Beginning of Term 4

I was struck recently by a line from a TV Series called “After Life”.  A mentor, speaking to a man filled with self-doubt, said that “A society grows great when old men plant trees in whose shade they know they shall never sit.” I couldn’t help but think of our Year 12s as they prepare to leave Shore and head out into the world.  Shore is a great school because of, among other things, those at the head of its student body.  Our Year 12.  Sure, some of them have erred, in fact all of them have at some stage, but what mustn’t be forgotten is the outstanding work that they have done for Shore and the legacy they leave behind.  This legacy is the trees that they have planted, the shade under which future generations will sit and enjoy comfort and respite.  Farewell, wonderful Year 12 boarders, and thank you for all you have given, sacrificed and that over which you have toiled.  You will be missed, but not forgotten, and we wish you all the deserved great things that await. 

It was fabulous to get out to meet our current and prospective country families over the weekend of Week 1.  Messrs Morris and Junee hit the road to Walcha and Spring Ridge, enjoying some rain on the way home.  We enjoyed long chats and fabulous hospitality, with many families traveling several hours to be there.  Thank you everyone for joining us, especially our extremely generous hosts, the Greig and Clift families.  Make sure you visit Edwina and Sam Payne’s Café Graze when in Walcha, and stay at the Walcha Guesthouse. 

We extend sincere congratulations to Angus Malcolm (Barry) and Charles Dight (Robson) on their appointments as 1st Batch Sub-Prefects.  They will certainly lead the School with great virtue, compassion and respect.  Go well, young men, and best wishes from all of us.

Thursday nights in Terms 1 and 4 see the boarders enjoy a BBQ dinner.  With the completion of the new Boarders’ Terrace, these have now been taking place against the backdrop of the magnificent Sydney cityscape, with the traditional BBQ fare as well as seafood and chorizo paella.  It is a fabulous way to work towards the end of the week.

Shore Boarding Legend, Mr David Anderson spoke to most of our boarders in Week 2 as guest speaker in the Smith Auditorium.  With 30 years’ experience in boarding, 24 as Senior Boarding Housemaster, Mr Anderson certainly knows his way around boarding.  The topic he presented was “How to be a better man and how boarding can help me get there.” There were many great words of wisdom and advice, with a few memories thrown in as well.  Thank you, Mr Anderson.

The boarders are now enjoying our world-class sporting facilities over the weekend as well.  Our pool, weights room and basketball amenities are open on Sunday afternoons for our boarders to enjoy, and this will soon extend to Friday afternoons as well.  Boarding’s on-site location also allows our boys to wake midweek before roll call and walk next door to hit the gym, train or swim some laps, then it’s a quick shower in the boarding house and breakfast in the boarders’ dining hall before heading up for period 1.  Check out some footage of a recent Sunday water polo session here

Please don’t forget our voucher offer.  We have some vouchers left to help provide our boarding families with some accommodation support, to help when visiting their sons while in Sydney.  In conjunction with View Sydney we will provide $100 vouchers to help with accommodation costs for Shore boarding families.  Please contact Heather for your voucher in the week leading up to your Sydney visit.  First in-first served.  Safe travels, and have a happy stay!

Here’s to a great Term 4.  We thank you all for times past and look forward to times ahead.

Brendan