Senior Boarding Housemaster Update

Dear Shore Boarding Community,

It was wonderful to have everyone return this term to as close to normality as possible.   All Weeklies returned, Year 7-12 boarders are back in the boarding houses and it was one big happy family again.   There are, sadly, still some restrictions that cast a shadow over us, and the future continues to be a continuation of uncertain bends in the road and unanswerable questions.   We keep our fingers crossed for limited disruptions, but at the time of writing, things are beginning to get a little shaky again around sport and other social contexts.

Nevertheless, we are trying to maintain as many events and activities as we can, while we also look back and celebrate some wonderful achievements this time thus far.   The student-directed play “Dogg’s Hamlet, Cahoot’s Macbeth” was a tremendous success, and showcased once again the tremendous talents of our boarders.   Directed by Robson’s Charlie Dight and Barry’s Angus Malcolm, it featured Ben Brewer (School) as Easy, Alec Manchee (School) as Abel/ Francisco/ Horatio, Hunter Black (School) as Lady/ Mrs.   Gertrude, Adrian Lai (Barry) as Laertes, Ewan Jackman (School) as Macbeth and Lachie Greig (Robson) as Malcolm/Hostess/ Witch.   Eight boarders filled 17 of the roles, no surprise really when you consider how heavily our boarders punch above their weight.   Well done, everyone on a brilliant show! The Winter competition season is due to start at the end of Week 5 as well, and we will deliver news and reports on this in our next issue.

Boarders were also outstanding on the track in the recent GPS Athletics Carnivals, taking several podium finishes along the way.   A huge call-out to the following boarders who represented the School with such talent and grace: Wylie Hockey (School), Campbell Duff (Hodges), Henry Murray (Barry), Charlie Murray (Barry), Fin Hancock (School), Jamie Clark (Hodges), Tom Scott (Hodges), Alex Robinson (Robson) and Adrian Lai (Barry).   Special mentions to first-place getters Wylie Hockey (400m) and Campbell Duff (High Jump).   Wylie ran four races on the day and Henry Murray ran five! Congratulations on a sensational effort, boys! Robson’s Ollie Bishop was also outstanding in the 1sts Rifle shooting team, helping them to victory in this year’s AAGPS Rifle Shooting competition.

I would like to thank Ben Broadley (Robson) for his extremely hard work in organising boarding hoodies for those boarders interested in purchasing them.   Ben organised the designs with the manufacturers, took orders, organised payments and (with the help of mum, Lisa) arranged for delivery as well.   I would also like to thank David and Melissa from DVM Workwear and Embroidery who have not only delivered a fantastic product for our boys, but arranged for them to be made and delivered in a very short space of time.   

#buyfromthebush  #shoplocal  #dvmembroidery

We hope that we will be able to go ahead with our annual Golden Boots evening on September 10, as well as the House cocktail parties with Year 12 and parents the next night.   Heather has been working very hard to enable boarding staff to get out and visit some country areas this term as well, with plans to visit Parkes and Orange on August 29-30 and Moree on September 5 and 6.   Invitations have gone out for these events and, having greatly missed our connections with boarding families, we sincerely hope we can get out and re-connect later this term.   Speaking of connection, it has been a very difficult time not being able to spend time with our boys’ parents.   It has affected us greatly; we wish things were different because you are the heart and soul of our community, and the sooner this can get back to normal, the better.

The Year 12 Trials begin in Week 5, and the Year 11 exams start the next week, so it has been a nervous wait for our boarders who just want to get it over and done with, as you can imagine.   In saying that, they have been working extremely well, spending hours on preparing for the Trials, exams and then for the Big Quiz next term.   Last weekend was eerily quiet in the boarding houses as our senior boys poured time into their studies behind closed doors, setting a wonderful example for the younger boarding members.   NRL coach, Wayne Bennett once said that “hard work will get you just about anywhere you want to go.” Our Year 12s have certainly run with that mantra in the last few weeks, and we wish them the very best.   

We wish everyone a fantastic run into the end of Term 3.   We are thinking of you all, and hope that we get the chance to be together again soon.

Best wishes,
Brendan

Housemaster’s Time At Shore

Growing up in Wahroonga, as a family we use to visit Robson House a few times in the year when I was very young.  My father was related to John Colebrook’s wife, Margaret.  John was the Robson Housemaster for some time and I remember parking outside Robson when I was about five years old, running down the hallway, out the front door of the House and diving into the pool.

My grandfather, my father, my brother and myself attended Shore.  I clearly remember mum and dad informing me that I was attending Shore in the Christmas holidays about three weeks before school began and I was absolutely thrilled!! Dad and I had a meeting with Nev Emery before the first day and he said to dad that I had to play in the Under 13 rugby side, weighing in at about 28 kilograms. 

How school has change! I wanted to be a boarder as I played rugby and steered the boat (badly I might add) with many boarders in the team and crew.  However, mum and dad could not afford the cost.  Many of you would know that I taught at Joey’s for 24 years.  I remember dad saying to me “you are never to leave Joeys”.  Of course, I joke with Mr Morris and Mr Junee about their time at Joeys, between the three of us we have spent 53 years in boarding at Joeys and I think we would all agree that we some experience in boarding.

Our Robson boys are working hard in all areas of this school, particularly their academics.  Often of an afternoon, the boys from Year Eight to Year Twelve are in their rooms working hard doing prep; this would not have occurred 40 year ago.  Boarding has changed and many parents would have better stories that these and so I am really looking forward to hearing about their stories in the times ahead.

Immense Value But Totally Free

Earlier this week, I was reminded of the incredible treasure we have in knowing Jesus. Matthew 13:44-50, describes the riches of knowing Jesus as the most precious thing, immensely value but totally free. In other parts the Bible, eternal life is described as a “gift”, or something we can’t earn by our own merit.  I know I often feel like I need to earn and do, but the case of entering God’s kingdom, it’s all been done. Nothing from me, all from him.

Matthew 13:44-50

“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure, buried in a field, that a man found and reburied. Then in his joy he goes and sells everything he has and buys that field.

“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls. When he found one priceless pearl, he went and sold everything he had, and bought it.

“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a large net thrown into the sea. It collected every kind of fish, and when it was full, they dragged it ashore, sat down, and gathered the good fish into containers, but threw out the worthless ones. So it will be at the end of the age. The angels will go out, separate the evil people from the righteous, and throw them into the blazing furnace. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Rod Fitch

Never Too Late To Be Pleasantly Surprised!

After eighteen years supporting boys in a residential boarding environment I had up until last year, only experienced a horizontal system, a system of boarding across one age group.  Shore accommodates boarders in a vertical system.  School House for example has seventy boys living in the house, ranging from Year 7 up to Year 12.

As I write this, I am forced to self-reflect and it has become crystal clear, that I have a lot to learn.  I have, in the past, fallen victim to the notion that if one is told often enough, that something is true, one tends to believe it.  This has been my experience with the horizontal boarding system.  However, when you step out of that comfort zone and immerse yourself in a different world, the fog lifts and you can’t believe how narrow minded you have been towards a system which offers so much.

After my epiphany and with my short experience so far at Shore, I can unequivocally debunk some myths in realisation to boarding systems:

• The Horizontal system allows House staff to know the boys better. – The system doesn’t promote a better understanding of the boys.   This depends on the individual staff members.  Anyone who is genuine in ‘walking’ with the boys and who is ‘present’, will succeed in either system.
• The Horizontal system allows you to target individuals better – This is not true.  I have been impressed with the way that the older boys in School House have taken ownership of acting as big brothers.   Although as Housemaster I appreciate the work of the House staff, the older boys add another dimension, ensuring that there are always other eyes looking out for the younger ones.  It’s also comforting for the younger boys to communicate with older boys throughout the school day.

• Horizontal system negates bullying from older boys – Nonsense! Back in the 1980’s when I was a boarder, what is now called pastoral care did not exist.  We did the right thing (most of the time) because we would get punished, not because it was the right thing to do.  I remember if an older boy asked for a chip you very quickly handed over the whole packet!  Today as the staff of the House have become more understanding and constantly demonstrate empathy to the boys, the boarders have followed with their relationships with each other.  The interaction between the older and younger boys in School House is so genuine, it now becomes a constant reminder that we as adults can learn much from the boys around us.

• The Vertical system creates a divide between boarders and day boys – I have seen no evidence of this at Shore. Every day boarders take their lunch and eat it with the day boys.  There is also a tremendous program in place where younger boarders are linked with city host families.   Boarders are constantly taking leave with their city host and during the holidays there are plenty of city folk enjoying their share of country hospitality.  I know the Weston’s have been a half-way house out west for a number of city folk. 

We just finished to ‘Speech off’ with all the Yr 11’s gosling for a podium finish for the 2020 ‘Golden Boots’.  while I stood there listening, I scanned the all the residence of School House (1.5metres apart) listening intently to the presentations…… And all I could think was, ‘How good is this!’

Darren Junee

Shore Giving Day – Thursday 20 August

This year on Giving Day we are raising funds to enable more Country Boarders and also Indigenous boys to attend Shore.  All donations on that day will be doubled and are tax deductible.

Our goal is to have 700 donors join us on Giving Day –  to beat Joeys Giving Day in 2019.   Somehow the secret got out that Darren Junee and I are Joeys old boys.  Hope you liked the video sent to parents from the Shore Foundation, we were happy to pull on the jerseys to support the cause.  Thank you to the boarders who helped out, they sure know how to tackle hard!

Shore has a strong connection with our rural families and we value the wonderful contribution these boys make to boarding.  They have been an important part of the school since Shore began, bringing with them tenacity, resilience and lots of fun.

This year, half the country boarders in Year 7 are receiving a form of support from the Shore Foundation.  The Shore community support of these students has made that possible.  We want to create more opportunities for country boys and continue the rich tradition of having country families in our boarding houses.  

Visit charidy.com/shore to donate and leave a word of encouragement to cheer on our boys.

Brendan Morris
Senior Boarding Housemaster

View Hotel offers Special Rates

The View Hotel in North Sydney (Harbourside) is offering special rates to our boarding families.   Bookings must be made via viewhotels.com/sydney using the promo code SHOREVIEW.  Please check rack rates before booking in case they have a special deal available.

Boarding Rep Meeting – Friday 7 August 2020

Please find the link here to the last Boarding Rep Meeting held on Friday 7 August 2020.

HSC Art Works – Charlie Weston

Over this year I have been creating these wire heads for my HSC art major work.  I create them by making a mould from a silhouette and then just layer it up from the bottom, attaching each wire strand one at a time.  I have used a gasless MIG welder to spot weld each part of the fencing wire I used.  After going through the recent drought and dust storms I have tried to make the figure look like it is blowing away in the wind.   Also the use of wire (steel) symbolises how farmers are figuratively made of steel as they have pushed through these tough times.

Success in Write4Fun Competition

Congratulations Oscar Kanaley (9HS) has been awarded 2nd place in the Write4Fun, ‘Poetry & Short Story Writing Competition 2020’.  This is an outstanding achievement with over 7000 entries into the competition.  Oscar’s poem, A.I., is about our rapid development in artificial intelligence, and suggests that we are more cautious as we delve further into this branch of technology.

Pictured: Oscar reading A.I. at Head Master’s assembly.

A.I.

We’ve turned our planet into a machine,
A processing plant for human beings,
We’re building things previously unseen,
Without seeing,
The implications, the indications,
Following fascinations,
Without thought for our nations.
We’re coming closer to a human eradication,
We’re delving too far into information
Technology,
We don’t know what we’re doing, we can’t see,
We’re blind,
Coming closer to deleting our country.
As we rhyme,
We’re coming closer to the end of our time,
A.I. should be a crime.

Home-made Pizzas and Stories Around the Fire

Barry House enjoyed a memorable night around a campfire up on the Boarders’ Terrace recently. The downside was putting up with Mr Morris’ 1980’s playlist but it was worth it. The boys enjoyed the best view in Sydney with home-made pizzas on the BBQ stone plates, telling stories around the fire. It was a perfect way to wind down after a big day of footy at Northbridge, Newington and Grammar. 

Robson Reflection From Mr Stocks

Reflecting tends to be something we all do naturally, but typing that reflection down is particularly difficult.  The last three years in Robson house has been a wonderful experience and I am sad to be leaving.  It’s like selling a car you really like because the demands of your life have changed; you like the car, it runs well, it’s fun to drive and you take pride in it.  Then as you have the car for some time you begin to feel comfortable, it becomes personal.  Then one day the car is almost like a part of the family. 

In fact, that’s exactly what it becomes.

Family.

Sam and Kim are simply brilliant and have been the best neighbours ‘slash’ parents ‘slash’ bosses you could ever ask for.  The parents of Robson house are friendly, warm and always take time to chat whenever they can.  Yet, it is the boys who are the main influence in the house and I have to say, that I could not ask for a better bunch of fellas.  They have always been respectful, courteous, occasionally annoying, loud, fun, relaxed and always willing to stop what they are doing to see how you are.  My friends who have had interactions with the boys from Robson, and with boys from Shore boarding in general, are always blown away with their maturity and relaxed demeanour.    

Then when my old Year 9 English teacher from Newington, Mr Morris, became the head of Boarding, I though that being an Assistant Boarding Master in Robson house would be position I could hold for a very long time.

Alas, life is always changing.  I came into Robson house a single man.  I will leave with a wife, a two-year-old girl and another little girl on the way.  Raising a family in Robson has been great fun.  All of the boys love to chat and play with Isabel (if she isn’t too shy on the day), they always take time to ask how we are as a family, and I am sure both Joelle and Isabel will miss having so many delightful neighbours to chat to. 

Now as my family and I outgrow Robson house I just want to thank everyone in the boarding community for making it such a lovely experience and I wish everyone the very best. 

Cheers,
Adam Stocks

From Condobolin To The Big Smoke

My first 4 weeks at Shore have been a great start to my time here.  I have really enjoyed the number of boys here and how welcoming everybody is.  I got here at the right time, beginning of the rugby season, which has been a great experience and giving me a chance to meet a lot of people that share a common interest with me.  The number of boys here is quite different from my last school which consisted of only 70 odd Boys and girls boarding.  The step-up in the number of boys is truly a great experience as I’ve gotten to meet boys from all parts of the country and some parts of the world ranging from Burke to Hong Kong.

The Teachers at Shore are also very welcoming and are all helping me settle into the new school and the boarding house.  They are helping me with the learning that I have missed in the first few terms and I am incredibly grateful for that.  The boarding staff and Mr Junee have really help me settled in and I’m glad that I have got the opportunity to come to Shore.

Angus Malcolm – Bravo Company Commander

Angus has had a busy term indeed.  Along with Robson’s Charlie Dight, he was a director of the student-directed play (as mentioned in the Senior Boarding Housemaster’s report) and along with the remarkable Adrian Lai (pictured here with Angus), he was responsible for a wonderful production.  In addition, Angus was appointed as Bravo Company Commander in the Cadet Unit, and here he details the role, the journey and the rewards…

Bravo Company Commander – Angus Malcolm

Finally, after the long break – the Shore Cadet Unit is back on its feet again, ready to hit the ground running.  All the stirring excitement and anticipation of the year to come has arrived at last to provide a beneficial new experience for the fresh recruits.  Throughout all of Term 2, Junior and Senior cadets have been working rigorously in online promotions courses, to improve their leadership, teamwork, competency, and communication skills to achieve a higher level of command within the Unit.  This year, I am honoured to be appointed to the position of Bravo Company Commander, in charge of leading and coordinating a Company of Corporals, Sergeants and CUO’s to give my Cadets the greatest possible experience, to grow in courage and leadership through Army-based learning and structure. 

What does a Company Commander do?

While I’m responsible for is a whole range of things within the Unit; the main things include planning and implementing the autonomous training for Cadets, providing a vison for my people to follow, giving speeches to inspire Bravo and meeting and planning with RHQ (the top dogs) to prepare and organise for future activities.  On a regular Cadet afternoon, you will see me addressing the entire Company giving some admin and logistics for the day, working closely with my CSM to ensure cadets are organised and well-behaved during lessons and activities.  Other times you might see me holding mini meetings with my Junior and Senior rank to check-in and ensure the overall running of activities is smooth. 

What did I do to get here?

Before I was appointed to this rank, I was a part of the SCU for two years, about to complete my third year.  First, I began as a recruit as everyone else and got a taste for what cadets is truly about – I decided I wanted to invest the next few years growing the Unit.  Next came the 5-day Junior Promotions Courses at Singleton, where I learned to lead a section (10 Cadets), teach lessons and hone in on other important skills such as navigation and giving orders.  After a year of leading a section of recruits through two camps and three terms of training, I underwent a term of Senior Leaders Promotions Course this year, which was difficult due to the online learning modules and activities posed by COVID -19.  Here, we learn to plan, organise and lead large groups of people, to implement a vision and become someone cadets can follow.  After this process, I have been trained well enough to be in the position where I am today. 

What is the most rewarding thing about this position?

By far the biggest privilege of being in this position allows me to see the growth in Cadets as they try things they have never done before, putting themselves in situations that push them out of their comfort zone.  In training, it is seeing Junior and Senior Rank teaching a group of recruits a lesson for the first time.  For recruits it is seeing them getting involved in team building activities such as obstacle courses, escape rooms and problems solving that helps them emerge into the future leaders of the Unit. 

I am hoping that for the rest of the year I can continue to give cadets the most enjoyable experience in Bravo Company that for Cadets will be proud of, while teaching them the core values of Cadets and building up skills in them that are relevant for their everyday life. 

House Supervisor, Barry Old Boy James Croker

The Supervisor Program involves afternoon and weekend supervision from Old Boys whilst Housemasters and Assistants are away as coaches at sport.  It has been an incredible role for me to undertake and one that that has enabled me to stay connected with Barry House, a place that I enjoyed living in as a student.   I have had the privilege of working in Barry House for the better part of two years now as a boarding supervisor in the afternoons and on weekends.  In the afternoons I always enjoy a chat on the sofa in the foyer, keeping up-to-date on how the current Year 12 are managing their final year.  2020 has been a tough year for all, however being able to watch the boys adapt and develop to the situation has been a remarkable sight.  It is a testament to the bond between year groups in Barry House and the camaraderie between the boys.  Also, having the opportunity to watch the House operate every week from a staff role has given me an insight into the tireless effort that is put in by Brendan Morris and the Assistant Housemasters.  I have thoroughly enjoyed serving as a supervisor in Barry house.

Hodges Horticulture

On a rainy Saturday afternoon in Hodges, Lachlan Powell, Ryan Wong, Angus Reardon and Beau Shoemark practice their skills in horticulture by planting succulents with Mr Fitch.  Great work boys.

James Gray – Photography Around Shore School

Recently I have been taking a lot of photos for the Year 7 and 8 photo competition. I haven’t struck gold yet but I have enjoyed doing it as it is one of my passions. The topic was shadows and I have been asking for feedback on which photo is the best from anyone who may have an idea about art. At the start I was getting minimal shadows and then with feedback progressed to more shadows and better lighting. Overall I have enjoyed doing it and I recommend others to take part because you may find out something new about yourself.

James Gray

Robson House Sports Report

Coming into the winter season all Robson boys have jumped into their respective winter sports and some already yielded successful results from their hard work.  The first of which being Ollie Bishop participating in the GPS shooting competition.  Over the last week of the holidays, and the first few days of term 3, the shooting team competed in 3 cups for the GPS shooting.  Shore won two of the cups, breaking one GPS record, and came a close second in the third.  Fortunately, the team came away with the premiership, and our very own, Ollie Bishop ranking in as the 13^th best shooter in the competition, narrowly missing out in the combined GPS team. 

Once the term was under way the athletics season began, in which Robson boys Ben Broadley and Alex Robinson participated in.  In the ultimate AAGPS athletics competition Alex Robinson also competed in the 4×4 100m race. 

Once the athletic season was over the rugby season started with a large number of Robson boys commencing training and trialling in the top teams throughout the age groups.  With the GPS season starting this weekend a plethora of Robson boys will be representing the school in the top teams throughout the age groups, to name a few Jack Binnie, Ollie Mackellar, Tom Duddy, Archie Jackson and Zac Warden will all be playing in the top team of their respective age group.  Finally Jonah Edlington, Redmond O’Connor and Charles Dight will all be representing SHORE and Robson in the Opens 1^st and 2^nd XV teams. 

Farewelling Oprah

Sadly, the time to farewell Oprah is fast approaching. Oprah has been with Hodges House since June 2020 as part of the Puppy Raising programme.  In mid-September, she returns to Glossodia for assessment and to continue her training. W e know in the future she will perform a very important role in making someone’s life just that little bit easier.  Be a good worker Oprah, I’m sure you will make us all very proud.

Helping Families Catch Up With Their Sons

At the end of last year, Barry continued to commit to service activities to help others.  After the Balmoral Swim for Cancer, Daffodil Day, the City2Surf for CanTeen and finally Legacy, the boys from Barry House decided to unite in an effort to raise money for our boarding families.  At the time, drought was a devastating factor in the lives of many of our families, and since then, bushfires and now Covid-19 have only added to the difficulties faced.  Through some fund-raising activities, the House was successful in raising $1000 to help provide our boarding families with some accommodation support, to help when visiting their sons while in Sydney.  In conjunction with View Sydney (see deal elsewhere in this newsletter), Barry House will provide ten $100 vouchers to help with accommodation costs for Shore boarding families from Hodges, Robson, School and Barry Houses. These will be available from the weekend of Week 6, so 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!

Tacos For Lunch In Robson

On Sunday the 9^th of August Mr Walker bought tacos for the Robson men which saw all the boys across the year group help cook and prep the Mexican themed lunch.  It was a great afternoon in the kitchen with boys getting to show off their cooking skills.  Oliver Wilson and Charles Dight were in charge of cooking the mince.  Oli was considered the expert and knew the perfect balance of mince and taco seasoning as this is his go to meal at home when it’s his turn to cook.  Many of the other boys in the house helped out to cut up the tomato, lettuce and helped prep the tacos.  While some were quite experienced in the kitchen, others found it as a learning opportunity.  Alex Bishop who was in charge of cutting up the avocado was a prime example.  While cutting up the avocado Alex says “I can’t cut the avocado the knife is not going through.”  Mr Walker then showed Alex how to cut it and as Mr Walker opens it Alex goes in amazement “wow that is a big seed!” Once everything was prepared and the mince was finished all the year 12’s and the boys upstairs as well as Marshall and Mr Stocks all appeared for some reason.  As the boys indulged in the Mexican feast the boys chatted and reminisced their favourite memories in Robson house which bought out many laughs.  Overall, the food was tasty and it was great to see all the Robson men enjoying themselves and expanding their cooking skills. 

Now the boys know how to cook a flavoursome meal when it’s their turn to cook at home.  C’mon boys no excuses. 

Super Sunday

Some people ask what happens in Barry House on a Sunday.   While Sunday at the end of Week 4 was super-busy, we aim to provide an activity of some sort for the boys who are in, starting with Boarders’ Chapel at 9am.   With excursions on hold for the moment, the aim is to provide an opportunity for the boys to remain occupied but also to get some down-time after a busy week.  Last week the boys enjoyed a sleep-in after Sunday Chapel was cancelled, then it was outside for a gourmet brekkie with bacon, eggs, spicy chorizo, tomato, cheese, onion and jalapeños.  After lunch it was a touch footy comp up on School Oval against School House and a 3-1 victory, then back for the NRL on the tele with hot chocolate, mud cake, Tim Tams and Oreos.   Some boys were asleep well before their Housemaster turned off the lights at Lights-Out…

Winter Comfort Food

Cool Saturday nights have drawn the Barry boys to the kitchen or hot plates, and there has been plenty of activity every Saturday night, combined with footy and movies on the big TV.  There have been two nights of perennial favourite, taco’s, so parents be ready for some Mexican dinners these coming holidays! On another memorable occasion, it was a meat-fest, with t-bones, sirloins, gourmet (and plain!) sausages, marinated skewers and seasoned patties (I think some salad was squeezed in there somewhere).  After cooking it was out under the stars to enjoy the spoils and take advantage of a fabulous mild evening.  Sundays have seen hot chocolate and chocolate brownies enter the scene, as the weekend starts winding down and boys out on BWE start returning to share stories of the weekend.