Welcome to Boarding 2020

We welcome you all back to another exciting year, and hope that you and your sons enjoy all that the year ahead has to offer. 2020 will see many wonderful changes take place, with a refreshing outlook and perspective on several fronts.  Shore has warmly welcomed our new Headmaster, Dr Petterson and his family this year, and already we have seen a strong interest and investment in the boarding programme.  The RAI Grant Sports Centre will open soon, and this will offer the boarders an opportunity to enjoy one of the great facilities in the country, on its doorstep.

Our HSC results were outstanding, with 49% of the 2019 boarders achieving an ATAR of 90+.  This is a reflection of the culture and work ethic of our boys, while the resources on offer such as boarder academic tutoring continue to underpin these tremendous results.  We would still encourage our boys across every Year group to utilise the tutoring; to be proactive in seeking help to stay ahead of the game.

We also welcome Mr McGee (Robson), Mr Henniker (Hodges) and Ms Dowdell (Barry) as new Assistant Housemasters this year.  They have settled in already, and the boys have been fantastic in helping this transition be as smooth as possible.  Our numbers are up from 2019, with some boarders still to start later in the year.  Our Year 7 intake is at maximum levels in 2020, and they have made a great start.  We thank especially Mr Pienaar and Mrs Murray for the considerable time they have invested in our Year 7 Boarder Transition programme.  They have equipped them to take on the many challenges that boarding presents, while also looking after them on trips to Manly and Balmoral Beaches, Sydney Harbour cruises, local walking tours, as well as providing academic and organisational support.

I would like to remind parents that boarders should not have cars on or near the School.  This is specified in the Boarding Handbook and is in place for their protection and for those who are tempted to travel with them.  I also encourage parents to actively check on their son’s leave requests to ensure that they are heading to safe places with adequate supervision.  Ringing hosts and double-checking intended destinations are always methods we here at Shore encourage before signing off.

The Shore Boarding Staff wish everyone a fabulous year ahead.  We look forward to catching up soon, either at the cocktail party on March 20 or some other time in the near future.

Best wishes,
Brendan

Photos are of Thursday Night BBQ