Message from the Headmaster
‘Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men.’
1 Corinthians 14:20, KJV
Dear Students, Parents and Carers
Shore’s fundamental aim to develop fine young men of quality is well known. Character is critical. In many respects, Shore is swimming against the tide, in fact, against a flood of unsavoury influencers easily accessible on social media. One of the best ways to tutor boys towards a quality expression of masculinity is for character to be manifested by their own. Our desire, consistent with Biblical principles, “Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men,” is that they grow in maturity and wisdom to an adulthood marked by respect and grace. What follows is the recent address by our Senior Prefect Angus Leslie as part of the Lions Club Youth of the Year Competition. This text is used with kind permission of Angus.
“Oi stop it. Wipe those tears. Man up now. It’s time to put your big boy shoes on. Get yourself together and get back out there. Don’t let ’em see you cry.”
Ladies and gentlemen, timekeeper, and fellow contestants, in just a few seconds, you’ve heard the words that have painted many boys’ childhoods – the idea that a man is invulnerable, an island alone and women are less. In just these seconds, you’ve heard the issue facing the young men of our generation; toxic masculinity.
Now, why would anyone become this sort of guy?
You see, society and the media feed us two core types of men:
First: the “Macho Man”—stoic, unemotional, dominant, powerful, and above all, successful. He’s the athlete who plays through injury, the CEO who prioritises profit over people, the father who can’t say “I love you.” He’s strong, but he’s alone.
Second: the “Performative Good Guy”—one who showcases morality for applause rather than principle. He’s the politician preaching equality for votes, the influencer demanding respect while exploiting women. His words ring hollow; his true motives lie elsewhere.
Just think of how many people you know like this in your life.
Both are flawed, both are dangerous, and both reflect the issue facing young boys; we can’t escape toxic masculinity.
Let me be clear: masculinity itself is not the enemy. Strength is not the enemy. Courage is not the enemy. But how do we teach and define masculinity? That is where the problem lies.
For many, they’ve got no one to role model. No person to look up to. See, my saving grace was my parents. You see, my Mum, she’s the breadwinner of the family and works in a male-dominated field, running her own business. Of all the moments of hardship she’d faced, the one that stuck with me over all these years was to see her, someone who’d come from rough outback Australia, faced experiences I’d never understand. It was to see her cry. Cry at the fact that as the Chairman of a business she built, she wasn’t allowed to speak at a meeting, just because she was a woman.
The possible investors wished for the next male representative to speak on her behalf. That was the first and, to this day, the only time I’ve seen my Mum cry and it was because a man believed he was better. This showed me it’s about resilience and self-respect.
But for many, they’re stuck with toxic masculinity; a message which tells boys to “man up” and to tell women “to step down”.
So how can we change this?
We redefine masculinity.
We revive the Third forgotten type of man: the Good Man. A guy who embodies wisdom, courage and integrity. He knows his worth isn’t measured in power plays, but in compassion and looking out for others.
And all of us —parents, teachers, influencers— we’ve got to hold one another accountable. We must challenge those who prey on insecurity, engage rather than belittle and foster an environment where boys can be human well before they’re forced to be “men”.
This isn’t a fight against men; it’s a fight for them. For the young boy told to toughen up. For the father who never learned to say “I love you.” For the friend who never came back because he thought no one would listen.
Toxic masculinity has taken enough. It’s time we take it away.’
Angus Leslie
Senior Prefect
Local Government
Schools in the North Shore precinct, and especially Shore, have come to attention recently as a result of North Sydney Council writing to all independent schools in this Local Government Area to invite them to make a voluntary donation, which is the equivalent of rates which would be charged if currently applicable. For Shore, this amount is an annual contribution of $345,000. In fact, Shore contributes to the community in other ways, partly through the service ministries of our students. Whatever the merits of a voluntary rate contribution, to make such a payment would actually be a breach of law. Schools in receipt of Government money, even small amounts from the Treasury, are required to expend their funds only in fulfilment of the core business of the school. This is interpreted quite narrowly according to the black letter of the law.
Dr John Collier
Headmaster