Teenage Mental Health – An Analysis By An Experienced Headmaster

Dear Students, Parents and Carers

Recently I had the honour of providing the Keynote Address, indicated by the title of this week’s Shore Weekly Record, at a national conference attended by nearly 300 Heads and Chairs of schools. The address is a synthesis of some of the relevant literature and my observations over some decades. It would be very odd to offer these thoughts on the national stage but not share them with Shore parents and community. I have, therefore, crystallised a long address into something more pithy in the hope that these reflections might be of value to some (that will be for you to decide!). I want to stress that these are generalisations, not targeted at Shore or based on what I have observed here in just one year, but rather are a commentary on both my experience in many schools and on key voices across the Western world. A further disclaimer – I am not a psychologist, but a keen observer. 

To begin then with some strong assertions. This present Age is arguably the most challenging time in history to be a teenager, and for teachers, and parents, to shepherd young people through these turbulent years into sustainable, stable adulthood. There is an international epidemic amongst youth across the Western World of mental health disorders, and a visible loss of hope as society moves away from metanarratives, a credible telos or any redemptive story. Adolescents are increasingly trapped in an on-line, social media world which is often toxic, and in which a trillion-dollar international porn industry targets them, distorting reality and impeding relationships.

The leading Australian demographer and social commentator, McCrindle, as long ago as 2002 indicated that half of teens and 20-somethings in Australia said they are living with a long-term mental health condition such as depression or anxiety. The situation would appear to have considerably worsened in the last two decades.  Professor Ian Hickey, Psychiatrist and Co-Director of the Sydney University Brain and Mind Centre, says that the rise in anti-depressant medication for young people, particularly between 12 and 15 years of age, reflects a global trend in increasing levels of adolescent anxiety. Professor Patrick McGorry says this represents a 50% increase in mental illness in young people since 2007, such that mental health is now Australia’s main public health issue. Leading experts claim it is not a coincidence that 2007 was also the year when young people could first have a personal device with far-reaching access to the world wide web and social media in their pockets.

All of this leads to the basic and emphatic question: Why? I don’t claim any unique insights or comprehensive understanding, but the following seems apparent:

• Firstly, a change in parenting styles away from authoritative direction can leave teenagers rudderless, lacking direction and particularly lacking leadership. A deficit in moral guidance by some parents (who are confused themselves in the area of ethics) can lead to the absence of a values bedrock in young people, apart from a loose adherence to the sometimes vague principles of individual rights, anti-discrimination and inclusivity; worthy aims which sometimes lack clarity, definition or nuance.  
• Secondly, and critically, the advent of social media would appear to be a major cause in the decline of mental health of young people. Twenge (in a major American commentary) ascribes the mental health crisis mostly to the rapid advent of smartphones and the intrusion of social media into the lives of teenagers. Social media can be a cauldron of online bullying. Very few teenagers are not party at some time to these forms of behaviour on social media, whether as victims, perpetrators, or online observers. To many young people, their sense of self, their self-esteem, floats on how many ‘likes’ their postings receive. In fact, the social media world promotes the dominance of the ephemeral and superficial, a concern with the banal which is neither developmental nor satisfying. Indeed, it can control the consciousness of young people. Recent work by American J K (Jamie) Smith has indicated the way in which behaviour habituates people into certain modes of thinking and acting, such that we all become what we desire. Canadian Charles Taylor has expounded this concept in what he terms ‘social imaginary’. Certainly, the work of both would indicate those things to which teenagers give themselves will effectively determine their hearts and behaviour. 
• Thirdly, the eclipse of much of the social “glue”, the absence or decline of which has dissolved levels of community adhesion seems part of the scenario. Hugh Mackay, the well-known Australian social analyst and commentator, in his book The Good Life, sees rampant individualism in our current society as leading to an epidemic of loneliness and a fragmentation of community. Twenge and Campbell, in their seminal work The Narcissism Epidemic. Living in the Age of Entitlement, see individualism and its very deleterious mode, narcissism, as playing into this loneliness and rootlessness. Indeed, they diagnose a litany of hyper-individualism, narcissism, hedonism, consumerism, superficiality and a fixation with celebrity culture, as contributing to a lack of emotional strength and resilience amongst young people. This is a formidable list of dysfunction. 

Lukianoff and Haidt, in an important recent book, The Coddling of the American Mind, identify major causative factors as teenagers spending increasing amounts of time by themselves on screens, combined with “helicopter parenting” and increasing fears for children’s safety which infantilise young people and fail to equip them with the necessary inner resources to cope with engaging with the world. Virtual groups do not satisfy the belonging needs of young people

• Fourthly, recent social trends have seen the increasing sexualisation of young people, often exploited by those who seek to market products. Carl Trueman, in The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self. Cultural Amnesia, Expressive Individualism and the Road to Sexual Revolution, argues that the dominant motif of modern Western culture is sexuality and sexual identity. Trueman claims that today’s self is constructed primarily psychologically. The purpose, therefore, of life is to gain happiness in terms of personal psychology. Sex and sexuality, he discerns, stand at the centre of this. Everything, he says, is now about sex and gender. Promiscuity is widespread without young people being prepared or ready for the emotional entanglements and other associated repercussions.
• Fifthly, some young people self-medicate, for instance with alcohol or marijuana, in order to seek an emotional high and gain relief from the pain of ordinary living. Research indicates that the architecture of the teenage brain, which is still under development, is adversely affected by the extensive use of such substances.
• Lastly, at least in this analysis, there appears to be a collapse of hope or purpose amongst teenagers. The loss of the Christian narrative, or indeed any overarching metanarrative which provides structure and an interpretative grid, has left young people all at sea. To a teenager, the following concerns predominate:
  • The existential threat of climate change, which runs the risk of extinguishing all of human life and which the adult world is not taking seriously.
  • The geo-political situation is an unbroken story of war, revolution, famine, pandemic, oppression and discrimination. The current concern is naturally with Ukraine, with appalling images on screens and on television in our lounge rooms every night. If there was availability of cameras to record, we could see the ongoing crisis in Sudan and South Sudan, Syria, the civil war that has raged in Yemen, the persecution of the Muslim minorities in Myanmar, open warfare in the Congo and a host of other flash points. The most able teenagers tend to be very aware of these issues. Closer to home are the current tensions with China, wherein during the last week the British Minister for Defence has predicted there may be war by 2030. This saps hope and makes teenagers, who tend to be idealistic, angry. 
  • We live on the brink of nuclear annihilation, and the posturing on the world stage of rogue nuclear powers such as North Korea, and emergent nuclear powers such as Iran.

After I have probably depressed readers with this analysis, the following should be said:  my sense of Shore students is that they are much less buffeted than teenagers I have seen elsewhere by these issues. This is partly because, in my view, parenting is far more comprehensively excellent here than in some communities. It is also because the School itself offers a sense of belonging, meaningful activity, a sense of fellowship and purpose and a vast range of activities which give young men outstanding outlets and development. However, this is not an argument for being complacent. Parents and School staff have the joint redemptive mission with young people to reclaim them from the world of potential social media degradation and a downward vortex into self-reinforcing negativity; rather, we want to cultivate the necessary optimism and hope required for solid grounding of personality, to be transformative agents. It is, of course, the School’s contention that this hope is best found in following Jesus in order to gain the capstone of building a life of significance, value and meaning. Indeed, Jesus said “I have come that you may have life, and have it in all its fullness” (John 10:10). All our students benefit, even unconsciously, from this pervasive ethos of Shore. 

Dr John Collier
Headmaster

Headmaster’s Assembly and NAIDOC Week Guest Speaker

At the Term 3 Headmaster’s Assembly, in honour of NAIDOC Week, we had the pleasure of hearing from staff member Mr Braydon Mundy (’21), a Yalari Scholar currently studying Exercise Sports Science at UTS. 

Braydon plays a pivotal role working with the Shore Indigenous Programme, in supporting our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. He provides valuable academic, emotional, and cultural support in the classroom, ensuring students are heard and valued. 

Braydon spoke about his Elders, honouring their crucial role as knowledge holders of culture. Through storytelling, dance, and painting, they passed down a rich history of traditions, helping to ensure that the culture thrives. 

This Week We Thank

This week we thank our incredible Head of Careers Education, Vanessa Shirriff! 

We are fortunate to have an exceptional individual making a significant impact on students’ futures since joining us last year.   

As Head of Careers Education, Vanessa’s passion for guiding students through career development and crafting personalised plans is truly awe-inspiring. She supports all post-school pathways, provides valuable services like Career Profiling and counselling, and aims to prepare students with the skills, knowledge, and mindset they need to manage their careers throughout their lifetime while making meaningful contributions to the world. 

Old Boys’ Union: Scholarship

The Shore Old Boys’ Union will shortly be offering all students in Year 12 the opportunity to apply for the OBU Scholarship. The Scholarship is awarded by the Old Boys’ Union to a boy (or boys) completing their final year at School.  

The Scholarship is provided to the successful recipient/s after they leave Shore, to provide financial support in the pursuit of an activity (or activities) that seek to serve the wider community. Shore has always sought to ‘Build Good Men’. One of the characteristics of ‘Good Men’ is that they seek to serve others (family, friends, neighbours, colleagues and the wider society).  

The purpose of providing the financial support is so that the Old Boy can pursue some form of ‘service’ activity that they might not normally have the resources to pursue. The Scholarship seeks to acknowledge both a boy’s appreciation of the School’s aims and also his desire to put into practice, in a unique way, what they have learnt. The value of the Scholarship is a minimum of $3,000. It may be utilised by the recipient/s over a three-year period up to 31 December of the third year following the final year of School. The Scholarship recipient/s are announced in the final week of Term 3. 

Some examples of service-related activities might include – volunteering for a charity; serving with Indigenous communities; participating in an Aid programme; assisting Rural communities in times of need; volunteering with the SES; volunteering with a local community group or volunteer coaching at a local club/sporting club. 

Last year’s recipient Angus Fisher is using his artistic talents as a volunteer at Hammond Care, where art therapy is offered to dementia patients. 

Top image: Art therapy at Hammond Care.

American Tea

Stall Contributions

Please hunt through your cupboards, basements, and attics to contribute to the following stalls: 

• old crockery for Smashing China 
• bric-a-brac for Trash and Treasure
• School blazers, pants, and shorts for Second Hand Uniforms

The following stalls would be so grateful for your donations: 

• Lucky Jars  
• Boarders’ Farmers Market 
• Cake Stall 
• Crazy Hats & Wigs  
• Second Hand Books

 For all Stall details, please visit the American Tea Lampada page. 

Please drop all Stall donations off at the Shore loading dock on William Street on Monday and Friday between 8.00am — 3.00pm (excluding 12.00pm — 1.00pm when the loading dock is closed). 

If you would like more information, please get in touch with the American Tea Coordinators: 

Candace Rutka and Katie Kelly at spaamericantea@shore.nsw.edu.au 

From the Shore Archives and Museum 

Shore has a magnificent collection of historical records and memorabilia relating to the significant and valuable history of the Shore community and its Old Boys. The collection consists of photographs, previous issues of the Torch Bearer, oral histories, medals, trophies, uniforms, flags, and a plethora of sporting memorabilia. The Archives and Museum are located next to Graythwaite and can be visited by appointment during Term time between 8.30am – 3.30pm.  

If you would like to explore the rich history of Shore, please get in touch with the Archivist Anna Brooks. Email abrooks@shore.nsw.edu.au, or phone 9900 4765. 

Shore Foundation

Year 5 Grandparents Morning Tea 

Last Term the Shore Foundation hosted their annual Year 5 Grandparents Morning Tea. We celebrated the importance of grandparents and their connection to the School. Grandparents joined their grandsons in the classroom for a fun quiz and activities while enjoying a lovely morning tea together.   

It is always a pleasure meeting family members; some new to Shore and others who are Old Boys themselves with cherished memories of the School. 

Mr D Mason-Jones
Executive Director, Shore Foundation 

Term Dates 2023 – 2024

Nationally Consistent Collection of Data Notice on School Students with Disability (NCCD)

29 July 2023

Dear Parents and Carers

Re: Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with Disability (NCCD) 

Every year, all schools in Australia participate in the Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with Disability (NCCD). The NCCD process requires schools to identify information already available in the school about supports provided to students with disability. These relate to legislative requirements under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 and the Disability Standards for Education 2005, in line with the NCCD guidelines (2019).  

Information provided about students to the Australian Government for the NCCD includes: 

• year of schooling 
• category of disability: physical, cognitive, sensory or social/emotional 
• level of adjustment provided: support provided within quality differentiated teaching practice, supplementary, substantial or extensive. 

This information assists schools to: 

• formally recognise the supports and adjustments provided to students with disability in schools  

• consider how they can strengthen the support of students with disability in schools 
• develop shared practices so that they can review their learning programs in order to improve educational outcomes for students with disability. 

The NCCD provides state and federal governments with the information they need to plan more broadly for the support of students with disability. 

The NCCD will have no direct impact on your child and your child will not be involved in any testing process. The school will provide data to the Australian Government in such a way that no individual student will be able to be identified – the privacy and confidentiality of all students is ensured. All information is protected by privacy laws that regulate the collection, storage and disclosure of personal information. To find out more about these matters, please refer to the Australian Government’s Privacy Policy (https://www.dese.gov.au/about-us/resources/department-education-skills-and-employment-complete-privacy-policy-0). 

Further information about the NCCD can be found on the NCCD Portal (https://www.nccd.edu.au). 

If you have any questions about the NCCD, please contact Deborah Oates doates@shore.nsw.edu.au 

Sincerely 

Dr John Collier 
Headmaster 

Scone Dinner Event

Join us for an unforgettable evening of inclusivity and community spirit! 

We are excited to extend a heartfelt invitation to all our esteemed Shore students, families, boarders, and alumni, to an evening that celebrates the very essence of our School: a close-knit community that stands the test of time.

On Friday 25 August 2023, from 6.30pm to 8.30pm, we warmly welcome you to The Cottage in Scone, to join Robson House Housemaster, Peter Reid with Fiona Reid; School House Housemaster Werner Pienaar; Hodges House Housemaster Rod Fitch with Ingrid Fitch; and the Executive Director of the Shore Foundation and Master in Charge of Rugby, David Mason-Jones, for a delightful cocktail dinner that promises to be a memorable experience for everyone involved. 

Expressing our earnest gratitude, we thank our past families for their commitment, current families for their support, and future families for considering our vibrant community.

Kindly RSVP by Monday 21 August 2023.

Celebrity Organ Recital at Shore’s Chapel

Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime musical event! 

Thomas Trotter, one of Britain’s most acclaimed musicians, will perform an organ recital at Shore’s Chapel on Tuesday 22 August at 7.30pm. 

His impressive achievements include posts at King’s College Cambridge, Westminster Abbey, Birmingham City, and St Margaret’s Westminster. 

Thomas received the Queen’s Award for Music in 2020, joining the ranks of respected musicians like Bryn Terfel and Emma Kirkby. 

Don’t miss this special evening. Tickets to this wonderful evening are limited and can be purchased through this Trybooking.

Choral Evensong Service

The sound in the Chapel was breathtaking at Evensong on Wednesday 19 July.

Led by Shore Chaplain, Rev. Anthony Benn, and Director of Choirs, Evan Wels, the spiritually uplifting musical journey brought together around 100 Preparatory and Senior School Choir singers to sing hymns over four centuries old.

Our thanks go to all the staff and students involved in this wonderful annual event.

Additional photos can be viewed on Lampada.

Chaplains Chat

There are so many events in life that shape us as people. There are different events in our life that can have a big impact on the direction our life takes. In many ways, some of these events are significant events, while others sometimes seem less significant. A major medical event will typically shape our outlook on life and, indeed, could even shape our day-to-day activities for the rest of our lives. But sometimes, smaller episodes in our lives all seem to add up into shaping who we become as people. These might be hard to see at the time, but as we look back over our life, we see how these events have helped shape who we are today and what we do.  

As a PDHPE teacher by degree, I thought that my interest in sport would lead me down this path. As I finished university and applied for five PDHPE jobs as well as one classroom position, I felt that I was heading down a PDHPE path. With five negative replies and one positive reply for a classroom position many years ago, this event, in many ways, has shaped my working time. I was in the classroom!! 

In Chapel we are looking at the book of Exodus, and the nation of Israel is in slavery and under the control of a brutal Pharaoh. He even wants all the baby boys to be killed so that they don’t grow up into fighting men to overrun the Egyptians. In this desperate situation, we will see that in some seemingly small events, God is working in people’s lives to bring about his purposes. A baby called Moses is born, he actually survives the early months and ironically is brought up in Pharaoh’s household. Moses will be the person who will help bring about God’s plans in rescuing his people. God is certainly working through these events. It is sometimes only when we look back on our lives, we see God working in and through ourselves and the people around us.  

Rev. Anthony Benn 
Chaplain 

Careers

Welcome to Term 3! 

It is an exciting time for our Year 12 students but also a time to ensure post-school plans have been made so students transition into their next stage of learning and life smoothly. Tertiary study is very different from secondary school, and there is significant commitment involved both financially and in one’s time. It is essential that course subjects are researched, and students visit institutions before committing their time and money for the next 3 – 5 years. 

The earlier students begin the exploration process, the better, and all students from Years 10 to 12 are encouraged to attend Open Days, ask questions and talk to industry professionals to gain the knowledge to make informed decisions.  

A list of Open Days is below: 

Institution	Date
	Saturday 29 July – Bankstown  Saturday 5 August – North Sydney  Saturday 2 September – Canberra  Saturday 9 September – Strathfield    Register here
	Sunday 30 July – Port Macquarie and Dubbo  Sunday 6 August – Wagga Wagga  Sunday 13 August – Albury-Wondonga  Sunday 20 August – Bathurst  Sunday 27 August – Orange    Register here
	Sunday 6 August
	Saturday 12 August
	Saturday 29 July – Central Coast  Saturday 26 August – Newcastle    Register here
	Saturday 26 August
	Saturday 26 August
	Saturday 26 August
	Saturday 5 August
	Saturday 2 September
	Saturday 2 September – Sydney  Sunday 17 September – Hobart  Sunday 1 October – Launceston    Register here

The latest issue of Careers News, has been released, which has a wealth of events and opportunities for families to explore. It can be accessed on the Careers Lampada page.

Ms V Shirriff
Head of Careers Education

Term 3 Progress Meetings

Notice to Year 10 Parents

Year 10 Progress Meetings:
Monday 31 July
4.00pm to 7.00pm
via Zoom

· Full details will be emailed home.
· Boys are expected to attend.
· No co-curricular activities for students who have Progress Meetings.

Mr S Werakso
Staff Professional Co-ordinator

Term 3 Staff Personal Development Day – embracing growth and fun!  

The day was an enriching blend of learning and rejuvenation. The staff gathered in the morning for Chapel, followed by a thought-provoking presentation by esteemed Professor Gordon Parker AO (’58), Scientia Professor of Psychiatry at UNSW and founder of the remarkable Black Dog Institute. 

The afternoon was spent exploring 20 staff-led wellbeing activities, including ocean swims, woodturning, crochet and knitting, orchid replanting, and gym sessions, to name just a few! 

Professor Gordon Parker AO (‘58), Scientia Professor of Psychiatry at UNSW, Founder of Black Dog Institute, speaking at the Staff Personal Development Day at Shore.

Pastoral Care Term 3 Update 

As we begin a busy Term 3, the Pastoral Care Team at Shore has been actively engaged in various significant activities, embracing both celebration and farewell as we start to plan our final weeks with our Year 12 students. Alongside these, we have continued to focus on essential topics during tutorial and House sessions, fostering a supportive and respectful environment. 

One of the highlights of this term is focused on NAIDOC Week, where we dedicated tutorial sessions to learning more about our indigenous community.  

Furthermore, the boys have been actively participating in our Building Good Men initiative, with Year 11 students mentoring younger students and delivering lessons on respect, gratitude, service, and leadership. Tutorial sessions will also include opportunities for debriefing on important themes like respect and appropriate online behaviour, to follow on from seminars last term from ySafe. 

This week, Year 9 students had a seminar from external speaker Brent Sanders. In an open and honest dialogue, Brent addressed crucial issues surrounding consent, intimate exchange, respect, sexual and indecent assault, and appropriate online behaviour. Engaging in conversations on such sensitive topics is immensely valuable for our students, and we will continue discussing and unpacking these subjects in depth during Year group and tutorial sessions. 

Brent Sanders’ presentation shed light on the legal definition of consent, emphasising that it must be given freely. He underscored the importance of focusing on actions rather than mere verbal expressions of consent. True consent is an active decision, expressed without any form of coercion, manipulation, force, or threat of violence. Our students gained valuable insights into the importance of ensuring mutual respect and understanding in all interactions. 

The engagement of our students was evident as several boys stayed back to ask Brent insightful questions on these sensitive topics.  

For parents who wish to learn more about Brent Sanders’ seminar and message, his talks and podcasts can be found on various podcast platforms and social media sites. One noteworthy podcast is Consent & Consequences with Brent Sanders on Spotify. 

Top image: Brent Sanders.

From the Music Department

Congratulations to…

… all students who performed in the Band Concert at the end of last Term. It was a wonderful evening of performances showcasing Symphonic Winds, Concert Band, Wind Ensemble, Stage Band, Jazz Ensemble, and Trumpet Ensemble. Thank you to all the staff involved in making the evening possible, particularly Mr Dorich, Ms Robertson, and Mr Payne. Additional photos can be found on Lampada. 

… all students who performed in Battle of the Bands at the end of last Term and to the winner Sliva. Thank you to Mr Payne for organising this event and to the judges, Mr Weston and Mr Ho. 

… all Choir students who performed at Evensong last Wednesday night. The service was beautiful. The choir also performed last Term with the Harvard Krokodiloes and at the RSCM Evensong. Thank you to Mr Wels, Mr Fox, Ms Belshaw, and Rev Benn for making the evenings a wonderful success. More photos can be found on Lampada.

… HSC Music students on their outstanding performances at the HSC soiree concerts last Wednesday and Thursday evening. Thank you to Year 12 teachers Ms Robertson and Mr Dorich and to the Music Extension class for their organisation of this event. 

… Alan Li and Ryan Gilmour, who performed at Mr Saunders’ farewell Assembly at the end of last Term with the Prep. Thank you to Ms Belshaw, Leader of Prep Music, who organised the music, and to Ms Wentzel, Head of Strings. 

… Mr Chris Richardson, who was the bass soloist for Mahler’s Symphony No. 8 (Symphony of a Thousand) at The Sydney Opera House Concert Hall at the end of last Term.  

Eric Yoo

On Tuesday 6 June, Rotary Chatswood Roseville held the annual Gordon Waterhouse Memorial Scholarship recital. This annual Scholarship was inaugurated in memory of Gordon Waterhouse, who dedicated his life to both music and service above self. The Scholarship honours Gordon’s memory and provides an opportunity for young musicians to be recognised for their performance excellence, citizenship, and their service to music within their school. The selected student receives an award of $2,000 to further their music education, and all runners-up receive $250. 

There were seven nominees for this scholarship from Schools on the North Shore, and each were Music 2 and Music Extension students. They were all interviewed, and performed a repertoire in front of an audience and a judging panel. The nominees covered a range of instruments from piano, voice, violin, viola, oboe, and vibraphone. Shore’s nominee was Year 12 oboist Eric Yoo. He played two pieces ‘Romance for Oboe and Piano op. 94, No. 1’ by Robert Schumann and ‘Sonatine’ (3^rd movement) by Ravel. This repertoire comprises two of Eric’s six HSC pieces. 

Whilst the adjudicators deliberated over who their prize winner was, the audience was entertained by last year’s winner, violist Jordan Li. He played J. S. Bach’s ‘Chaconne’ from the Partita No. 2 in D minor. It was originally written for solo violin and is one of the most challenging unaccompanied works ever written for violin. 

The repertoire performed by all nominees on the night contained sophistication, complexity, and musical nuance, and Eric was awarded a runners-up prize of $250. Eric is commended on his fine performance on the evening. He was accompanied by Ms McGlynn on piano. 

Ms S Robertson
Concert Band Director

Choir Camp

Choir Camp is on Tuesday 1 August, and Wednesday 2 August. This year, it will be held at Shore. Year 12 will be attending after school on Tuesday 1 August, and will attend normal classes during the day. School uniform is to be worn. If you have any questions, please contact the Director of Choirs, Mr Evan Wells at ewels@shore.nsw.edu.au 

Spring Concert

This year, Spring Concert will be held at Chatswood Concourse on Tuesday 12 September, at 7.00pm. Rehearsals will be held during the day. Tickets will go on sale soon.

Organ Masterclass with Thomas Trotter 

On Tuesday 22 August at ,pm there is a Masterclass with Thomas Trotter followed by a recital from him at 7.30pm.

https://www.trybooking.com/CIYNW 

Sydney Organ Competition 

On Monday 2 October, the Sydney Organ Competition will be held at Shore. For further details, please contact Mr Robert Fox, the Chapel Organist at rfox@shore.nsw.edu.au 

Upcoming dates

Top image: Choral Evensong Service

Mrs K Barber
Head of Music

Holtermann Columns

O P P E N H E I M E R

(Contains Spoilers)

J. Y. Gao

AS THE HOLTERMANN COLUMNS COMES TO THE END OF ITS ERA, it is fitting that I finish how I started: with an article that seems a mere film review but is, in fact, a not-so-subtle attempt to push an appreciation of art and it’s fundamental and eternal qualities. One might say it was the work of God that coincided the last publication of the Holtermann Columns with the opening of director Nolan’s most anticipated blockbuster, Oppenheimer; yet, taking into account the number of Nolan references in the publication in the past year, it becomes the most fitting of endings.

A first-person recount of one J. R. Oppenheimer’s (Cillian Murphy) burdened life as the father of the atom bomb is what drives the majority of the ambitious three hour run time. The other 15-20% of the film (in black and white) features the timeline of L. L. Strauss (Robert Downey Jr), that explores the ramifications of his decisions. 

From the get-go, with three inter-cutting timelines, the concept of linear storytelling is thrown out the window, but nothing less is expected from Nolan. As he continues to slice and dice the very concept of time as if it were a physical object malleable to his will, the narratives remain distinct, and the plot seems to rise and fall in tension smoothly. 

Nolan’s ability to manipulate time and story whilst ensuring a consistent and cohesive plot is nothing but a sign of the film medium’s immense power. Unlike a book, where a similar cutting between narratives can occur, the film medium lacks the inter-chapter mental reset – a momentary re-orientation of the topography of the narrative in preparation for the next section. Film’s movement between the timelines is instantaneous, yet because of its complete retainment of visual and auditory attention – the mind is almost forced into the next timeline. 

The result is an utter immersion into the four dimensional world of non-linear storytelling without a hint of disorientation.

Nolan’s superpowers don’t stop there. Perhaps one of the most underappreciated aspects of Nolan’s filmography is his love for realism. Anyone with a slight interest in film knows of his aversion to visual effects, yet few are aware of the implications of such a reputation. With the expectation of realism in mind, and having recognised the historical aspect of the film’s title, Oppenheimer’s audience would not have entered the cinema prepared for the non-realistic and abstract intrusions of Oppenheimer’s psychological moments. 

By creating a reputation for realism, Nolan elevates any inclusion of non-realism in his films to a highly visceral level. Almost immediately after the film begins, the film flashes through a montage of abstract images and noises all evoking a sense of doom. 

Later in the film, some of the abstract line filaments in this abstract montage break into the real world, reflecting the overwhelming violence of Oppenheimer’s psychological torments. A scene that epitomises this blending between the real and the abstract comes after the Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombings, when the triumphant cheers of Oppenheimer’s audience blend seamlessly with the screams of children, the foot stomps with the thunderous roar of nuclear explosion, the smiling faces with overexposed, contorted expressions of pain. 

This successful combination of realism and abstraction is a noticeable trend in current aesthetic styles (see Spider-man: Across the Spider-Verse), a step in heightening the emotional experience of cinema-goers.

Nolan’s degree in English Literature at UCL (not filmmaking) becomes an obvious influence in his work when one takes a slightly closer look. One of his most profusely used techniques is the encapsulating of an entire film’s narrative into a single metaphor. For The Prestige, it was the third act of a magic show – the prestige; for Interstellar, it was the ‘rage at the dying of the light’ in relation to love; for Inception, it was the spinning top; for the Batman series, it was fear, then chaos; for Memento, it was the polaroids. These metaphors become the reason for which the film is made and lie at the centre of each film’s message. 

For Oppenheimer, it was Prometheus. A Greek God (Titan), Prometheus is known to have given humanity fire, an act for which he was chained in hell and tortured for eternity. You may know him as the fallen angel in Paradise Lost and is eerily similar to the Bible’s serpent. In essence, the Prometheus myth, like the serpent of the bible, marked the moment humanity gained the power and knowledge to destroy themselves. 

It is with this dramatic (yet fitting) metaphor that Nolan approaches the Oppenheimer story. By framing Oppenheimer as the “American Prometheus”, Nolan legitimises his story in an irrefutable fashion. 

In a moment of dark comedy, when Oppenheimer reveals to General Groves (Matt Damon) that he and Einstein both realised the small chance that the bomb might ignite the Earth’s atmosphere, we the audience suddenly feel the weight of their task and the gravity of this story. 

From the perspective of this film, Oppenheimer is indeed the most important man who ever lived – he gave humanity the power to destroy itself. 

Herein lies the necessity of filmmaking: it brings to the forefront of cultural discussion the stories that are most fundamental to human existence, and Oppenheimer’s Promethean gift to the world that would forever change the course of history is, undoubtedly, such a story.

In light of Nolan’s masterpiece and the grim reminder of our fragility, we may have the tendency to question the innate morality of humanity. But if there is anything film and art has shown most clearly, it would be the unending tenacity of our resilience, and the colossal power of our will.

“I am become death, the destroyer of worlds.”

–– J. R. Oppenheimer

L E G A C Y

The crushing weight of the past, and an ironic hope for the future

J. A. McCreery

LEAVING BEHIND A PERSONAL ‘LEGACY’ IS, AND HAS BEEN, A GOAL FOR MANY. To cement oneself in history is the only way to truly prove individual brilliance, to dissipate the nagging doubt. Everyone tells you you’re special and different, but is it really true till you prove it?

The ephemeral claims of teachers, support staff and mentors will tell each individual that they are great, or will be great, in at least one area. It is hard to not discard this as a fallacy. Amongst the billions of people in the world you are unlikely to be the strongest, fastest, smartest, most musical or most spiritual. That is the truth and for many this is a point which must be accepted. But is it okay to be a role player?

Certainly. To fill the canvas with substance is a privilege.

This season of the SWR was undoubtedly a contribution to the pages of history – one of the longest running schoolboy newspapers. We hope we have made our mark, expanding the publications breadth and reach indefinitely, but it is perhaps more comforting to think we didn’t rock the boat too much (although Justin tried), that we upheld the tradition with pride.

To escape the web of precedents and patents of the past is exceptionally difficult, the constant borrowing and re-appropriation which is subconsciously absorbed from one’s context means in many cases – to be the first is to be a liar. Maybe that is where the beauty lies, to swirl the existing drops of paint into an artwork. 

“Art is theft” – Pablo Picasso.

It’s right there in the Bible: “There is nothing new under the sun.” (Ecclesiastes 1:9)

As the French Writer André Gide put it, “Everything that needs to be said has already been said. But, since nobody was listening, everything must be said again.”

The hope follows that this version of the SWR can serve the future, to provide a base for those to come. Writing is a thing of passion and the torch must be passed lest it grow dim. 

Vitai Lampada Tradunt and goodbye.

A Recap, A Farewell and A New Beginning

2022-23

P. P. Zhang

FOR THE YOUNGER BOYS OR NEWER READERS WHO ARE UNAWARE, THE SWR HANDOVER TAKES PLACE IN TERM 3, WEEK 2. Traditionally, the final week of articles has been marked by recaps and rankings of the year passed, and I wanted to carry on that legacy – in the fresh format of a quiz. Cover the answer and see how many you get correct.

1. Who have been the MIC’s of the Shore Weekly Record this year?

A: Along with the usual change in the Senior Committee, the current Master in Charge is Mrs Reid, who replaced Ms Horsley in Term 4 of last year.

2. What new elements did this cohort bring to the table?

A: This year, the Senior Committee came up with the new name “Holtermann Columns” and a fresh design for the student section of the SWR. Furthermore, mostly thanks to the work of the Editor, Secretary and Graphics Editor, the 2022-23 committee also created new sections of creative contributions of comics and games. We also incorporated weekly student-written sport reports from the respective captains. The SWR also experienced a mass overhaul from the Shore Community Engagement Team, who replaced the online old PDF version with a clean website design.

3. What parts of the SWR have featured since Volume 1 in 1939?

A: The very first edition was essentially an activities report for the students. Rugby, which was called Football back then, Rifle Shooting and Debating were the only activities that were reported on. Notes on weekly Chapel services also made an appearance. Incredibly, scores of the First and Second XV Shore Prep Rugby are also mentioned. From there, the SWR immediately expanded in the following weeks, detailing other aspects of the school such as school performances and productions, chess club and other small features such as a section titled “A criticism of a criticism”. 

4. Which article used the best line to describe the achievement of one of our Rugby players?

A: The best line comes from LDL Banks’ article A New Wind, detailing the Northbridge spectacle that broke the six-year drought. The sentence will undoubtedly go down in journalism history: “Personally, I’m sceptical of things such as divine intervention, but after Saturday I have no doubt that Finn Baxter’s birth was specifically planned out by a higher power in order to provide us with one of the most exhilarating moments I have witnessed in schoolboy rugby.”

5. What was the name of the three-part saga written by Michael Kwak in Term 1 of this year?

A: Michael’s articles were titled The Mindless Dissonance of Modernity, with the different parts respectively called The Joker, The Lie of Egalitarianism and Empowerment and Being Happy as the Worker Ant. 

6. Which volume was the Holtermann Columns Special Edition in the 2022-23 year and what was the reason for it?

A: The special edition Climate Blame was the last edition of 2022, published on the 2 December 2022. It was the first time the SWR had featured a guest writer – E. J Wyndenham from Wenona, who won 2nd place for a speech she delivered at the Independent Girls’ Schools Association (IGSA) Festival of Speech. This article broke new ground as traditionally the SWR has traditionally been a student newspaper written by Shore boys, for Shore boys.

9. Who are the current and future (2023-24) Editor and Secretary of the SWR?

A: This year, the SWR has been led by Justin Gao and James McCreery. I would like to thank my bosses Justin Gao and James Mccreery, the current Editor and Secretary respectively for everything they have contributed to the newspaper this year. They pass on the torch with trusting hearts, because there is no doubt that the 2023-24 Editor, Michael Kwak, and Assistant Editor and Secretary, Braden Dent, along with the rest of the Senior Committee, will keep the flame burning bright.

If you’ve made it this far, tally up your score and tell me what you got if you see me around. Thanks to everyone who read an article of mine this year – I hope I’ve inspired some of you to write your own articles in my absence.

The Benefit of Sport On Academic Performance

The Importance Of Balance 

J.A Collier 

AS BOYS COME INTO THE FINAL YEARS OF SCHOOL AND THE PRESSURE TO PERFORM AND THE WORK RATE RISES, SPORT SEEMS TO GET IN THE WAY FOR MANY PEOPLE, LEADING THEM TO QUIT ALTOGETHER. However, this decision may be negatively impacting academic progress and here’s why. 

At Shore there are many opportunities for Sport, whether it comes from compulsory summer and winter sport or to gym sessions, however it means that almost all students are engaging in Sport of some type throughout the week. Now for some people this may seem like it is detrimental to their academic performance and that they are being held back by sport, yet there is a reason why sport is so crucial to a student’s life. Recent studies have clearly highlighted that physical activity is shown to stimulate brain development and is more likely to improve academic performance than negatively affect it. Therefore, sport has been shown to help with brain development which in turn is helping boys with their school work. 

There are more benefits from sports than just the physiological benefits. Sport has shown to help students develop a number of character, building traits that will both help them in their studies and life altogether. For Shore students, Sport is a great way for boys to develop their leadership skills while also learning key life values such as discipline, patience, perseverance and teamwork. Sport is an amazing tool for boys to develop these key values to help them in their studies such as discipline with studying or perseverance in sticking with a concept until you understand it, which has proven to help students learn and retain knowledge much more effectively.

So Shore students, I urge you to continue with Sport all the way to the end of Year 12 as it provides you with so many key values and benefits to help you with your academic progress. Sport is also a great way to have a study break and enjoy time with your mates which is key to having a great time at School. Good luck to everyone this Term in their Sport and I hope you all continue them till the end of Year 12. 

Titration Competition 2023

Shore Hosts The Annual Titration Competition

J. T. Mott

ON SATURDAY THE 17TH OF JUNE, SHORE HOSTED THE ANNUAL TITRATION COMPETITION, WITH LORETO KIRRIBILLI AND NORTH SYDNEY BOY’S HIGH COMING TO COMPETE WITH OTHER SCHOOLS COMPETING ACROSS THE STATE. Titration is the slow addition of one solution of a known concentration (called a titrant) to a known volume of another solution of unknown concentration until the reaction reaches neutralisation, represented by the liquid turning a slight pink. In the competition, students work in teams of three, using a known acid concentration to work out the concentration of a base, and from there, using the base to work out the concentration of three different acids. Shore put on a strong show with four teams achieving a Certificate of Excellence and two others getting a Merit.

These teams will use the ‘ice cream equation’, c=n/v (concentration = number of moles/volume), as Ms Whiteman calls it, to work out the concentration of the base and then again for the acid. The process of titration requires fine motor skills and experience to be accurate with even one drop being enough to pass the end point and make that titration inaccurate.

The scoring system in titration works by working out the error, the scoring system starts at 3,000 and goes down the more accurate you are. Every team with a combined score of less than 100 gets a Certificate of Excellence and below 200 for a Certificate of Merit. Shore had eight teams competing in the competition:

Shore had a dominant performance that matched last year with team 6 securing 1st, Team four placing 3rd and Team one coming in 4th position and a team from North Sydney Boys High coming in 2nd.

The top teams from Shore’s scores were:

The top 30 teams out of the 1,200 students that enter from across the state, then progress into State Competition and then onto National Competition. Last year our winners made it to Nationals, and this year it may be tough, but I have full belief that we can do it again. We will find out who progressed by Week 1 next Term as the New South Wales branch of the Royal Australian Chemical Institute (RAIC) process the results and work out which teams will progress.

Year 10 Chinese Excursion to the Chinese Friendship Garden

D. A. Becker

ON FRIDAY, THE YEAR 9 AND 10 CHINESE CLASSES EMBARKED ON AN EXCURSION WITH THE PARALLEL CHINESE CLASSES FROM ST CATHERINE’S, WAVERLEY. Everyone was buzzing with excitement, looking forward to a great adventure which would provide exposure to various aspects of traditional Chinese culture, and a great opportunity to enhance recently acquired Chinese speaking skills by practising with other students of the Chinese language. 

The day began by catching the train from North Sydney to Town Hall, before joining the St Catherine’s students at the Chinese Friendship Garden in Darling Harbour. This provided a wonderful opportunity to appreciate the Chinese architecture within the tranquil atmosphere of the friendship garden. There were numerous paths to explore to absorb nature and the Chinese environment. 

Year 9 began the day with a Kung Fu Workshop. This practical experience involved the instructor guiding everyone through a series of five different Kung Fu stances, followed by a movement sequence, which all the students attempted to master. Everyone was also able to learn about the Chinese traditional martial arts and self-defence movements. The Kung Fu Workshop concluded with everyone participating in Tai Chi exercise which was appreciated by all involved. 

Meanwhile, Year 10 began the day with a self-guided tour of the gardens, after which we were placed into groups. This provided a chance to meet the Chinese language students of the other school and was also a great opportunity to further develop Chinese speaking skills acquired in class. Each student conducted three interviews in Chinese, in an attempt to get to know the students of the other school better. On the tour, the groups sat in several glades within the garden and absorbed Chinese nature. There was also the opportunity to try on traditional Chinese costumes and be photographed in, expanding the groups’ knowledge of the traditional design of Chinese clothing. 

In the next phase, the groups traded activities so that everyone was able to enjoy all aspects of the garden. Following these activities, the Year groups came back together as a big group for a Chinese musical art workshop, featuring a Beijing Opera. The audience watched the performance with fascination and respect for the incredible movement sequence and singing, before everyone lined up for photos. Seeing the costume of the performer and witnessing the great execution of the opera was very educational, as we observed talents not often seen in everyday culture.

Lunch a Yum Cha Restaurant in Chinatown was next on the itinerary. For students who are not from Chinese backgrounds, this provided a unique opportunity to learn about the food culture of China. Students developed their chopstick skills, while eating in a different style, with all the food in the centre rather than served on plates. A delicious variety of Chinese cuisine from the restaurant was enjoyed by the group, including spring rolls, different kinds of dumplings, noodles, fried rice and squid. The group was also treated with Chinese tea. 

Finally, students were allowed a period of free time to explore Chinatown in the groups from the Friendship Garden. Both the meal time and free time were another opportunity to practise speaking with the students from the other school. Back in class, these relationships may be developed via a letter exchange program, to practise Chinese writing skills. At the conclusion of the exploration, everyone walked back to Town Hall to board the train home.

The organisational efforts of Mrs Hu, along with the assistance of Mrs Tierney, are much appreciated. Through the excursion, students were able to expand their knowledge of the Chinese language and culture. Everyone involved thoroughly enjoyed the excursion and look forward to similar excursions in the future.

The Dominance of Wesfarmers and the Woolworths Group

A Monopoly in Australian Retail

A. S. Dowling

THE AUSTRALIAN RETAIL LANDSCAPE HAS WITNESSED THE METEORIC RISE OF TWO DOMINANT PLAYERS, WESFARMERS AND THE WOOLWORTHS GROUP, WHICH TOGETHER HOLD AN UNASSAILABLE POSITION IN THE MARKET. As formidable retail conglomerates, these entities have established an oligopoly, effectively controlling a significant share of the retail sector encompassing supermarkets, hardware, liquor, and apparel stores. This article seeks to analyse the factors contributing to the monopoly enjoyed by Wesfarmers and the Woolworths Group in the Australian retail industry and assess its implications on both the retail market and the broader economy.

The historical trajectory of Wesfarmers and the Woolworths Group traces back several decades, characterised by a steady expansion strategy marked by mergers, acquisitions, and diversification of their business portfolios. Founded in the 1920s, the Woolworths Group has continually expanded its presence, while Wesfarmers, originally a cooperative of Western Australian farmers, embarked on a path of diversification. Through their strategic initiatives, both conglomerates gradually consolidated their market dominance over the years.

Central to their monopoly is the profound diversification of products and services offered. The Woolworths Group operates an extensive network of supermarkets, liquor stores, and hotels, while Wesfarmers owns and operates major retail brands such as Coles supermarkets, Bunnings Warehouse, Kmart, and Target. This diversification strategy has allowed them to capture a substantial share of consumer expenditure, impeding the entry and expansion of smaller competitors.

A significant determinant of their monopoly lies in the considerable scale of their operations, enabling the exploitation of economies of scale to reduce production and distribution costs. The ability to engage in bulk purchasing, optimise logistics, and implement efficient supply chain management has provided Wesfarmers and Woolworths Group with a substantial cost advantage over smaller market participants. Consequently, barriers to entry have been reinforced, effectively discouraging new entrants from establishing a viable presence in the market.

The substantial brand recognition and customer loyalty earned by Wesfarmers and the Woolworths Group have bolstered their monopoly. Through decades of consistent marketing and customer-centric approaches, both entities have cultivated a perception of trust and dependability among consumers. This intangible asset has engendered deep-rooted customer loyalty, hindering other competitors from effectively challenging their market position.

The monopoly held by Wesfarmers and the Woolworths Group poses considerable challenges for smaller retail businesses. Their expansive presence and vast resources overshadow smaller players, making it increasingly difficult for them to compete on the basis of pricing, variety, and convenience. As a consequence, many smaller retailers experience significant financial pressures, leading to market exits and a reduction in overall competition.

The monopolistic control exerted raises concerns over its impact on consumers. The lack of robust competition may diminish incentives for competitive pricing, potentially leading to higher costs for consumers. Moreover, reduced competition may impede product innovation and limit the range of options available to consumers.

In light of the potential consequences of monopolistic control, regulatory authorities have undertaken measures to address the issue. Antitrust laws and competition regulators play a vital role in safeguarding consumer welfare and promoting fair competition. However, the complexity of dismantling the existing duopoly necessitates a judicious approach to striking a balance between fostering competition and maintaining market stability.

Wesfarmers and Woolworths Group have established a commanding presence in the Australian retail industry, shaping an oligopoly that presents formidable challenges for smaller retail players and raises concerns regarding consumer welfare. The historical origins, diversification strategies, economies of scale, and brand loyalty have collectively contributed to their status. Policymakers face the challenging task of navigating the delicate equilibrium between competition and market stability, seeking to cultivate a retail landscape that fosters innovation, consumer choice, and equitable market access for all participants.

The Ashes Retained

An Insight Into The Fourth Test At Old Trafford 

F. A. Loxton

FOLLOWING THE THIRD TEST WHICH SAW ENGLAND CLOSE AUSTRALIA’S EARLY LEAD TO MAKE THE SERIES 2-1, AUSTRALIA HAVE RETAINED THE ASHES AFTER THE FOURTH TEST ENDED IN A DRAW. With no play possible on day five, rain shattered England’s hopes of a 2-0 comeback last Sunday, amidst England’s best innings of the series scoring 592 in the first innings.

In a match which saw Australia frontrunners to retain the urn, Marnus Labuschagne and Mitchell Marsh settled the struggling Australian middle order, both scoring 50s before falling shortly after. But it was Chris Woakes’ bowling that was the highlight of the innings, taking 5/62, with the poles of Warner, Marsh, Green, Carey and Hazlewood. This saw Australia bowled out for 317, a score that was definitely chaseable on the promising Manchester wicket.

Day two of the test match saw Ben Duckett caught behind off Mitchell Starc for just one, but Zak Crawley was strong defensively, whilst looking to attack the bad ball, as he developed a long-standing partnership with Moeen Ali. Starc then took the wicket of Ali, right after reaching 50, which saw Root and Crawley settle into the crease throughout the day. Almost playing a brand of white ball cricket, England’s middle order thrived against the struggling Australian attack, with Joe Root scoring 84, Harry Brook 61, Ben Stokes 51 and Jonny Bairstow 99 not out, taking the England total to 592. Scoring at over one run a ball, however, was the team’s most notable scorer, Zak Crawley, hitting 189 off just 182 balls. This resulted in England holding a 275 run lead, with a little over two days to play.

With Old Trafford’s wicket looking promising for Australia’s stacked top order, England’s bowling attack continued to impress, as the Mark Wood and Chris Woakes partnership restricted openers Usman Khawaja to 18 and David Warner to 28. Although struggling so far in the series, Marnus Labuschagne began an inspirational innings, scoring his maiden Test hundred in England, and just his second century outside of Australia. With partnerships falling however, Australia’s middle order fell once again, with Smith 17 and Head one falling to the pace of Mark Wood.

The remaining days of the test match proved to be frustrating for the English and perhaps crucial for Australia, with rain preventing play. At the cusp of a great win after putting together an outstanding innings, the weather robbed the hosts of five sessions of play, with huge puddles left on the Old Trafford outfield.

Nevertheless, there is still much at stake in the fifth Test, with England inspired to deny Australia the win they came for, and their comeback a credit to the clarity and strength of the team’s leadership. It is easy to nitpick and question whether England should have declared earlier, knowing the rain was coming, but as it turned out doing so would have only given them another 14 overs of play.

Cummins was outdone by Ben Stokes’ tactics, as he lost control of the game, and although his team remained up 2-1 in the series, there is a feeling that his captaincy is under scrutiny at the Oval. Question marks remain surrounding the experienced trio of Hazlewood, Cummins and Starc, conceding runs at 5.2 an over in the test, with the variation of Nathan Lyon hugely missed. Ultimately, although Australia’s 2-0 lead proved too much for the English, a feat which hasn’t been done since 1936-37 series for good reason, England have still proven to be formidable opponents, with their resilience and fight evident in a Test match which was likely to fall in their favour if it wasn’t for rain.

Holiday Rugby – Shore Representatives 

During the final week of Term 2 and into the holidays, various Shore Rugby players took on wider representative duties. 

Congratulations to the following boys: 

GPS Rugby – Opens 

GPS 1st XV:  Hugo Orpin, Tom Klem, James McCreery 

GPS 2^nd XV and 1^st XV:  Marshall Le Maitre 

GPS White:  Finn Baxter, Ben Whatley, Henry Conick, Eoghan Killick 

GPS Rugby – U16’s 

U16A XV:  Ed Baxter, Ollie Greig 

U16B XV:  Rolly Smith, Bede Clout, Charlie Armati, Charlie Francis, Charlie Galligan, Max Garner 

NSW U16’s 

NSW 1:  Ed Baxter 

NSW II:  Charlie Francis, Charlie Galligan, Ollie Greig, Max Garner 

NSW U18 Waratah Academy (Australian U18 side to be chosen after the GPS season) 

1^st XV:  Tom Klem 

2^nd XV:  Marshall Le Maitre 

NSW Schoolboys 

NSW II:  Hugo Orpin, Ben Whatley, James McCreery, Henry Conick 

NSW Juniors:  Felix Harvison 

Australian Schools – to play Tonga and an Australian Barbarians side in September 

Hugo Orpin 

Congratulations to Felix Harvison, who was in the NSW Juniors side, which took out the Australian Schools carnival over the recent school holidays. This was a big effort from the team and boys, and they deserved their spot at the top. 

In the third week of the holidays, the First and Second XV went into camp in Robson House. They were then joined by our 15’s and 16’s players at the end of the week. This was an excellent opportunity to bond and hear from the older Shore boys about the expectations they set themselves and the way they attempt to go about their training and approach to school. 

We were incredibly fortunate to have the Waratahs players come and join us for a morning gym session and then field training at Northbridge—a great way to further learn from those who play Super Rugby. 

Top Image: Tom Klem, Marshall Le Maitre and Angus Sinclair at NSW U18 Academy

Rugby Report – St Joseph’s College and Grammar 

Last Saturday saw Rugby return to School, the bulk of our team taking on Joeys in Away fixtures, and our Third XV taking on Sydney Grammar’s First XV side. 

Our Third XV took on Sydney Grammar’s First XV in Round 4 of the Third XV competition. This was one of the matches of the weekend as our Thirds were taking on a strong and undefeated Grammar First XV. From the very beginning, both teams played with great intent and speed. This was a game where every Shore player contributed across the field, and the defensive effort was excellent – a great example of playing for the person next to you. The boys are ready to take on Scots this weekend and take another scalp. 

Our Second XV also had a huge game against Joeys at Hunters Hill. With Competition teams stronger after the break and Joeys having some key players return, it was always going to be a tough encounter. After a terrible start in the first minute where Joeys scored, our Seconds did what they have consistently done this year – stayed in the fight and focussed on the next job. The match then see-sawed but always had Joeys in front, with Shore nipping at the heels. As the game progressed, Shore kept at it and brought the score to 28 – 29 with minutes and seconds remaining. Unfortunately, we could not make one more major play, and the score ended in a 1-point defeat. 

The First XV then took the field determined to go one better than the 28 – 28 Draw played out at Northbridge last Term. However, like the Second XV, we started badly and gave Joeys a head start on the scoreboard and were forced to absorb early pressure in the game. And, just like the Second XV, the First’s fought back and got back in the match. Shore’s fitness began to show, and Joeys players started to go down regularly, disrupting the flow of the 2nd half. With Shore only behind by seven points, it looked like another Draw could be on the cards. Alas, whilst Shore dominated territory in the second half, it was Joeys who turned their opportunities into points, finishing the game with two tries. 

All three of our Competition teams will be versing Scots at Northbridge on Saturday. Lots of Rugby and Football matches are scheduled this weekend at the Bridge, so it promises to be a big day. 

Around the grounds, special mention to the 13A’s who turned their Term 2 Draw with Joeys into a win this time at Hunter’s Hill. A great try by Will Hadfield at the end of the game sealed it.  

The 16B’s also had a win on St Joseph’s College after losing at Northbridge in Term 2. Our secret weapon, Joeys Old Boy, now Shore master, Mr Jack Murphy, helped to navigate the 16B’s for a 1-point win. Well done! The 16A’s had a hard-fought nil – 8 loss to Joeys. However, these two games bode well for the future as the players reach the Open level next year. 

Some great improvement was also shown by the 15A and 15B sides last weekend, turning large defeats in Term 2 into games where they both came so close and lost by one try. It’s nice to win but also great to see improvement like this – on and off the field. 

Dress at Northbridge 

All Shore Rugby players are to dress in Shore sports uniform before a game. Any boy staying to watch afternoon matches must wear full winter school uniform. Boys who have a 2.00pm game must quickly change after their match and take their place in the Hawker Stand. 

Top Image: 16B XV

Mr D Mason-Jones
MIC Rugby

Individual Team of the Week – Third XV vs Joeys

School wide Team of the Week

Coach: Jack Murphy (16B)

Football Report – 17 June

15A’s vs St Joseph’s College – Saturday 17 June

A strong Shore side on a three-game win streak came up against a Joeys side. The boys started strong from the go, keeping possession, and making opportunities. After knocking on the door multiple times, the space and time finally opened for Brian Thorpe with a good passing play to end with a nice finish by him. The team were constantly applying pressure to Joeys and another opportunity came for Liam Brell and he calmly slotted in the goal to put the team up 2 – 0. A determined opposition kept on persisting and against the run of play got a counterattack where a penalty was given. They slotted it in the bottom corner making the score 2 – 1 to tighten up the game. Another goal by Brian saw Shore up 3 – 1 and comfortably hold and dominate the game to have an easy finish to the game and secure another win for the 15A’s. A standout performance by Brian Thorpe. 

Will Proctor 
15A Player 

Football Results

Shore Football Tour 

Queensland – Gold Coast and Brisbane 

On Sunday 9 July, Mr Prowle and Mr Sparks met 16 eager young men at Sydney Airport to tour the Gold Coast and Brisbane. Football was the agenda, yet what transpired was so much more. All the boys thoroughly enjoyed developing their football knowledge and honing their skills, but it was also a tour that strengthened relationships, forged life-long memories, and provided opportunities that had not been experienced since the COVID–19 pandemic.  

Gold Coast 

The full live-in athlete experience at the Gold Coast Performance Centre was one to remember. From the athletes’ meals to the facilities, everything on the Gold Coast was outstanding. There, Mr Mitch Nichols and Mr Charlie Lee conducted a coaching session before we took on Magic United FC in our first game. The result was nil-all against a very strong opposition. On our way to Brisbane, we popped into Warner Brothers Movie World for the day, where the boys were able to relax and have a ball on the rides. The DC Rival Hypervenom ride was a hit! 

Brisbane 

Upon arriving in Brisbane, we settled into our apartment, got supplies, and readied ourselves for a 5.30am wake-up. After travelling to the Sunshine Coast, our 16 finely tuned athletes arrived at Kawana Waters State College, where we played our second game. This game was tough at the beginning, but after we opened up the scoring, the goals kept flowing, resulting in an 8 – 2 win in our favour. Goals: Connor Fung x2, Angus Leslie x2, Sam O’Brien, Hamish Walls, Alex Wilde, and substitute striker and out of his usual goal-keeper position, Killian Featherstone.  

Post game, we played some lawn bowls where Mr Prowle put the prow into prowess, cleaning up end after end with his consistent line and length. 

Continuing our experience as athletes, we went to Recovery Science, a small business that focuses on active recovery solutions for athletes. Here the boys experienced tremendous facilities that allowed their bodies to recover from the football played so far and prepared them for their final game against Brisbane Boys College that afternoon. Unfortunately, Brisbane was too strong, and with a few outstanding strikes, they won the game three goals to nil.  A great football experience, nonetheless, as the boys continued to learn more about themselves as players and how they can do small things better.  

Overall, the boys had a phenomenal time together, exploring parts of Queensland, playing football and making memories that will stay with them forever. 

Top image: Football Tour training session

Football Results – 22 July

Mr J Sparks
MIC Football

Golf Competition

Individual Stableford and 2B Medley – Saturday 22 July  

The eighth round of the season was held at Northbridge on Saturday, and there was not a cloud in the sky as the boys set off. Unfortunately, however, most boys recorded poor starts, and that quickly became the theme of their day. Special mention must be made of Flynn Duncan for winning ‘Nearest to Pin’ on the 15th hole with a distance of 39 centimetres and winning $8 in prizes. His tee shot lipped out of the hole, agonisingly close to being a shot to remember for all time. But the story of the day was Riley Meale, who combined with his partner for 50 points in the 2Ball and picked up $20 in prizes for his efforts. Despite another average week at the office for most of the boys, they will no doubt be looking to turn it around and put in a few good performances before the season finishes.  

Henry Collins
Captain of Golf

Golf Scores

Shore Strokeplay Championship

The blue ribbon event of the Shore Golf season, the coveted Strokeplay Championship, was played out in the first weeks of June. A non-handicapped event decided purely on the fewest strokes taken to complete 36 holes. 

The first round was played in conjunction with the June Monthly Medal at Northbridge Golf Club. With the nerves jangling, especially for the low handicappers with high expectations, simply playing to handicap is an achievement. TK Kennedy managed a very strong round, 8 over par, taking out a prize in the handicapped club competition. But he finished one stroke behind the consistent Zach France. Leon Li, the 2022 winner, started poorly but finished well to take the final place in making the “cut” of the top three golfers after round one.   

The second round was played two weeks later. With the three qualifiers all within three shots, it promised to be exciting. The first nine saw a seesawing contest of generally high-quality golf. Zach was reeled in on a couple of occasions but was never out of at least a share of the lead. On the second nine, he continued to play very steady par golf while TK and Leon made regular mistakes and started to fall behind. In the end, Zach ran out a comfortable winner, an outstanding result for a Year 7 boy in his first year of Shore Golf.   

Mr R J Ward 
MIC Golf

Golf Scores

ISC AFL Round 7 – Friday 16 and Saturday 17 June 2023 

Note: For a student to make Highlights, they need to have kicked three (3) or more goals. 

Undefeated Teams: N/A 

Leading into the long weekend, our First XVIII boys had four boys, John Collier, Matthew Gill, James Boys, and Benjamin Hocking, trial for the Combined President’s (GPS) Team to play in the annual match against the Combined CAS Team. Congratulations to Matthew Gill and Benjamin Hocking for being selected.

Coming off the long weekend, the boys were keen to get back into it. The First XVIII and Intermediates were scheduled for a Friday night under-lights match. They were all very excited about such a rare opportunity for many of the boys. First XVIII have completed the regular season and played their first round of the finals. Shore finished in 7th place out of eight teams and were up against 4th place, Cranbrook. This was always going to be a tough game for us, but it was a matter of seeing how much we have progressed throughout the season. The boys came out in good form and took it to the highly-rated Cranbrook team scoring two goals and trailing by just a couple of goals in the first quarter. However, the class of Cranbrook proved to be too strong, and we went down by 83 points. This means we now play the final three rounds against the top Division 2 teams. This will be good motivation for our boys to come out and prove a point that we can easily beat a Division 2 team. 

The Intermediates played against a strong team of Redlands. For the majority of the match, it was evenly poised. Could even say our boys were the better team, but the accuracy of our kicks let us down, kicking 11 behinds, allowing Redlands to hold the lead and get the win. Due to it being a Friday night match, we had a few players from Rugby come and fill in, and it was great to see Hamish Gilligan and Logan Crookshank play a pivotal role for the team. Hopefully, we can convert them permanently over to AFL next season. 

As we have mentioned in previous weeks, our Junior Division 2 Team has gone from strength to strength to a point we believe they would be competitive in Division 1. Thomas Hamilton kicked the most goals in a match for this season with seven, which now moves him to the top of the Golden Boot ladder, with Aidan Kurtis still on his heels, kicking six goals of his own. The team had 11 different scorers for the match, which is great to see so many getting involved and sharing it around.  

The Junior Division 3 Team had a tougher contest against Waverley College. Waverley has huge numbers in their Division squads with plenty of depth. They were far too strong for our boys, but they should not be too despaired, knowing they are up against more experienced players, with the majority of our boys being new to the game. 

“Success is not for the chosen, but for those who choose.” 

Mr G Tesoriero 
MIC of AFL 

Cross Country Report – 17 June

Cranbrook/Knox Relays, Upjohn Park Rydalmere

This week’s relays clashed with a high-level club competition down in Nowra, resulting in many top runners from every school not attending. This allowed the Shore team to display our depth, loyalty, and team spirit. As the lads returned to Upjohn Park, these qualities were definitely expressed.  

The pack start of the relay included runners from many all age groups lining up against each other. Six Shore boys lined up together amongst the heights of the seniors, ready to hit out a quick two-kilometre loop of the grassy course. I led the field out, followed by Ben Frantz and Toby Campbell. With the return of Matt Hogg and a fast start from myself, the Senior First Team was looking strong from the first leg. Ben set up the Junior First Team incredibly well, placing themselves in front of the Intermediate First Team. Matt was able to maintain a 20 second gap to hand over to James Bestic, running up an age group. Jonty Jagger, Henry Johnstone, and James Warren remained strong for the Junior First Team throughout the race, showing great qualities of strength and courage. The team landed themselves 2nd place, well-done boys! James passed on to Ryan Gilmour, who was able to increase the gap to second place, landing the Opens Team a dominant first place!  

Nathan Stanmore returned after a few weeks, proving early fitness in his recovery, promising signs for the Opens, who look to challenge for the Premiership next Term. Despite missing the likes of many superstars of the team for many different reasons, including Jock Fenwicke, Jesse Cochrane, Lachy Brown, Toby Ogg, Hugo Stewart, Toby Ward, and Byron Evans, the Shore team displayed great determination among all age groups, sending a stern message to other GPS Schools.  

Lachy Brown competed down at Nowra, where he showed off his strength to the best in the state. Lachy grazed the steep, grass hills of Nowra, pushing the best runners in the state to exhaustion, placing himself 4th in the U18 boys race, landing himself a spot on the NSW team to compete at Nationals in Canberra next Term! Great running, Lachy!  

Machine of the Week: (selected by the coaches and Mr Spratt) Junior Team of Ben Frantz, Jonty Jagger, Henry Johnstone, and James Warren.

Top Image: The team looking relaxed

Cam Burnett 
Shore Cross Country Captain 2023 

Cross Country Report – 22 July

Trinity Relays, Ewen Park, Hurlstone Park

Our runners returned for the third and final relay race of the season, one that has a special place in Mr Spratt’s heart, the Trinity Relays. Mr Spratt had run these relays for 20-plus years at his old school, Trinity Grammar School, and this was the first time the event had returned since 2019. The Shore lads were ready to make Mr Spratt proud and dominate the relays! 

The Junior team lined up against 86 teams ranging from Junior teams to Senior teams to Old Boy teams and even Staff teams. However, this did not bother the Junior teams as a swarm of Year 7 and 8 students sprinted to the front, pushing the older boys to the back of the pack. Toby Ward used this excitement and momentum to lead the first Junior team around with a blistering first leg. James Bestic (Intermediates) and Ben Frantz (Juniors) soon followed behind with a valuable lesson regarding shoe laces, with Frantz finishing his leg with a shoe in his hand! Double knots! Double knots! The Junior First team; Toby, Ben, James Warren, and Archie Watson, raced around for a fantastic 7th place, and the Intermediate team; James, Fraser Pandit, JJ Black, and Daniel Becker, finished in 5th. Some holiday work paying dividends for the Intermediates! Well done, boys.  

The Senior team had their eyes on the race record, where they would need to average three minutes 10 seconds per kilometre for each runner. As Lachy Brown and I were backing up from a tough race at the NSW All Schools Championships a day earlier, our relay dominance throughout the season was in question. I led the team out, managing to stay in contact with the swift field followed behind by the ever-rising talent of Jock Fenwicke. Ryan Gilmour took the reins with a blistering pace, moving the team up a few positions. Nathan Stanmore was tasked with catching up to the Trinity Senior Team who were just ahead of Shore. With Nathan’s return to fitness, he was able to do just that, taking and stretching the lead over the Trinity boys. Lachy Brown opted to go last in the relay to try to take it easy from his race the day before, but with the record in sight and Trinity on our heels, we needed something special from Lachy. This we got, as Lachy held off a mighty strong Trinity competitor to land Shore first place, obliterating the old record by 40 seconds! The Second Senior Team, consisting of Jock, Jesse Cochrane, Matt Hogg, and Ronan Martin, finished in 5th place – the highest of all School’s Second Teams! 

The Shore Open Team continued their dominance over the relays this season, winning all three. A true sign of depth and strength! Next week we return to the tough Sydney Park course with a 10.00am start. 

Machine of the Week: (selected by the coaches and Mr Spratt) Shore Open Team 

Cam Burnett 
Shore Cross Country Captain 2023 

NSW All Schools Championships, Eastern Creek Raceway, 21 July 2023 

As Cam has already mentioned, Shore was represented by himself and Lachy at these Championships last Friday. Cam had a blinder of a race, to snavel a step on the podium in 3rd. Lachy wasn’t so fortunate and succumbed to breathing difficulty as a lurgy lingers. Pleasingly, he had already secured a ticket to Nationals via the club route. Well done, boys. It is nice to be able to rely on fine young men such as Cam and Lachy to represent the School so well and tenaciously in the rarified atmosphere of such events!

Mr M Spratt
MIC Cross Country

Snowsports

Interschools Sydney Region Snowsports Championships 

In the last week of the holidays, 41 keen skiers and snowboarders from the Senior School, journeyed to Thredbo for the Snow Australia Interschools Sydney Region Championships. Rain had beset the mountain in the lead-up, and if not for a solid dump of snow over the weekend before competition was to start, conditions could have been terrible. Thankfully the snow cover was adequate, and the boys enjoyed some excellent competition. Teaching Messers Inches, Massey, Weston, and Payne had eagerly been awaiting the week, discussing the season with boys around the grounds and feeding from their excitement. 

From this round of events, the top five placed teams, and up to the top 15 individual ranked racers, are eligible to progress to the State Championships. Based on our results, the Senior School will qualify for State Championships in all but one event, the best team output that we have experienced in years. 

The Senior School events started on Wednesday with a full complement of Snowboarding, garnished with some Division 3 Moguls. We haven’t had full teams of Snowboarding across the divisions for years, and there was much positivity in the group. 

Our Division 1 Snowboarders Jasper Pressley, Lachlan Defina, Calvin Shortus, Lorenzo Cozzi, and Harry Brigden should all qualify for State Championships in Snowboard X, with the B Team placing 4th and the A Team 5th; in Giant Slalom, the B Team of Jasper Pressley and Harry Brigden placed 5th with Calvin, Lorenzo, and Lachlan in 6th. In Division 2 Snowboard, the A Team of Noah Shepherd, George Lane, and Neo Pressley streaked across the line for Team Silver in both Giant Slalom and Boarder X. In Division 3 Boarder X, Asher Shepherd won Individual Silver, and the A Team of Asher, Cyan Couch, and Lachlan Boys placed 4th overall, with Brandon Liu placing 23; in Giant Slalom, Asher, Cyan, and Lachlan placed 5th, with Brandon ranking a strong 21st, racing as an individual. 

The Division 3 Moguls Team of William Thompson, Lachlan Jansen, and Benjamin Rose placed a strong 4th amongst some very competitive teams. 

Thursday had the first events for our Division 1 men, in Alpine and Moguls, as well as Division 2 Alpine and Moguls and Division 3 Skier X. Division 1 can be the culmination of over a decade of committed training and competition, and the standard is extremely high. Thursday also saw the return of ferocious wind, which blew the top cover of snow from the courses revealing sheets of ice around many of the gates, resulting in the downfall of many good competitors. 

In Division 1 Alpine, Duncan Cowan took out Individual Gold, and the team of Duncan, Calvin Shortus, Lewis Kingdom, and Marcel Ewen won Team Silver. Our Captains, Adam Watson and Roo Taylor, competed as a pair (Team rankings are based on a minimum of three recorded times in Alpine) and ranked 17th and 24th, respectively. In Moguls, Roo, Adam, and Marcel ranked a solid 4th place overall. 

In Division 2 Alpine, and on a rather treacherous course, our A Team of Charlie Kovacs, Nicholas Yates, Julian Harrison, and Henry Wheeler ranked 6th by only 0.21 seconds. Even still, Charlie smashed out Individual Bronze. Our C Team of Taj Robertson, Angus Motteram, and Max L’Orange placed 7th; B Team of Miles Kingdom, James Thompson, Connor Austin, and Max Papadopoulos 10th; with Miller George 51st and Henry Marshall 91st as individual rankings. In Division 2 Moguls, Harry Dubenec, Charlie Kovacs, and Henry Wheeler just missed team bronze by 0.42 of one point, placing 4th—a tremendous effort. 

The Division 3 Skier X A Team of Jack Steiger-Thorpe, William Thompson, and Luca Ewen won Team Bronze, only 0.03 seconds off Silver… Our B Team of Cyan Couch, Lachlan Jansen, and Lachlan Boys 11th; and C Team of Alex Glasfurd, Toby Cay, and Benjamin Rose 13th. 

On Friday, the freezing wind howled stronger than the day prior, and the morning races were limited to one single run on icy courses up at Merrits. Aside from the Gunbarrel Lift, which took anxious competitors, parents, and staff up the mountain, no other lifts were operating. Competitors were allowed to slip the course in inspection; they had to then walk back up the mountain for their competitive run, then walk back up again and across to High Noon to be able to get back to Thredbo Village—a challenge in itself. 

A full-blown match for that challenge was our Division 1 Skier X Team of Duncan Cowan, Calvin Shortus, and Marcel Ewen, who won Team Gold, Duncan Cowan again adding an Individual Gold to the trophy cabinet, and Calvin Shortus winning Individual Bronze—smashed it. Our B Team of Adam Watson, Richard Taylor, and Lewis Kingdom ranked 10th, Lewis flying out of the course but thankfully remaining unhurt; Max Morton put in a very strong Individual 34th with his teammate unfortunately out with injury. 

In Division 3 Alpine, the A Team of Jack Steiger-Thorpe, Luca Ewen, William Thompson, and Lachlan Boys won Team Bronze, with Jack cracking Individual Silver; our B Team of Lachlan Jansen, Cyan Couch, Alex Glasfurd, and Toby Cay placed 9th; Benjamin Rose 43rd and Kian Austin 89th racing as individuals. 

The final race for the day and the week, Division 2 Skier X, was cancelled due to the wind. We all retreated to the valley below to escape the harsh conditions after a wonderful week. 

The Snowsports community at Shore continues to thrive and enjoy outstanding results. The hype of returning to the mountain post-pandemic has not worn off, and although our numbers remain lower than what they have been, we continue to improve. The staff wishes to thank the parents – such a wonderful group of people to work with – for their tireless support of the boys’ passion for snowsports. We would also like to extend our thanks to the Sportsmaster, Mr Ticehurst, and Deputy Head of Academic, Mr Leeds, for their ongoing support of the team throughout the year. 

Top Image: Divisions 1 and 3 Snowboarders

Mr W J Payne 
MIC Snowsports 

Shore Swimming Club

Opening Race Night a Huge Success

An incredible 61 Shore swimmers, siblings and children of staff took part in the inaugural Shore Swimming Club Night on Tuesday 13 June. 

From six-year-old children enrolled in ‘learn to swim’ lessons to dedicated, senior National competition level swimmers who train daily, the R A I Grant Centre was buzzing with swimmers, families, coaches, and staff. 

There were plenty of first-race experiences and ‘Personal Bests’, with participants excited to make it to the end of the pool or to make State qualifying times.  

Swimmers received excellent support and encouragement from their instructors and coaches. There were the serious swims, but the evening also finished off with a fun 25 metre kickboard race which was met with lots of cheering.  

Our gratitude to the technical officials who provided the opportunity for the swims to be classified as official times, to Old Boy and Coach, Mr Toby Brandon-Cooper (’22) for being the MC on the night and to the pool staff and coaches and Shore Swimming Club Board Members for making the event run smoothly. 

Congratulations to Ollie Kelly, Cyan Couch, Natalie Ward and Will Watson, who won the raffle prizes.  

The Shore Swimming Club will host its next Swim Club Night early next term – stay tuned! 

We invite and encourage Shore swimmers, siblings and children of staff to participate as part of fostering the development of individual well-being and character, life-long participation, enjoyment and achievement in the sport of swimming and water sports. 

Many of our swimmers have already gone on to represent this wonderful new club with distinction at district, state and national levels. 

The School and the Swim Club Board look forward to seeing the club go from strength to strength in coming years. It is what we make of it as a School community. 

Come and join an inclusive and supportive team environment where members, coaches, School staff, officials and parents strive to give their best. We value the contribution made by each and every participant whether that be in an official, recreational, competitive or volunteer capacity.  

See you on pool deck at our next Club night. 

Mr T O’Keeffe 
Acting Head of Swimming 

Referee Rugby!

If you love rugby and want to be closer to the action on a Saturday, why not give rugby refereeing a go? At Shore, we are looking for both schoolboy and community referees to step in and help us out on a Saturday! We can assist you with getting all the necessary qualifications and will help you at every step of your refereeing journey! If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact Mr Toby Brandon-Cooper at tbrandoncooper@shore.nsw.edu.au