Senior Boarding Housemaster News

Hong Kong Promotion

In the first week of the Easter holidays, the Headmaster, Deputy, Registrar and Senior Boarding Housemaster enjoyed a very successful boarding promotion to Hong Kong. It was a great opportunity to engage with our very loyal friends overseas, past, current and future. Prospective students and their parents had an opportunity to chat about their interests, hopes and visions for their Shore experience to come, and it was nice to put a face to a name. The Shore Hong Kong community is such a strong, loyal one, and we thank everyone who made us feel so welcome.

Last Day of Term

On the last day of every term, the rural boarders get the chance to take advantage of boarders’ travel day. Rising early, they board buses at the school front gates to hit the road for the holidays, usually walking through the front door of home as school finishes for the term back at Shore. Even in early morning darkness, the excitement is palpable, for everyone.

Year 12, You’ve Come a Long Way…

Well, time is ticking for our Year 12 group, but we, in boarding, have been extremely lucky to have at the helm such a wonderful group of young men. They have led by example, been tremendous role models and leaders, and they are well-placed to tackle the world once the big quiz is over in Term 4.

Look how far they have come in the photographs here. The first is a picture of the Year 7 Boarders in 2014, taken on the steps of School House and the second is the boys now, taken in the same location. I tried to get them in the same positions, although there were four missing from the Year 7 photo and unfortunately Wyatt was sick when the Year 12 photo was taken this week, so it’s not entirely accurate. Anyway, it’s a wonderful trip down memory lane, and a reminder of well our boys have grown into fine young men.

Expo and Other Visits

Shore Boarding will visit the Dubbo Boarding Expo on May 17 and 18, while there will also be the opportunity to catch up in Narromine and Mudgee over that weekend as well.  Shore Boarding will also visit Cowra and Yass on the weekend of June 15 and 16, and we will be in the Southern Highlands on June 23.  We would love it if you could join us and please feel free to invite people you know that are interested in Boarding at Shore. Additional information can be found in the calendar section of this newsletter.

Food Update and Parking

Please be assured that we continue to monitor the food served to the boys.  It is important to remember that we are trying to cater for the tastes of 190 boys of varying ages and tastes.  Just as my daughters come home with uneaten lunches or refuse to eat my curries, young boys will have similar reactions.  We don’t pretend to get it right all the time, but food options are mixed up regularly, and those options that don’t work are addressed with the relevant staff.  I have included some examples here that might give you some idea of what your boys eat on a daily basis (photos taken on random visits to the dining hall this term).  Parents are also invited, with some notice if possible, to come and dine at any time with their sons or the staff.

Parking continues to be an issue while the SPEC project continues.  Many spaces have been lost as a result, and this has also meant that many staff have had to be re-located.  Please be patient while this work continues, and we hope that once completed, parking will be more accessible.

Heritage Boarding Video

The School is in the process of creating updated communications to support with future boarding enrolments, the latest of these is a new heritage boarding video.

Shore sincerely thanks Zac Warden (Year 8 Robson House), his parents Katrina and Angus Warden, their extended families, and all the boys who helped produce this video.

If you know of any family who is interested in boarding at Shore in 2020, please ask them to contact the Enrolments Office on 02 9956 1131.

Country Boarders Bursary

Thank you to the Shore community for your tremendous support of the 385 Bursary for Country Boarders.  Your generous donations are creating opportunities for more country boys to attend Shore.   We invite applications from new rural families who would like the opportunity for their sons to attend Shore as boarders.  For more information about how to apply visit the Foundation website: www.shore.nsw.edu.au/community/the-shore-foundation/supporting-our-students

Barry House Athletics Heights

The School athletics carnival was another great day for Barry House this year, perhaps the best yet for us. From the very beginning, many Barry House boys rose early to run midweek 1500m and 3000m races to earn points for the House, and added to this was the tremendous participation on Carnival day, where the Barry House boys cleared the stands to compete for even the solitary single participation point. Henry Murray backed up last year’s achievement and was crowned U15 Athletics Champion, while we competed extremely well in the tug of war events and the 6x100m relay. Barry House went one better than last year, finishing 4th from 18 Houses on the day. Only three much larger Day Houses, who have 30 or more boys, finished ahead of us. Imagine what might happen if total points were divided by House numbers…

Robson House Returns!!

As Term 2 kicked off with great excitement, there has been a great deal happening in the House.  As expected, during the holidays our Year 12 were involved in subject workshops that essentially revises and prepares the boys for the busy time of the year.  In addition, this is really an added bonus for all the boys at Shore in their preparation for the future. Taking this into consideration, the Year 10 boys have just begun their semester examinations, with English beginning on Thursday.  Our boys are spending quality time immersing themselves in the House with their studies and working collaboratively to excel in their education.

Leading into the winter sport, we of course are delighted to have so many boys involved in the various sports. In particular, during the trial rugby games in the opens, we have a number of boys selected in the 1^st and 2^nd XV along with of course the selection of Deuchar Dight as the Captain of Rugby.  Along with this, Alex Robinson has been selected to play in the 1^st X1 soccer team for the first competition game of the season, a great achievement for Alex in Year 10 and his first year at Shore.

You can find more information on holiday fun with some of the boys in other articles.

Best wishes

Sam

Balmoral Swim Thank You

Barry House would like to take this opportunity to thank our loyal supporters who gave so generously to our campaign this year. A record 32 boys swam, and in the process we raised a record $3560 for cancer research.  Thank you to everyone for your undying support.  It is deeply appreciated.

A Month In Hodges

Robson House Involvement In The Kingscliff Rugby Tour

On the 23^rd of April of squad of 40 boys travelled up to the NSW/QLD boarder to engage in a training camp staying at Peppers Resort. The camp lasted a week and consisted of multiple daily training sessions, recovery and pool sessions, team dinners, beach swims and an internal trial match on the last day. Of the boys that toured there were 6 Robson house members, four of which were in the 1^st XV and the other two starting in the 2^nd XV.

On the second day of the tour the squad travelled up to Brisbane, to Ballymore Stadium to train with some of the Reds development coaches. This was an eye opening experience as we got to see and train at the stadium home to, not only the Queensland Reds but also Queensland Rugby. While at Ballymore the squad worked with some of the most elite rugby union coaches in QLD.  This session consisted of micro-skills within aspects of the game such as cleanout technique as well as improving general team vision and play.

On the last day of tour the 1^st and 2^nd XV went head to head in an internal selection trial match. This game consisted of 25-minute 3rds to make up a 75-minute game giving the coaches an opportunity to see different boys performing.

Robson house contributed the largest number of players in the squad from an individual house as it has in previous years. The Robson boys from both Year 12 and 11 enjoyed going away with the squad and spending some time together.

DBC Dight

Sky Zone – Sunday Activity

Today for our boarders Sunday activity, we went to Sky Zone in Alexandria. It is a big trampolining place with foam its, wall walker’s, dodge ball games and an obstacle course. We spent the afternoon running around and bouncing on the trampolines. The dodge ball was loads of fun because it was on trampolines. At the end of our time, I think that all of us would of gone a lot longer but we couldn’t so we all had to go back to school…….. Louis Cathles

End of Term Travel Due

SSTS travel forms are due back to Heather Foord on Tuesday 28 May.  Please use the attached link to fill out the form:

SSTS Term 2 Boarders Travel Form

Lazy Sunday Afternoon and Making Pizza’s

It’s rainy and windy outside, so Ben Shilling gives a counselling session in the foyer and Tom Pearce hits the books next door. Several boys have gone out to the movies, tutoring and sport as well, while others just chill out on the first weekend back in Term 2 after a busy day of Saturday sport in Bathurst. Meanwhile, Sam Hawkins and Henry Saunders sort and fold their washing for the week ahead. Domestic chores…tick ✅

Making Pizzas

After a big day of footy and supporting their mates in the afternoon, it was nice to get back to the House and make home-made pizzas on the ceramic plates in the BBQ, followed by Chevy Chase movie night and “Vacation”.

Barry House Staff

During the day, at recess and lunch, The House is supervised by several of the PE staff. One such staff member is David Kennett, a Shore Old Boy who left in 2005. He has a special place in the heart of the Barry Housemaster’s heart because he was his 2^nd XV captain in David’s final year of school. To give you an insight into David’s context and role in boarding, we thought a little chat might be in order.

Family? Married to Naomi and father to daughter, Millie (6½ months old)

How long at Shore as a staff member? 8½ years

Why get into this line of work? I was always interested in sports and training, and improving performance in athletics pursuits. I was in the first Year 12 cohort to access the new (at the time) PDHPE programme, and that inspired me further to get involved in this as a life experience. Physiotherapy was also an avenue I was interested in.

Interests? Training hard, surfing, triathlons (I have competed in two Kona Hawaiian triathlons).

What can you offer boarding? I enjoy the more casual, non-classroom interaction with the boarders outside of training. It helps build an overarching school community relationship because the rapport in this context is easier to establish. I get the opportunity to educate the boarders on health and fitness, one-on-one, including such things as sleep, diet, exercise and well-being. The proximity that boarding enjoys to the gym means I have a closer connection with them than perhaps the Day Boys, and I am able to carry this over to the relationships I enjoy in Barry House. I can offer them advice and encouragement in the House on every shift, and this helps motivate them to make good life and health choices.

Student Spotlight – School House

Hello, I am Evgeniy Lushnikov. I was born in Russia’s Far East city called Vladivostok.  I started in Year 7 as a full time boarder in 2014 and am now in Year 12.  The reason why I came to Australia was because our close family friends moved here and told us how great Australia and its education system is.

My parents were both born in Russia and work in construction.  I have two younger brothers David and Ruslan, they are currently in Year 5 and I hope have the same opportunity as me.  We also have a husky called Fluffy.

The thing that I enjoy most about boarding at Shore are the friendships I have made.  These friendships are not limited to my year group but includes supervisors and covers all year groups in the house.  You take on a big brother role with the Year 7’s while maintaining close friendships with boys your age and supervisors who are happy to chat…….. did I mention the view!!!!

New Policy from the Deputy Headmaster

Boarders taking lifts with other student drivers

Boarders are not to take a lift in a motor vehicle with another student driver unless they have permission from their Housemaster which should only be given with written permission (email) from the parent.  Even then, permission remains at the discretion of the Housemaster.  Buses to and from sport during the week are provided for all Boarders.

Boarders are not permitted to have a motor vehicle whilst boarding at Shore, either parked on or off site.  Any exceptions to this must be with the approval of the Deputy Headmaster.

Thank you
Rod Morrison

Hodges Opens Rugby

This winter season, Hodges is again heavily represented in opens age group. Playing in the opens are: Oscar Simons, Will Austin, Jamie Clark, Ben Henchman, Jeremy Elliott, Tom Scott, Broc Allen, Ashton Peck, Rei Setogawa, Alex Cowan, James Durran, Lewis Thompson, Luke Vrcelj and James Wallace.

Congratulation to all boys for the selection in their respective teams and best wishes for the Rugby season. Apologies for interrupting your morning tea to take the pic.

(Missing from picture Will Austin, Ben Henchman and James Wallace)

Cadets in the Boarding Community

Cadets has become a large part of the school, especially in the boarding community. Throughout the last holidays during the Easter break, a large group of year 10 and year 11 boys went on the junior and senior promotions course to help them gain a leadership position throughout the unit. On course different people were challenged in a large variety of ways as they were tested both physically and mentally as they tried to overcome different challenges in a cadet environment with different people’s leadership capabilities being displayed.

On the junior promotions course year 10’s who were cadets had the ability to be promoted to Lance Corporal’s and Corporal’s then the ability being section leaders and 2IC’s this would give them the ability to help lead 10 or more cadets throughout the bush and make decisions and such on their own accord. Whilst comparatively year 11 students were able to have the ability to have larger roles in the unit meaning they have the skills to change the unit and lead cadets to have an enjoyable and life changing experience. The ranks that were able to be acquired were sergeant, Platoon CUO, Company Sergeant Major, Company Commander, Regimental Sergeant Major and Student Under Officer. With these efforts from around 70 Lance Corporal’s and Corporal’s in year 11 learning different but important skills to help change the unit for the better and give the unit a fun yet challenging experience for the year nine cadets.

The Shore Cadet Unit is an important and vital part of the school as it teaches student leadership skills that can be used for the rest of life.

Fin Hancock RSM (School House)

Confirmation Service 2019

Confirmation Service – Sunday July 28 at 9am

Any Student in Year 10 or above interested in being Confirmed in the Shore Chapel should see Rev Dudley as soon as possible.

Classes begin in Week 3 for Term Two, Wednesday May 15 at 7.45pm – 8.25pm in the Chaplains Office.

For more information please contact Rev Dudley at pdudley@shore.nsw.edu.au or via telephone (02) 9956 1129.

SPEC Update – April

Current Status

Pool Hall:
• Concrete has been placed for level 2 for the PDHPE classrooms above the pool.
• Scaffold has been erected. Roofing, façade framing and anti-corrosive painting works have commenced.
Sports Hall:
• Precast columns extending between levels 1 to 3 have been installed.
• Formwork and reinforcement steel continues to be installed within the grandstanding surrounding the basketball courts.
• Structural steel is being assembled on site ready for installation.
• Lower ground to level 1 is being stripped of formwork in preparation for fitout works to wet areas and weights room.
Car Park:
• Lower ground floor slab is complete and ground floor formwork being installed.

Next Steps

• Concrete pours including level 3 of the Pool Hall for the landscaping terrace, pool concourse, and the Sports Hall grandstand and carpark ground floor.
• Brickwork and blockwork to commence.
• Removal of temporary columns in the pool.
• Pool to be flooded and water tested prior to waterproofing and tiling works.

SPEC Time Lapse Video – 9 May 2019

Congratulations Hunter Lawson Yalari Captain 2019

Congratulations to Hunter who has been chosen as Yalari Captain in 2019 at Shore.

Yalari scholars from Years 11 and 12 have been chosen for the role based on qualities such a responsible behaviour, leadership, involvement with their school communities and acting as a role model for other students.

A Yalari Captain is expected to act as a mentor to other Yalari students and as an ambassador for Yalari, all the while demonstrating the Yalari values of compassion, openness, respect, resilience, inclusiveness and excellence.

“I am honoured to accept this role and look forward to being the senior role model for the other Yalari boys at Shore.  I know Braydon, Rishad, Ramiyah, Jye and I are all grateful for the opportunities presented by the Yalari Scholarship and I look forward to helping them in the year ahead.”

Hodges SRC Update

Over the last month, Lachlan Caldwell (House Captain) and James Overton (House Vice-Captain), have met separately with Year 8 and Year 10.  Topics of discussion have included:

• Brainstorming ideas for an inter-tutor group competition to be conducted each term; giving the boys something to look forward to.
• Discussion of house routines.

Great to see student leadership in action. Well done to all boys involved!

Barry House Concert

For over a decade, the Barry House Concert has been a highlight on our calendar. After the school athletics carnival, the House assembles in the TV Room for a fun night of entertainment. All new boys sang an unaccompanied song to a willing audience, while Years 8-10 performed a skit and Years 11 and 12 showed their video. It is always a great way to see off the term, particularly as pizza is served after encores before everyone heads upstairs to pack for the upcoming holidays.