At the end of Term 3, Rice House farewelled Mr Edwards as he left for long service leave. They also welcome Mr Ben Gehrmann into the position of Rice House Pastoral Leader.

The Rice House captains had these meaningful words to say:

What does it mean to lead Rice House?

Anish Kumar:

Leading Rice house means leading with a gentle strength. This gentle strength has been shown by Mr Edwards over the years. It means to guide with steady and calm nature that helps people up and makes us all feel strong. Leading in Rice House means putting others before yourself and providing support for their different needs. It’s about trying your best so others can reach their full potential. But as a leader of Rice house, the whole house will be behind you, as well as supporting you to reach your own potential as a leader. And finally, leading Rice House means you a part of a proud and successful team.

Farewell and Thank You to Mr Edwards

Sami Carberry:

It’s time to say goodbye to a great legend and a big part of Rice House today. No words could truly express how grateful we are and how much of an impact you have had on us, but I will try my best to do you justice. Eddy, you have made such a big impact on so many people at this school, and staff and students alike appreciate you so much. You’re always up for a good chat, a laugh and you always go out of your way to do anything for someone, even if you don’t have the time – that doesn’t go unnoticed. We will definitely miss listening to your dreadful singing and watching you fumble over your feet and call it dancing (even though you hoped the props would distract us from it). You always know how to make someone feel so significant because simply changing the colour of a text-box on Word for you makes you a hero – I guess that’s what you get for growing up with dinosaurs. You’ve truly turned Rice from a house into a family and we will cherish that forever. Eddy, thank you. We will try our hardest to live out your legacy, you will be dearly missed but we wish you all the best in your future endeavours.

Welcome to Mr Ben Gehrmann

Michaela Collins:

Even though there are big shoes to fill, together as a house, we extend our hand out to welcome Mr Gehrmann. Today is not a fresh start or a new era, but rather a passing of the baton. At first, the weight of expectation may take hold and the doubt of knowledge may set in. But through the reassurance and encouragement from the community, you’ll realise that you were chosen for a reason. Leadership requires the support of the community, for you have the knowledge and we have the tools. You simply can’t have one without the other. Embodying our House colour of yellow, we extend our warmth and often described ‘mellow yellow’ attitudes to your newfound role. Just like Edmund Rice did all those years ago, we offer the hand and hammer that forms the foundation of a united community. Mr Gehrmann, on behalf of the Rice House community, we warmly welcome you to your new role at St Joseph’s and look forward to the future with you at the helm.