Principal’s Report Page 4

are committed to developing programs and practices which are specific, explicit and clear in their intention and their message. We will regularly review our programs from Years 4 to 12 within this context – our programs in Health and Physical Education, formation, camps and retreats and pastoral care. The nature and timing around the specific issue of consent will be an integral part of our review. We are committed to working with our parents and carers in a closer manner, providing parents and carers with programs addressing these issues, allowing us to forge our partnership even further. We will notify you very soon of the first of these programs.

Brent Sanders delivering a presentation on respectful relationships.

Whilst we acknowledge the fact that the vast majority of students and ex-students of St Edmund’s College are trustworthy boys and men who consistently demonstrate appropriate behaviour, respect and integrity, we must also acknowledge that there are many issues to be addressed when it comes to the nature of interactions between men and women and we must never be complacent and think that we have done enough.

The last point in the Statement of Eddies Pride states that we want our young men to reflect the College motto, Christus Lux Mea (Christ is My Light) in all that they say and do. The values of the College are firmly founded in the words and actions of Jesus Christ. We are determined that the concepts of respectful relationships and the dignity of the human person are not only covered in our programs, but are lived out, everywhere and every day. In an age where young people have very easy access to pornography and are provided with warped images of status and power in a relationship, we must continue to partner with our parents, carers and community in being countercultural in actively educating our young men at St Edmund’s, forming a healthy and positive culture of appropriate and acceptable mindsets and behaviours. We will continue to use the Statement of Eddies Pride and the Touchstones of Edmund Rice Education Australia (Liberating Education, Gospel Spirituality, Inclusive Community, Justice and Solidarity) as our foundational documents in this work.

Parents, carers and our community will be kept informed on these matters as we continue to develop our current approach in this area.

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 ongoing support and enhancement of the college’s scholarship programmes.

• 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

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

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.

College Advisory Council Chair’s Report Nicole Overall

There’s change, evolution occurring as I write this - much-needed and broadly, a very good thing.

This change is about relationships. Not only between men and women, but between individuals, and each of us as unique human beings deserving of dignity and respect. It is about addressing long-entrenched notions and outdated thinking that has essentially never been correct or helpful.

It is about dealing with imbalances and skewing of power and perception - how do we view and treat others, and through this prism, how does this reflect on who we are and how we wish to be viewed and treated?

The expectation of being afforded dignity is not a privilege, it is a right. Whether or not someone has the same interests as you, barracks for the same footy team, or believes in something or someone other than what you do.

Unfortunately, such acknowledgement can be seen as rather lacking in many of today’s settings, and seemingly exacerbated across social platforms, in the news, within the political sphere.

Inevitably, there’s negativity and confusion, often stemming from hurt, marginalisation and even fear.

Under this current, quite heavy burden, it is easy to be weighed down by the feeling the challenge is too great. More than ever though, what is needed is to stand up - stand up, look the issue squarely in the eye and ask the hard questions: what can I do to ensure my actions and behaviours don’t contribute to the perpetuation and cultivation of environments that potentially harm and de-humanise others?

Much of the focus is on men and boys. Along with being a wife, I am the mother of sons, former Eddies’ boys, and I have spoken with many, many other mothers, and fathers, who have asked how we can help our young men navigate their way and be the best people they can be.

For true and lasting change to be effected, it must be positive and pro-active. Leadership leads change. At home, in the school yard, in the community and at the highest levels.