Forever the Black & Red - 70 Years

Acknowledgement Country of

Connor Watson

Yaadha Gaba, Yaama, Gayrr ngaya Guwanha Gamilaraay Dhulii Walgirr-I

-- I am a proud Gamilaraay man, from Northern NSW, but I lived and learnt off country on the beautiful lands of the Darkinjung people, situated on the Central Coast of Australia. I begin to say I am honoured to be able to be paying my respects to the Traditional Owners of the land where St Edward’s College stands, Darkinjung Country, and on all the various lands on which you may be situated on while reading this today.

I pay my respects to their Elders, past, present and emerging and I recognise their unbroken connection to land, waterways and culture.

We must always recognise that this land is, was and always will be traditional Aboriginal Land.

Liberating Education

Yaadha Gaba

Good day

Yaama Hello

Gayrr ngaya

Name / I

Guwanha Connor

Gamilaraay Dhulii Sand Goanna Walgirr-I Walgett

Gospel Spirituality

Justice and Solidarity

Inclusive Community

Through the Years

Mona Vale 1953

Mona

PRINCIPALS

1953 1959

PETER GRAHAM (1953-1956) St Edward’s First College Captain | Student Number: 20

In 1951, the Sisters of St Joseph at Our Lady of the Rosary Convent School in Donnison Street Gosford, influenced me to stay on with them rather than go to Gosford High School at Grade 7 because “…the Brothers were coming”. The Convent School taught boys and girls to Intermediate Class (Grade 9) then children intending to pursue the Leaving Certificate (Year 11) attended Gosford High from Year 7. I had a sister and two brothers already at High School - two brothers at the Convent School (I was the eighth child in a family of nine).

On the first Friday of each month, the school day started with Mass in the Parish Church located in Donnison Street Gosfordafter Mass the students were bussed back to Frederick Street. Three boys were chosen to ride the bikes to school.

My sporting memories include being Captain of the Green house. I won the NSW Schoolboys triple jump 1955 (12.4m) and the Gosford District Schoolboys 100-yard Championship Gosford Show Ground in 1956. The officials refused to advise the race time, and they remeasured the track with 10-yard tape, found to be 90 yards (9.3 seconds!)

SPORTSMAN OF YEAR

Cardinal Thomas Gilroy blessed the foundation stone of the classrooms in 1951 and I (as Altar Boy) led the procession with the Cross from the heritage building to the new foundations. St Edward’s College was opened for students in the second term in 1953 with four classes - Years 5, 6, 7 and 8.

Boys came from Morisset North and Brooklyn South by steam train to Gosford Station and bus to the school at Point Frederick, quite out of town. They also came from The Entrance, Terrigal and Mangrove Mountain by bus.

Three Christian Brothers started the school, Brothers Shanahan and McKeon each taught two classes and Brother Kevin, (Irish) was the housekeeper. Their mode of transport was bicycle and they rode bikes into town for all occasions. Dressed in black suit, narrow white collar, black hat. They were prominent, as were we in our winter and summer school uniforms with hat.

Brothers Shanahan and McKeon had a profound influence on me, I left school a very confident young man. I attended Brother Shanahan’s Requiem at St Mary’s Cathedral with thousands of former students. When I see Brother McKeon, he addresses me by name as though I had left school only recently. (He is embarrassed when I give him a hug).

I am a Registered Surveyor and Registered Planner, and I commenced practice in 1966. My advice is to be involved in as many interests that you can manage; be aware you need to organise a study programme to achieve academic results.

NOEL MOLLOY (1953-1957) | Student Number: 39

(Transcript of interview with Noel Molloy conducted by Paul Goldsbrough.)

Noel speaks well of his time in Gosford… ‘a small place/community back then (where) everyone seemed to know everyone’. His father was a hotelier and the family moved around NSW quite a lot as he was growing up:

‘My schooling was somewhat scattered. I attended five schools. My secondary education began in 1949 at St Joseph’s School at Gosford. In 1953, the Christian Brothers set up a new school in East Gosford, St Edward’s, and enrolled seventytwo students in May of that year’.

Noel was one of the 1953 foundation student cohort. There were only two classes that year – a combined primary 5th and 6th class group taught by our first Vice Principal, Br Matt McKeon; and a combined secondary 1st year and 2nd year group taught by our first Principal, Br Dermot Shanahan.

There was some competition to see who would be enrolled first …. dad forgot about registration (enrolment) and it took a day or two before I was enrolled. I was No 39 in the School Register. Ken Cotter was No 1.’

‘These were my best school years… (and) at least I now knew everyone in the school. The church community was central to our faith journey – no questions asked. Local clergy, if they could not cook, always had access to the hotel dining room. My parents were the model of hospitality’…

Noel’s dominant memory of his time at St Edward’s was of ‘the group of eight’, the College’s second leaving certificate class of 1957, that seemed to be based on a sense of group camaraderie and connectedness that continued throughout their professional working lives.

‘There was something special about ‘the 8’. While I can’t put my finger exactly on what it was, it might have been something to do with the sum total of the contributions this small group made in life… Perhaps Shano’s leadership had a big impact on us… and this might have had later ”spin offs”’.

Noel spoke with admiration, respect and warmth about ‘Shano’ and related with obvious affection a story of how Br Shanahan would occasionally borrow Noel’s father’s car for the weekend ‘if he needed it – an ex-priest’s car, a DeSoto’. Noel relates that Shano was ‘a bad driver’ and returned it one time with a ‘ding’ in the front right bumper bar; and that the car was subsequently ‘in the panel beaters for a month’.

A strong visual image of the Brothers that remains with him to this day is of the ‘Black figures riding bikes in seniority file’, riding off to Mass each morning along the waterfront in single file and seniority order, Br Shanahan (House Superior), Br McNamara (a lay Brother) at the rear; all dressed in black suits and hats with their pants legs secured by bike clips.

‘St Edward’s College rounded off my school experience. I left in 1957 with driver’s licence in hand. Somewhere along the line, I missed out on Confirmation, and was sixteen when Bishop Freeman came to confirm – I was the tallest candidate in line’

Athletics - Green Team, 1954.

| 1954 College Fete and Gymkhana.

| 1957, Senior Prefects.

| 1954 Queen’s Coronation Visit to Australia, Gosford Parade.

JAMES (JIM) DIBBEN (1953-1957) Dux and College Captain

| Student Number: 54

The 12 May, 1953 was a day of great pride, excitement and exhilaration for all Catholics on the Central Coast as they attended in a huge crowd to welcome Archbishop O’Brien from Canberra/Goulburn Archdiocese as he opened the newly Blessed St Edward’s College at East Gosford. The official opening of the College did not take place until 9 August when His Eminence Cardinal Gilroy had regained his health and was able to perform the official duties.

It is hard to remember what I felt as I stood alone and lonely that first morning 8.45 am 12 May 1953 in Frederick Street, East Gosford, one of the first 69 students that first day St Edward’s opened for business.

We were soon ushered into one of only two classrooms – the front room facing Frederick Street, the senior classes of 1st and 2nd Years taught by Br Shanahan and the rear room overlooking the oval, bayside views with the junior classes and taught by Br McKeon.

Br Shanahan soon warmed up to his subject – where each day began with the School Assembly, followed into 45 minute classes of a set school program but from that day on, at 11.45am – 12.30pm, every single day, we would study Christian Doctrine and there would be an exam set at the end of each year to determine which student deserved to win the Christian Doctrine Prize!

Religion was never a token subject at St Eddies. I won the Christian Doctrine Prize one year, the prize being a Daily Missal embossed with my name and details and which still resides proudly in the top right-hand drawer of my desk! It soon became obvious to us of the Brothers’ superior intellect. Their workload was incredible!

IAN MUDGE (1953-1954) College Dux | Student Number: 74

My dad was employed by the PMG, Post and Telegraphs of Australia and was a Postmaster for the last years of his working career. As a family, we spent a fair bit of this time travelling for his work opportunities. Just before attending the College, we were at Wilcannia with an opportunity to move to the NSW coast. Dad got the job at Brooklyn Post Office in 1952. My brother and I went to the convent school at Brooklyn then to Marist Brothers at Eastwood, for me in Sixth class until second term in 1953 when I enrolled at the College. I went on to do the Intermediate Certificate in 1954 and became the first Dux of the College. Brother Shanahan was the Principal and covered most of my classes.

Traditions at Marist and Christian Brothers were almost identical, and I believe it gave me a very good outlook on life for my future years. Most memorable was, I think, in achieving the position of a Prefect to ‘look after’ the travelling St Eddies and St Joseph’s students by train between Gosford and Brooklyn [Hawkesbury River railway station] and being Dux.

On a day that the Brothers had mowed the grounds and stacked the grass clippings, which were considerable and almost a haystack, we dared a fellow student to hide in the stack and come back to class late after lunch. His name was Charles Burnett and he duly accepted the dare. Jazza, as he was known, appeared somewhat dishevelled and fairly well covered in grass clippings late after lunch. Brother Shanahan was somewhat puzzled and the excuse was given “Sorry I am late back Sir, but I think I went to sleep on the grass pile and I only just now woke up”. Brother forgave him and we could all see that Brother was having difficulty not laughing out loud.

Br Shanahan was not only the Headmaster of St Edward’s but in his first year at St Eddies taught 32 pupils - a combination of English, French, Latin, Mathematics 1 and 2, History, Geography and Economics in the front room of the College.

First year out of the College, I spent six months in 1955 at the Commonwealth Bank in Gosford. I could not stand it being in an office like my Dad so I spent the next six months doing different jobs such as oyster farming, plan printing a dyeline, Junior Post Officer (delivering mail and telegrams around Brooklyn), assisting milk and bread delivery with the ‘milko’ and ‘baker’.

I passed a lot of entry exams and a toss of the coin saw me in PMG as a Technician in Training in 1956 where I stayed through PMG, Telecom and Telstra for 42 years. When I got married at St Mary’s Cathedral in 1964, we invited Brother Shanahan to attend the ceremony. He was stationed there at the time and accepted the invitation.

I think that Brother Shanahan had the single most influence in my life then and even now. He had a wonderful rapport with everyone he encountered. He died way too early. Lasting impression of Eddies is the education that most of us got and the progress of the College over the years.

A few memorable things happened this year: Firstly, we were banned from using the bottom oval because the plovers were nesting - we would run up and down and dodge the attacks, so someone decided that we should go on strike to maintain our rights. It only lasted an hour, but it resulted in the organiser getting a ‘don’t come Monday’ and the rest of us having to present ourselves to Brother Shanahan, the headmaster, for punishment which was the greatest indignity as we looked upon him with great respect.

Secondly, I took myself off to Jack Atkins Barber and got a crew cut which was the new thing. Next day when I arrived at school, I was told to sit out of class on the verandah until my hair grew or I got some sense - lucky it only lasted two days. Thirdly, on Fridays after my lunch, my job was to ride to Gosford on my bike to Mr Frewin’s fish store to get fresh mullet for the Brothers’ Friday dinner and deliver them to the cook at Mona Vale. This went well for a long time until one Friday I was riding quickly down Mann Street, a parked driver opened his door and I collected it - that was the end of the Friday fish run.

BARRY LITTLE (1955-1959) | Student Number: 176

My first recollection of the school was as a little boy at St Joseph’s Convent. My father, Jack Little, was on the Committee to purchase land for the Christian Brothers’ College. The school was built, and uniforms designed - I have memories of family working bees, laying of a foundation stone and official opening. My older brother Brian was in the first intake, I had to wait patiently as there were no primary classes.

My time for 5th class to start, luckily a lot of boys I had started school with were coming also. We started school in the old hall, which included the tuckshop, waiting for our rooms to be ready. Fifth and sixth class were really enjoyable with two great Brothers to teach us. First year was a new experience with Brother Kinsella - we were introduced to French and Latin. Sixty-six years later, I still vividly remember the cabinet at front of class which housed his big Ham Radio.

Second year and Brother Mooney was a very nice but young Brother. Unfortunately, in the preceding year a few of us had grown and a few had become hard to control - some of us were easily led. Luckily French and Latin dropped off the curriculum and were taken over by History and Geography.

Although I used to get into a bit of trouble playing up - in Year 3, Brother Dowd was class master; he read me like a book and the first day I did something stupid, he hauled me out and delivered justice - he was a very stocky and strong man, and meant business. Later that day he pulled me aside and said “do we have to do this every day or are you going to get your act together?” Justice included two afternoons a week after school when work was set out where I sat in an empty class and did the assignments. After his afternoon tea, he would come back about four and he would check it and then we would go and have a set or two of handball (he was a great player) and then it was on the bike and home. There was no more punishment that year, only learning. Some of us left school after the intermediate - I worked the Christmas holidays in the family business, and I thought that would do me.

For sport, it was handball, swimming and athletics. I played in the College cricket team in the local competition and rugby league in the inter-school competition.

As for school, I might not have been great at it, but I embraced it and loved it. The College has now grown from five classrooms to a place we can all be so proud of.

1960 1969

PRINCIPALS

1959-60 – Br Doolan

1961-62 – Br Spillane

1963-68 – Br Knights

1969-74 – Br Murphy

CAPTAINS

1960 – Bernard Tierney

1961 – Paul Boland

1962 – John Pyke

1963 – Robert Brown

1964 – Paul Pritchard

1965 – Michael Alston

1966 – Brian Clemow

1967 – David Wood

1968 – Chris Nesbitt-Hawes

1969 – Anthony Callaghan

DUX

1960 – Barry Green

1961 – Paul Boland

1962 – Brian Collits

1963 – David McMahon

1964 – Chris Driscoll

1965 – Paul Goldsborough

1967 – David Wood

1969 – Arthur Mory

SPORTSMAN OF THE YEAR

1960 – Kerry Baldwin

1962 – Anthony Pyke

1963 – John McMahon

1964 – Paul Pritchard

1965 – Michael Alston

1967 – Michael Callaghan

1969 – Anthony Callaghan

PAUL GOLDSBROUGH (1959-1965) Dux | Student Number: 442

St Edward’s Christian Brothers College has always been ‘St Eddies’ for me. Born ‘just around the corner’ in Albany Street at Roma private hospital in 1949, I grew up at the same time as the College and my family ties with the early days of the school are surprisingly strong. As a 4-year-old, and as providence would have it, I had a front row ‘seat’ between my grandfather’s knees at the opening of the school. We lived just across the road at 16 Duke St – about 50 yards away. My maternal grandparents lived ‘next door’ (Cnr Duke and Frederick Sts). They were good Catholic neighbours to the Brothers in those early days of the school, providing whatever support they could. My Pa, Fred Cleaver, was

the first lay teacher at the school in 1958 when primary school numbers became simply too large for a single Brother to manage the combined 5th/6th class; and it was split into separate 5th and 6th classes. Pa had recently retired as headmaster of Erina Heights Primary School, and he took on 6th class. Mum, a trained stenographer, provided administrative support in the 1950s.

St Eddies was a home away from home for me, the backyard of my youth and a constant in my life. Historical photos provide a photographic essay that shows a good deal of what the school looked like in the 1950s - small, spacious and set in semi-rural East Gosford. Notable features evident in these photos and now lost to time and ‘progress’ include frog(s) hollow, the swamp area on the East Gosford side of the block, the lower and upper ovals set along that eastern boundary; the handball court built in the late 1950s and demolished

in the 1970s to make way for more teaching facilities; and Mona Vale’s old dining room building and the girls boarding school (1917-24) hall.

Day-to-day academic success involved running a daily gauntlet of homework examinations in every class. Rote learning was expected. Unlike most of the guys who had to travel daily by bus from ‘the mountain’, the coast, the North (Wyong) or South (Woy Woy), living across the road meant that I had zero travel time in the mornings and afternoons; and that provided a relaxed environment in which to stay on top of the homework. It was only very much later in life that I fully realized what an advantage being a Gosford ‘local’ had been.

Finally, my senior class was the last to sit the (5-yr secondary) NSW Leaving Certificate in 1965. Our cohort moved on, not knowing that 1965 was the last year the College had an upper secondary school; and that it had come very close to permanent closure in 1966. It survived, but only just. For the next thirty years (1965-95) it struggled on with only a junior secondary school and, from 1983, no primary school.

My journey with St Edward’s College, began in the final term of 5th Class in 1959. My parents had moved to The Entrance at that time, and I transferred from Kogarah Marist Brothers to St Edward’s. Kogarah Marist Brothers was a city school of around 1,000 boys in those days, with not a blade of grass to be seen and three classes of 5th class. So, arriving at St Edward’s, which had maybe 250 boys at that time, and what seemed to be in the middle of grass fields, with water views, was a totally new experience, for the better. What followed were seven great years that prepared me for successful careers and friendships that have endured to this day.

The school in the early to mid-1960s was a far different place than today. Academically, there were few choices until we were in 4th and 5th Year, and then it was Ancient History or French and Economics or Physics. I was an average student, at best, the only area I excelled at was in the sporting arena, being Captain of the 1st XIII and swimming teams etc, which seems to be the main reason I was appointed School Captain in 1965.

The two Brothers who, as I remember, had the most positive effect on me and I am sure for most of my classmates, were Brother “Harry” Knights, the school Principal (not sure how we arrived at Harry, but he was a great man) and Brother Haseler, who was our football coach for many years and was a great mentor for me.

For the size of the school, there were many sports available, primarily rugby league but also cricket, basketball, tennis, swimming and athletics. Rugby league was my choice and, because I was a bigger lad and didn’t make the weight divisions, had to wait until I was in 2nd year (14yo) to play in the 2nd XIII, with the big boys. I started playing for the 1st XIII in 3rd year at the age of 15, right through until 5th year when I was appointed Captain.

I look back fondly at my time at St Ted’s - my friends, my teachers and experiences, most good, some not so, but I wouldn’t change a thing. A great school and a great period of my life.

| U13 Cricket Premiers, 1962.

| Rugby League Team. | Brs David McMahon & Paul Bishop.

| Rugby League Premiers, 1964.

MICHAEL ALSTON (1959-1965) College Captain | Student Number: 475

PHIL DIBBEN (1960-1965) | Student Number: 523

At the end of fourth class, the boys went from the nuns at St Joseph’s to the Brothers at St Edward’s. In 1960, I started in fifth class. Whilst it was exciting to be there, the change was sobering for a 9-year-old. I had a cousin in almost every year since the College opened in 1953, so going to St Edward’s was, in many ways, an extension of my family life. By the time I left the College at age 15 years, I had met every Principal from Brother Shanahan to Brother Knights. The banners in the Edmund Rice Centre bearing their names bring back many memories.

My first teacher was Brother Haseler in fifth class and, then Mr Cashin in sixth class. Brother Haseler was a young and enthusiastic teacher who quickly gained our trust and respect. I was very good at spelling and arithmetic and his reward was religious cards to use as bookmarks in your Sunday Missal. In looking back, he was one of my greatest mentors. “Have a go at everything, step back and analyse the result, do your research, ask for help, listen to the advice, choose your own direction, and go again. There are numerous ways to achieve your goal, but always give 110%. You won’t know what you are capable of until you have a go at it.” Not his exact words, but certainly the intent.

My father, Leo Dibben, had a ‘57 Holden FE ute at the time, and every second Saturday for away games, the team would all get in the back with the cricket kit bag. Dad and Brother Haseler were in the front, and we would head off around the Central Coast for our matches.

In First Year (Year 7 now), the boys from the feeder schools arrived (Woy Woy, Terrigal, The Entrance, Wyong) and academically, I was relegated to third in the class and moving downwards. They obviously had more time to study on the buses and trains.

My school years were dominated by sport - handball, basketball, cricket, surfing, tennis, and football. In those days, rugby league was the only brand of football. I represented the school in all sports. I think the Brothers thought that keeping the boys very active and separated from the girls (except in controlled circumstances) would build strong Christian gentlemen.

My class was the first class of the Wyndham Scheme - called fifth year and sixth year, but now Years 11 and 12. Unfortunately, St Edward’s did not go on, so I went to boarding school in Sydney. A change to the De La Salle Brothers, who seemed to be more academically focused, resulting in a further move for me down the academic pecking order. I did manage to get a Commonwealth Scholarship to university.

| Modelling Uniform, 1962.

| Father and Son Cricket.

| Annual Concert, 1963.

ALAN BRINDLE (1962-1967) | Student Number: 698

I started my St Edward’s life in 5th class in January 1962 and completed 4th year in December 1967. Travelling to school was fun on the 3801-steam train and local bus.

My 5th class teacher was Brother Haseler, followed by Tony Cashin in 6th class. These two steered me in the right direction for the senior years, with Brother Knights finishing off in 1967. In my final year, I was proud to be School Vice-Captain and Captain of the winning Blues team for Athletics and Swimming.

In the early years, I remember great times when Lewisham Christian Brothers would come to play football on Sundays, with big crowds watching our teams do battle on the top oval. I played football throughout the years, and when swimming was on, it was always a pleasure to travel away to North Sydney and Sutherland for night swimming carnivals.

During my last year I obtained my Rugby League Referee ticket, I finished refereeing 20 years later. In the last year Tony Cashin and his wife Jan, tried to teach us how to dance, ready for end of year formal - it was great fun training with the girls from St Joseph’s.

In 1967 I sat the entrance exam to join the PMG (now Telstra) and started a career as a Telephone Technician which lasted for 34 years, and after 18 years with the local Council I am now enjoying retirement.

My St Edward’s education helped in my early years which then involved five more years of training. St Edward’s is a great educational centre here on the Coast, and after 70 years, will keep on going for many more years.

Three words to describe St Edward’s:

Important Prominent Prestigious

| 6th Class, 1961.

TOM RISTUCCIA (1964-1969) | Student Number: 865

I attended St Edward’s from 1964, Year 5 to Year 10 in 1969. The Christian Brothers at the time had many changes to contend with. There was a building expansion happening, where the principal had to make all decisions including how to pay for it.

On the educational front, it was the end of the Leaving Certificate (high school finished at Year 11). The Wyndham Scheme which introduced Year 12 with a whole new curriculum to be implemented and, of course, teaching the change to Decimal Currency.

Society was also changing rapidly, with many of the older Brothers finding it hard to adapt to all these changes and how we boys were reacting. The “Freedom Ride” in 1965 was organised by a group of Sydney University students, with First Nations People organised regional tours of New South Wales. The tours gained national and international attention to the housing, medical and treatment of Aboriginals. Students could now be heard.

Music was changing, protest songs, reference to subcultures and

The Beatles at Sydney Stadium in 1964, up to Woodstock Music Festival in 1969. In 1965 Australia was sending troops to the Vietnam War (very unpopular).

Then, in 1968, Holden marketed every boy’s dream, a V8 Monaroconsidering most kids and some families could not afford any car. If you had a car, then Erina Drive-In was the place to go (no streaming services then!). Most students at St Edward’s surfed and dreamed of surfing up the coast and getting to Byron Bay - in the coolest vehicle; a VW Kombi. Byron’s “hippy” laidback lifestyle appealed to them, but not the Brothers. But as the Brothers needed a form of transport, they happened to pick the coolest vehicle, a VW Kombi. We were most impressed and laughed as the Brothers had no idea what they had bought.

In July 1969, all the boys crowded into room 10 or thereabouts to watch the First Moon Landing. It was like a sci-fi movie to us boys. The Brothers all lived in Mona Vale. Next to it was a timber building which was used for the canteen, an area to gather when it rained, and for our dance classes for the Year 10 Formal. Next to this was the handball court, much like a squash court. A huge line of boys always waited to get a turn on the court. Other students played chasings, throwing a footy or just sitting and talking were the main activities at recess and lunch. Discipline was the strap, it was strict, some would say unfair, but this was slowly changing.

The College tradition I am most proud of is enabling students to succeed to a higher level than they thought possible and having empathy for others. My most memorable memory of my time as a student was just being lucky to be there with my mates.

The main sport was Rugby League with the boys from the Mt Penang Juvenile Justice Centre coming down in an old canvas truck to play our FirstGrade team.

The main science excursion was in Year 10 was to the Oak Factory at Hexham and the Newcastle Beach to check out rock-strata. Mr. Driscoll had us grapple with a petrified tree trunk to take back to school as a science specimen.

My education at the College enabled me to succeed in winning a scholarship to university for teaching, which I love doing. I taught in State High Schools and then worked fulltime at St Edward’s for 19 years. I am a now a relief teacher at St Edward’s, in my 49th year of teaching and enjoying it!

The College instilled in me a solid grounding in life and taught me resilience. Never give up and be the best you can strive to be. Seek help to be your best. My sons and my nephews have all gained an education at St Edward’s and they are fine young men. The College to me is tradition, empathy for others, achieve your true worth.

Rugby League Cricket Handball

| Br Shanahan. | Br Spillane. | 3rd Year, 1964.

| Mr McMahon, Br Haseler and Bill McPherson 1968 near the handball court.

| Father and son cricket (batsman Roy Dibben).

| Watching Cricket near handball courts.

PRINCIPALS

1969-74 – Br J M Murphy

1975-79 – Br B C Keogh

CAPTAINS

1970 – Tony Boston

1971 – Peter O’Connell

1972 – Mark Adcock

1973 – Michael Hilton

1974 – John McKellar

RICHARD MASSEY (1973-1976) | Student Number: 1853

My journey at St Edward’s College first started in 1973 when I was enrolled in Form 1 (Year 7). My first class was Mathematics and the teacher - the great Andy Hoban.

1970 – Dennis Nagle

1972 – Paul Collits

1973 – Michael Hilton

SPORTSMAN OF THE YEAR

St Edward’s in 1973 taught students from 5th class (Year 5) to 4th Form (Year 10). Each year group had two classes and in each class about 35 students - total student numbers were around 400. Students came from all parts of the Central Coast to attend the school - from as far north as Wyee to Brooklyn in the south.

The school year consisted of three terms. Teacher numbers saw many Christian Brothers and only a few lay staff. The school uniform was a summer khaki uniform with tie and winter was a blue shirt, grey jacket and grey pants with tie. The school Quad had only three sides on one level with classrooms and the canteen under the current science labs. My favourite canteen food was cream buns. Mona Vale was in a poor state of repair and not used by the school.

At recess and lunch, students would play on one of the two ovals or line up to play handball on the external handball court. The two ovals were located where the current ERC and St Joseph’s College now stand and the other was current oval one.

College Sport Day was Tuesday and held at the school. Each year students could represent the College in rugby league, swimming and athletics. Each year, students participated in an annual swimming carnival at Gosford Pool and athletics carnival held on the school ovals. I was in the Green House and at the time Green House were not great swimmers or athletes. House colours were red, blue, green and gold.

One of my favourite memories was the inaugural Market Day in 1975. Market Day back then was like a fete with stalls and games to entertain students. Andy Hoban was the driving force and started this remarkable tradition which is still celebrated now as Edmund Rice Day every two years.

I completed my time at St Edward’s as a student in 1976 and finished High School at Gosford High. Little did I know I would return. I studied a pure Mathematics Degree with a Diploma of Education at Macquarie University. My first school appointment was Christian Brothers Burwood in 1984 and then appointed in 1986 to teach at St Edward’s - I have come the full circle.

I was fortunate to teach with teachers who had taught me such as Andy Hoban, Tony Cashin, Dennis Monaghan, Judy Linder and Paul Mahony to name a few. How did my St Edward’s education contribute to my future? It was my past, 38 years of teaching career to date and until retirement, my foreseeable future. Over the years I have many memories of wonderful classmates, students and teaching peers… I am now seeing my students’ children coming through... it has been an honour and a privilege, memories I will treasure always. Forever the Black and Red.

| City excursion.

| Staff photo.

| Mona Vale, 1976.

| Tuck shop mums.

| College Production.

| The Chapel.

FRANK OXLEY (1974-1979) | Student Number: 1909

My earliest memories of St Eddies begin back in 1970 when, as a 7-year-old, I would twice weekly make the trek through Frogs Hollow (to occasionally be chased by the “Bushwackers”) to Under 7’s footy training. We would get there early and get changed in the old timber building next to the handball court and then wait for Mr Butler, our coach, to arrive.

To me, St Eddies was like an adult world where my older brother, Rod, would go to school, all dressed in his long pants and blazer. The handball court seemed huge and had no place for a 7-year-old.

My time soon came to go to Year 5. The anxiety of leaving primary school to enter this frightening new world was immense, even for someone who was so familiar with the school. However, it wasn’t long before I settled in.

There are so many things to recall from my days at St Eddies. The Tuck Shop, the teachers, the classrooms (no air conditioning), the desks, standing in the quadrangle, the occasional fight, (some even official on market day), the red brick buildings, and the support staff.

My first headmaster was Brother (Skull) Murphy. A man well respected by all students. He was followed by Brother Brian Keogh, who brought a major change to the way the school was run. Soon school ties were dumped and the days of change from the old to the current new ways began. Musicals with the girls commenced, and we were taught “Human Development”. Slowly we were being prepared for the outside world.

Six years seemed to go so slowly as we transitioned from small children to young men. We went from playing with Matchbox cars to dreaming of girls (St Joseph’s mostly). Leaving in 1979 was confusing and scary. My “brothers” were never to be together again. We moved on. Different schools or starting our working life.

The thing that stays with me most is the friends I made through that time and how even today, 44 years after we left, we still meet to catch up and see how our lives are going.

For some life has been great, for others not so. I miss the friends who left us early, one often wonders how their lives would have been. One thing we would all agree though is our days at St Eddies shaped us into the people we became. The 70s became the 80s and we moved on to the next stages of our lives, leaving St Eddies behind us.

| Rugby League Team.

| Brothers’ residence

| Photo Day.

| Grade 6, 1975.

My earliest memories of Eddies were competing with other guys at sports carnivals against Eddies in primary school.

I went to Our Lady of the Rosary The Entrance for primary school and then to Year 7 in 1976 at Eddies.......in those days the old buildings resembled that of an old army barracks (nothing like today). Being the eldest of eight children had its challenges but there was always help and support from the Brothers and teaching staff...I loved the sport, excursions and many friendships that still last to this day.

I am not embarrassed to say that I shed a tear after completing Year 10 in 1979....but years later I gave our boys the choice of going to Eddies or The Entrance High....the boys chose Eddies and my time at the school started again in the late 90s....along with the mainstay of our family, Annie (my wife) we got behind all of the school’s programs, events and functions. We decided that volunteering was good for all of us and my boys thrived, the whole staff worked hard and were extremely caring to my wife (now working in special needs at the school) and of course my boys, now all successfully off in their careers.

Gold was my house team, Maths and Commerce were favourite subjects, Brother Brian Keogh was a favourite along with the imposing figure of Barry Ryan (Science teacher). There was never enough sport, but my favourite was rugby league.

The best time of all was had by those who dared to travel on The Entrance Bus. We laughed our guts out every morning and afternoon. Truth be known we probably taught each other more on the bus than at school!

I must thank my Mum and Dad for going without a lot of everything to see us with a quality education. Many thanks to all the teachers, staff, executive and of course, the Christian Brothers, and to another 70 years. To my past and present friends of the school...all the very best of health, now and forever.

| Waiting for the canteen to open.

| View from Fredrick Street, 1976.

| Oval Construction.

| Junior School Staff, 1979.

MICHAEL LYNN (1976-1979) | Student Number: 2133

PRINCIPALS

to

1980 1989

PAUL TOOLE (1980-1983) | Student Number: 2416

My time at St Edward’s as a student was from 1980 to 1983. The school was only Year 7-10 at the time, though there was also a junior campus across the road from St Patrick’s at East Gosford which was Year 4-6. The uniform back then was a nice shade of khaki which eventually became the blue currently worn. St Edward’s was obviously smaller in terms of buildings, but there was and has always been a strong school spirit which has remained to this day.

My first recollections of the College are of huge games of either touch footy or cricket on a concrete pitch down in the Year 7 area at lunch. This site is now occupied by the Dean building, but it used to be a huge, grassed area with a massive tree for shade and a few logs to sit on. Most games were periodically interrupted by a family of swooping plovers and a food-motivated dog named Cleo which lived up in the Brothers’ house that kept us entertained. As we moved through the grades, handball in the quad also became quite popular as it still appears to be currently. My experience as a student is full of great memories such as the Webbs Creek camp, playing in the St Edward’s Rugby League team, canteen pies, laughing at Brother Dean’s comb-over blow around in the wind at assembly, making the swim team, school discos etc, but mostly of the awesome friends and teachers that made going to school fun.

Our College discos with the St Joseph’s girls were run by Ron Plant and Richard Droz. Ron was a giant in our eyes, with a huge bushy beard, well-practiced snarl and an enormous resonant voice that became synonymous

with these nights out under the stars dancing to the hits of the 80’s. Drozzie was our Music teacher and assisted Ron with the speaker set up. I would have never thought I’d end up working alongside both men as a teacher at the time, but knew that music was something I had a strong passion for. The Music department has come a long way since the days of picking out a recorder to play from a soapy bucket of water or dodging a huntsman spider crawling out of one of the guitars, and as a teacher I have been privileged to be a part of assisting in developing the faculty into the slick, high-tech teaching space it is today. As a Year 10 student, I was even lucky enough to be involved in a combined production of the musical, Grease, with St Joseph’s which was performed at Gosford High. The show was a great success and included a young Julia Morris as Frenchy in the cast!

As both a student and teacher, I have been honoured to be a small part of the St Edward’s story and have always thought the friends, students, and colleagues I have met along the way as being part of an extended family. Happy 70th!

| Mrs Nan Berger at the Warrumbungles. | The Warrumbungles.

I moved to St Edward’s in Year 9 from the country. One of my first memories is sitting in the quadrangle looking at seagulls hunting for food, thinking, my school has seagulls…. St Edward’s was a very different environment for me not just because of seagulls but being all boys and it was much smaller than my previous school. At that time the school had only 480 boys.

Sport was massive and getting selected into a St Edward’s sporting team was incredibly competitive. I was lucky to play two competitive games of Rugby League for St Edward’s. One of these games was at Brookvale Oval in 1985. When we arrived at the ground, Channel 10 was there waiting to interview our Captain Peter Clifton. Peter was in the Australian U-15 Rugby League team and a rising star. Unfortunately, we came a close second that day.

Camps were a significant part of the St Edward’s landscape. The pick of these for me was the Year 10 Warrumbungles Science trip organised by Mr and Mrs Plant. We stayed in the Warrumbungles National Park for three or four nights, had to bring our own food and tents etc. It was tough but so much fun.

My most endearing memory of St Edward’s is one of friendship. I made so many good friends at Eddies, I still keep in regular contact with a number of them nearly 40 years after we finished as students. Positive memories from my schooling at Eddies is probably the reason I was so happy to return as a teacher, working at Eddies for nearly 28 years with many of the teachers that taught me. I taught the sons of old boys from my year at Eddies and the sons of teachers that taught me at Eddies. The Eddies school community has always had something special about it.

My advice for current and future students is to participate in as many things as you can while at St Edward’s. The school offers so much, and you get the benefits if you jump in and enjoy the experience.

My time at St Edward’s was certainly memorable, coming from Gosford Public School to a disciplined all-boys school certainly was an eye opener.

Only knowing a few boys from weekend sport, I formed friendships that would continue throughout my years at the College. I was fortunate enough to play representative sport in rugby league and rugby union with many trips away. These were always a highlight! My favourite classes were Woodtech and PE, however Mr Moloney would make Science very interesting when he would consistently flex his muscles in those extra tight polo shirts. Mrs Berger had a major influence in my high school education with English in Years 7 and 8, she was amazing.

After my four years at St Edward’s, when I had completed Year 10, I continued senior school at Corpus Christi before commencing a carpentry apprenticeship with a local builder. In 1998 I started with Co-Wyn Building, a family company that was established in 1954. In 2017 I became a director of the company, overseeing commercial building projects from Sydney to Newcastle.

The principles that St Edward’s instilled in me provided the platforms I still use today. A strong work ethic, problem-solving and good management skills amongst other things.

The College has an exceptional name for a reason, it sets students up for life. I am extremely proud to be an Old Boy and am looking forward to sending my three boys to St Edward’s.

| Year 10’s at The Warrumbungles. | Mr Plant and students.

SCOTT BEATTIE (1984-1985) | Student Number: 3269

KELL PORTASS (1989-1992) | Student Number: 4007

FRANK COHEN (1982-1985) | Student Number: 3020

In the early 1980’s the school was a boys-only Year 7 – 10 school, and where the current Edmund Rice Hall sits was the bus bay for the Red buses to do their daily drop offs and pickups. A line of caged storage spaces and rooms looked out upon the asphalt and every morning and afternoon as we waited for the buses to come and go, a massive game of touch footy was always played. I know we looked forward to this to start and end our days at school.

The annual Market Days (Founders Day as they are now known) was an opportunity to participate in some fun and, at times, hair raising challenges.

Between 1982 – 1985 it was exceedingly rare to be greeted by any other staff member other than Mr Cashin, so when Br Grosvenor, followed by Br Dean, as Principal made an announcement it usually was a message of some doom or gloom for which we would inevitably pay for with some removal of privileges. The daily familiarity of Mr Cashin became the norm, culture and tradition of Eddies during this time.

Mrs Vane-Tempest ran a tight ship in the canteen which was positioned just off the quadrangle that was adjacent to the laneway, which I think still meanders around the back of the school. Favourite offerings included melted cheese rolls, Chocco Moove satchels, often frozen, and the highly addictive cream buns. I’ve got to say all the food on offer was surprisingly good and the potato pie was often a winner!

As I was from the northern end of the Coast, I mainly hung with those guys and we would play in the early years on the handball courts, often terrorised by the Grade tough guys. It was a daily ritual for someone to lose their shoe, courtesy of the bullies, up on the wires at the top of the old handball courts which made way for a new library, which later made way for the current and biggest library/arts building. We would often play down the Brisbane Water end of the oval and, where the current TAS block now sits, were rolling green hills and trees, all good places to chat casually and play whatever we wanted. We thought it cool to go out on the laser-class sail boats that were moored at the jetty, at the end of the oval.

The history teacher in 1984 organised a massive medieval day which sticks strong in the memory. We had warriors from that period dressed in combat costume who took part in full-on duels with real swords and weaponry. That was grouse! During our four years at the College, we were always treated to some wonderful incursions and excursions that enhanced our learning.

The camps and a surf camp to Seal Rocks stood out for most, if not all of us during our time at school. We would pack on to the Kulnura Buses run by the Calleja family of which their sons were at school with me at the time. From Nords Wharf, Webbs Creek, Siding Springs and Hillend we were provided with wonderful experiences of abseiling, kayaking, fishing, sailing, cooking, bush walking, planetary and satellite watching and just being out with others and enjoying what nature had to offer.

Rolling up at the start of each year was always interesting, collecting our books and requisites. I do remember thinking how cool that every book and school item had the St Edward’s emblem emblazoned upon it.

The personality of the teachers and how they interacted with us all was a highlight in itself; Mr Farrell was the smartest Maths teacher. The Technics teachers, Mr Brown and Mr Hoban, were always angry. Good ol’ Mr Monaghan taught us French in Year 7. Miss Linda was probably the best followed by Mr Haldenby. Kim drove across the punt bridge each morning, often late in his white Mitsubishi Ute. Mr Mahoney, Mr Dean and Mr Stride were good hearted and caring teachers, and we did have a few Brothers floating around the place. Br Smith could barely see in front of him, and Br Kane taught us AFL and brought Des Hasler to the school to talk to us about representing Australia in Rugby League.

At the end of 1985 most of the boys went off to work or got an apprenticeship or continued onto Year 11 and 12. Back in those days there was no Catholic High School for Year 11 and 12 so some who wanted the Catholic flavour boarded in Sydney at schools like St Joseph’s Hunters Hill, or went to St Leo’s at Wahroonga or if you were like Danny Sullivan, Richard Rindfleish, John Lovett, Craig Marks and me, we did our HSC at Gorokan High School.

I am currently a school Principal in the Catholic school system in Broken Bay at MacKillop College Warnervale. Which is ironic if you ask those I attended school with, as I did have my emotional moments about attending school on a daily basis. I do look towards those strong role models we had as teachers at St Edward’s and how their influence played a part in myself becoming a teacher and then Principal. My own son will finish Year 12 at St Edward’s in this commemorative year. It has been a good school for him where he has been mentored by strong principled teachers and he has made lifelong friends with some good kids. Some of these boys are the sons of dads I went to school with during our time in the 80’s.

Congratulations St Edward’s and to all the men and women who have shaped it into the College it is today. I will always look fondly upon my time as a student and parent and will be keeping an eye on its development into the future!

Boys on Camp.

| Greg Booth with students. | Oval Irrigation.

1990 1999

PRINCIPALS

1989-91 – Br P E Hamill

1992-94 – Br P M McKeon

1995-2003 – Br J F Regan

CAPTAINS

1990 – Matthew Parker

1991 – Michael Phillips

1992 – Christopher Byrne

1993 – Nicholas Mason

1994 – Ben Waud

1995 – Tim Moore

1996 – Jason Mak

1997 – Jason Mak

1998 – Jason Mak

1999 – Adam Rumpler

DUX

1990 – Daniel Collins

1991 – Simon Koh

1992 – Ben Black & Cameron Bruce

1993 – Nicholas Mason

1994 – Craigh O’Neill

1995 – Liam Shepherd

1996 – Brett O’Neill

1997 – Brett O’Neill

1998 – Brett O’Neill

1999 – Chris Pittolo

SPORTSMAN OF THE YEAR

1990 – Matthew Sawyer

1991 – Jude Varcoe

1992 – Peter Miller

1993 – Paul Daley

1994 – Benjamin Cowan

1995 – Anthony Conners

1996 – John Hirst

1997 – Paul Sullivan

1998 – Andy Ryan

1999 – Bradley Binns

BLAKE SOLLY (1990-1993) | Student Number:

4158

Before I attended St Edward’s as a student, I was fortunate enough to become part of the College because my Dad coached one of the junior rugby league teams associated with the school. From the time I could walk, I was a mascot, then a ball boy at the football club – spending most Saturdays following the older kids around the field and the rest of the College. I then started playing rugby league with St Edward’s at six years of age, so by the time I started as a student in Year 7, I was extremely excited to finally start at the College, which had already been such an important part of my life.

My favourite memories of the College are of the times spent with mates in class, on the sporting fields, at the camps (particularly the trip to the Warrumbungles in Year 10 –the only time I have ever abseiled) and other excursions. There were also the heated arguments in or out of class about who should be picked in the Australian cricket team, the strongest rugby league team or best rock band in the world at the time. The huge variety of Friday sport is also a favourite memory - when your choices include surfing, sailing and “beach games” – it is a very strong offer!

Ms Jones, Mr Cullen, Mr Massey and Mr Farrell were extremely important influences on my life. All of them had a huge passion for education or sport, and often both. They instilled in me a work ethic, and appetite for curiosity. They encouraged strong opinions and good arguments, but it was important to maintain respect for the opposition. It was also important to have some fun –working hard to obtain a result was extremely important, but having some fun while you did was essential.

My lasting impression of St Edward’s was the huge variety of opportunities the College provided. There was always a sport to play, an activity to attempt or an inter-school competition to compete in. It was a place where if you worked hard, you were rewarded – but with the Christian Brothers ethos of compassion and respect as a constant.

My current role is Chief Executive of the South Sydney Rabbitohs. St Edward’s made a great contribution to my career path. The values that the teachers and the College instilled form a huge part of my attitude to life. The friends I made at St Edward’s have also been life-long.

My advice for current students is to take every opportunity on offer at St Edward’s. Say “yes” to the opportunities that are outside of your “comfort zone”, learn from these experiences and maintain an open mind. This will help you find what you’re passionate about, and the things you are not. The relationships that you will build in the classroom or as part of these other activities will also form the basis of many enduring friendships.

JEFFREY FREEMAN (1991-1994) | Student Number: 4225

There are a couple of school traditions that I am proud of. Firstly, resurrecting the College song, even though the cassette tape version was questionable at best. Secondly, presenting the Year 12 Graduation Sword in 2012 to the Principal, Dr Michael Slattery.

I was in Red House for Year 7 and White House for Years 8 to 10. Sports houses weren’t named then as they are now, so each year had a tutor room connected to each colour; 7 red, 8 red, and so forth. I have many memories of my time at school however, without a doubt, my favourite would be throwing a surprise birthday party for Nan Berger with fellow tutor room students. Sadly, another memory was farewelling Trevor Miller in Year 7 – standing a guard of honour in uniform at his funeral.

One of the funniest memories would be the after-dinner entertainment at Year 8 Camp. Chayne Cleary’s impersonations of the teachers, especially when he did them while sitting next to them. The second would be when Br Cruice made the weekly announcements via the PA as the assembly was cancelled due to rain – “the announcements for this week.” Pause, pause, pause…, then finally, “there are no announcements this week.” A loud blaring laughter travelled around the school in response.

Canteen food was a highlight too - without a doubt, sausage rolls and donuts were a favourite and some Fridays were pizza day. The pizzas were slightly larger than a bread plate and came from Pizza Hut at West Gosford.

There were different areas for each year group to sit during recess and lunchtime. Year 7, the current site of the Dean Building, Year 8 in the quadrangle, and Years 9 and 10 in the shelter shed, the current site of the classroom end of the ERC. As Eddies only went to Year 10, the year immediately after graduation I attended Corpus Christi College at Tuggerah for Years 11 and 12.

History with Mrs Berger was my favourite class, without a doubt. She wasn’t only a teacher; she was a mentor and a friend. She fiercely protected her students but provided discipline when needed. Paul Cullen was also not just a teacher, but a mentor and a friend. Both Nan Berger and Paul Cullen went above and

beyond to assist their students. If it wasn’t for their influence and lasting impression, I may not have considered university tertiary education. I am a better man, and a better person for the education I had at St Edward’s. Even with doing a university degree later in life, I tribute that decision and my success in earning a Bachelor of Arts degree to my St Edward’s education.

My advice for current students would be do the best you can, challenge yourself by stepping outside your comfort zone. St Edward’s to me means mateship, community, transformable – it’s not just a school, but an everlasting community.

| Papal Blessing. | Enjoying Camp.

| Cleaning-up.

A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.

(Proverbs 17:17)

On the top of our school crest is an open book, with an alpha on one page and an omega on the other. Somewhere in this book is a chapter on our generation: the 90’s. Desert boots with footy socks, Blue Lights and hard knocks, Mrs Vane Tempest’s tuck shop, Saturday detentions and pulled up socks. It was a brutal place in the first few years to be completely honest. In the foggy early hours before school, as soon as the first bus unloaded, full contact rugby league would immediately break out on the bitumen, on the basketball courts where the Edmund Rice Centre now stands. Blow by blow commentary was always available from a chorus of Ray Warren impersonators. Eddies was raucous, unpredictable and hilarious.

Somehow, we made it through to be the senior year ourselves, and we were given the unique honour of being the first to go through to Year 12 (Eddies having been a 7 to 10 school until then). There are two traditions that we started as a group, organically, without really articulating or planning it. The first was we established a culture of respect for self and others, by the way in which we got along as a year group. We tried to infuse that culture by example, and through the home rooms. It was a serious culture shift, and it didn’t just come from us, it came also from our teachers and the environment of mutual respect they built around us as we grew up. I could name dozens, but by way of example, Scott Beattie and Tony Herringe giving up their summer break to take us on a memorable and victorious cricket trip to Queensland, and Michael Crawford screaming with happiness when we finally started to understand HSC chemistry.

The other tradition was pride in the black and red. We started singing the school song at 18th birthday parties and it continued to 21st’s and reunions. That school pride came from the same place that gives you a feeling of invincibility whenever you pull on the Eddies jersey. During one home game for the first XV, to our surprise we ran out to find the entire school had been given the afternoon off to watch us, standing in a black

ring around the field and all along the TAS building. The deafening sound made my hair stand on end. Watching Brad Jones hit a sublime ton to beat St Leo’s, who were all a year older than us, was also a highlight.

We are a Christian Brothers’ school, named after the order that produced our Brother Jeff, surely one of the greatest of them of all time. While they might not mint Brothers of the order anymore, it is still brotherhood that defines us. We’re a band of brothers. Remember it if you are ever feeling down. If the black dog starts to follow you, if it starts giving you any funny ideas - remember that you have more brothers than you can count, and you only have to pick up the phone and any one of them would do anything for you. No matter how long it’s been and how scattered around the globe, your Eddies boys are your rodeo clowns, to pick you up when you’re down.

Quad.

| Woodwork.

| Excavating The ERC.

JASON MAK (1993-1998) College Captain | Student Number: 4579

We’ll ring out three cheers for St Edward’s…

St Edward’s College was, and always will be, a big part of my life. I attended here as a student; I work here as an adult; and, as a parent, my two sons will be coming here in the next few years.

As a student I loved coming to school. It was a place where I could get together with my mates and form stronger bonds through the opportunities that were provided. I was a member of the Spillane House and have fond memories of cheering for the mighty reds across numerous disciplines, mainly in the sporting arena. In 1997 I was fortunate enough to win the Sportsman of the Year and this was mostly due

to my willingness to participate in the vast array of sports offered. Eddies has a great reputation and long history of success in sport, and this is testament to the nature of its all-boys education where teamwork and brotherhood is valued.

I am grateful for the inspiring teachers who walked the halls here, and there were some real characters who I remember fondly. Special mention must go to Mark Taylor and Tony Herringe who not only taught me in the classroom, but helped to guide our Opens rugby league team to the state finals where we had a win on national television. This was a memorable moment and Year 12 was littered with highlights similar to this, helping to set me up for a positive end to my final year of schooling. I was also the College Vice-Captain which instilled a deeper sense of pride and responsibility for the school, one which continues today.

The teachers helped to set me up for success and obviously played a large role in my future, because after graduating from Eddies I embarked on my own journey as a teacher. I taught for numerous years in Sydney and England, before returning to the Central Coast to undertake a role here, back to where it all began.

Apart from teaching in the classroom, being a Pastoral Leader (Year Coordinator) is my main role. I currently guide the Year 11 students and am in awe of the way St Edward’s continues to be a place where boys can access Catholic education in a wonderful and supportive environment. The staff, buildings, facilities, curriculum, and community are all geared toward providing the best experience for boys to thrive and become young men who achieve.

PAUL SULLIVAN (1994-1999) Sportsman of the Year | Student Number: 4784

2000 2009

PRINCIPALS

1995-2003 – Br J F Regan

2004-09 – Br P A Hester

CAPTAINS

2000 – Ben Fleming

2001 – Adam Bentley

2002 – Stephen Hirst

2003 – Joseph McPherson

2004 – Sean Lacy

2005 – Matthew Burke

2006 – Zac Wilkins

2007 – Joshua Lucas

2008 – Michael Baxter

2009 – Nathan Gow

DUX

2000 – James Robb

2001 – Chris Jackson

2002 – Craig Paulsen

2003 – Christopher Dowling

2004 – John McKellar

2005 – Mitchell Knox

2006 – James Darch

2007 – Christopher Egan

2008 – Aaron Blackwell

2009 – Adam Briggs

SPORTSMAN OF THE YEAR

2000 – Kai Holland & Larry Davidson

2001 – Kane Feeney

2002 – Jacob Lechowski

2003 – Gavin Scott

2004 – Rhys Pritchard

2005 – Shannon Casey

2006 – Jason Taylor

2007 – Kieran Casey

2008 – Joshua Black

2009 – Zac Fell

ADAM BENTLEY (1998-2001) College Captain | Student Number: 5510

I began my St Eddies experience at the start of Year 9 in 1998, after moving down from Coffs Harbour. My first impressions were the vast footy fields and tall buildings circling the main quadrangle. The first year I attended Eddies, the outdoor basketball courts with a massive aluminium roofing down where the bus area is, were pulled down and the most amazing indoor multi-use centre was built. I remember doing weekly Masses, playing basketball and indoor soccer, performing drama scenes and having a disco with the Joey’s girls in there.

I was honoured to be elected school captain in my final year and remember saying many speeches up on stage in front of a sea of people - something that doesn’t come naturally to me, but the trust and confidence the teachers and students gave me allowed me to do such things and has definitely helped my confidence post-school.

I do remember one time, one of the guys in my year used to drive his Mini to school and one day a group of lads (I may or may not have been involved) picked up his car and put it across the lane leading down behind the woodworking block so he couldn’t drive it out and no one could get past.

I also remember I used to love having the ham and cheese toasties from the canteen in the foil - they would burn the lining of your mouth, but you would keep going back for more!

The most important thing Eddies instilled in me during my time there was perseverance. I had a difficult final year of school with some personal issues and my marks were not great when I finished my HSC. The teachers and students at the time supported me immensely and always encouraged me down the right track with what I wanted to do. This resulted in me getting into a university course that I wasn’t super keen on, but it did allow me to move onto other different courses and has resulted in me doing a career that I love. Without the help and guidance from the whole Eddies community, I would not have been able to fulfil my dreams - so for that, thank you.

I hope future students also appreciate the opportunities and support Eddies provides. I currently work with other ex-Eddies boys, and we regularly sing the school song, and it always makes us smile! Congratulations on the 70th anniversary and hope there is another successful 70 years ahead.

Snowy Mountains Camp.

CHRIS EGAN (2002-2007) Dux | Student Number: 6584

I finished Year 12 at St Edward’s in 2007, over 15 years ago now. I still have many fond memories of my time at the College.

One of my favourite days of the school year was Founder’s Day - we used to have a games day to celebrate. Each home room had a stall set up and students had tokens to spend on various activities. My home room, MB15, proudly ran ‘bang the nail’ each year and whoever could drive the nail into a block of wood with the least hits won.

In Year 10 I was lucky enough to represent St Edward’s in a Cricket tour of New Zealand. Whilst we didn’t have much success on the field (mostly due to dubious umpiring decisions from our own teachers), students and teachers alike all had a great time and created many memories.

Music was always my favourite class and was a great outlet from the Science and Maths that otherwise filled my days. ‘Drozzy’ and ‘Tooley’ inspired me to broaden my horizons, and dragged me into playing keyboard in the school musicals ‘Grease’ and ‘Back to the 80’s.’ These experiences gave me a love for performing; I still play in a cover band to this day with mates from my music class. Bumping into old teachers at a pub gig is always a nice surprise.

I still remember the overwhelming support I had in Year 12 to achieve academically. A number of teachers went above and beyond, staying back after school to work on things with me, and marking extra papers and essays. In particular, Mr Taylor (English) and Mr Wilmott (Maths) dedicated many hours of their own time to help me succeed.

After high school, I went on to complete a Medicine degree at the University of Newcastle. I’m now working in Gosford Hospital as an Emergency Specialist, and feel very lucky that I can still live on the Central Coast with my wife and two young children.

I’m very thankful for the well-rounded experience I had whilst at St Edward’s, but overall I am most thankful for the mateship - I have a great group of mates from school who I still see regularly. We’re all proud to be Eddies boys - on occasion when we catch up, we may even ring out a few verses of the College Song, complete with the echoed lines from Mr Toole’s dodgy techno version.

| Open’s Rugby League Team.

| College Values.

| Basketball Training.

| Science Lesson.

| Lunchtime fun.

MATTHEW DAWSON (2007-2012) Sportsman of the Year |

Student Number: 7585

St Edward’s played an integral role in me becoming the person I am today. The values of the Christian Brothers and the camaraderie within the school I believe has provided me with a platform to continue to grow and develop as a person.

I used to spend my recess and lunch in the quad, rarely sitting. Most of the time I was on the handball courts grazing my knees and knuckles playing.

I loved singing the school song every Friday morning at assembly (I can still recite the words now). Sharing this moment with the whole school provided a sense of proud unity.

My time at St Edward’s was filled with many sporting teams. One of my proudest moments was us getting the school hockey team started again. We were able to have some success, but being part of a team with different year groups coming together was something of which the school should be proud of, as everyone represented St Edward’s with pride and passion.

St Edward’s had significant impact in shaping what I decided to do after school. I initially worked for two years before relocating to Perth for hockey.

I am currently in the middle of a Bachelor of Education (Primary). I chose this as multiple teachers had a significant impact on me and the person I am.

Currently I am combining study with being part of the Australian Men’s Hockey team (The Kookaburras) based in Perth. I have been part of this squad since 2015 and have represented Australia at the 2016 and 2020/2021 Olympic Games and the 2018 and 2022 Commonwealth Games.

A piece of advice I would give to myself as a younger student would be to really immerse yourself in school life as it moves so quickly. I have been out of school for 10 years now which is crazy as it has gone so quickly. School is some of the best times you can have. You get to challenge yourself intellectually with multiple subjects and find your interests whilst being around friends which you can have for life, next to you the entire way.

The schooling journey is extremely special, and I was fortunate enough to have mine at St Edward’s. My journey at St Edward’s is something I am extremely grateful and proud of as I will have memories for life.

I am proud to call myself an Old Boy!

| Music Lesson. | Junior students.

| Junior AFL Team. | Senior students.

| Musical.

| Grease – The Musical. | Year 10 Camp.

| House Captains, 2004.

| HSIE excursion.

| Friday sport.

2010 2019

PRINCIPALS

CONNOR WATSON (2009-2012) | Student Number: 8129

I’ve always been so grateful to be fortunate enough to attend St Edward’s College from Years 7-10. At the time I may have taken it for granted, but the comradery, lifelong friendships, great teachers, the beautiful grounds and the opportunity to connect to my culture with Auntie Kerry is something I’ll always appreciate.

That’s why I’m truly honoured to be acknowledged and asked to contribute to the celebrations of St Edward’s 70th year. This has given me the opportunity to look back and reflect on my time at the school, for which I have so many great memories.

From the trips to school on bus 12 (sorry to all the people Jackson and I annoyed daily), to the first-time playing league in front of the school against St Greg’s. The school Edmund Rice program run by Mr Dell… this program instilled a passion to give back to those less fortunate.

| Entry to the College.

Lunch time in the cage with Jackson, Bryce, Andy, Kane, Kahl, Blake, Gus, Will, Scott, Francis, Alec, Bryce W and Zach were always a good time and a laugh. Especially when my big mate Jacob Saifiti tripped up the stairs in front of us.

SPORTSMAN OF THE YEAR

The school swimming carnivals had the best school spirit you’re likely to see and the school discos with St Joseph’s - at the time this was pretty much our only interaction with girls.

All the school camps are also a great memory. Especially the Year 10 camp to the Snowy Mountains, even though I was complaining to Mr English about hiking the whole time. It was the first and only time I have seen the snow.

Multiple trips away for footy, especially when we won the u/16s State Championship with our great coach Mr McCauley. Andy booting the match ball into the change rooms and smashing the light as we were singing, is something I’ll always remember.

The school canteen was elite. I always looked forward to getting lunch money on a Friday. My meal of choice was usually the great chicken nachos and Dare iced coffee.

St Edward’s College helped shape me into the man I am today, and I’m grateful to all the teachers, staff and students who made my time there so memorable.

It is an honour to be a part of the St Edward’s College 70th Anniversary celebration. I proudly represented the College in both rugby and athletics before shifting my focus towards academic and leadership opportunities during my senior years. I have learnt valuable lessons about punctuality, attitude and personal presentation which have transitioned into life beyond high school. Hence, I commend St Edward’s for providing me with ample opportunities to become a selfless, well-rounded individual – a young man with purpose.

The staff at St Edward’s College are of the highest calibre. I would like to thank Mr Bonnici, Mr McCauley, Mr Herringe and Mr Beacroft for their exceptional leadership and involvement with our year group and the wider College. I would like to thank my senior teachers, Mrs Hatfield-Smith, Mr Lord, Mr Powell, Mr Beattie and Mr Crawford for their dedication to student success. They would meet with me before and after class to discuss homework or assignments, providing both complimentary and constructive feedback necessary for personal growth. It is this level of support and mentorship that I believe is synonymous with a St Edward’s education. I would

also like to thank my mathematics teacher, Mr Richard Massey, who would refer to me as ‘Adam Bing – Your Future School Captain’, before I was even elected Prefect. The belief and trust that he, and the entire St Edward’s staff, instilled within me have been instrumental in shaping my identity and transition into a contributing member of society.

To current students striving to achieve, remember your ‘What’, your ‘Why’, and your ‘How’. Write down your goals and why they are important to you and formulate a plan to achieve those goals. Your time at St Edward’s will reflect the effort you make, and the chances you take, so back yourself, be kind to others, keep an open mind, look after your health and your family, and have fun.

I wish all members of the College Community, past, present and future, the best of success. St Edward’s and the Central Coast will always be my home, and I am proud to call myself an Eddies Boy.

Music Class.

| Outside Mona Vale.

| Science models.

| Dissection in Science.

| Marketing Photoshoot.

ADAM BING (2013-2018) College Captain | Student Number: 8829

I can’t talk highly enough of my time at St Edward’s, from entering as a young thirteen-year-old student, shy and nervous to start high school, unaware of what the next six years had to offer, to leaving as an independent eighteen-year-old ready to explore the world. I found myself confident in what I had learned through my education, friendships, my peers, being a leader for the last five years.

St Edward’s is a school full of opportunity, from education, leadership, sport and life experiences - there is so much to be grasped. As a younger student I had the opportunity to represent St Eddies in both Rugby League and Rugby Union. Some of my fondest memories travelling with the team, playing high level competitions (sometimes coming out on top) was an incredible experience for a young man. Playing in front of a packed Eddies crowd alongside your best mates made you proud to be representing a great school.

As a student I loved the science and sport subjects at school, in particular Biology and PDHPE, and in my senior years Investigating Science. Like lots of students, I did well in these areas purely because of the enjoyment while learning these subjects. This affected all my choices around my education opportunities at school. My electives were centred around these topicsPDHPE and PASS for sport, Biology and Investigating Science to discover the world that was science. One piece of advice that nearly everyone can agree on, do what makes you happy and what you’re interested in, you will undoubtedly succeed.

The Kesheni Kenya Trip in 2018 was an invaluable experience from my time at St Edward’s. This eye-opening period between Year 11 and 12 was out of this world. From experiencing the Kenyan culture, being brought to tears multiple times with new mates, and meeting the happiest people you can imagine. The ups and downs of this trip gave me a drive to travel and help, a first look at the world outside of the westernised countries and a deeper understanding of how lucky we are. For the younger students, this trip should be on your radar as you may never experience anything like it again, and it will truly open up your heart and mind.

St Edward’s gave me the opportunity to get out of my comfort zone and apply for leadership roles within the College. This started as working in the Environmental Portfolio community and spreading awareness about our climate and environment. This led to taking a bigger leap into a prefect role and eventually College Captain in 2019. Leadership at the College is great, it has refined my communication, time management and social skills. Get into leadership where you can.

After leaving St Edward’s, I attended university. Firstly, to try Marine and Antarctic Science in Tasmania, and currently studying Physiotherapy at Newcastle. Working hard at school allowed me to apply for scholarships and get offers in places and for degrees I thought were out of reach. I work in a physiotherapy clinic alongside my studies and can’t wait to get out into the world of health science. Funnily enough I chose two career paths based on what I liked at school, not necessarily what I thought was good for myself. It’s made the process so much more enjoyable and given me a better understanding as to what I want to do for the foreseeable future.

Eddies gave me opportunities and the resources to strive for what I desired. All the teachers and support staff over the years helped shape my education and overall learning experience inside and out of the College, and still do to this day. Once an Eddies boy always an Eddies boy.

| Kenya Immersion.

| Mr Bonnici and students in Kenya.

RORY MACKINTOSH (2014-2019) College Captain | Student Number: 9151

One of the best things about attending St Edward’s were the opportunities they gave students to learn more about the world around them. During my time at Eddies, I was fortunate to make lasting friendships, explore a variety of fields and develop my leadership skills as the 2020 College Captain. From this unique and personal relationship I had with the College, I became someone I was proud to be at the end of Year 12. From my first moments as College Captain, I was filled with joy at the chance to make a lasting change for a school that had given me so much. I will always appreciate the careful consideration from staff when selecting the leadership team. Three years later and my College Captain interview is still the most meticulous line of questioning I’ve experienced. Working with staff and students to educate the community on social justice issues such as domestic violence, mental health and BLM was necessary in the development of both myself and the College. The role came with its challenges, but from the most difficult times, came the greatest initiatives, such as SECTV. An online school news program, born from the need to keep students connected during online learning, SECTV was an example of how St Edward’s adapted to the climate their students faced with thoughtfulness and care.

By providing the tools, St Edward’s lets young men experience life from a new angle, one that they never would have thought to explore. St Edward’s took me across the world where I had the most memorable experiences.

The Kesheni immersion to Kenya not only changed the way I understood postcolonial Africa; it changed the way I approached the relationships and goals in my life. In Nairobi, I was privileged to meet so many incredible minds, all with different stories but each thankful for everything they had. Working with the youth of the Kibera slum was an incredibly rewarding experience and the joy that they brought to our group was something entirely magical. I was fortunate enough to go with six other students, who I have remained bonded with through our shared experiences of Kenya and how it shaped who we are today. The immersion enabled me to understand just how far the reach of Edmund Rice stretched, forever altering my attitude towards the challenges of everyday life.

Attending St Edward’s was a unique and rewarding experience. From my first moments sitting in the ERC, surrounded by my future friends, to us venturing up Mount Twynam together four years later, St Edward’s teaches young men how to persevere and become members of society with pride and integrity. Eddies caters to the various niches that young men adopt, making it a place where boys are free to change and shift as they learn more about themselves and their goals. Eddies helped give me the direction and tools needed to better understand myself and my relationships in the real world. I’m incredibly grateful to have been a part of St Edward’s 70-year history and am sure that the College’s touchstones, and the dedication from their staff, will continue to inspire the next generation of Eddies’ boys.

| Jackson Robb in Kenya, 2019.

| Edmund Rice statue. | Water safety.

| Music Band.

JACKSON ROBB (2015-2020) College Captain | Student Number: 9402

2020 2023

PRINCIPALS

I was fortunate to be elected College Captain in 2022 and I am now at Macquarie University, and I feel so honoured and proud to be able to say I went to St Edward’s, when I am asked what high school I went to. I came to Eddies from St Patrick’s at the start of Year 7, I remember walking into the hall, finding out what colour house I was in, and if I said it was the best house, everyone would already know I meant Knights.

Over the six years I spent at St Edward’s, I played football for the Central Coast Mariners and Central Coast United. I represented the school at a large range of sporting events, such as athletics, football, cross country, and various leadership opportunities. All of these opportunities, as well as the lessons I have learnt from my teachers, and past students, have instilled within me qualities that not only myself, but all students of St Edward’s carry with them throughout their life, allowing us to succeed. These can be tied back to the touchstones, qualities such as compassion, leadership, selflessness, thoughtfulness, forgiveness, strength and integrity.

After finishing school, it is a weird feeling, looking back on it all - you remember things that you thought you never would, like how good the first time you had a butter chicken toastie from the canteen was, or that one group photo you had taken at camp. As much as this next chapter of my life is exciting, I do miss my time at high school. So, I ask you all to make the most of it, cherish the moments you have on the oval or in the quad, because before you know it, you’ll be graduating and moving onto the next chapter of your lives.

I will forever be proud to have been a student at Eddies, and when asked what my favourite memory of Eddies would be, so many come to mind, that it would either sound like wordvomit coming out of my mouth, or we would be here for hours.

If I had to describe Eddies in three words, it would be inspiring, inclusive, and memorable. Thank you all for your time, and here’s to 70 years of Eddies.

| EREA Touchstones.

2017-Current – Mr M Bonnici

CAPTAINS

2020 – Jackson Robb

2021 – Kai Wheelock

2022 – Michael Holmes

2023 – William Shaddock

DUX

2020 – Jordan Terzian

2021 – Samuel Schweinheim & Lennox Taylor

2022 – Fergus Clydesdale

SPORTSMAN OF YEAR

2021 – Tyler Moriarty

2022 – Sebastian Plaister

MICHAEL HOLMES (2017-2022) College Captain | Student Number: 9799

I started my journey at this prestigious institution in 2018 and have since been elected to the role of College Captain in my final year of high school. Throughout my time here, I have undoubtedly learned many important values and skills that will stay with me for years to come.

One of the key values that St Edward’s College instils in it’s students is the importance of leadership. As the College Captain, I have had the opportunity to hone my leadership skills and inspire my fellow students to strive for excellence. Additionally, I have learned the value of teamwork, dedication, and perseverance - qualities that are essential for success both inside and outside of the classroom.

Whilst at the school, I have had many visits to the canteen. My favourite canteen food is fried rice and salt and pepper chicken ribs. The fried rice is a medley of fluffy rice, veggies, eggs, and spices that delivers a punch of savory, salty, and spicy flavours. The salt and pepper chicken ribs are succulent, juicy, and coated in a crispy, golden batter with just the right amount of seasoning. When paired together, they create a match made in culinary heaven with flavours and textures melding together in perfect harmony. It’s a delicious and satisfying meal that will leave you feeling full and happy every time. And it definitely has left me feeling this way a lot throughout this year.

One of my favourite memories during my time at the College is doing chin ups in the marine studies classroom (room 68) with Mr Maloney. He is probably one of the only teachers that could out-do an entire class of 16-year-old boys regarding an amount of chin ups, and let’s not forget that he is at least 50 years old (not exactly sure).

Additionally, one of the most valuable lessons I have learned is the power of collaboration. Working alongside my peers and teachers has taught me the value of teamwork, compromise, and communication. Through group projects, class discussions, and extracurricular activities, I have learned how to listen to others, consider different perspectives, and work towards a common goal. These skills will undoubtedly serve me well in any future endeavours.

I want to take a moment to express my gratitude for all that the College has provided me with over the years. From the outstanding education to the enriching extracurricular activities, I feel incredibly fortunate to have been a part of this community. I am especially excited to be participating in the 70th anniversary celebration. It is a testament to the incredible legacy of this school and the countless individuals who have contributed to its success over the years. I look forward to joining my fellow students, alumni, and faculty in commemorating this milestone event. I am forever grateful and excited to see what the future holds for this remarkable institution.

Happy 70th Anniversary St Edward’s College!

WILLIAM SHADDOCK (2018-2023) College Captain | Student Number: 10123