Mission & Social Justice 

Mission & Identity

Freedom is such a crucial aspect of life and one we sometimes take for granted.  This week marks the centenary of the Battle of the Somme. It was one of the largest battles of the First World War, in which more than a million men were wounded or killed, with Australia alone suffering 5,533 casualties in just 24 hours —  it was Australia’s bloodiest single day in military history, all in the name of Freedom.

During the holidays we also have much to give thanks for. Our staff and students returned safely from exciting and successful cultural and sporting experiences to Vanuatu and Queensland. Our WYD16 Pilgrims arrived in Rome on the 15th of July. The group attended a Mass at the Vatican which was celebrated by Bishop Peter Comensoli before they headed off to the city of Assisi. The group are now headed for Florence where they will visit several Basilicas and enjoy artworks from the Renaissance. We look forward to hearing about their many adventures.

The staff enjoyed a very productive Spirituality Day at Oxford Falls on the last day of Term 2. Brother Damien Price facilitated the day with staff focussing on the touchstone of Inclusive Community and the life of Blessed Edmund Rice.

This term is another busy one. The following are some key Mission events for your diary.

5 August - Year 11 Reflection Day (Day 3)

15-17 August - Year 12 Retreat (Group 1)

17-19 August - Year 12 Retreat (Group 2)

26 August - Year 10 Reflection Day (Day 3)

1 September - Junior School Father son Day at Oxford Falls

2 September - P&F Father’s Day Breakfast

23 September - Year 12 Mass and Graduation

Ms D Dempsey - Assistant Principal Mission & Identity

Social Justice 

Welcome back to Term 3. This term Matthew Talbot Men’s Hostel on Wednesday afternoons will be hosted by Year 10 student volunteers as well as Jack Shyvens from Year 11 who has been instrumental in leadership of the students in their dinner task throughout Term 2 and he continues this role in Term 3. There are also five staff members who volunteer on a roster system. Willowood Aged Care Facility will be hosted by Year 11 students and lead once again by Mr Listo.

At the end of last Term the Edmund Rice Society leaders ran the St Vincent de Paul Society Winter Blanket Appeal. Over 50 blankets were collected and Mr Hopley our Religious Education Coordinator gave them to the Woy Woy chapter of St Vincent de Paul where he assisted in distributing them to the needy on the Central Coast.

Please click on the photo to view.

This Friday at lunchtime the Edmund Rice Society Years 5 to 10 students launches their Fair Trade Stall. This will be set up near the canteen selling 55g blocks of Cadbury Fair Trade chocolate for $2 each with all profits going to Callan Services in Papua New Guinea. This will be run every (Friday) Day 5  and will link the Edmund Rice Society with Edmund Rice Beyond Borders. Please bring your $2 to buy a block and support both Fair Trade cocoa farmers and Callan Services.

Mr D Blake - Social Justice Coordinator