Mission and Identity Report

Mission and Identity

Anthony Beacroft

In a COVID 19 interrupted year there were still some highlights for 2021. Our combined Easter Liturgy with St Joseph’s was outstanding. The involvement and performances from music and drama students was excellent. Many of our Masses that would normally be celebrated with the whole College or parents were unfortunately postponed.

The Sacramental Program continued in 2021 where nine students had the opportunity to complete their sacraments in a special Mass celebrated with Bishop Anthony and Father Greg at St Patrick’s Parish. In a beautiful ceremony our students were received into the Church. With their parents and friends present, each candidate received a certificate to acknowledge the reception of the Sacraments. Students in the Sacramental Program were: Ben Geddes-Brown, Dominic Dodd, Liam Downs, Harry Call, Lachlan Roach, Lachlan O’Brien, Thomas Perham, Aaron Markey, Taj Gooley.

The goal of the Religious Education program at St Edward’s is always to follow the spirit of the Charter. The students have had ample opportunities through our Social Justice program to put into practice what they have learnt in the classroom about helping those in need.

Students were able to attend the Year 12 Retreat at Mulgoa before COVID returned. We were able to spend three wonderful days discussing and learning about issues of a spiritual nature. The retreats of 2021 will be remembered for the great enthusiasm and involvement of all students who attended. Thanks to all the staff that gave up their time to attend and for their invaluable involvement during the retreats. Parents and staff should be very proud of the input and maturity shown by Year 12.

The Year 11 Street Retreat which is a social justice immersion to Sydney, was excellent for half the cohort. Unfortunately, COVID prevented the second group having this experience. We will attempt to make it happen in Term 1 of 2022.

The Year 10 retreat was a lovely day of learning at North Avoca Surf Club that culminated with a spiritual liturgy at the end of the day. On behalf of all the staff who contributed to this experience I would like to thank all students for their involvement and enthusiasm. You were outstanding ambassadors for yourself and your family.

St Edward’s would like to thank Father Greg who has had to be flexible with changes that have had to be made this year. He was still able to celebrate a few Masses with the students and always makes them meaningful and significant celebrations for our students.

Some new liturgical groups have been introduced and received enthusiastic support from many students. There is a group of boys who have helped to convert our ERC into a sacred space every time we have Mass. I thank these boys for their enthusiasm and creativity. The following boys have consistently served at Mass and have been doing a great job: Alex Golden, Jai Heaney and Jett Heaney. Well done boys.

The music provided at our liturgies this year has been outstanding. Due to restrictions many students have had to perform solo and have done an excellent job. Your high standards will be something for younger students to aspire to in the years to come. Thanks to Mr Toole, Mr Charles and Mrs Emmett for their continual support and involvement with their music students. Some of the performances this year had to be seen to be believed.

A group of students has reliably assisted at liturgies. They operate the bio-box and do a fantastic job making sure that everything runs smoothly, thank you Jordi Gupte, Cohen Sutton and Oscar Woolford for your problem solving and assistance and the IT department headed by Mr Friend for making sure that any problems are quickly rectified.

To Mr Claridge in the Maintenance Department and his team of helpers a big thank you for the mountain of work you get through every time there is an event at the College.

An unsung hero of many events at the College and especially our Masses is Mrs Donnelly. She takes great interest and pride in ensuring mass booklets are immaculately presented and accurate, thanks Brenda.

I would like to thank our Principal, Mr Bonnici and our Deputy Principal Mr Sutton for their amazing leadership and support of the Religious Education initiatives conducted at the College. Thanks also to all the Pastoral Leaders, and staff who generously give their time to make these experiences available to the boys.

The Religious Education program would be meaningless without action in the community. Our Leader of Learning Social Justice, Mr Dell and his many helpers bring the Religious Education program to life through all the charitable works they perform. Thanks also to our Leader of Learning Religious Education, Mrs Palmer-Brown who keeps our Religious Education program running so efficiently.

Finally, I would like to express my sincere thanks to the Religion teachers in the College for their dedication and hard work in the classroom. The unique atmosphere that the teachers create enables the students to focus on the Good News we want to pass on to them. May God bless you and keep you safe.