Headmaster says...
The quest for greatness At St. Edward’s College, our guiding motto, Virtus et Honor—virtue and honour— resonates, not merely as a tradition of the past, but as a living principle that shapes our daily actions and aspirations. In a world that often rewards haste and compromise, we are called to stand for what is right, to lead with integrity, and to rise with resilience in the face of adversity. Our College is more than a place of learning: it is a community where values are not simply taught, but lived—where every lesson, challenge, and success becomes a stepping stone in the development of character. This is what we believe in. Each pupil, through perseverance in study, commitment in service, and respect in conduct, becomes a bearer of our proud legacy. 'Greatness', is not measured solely by achievements, but by the manner in which we pursue them. Virtue requires courage: the courage to choose kindness over ease, to act justly even when it is difficult, and to hold fast to one’s principles regardless of the crowd. Honour calls us to live with dignity, humility, and a deep sense of responsibility—not only to ourselves but to our families, our College, and the wider world. As we grow older, we can sometimes ignore our moral compass. But deep down I hope that we will remember the college mission statement and motto. In classrooms, on sports fields, in music halls and beyond, we must not forget the spirit of virtus et honor, striving always for excellence with purpose and pride. We will continue to grow into individuals who not only succeed, but who uplift and inspire those we meet. Wishing all students, parents, and staff a joyful and restful Easter break.
Nollaig Mac An Bhaird
See Page 8
My memories of St Edward’s College By Richard Wismayer
From student to eminent surgeon, Richard Wismayer recalls some of his memories at the college. Richard Wismayer is an Old Edwardian who left St. Edward’s College in 1994. I can always recall that at St. Edward’s College an emphasis is made to create exemplary citizens, placing strong emphasis on leadership skills and character formation. My years in the College conveyed an excellent holistic foundation for character building. The time I spent in the College was beneficial not only on an educational and academic level but were also formative years which saw me lay the foundation of a successful career in Surgery. First and foremost, I feel that the College always provided a stable educational environment.
The College allowed us to form close relationships and receive individualized attention from our teachers. This nurturing environment helped me excel academically and also instilled a sense of leadership and responsibility. I did very well in my early school days at Ordinary level and excelled in the Science subjects of Chemistry, Biology and Physics having obtained three grade A’s in one certificate at Advanced level upon exit from the sixth form. My time at St. Edward’s College was marked by a rigorous academic curriculum complemented by an array of extracurricular activities. The St. Edward’s College administration insisted on its pupils dedicating a considerable amount of their spare time to sport and game activities. We ran cross-country and participated in various outdoor pursuits. These activities built physical endurance but also taught teamwork and resilience which are qualities essential for a successful medical career. The College’s emphasis on holistic education was crucial in shaping my character. St. Edward’s College was not just about learning facts. It was about using knowledge effectively and developing leadership skills. Throughout my life, this philosophy resonated in me, influencing my approach to surgery and my role in publishing internationally in high impact academic journals and books.
My years in the College conveyed an excellent
holistic
foundation for character I view my career as a testament to the values instilled in me at St. Edward’s College. As a surgeon I have lead teams through challenging building. operations, often under high-pressure situations. The impact of a strong educational foundation on an individual’s life needs to be stressed. Looking back, I realize, how fortunate I was by the choices my parents