Newsletter - Term 4, Week 5 - 1 November

On Wednesday night we celebrated The Homecoming, a Rite of Passage that marks the final stage of a program run in Year 10 EMC called The Rite Journey. But what is a Rite of Passage? Ideally, it’s a ritual, a ceremony that marks the juncture where an individual leaves one group to enter another. The move is accompanied by a change of status. There might be new rights and freedoms but also new expectations and responsibilities.

Experts say that a good rite of passage should set up Cognitive Dissonance in its participants. Cognitive Dissonance might you ask? Cognitive Dissonance, a discomfort triggered when a person’s beliefs are challenged by new information.

During this ceremony, we had the honour of hearing insights about the journeys some of our young men have undertaken throughout the year, as they explored their identities and their roles in the world. Through this process of self-discovery, they faced challenges to their beliefs, strengths and weaknesses, leading to moments of Cognitive Dissonance. In grappling with this discomfort, they began to shed the facades they wear daily and confront the emerging adults within them.

It might seem contradictory, but by prioritising self-awareness, they have gained the ability to be more attentive to others, embracing the notion that “it’s not always about you.”

Throughout this year, both in the classroom and during the Challenge Camp, Rite Journey educators have accompanied these young men on their path. Parents, caregivers and mentors have also played vital roles in supporting them. This journey has included challenges, uncomfortable silences, disappointments and frustrations, but it has also been filled with victories, learned lessons, joys and celebrations.

On Wednesday evening, our young men symbolically transitioned from boyhood to manhood. However, it’s crucial to acknowledge that this journey is far from over. “This is not the end, it’s not even the beginning of the end. It’s the end of the beginning”.

The Homecoming isn’t a destination; it’s a signpost, a waypoint on the journey, where our young men can take stock, sit and reflect, look back down the road and say, “how far I’ve come!”, “how much I’ve learned!” and then, assured with a better knowledge of themselves, turn to face the road ahead.

Masks to represent the boys left behind were ritually burned and white shirts representing the men to come were accepted. The journey from here will be long and hopefully fruitful, with many new experiences.

Our young Eddies Men have taken a step forward. But as always, here at Eddies, they’re not alone; our Team walks with them, in trust and love. I’m sure all of us who have experienced it, will agree that the journey from youth to adulthood isn’t easy.

To all our Eddies Men, we the Eddies Team, pledge our support, as guiding hands, as annoying reminders and as steadfast supporters. We hope they may be all they can be, that they find happiness and success and that they make a difference in this world.

Student Leadership Team 2025

Also on Wednesday, the College commissioned the Student Leadership Team for 2025. These young men have now begun their leader journey with commitment and enthusiasm. I congratulate them and look forward to continuing to work with them in their senior year.

College Captains

• Joey Baker
• Kaelan McNamara
• Harrison Vidler
• Lawrenze Villanueva

House Captains

• Levi Siala - Ambrose House
• Cooper Simpson - Callan House
• William Schreiber - Elliott House
• Lachlan Severn - Finn House
• William Tatt - Ignatius House
• Gabriel Shirley - Morgan House
• Liam Costello - Rice House
• Tyler Anstey - Treacy House

Committee Leaders

• Jackson Black - Academic Committee
• Joshua Rooney - Academic Committee
• Patrick Albion - Activities Committee
• Dean Powell - Activities Committee
• Blake Loughman - Community Committee
• Harrison Rule - Community Committee
• Tomas Jendra - Mission Committee

Junior House Leaders

• Heath Beattie - Ambrose House
• Lucas Phipps - Ambrose House
• Eli Evans - Callan House
• Jett Floyde Smith - Callan House
• Cooper Gatfield - Elliott House
• Lachlan Stone - Elliott House
• Brady Mitchell - Finn House
• Thomas Sizer - Finn House
• Nathan Affleck - Ignatius House
• Nicholas Jackson - Ignatius House
• Ian Bae - Morgan House
• Jude Taylor - Morgan House
• Timothy Keenan - Rice House
• Benjamin Small - Rice House
• William Sorensen - Treacy House
• Tate Waddle - Treacy House

As you would be aware St Edmund’s College operates a textbook hire scheme for the benefit of all students at the College. The success and viability of this scheme is contingent upon the timely return of texts in good condition that allows for their redistribution to students for use in subsequent years. Unlike other schools, we do not charge a levy or require students to purchase texts separately. Often these costs are in the vicinity of $250 to $400. To assist us with the maintenance of the scheme we require your support in ensuring that your son’s texts are returned in good condition and in accordance with the timelines set out below:

YEAR 12 TEXTBOOK RETURN DATES

• Friday 18 October - ALL  books NOT needed for Exams **OVER DUE**
• Tuesday 12 November - All remaining books

As you would understand we require students to return all textbooks before the end of term or their departure from the College to allow for cleaning, bagging and replacement arrangements to be made for next year.

Payment for any lost or damaged textbooks can be made at the College Reception.

Term 4 - Week 6

Monday 4 November

• QCAA External Exams continue

Wednesday 6 November

• Year 9 Camp

Thursday 7 November

• Year 9 Camp

Friday 8 November

• Year 9 Camp

Term 4 - Week 7

Monday 11 November

• QCAA External Exams continue
  
• Walk to Remember
• Remembrance Day Assembly

Wednesday 13 November

• Year 12 Valedictory Dinner

Friday 15 November

• 2025 Years 5, 6 and 7 Welcome Afternoon

Term 4 - Week 8

Thursday 21 November

• Junior Concert - 6:00 pm

Term 4 - Week 9

Monday 25 November

• Years 7 - 10 Assessment period

Tuesday 26 November

• Years 7 - 10 Assessment period

Wednesday 27 November

• Years 7 - 10 Assessment period

Thursday 28 November

• Years 7 - 10 Assessment period

Friday 29 November

• Years 7 - 10 Assessment period
• Christmas Liturgy
• Term 4 Concludes

In each newsletter, we will bring you an article from SchoolTV. It’s never been more challenging for parents and caregivers to raise happy, healthy and resilient children. The SchoolTV platform provides an extensive range of wellbeing resources for parents and caregivers, so together with the College, we can all work together to ensure better wellbeing for all students.

Over recent months, there has been a growing concern about the impending epidemic affecting young people in relation to the use of e-cigarettes and the trendy pastime of vaping. As this activity grows in popularity, most teenagers are unaware of the associated risks and the potential impact vaping can have on their development and overall health.

Vaping is the act of inhaling a vapour created by an electronic cigarette, or e-cigarette. Although vaping is often marketed as being the “healthy” alternative to smoking, doctors advise that if you do not smoke, then you should not start vaping. Although vaping products are infused with enticing flavours, many contain high levels of nicotine as well as other chemicals and additives, that when inhaled, can cause severe damage to the lungs.

Australia has strict regulations in place for nicotine-containing products and despite it being illegal to use, sell or buy nicotine for use in e-cigarettes, users are purchasing these products through other avenues. A recent Australian study of chemically flavoured liquids used in e-cigarettes which are available here for purchase over the counter, has confirmed concerns about their safety and respiratory health impact. Attempts are being made to regulate vaping and ban the importation of vape products containing nicotine. Unfortunately, manufacturers are developing vaping devices that are cheaper and easier to hide than conventional cigarettes, making it more attractive and cost-effective for impressionable young people.

For more information click the link below to download vaping fact sheets from the Lung Foundation Australia.