nichole Overall, former Chair and now Member for Monaro in the NSW Parliament, and Lara Kirk, who both finished on the Council in 2022 after several years of service to Eddies and our community.

In September 2022 the Advisory Council participated in a thought provoking and very successful strategic planning day with the College Leadership team and senior staff, where we considered the current situation of the College and its future directions. This activity has resulted in the development of a new Strategic Directions document which will be launched in 2023.

2022 was a successful year for St Edmund’s, and on behalf of the entire College community I would like to express our gratitude and admiration for the College staff, led by Joe Zavone. I feel very fortunate that our boys receive such care and encouragement from our dedicated staff, who reflect in their care and dedication the example of Blessed Edmund Rice.

JAMES KEELEY Class of 2001 “The Benefit of Perspective”

After 20 years since leaving St Edmunds College as a student, I still have a clear and lasting perspective on the experiences that shaped me into the person I am today.

The most notable part of my school experience was the strong friendships that were formed. We learnt how to reply on each other for companionship and support, resulting in close-knit bonds that have lasted decades and some inside jokes that still get used to this day. We still have regular opportunities to catch up where we reminisce about old times and try and recall details that seem to be embellished as the years pass.

Co-Curricular offerings were another defining part of a school experience at St Edmunds, there was always a strong focus on physical activity and competition that helped embed the friendships I mentioned above. I became involved in several different sports, with most of my time on the field going into rugby union and cricket. I learned the value of teamwork and developed a strong sense of camaraderie by playing alongside my classmates at training and on the weekends. We would spend hours each week playing touch football and cricket at lunch and then take to the field on the weekends to compete against other schools, some with more passionate rivalries than others. These experiences helped build my confidence and develop the ability to work with a diverse range of personalities to achieve a common goal. A learning experience that has benefited me ever since in career and personal life.

One aspect of my school experience that I have particularly fond memories of are the camps we went on, especially going down to the school’s property, The Pines at Tuross on the South Coast of NSW. These camps came around annually and allowed us to escape the demands of school and connect with our peers, the staff and nature. We participated in outdoor activities such as surfing, snorkelling, hiking, and building epic sandcastles. We did flag races on the beach and even got time for king of the ring. We learned life skills such as setting up, serving, and cleaning at each mealtime, to organise ourselves and how to find the Milo in the kitchen in the middle of the night. We had to rely on each other, and to appreciate the beauty of the location and the connection to our faith that shone through with the outdoor liturgies and reflection

activities. Some of us had the chance to spend time on the stump of reflection if we couldn’t get to sleep and others honed their ping pong skills. These experiences gave us a sense of freedom, responsibilities and independence that only come from being away from school with your friends.

Some other memories that will never fade include the pie in a bun available at the canteen, a carbloaded delight that was a hit at lunch time. I still crave one of those pies every now and then, and they always bring back memories of my school days. Trying to avoid being under one of the bells when it rang was a daily challenge. Four-goal tennis ball soccer in the original quad was a fastpaced and highly competitive game that tested everyone’s agility, reflexes, and the strength of the glue on the sole of your shoes. It was always a race to secure one of these spaces between the planter boxes before school or recess. Working in maintenance crew during school holidays and while at university gave me a deeper appreciation for the hard work and dedication that goes into maintaining a school full of boys. Giving ourselves a self-nominated ‘brick of the year award’ that went above the chapel (and may well still exist?). Singing the school song in the Hall and learning how to pronounce ‘who’ with such force that it shook the windows. Travelling to the UK on a Rugby Tour, our friendly boxing competitions in the common room, having only a few computers in the entire school and finally taking ownership of Standen Oval as Year 12 Students.

After finishing high school, I pursued further education in Applied Science through the University of Canberra, Religious Education studies through ACU, Positive Education with the University of Melbourne, Psychology with the University of New England, and Social Science Honours at Charles Sturt University. My curious approach to learning was triggered at St Edmunds College, and I am grateful for the foundation it provided me with. I have also been working towards a degree in leadership with Deakin University, and I found my experiences at St Edmund’s have been invaluable in shaping my approach to leadership and education.

In fact, my love for education and the experiences I had at St Edmunds College were so profound that I ended up going back to work there as a teacher for 9 years, teaching Science and being

involved with social justice initiatives both locally and to India. I also held positions of leadership in pastoral care and acting positions in curriculum. It was a unique opportunity for me to give back to the school that had given me so much, and it was also an opportunity for me to connect with a new generation of students and to help shape their lives in the same way that my teachers had shaped mine. It was an incredibly rewarding experience, and I am grateful for the opportunity to have made a difference in the lives of so many young men.

Today, I am still involved in the independent Catholic sector as an educator and clearly remember my departing address to the staff, outlining that my ambition to return the College as a senior leader was the driver for my departure. As a former student and teacher at St Edmund”s College, I feel a strong sense of loyalty and connection to the school which means I intend to return to the

College someday. The idea of another chance to give back to the community that has given me so much, and to continue the proud traditions of the school for years to come is appealing.

My experiences at St Edmund’s College have had a profound and lasting impact on my life. The strong friendships, the focus on co-curricular offerings and healthy activity, the connection and authenticity of the staff have all helped shape me into the person I am today. I am grateful for the foundation that the school provided me with and for the opportunities it has given me to grow and develop as an individual. I would encourage anyone who has the opportunity to attend St Edmunds College to seize it, as the experiences and memories that can be gained from such an environment are truly irreplaceable.

Edmund’s to the fore.

YANDANII (TONY) LISTON

Original Student from 1954, Class of 1961

It seems like only last year I attended, with my father, the exciting, significant functions marking the genesis of St. Edmund’s College. There were ceremonies such as laying the foundation stone, turning the first sod, first enrolment day etc. I am Number 19 on day one enrolments.

I guess parents were kept informed by announcements at Sunday Mass and pupils such as I were instructed to go as usual to our old school on Day One, 2nd February 1954. I had attended St. Patrick’s Braddon, and there we were met by the first Christian Brother I had ever seen, then herded onto a bus proudly wearing the new uniform, including the “donkey’s breakfast” hat, and driven to Eddies. Being in 4th Class I stood in the front row for the Day One photographs. It’s funny the things one remembers, I can clearly recall hearing for the first time a new song being played on the radio while I dressed for that day. What was a surprise to me was the fact other boys from St. Christopher’s and St. Gregory’s Queanbeyan also turned up, a whole lot of new faces. Two of those I met that morning are in regular contact to this day.

What comes to mind when comparing the school as it is today with the early years are the current magnificent sports fields, as we had a quadrangle and a lot of paddocks with thistles, lizards and jackjumpers.

It is a fact I didn’t enjoy school at all and thus didn’t achieve much. At that time I didn’t realise the importance of education and so had to study Mathematics and Physics, along with other subjects, by correspondence many years later to advance in my career as a hydrographer.

I did enjoy the football though, right from the start Rugby was the main code. This leads me to relate the only scam I will admit to. It is to do with the free milk issue to Primary pupils. In my final year I was selected to play Number 7 in the First 15 and cold milk after training, or any day after class for a hungry teenager, was very attractive but we weren’t entitled to any as Secondary pupils. Thus a rotating roster was drawn up amongst the team and as soon we heard the rattling metal milk crates being delivered daily outside the tuck-shop, two of us from separate classes would ask to be excused, meet on the stairs, grab one end each of a whole crate and transfer it into the basement locker room. On the way out we took the crate of empties from the previous day and put it beside the new ones, so when the Junior School recess bell sounded and they descended on the milk like a plague of locusts, nobody noticed that there was already one crate finished. I should explain that the milk was in returnable 1/3rd pint glass bottles, not homogenised so there was cream on top. We were never busted and the scheme worked so well we kept it going after football season until final days.

No tale of early “Eddies” would be complete without a mention of the famous strap, plied for the least reason. The long, black habit worn by the Brothers had a narrow, special pocket sewn in like a holster and the dreaded leather was never far away. No names given but a strap was once stolen in my class and next day small segments were for sale in the playground as souvenirs for half the price of a meat pie from the tuck-shop. Two of us ate meat pies for lunch for a week and ill-gotten gains taste better, saying Grace before eating made it O.K. During the dissection of the booty, it was discovered that a hack-saw blade formed the core to make the thing more rigid.

Events at end of year for Year 12 students in recent times remind me of our final instructions from “The Shark” which were to do absolutely nothing, don’t

even think about it because he said nobody would matriculate without his signature. On the last day we went home, changed out of uniform for the last time and that was it.

At one time I had four grandsons attending St. Edmund’s, that is now down to two. My greatgrandchildren go to school in another city so a continuation is not likely.

Probably my greatest regret is that I didn’t work hard enough at school, perhaps I wasn’t mature enough then because in later years I found study to be easy. I have been a student now for the last eight years and enrolled at Charles Sturt University at age seventy-six to deepen my knowledge of my First Nation Wiradjuri Language and Culture.

PAUL MUNSLOW

Class of 1991

I am honored to write this article. Here are my recollections and thoughts as a student 1983-1991 and beyond.

Even before I set foot in the school, the family connection was strong. My beloved Mum was at the school opening in 1954 as a 10-year-old and it’s alleged a time capsule exists inside the statue of Mary, and Mum signed it! One for the serious school historians to validate. My uncle attended the school from 1970 to 1975. So blue and white runs deep.

As a nine-year-old from a small primary school, I felt very much like a tadpole in a large ocean full of sharks! My earliest memory was the time of the terrible Ash Wednesday fires in February 1983 – the sense of school community was evident by way of fundraising and prayers in the hall – the space felt gargantuan, and the Year 12 students seemed like hulking beasts with a lot of swagger. You clearly didn’t want to look at them the wrong way!

Memories of primary school centered around sport. Most notably being plucked out of class to be a ball boy for Ricky Stuart and David Furner on Owens Oval for their kicking practice – it was a boy’s own adventure on steroids! Perhaps I was the most enthusiastic or annoying, but I was incredibly lucky to be picked by the Harlem Globetrotters in the gym to be taught a few tricks, kicking off an interest in basketball.

A few facilities stand out from my younger years that some may not be aware of. The outdoor trampolines outside the common room and the outdoor pool located indoors at the bottom of the building opposite Owens Oval. Whilst these facilities were fun back in the day, I can only imagine the school’s risk exposure in the litigious world we live in!

Whilst respecting and loving the tradition and proud history of rugby at St Edmund’s, Australian Rules football should be acknowledged and celebrated too. The most famous alumnus is the godfather of VFL/AFL, Alex Jesaulenko. I was fortunate enough to meet him in 2018 and he spoke very fondly of his time at our school. Many former students contributed heavily to the success of what was known as the ACTAFL in the halcyon days of local football.

In secondary school, by far my best memory was representing the school in the blue and white vertical stripes. The boys born in ’73 and ’74 enjoyed incredible success winning many premierships and unearthing a few who made it to the big time. Our team (’74) was a tight unit going through seasons undefeated, and the trips to Kilmore to test ourselves against Victorian school powerhouse Assumption College were filled with great times and memories.

Nowadays, the brotherhood of the mighty class of ‘91 is as strong as ever. We love talking about memories of our time in the great blue and white institution. We love banter and even to this day it has a way of keeping you grounded as it did at school, but supporting each other in times of need is the important stuff. As we charge towards our 50’s, we all have different life challenges. I know this firsthand, having recently lost both my parents in consecutive years and having the support of men whom I’ve known for over 40 years. This is incredibly special - one could say this is the positive part of social media!

To this day, I regularly think about those in the school community who we lost way too soon –they will never be forgotten and will always remain part of our tribe.

Since leaving school, with a great sense of pride, I have followed and continue to follow happenings at the school along with current and former students. Outside of the obvious, many have done amazing things in many fields (too many to mention). It’s been a long-held belief of mine that a public facing Hall of Fame showcasing the wonderful contributions students have made would be a great opportunity to reflect on the role the school has played in young men’s lives and to society in general.

More broadly, the brotherhood and sense of belonging has been enhanced by the splendid work of the Old Boys & Friends Association. Matt De Jongh (classmate of ’91) has done and continues to do, with many others, an amazing job building the community with a single common interest –‘Eddies’. I attend as many functions as possible, which are getting bigger and better each time. Hairs still stand up on the back of my neck when

hearing the school song sung at various events with as much gusto by a bunch of old boys as back at school!

In my view, the growth experienced by the Association in the last five years would not have happened without the support of Principal Joe Zavone – thanks Joe. I urge anyone with a connection to the school to get involved via the school website.

An indication of what the school means in my world was the memorial service held for my Mum at school chapel in 2021. Mum’s funeral was held interstate and due to the sudden nature of her passing and COVID restrictions, the family wanted to do something to honour her in Canberra. My immediate thought was that the school chapel would be fitting given the history. I then contacted Joe Zavone out of the blue and from that initial contact, I felt connected with the school more than any time since ’91. The service was beautiful, and I know Mum would have been as proud as punch - thank you Joe and to Assistant Principal Michael Monagle.

Since leaving school over 30 years ago, I have predominantly worked in technology in both the public and private sectors and continue to study, most recently, at the MIT Sloan School of Management. Some of my former teachers may be very surprised!

I left the leafy inner south of Canberra in 2007 for Melbourne, amongst other things, to follow my lifelong passion – for better or worse, the Carlton Football Club. I am married with 2 kids – I hope the kids have the same strong sense of intangible connection with their schools one day. The only thing I had to give up by living in Melbourne was the fact my son won’t be able to follow in my footsteps and grow up to be an ‘Eddies boy’.

In closing, going through this writing process has reminded me just how special the school is, and how it nurtured and shaped me whilst I was going through less than ideal circumstances as a student, and for this, I will always be grateful and will do whatever I can to help continue to build the school and help it reach its glory.

My message to current and future students is simple: be proud, understand and embrace the tradition and history, but most of all, write your own pages of history and take the school forward and make it something you can be proud of 30 years after your journey is over.

These lyrics say it best…

“Who shall dare to stain our glory?

Who shall mock our noble story?!

Let our song be forever more!

Edmund’s to the Fore!”

JOHN ROGERS Original Student from 1954, Class of 1961

Number 55 was my number when I enrolled for St Edmund’s. No, not a prison number, a number to be proud of and a number I fondly remember.

Sunday October 14 1951 was the laying of the Foundation Stone - a very important time in St Edmund’s history. Stan Cusack (our neighbour), drove our family there in his big black car. Not many people had cars back then, so it was a treat. I can just remember the ceremony as I was only 6, but will never forget the refreshments and cakes to which we were treated.

7 December 1953 was enrolment day for me. Everyone was excited to go to a brand-new school. I lined up with my parents and received the number 55.

The first day of school was on 2 February 1954, which saw 330 students enter the corridors and classrooms of the school. I was in 4th class (or Year 4 as it is known today). By the time the year was out, the school had swelled to over 400 students from all over Canberra, Queanbeyan and outlying districts. The classrooms had numbers of up to 81 boys per class - too many faces, too many names.

As the bell rang the whole school marched down the driveway to our classes. It was an exciting day. Our photos were taken and recorded for the archives. My photo to this day is in the 50th Anniversary book (pp.14).

Our uniform was quite different to what the young men wear today. We all had brand new uniforms with straw boaters (Donkeys Breakfasts we called them) - you would know them as hats. We all thought we looked smart, although the Government school students had a different idea. On our bus to school, they used our hats as frisbees, either throwing them out of the windows or grabbing the rims and pulling them down until the top gave away. The bus driver had to stop frequently for us to retrieve them.

Most kids either walked to school or caught the bus as bicycles were not allowed to be ridden to school. However, that was quickly ignored, and you would often walk with your mate to a nearby houses where they were stored to collect them at the end of the day. Eventually after a short time bicycles were allowed as it was every kid’s mode of transport in the day.

On Wednesday 22 September 1954 the school gathered on the front lawn to watch the statue of Mary hoisted to replace the Celtic Cross. I still look up at Mary when I go by the school and remember the day the silver casket with all the names of first students, brothers, and others under her was positioned to replace the Celtic Cross. My name is on that.

Dress sense and neatness was a big thing with the Brothers. We had an assembly every morning in the quadrangle. Shoes, nails, socks etc. had to be perfect and if they weren’t we either got a stern warning or, if it happened to many times, “the strap” prevailed.

The Brothers at the time “Ruled by the Strap”. Homework not finished, talking in class, socks down or a wrong haircut resulted in a strap across the hand. If you were lucky you were sent to the front lawn to dig out the paspalum (weeds) for an hour. Once there was an incident in the 4th Year where someone had cut one of the Brother’s straps into small pieces. We waited with bated breath for him to pick it up. It didn’t take long for him to grab it and he was surprised to only pick-up a small piece (as was the student about to receive it). There was no strap given and still to this day, no one has owned up.

Short back and sides were the haircut of choice. No crewcut or mullets in my day. I am amazed to see the students now sporting all sorts of styles including Secondary school boys wearing shorts! In my day shorts were for Primary boys, (Summer or Winter) and long pants were mandatory for the Secondary boys - how things have changed!

Marbles and yo-yos were a popular pastime at lunch. The grounds had not been developed so there were plenty of areas to dig holes for “Poison Hole”, along with dusty places for ring marbles. I recall an expert in yo-yos visiting the school to show us all the tricks and so the yo-yo craze continued

School concerts were in the Albert Hall as we did not have a Hall and all the parents were involved in some way and contributed to the running of the concerts.

We had some great teachers that I can remember. One was Miss Anne Cusack (the boys called her “Cutie”), who taught History and Elocution for

Eisteddfods where we were very successful.

Miss Cusack taught me Ancient History and drove a very small bubble car. One day it happened to end up on the front steps next to the front door. Some of the senior boys were asked to carry it back down and reposition it in the carpark. No idea how it got up there and again no one to this day has owned up.

Miss Pat Turner another wonderful lady taught piano and violin in the small room opposite the original Headmaster’s office. Miss Turner, now Mrs Sloan, taught many a St Edmund’s boy music and later taught my two daughters the piano to very high grades - she failed with me.

Athletic and sports carnivals were played at the Manuka Oval as in those early years the school oval did not exist like it does today. Boxing tournaments were held outside in a boxing ring on the original quadrangle with exhibition matches held in a small room adjacent to the tuckshop (canteen). The tuckshop was started by my mother which she ran for many years. Boxing was very serious, and everyone was encouraged to participate. I loved the boxing tournaments and was often a participant. One day I beat Tony Culnane in the championships until he had a lucky hit on my nose which bled, and I was instantly disqualified. Tony’s name is in the Anniversary book next to Champion.

Free milk (in small bottles) was delivered to the school every day for all the students. All schools in Australia received free milk. It was a treat and the Canberra weather made it drinkable. My wife however lived in Brisbane when she was growing up where it was left out in the hot sun and to this day, she cannot drink milk.

The October Appeal was introduced in those early years to pay off the interest on the school loan. We were given a blue card to ask for donations from our neighbours and friends, sixpence a square. One enterprising young student stood on a corner

of the Civic shops asking for donations to fill up his card. Needless to say, he was given a School Blazer for collecting so much.

I remember I was picked to represent ACT Rugby only to be told by the coach that St Edmund’s and Canberra Boys Grammar were disqualified to play as we were from a private religious school. An Association of Schools was then formed (comprised of St Edmund’s, Canberra Boys Grammar, St Pat’s Goulburn and St Michael’s Inveralochy) to create a rugby tournament. Many a weekend was spent travelling to playing Rugby at these fearsome schools.

There were four houses in my day - Hayden, Tracey, Clancy and Rice. I was in Rice House and we won the championships in 1954. I collected several medals in swimming, and in those days, we received a brass cup for our efforts - which I still have to this day.

School only went to 5th Year (Year 11) in those days. 5th Year was the year we matriculated (graduated) until the Wyndham Scheme was introduced in 1962 extending high school to six years. We had a series of 5th Year exams which were held in the hall at Telopea Park High School. Everyone from all the schools in Canberra sat the same exams in this hall on the same day and we didn’t get our results until just before Christmas.

I have many fond memories and not so fond memories of school, but I am and always will be a St Edmund’s boy. My grandson (Callum) is at St Edmund’s completing his last year this year. He is Rice House captain this year and is following the family tradition of being in the same house as me. It is so nice to hear from him about all the things the school does for its students and how over the past 69 years and from my experiences it has changed for the better. St Edmund’s is a school that I am now proud to be a founding student of and I am honoured to be asked to contribute to the Pelican.

St Edmund’s College BUILDING FUND

The St Edmund’s College Building Fund enables the community to make a direct contribution to the refurbishment, maintenance and development of infrastructure at the College.

Like many independent schools, St Edmund’s depends on the support of the entire community - school fees and government grants alone do not support new capital projects, major maintenance and restoration of existing buildings, or the on-going support and enhancement of the College’s scholarship programmes.

We would like to provide our students across the College with learning spaces which:

• Can be adapted to accommodate learning modes and technology

• Create opportunities for students to learn independently and in groups

• Support collaborative learning and teaching for students and teachers

• Provide optimum learning conditions that are aesthetically appropriate

How to Contribute

1. Visit our College website at https://sec.act.edu.au

2. Find ‘Links’ at the top or bottom of the page.

3. Click on ‘Online Payment’ which should take you to our College Payment Portal.

4. In the ‘Event’ selection menu, click ‘Voluntary Building Fund’

“All gifts support our future, and whether large or small, gifts are greatly appreciated and assist the College’s vision to develop boys into young men of strong character.”

St Edmund’s College

A Catholic School in the Edmund Rice Tradition. Educating boys Years 4 to 12 since 1954.

110 Canberra Avenue, Griffith ACT 02 6295 3598 reception@stedmunds.act.edu.au sec.act.edu.au