Annual Report 2024

REPORT 2 0 2 4

Indigenous Acknowledgement

The St Edmund’s College community respectfully acknowledges the past and present traditional owners of this land on which we assemble, the Ngunnawal people It is a privilege to be standing on Ngunnawal country Together we acknowledge the contributions of Aboriginal Australians and nonAboriginal Australians to the education of all children and people in this country we all live in and share together

As an Edmund Rice Education Australia Colleges Ltd (EREA) school, we follow the formal expression of EREA’s commitment to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education and to Reconciliation by supporting the EREA’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Educational Response (2014) for Access, Authentic Relationships, Quality Education, Education for Reconciliation, Justice and Advocacy, and Spirituality and Cultural Awareness for all students in our care

Mike Brennan

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Coordinator

College Advisory Council

The College Advisory Council works collaboratively with the Principal, Leadership Team and EREA Colleges Ltd Executive to ensure faithfulness to the Charter for Catholic Schools in the Edmund Rice Tradition and quality stewardship aimed at offering the best possible learning at the College.

The College Advisory Council provides advice to the Principal and has particular responsibilities for:

Faithfulness to the EREA Charter and Touchstones.

Collaborating with the Principal on submissions to EREA for Strategic Planning, Budget and annual audited statements and capital works and master planning.

Endorsement of major policies that are consistent with EREA

Support for the Principal in relation to compliance with EREA Risk Policy

The College Advisory Council also provides advice and support to the principal on any matters referred to by the Principal, and any significant matter that falls within its delegated responsibilities It is also represented on selection panels for some senior appointments, and participates in School Renewal and leader appraisal processes

Appointed by EREA on the recommendation of the Principal and Advisory Council Chair, Members are chosen to meet the expertise needs of the College Advisory Council, not as representatives of any body The Principal is an ex officio member of the Advisory Council

COLLEGE ADVISORY COUNCIL MEMBERS

John Owens (Chair)

Chris Collett

Craig Wagstaff

Wendy Brookman

Julie Fitzgerald

Deborah Clayton-Baker

Jamie Haynes

Gerard Tiffen

Principal's Report

“This year marks my seventh remarkable year at St Edmund’s College. It is also the year I bid farewell. I will miss the unique Eddies energy and spirit.”

The past seven years have seen our College flourish, with enrolments surging by 20% and a palpable resurgence of the renowned Eddies community spirit.

It has been a source of immense pride to witness our students excel academically, on the sports field, in the arts, and in community service The unwavering dedication of our staff, the steadfast support of our parents and old boys, and the infectious enthusiasm of our students have truly made Eddies an exceptional place

Through active participation in school life, our students have developed empathy, teamwork skills, and a deeper understanding of their faith This engagement extends beyond our current students, encompassing parents and old boys, thereby strengthening our school community and contributing to a more vibrant and interconnected environment

I am confident that the spirit of our community, the passion for learning, and the commitment to nurturing well-rounded young men will continue to flourish under our new leadership

I would like to acknowledge the exceptional individuals who have contributed to our success My deepest thanks go to our dedicated College Leadership Team, with a special note of gratitude to our Deputy Principal, whose steady hand keeps the College sailing smoothly I extend my sincere appreciation to the members of the College Advisory Council for their guidance and support

The St Edmund’s College Foundation also deserves recognition for their diligent work in overseeing an investment program aimed at providing financial assistance to marginalised or disadvantaged families

To our passionate and committed staff - the Heads of House, Heads of Faculty, teaching staff, and support staff – your daily contributions are the lifeblood of our school Your dedication to our students and our mission is truly commendable

Finally, to our students - you are the heart and soul of St Edmund’s College Your boundless energy, enthusiasm, and unwavering commitment to the College continue to amaze and inspire me A special mention goes to our 2024 College student leaders Your significant contributions have shaped various aspects of College life and exemplified what it truly means to be an Eddies boy

As I bid farewell, I wish all members of the St Edmund’s College Community the very best for 2025 and beyond May we continue to stand proudly as Canberra’s oldest continuing Catholic school, nurturing young men of strong character and vibrant spirit

Edmund’s to the fore

Christus Lux Mea

Joe Zavone - Outgoing Principal

College Profile

St Edmund’s War Memorial College was opened in 1954, During the early 1950’s the Christian Brothers took heed of the call of Catholic parents in the region for a Catholic Secondary Boys’ College In 1954, the St Edmund’s War Memorial College opened, a first in the Australian Capital Territory The College has been educating boys for over 70 years from Year 4 to Year 12 in the Edmund Rice Tradition As part of the Edmund Rice Education Australia Colleges Ltd (EREA) network of schools, St Edmund’s College follows the vision of Edmund Rice:

An inclusive community, committed and supportive of its traditions;

The constant drive to educate and inspire the boys;

Cultivating a synthesis of faith and culture to foster a caring family spirit where boys can realise their full potential

These ideals gave rise to the four Touchstones that form the foundation of everything we do at St Edmunds; Liberating Education, Gospel Spirituality, Inclusive Community, Justice and Solidarity.

At St Edmund’s, learning is relational, and students are constantly engaged Discussions are guided by trained and experienced staff who encourage exploration and learning autonomy; empowering students to seize every opportunity to succeed We offer an extensive range of academic subjects, as well as a wide range of co-curricular options covering sporting and cultural, and social-justice interests.

Our students are encouraged to strive for their very best, both individually and collaboratively This cultivates an appreciation for teamwork, builds character and develops an appreciation for the values of resilience and persistence

College Vision and Mission

St Edmund’s College is a dynamic Catholic all boys school, an inclusive educational community committed to living the message of Jesus Christ We educate and develop boys into young men according to the values and experiences of a Catholic education in the Edmund Rice tradition

Our Vision

Our Vision at St Edmund’s College is to develop boys into young men of strong character, by building a spirit of:

GROWTH through Liberating Education; HOPE through Gospel Spirituality;

BELONGING through Inclusive Community; and SERVICE through Justice and Solidarity

Our Mission

Our Mission is to provide a quality Catholic education in the Edmund Rice tradition by: Promoting the highest levels of personal achievement in education; Bringing the light of Christ to every student; Recognising, nurturing and celebrating the God given qualities of every member of our community; and Promoting opportunities for service to the community and to each other

Staff

As a Catholic school in the Edmund Rice tradition, St Edmund’s College aims to provide a holistic and inclusive education that integrates faith, culture and learning This is reliant on having dedicated, energised and innovative staff who strive to motivate students to achieve their potential and experience success The result is authentic, relevant, dynamic and creative learning experiences for students who are engaged, challenged and supported.

During the August 2024 Census, the school boasted a staff complement of 98, with a near-perfect split of 48 female and 50 male employees To support our Principal, one Assistant Principal is dedicated to our Junior Campus and one to our Senior Campus. Our team consisted of 69 teachers, supported by 7 specialist support teachers and 16 administrative and clerical members, while 5 colleagues look after our facilities and buildings

In 2024, one male member of staff identified as indigenous

Teacher Qualifications and Professional Development

All teaching staff at the College are appropriately qualified, with several holding post-graduate degrees and multiple specialist qualifications In accordance with ACT legislation and requirements, all teaching staff have valid ACT Teacher Quality Institute (TQI) Registration or a Permit to Teach

All VET Staff have a current Certificate IV in Training and Assessing and hold the relevant qualifications and experience in the subject area they teach

In 2024, all staff participated in a range of individual and/or team professional learning opportunities as part of the College’s Professional Learning Program These were either provided externally by professional deliverers, the Teacher Quality Institute, teaching associations or internally as part of the staff Professional Learning Program

Community Development

Experience Eddies Day

Experience Eddies Day is targeted at prospective students going into Years 4 – 7 This day gives potential students to experience what it is like to be an Eddies Boy, by creating an Eddies experience for them Throughout the day students take part in College classes including Information Technology, Food Technology, Science, Physical Education, and Applied Sciences (woodwork) Each class is run by a teacher and assisted by current students The day is set up to encourage prospective students to develop an understanding of the expectations of St Edmund’s and to begin meaningful relationships and current students and staff members If the student chooses St Edmund’s, this day can provide an effective social framework to help them transition In 2024, Experience Eddies Day was held in both March and August

Open Evening

The College Open Evening is held to provide prospective students and their families the opportunity to explore the College facilities, as well as meet our staff and students. Current junior students acted as guides to escort visitors, with each faculty setting up an exhibition along the tour route Food technology students made and served finger food to guests, keeping the atmosphere friendly and welcoming Each family was able to become acquainted with the aspects of the college their son/s were most interested in Open Evening in 2024 was held in early March

Open Evening

Edmums

Edmums was held on a Friday in April at Highball, to thank all past and present mums, grandmothers, and carers for the exceptional work they have done in their son’s lives. The evening was catered, including a grazing table, as well as a small gift bag given to each attendee to take home. The evening was highly successful, building the relationship between the College and mother figures Edmums High Tea

Social Media

The Community Development Office continued to have a strong presence on social media. Both Facebook and Instagram accounts were platforms that were used to engage the community with content such as cocurricular and academic celebrations, special events, and life around Eddies., as well as the ‘Throwback Thursday’ feature Our audience engagement continues to increase Old Boys and Friends Association

The Old Boys and Friends Association plays a central role in the relationship between the College Alumni and the current staff and students. The Association helps the College to keep in touch with their history and heritage by bridging the gap between past and present The annual Blue and White Ball was held in early August, followed by Heritage Round the following day. The annual Golf Day was held in December, with all events very popular with the St Edmund’s community

Pastoral Care

Our theme for 2024 was ‘Raise the Bar’ The purpose was to inspire our community to be the best version of ourselves and to consistently strive for improvement

St Edmund’s College strives for holistic development, preparing students to venture into the world with the necessary resilience, proactive social and emotional skills, as well as a healthy approach to relationships. The Personal Formation program centred around developing these skills at age-appropriate levels with focuses on topics such as respectful relationships (consent, racism and bullying); addictive behaviours (vaping and gambling); positive mental health; tolerance and acceptance; leadership; positive masculinity and careers planning Students’ activities promoted the Catholic ethos of the College; spiritual awareness, faith formation as well as an awareness of other faiths. Guest speakers were often invited to address the boys or deliver wellbeing programs

The College initiated the Year 10 and Junior School Peer Support Program which took place throughout Terms 2, 3 and 4 Students participated in small group activities as well as games that organised by Year 10 students This was a great opportunity for the junior students to make connections with the older students and feel they are part of a broader community as they progress towards High School

The College launched the Student Voice Council. Two students from Years 7 to 11, the Year 12 College Captains and two members of the Junior School Leadership team were elected to the St Edmund’s Student Voice Council, which serves as a voice for the student body in decision making processes and initiatives around the College.

Founder’s Day at the start of Term 2 was celebrated with a whole College Mass at the Cathedral, followed by a BBQ luncheon, Market Day stalls, House Games, the Waterford Sprint and of course the Senior Tug-of-War challenge This year the Tug-of-War champions were Haydon House.

Other College events included the Year 12 Formal at the Marion, Harmony Day (a day of celebrating cultural diversity), a walk around the lake in recognition of White Ribbon Day on the 8 of November, “Movember” and “R U Ok Day” - where we focus on checking in with friends and becoming aware of the mental health of those around us The day was highlighted with an “Enjoy a Kit Kat and have a Chit Chat” activity run in tutor groups and JS classrooms. The Year 7 and Year 10 camps in Term 1 were great opportunities for students to explore and solidify friendships in situations that require ingenuity and collaboration Year 7 students attended camp at Kianinny, in Tathra, and Year 10 students ventured to Camp Somerset on the Colo River in Western Sydney th

The Year 12 Rites of Passage Week signifies the end of an era as our Year 12 students conclude their schooling years This time brings joy, excitement and some nervousness as they transition Celebrations include emotional farewell speeches delivered by tutors who have often spent several years with these boys.

At the end of November, Year 12 Graduation Day was celebrated with a series of events, including Graduation Mass, the Academic Awards assembly and a celebratory dinner at the Hellenic Club

As is customary at St Edmund’s College, the winner of the Therese Kitney House Shield is announced at the end of the year. The 2024 winner was Mulrooney House. This coveted award is contested throughout the year It acknowledges the competitive spirit, academic achievements, social justice engagement and sporting success of members of each House

Our College is fortunate to have six extremely dedicated, competent and committed Heads of House who tirelessly give of themselves for the benefit of the young men in their care A big thank you to the Heads of House for their work in 2024 A big thank you to the Assistant Heads of House who also supported their Houses throughout the year

Monica Day

Assistant Principal – Student Wellbeing

Curriculum

Teaching

and Learning

The 2024 academic year continued building on the success of the 2023 graduating cohort Our theme across the year for the school was to ‘raise the bar’ In an academic sense, this meant taking ownership of learning, setting ambitious goals, and having the learning skills and self-belief required for each student to achieve to his full potential We as teachers know that our students are as capable of excellence as anyone, and it was very encouraging to see this belief emerge in so many of our students

Along with the ongoing process of reviewing previous academic performance and setting academic goals, students were encouraged to consider concepts related to the beliefs underlying motivation, and the line between ethical and productive use of artificial intelligence vs the danger of overreliance on artificial intelligence Year 11 students were taught efficient study tips by specialists Elevate Education These tips were incorporated into the Semester Two focus of assessment preparation for all students in 7 to 12, and the topic sat alongside organisation as our key concepts for the second half of the year

As part of ‘raising the bar’, curricular learning was supplemented in various ways Students were involved in performances, clubs and activities, incursions and excursions, overseas trips, tutor group challenges and more The core focus, however, remained on classroom learning

Tim Bibbens Assistant Principal – Teaching & Learning

The following tables indicates the academic attainment of Year 12 students in 2023:

This means that more than 71% of all tertiary students achieved an ATAR score higher than 60

Naplan Results 2023 - results for Years 5, 7 and 9 students are represented below:

Co-curricular

In 2024, our Co-curricular program included 14 activities, managed by dedicated staff, and our growing volunteer community, who play a vital role; transporting students, setting up fields, manning the BBQ, or coaching teams It is a joy to see each student excel outside the classroom in their chosen discipline Sport offers a vital outlet for student energy

This year, the College fielded 72 teams across major sports in local ACT competitions Highlights included 12 rugby teams reaching grand finals, with the 1st XV and 1st V securing championship titles. Many of our football teams also finished at the top of their ladders

The big three carnivals - Athletics, Cross Country, and Swimming - offered an opportunity to witness and celebrate the outstanding individual talent of our students and the hard work they put into training throughout the year. As always, these school carnivals were a resounding success thanks to the meticulous planning, leadership, and dedication of our Head of PE and Junior School Sport Coordinator, supported by the entire PE department At the conclusion of each carnival, we proudly crown an age champion for every age group across both the junior and senior schools, recognising the exceptional efforts and achievements of our students

The Associated Southern Colleges (ASC) is a network of schools in Canberra that collaborate to provide inter-school sports competitions St Edmund’s College participates in every ASC event, showcasing the best talent from our school in Athletics, Cross Country, Swimming, Netball, and Basketball. The ASC also offers representative opportunities in Rugby Union, further enhancing the sporting pathways available to our students

At the start of the year, the Open Rugby teams toured Queensland, visiting the Brisbane and Gold Coast regions Teams also competed against fellow EREA schools in a specially organised tour This year our College’s Basketball champions were privileged to tour the United States of America, where they witnessed some of the finest basketball talent around, and were able to test their mettle against American students

More recently, our Japanese and Culture Club returned from a remarkable tour of Japan where students embraced Japan’s rich culture and experiences while keeping to a packed schedule

We also brought the musical School of Rock to life, showcasing the unbelievable (and often hidden) talents of our students and staff. The cast delivered exceptional performances through their acting, and we are indebted to the PerformingArtsTeam for their work.

Lee Boswell Co-curricular Manager

Mission & Identity

In 2024, our Mission and Identity efforts centred on the scriptural theme of John 10:10 - “I have come that you may have life and have it to the full” - with emphasis on fostering an inclusive community This theme guided our liturgies, retreats, and social justice initiatives, providing students with opportunities to grow in faith, leadership, and service

The Year 12 retreat in Jindabyne was a profound experience, offering students time for reflection and preparation for life beyond school. Year 11 students also took part in a leadership retreat, exploring the concept of servant leadership while providing moments for personal and communal reflection, and understanding their role within the College and the wider community

Year group Masses were celebrated during Personal Formation, offering regular opportunities for students to strengthen their faith and deepen their connection to the community. These more intimate liturgies allowed for reflection on their spiritual growth throughout the year

In the Senior School, the Easter Liturgies saw the Last Supper re-enacted in a freeze-frame, modelled on Da Vinci’s painting, while the Stations of the Cross were presented with a modern-day relevance, highlighting Christ’s suffering in the present day In the Junior School, a re-enactment of the washing of the disciples’ feet symbolised servant leadership and our call to care for others

The Mother’s Day Mass, themed “Thank God for Mammas!”, celebrated motherhood, featuring quilts designed by Junior School students These quilts were assembled by a former staff member and donated to Karinya House, charity supporting mothers and babies The Father’s Day Mass, themed “My Father, My Refuge,” gave students the opportunity to offer prayers for their fathers, grandfathers, and other important men in their lives

Archbishop Christopher Prowse visited the college, meeting with the Student Voice Council and student leaders This visit gave our student leaders a valuable opportunity to share their experiences and learn from the archbishop’s wisdom and pastoral guidance.

This year, over 20 students participated in our Sacramental Program, including five baptisms. Founder’s Day, marking the College’s 70th anniversary, was a major event We honoured recipients of the Br Matt McKeon Spirit and ServiceAward, including students, staff members, and Old Boys

Our social justice initiatives were a highlight of the year In Term 1, we raised funds for Caritas through Harmony Day, celebrating cultural diversity Term 2 saw support for HOME in Queanbeyan and Karinya House, with students sorting donations and hearing from guest speakers In Term 4, we contributed to the St Vincent de Paul Christmas appeal, collecting food and items for families in need.

The year concluded with our Graduation Mass, during which Year 12 students received stoles symbolising their readiness to serve others as they move beyond the College Father Chris Eaton presided over our liturgies, ensuring a strong sense of faith and community spirit We look forward to 2025, the Platinum Year, as we continue our journey as pilgrims of hope

Carmela Wilson

Assistant Principal - Mission & Identity

Enrolments

As at Census date 2023, there were 837 boys enrolled in the school Below is a breakdown of enrolments by year group:

Student Retention

Of the 73 students enrolled in Year 10 in 2022, 58 graduated from the college at the end of year 12 in 2024 (a retention rate of 79 4%) All male Non-selective

4.78% of the student population is Indigenous heritage Characteristics

Approximately 40% of the student population in 2024 reported being Catholic Students are aged 8 to 18 years

Attendance

Junior School

Year 4, 5 and 6 rolls are marked at the start of each day

Students who arrive late sign in at the Student Services office If students arrive late or depart during the day, this is entered into the College’s absence management system by the Student Services Administrator

An explanation from parents / carers is required for every absence, in accordance with the College’s Attendance Policy. All unexplained absences are followed with SMS communication to parents on the day of the absence, with parents able to respond with options via text to explain the absence

Student Attendance Rates

The attendance rates of each year group is provided below:

Senior and High School

Year 7 to 12 rolls are marked on a period-by-period basis

Students who arrive late sign in at the Student Services Office. Students are not permitted to leave college grounds during the day unless they have written or oral parental permission or have been granted permission by their Head of House, Assistant Principal (student wellbeing) or the Deputy Principal.

The Student Services Administrator also manages student departures during the day.

Parents are asked to contact the College on the morning that the student is absent If an absence remains unexplained, parents / carers are contacted by SMS Parents are able to respond via SMS with three options to explain their son’s absence. If a response is not received, it is expected that a note explaining the absence will be provided the day the student returns to the College

Income and Expenditure

During 2024, 97% of the Colleges income was derived from Fees and Levies (51%) and Federal Grants (37%), followed by ACT grants (9%) The remaining 3% was generated via alternative sources such as the College Building Fund, Interest earned, and other grants obtained

The largest expenses were in Employee costs (71%), Operating expenses (16%) and Depreciation (8%), while Faculty costs, Maintenance, Co-Curricular expenses and other costs constituted approximately 5% of all 2024 expenses

Registration

St Edmund’s College is registered as a School for students in Years 4 to 12 at 110 Canberra Avenue Griffith ACT

The period of Registration is 1 January 2021 to 31 December 2025

Members of the community can obtain a copy of the most recent registration report from the College’s Compliance and Administration Manager, Leon Grobler at lgrobler@sec act edu au