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