Message from the Headmaster

‘After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb.’

Revelation 7:9a (NIV)

Shore Spirit

Dear Parents and Carers

Human beings are by nature gregarious. We tend to migrate to others with shared values and interests. We have been doing this through all recorded history. We do it at Shore.

We all need to feel part of something bigger than ourselves, which has substance, meaning and purpose. It gives us a sense of belonging. We all want to belong, at least to something of significance.

This sense of belonging is critical to the development of teenagers to healthy adulthood. Those who lack that sense can be isolated, alienated, angry at the apparent rejection. Developing an appropriate sense of belonging and inclusivity is one of the aims of our extensive co-curricular and sporting programmes. They contribute immensely to the formation of whole people.

At the essence of our sense of belonging at Shore is our shared Christian faith, but we see it also exists for our boys through group activities such as bands, theatre, orchestras and sport. Faith itself is inclusive, as the Apostle John wrote: “After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb (Jesus).” Revelation 7:9a (NIV)

My contention is that at Shore, that sense of belonging and collaborative spirit is a valuable positive. We saw this at the Sydney International Regatta Centre, the site of the Head of the River, last Saturday. Shore on the water was magnificent. Shore in the stands was magnificent, with an enormous crowd of Shore boys, staff, parents and Old Boys, cheering on our crews. Our boys were enthusiastic in their war cries and affirmation of our rowers, appropriate in their celebration, very well behaved and very well dressed. This is very much a tribute to them, to staff and to their parents. It was Shore at its best – coming together as one team, regardless of age, experience or background – in pursuit and celebration of a shared goal. The boys found the day inspiring, meaningful and immensely satisfying. I am sure we will see the same positive School spirit tonight, at the GPS swimming finals.

It certainly seemed our rowers were lifted by the crowd, particularly with Shore positioned just near the finish line, where encouragement can be very effective for exhausted athletes. Of 11 races in the program, Shore won six (often with a stupendous effort in the last 25 metres to overhaul the opposition), achieved three 2nd places and two 4th places. Our First VIII’s, in placing 2nd, achieved a time which would have won the race in each of the last six years. Hearty congratulations to all the boys, especially those in the boats, but also to the spectators. Congratulations to our Master in Charge of Rowing, Mr Glenn Bates, our Senior Coach, Mr Jason Baker OAM, and to all of our coaching staff on this superb result.

Other Headmasters sought to congratulate me at the reception following the program. I channelled the former Prime Minister: “I don’t hold an oar”. The success of the day was the collective effort of many, especially the boys themselves and their coaches, but also of parents with so much transporting of the boys and preparation of food for immensely hungry rowers needing lots of energy. Thank you very much to all involved and your contribution to Shore and the culture of belonging which is so powerful at our School.

Vale Sophie Kilburn

In news just at hand today, Friday 28 March 2025, our much loved former Mathematics teacher, Ms Sophie Kilburn has passed away after a long battle with cancer. Ms Kilburn has had a long and outstanding career at Shore assisting generations of young men, not only in their study of Mathematics, but in their formation as excellent adults. By Ms Kilburn’s request, a Memorial Service will be held in our School Chapel. Arrangements will be provided for staff, students and parents, all present and past, as soon as possible.

Dr John Collier
Headmaster