After being delayed by COVID-19, CBC Fremantle's rescheduled celebration of its founder was a day to remember for all.
After being delayed by COVID-19, CBC Fremantle's rescheduled celebration of its founder was a day to remember for all.Originally planned for early May, the feast day of Blessed Edmund Rice was moved to Friday 16 September, and served as an opportunity to reflect on his deep faith and incredible vision for boys' liberating education.
The special day commenced with the entire College a Liturgy in Blessed Edmund Chapel being livestreamed to each Mentor Group, with our Extraordinary Ministers visiting classrooms to share the Eucharist with students and staff.
In his Homily, Fr John Sebastian spoke of the important legacy of Blessed Edmund and reflected on how his life serves as a calling to find ways to help those in need.
Then it was time for the first activity of the day, with the always popular jam doughnuts ready for students as soon as the Mass concluded.
The festival began in earnest, with dozens of food stalls, games and raffles dotted around the College, with all proceeds going to charity.
The Gym had plenty to offer those wanting to test their sporting skills, with students competing to see who could sink a basketball from the furthest away. The bucking bull, sumo suit and dunk tank returned as crowd favourites and were kept busy by eager students.
"Edmund Rice Day is intrinsically faith-focussed and provides an important opportunity to reflect on the life of Blessed Edmund"
Throughout the day, the Music department provided a soundtrack to the celebrations, along with a rousing performance from Year 11 Music student, Luca Bertolini, performing the pop hit Counting Stars by OneRepublic, prompting some of the audience to sing and dance along to the catchy tune.
As the day drew to a close, a group of Year 12 students made memories to last a lifetime, joining with Mr Silveira in a moving rendition of the Neil Diamond classic, Sweet Caroline.
With an excited crowd growing in the Cloisters, Mr Burgio followed up by leading a rendition of the Edmund Rice Anthem with every boy joining in and singing with pride at the top of their lungs to end the celebration.
While also time of fun, friendship and community, Edmund Rice Day is intrinsically faith-focussed and provides an important opportunity to reflect on the life of Blessed Edmund, and the Brothers around the world who continue his legacy of liberating education, gospel spirituality, justice and solidarity and inclusive community.
More than $19,000 was raised in an outstanding effort from students and the wider CBC Fremantle community.
Alongside this, the day culminated with a raffle to shave Mr Burgio's head and beard, contributing a further $2,075 in donations for Breast Cancer Care WA. Each House will donate money to various charities including My Local Minds Mental Health, St Patrick's Basilica, St Patrick's Community Support Centre, WA Wildlife, Edmund Rice Camps, Orange Sky Laundry and Hannah's House.
Click here to view the extended gallery of the day's events.
