A Message From Our Senior Boarding Housemaster

My old headmaster died a couple of week ago. 

In moving through life, we are shaped by the people around us, and more often than not, by those who have led and guided us along the way.  Many readers of this article will recall their own leaders who have shaped their own calling; their parents, primarily, but also their teachers, coaches, sport captains, House and School leaders to name a few.  “I am who I am, and do what I do today because of them” is not necessarily an uncommon sentiment, but the power engrained within the phrase is undeniable.  In today’s fragile and malleable world, good leadership is crucial.  Brother Joseph McMahon was one of those people.  After his death, these (paraphrased) words were said about him:

Joey’s icon, Brother Anthony Boyd said Br Joseph was a man of vision who had the rare ability to bring others along with him: “By having a strong direction, he could generate great support and get people on board with his plans.  Joe was an outstanding headmaster.”

 In essence, he remained faithful to what should be changeless, yet open to what should change.

 A no-nonsense leader who was prepared to wear criticism but not be swayed from his ultimate goal, Joe was strong of mind but soft of heart.  He believed in the power of personal relationships and the primacy of the boys’ spiritual and mental welfare.

 Br Joseph’s vision was of resilient, manly boys who could rise to the challenge and display compassion and understanding when needed.  The courage to keep the faith, step up for oneself and the courage to take care of others.

I think this is a wonderful leadership model and a powerful legacy.  Today, perhaps more than ever, we need good leaders.  Our boys are not perfect and they, as we do, make mistakes, but I reassure you that we will continue to educate them how to be good men and good leaders; to be the man of 40, not just the boy he is now.  Whether they know it or not, our boys will all leave a legacy where-ever they go, for as long as they live.  What leadership legacy they leave behind has already begun.

On a different note, it was wonderful to welcome our boarding families back together again for the Boarders’ Cocktail Party in February.  Held off-site at The Greens in North Sydney, it was a resounding success, with around 190 of us laughing, reminiscing, establishing and rekindling friendships too long separated by forces beyond our control.  It was a tour-de-Force with attendance like no other we have held.  We hope to experience many more opportunities to enjoy fun times like this; thank you to all, especially Heather, for making this such a special occasion.

In Week 7 this term, I had the privilege of attending the annual ICPA (Isolated Children’s Parents Association) Conference in Hay.  Not only was this a wonderful opportunity to listen to many guest speakers from a range of backgrounds and contexts, it was also a great networking opportunity.  Heads of Boarding from St Joseph’s College, St Ignatius’ College, Knox, St Gregory’s College, Macquarie Anglican Grammar School, Kinross-Wolaroi, Wesley College Melbourne, Scots All Saints College, Loreto Normanhurst, NEGS and PLC were in attendance, and so many conversations and much notes-swapping took place, both during the day and of an evening when we were generously hosted by the friendly Hay families.  It was a fabulous experience.

I have also included in this article some details about Shore’s new academic initiative, our Academic Deans model.  This has been established to ensure greater support for our boys, both in Boarding and in the Day School, and so please take some time to peruse the information herein.  Please contact Director of Studies, Matt Leeds for any further information or clarification.

It has been a fabulous start to 2021.  Of course, there has been the odd hiccup, but they have been rare, and things have hit a rhythm as we stride into the last quarter of Term 1.  The Shore Boarding Community is as strong as ever, with the new Grant Centre enjoying great boarding patronage and the boarding houses are busy and as productive as ever.  We wish everyone a wonderful end to the term, and look forward to catching up again soon.

Best wishes,
Brendan

Introduction to Academic Deans

Introduction of Academic Deans

This year, as an additional academic support to the boys of Shore, the school has introduced an Academic Deans Model. Three outstanding educators have been appointed as Academic Deans, one in each cognitive learning stage. The purpose of these Deans is to provide effective and efficient tracking and monitoring of boy’s academic performance and to work with boys on key skills relevant to each stage of learning. Academic Deans will assist Housemasters in ensuring all boys are able to meet their academic potential.      

Ms Barbara Doran, Academic Dean Stage 4 (Year 7 & 8)

Ms Barbara Doran has been a teacher for over 30 years and has been a Science teacher at SHORE for 25 years, teaching Junior Science and Biology in the HSC. She holds a Master of Arts in Italian and Dip.Ed from Sydney University. During her early years at SHORE in conjunction with the AIS, she coordinated a whole-school approach to Literacy, was a member of the Boys’ Needs Committee, the Writing for Thinking Committee and conducted the essay writing programme in Years 7 and 8 for many years.  As Study Skills Coordinator since 2012, she runs Study Skills Evenings across Years 7-12, oversees the Peer Tutoring programme for Year 7 and supports boys in their organisation and planning.  She is currently Master Assisting in Stage 4 Science and was acting Head of Science in 2018. 

Mrs Cathy Frazer, Academic Dean Stage 5 (Year 9 & 10)

Mrs Cathy Frazer has been a teacher for over 30 years and has been a Mathematics teacher at SHORE for 19 years.  During this time at SHORE, she has been a Master Assisting in Mathematics Competitions and Academic Support (Numeracy).   Cathy teaches all abilities in Mathematics, has supported students in class and has been an external HSC marker for the Mathematics course for 10 years.  She has supported students in their learning in Early Morning Maths sessions. Cathy achieved the Teacher of Excellence Award from ISTAA in 2010 and has achieved her accreditation at Highly Accomplished level with NESA.  Cathy has been a Mentor of Learning and Teaching since 2003 and last year was acting Head of Mathematics. 

Ms Themie Oud, Academic Dean Stage 6 (Year 11 & 12)  

Ms Themie Oud, Dean of Stage 6 and English teacher has 30 years teaching experience. She completed her undergraduate degrees in Queensland and worked in the public system for four years before moving to Sydney in the 1990s. In Sydney, she has worked in the private school sector: Moriah College, St Andrew’s Cathedral School (Head of English, Director of Teaching and Learning and Deputy Head of Senior College). Prior to her commencement at SHORE, she was the Deputy Principal (Middle School) at Reddam House in Woollahra. Themie Oud holds a Master of Educational Management and Leadership degree from Sydney University.

We are delighted to have these three outstanding teachers in these roles supporting the boys. This will continue to strengthen the academic culture at the school.

Matt Leeds
Director of Studies

Luna New Year

On the 15^th February 2021, four days after the beginning of the Chinese New Year, Hodges House were fortunate enough to be served Chinese food in celebration of the year of the Ox.  The boys had just come back from prep time when Mr Fitch invited the entire house to the common room to reveal the Chinese New Year surprise.  To our surprise was an amazing Chinese spread waiting for us.  We had the options of delicious spring rolls, steamed barbecue pork buns, crispy spring rolls, har gow (prawn dumplings), siu mai (pork dumplings) and prawn crackers.  It was a feast for everyone, allowing the boys to try Chinese food they otherwise haven’t before. 

Alex Wong (12HS)

Barry House Weekdays and Weekends

Barry House has kept busy on weekends with a range of activities on Saturday nights and Sundays.  The boys were treated to a gelato jackpot one Sunday afternoon early this term, a nice way to complement the lamb chop and sausage bonanza in the lead-up earlier.  Another Sunday afternoon saw the Barry House ping-pong tournament, with the Year 11s blitzing the field in the quest for the Pizza Prize, while everyone was treated to Tim Tams and ice cream as an afternoon treat as well.  On another Saturday evening, taco night led into our movie evening that went well past Lights Out, while other Saturday night cooking opportunities are reported elsewhere in this newsletter. 

One magnificent Sunday afternoon in March, Balmoral Beach was calling, and so the boys hit the water for the afternoon before getting back for more swimming in the Grant Centre before dinner.  On other occasions, when the weather might not be as good, it can be a great opportunity to enjoy one another’s company on another level.  Recently, on a “Device-Free Sunday” with phones in lock-up, after our bacon and egg BBQ cook-up, the House settled into a rainy afternoon under doonas on the couches enjoying a movie.  A great afternoon was also had by all after the GPS Head of the River when we joined up with School House for a giant water slide afternoon on the Graythwaite slope, before Betty’s Burgers beckoned later that night as a treat in front of the footy after a big day out. 

Check out some water slide action by double-clicking here:

Robson Leadership

Term 1 has gone fantastically well so far for the men of Robson House across the board.  The House is running smoothly, and the boys are getting on well.  Alex and I have enjoyed leading the House with the support of our Year 12 cohort.  The Year 12’s have been fantastic in working with the younger years and developing a relationship with all members of the House.  House cricket of a Sunday has been a huge hit where the boys in the House have really been able to get to know each other better as well as the cook-up following.  It was also very exciting for the Robson senior tug of war team to make it through to the tug-of-war grand final which will be held on the last day of term at the athletics carnival.  Team Captain, Archer Nugan, led the team with commitment and determination allowing us to progress through three rounds undefeated through shear heart and teamwork.  It says a lot when the smallest House in the school as overcoming Houses with double the number of boys.  Over the next three weeks, the team have been instructed to maximise daily calorie intake and hit the gym on a daily basis.  We are all very excited for the big moment and will be counting down the days until we see Barry before us in the grand final. 

Charles Dight
Senior Boarding Prefect
(Year 12)

Assistant Housemaster – Year 7 – Mrs Murray

Working within a Boarding House is a unique and rewarding experience.  My role is working alongside out Year 7 boarders as they start their journey at Shore.  Moving to boarding is one of the biggest life changing events that these boys have experienced in their lives so far.  I’m constantly amazed at the way in which they handle themselves in those early weeks.  Navigating a big school campus, working out friendships with one another and organising their schedules all come with their own complexities and the adaptability of the boys is admirable.  In my role I also get to experience the joy of our older boys in the House looking out of our new boarders, helping them adjust and thrive in the House.  Over the past seven weeks it has been a privilege to work alongside our new group of boarders.  Together we have enjoyed exploring aspects of Sydney and worked out how to master organisation through the use of the Shore diary.  To use a cliché ‘no two days are ever the same’ rings true in this role.  It’s a bit of a roller coaster ride, and I enjoy walking alongside our Year 7’s and supporting them as they work through some homesickness and enjoy the highlights that Shore boarding has to offer. 

Hodges Charity Walkathon

On Sunday 21 March, Hodges boys are walking from Shore all the way to Manly – that’s a whole 30km! Our goal is to raise $5,000 for Human Nature Adventure Therapy.

More than a service activity

The Hodges Walk for charity has been more than 12 months in the making. From the outset, our student leadership wanted a service activity that would not only make a difference to others, but also provide an opportunity to learn about service. It had to be more than handing money over to an unknown charity.

To that end we have enlisted the help of Mr Beachley, Old Boy (88) of Shore and Hodges parent to educate and inspire the boys about the work of charities. Mr Beachley has been closely associated with charities for over 10 years and is currently the Board Chair of Human Nature. Last Thursday, Mr Beachley joined us via Zoom during our house meeting to motivate, inspire and provide information about the work of Human Nature.

Why Human Nature Adventure Therapy?

The boys chose this charity in particular because of the help it provides to young people who need some extra support.

Human Nature takes a fundamentally different approach to how young people access mental health support. Their combination of professional intervention and physical adventure in nature gives young people an alternative and positive experience of therapeutic services, empowering them to navigate life’s challenges and avoid more extreme interventions down the track.

By taking young people out of the counselling room and into outdoor spaces, where they are more open to therapeutic support, Human Nature’s programmes enable them to connect back with themselves, their peers and with nature and start to overcome the mental health issues and trauma they have experienced. 

A short video on the work of Human Nature can be found at: https://vimeo.com/user63735884/review/353167624/9b6c03a6fd

Jim Richardson Cooking in Robson

I am Jim Richardson and I am a new full time boarder in Robson House.  I have had a fun time cooking in Robson House over the past 7 weeks from making Spaghetti Bolognese with Ben Duddy along with cooking Sang Choi Bow with Sam Pockley.  There have been many times where we have cooked in the House with everyone on Sunday mornings after Chapel and of course that great breakfast as we all get together and make bacon and egg sandwiches and then we all made pizzas last Sunday.  Overall, I have loved cooking for the boys of Robson and making food with everyone, while also learning new recipes to take home for the holidays.

Jim Richardson (Year 9)

Barry House Sporting Success

Barry House has enjoyed some individual and team success in recent weeks, and it has been fantastic to see everyone get behind the boys across many fronts.  Barry House’s Senior tug-of-war team carved up the opposition to reach the grand final against…  Robson House! An all-boarding GF on Athletics Carnival Day, March 26.  What a delicious prospect! Our Juniors fell just short, making the Semi-Finals before bowing out – a tremendous achievement. 

In swimming, Tom Hawkins and Will Beggs swam five races each in the GPS Carnival evening out at Homebush, both achieving two podium 3^rd place performances each on the night.  Assistant Housemaster, the incomparable Mr Separovich coached the undefeated Championship-winning Basketball 1sts, while Charlie Moses was a member of the Premiership-winning 1sts Cricket XI, who won their last game in a thriller.  In rowing, Jackson Bowers’ 1^st IV won at the Head of the River, while Wilba Harding’s 3^rd IV and Alex Knapman’s 3^rd VIII were both runners-up; again, wonderful, sensational results.  In athletics, the impressive performances continued, with Henry Murray finishing 3^rd in the U/18 State Championships for the 110m Hurdles! What a fortnight!

Sky Feast

Sky Feast Lunch 

Today, all the Year 7 boarders were taken to Sky Feast at Sydney Tower by Mrs Murray, Mr Murray, Mr Junee, Mrs Junee and Ms Pickering.  We met at School House steps at 12 O’clock and went down to the Greenwood train station.  We travelled on the train to Westfield where we waited for a lift to the very top of Sydney tower which is 305 metres tall!! When we got to the top we were immediately hit by an absolutely stunning view of Sydney.  The restaurant was very fancy and we had to wear really nice clothes.  We were then seated at our tables and waited for the entrée to begin.  The entrée consisted of some delicious seafood, fancy ham and bread and some salads.  The main was fish, chips, noodles, lamb korma, beef cheeks, kangaroo and other things.  For desert we were served cheesecake, cakes and slices.  It was an amazing day and all the boys are very to the staff for such a good experience.

Lawson Armstrong (Year 7)

Hodges History

This year marks 100 years since the death of Charles Henry Hodges, Shore’s second Headmaster, and the man after which Hodges House was named.   Charles Hodges was a Shore Headmaster from 1901, serving the School for a decade before retiring due to health issues.   He played a vital role in the Shore’s early success as a school, almost tripling the School’s pupils in his first four years as Headmaster.   

In the lead up to 1919, amateur adult sport became scarce as men left to fight in WW1.   As a result, this led to the increase in GPS sports popularity, and students at Shore split into four sporting houses, School, Hodges, Barry, and Robson, named after Shore Housemasters.   

Between 1906 and 1922, one-quarter of Shore students were boarders, which placed pressure on the only boarding house at the time, School, and the purchase of another Boarding House was made in 1926.   This House was named Hodges House after the sporting house established in 1919.   Only four years later, Hodges House was moved into its current position, in Sir Thomas Biggs’ previous residence Elsmere.   

In 1968, Hodges House was renovated and extended as part of the School’s Trident Development Programme and became the house we know today.   

Make It Yourself

With School House being the largest Boarding House at Shore, one finds that a simple task of cooking pizzas as a Saturday night activity, can be a fairly mountainous pursuit.  With a new House purchase of a Smoker/Pizza oven, yours truly took on the challenge.

So, the scene was set for the Master Chefs of School House to allow their creative juices flow and create something which would be edible at the end.  To my pleasant surprise, most boys adopted the ‘less is best’ policy and engineered some very palatable pizzas. 

I opted for the pre-made bases but everything else was by hand (with gloves).  Bacon, BBQ chicken, Salami, Ham, Pineapple, Onion, Peri Peri, Tomato base, BBQ sauce and of course CHEESE, were the medium to work with.

We quickly found out that the Smoker Oven was called a Smoker oven because it’s not a pizza oven.  With the School House oven deciding to be difficult we had to resort to Mrs Junee’s kitchen to get things moving.  With 9 in the oven, 4 in the smoker and 42 pizzas to cook, let’s just say we will start an hour earlier next time!!!!

With the start of the night resembling a scene out of ‘Dumb and Dumber’, by the end of the night, the pizzas were a great success.

Food Times

Saturday nights are always a drawcard for the boys who are in for the weekend, as often are weekdays.  There is always something happening on the stove or in the oven, and this term has been no exception.  Ms Dowdell has excelled with the gourmet burger cooking class, apple pie and ice cream, while taco’s and waffles were a hit on another night in the term.  During the week has its food highlights as well.  Mr Separovich treated his Tutor Group to sundaes and a Sunday gelato afternoon, while Pizza Night was a hit reward for three weeks passing without a single Drill or Detention.  At the time of writing, this record has now been extended to four weeks from seven! On the night of the Head of the River, the House was treated to Betty’s Burgers with chips, drinks and ice-cream.

James Gray from Year 7 School to Year 8 Robson

Moving from School House to Robson House was a significant change, as School House has about 70 students and about 25 Year 7 boys as well as being with your whole year group and moving with 7 other boys.  Even though these are large changes, Robson has been so welcoming to all the news boys but particularly to the Year 8 cohort.  The older boys are really nice and engage in all that we do.  Although I miss Mr Junee and the other Assistant Housemasters, Robson has a nice feel.  The intense mario kart competitions and cricket in the court yard has been very fun and enjoyable.  So far all the new boys have really enjoyed Robson and I am very excited for what’s to come.

Jumping Success

Congratulations to Campbell Duff, Hodges House Captain, for finishing 3^rd in U18 high jump at the recent State Championships.  Next stop, Nationals, the boys of Hodges wish him the best for his events. 

Year 12 Enjoy Supper With The Pettersons

The Headmaster Dr Timothy Petterson and his wife Professor Susan Petterson, were extremely generous in inviting the Year 12’s over for supper early in the year.  Here is Barry House Year 12, spruced up and ready to put on show all of their pizazz and best etiquette.  Looking the wonderful representatives of their families and School that they are.

Sunday Walk Across The Harbour Bridge

It’s not every day that your Housemaster says “we’re going across the bridge to grab a feed”, so spirits were high on Sunday March 7 as we marched double-file to Circular Quay.  From the Harbour Bridge, one can infer that Sydney truly is a beautiful place from up high, and apart from Max Suttor’s constant complaints about his lack of ice-cream, the serenity was almost unmatched save from the fact that we were walking next to the Bradfield Highway!  Eventually after a sightful detour, we found an ice-cream shop.  Then we kept walking until we found another ice-cream shop that was slightly cheaper and everyone was happy.  The walk back was a great way to stay in shape up the hill, and had a certain someone peering into a guitar warehouse.  “Have a look at those Gibsons…” said Mr Walker.  Overall, getting the boys out of the House for a nice walk into the city lifted spirits and kept us on our toes during a day that would have been otherwise focussed on our upcoming Geography exam.  Thanks for the feed Mr Walker.

Lachlan Greig (Year 12)

Dear Rowers

We have watched, over the years, as you have worked towards this moment.

We have seen the blisters on your hands and the Zootie tans on your backs.

We’ve rolled our eyes as you run into the dining room at 6:55 in half rowing gear, half school uniform and struggle to wolf down 3 bowls of pasta before roll call starts.

We’ve put up with the early mornings, the showers in prep, and the insufferable smugness as you return to the house with medal after medal after medal.

Some of us have watched this for 6 years, others for 6 weeks.

Regardless of how long we’ve watched, we will all be with you on Saturday, whether in person or in spirit, as 6 years of hard work culminates in 2km of even harder work.

Good luck.

Hodges House
(Mr Davis)

This was read to the boys at a rowing function the week of the Head of the River.

Dave McCoy New To Shore

I have been to 7 schools since the beginning of my education in total and now, I must admit, Shore is something special.  I do not say that because I am obliged to, it is more that I want to because for the first time I care about the badge on the uniform and what it represents.  My experience as a boarder has been great so far, nothing like I expected and any stereotype about boarding is broken here.  There is not an ounce of entitlement to students and respect runs clearly through the School with it having old fashioned values that I find quite comforting.  At the same time there is a capacity for fun and the balance never usually strays too far to one side and when it does it is compensated for.  All in all, a good experience.

Dave McCoy (Year 10)

FridayFeed

In our most ambitious FridayFeed yet, last Friday, the Hodges boys chopped, peeled, diced, fried, deglazed, shredded, stir-fried and assembled their way to an approximately authentic Sang Choy Bow from scratch.  In a development which I think many of the Hodges’ parents wouldn’t believe, without photographic evidence, they also did the washing up without being asked. 

Sunset Cinema

Clear skies were above, and so Barry House headed out and up Miller St to lounge on the hallowed turf of North Sydney Oval for the Sunset Cinema under the stars with Star Wars (no pun intended) on the big screen.  It was a beautiful night out in the fresh air and a great chance to unwind after a busy day of sport.