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

Helping Others

Earlier this year, in Term 1, Barry House entered five teams in the Balmoral Swim, raising $2,100 for Cancer research. This Term, Barry House was involved in four activities to help raise money for those less fortunate. On August 12, a record 39 runners in total: boys, staff and several Barry Family and Friends tackled the 14km course to raise over $3,100 for CanTeen. At the end of August, Barry House once again collected for the Cancer Council on Daffodil Day, while in Week 7, Years 8-10 collected over $4,500 for Legacy.

In a wonderful boarding initiative, boys from Barry House helped in collecting for Shore’s Drought Appeal on the day of games against Riverview at Northbridge. A total of over $60,000 was raised for this very worthwhile cause. Year 10 Barry House boys, Charlie Murray (Lovedale), Hunter Lawson (Quirindi), Charlie Clift (Spring Ridge) and Henry Saunders (Quirindi) also visited Chatswood Public School to deliver an address on the drought and the impact it is having on our rural families.  The boys did an absolutely magnificent job, preparing a visual presentation and taking questions afterwards.  It was extremely well-received by the boys and girls of Chatswood PS, and generated some very insightful and honest questions and observations from the students.

In Term 4, Barry House will help in raising money for Anglicare in their annual Christmas charity drive.

2019 Boarding Captains and Vice Captains

Congratulations to the following Boarders who are our House leaders for 2019:

Barry House:  Oliver Riddle (C) and Andrew Newton (VC)

Hodges House:  Ben Henchman (C), Lachlan Caldwell and James Overton (VC)

Robson House: Will Nicholl (C) and Deuchar Dight (VC)

School House: Yash Upadhyaya (C), Wyatt Bellotti and Max King (VC)

School House Leadership 2018

It was a great honour to formally induct our new House Captain – Yash Upadhyaya and our new Vice-Captains, Max King and Wyatt Bellotti in front of School House last Wednesday in Chapel.

All three boys have shown great leadership, care and initiative this year and will be great ambassadors to boarding. Yash, Max and Wyatt have been heavily involved in multiple co-curricular activities including sport, music, drama, theatre-sports, a variety of camps including the recent Buru trip and some great house activities.

Each of the boys have shown great care in their respective Tutor Groups and certainly have the respect of boys and staff in School House. We wish them well for the beginning of their HSC and look forward to their leadership for the remainder of the year.

The staff and boys also look forward to inducting our first round of House Senior’s this week and this will add to the leadership in the House for the remainder of this year and into 2019. The boys are very diverse and will be a great Year 12 in 2019.

Huw Blood Housemaster School House

Family Connections – Hodges House

Donald Ian Macintyre

Hodges House was special in my family before my dad (1987) or I even attended the School.  My Great Grandfather, Donald Ian Macintyre (Born 13/4/1893), was in Hodges House as a boarder from approximately 1905 to 1910 and was part of the GPS 1^st XI and Shore 1^st XI in Cricket and the Shore 2^nd XV.  After attending Shore he went to Sandhurst Military College in the UK before attending World War I between 1914 and 1918.  We don’t have any major stories of his time in Hodges but his sleeping arrangements were in large dorms with metal beds together with a lack of privacy. It was exciting when I was told I would be moving into Hodges House in 2014 as I would be the 2nd person out of my close relatives to come to Hodges House as a boarder.  I am looking forward to my final year in Hodges.

James Overton 12HS1 (Hodges House Vice-Captain, 2019)

Barry House Cocktail Party

Barry House’s annual cocktail party was once again a fantastic occasion. Special guests Dr and Mrs Wright, along with many of our extended Barry House family, enjoyed the excellent speeches given by our Year 12 boys. They entertained us all with their memories of their journey through boarding in Barry House over the years, and what it has meant to them. It was a wonderful opportunity for the parents of all our boys to celebrate their sons’ time at Shore and in Barry House, whilst Year 11 were wonderful wait staff on the night!

Hodges House Social – Lipsync Battle

On Friday 16^th November, Hodges House will be hosting the boarders of Wenona for dinner and a LipSync Battle. The Smith Auditorium has been booked and it should be heaps of fun with prizes for the winners. This event is for Hodges Boarders only and it is expected that all boys will be in attendance.

Year 10 Dance with Pymble Ladies’ College

On Friday the 19th October the Year 10 boarders, along with the day boys, attended the Year 10 Dance with Pymble Ladies’ College. The event was held at the Miramare Gardens, a function centre in Terrey Hills. The boarders met at Mount Street to catch the bus at 6:45pm. Straight away you could tell some boys took the smart casual theme a little different compared to others. Some looked as if they were heading to the Melbourne Cup, some dressed like they were ready to go to a party in Hawaii, some boys looking straight out of the 70’s or more amusing was one boy’s perception to just wear his fishing gear.  From North Sydney we made our way up to the dance, pulling up out the front at 7:30.  After a quick name check, we were in, with 200 Shore boys and 250 PLC girls in one room, it was packed!

As the DJ started to turn the music up, every one of us were keen at making their way to the dance floor.  The lights dimmed, but it was only getting started.

For the next two and a half hours, everyone danced, chatted, laughed and sang. The photo-booth and seats were a hit for those trying to escape the dancing, although most who observed would say jumping up and down. In the last moments of the dance the boarders got back on the bus and headed back to school.  Although some boys may have gone a bit too hard because the bus trip on the way back sure was quieter than that on the way up!

The boys had a great night and will look at this as a night to remember.

Robson House Boarder

The Great Bake Off

Lachlan Caldwell (11HS2), assisted by Michael Wong (11HS3) and myself, endeavoured to win the croquembouche themed bake off between Hodges and Barry Houses, with the opposition team being led by Ms Wickenden. This niche dessert theme was originally established on the Buru camp between Lachlan and Ma’am, consequent to Lachlan’s attempt at a croquembouche in year 10 Tutor Group.

This prestigious competition was held last Sunday, the 21^st of October, and judged by Mr Blood and Ms Wolsely; who through intense discussion ultimately gave the competition to Hodges House on the criteria of taste and aesthetics. Although the competition was strong, the victory was ultimately won through the Hodges House team’s thorough preparation and experimentalism. It was a thoroughly enjoyable experience for all those involved and I hope similar competitions can take place in the future.

Angus Colman 11HS2

Sport At Barry House

Sports News

Congratulations to Henry Murray who was selected in the Sydney Under 14 Rugby side this year, a fantastic achievement.

At the end of Week 1 in Term 4, the Queensland State Swimming Championships were held in Lake Kawana on the Sunshine Coast. Barry House’s Oliver Spanton placed 12th overall and 3rd in the 17’s. In doing so, he beat the current NSW state title holder. His time was a mind-boggling 2 hours and 5 minutes for 10km. Congratulations, Oli.

In Athletics, Barry House boys competed in a total of ten events in the GPS carnival at Homebush. Charlie Black (800m, 4x400m), Adrian Lai (4x100m), Henry (100m, 200m, Hurdles, LJ, 4x100m) and Charlie Murray (400m, 4x100m) were outstanding on the day, and the huge crowd enjoyed several podium finishes from them.  It was a fantastic day once again, the atmosphere matching the outstanding quality of the athletes.

Campbell Brown Memorial Award for Citizenship

On Wednesday 12 September, Mrs and Mrs Brown, relatives of Campbell (’94), visited Hodges House to present the Campbell Brown Memorial award. The award is presented annually to a boy in Year 11 who demonstrates good character and behaviour in the boarding community. Congratulations to Broc Allen (11HS3) who was the worthy recipient of the award for 2018.

School House Boys Honour Uncle

Braydon Mundy and Jye Peters played in the WAC Walgett Aboriginal Knockout at the end of last term  They won their first game against Bourke with Braydon getting two tries in that game.  Winning that game took them straight through to the Grand Final where they came up against Goodooga with Braydon scoring another try, sadly they lost in the end with Goodooga taking out the Under 15s Grand Final. Both boys played great football and with their hearts on the sleeve for their Uncle Bobby who sadly passed away nearly 2 years ago unexpectedly from a stroke.  It was an emotional game but an honour for the boys to be able to be apart of the team and weekend.   Braydon received the players player award for the under 15s team for the Knockout.

Sarah Franklin, School House Parent.

Hodges House Mentoring Programme

The Hodges Mentoring Programme is a new program utilised by Years 8-11 allowing younger boys in years 8-10 to have an older “brother figure” to look up to in Year 11 within the boarding house. The program runs over all types of things like personality strengths and weaknesses, goals for both now, the near future and long term and how to apply these goals and personally strengths not just within the boarding house but in the broader world.

Personally, I was pared with year 11 student Angus Colman (11HS2). We discussed a range of topics. This deeper level of discussion was helpful for me in terms of figuring out what I can build on and improve by way of personal strengths and weaknesses like organisation, respect and integrity and also how I can use them to help me in everyday situations. Additionally, on topic of goals we managed to briefly touch upon what units I would like to study in the future and where I need to be placed in order to do so. It was a great help to gain insight from an older boy who has already run the race ahead of me and to start to think about the years to come.

Overall the new Hodges House Mentoring Programme is a program that has made a great start in the boarding house and will most likely grow stronger in time.

Gus I F Gregg 9HS3

Cooking Up A Storm

Assistant Housemasters, Ms Wickenden, Mr Jenkins and Housemaster Mr Morris once again ran cooking classes and other gastronomic opportunities for the boys in Barry House.  We have all enjoyed creating and then eating many treats this term such as pizzas from scratch, taco’s, nachos, chicken skewers, beef burgers, and cupcakes.  A BBQ brekkie, morning tea and dinner is always a favourite as well.  With our outdoor seating and gas heaters, it is a perfect way to spend an evening, especially after a long day on the sporting field before settling in for a movie. The Year 12 boys also enjoyed a home-cooked roast at the Morris home in front of the fire with all the trimmings: slow-cooked lamb shoulder, roast pork with baked potatoes, steamed greens and sticky date pudding.

Golden Boots Winner 2018

The Golden Boots is a public speaking competition for the Year 11 boarders, with one representative from each House speaking at a formal dinner on a given topic. This year, Oliver Riddle  (Barry House), won over the judges and a willing audience when he spoke on “A Good Man is Hard to Find”, bringing home the boots to Barry House once more! 

Thank you to all of our Finalists: Pip Debenham (Hodges), Tom Nicholl (Robson) and Wyatt Bellotti (School) for your engaging speeches.  We would also like to thank Mrs Jo Mazzocchi (Riverina OBU representative) and Ms Penny Horsley for adjudicating.

Yalari Trip

During the July holidays I attended the Yalari year 9 and 10 camp in the Northern Territory. Yalari is a non-profit organization which sponsors Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children to go to private schools across Australia. The camp is held with all the year 9 and 10 boys who go to school around Australia so that we can form stronger bonds and visit places that Aboriginal people have had strong relationships with and have been attached to since the beginning of time.

We landed in the dry Alice Springs to begin our journey. We stayed here for a night in the local caravan park and slept in the freezing cold underneath the stars. We started the lap around the NT by visiting Ormiston Gorge (Kwartatuma). We landed and began a walk up to the top of the unbelievable gorge. The view from the heights revealed the whole gorge and the flat dry river bed which surrounded it. We drove on and stopped at Hermannsburg. Here we visited the Lutheran mission. We were educated and shown the conditions in which Aboriginal people live in. After a day visiting the mission we continued our travels to Palm Valley (Mpulyngkinya). We got to experience the wonderful land in an off road drive which was eye opening to me as it was a lot different then was I’m used to.

Continuing the travel we trekked it 5 hours to the Kings Canyon cattle station (Watarrkal). After a long drive this was our resting point before we got to Uluru. In the morning we hopped back into the vehicles for another drive to Uluru. We finally reached Uluru, and it was worth the drive! It was truly amazing.

We started off the day by visiting the Information Centre at the rock where we gained knowledge of the struggle to gain land rights and the years of history around the rock. We walk around the rock and read all the dreamtime stories and even got to visit the carvings and paintings on the rock. The next morning we got to visit Katatjuta which was equally as amazing. But the highlight of the camp was watching the sunset over Uluru. Sitting there and just being able to reflect on the wonderful time and being able to connect with the traditional land of my people was remarkable. 

Braydon Mundy – (Year 9 Yalari recipient School House)     

Teacher Feature – Meet the Medical Team

Over their time at Shore most of our Boarding boys will pay a visit to the Medical Centre.

Located opposite the Graythwaite Reception Building, the facility provides medical support to the boys 24 hours a day and 7 days a week during term time.

Our dedicated and hospital trained staff, Sister Liz and and Sister Raellen work together on a rotation of 4 days on and 4 days off ensuring the care of the boys is paramount. Our Sisters’ are always on hand to deal with everything from a grazed knee, to accidents that require an ambulance, and sometimes a mild case of home sickness – for which a lemonade and a chat are a common cure. The boys also have access to Dr John D’Arcy at the Medical Centre for any other concerns they have.

Talking about their role, Sister Raellen shared: “We are really working as a Primary Health Care team, promoting health and wellbeing, it’s very satisfying to help the boys to get better.”

Sister Liz commented: “The boys are all very respectful and appreciate us, seeing them grow up from Year 7 boys into beautiful young men in Year 12 is something I really enjoy seeing.”

The Medical Centre can be reached on 02 9956 1169 or by emailing medicalclinic@shore.nsw.edu.au.

Vehicle Mechanics

As part of the co-curricular activities offered at Shore, boys have the opportunity to be involved in Vehicle Mechanics. Toby and Charles Weston (Year 10) have been involved all year and really enjoy their experiences Monday and Friday during the week. In Mechanics Mr O’Brien will run through the theory regarding upcoming projects and help all boys plan and organize their work. After the initial planning stage boys will begin their work with Mr O’Brien’s supervision. The projects normally undertaken involve fixing cars, lawnmowers and other stationary motors.

This year the group has fixed around five lawnmowers, a water pump, three cars and many other smaller projects including the changing of oil filters, brakes and a general look over vehicles. The group has managed to fix all of these motors and replenish them to a high standard. One car, the Hillman Minx had been sitting in the shed for twenty years and is now up and running (shown below). During mechanics the group of boys has enjoyed fixing and learning about motors, which provides them with a better knowledge and understanding for future automotive experiences.

Boarders Travel due now

For Boarder’s travelling home on Friday 8 December, please fill in and return the form before Friday 2 November to Heather Foord – hfoord@shore.nsw.edu.au 

Travel will be via CountryLink trains.

Boarder’s Travel Form

SPEC Update – October

The Shore Physical Education Centre (SPEC) build is well underway with excavation works nearing completing.

So far 115,000 tonnes of material have been removed from the site and a tower crane has been installed. The crane is 36m high with a boom length of 52 metres and a lifting capacity of 11 tonnes at the tip. The installation of in ground services and footings for the pool hall have commenced.

Major concrete pours are scheduled to commence in early November, followed by the delivery of precast concrete columns that will be lifted into the site by the crane.

Careful planning has taken place to ensure minimal disruption to boarding students with deliveries and truck movements, particularly around the HSC exam timetable.

For more information about SPEC please visit our website. 

Boarding Snow-sports update

In snow-sports this year I competed in the Redlands Cup and three events, moguls, skier cross and alpine, in the Interschool’s competition. The competition has three stages, beginning at regionals then progressing to state and finally nationals. I made it through to state and then nationals in alpine and moguls, individually placing 16^th in moguls and 10^th in alpine, and my team placed 3^rd in both events at state. At nationals, I came 12^th individually in Alpine but was unable to compete in moguls as I injured myself the day before. In the Redlands cup, I had to ski up a division to fill numbers and make a team. We came 3^rd as a team and I came 6^th individually.  

Ewan Jackman (Year 9 School House)

During the Snow-sports season I raced in Cross Country Skiing Freestyle and Relay at both State and Nationals for school. At state individually in Cross Country Freestyle I placed 11th and my team and I placed 3rd, gaining podium. For the Cross Country Relay we placed 2nd. At nationals in the Cross Country freestyle event I placed 20th having an unfortunate stack with six other people in the race at the beginning, our team placed 5th. In the Cross Country Relay event our team placed 5th. It was a tough but enjoyable season achieving some medals and having fun with such an intense and enjoyable sport.  

Fin Hancock (Year 10 School House)

Year 11 Leadership Day

In August, Shore ran a Leadership Day with Year 11, a one-day workshop with Housemaster, Mr Morris, aiming to prepare the next crop of House leaders as they prepare to enter Year 12. Leadership modelling, discussions and planning are all part of the day’s program, which this year featured Governor-General of Australia, via video recording, Sir Peter Cosgrove.  Pictured here are the Barry House boys working through some ideas at the end of the day, enjoying a coffee at a local café.

Hunter Lawson Supports Yalari

In a wonderful boarding initiative, boys from all boarding houses helped in collecting for Shore’s Drought Appeal on the day of games against Riverview at Northbridge.  A total of over $60,000 was raised for this very worthwhile cause. The Quirindi Advocate ran an article on Hunter Lawson who ran the BBQ for a giant garage sale organised in the local community for the Pay It Forward Program.  He was able to raise $900 for Yalari.  Hunter was up early cooking egg and bacon rolls in the frost, Barry house providing him with great barbequing skills!  Hunter also attended the Yalari Outback camp during the middle week of the holidays a great cultural experience. It was wonderful holiday experience for Hunter.

Tech-Free Zone

Every so often on a Sunday during term, Barry House becomes a Tech-Free Zone.  All devices are banned and Real-World experiences are encouraged.  Pictured here is our foyer whiteboard spelling out the rules.