Director of Boarding Update
Welcome to the new format of our Newsletter that will be available every fortnight. This Newsletter will not only combine my newsletter but also additional updates from each of our four boarding houses, links to important dates, events and further information regarding Boarding at Shore. You can order the stories by the House your son is in by clicking on the tag and name of a House at the bottom of the articles. I hope you enjoy the new and updated feel of this information.
Steve Biddulph
During our staff meeting at the start of Term IV we had the privilege of having renowned author Steve Biddulph come and speak to our staff at Shore. Steve has done a lot of work and reflection on raising boys and one of his points that struck me again, was the need for teenage boys to have positive role models (and especially male role models). As I reflected on this and then thought of our staff in boarding, I was appreciative of what a wonderful group of staff we have in boarding that play a huge role in raising balanced young men. Our staff are positive role models that continue to work hard for the boys especially in pastoral care and development.
Farewell and Thank You Mr Blood
Last term we were informed that after four years of being Housemaster of School House, Mr Huw Blood would be finishing at the end of this year. Many in our boarding community already know this information, however I would like to thank Huw and his wife Rebecca for the continued efforts and diligence in School House over these years. Huw is remaining at Shore and will continue as one of the PDHPE staff members and we wish them well in all their future endeavours.
Boarding Survey
In Term III, the School undertook a survey of boarding parents to gauge their reflections on the boarding programme at Shore. Thankyou to those who completed the survey and for your reflections on this important exercise, which gave us great feedback to work on. Upwards of 80% of the boarding families responded to the survey which is a very healthy number. The Headmaster has indicated that he will be writing a separate letter to boarding parents shortly with reflections on this survey and a way forward for Boarding at Shore. In future newsletters, we will endeavour to address some of the issues raised.
Exams
The next three weeks sees a busy time academically with exams for Years 9 and 10 starting at the end of Week 3, exams for Years 7 and 8 in Week 5 and the start of Year 11 assessments later in the term. Along with the conclusion of the HSC for our Year 12 students, the boys will have plenty of reflection and revision on their school work this term.
Year 11 Study Skills
In the past week there was a Study Skills evening for Year 11 students and parents as our Year 11 students commence their HSC course. This evening was recorded and the PowerPoint slides can be found on Lampada under the Study Skills tab or click here.
Year 10 and Year 8 Social functions
Finally I remind parents of Year 8 and 10 boys regarding the social evenings later this term at The Greens in North Sydney which were emailed to parents last term. These will be an informal time to catch up with boarding parents in a similar year group in a relaxed setting. Please see our Diary Dates for more details. Please email Heather Foord (hfoord@shore.nsw.edu.au) if you are planning to attend these events.
With thanks and regards
Anthony Benn, Director of Boarding
