I’m sure that most people are familiar with the sound of a bedside alarm. This herald of morning is meant to change our state of comfortable gentle sleep into wakeful attention and readiness for the day. Given we live in the 21st century, it’s likely the instrument of choice for the daily alarm is a smart phone. The sound of morning birdsong or some favoured music piece (I find, much to my wife’s disgust, heavy metal songs oddly appropriate) maybe even the discordant bell ringing of an old-style alarm clock efficiently programmed into our phone, effectively raises us from sleep to wakefulness in short order.
Back in the day, the gentle tick tock of a wind-up clock would lull you to sleep, guide you through the landscape of dreams throughout the night and then jarringly wrench you to alertness…morning!. How far we’ve come. We’ve moved from these marvels of mechanical time keeping to the electric and battery powered versions, to the now multipurpose, all-in-one, timekeeper, music player, event organiser etc. etc. - the smart phone.
I’m sure that few of us cast a thought to the field of Horology as we reach over to press “snooze” for the third or fourth time in futile hope of delaying the rising of the sun. Just ten more minutes…please! Deriving from the Greek words "hora" (hour) and "logos" (study), Horology is the science and art of measuring time and crafting timepieces.
With a rich history the field dates back thousands of years, from the sundials of ancient times to ultra-precise modern day atomic clocks. At its core, Horology is about precision and the human desire to measure and control time. Timekeeping devices play a crucial role in our daily routines, from waking up in the morning to scheduling meetings and coordinating global communications.
Indeed, Horological advances have shaped many industries and scientific fields. Navigation, for instance, relies heavily on accurate timekeeping, as does modern telecommunications. In the realm of physics, ultra-precise atomic clocks enable GPS systems and play a crucial role in testing theories like relativity.
Regardless of how we measure or attempt to control time, its onward march is inexorable…and so we begin Term 3. In this arguably most important time for the young men of our Senior cohort we yet again contest the battlefield of viral illnesses. The long cast shadow of COVID, new player RSV and the usual Influenza, along with the fatigue that simply comes from a busy year, present a challenge.
Preparation and readiness as always are the key. As our young men begin these final weeks here on the Hill, life will be a whirlwind of activity. For some it will mean finalising competencies, completing certificates, organising placements and possibly apprenticeships. For others it will require concerted focus, study and practice, as external examinations loom large. A week lost due to illness can make an already stressful time even more so. For the rest of us in the Eddies Team, making sure this penultimate term runs as smoothly as possible will be crucial for our young men.
The experience of 2020 has shown that is best to be proactive and ready. Queensland Health recommends the following actions.
If you have flu-like symptoms:
- stay at home, don’t go to work or school
- avoid visiting aged care facilities and hospitals, if possible, so that you don’t pass the infection to others who may be at risk of complications
- wash your hands regularly with soap and water or try a disinfectant wipe or sanitiser gel
- always cough into a tissue
- dispose of tissues quickly
- use soap and water to keep surfaces such as door handles, kitchen bench tops, phones and keyboards clean
- drink plenty of fluids and rest
- paracetamol is useful for a fever
- consult your GP or call 13 Health (13 43 25 84) if you are concerned about your symptoms.
Ensuring the effects of our current flu season are minimised will benefit all in our community, for our young men and for those who are vulnerable. Horology may give us many things, precise times in the Olympic Games, accurate GPS navigation and a chance to press snooze multiple times before finally facing the day. The school year, however, regardless of how it’s measured, continues to skip along its merry way and so, welcome to Term 3. Here’s to our Eddies Men waking every morning rested, ready and enthusiastic for a busy, healthy and productive 10 weeks ahead.
St Vincent De Paul Donation
We often speak of the strength of our Ipswich Catholic Community. I am proud to announce that last term St Edmund’s P& F along with our St Edmund’s Foundation donated $20,000 to Ipswich St Vincent De Paul Society (SVDP). This generous Eddies contribution will bolster Ipswich SVDP’s efforts in providing vital assistance to both individuals and families in need.
In today's challenging economic climate, the support provided by SVDP is crucial more than ever. SVDP offers a lifeline to those who are struggling. Ensuring people have access to essential resources, it plays a pivotal role in fostering stability and hope within our community.
This continuing partnership is a clear example of the power of collective effort in creating positive change. Together, we make a difference in the lives of those who need it most.
Complaints and Communication
I would encourage parents and caregivers to contact the College when there are concerns. For academic matters please contact subject teachers, Heads of Department or Directors and for pastoral matters, Homeroom Teachers and Pastoral Deans.
If further assistance is required contact should be made to the appropriate Assistant Principal, then to the Deputy Principal and me as Principal. St Edmund’s follows complaints handling processes according to the Edmund Rice Education Australia (EREA) Complaints Handling Policy and Guidelines.
For more information refer to these documents found on the College website via the Policies and Procedures tab.
A Team working toward one end, will have moments when there is agreement and hopefully not as often, disagreement. That is the nature of working closely together. Communication as always, is the key.
At all times please be assured that regardless of whether we agree or disagree we remain committed to ensuring, that as a Team, the best possible opportunities are afforded to our Eddies Men.