Dean of Students | Mr Damien Cuddihy

This week was a celebration of the profound impact our founder Blessed Edmund Rice has had across more than two centuries. Much has changed since 1875, and the College must strike a balance between welcoming change and innovation while retaining the unique traditions and foundations that have brought the College to its current point. I often speak to our Senior students about a definition of tradition that resonates with me – ‘tradition is the best of the past’. This is an important definition, as it helps to distinguish between a fad and a fundamental cornerstone of the College. Certain haircuts or trends will come and go, but our commitment to an education based around service, inclusivity, sound relationships and Gospel values should never falter. The challenge for all members of our community is to keep alive the very best of the past and continue to grow the traditions for which the College has become best known.  While it may never be perfect, we aim to challenge students to constantly live out Edmund’s vision.

Throughout the week, our Year 6 students participated in a workshop titled Awareness, restraint and resilience of emotions. The workshop, run by Peer Power, is designed to equip participants with the necessary skills to deal with the emotional challenges we often face in life by teaching students how to identify and control emotional impulses.

Once again, we welcomed Lisa Maltman back to the College to speak with our Years 8 and 11 students about the importance that sleep has on our wellbeing. Sleep can sometimes feel like a hard sell for teenage boys, but it is crucial in managing anxiety and stress for our young men.

Next Monday afternoon, we have the Terrace Open Day. A reminder that all Year 11 students are required to wear their white shirts to school on this day as they will be running the tours for our guests.

Finally, with Mother’s Day this Sunday, I would like to make special mention of the wonderful women whose love makes the lives of our students so much easier.  I trust all our mums will be spoilt on Sunday.  Thank you for all that you do.