How Then Should We Live? 

Dear Students, Parents and Carers

The question which frames the beginning of this edition of the Shore Weekly Record was popularised by the philosopher and social commentator Francis Schaeffer in the 1960s as a shorthand summary of his critical interrogation of our world. The question is still highly relevant as we seek from our Building Good Men programme to impart honourable virtues to our boys. Questions of existence and meaning seem more complicated than ever before.

The contemporary philosopher Professor Carl Trueman in his highly influential The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self. Cultural Amnesia, Expressive Individualism and the Road to Sexual Revolution (2020) argues that our modern sense of society prioritises victimhood, sees the self in psychological terms, opposes traditional sexual codes as oppressive and maximises the right of individuals to define their own existence. This leads, he says, to “emotivism”, where ethical discussion is based on a subjective emotional foundation. This, he claims, degenerates into little more than the expression of opinions and preferences. He, therefore, sees sex and sexual preferences as to the forefront in our society, in which there is indefinite flux, instability and incoherence. In this culture, Trueman says, sex is reduced to just a pleasant, biological function with no significance beyond immediate pleasure.

Trueman’s critique raises the question of whether such a weak foundation is acceptable for Shore graduates, or whether something more solid and definite will be necessary to function as a fully formed adult.     

Part of Shore’s remit is building into the lives of students. This includes helping them to develop a world view which is sustainable and which leads them to do good; indeed, to serve the world in which they live. “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (Ephesians 2:10) This, by definition, includes a sense of the good, that is, an ethical framework. As part of this School aspiration, we have invited Professor Hayden Ramsay as our Guest of Honour for the Senior School Speech Day this year, in just seven weeks from now.

Professor Ramsay is Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Education at the Australian Catholic University (ACU), our near neighbour in Edward Street, North Sydney. Part of his role is to lead the ethical framework of the ACU. Prior to his current position, he was Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Professor of Philosophy and Ethics at The University of Notre Dame Australia. Earlier in his academic career, he taught philosophy at a number of universities in Australia and Scotland. Professor Ramsay is a moral philosopher who deeply explores questions of ethics, foundation and meaning. He was very well received by our Year 11 in the activities following our Step Up Camp this year. He is a fine communicator, not only to adults but also to teenagers. In some respects, he is the heir of 1,500 years of outstanding Catholic moral philosophy, an area less explored by Protestant Christians (who had a much later start, i.e. the Reformation of 500 years ago). Speech Day will commence at 10.00am on Friday 8 December 2023 in the R A I Grant Centre.   

A further event to note in diaries is our Remembrance Day Service at 10.00am on Saturday 11 November 2023, where our Guest of Honour and Speaker will be the former Governor-General and Head of Australia’s Armed Forces, General Sir Peter Cosgrove.   

Dr John Collier 
Headmaster  

Please note: We encourage expressions of opinion by our Editorial Team without necessarily endorsing or embracing them as a School position; furthermore, boys write in a range of styles, including satirical, and not every critique should be taken literally.

Chaplains’ Chat

There is something about new beginnings in life. A chance to start afresh, perhaps in a variety of contexts. It could be a new job, a new hobby, or simply returning to a position after a break. A new Term is similar, a new beginning. Schools are typically fairly quiet places in holidays, and of course, the buzz and excitement of students and staff alike make schools the places that they are. It is wonderful to hear of stories, events and activities that have taken place in a holiday period. Of course, while we all enjoy a holiday, there is also the wonderful privilege of coming to school to work, to learn to participate and to grow in relationships. They are important times in our lives.  

The key to any school is its people, and indeed, this is the case with any community. While some might simply see school as a pathway to further education and employment, the shaping of young lives for a life of learning and, indeed, relationships should not be underestimated. Our students are valuable and more so than just minds to be assigned an ATAR. We hope that our students will be shaped at School to lead a life of purpose, meaning, service to others and relationships. Part of this shaping is giving our students a deeper understanding of themselves and the Christian faith, which we hope they will not only consider but also live out in what they do. To know that we are greatly loved by God and to have this shape the relationships we are involved in, is a wonderful thing. In response to how it is we should live, Jesus himself says we should love God with our whole heart, soul, mind and strength and love our neighbour as ourselves (Mark 12:30-31). This indeed will foster deep relationships in our lives in whatever context we find ourselves in.  

Rev. Anthony Benn 
Chaplain 

CRU Update

Who are you? If you were given one minute to introduce yourself to someone only using sentencing beginning with “I am”, I wonder what you would say. But a more important question to consider is “Who is Jesus?” because your answer to this has life-changing impacts. 

This Term at CRU, we will be looking at the “I Am” sayings of Jesus in John’s gospel. On Friday, Josh Gallant began with a game involving guessing who people were pretending to be from their actions. Charlie Corbett-Jones then read from John 6 before Caleb Schmidt spoke to us. He began by unpacking the claim that Jesus is the bread of life, explaining how spiritually we can feed on Jesus and be satisfied in him, never being hungry again. Caleb also spoke about how all we need to do is believe in Jesus to be saved. When we go to Jesus, he promises that he will never drive us away, but that he will raise us up on the last day, according to the Father’s will. As a result, I encourage you to carefully consider who Jesus is to you. If you’re not sure, we will be continuing to explore the “I Am” claims of Jesus at CRU each week, and we would love to see you there. 

Daniel Becker 
Year 10 TY4 

Calling Sony Camp Volunteers

We are looking for volunteers for the 2023 Shore | PLC Sony Camp.

The dates for this camp are Sunday 10 December to Wednesday 13 December.

Morning shifts

9.00am – 11.00am, will require help cleaning the campers’ rooms, stripping and washing any bed linen and general tidying up.

The afternoon shifts

4.30 pm – 7.00 pm – require cleaning up of the Sensory room, Arts and Craft space and Scrapbooking space, washing camper clothing and Companions t-shirts, supervision of camper showers if required and general tidying up.

The evening shifts

7.00pm – 10.00 pm – requires tidying up, washing and/or folding camper clothing, following each campers’ bedtime routine and putting camper to bed.
TUESDAY 12 December 8.30am – 1.00pm – Excursion to Western Sydney Zoo.

Nurses and Doctors

Anytime that Doctors are available, we would love to have you help. Nurses are needed for the late afternoon/evening shifts. Your duties require administering camper medication, supervising meals, administering a campers PEG feeds, supervising activities.

All volunteers require a Working With Children’s Check. These are free through the RMS. Once you have a WWCC number, please email it to Jeri Apter – jlapter@shore.nsw.edu.au

Thank you so much for volunteering for Sony Camp. The Shore and PLC Committee’s are extremely grateful for your help.

👉 VOLUNTEER NOW!

Boarding Trial and Update

Please fill in the Boarding Trial Expression of Interest Form if interested in this year’s Boarding Trial.

There is a lot going on in the first week back!  

It’s great to have the Boarding house buzzing with activity again as the boys immerse themselves in the life of the School. Year 12 have hit the ground running in their HSC Examinations, with other year groups being encouraged by tutors to get organised early in their revision for their respective examinations coming up. Lots of activities for the boys were organised for the weekend, with Mr Craig taking Years 7 to 9 to an Ascham social, Mr Lane enjoying a BBQ with Year 11 and 12, Mr Burke heading out to PLC with Year 10 for their formal, a few boys serving at Rough Edges, and Mrs Murray challenging Year 7 to a few board games! After a big day of Sport, the boys enjoyed a Saturday Pizza Night and a Sunday morning BBQ. All up, it’s been a great start to the Term.

Barry House Serving Others

After raising over $3,500 for the Sydney Children’s Hospital earlier in Term 3, the Year 10 and 11 Barry House boys made a significant difference to those at Broderick-Gillawarna and Rough Edges. Your service to those who need your help is invaluable. This coming Term, we will continue to help out at Rough Edges and have also dedicated November 19 to help as a community at Our Big Kitchen in Bondi. This will be a wonderful opportunity for families, siblings, parents, students and staff from Barry House to join together, making meals for disadvantaged communities. 

K.D. Anderson Award

The highlight of last week was the award ceremony, where we named the recipient of the K.D. Anderson Award. Keith Anderson was Robson Housemaster from 1956 to 1971. It was an honour to have his youngest daughter, Judy Elmslie, and her family come to present the award. The K.D Anderson Award is given to a young man in Robson who displays integrity, humility and loyalty towards Robson House and the boys. Zac Warden was recognised for his desire to continue fostering the outstanding culture that exists within Robson, participating in a range of house events and activities and encouraging all the boys in the House. A most deserving recipient.

Making friends and meeting new people

The first weekend of Term was a busy one in Hodges House! Starting Friday night with the Year 8 and 9 boys heading to a social with Ascham and the Year 10 boys heading to the annual “Shoremal” with PLC. A great opportunity for the boys to head out and enjoy making friends and meeting new people!

Saturday was jam-packed with the first round of summer Sport for many boys, with some fantastic results, such as Tim Etheridge’s Basketball team winning by 30 points and Harry Kowalski bowling extremely efficiently for his Cricket team. Celebration of such successes was ensured with a pizza night with Mr Fitch.

Sunday was an excellent opportunity to take the pace off the weekend with a mid-morning BBQ breakfast and a game of touch on the Boarders’ Terrace, followed by a trip to Kirribilli for ice cream with the Barry Boys! 

Engaruka School Project – in memory of past Student ‘Walk the Talk’ 

In 2017, a wonderful Shore student, Marcus Morris, died tragically. One of the things that Marcus was about to do was visit a rural area in Tanzania called Engaruka. Sadly, he didn’t get there due to his death. In his memory, a school is being established in Engaruka by his family and friends. 

There is no school in the Engaruka region, so Shore students and staff have been raising money to help build this school. The building work has begun, but a large proportion of the funds are still needed. 

The Chapel Offertories last Term raised just over $3,000. So, a BIG thank you to the Students and staff who gave generously! 

However, I have decided that I can’t just talk to the boys about this great cause – I need to ‘walk the talk’. So, I am doing the ‘Six Foot Track’ walk in one day as a fundraiser! It is 42 kilometres of walking along bush tracks from Jenolan to Katoomba in the Blue Mountains, normally a three-day walk. 

If you would like to support the building of this School, then please donate through my GoFund page: 

gofund.me/4971fe2d

All donations are Tax Deductible. I will be doing the fundraiser with Marcus’ godfather, Martin. If you donate, a receipt will be sent to you automatically.  

Even $5 will make a difference. 

If you would like to find out more about the School project then go to:  

katoke.com.au/engaruka-school-project

If you would like to visit me in the hospital after the event, then send me a message! 

Rev. Nick Foord 
Community Chaplain, Shore 

Remembrance Day Chapel Service Invitation 2023 

Dear Parents, Carers, Students and Friends of the Shore Community 

Everyone is warmly invited to attend a very special Remembrance Day Chapel Service on

Saturday 11 November 2023 

with Special Guest Speaker: 
General the Honourable Sir Peter Cosgrove 
AK AC (Mil) CVO MC (RETD) 

10:00am - Chapel Service

The event will include a Ceremonial Guard, Items by the Senior Choir  
and Laying of Wreaths. Please join us for Morning Tea 
on the Chapel Lawn after the service. 

 11:00am - The Last Post – from Holtermann’s Tower

Parking is available in the School carpark. Entry via Hunter Crescent. 

Enquiries: Rev. Nick Foord 
Community Chaplain 
T +61 2 9900 4753 
nfoord@shore.nsw.edu.au

Old Boys’ Union Spring Drinks

Please join us at this year’s Spring Drinks being held on the Old Boys’ Terrace for the first time. Please come and enjoy canapés, drinks and world-class views of our exceptional city skyline. We look forward to celebrating a busy year and extend a warm invitation to Old Boys and their partners, current parents, former parents and friends of Shore. 
 
Mr S Woodhill 
President, OBU 

Invitation to Forbes and Orange Events

We warmly welcome all families to join Housemaster, Brendan Morris for a delightful weekend that promises to be a memorable experience for everyone involved.  We look forward to catching up with our boarding families while meeting new families who are considering our vibrant community. 

FORBES DINNER 

Date:  Friday 10 November
Time: 7.00pm to 10.00pm 
Address: ‘Donna’s Table’, 124 Lachlan St, Forbes NSW

Kindly RSVP by Tuesday 7 November 2023 at trybooking.com/CLUUB

ORANGE LUNCH 

Date:  Saturday 11 November 2023
Time:  12.30pm to 3.00pm 
Address: ‘Avalon’ 192 Summer Hill Lane, Lucknow, NSW

Kindly RSVP by Tuesday 7 November 2023 at trybooking.com/CLSJM

Reminder Shore Parents’ Association Annual General Meeting

Monday 23rd October 2023, commencing 7.00pm in the Colebrook Room or via Zoom Video Conference.

The AGM will cover the Annual Report of activities and the financial performance of the Shore Parents’ Association.

Please RSVP by Sunday 22 October 2023 to shoreassoc@shore.nsw.edu.au, if you are able to attend this meeting and specify whether you will attend in person or online.

Join via Zoom

Please follow the link to join via Zoom.
 

Christine Bowen
Chair, Shore Parents Association

Term Dates 2023 – 2024

Shore Years 7-11 2024 resource lists are now online for student ordering

Dear Parents

Shore is transitioning to digital textbooks.

Following the successful implementation of our digital device programme for all students in the Senior School this year, the next step is to transition to digital textbooks. This will commence in 2024 when, in most instances, digital textbooks will be the default option. This decision was made after careful consideration of the benefits and drawbacks of both hard copy and digital textbooks.

Hard copies of textbooks will still be available for parents and students who would like a hard copy in addition to the digital version. In class, however, we expect that all students will have a digital copy available to them.

The opportunity to purchase digital textbooks for 2024 is now available through the Campion website using this LINK.

There will be a limited stock of second-hand (hard copy) textbooks available for purchase this year on the following dates:

The School will no longer purchase hard copies of second-hand textbooks, given the transition to digital textbooks.

Textbook donations
While Shore is transitioning to digital textbooks, we are aware of some schools that will still be using hard-copy texts. In support of this, the SPA will be collecting donations of current textbooks to gift to students where there is a need.

Sincerely

Mr M Leeds
Deputy Head Academic

Careers News

Welcome to Term 4! 

As the School year starts to wind up, Term 4 can be challenging for students to maintain focus and stay motivated. An evidence-based strategy to build motivation is to design future goals and plans. All students from Years 10 to12 have a Career Plan they can access through OneNote which is an interactive document to create goals, collate research on future possibilities and design a plan of action. This tool forms the basis of Career chats in the senior years and students are encouraged to make appointments via the Careers Lampada page so goals and plans can collaboratively designed. 

This Term all Year 10 students are preparing for the real world of work through the Work Engagement programme. Thank you to students who have uploaded the required paperwork. A reminder students must also complete the Work Experience preparation course which is available on Lampada/Work Engagement/Resources. 

FREE Careers in Stem Magazines are available from the Careers Centre! This is a fun and inspiring publication which highlights many growing industries and careers.  

The latest Careers News is also available on Lampada and can be accessed here. 

Ms V Shirriff 
Head of Careers Education 

Study Centre

The boys are encouraged to visit Study Centre each week, especially at this time of year, as they prepare for the yearly examinations. Study Centre offers free tuition by Shore teachers and Old Boys with sessions before and after School according to the timetable published on Lampada (under Library) and in the Shore Weekly Record.

For any questions, please get in touch with Mrs Eva White, Head of Library & Information Services, on 9956 1151.

Please view the study timetable on the following page.

Pastoral Care Update

Welcome to Term 4! We hope that our families had a restful break and are ready for the exciting weeks ahead. The Pastoral Care team have had a busy start to the Term, including a terrific Year 10 Shore and Pymble Ladies College Social event last Friday night October 13, and inducting new House Captains and Vice Captains here at School. We also have some important updates and events to share with you. 

Firstly, and in support of a letter written to parents last week addressing the distressing online content that has emerged because of events overseas, we have posted a helpful factsheet from the Office of the E-safety Commissioner for parents on Lampada.

https://lampada.shore.nsw.edu.au/homepage/14578 

We hope that this information will help you to keep your boy/s safe and well at this time and encourage to reach out for further support if needed. We want to ensure that you have the information you need to support your child in navigating the online world. 

In partnership with the Shore Parents Association, we are excited to inform our parent community of an important upcoming Seminar with Professor McGorry AO. The seminar will take place on Thursday evening, November 16, and we strongly encourage all parents with children in Years 5 to 12 to attend this event on Adolescent Mental Health. The School recognises the immense value of working collaboratively with parents to support our boys’ mental health. The developing brain can be vulnerable to various life stressors, and Professor McGorry will provide valuable insights and practical information for parents on this important topic. Please save the date in your diaries. We will send out an email next week with information on how to register for the event.  

Later this Term, our Year 10 students will be part of our Future Ready Week (formerly Wellbeing Week), beginning on Monday 20 November. Year 10 students will participate in a range of activities, including wellbeing sessions, House competitions, service activities and careers experiences and seminars. The week is aimed at equipping boys with relevant information to make good decisions as they approach Year 11 and 12 with purpose and belief. Year 10 parents will be contacted directly with more details of the week.  

Thank you for your ongoing partnership to create a safe and nurturing environment for our students. We look forward to seeing you at the seminar and to a productive Term ahead. 

Mr D Champion 
Deputy Head Pastoral Care 

Northern Territory NE Arnhem Land Immersion 2023

During the recent holiday break, 25 Year 11 students with Dr Gilmour, Mr Blood, Ms Tierney and Mrs Camden travelled to the NT to be immersed in First Nations culture, language, traditional medicine and community on the Nyinyikay Homeland in NE Arnhem Land and Nhulunbuy (Gove) Gulkuala (Gama) site.

Upon arriving in Nyinyikay Homeland, we experienced a traditional Welcome to Country with dance and paint up with Gapan (white clay) to imbed us into community; we participated in smoking ceremony followed by healing service. This was emotionally moving for all.

The students were taught in outdoor classes by Elder Marcus on subjects related to the Yolngu worldview, marriage (Dhuwa or Yirritja), 16 Clan groups in Arnhem Land, Djalkiri/Madayin Rom (lore of nature) and language groups (Yolnu Matha), with balance, harmony, and good health promoted for all of creation.

As we walked through the Homeland, we stopped and observed bush foods (Maranhu) and traditional medicines and gained flora knowledge. We were taught first aid treatment on country, fishing lessons and led through crafting a spear thrower from a Homeland tree to Galpu. The ladies were treated to a day with the Aunties weaving earrings and enjoying the natural laughter.

The students were divided for daily community support roster into Groups:

Baru Crocodiles, Bapi Snake, Lorrpu Cockatoo and Manu Shark performed their various tasks with rigour, care, and loads of chatter. Car trips between sites resulted in much singing to old favourites from times gone by. All part of the extended bonding experience with our guides, staff, and students alike.

This life-changing experience led by Culture College Arnhem Land Aboriginal Corporation and the community of Elder Marcus and his mother, Grandmother Megan, made us feel like we had been here forever. We said Yo manymak (Yes good, thanks) constantly.

We miss our Homeland Community already.

Mrs C Camden
MIC Immersion

Congratulations  

Congratulations to Music students Tim Wong and Eric Yoo on receiving Encore nominations. The Encore Concert is a showcase that highlights a selection of nominated performances, compositions and musicology essays and viva voces from the HSC year. Shore has celebrated its musical success by receiving nominations each year for many years. This year is no exception.  

As part of their Music 2 and Music Extension courses, Eric and Tim both performed six pieces for their HSC at an exemplary standard, granting them their nomination. Cellist Tim Wong performed a programme of music ranging from Haydn, Rachmaninoff and Popper through to Shostakovich and the Spanish style of Cassado.  Eric Yoo’s oboe repertoire included music from both Robert and Clara Schumann and the Classical style of Lebrun through to Ravel and Martinu. Both students performed an Australian piece composed in the last 25 years in their Music 2 programmes and an ensemble piece in their Extension programme. 

It is an honour to be nominated for this prestigious concert, and Tim and Eric are congratulated on this amazing achievement. 

Ms S Roberston 
Master Assisting Curriculum

Australia Votes (Resoundingly) No 

A Retrospective Look At The Voice Debate

M. D. Kwak

AS OF 15/10 12.24PM, 75% of the national vote has been counted and nationally, 60% of Australians have voted No. In every single state (excluding the ACT, as it is a territory), the No vote is nearly, or in many cases above the 60% mark. 

The Yes campaign has not merely failed – it has been utterly devastated. A seemingly reasonable aspiration for improving Australian Torres Straight Islander (ATSI) rights has been singularly rejected by the Australian polity, ruthlessly exercising their tyranny of the majority – a tyranny sanctioned by our democratic system. 

A little more than a year ago, polls suggested that public support for the Yes campaign was over 60%. Now the figures have practically reversed – a remarkable (and for some, heart wrenching) change in only a single year. The question is: Why?

July 2022: Albanese commits to the Voice referendum.

Following his victorious election night speech in which he committed first Labour to the Uluru Statement from the Heart, Albanese released his draft wording to a 2023 referendum to recognise the Indigenous people in the Australian Constitution and enshrine their right to a Voice in Parliament. It was also announced that the specific details would come after the referendum (to avoid making it too prescriptive), perhaps a strategic error in light of the unrelenting criticism levelled against the supposed “vagueness” of the proposal. However, the “nebulous” details of the Voice would have been decided after consultation with Indigenous people, and then voted on by the legislative body in Parliament – making it a fully democratic process that people could participate in by writing to their MPs. But who cares about the truth when you can just fearmonger about some “nebulous” proposal that would take away our public holidays and engage in large-scale land repatriation.

July to November 2022: Jacinta Price enters the scene, and the Nationals publicly oppose the Voice.

Jacinta Price, in her first speech to the Senate, delivered three separate blows that would become common talking points for the No campaign down the track. 

First, she characterised the proposed Voice as a virtue-signalling and impractical mechanism of change that would fail to deliver “practical” outcomes for Indigenous people, throwing around big (but really meaningless) words like “paternalistic” and “another level of bureaucracy”.

Second, she said that the Voice would create further racial divides between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians (supposedly under the idealistic impression that these divides didn’t exist at all in the status quo and ASTI communities weren’t one the most marginalised Indigenous populations in the world).

Third, in an ironic sense, her most powerful contribution was her appeal to identity politics (I thought conservatives despised that kind of rhetoric?). Her speech promoted the No argument, suggesting that Indigenous people didn’t back the Voice, despite polls estimating that 80% of Indigenous Australians actually do.

Soon after, Nationals leader David Littleproud publicly announced their opposition to the Voice (of course flanked by Price for that illustrious photo op). Knowing the track record of the Nationals, I couldn’t say this was a huge surprise. Nevertheless, Indigenous spokespeople, like Price and Mundine, played a crucial role as frontrunners for the No campaign – both in terms of the arguments they provided as well as the reassurance they gave No voters that at least some Indigenous people didn’t support this proposition.

Early 2023: The Greens kind of screw it up.

The Greens’ official party platform was to support the Voice despite preferring for the more radical treaty to happen first. Lidia Thorpe, who was the party’s Indigenous affairs spokesperson at the time, quit the party over her disagreement with this and sat as an Independent to lead a “progressive No” campaign. Obviously her reasons for a No vote were polar opposite to Price’s. Whilst Price opposed the Voice for being too “paternalistic” and “racialising”, Thorpe dismissed the Voice as being a powerless advisory body that didn’t go far enough in achieving Black sovereignty. But many Australians couldn’t differentiate between the two and saw Thorpe’s departure as further evidence of the conservative narrative that Indigenous people didn’t want the Voice (perhaps a sign that we ought reconsider how we conduct civics/political knowledge education for Australians in the future).

April 2023: Dutton cements his opposition.

Dutton had been in the backdrop until this time, raising doubts about the Voice (using many of the talking points raised prior) but never actually confirming his party’s stance. When he did so in April, any hope for bipartisan support in the referendum dissolved. This decision did alienate many prominent Liberals, including Leeser and Wyatt, but it still had the desired effect of isolating Labor and ensuring a hefty block of Coalition voters would oppose the referendum come October. 

Historically, referenda are virtually impossible to pass without bipartisan support and Australians are usually hesitant to usher in constitutional change that they perceive as being monumental and irreversible. 

The failed Voice referendum may feel devastating for many individuals. But watching politicians from both the Yes and No camps affirming their commitment to improving the rights and welfare of ASTI communities despite such a result, all I can hope for is that they are genuine in their remarks and find success in their renewed efforts. It would be woeful if Parliament remains in the same cycle of stagnancy and inaction that has gripped them for the past few centuries and Australia remains complicit in the face of continuing injustice and trauma.

The Power of Disinformation

Unpacking the Persistence of Conspiracy Theories in the Modern World

B. N. Dent

NOW, I HAVE NO DOUBT that the world would be a far less interesting place if we were depleted of conspiracy theories and all the fake news which regularly pervade the media, but imagine how much more productive and advanced our society would be if these deceitful ideas were never conceived. 

What if all of the individuals who dedicated their lives to looking for BigFoot or the Loch Ness Monster instead put those thousands of, let’s face it, wasted hours into pursuing a career in social work. But hey, I guess you can’t get in the way of one’s true passion, however ridiculous it may seem. 

This same idea of true value and utility can be said about many other walks of life, particularly in the entertainment industry. Will the additional season of your favourite TV show truly be essential to the development of humanity? Probably not, but it serves an important function nonetheless – it keeps you entertained. This scenario underscores the broader concept that not everything in life needs to have profound implications or utility; sometimes, the joy of entertainment and relaxation is of genuine value. That being said, in light of the recent sham surrounding the “discovery” of a 1,000-year-old extra-terrestrial which transpired just a month ago, I think that with regards to conspiracy theories, there needs to be a firm line drawn to separate entertainment and absurdity from genuinely plausible belief. For if we fail to draw this line in our current world, where people are ever more impressionable to the ideas presented in the media, then what we get are individuals focused on the wrong things at the wrong times. Case and point, some voting-age Australians having a greater vested interest in the physical characteristics of a likely  fraudulent Alien fossil than the inner workings of a historical referendum.

To provide some context on this recent imbecilic conspiracy theory, just a month ago in the middle of September a hearing was held where Mexico’s Congress heard testimony regarding the possibility that extra-terrestrials might exist and were presented with the alleged remains of non-human beings in an extraordinary hearing marking the country’s first congressional event on aliens and UFOs. These remains were presented by Mexican journalist José Jaime Maussan who claimed that the remains were discovered back in 2017 in Peru and were allegedly 1,000 years old. He also swore under oath that they were non-human remains. The two main threats to the credibility of these findings are: firstly, that the bodies look extremely similar to the alien in Steven Spielberg’s 1982 blockbuster film ET. Secondly, and more prominently, the journalist spearheading the presentation of the findings had previously been involved in the spread of the Nazca Mummy Story in 2017 – a similar situation which turned out to be a sham.

A 2022 study conducted by political scientist Joseph Uscinski suggested that the frequency of conspiracy theories is actually on the rise. But should we be surprised by this? Personally, I would have thought that the frequency of conspiracy theories would have followed a trend inversely proportional to the rise in technology. With the prevalence of great technology, we have such easy access to large amounts of knowledge, and with this boundless knowledge at our fingertips, I would think that our ability to discern fact from fiction would be heightened. Maybe we have just become more bored as of late, and in our aimlessness, we are looking for any idea to grab onto in order to provide some purpose or entertainment, who knows? If you are going to indulge in some conspiracy theories, at least pick some interesting ones. If interested, I would suggest looking into the infamous Alex Jones, and some of his insights into the world.

Alex Jones Cooking

“Further Disciplinary Action”: Part I

Uncovering the Mysteries of The War Memorial Hall

H. R. Gluskie

IN THE WEEKS LEADING UP TO EXAMS, one can’t help but imagine being back in the Hall, and wondering just what has happened in these seats before you. And unfortunately, that one question has no simple answer. All we know for sure is that once your surname gets called to ascend up those stairs, you will forever be changed.

Before any exam, you are greeted into the Hall by an army of people you have never seen equipped with an array of pencils, erasers, sharpeners and tissues at your disposal. Once you have located your seat, you can only hope that you do not have the one unfortunate desk that abruptly collapses in the middle of your Maths exam. The volunteers take their stand at the head of each aisle, statuesquely waiting for their leader, Mr Palmer to take the stage.

With a looming presence, he begins the start of his infamous monologue historically passed through generations from examiner to examiner. Being a Year 7 in your first exam, you don’t pay all too much attention to this speech until his last line penetrates you like a stake being driven through your heart: “If any boy is to be found cheating or to have in his possession any written or reprinted material, he will receive a zero and face further disciplinary action.” From what perhaps was already the most stressful thing in your life so far – The PD exam – these words cause foreheads to sweat, fingers to shake, and a collective sinking in chairs to the floor. It is with these words that the once humorous plans to “cough at 2.30pm during NAPLAN” are quickly abandoned and the clock is set for a lengthy 90 minutes to begin. 

It was only recently after I had finished ‘studying’ at the library on a late Thursday evening when I spotted two silhouettes on the fifth floor balcony of Benefactors. Pulling out my trusty binoculars, the image that confronted me was horrifying – Blue and White Insight Editor, Michael Kwak was handing over a file that had in big, bold, red text, ‘CLASSIFIED’ written over the front to the king of exams. Just the thought of what was inside sent chills down my neck, however, my first clue as to uncovering what this mysterious ‘further disciplinary action’ was had just emerged – the Shore Weekly Record. 

The next Friday afternoon saw my chance to strike on the SWR. I cloaked myself in a dark trenchcoat and geared up with my trusty plastic pipe and magnifying glass, and made my way to Shore’s printing room. As I tiptoed through the eerie, hospital-like hallway of the greenroom, eyes fixated on the door to the printing room, it swung open revealing none other than Shore’s favourite side-burned Operations worker, ‘Wolverine’,  who gave me a solemn nod and smile. I jumped at my chance to reach the door before it locked itself again, and started inspecting file cabinets for anything out of the ordinary. The first half of my search proved unfruitful, only finding a selfie of the English Department at their staff meeting. It was this one file however, tucked away under a myriad of mistakenly printed Year 8 Geography tests, and concealed in a cloak of dust and cobwebs that I decided to pick up. I frantically ripped open the file, to which I pulled out a frail, old, leather notebook, on the front reading: “John Doe, 1932”. I turned the front cover open and started to read the first page:

June 23rd, Monday

Hutchies are to be placed on level ground…

Must’ve been his cadet notebook from the level of useless squiggles and doodles on the page. I turned over one

June 30th, Monday

My golly goodness, Cadets is most humdrum.

I kept on flicking pages, waiting for something exciting to pop up, until I reached a page with an asterisk in the top corner:

August 2nd, Thursday

Gee Manently!! I just had the most wonderful conversation with a most ravishing dame from Loreto. She had brown hair and the most lovely eyes…

No, that couldn’t be it. I checked my watch, realising there was only enough time to browse one more page. I drew my fingernail to a random page in the middle of the book and started to read:

July 15th, Friday

I am writing this just prior to my Year 11 Preliminary English Exam. I plan to pull a practical joke on the supervisors in there. I hypothesise that repeatedly buzzing like a bee once I finish my paragraph on the Lear Complex will generate a most humorous response. I think this is the most tomfoolery I have ever got up to in my entire life. Fare me well.

I am writing this post-Exam. They found out that I was the pupil who enacted the mischievous plan. They sent me to the Chapel to await my ‘further disciplinary action.’ No one is here, and I can hear my own heavy breath echoing around the whole Chapel. Hang on, I hear footsteps behind me…  

The ink trailed off half way through the ‘me’ to form a line cutting to the end of the page. Poor John, but I was still yet to uncover what this mysterious punishment was. Nevertheless, the diary did reveal another crucial clue to my quest; the Chapel. I carefully slid the diary back into its file, as to not leave any evidence I was in here, and placed it back in its draw.  

TO BE CONTINUED…

Tune in next term to see inspector Hugh Gluskie uncover ‘Further Disciplinary Action’… or not

Holiday Sport Report

The Biggest Sporting Headlines Over The Past Month.

T. G. George

SINCE THE CLOSING OF SHORE WEEKLY RECORD SUBMISSIONS, there have been a plethora of sporting events that need to be recapped. This article will bounce across the largest sporting headlines over the past month.

In the men’s US Open, rising star and world number one, Carlos Alcaraz, was one of the favourites to win. He displayed dominance until the semi-finals, where he was overcome by Medvedev. In typical Djokovic fashion, he sealed the victory in the final, only losing two sets in the entire tournament.

In the women’s US Open, Iga Swiatek, from Poland, was the favourite to win her second successive title in New York. However, she was shockingly knocked out in the round of 16 to Ostapenko from Latvia. With this loss, her world number one rank of 73 consecutive weeks may potentially fade away. In the final, American 19-year-old, Coco Gauff, was able to beat world number two, Sabalenka.

Coco Gauff

The football season is in its early stages in Europe. In the Premier League the North London rivals, Spurs and Arsenal, sit equal first, both with 20 points and a 10 goal difference. In the LaLiga, Barcelona and Real Madrid battle it out for first  alongside Girona, the massive underdogs who have slipped into the mix amongst Spanish football royalty. Elsewhere, AC Milan, Monaco and Leverkusen sit first in their respective leagues. The Champions League also commenced with a delightful 4-3 match between Bayern Munich and Manchester United. RC Lens were also able to orchestrate a thrilling 2-1 victory over English giants, Arsenal.

In the Women’s Super League only three match days have taken place, but Sam Kerr’s Chelsea sit first, a stark contrast from the men’s team performances. In the National Women’s Soccer League, the Portland Thorns sit at the top after 21 of 22 match days, setting themselves up for the playoffs ahead. The controversial but undeniably revolutionary US star, Megan Rapinoe, played her final game for OL Reign in front of a record attendance, finishing off her 17 year career.

Megan Rapinoe

The biggest sporting event currently taking place is the Rugby World Cup. I will keep it brief, given the Wallabies abysmal performances, losing to both Fiji and Wales. Blowouts have been rife, as New Zealand topped Italy 96-17 and France beat Namibia 96-0. As of 15/10/23, New Zealand defeated Ireland, 28-24, in a gripping knockout classic. Argentina also won their quarter-final clash against Wales, 29-17.

Ardie Savea scoring vs Ireland

The NBA is currently in the preseason. Although a comparably quiet offseason to previous years, the Portland Trailblazers, Phoenix Suns and Milwaukee Bucks completed a blockbuster 3-team swap. This saw Damian Lillard shipped to the Bucks, Deandre Ayton and Jrue Holiday to the Blazers, and Jusuf Nurkic to the Suns. Elsewhere, Jimmy Butler has been battling his inner demons, but is ready to suit up for another fiery Miami Heat season.

 Jimmy Butler

The NFL has also taken place over the holidays. The biggest move of the offseason saw 4-time MVP, Aaron Rodgers, join the jinxed New York Jets. In his first game, he tore his Achilles tendon, a season ending injury. The Eagles and 49ers remain undefeated after 5, but the Dolphins, Lions and Chiefs also pose as serious Super Bowl contenders.

The highly prestigious Ryder Cup and Solheim Cup were in full flow over the holidays. These are the male and female golf tournaments, between the best of Europe and the USA. On Rome soil, men’s team Europe, with the likes of Rory McIlroy, Victor Hovland, and Jon Rahm, were able to illustrate a convincing win of 16.5 points to 11.5. Despite possessing world rank number one and two, Lilia Vu and Nelly Korda, the women’s team USA had to settle with a 14-14 draw with Europe, meaning Europe retained the Solheim Cup. 

Team Europe

Evidently, the world has been blessed with some fierce sporting competition over the past month. Fortunately, Australia was also gifted with two historic Grand Finals in both the AFL and the NRL.

In the AFL, Collingwood and Brisbane, placed 1st and 2nd respectively, fought their way into the Grand Final. With 100,024 spectators in attendance, and nearly five million at home viewers, these two powerhouses put on a show. The first half was high scoring, with Collingwood leading 63 – 57. The second half was more cautious from both sides, and Collingwood were able to defensively hold onto a 90-86 win.  The Norm Smith Medal went to Collingwood’s Bobby Hill, a unanimous choice, kicking four goals and having 18 disposals.

In the NRL, the Brisbane Broncos took on the two time defending champions, Penrith Panthers. The match had a fiery tenacity, as Accor stadium raged, and both sides flung themselves at each other. It was a tense affair in the first half, but Ezra Mam lit up the second half with three remarkable tries. When the game looked all but over, Nathan Cleary broke through, setting up Moses Leota. Five minutes later, Stephen Chrichton made a storming run for the corner, slamming the ball down to put the Panthers within four. On the back of sustained pressure, Nathan Cleary stepped inside and ran under the posts in the 76th minute, sealing an incredible comeback. The Penrith Panthers subsequently became the first team to 3-peat since the Eels in the 80s, with Nathan Cleary winning his second Clive Churchill Medal.

Festered Wounds

What You Should Know About The Israeli-Hamas Conflict

D. H. Kang

HISTORY’S FESTERING WOUNDS ALWAYS COME BACK TO HAUNT US. Unresolved tensions between neighbouring states have almost always found ways to be the cause of armed conflicts, in its maelstrom taking the lives of innumerable civilians. Thus, the homeostatic hostility between the Hamas in Gaza and Israel was bound to be disrupted in the fashion of a large-sale conflict given unresolved decade-long tensions and conflicts.

To adequately comprehend the events of the status quo it is necessary to first understand the history of the origins of the Gaza Strip. Gaza is a piece of land bordered by Israel to its east and north, and Egypt to its south. Originally a territory administrated by Egypt, Israel later occupied Hamas following the 1967 war fought between Israel and a number of Arab states. During the 1990s Gaza was handed over to the Palestinian National Authorities, as per the Oslo accords agreed upon between the PLO (Palestine Liberation Organisation and Israel). A de facto state since 2006, Gaza has been administered by Hamas, a militant Islamic group. Hamas was “instated” after winning the last-held Palestinian election and exercised full authority the following year. 

Given its history and incompatible religious demographic with neighbouring Israel, it comes about as no surprise that Gaza, which has been dominated by Sunni Muslims compared to the 73.8% Jewish Israel, has a heavy undercurrent of spite existing with Israel.

The cause of the war justified to the residents of Gaza’s side is as so; due to Israel and Egypt’s prevention of free movement and trade, Gaza has a nearly 50% poverty rate with a devastated economy and record high unemployment rates. The nine metre high concrete wall built between Gaza and Israel, has caused Gaza to suffer from shortages of basic necessities such as water, electricity and medicines, with such problems amplified given the state’s rapid population growth of 2.91%, the 13th highest in the world. As a result, before the current war, the United Nations and 19 other human rights organisations encouraged Israel to cease its “siege on Gaza”.

As a caveat, I haven’t given such context to justify the gravity of Hamas’ war crimes, but to present a plausible catalyst for the conflict we are witnessing. On the 7th of October, Hamas terrorists used bulldozers to break through the walls, and many assailants on motorbikes drove through (with paragliders above), killing more than 1,200 Israelis, the majority of whom were civilians, murdered in kibbutzim, music festivals, in their home or on the streets. A further 150 have been estimated to have been taken as hostages. In the words of Muhammad Deif, the leader of Hamas’ military wing “O, our people in all Arab and Islamic countries… The day has come when anyone who has a gun should take it out. Now is the time. If you do not have a gun, take up your cleaver, hatchet, axe, Molotov cocktail, truck, bulldozer or car.” In short, a full declaration of war. 

In turn, Israel returned fire by killing 1,900 Palestinians, many of which were also civilians uninvolved in conflict. However, Israel will have to tread upon a thorny road. To garner and maintain support of other nations, Israel has an incentive to abide by international humanitarian law in war compared to Hamas. This means avoiding killing civilians beyond a response justified by international laws regarding acts of self-defence. It is likely Hamas is also aware of this fact; thousands of legal military targets reside in the neighbourhoods of Gaza, who intermingle with civilians makes it almost impossible for Israel to solely target the necessary individuals correctly without harming ordinary civilians around them. Hence the reason why Hamas has acted in such a brazen fashion.

As the war is still in its early stages, the outcome is still unclear. We can only hope that as little lives are lost as possible and it doesn’t become the long-term bloodbath that still rages on between Ukraine and Russia. Without a doubt, the path to peace is long and arduous.

Canada’s Awokening Under Justin Trudeau

Assessing Canada’s Wokeness: A Progressive Paradigm Or Cause for Concern?

H. R. Richards

CANADA, UNDER JUSTIN TRUDEAU, has sought to position itself as the global bastion of progressive politics.  

Son of former Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau, Justin has taken his father’s progressive motions, like liberalising divorce laws, decriminalising homosexuality and legalising abortion, into more “woke,” and as many regard extreme, territories. Now, with gender ideology being commonplace in elementary schools, law enforcement and regulation surrounding dangerous drugs becoming relaxed, and significant changes to euthanasia laws, it almost seems that Canada is becoming something of a dystopian nightmare – if not already there.  

In 2018, Canada became just the second country in the world to legalise cannabis. And, just a year later, an experiment in British Columbia saw the decriminalisation of small amounts of hard drugs like heroin, cocaine and fentanyl. This comes off the back of a drug poisoning crisis that has already killed more than 32,000 Canadians since 2016, and escalated during the Covid 19 pandemic, which saw street drugs being increasingly laced with toxic or unknown ingredients, resulting in drug users overdosing and dying. 

Part of Canada’s social revolution can also be witnessed in its extreme new euthanasia laws. In 2016, the Liberal Party in power passed legislation allowing assisted suicide for terminally ill Canadians. Dr. Konia Trouton, an advocate for euthanasia, emphasises the importance of allowing some freedoms and opportunities within an organised society, noting that “Canada is not pursuing a communist-style approach that seeks to restrict such liberties.” Campaign groups, like the Euthanasia Prevention Coalition, estimate that around 13,500 people opted for state-assisted suicide last year.  Gender ideology is another example, now promoted in schools across Canada. 

Ultimately, the assessment of whether Canada is potentially ‘too woke’ is a matter of opinion. To some, these aforementioned changes are radical, but for others important strides needed to bring liberty, autonomy and recognition.

How Often Do You Think About The Roman Empire?

Why Simply Everybody Should Be Thinking About the Roman Empire

C. N. Vujanovic

EVERY DAY, MULTIPLE TIMES A DAY.

Ask your friends ‘how often do you think of the Roman Empire’, but I challenge you to go one step further. Ask your friends why they think of the Roman Empire. I believe the answer to that question reveals the importance and profound impact of the Ancient World and Classics by extension. So why does old stuff matter? Why should I care about Ancient Rome or Greece? And what even is ‘Classics’?

Classics is the study of the culture of Ancient Greece, and Rome which includes their literature, languages, history, politics, and philosophy. Now that might sound like a lot of big words tied together but really all it means is that Classics is a very broad area of study that includes what we would refer to as ‘The Humanities’. 

So, does what happened over 2,000 years matter to you and I? Yes, it does matter because it profoundly impacts us to this day, having a foundational influence on our society. 

One example of the Classical world’s foundational influence on society is the birth of democracy. Whatever you think of democracy, it means you have a say in the future of Australia just like millions of Australians did a week ago in the referendum. The word democracy in fact comes from the Greek word ‘demos’, meaning people, and ‘kratia’, meaning rule. It is the system by which the ‘people rule’. Moreover, from the Classics we can ask ‘how democracy should function’ by looking at case studies in the past, seeing how they went well or wrong and making appropriate changes to our own systems of governance. 

Moreover, the impact and importance of the Classics is highlighted in demonstrating our differences, but also our similarities. Greek and Roman tragedy looked at the evil and suffering in the world and asked whether or not God/s exists. Virgil’s Aeneid looked at the expansion of Rome and asked whether imperialism can be justified. Plato’s Republic looked at the many perspectives of the Athenians and asked whether or not there is objective good and bad. And Pythagoras looked at the sides of a triangle and asked whether a rule underlies it (well actually it turns out he did not create the Pythagorean formula – he just said he did). The point being we are asking the same questions today when we see suffering, we are asking the same questions about colonialism, and we are asking so many other questions that the Romans and Greeks asked.

So, if we can go back and look at what the Romans said about imperialism, and how the Greeks dealt with death, maybe it can help us deal with our own problems. 

But that’s not all! Classics is just super interesting. It turns out that Boris Johnson (past UK Prime Minister), J.K. Rowling, Chris Martin (Coldplay), C.S. Lewis, Tom Hiddleston (the guy who plays Loki) and many more, all studied Classics! The Percy Jackson series is based on Classical mythology. One of Queen’s most famous songs, ‘Another One Bites the Dust’, which is now an idiom to us, actually derives from Homer’s Iliad (an epic about the Trojan War), where dying men ‘bite the dust’. I could go on, but studying and learning about Classics is like unlocking a new DLC that enables you to see the world in a whole different light.

How many times do I think about the Roman empire a day? Too many. The reason I think about the Roman empire every day is because it has provided the foundation for modern thought and it’s just super cool.

A Glimpse Into Genius

A Brief Summary of the Winners of the Nobel Prizes For 2023

A. J. Li

THE NOBEL PRIZES ARE AWARDED ANNUALLY TO “THOSE WHO, DURING THE PRECEDING YEAR, HAVE CONFERRED THE GREATEST BENEFIT TO HUMANKIND.” For scientists and researchers, they are perhaps the most prestigious prizes on offer and the holy grail of scientific inquiry. There are several prizes from different domains of human endeavour including science and society, but for the purposes of this summary, only the science prizes will be covered, that is: Physics, Chemistry, and Physiology or Medicine.

The 2023 Nobel Prize in Physics was awarded to Pierre Agostini, Ferenc Krausz, and Anne L’Huillier “for experimental methods that generate attosecond pulses of light for the study of electron dynamics in matter.” Their experiments have given humanity new tools for exploring the world of electrons inside atoms and molecules. But what exactly is an attosecond and how does it help with studying the subatomic world? An attosecond is a unit of time equivalent to 1×10⁻¹⁸ of a second, or one quintillionth of a second. To put that into perspective, an attosecond is to a second what a second is to approximately 31.71 billion years. Anne L’Huillier discovered in 1987 that many different overtones of light arose when infrared laser light was transmitted through a noble gas. Pierre Agostini built on this discovery in 2001 by producing a series of consecutive light pulses, each lasting just 250 attoseconds. Similarly, Ferenc Krausz worked on other experiments which facilitated the isolation of a single light pulse lasting 650 attoseconds. Attosecond physics is helpful for future research because processes at the subatomic level happen extremely quickly and were previously impossible to follow. With this new breakthrough in attosecond physics, the door can now be opened to the world of electrons and we are now presented with the opportunity to understand these processes and mechanisms governed by electrons. A potentially useful application of attosecond physics is in medical diagnostics where these attosecond pulses can be used to help identify different molecules.

The 2023 Nobel Prize in Chemistry was awarded to Moungi G. Bawendi, Louis E. Brus, and Alexei I. Ekimov “for the discovery and synthesis of quantum dots.” 

Every student of chemistry learns that electrons govern the properties of any given element. However, at the nano-dimensional level, quantum phenomena take place which results in properties governed by the size of the matter instead. Quantum dots are an example of such nanoparticles. One of their unusual properties is that their colour changes depending on their size. Size-dependent quantum effects have long been known by physicists but few people believed this theory to be of any practical use due to the almost impossible task of working and creating things in nano dimensions.

In the 1980s, Alexei Ekimov succeeded in creating size-dependent quantum effects in coloured glass. Then, Louis Brus proved size-dependent quantum effects in particles floating freely in a fluid a few years later. Moungi Bawendi then contributed to this field in 1993 through his revolutionary chemical production methods of quantum dots, enabling them to be used in applications. Quantum dots have several practical applications and are now used to illuminate television screens and computer monitors based on QLED technology. They also have medical applications where doctors and biochemists use them to help map biological tissue, useful for guiding surgeons during complex surgeries for example. In the future, quantum dots could revolutionise flexible electronics, thinner solar cells, as well as encrypted quantum communication. 

The 2023 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine was awarded to Katalin Karikó and Drew Weissman “for their discoveries concerning nucleoside base modifications that enabled the development of effective mRNA vaccines against COVID-19.” The research of the laureates fundamentally changed our understanding of how mRNA interacts with our immune system, laying the groundwork for the unprecedented rate of vaccine development during the pandemic. Previous vaccines were based on killed or weakened viruses and have been used for decades. They give the body a headstart in combating diseases in the event of an infection. These production methods require large-scale cell cultures and are resource-intensive, inhibiting the possibilities for rapid vaccine development in response to endemics and pandemics. mRNA provided an efficient way to develop vaccines without cell culture, called in vitro transcription. However, in vitro produced mRNA had several other complications which made it difficult to use in vaccine development, one of them being adverse inflammatory reactions. The breakthrough came from modifying the bases in the in vitro transcribed RNA, which almost completely eradicated the inflammatory responses previously plaguing mRNA vaccine development.

The discoveries and breakthroughs of the 2023 Nobel Laureates have truly benefited humankind, serving as a testament to the enduring power of human curiosity and innovation. They have provided us with a better world to live in and are a reminder of what we can achieve with science, encouraging us all to continue dreaming big.

All My Own Work

NESA’s Bold Move To Uphold NSW’s Educational Standards.

L. M. Chavdarov

IN A SHOCKING TURN OF EVENTS, James Ruse Agricultural High School, long revered as the paragon of academic excellence, has seen an unbecoming slip in its ATAR lead, from a median of 99.95 to 99.90. Such small changes often serve as warnings for the chaotic maelstrom to come. Not this time.

Fear not, brave citizens of New South Wales! The talented, visionary staff of the New South Wales Education Standards Authority (NESA) have leapt into action, armed with good intentions, and the rock upon which they shall build their church: James Ruse.

NESA declared a state of emergency last week and, in a press conference, revealed and justified their new, forward-thinking paradigm. “James Ruse’s ATAR slippage is a dire violation of the rightful order of being. It’s a clear indicator that our system has been compromised.” declared a spokesperson from NESA, gazing solemnly into the horizon. “It’s our duty to restore academic excellence, integrity, and stability – not just for James Ruse, but for all students in New South Wales. We are here, and we shall not be moved.”

The first measure, which is already causing waves across the state, is the inflation of the scaling of agricultural studies. “It’s a well-known fact that understanding the intricacies of crop rotation and bovine psychology is directly proportional to one’s intelligence”, the spokesperson added with a nod, as if this were self-evident. “Boosting the importance of agricultural studies will indubitably usher in a new era of intellectual growth.”

However, not everyone is pleased with this abrupt move, believing that it won’t maintain the academic rigour NESA’s scaling systems have upheld for years. Historically, non-selective private schools have had their ATAR rightfully scaled down in response to accepting a broader range of talent. However, even they have the capability to offer agricultural studies to their students, possibly – and worryingly – giving them another avenue to conspire against, and compete with James Ruse. Thankfully, NESA had already considered this, adding that top students who didn’t attend James Ruse would be ‘re-educated’.

To further combat the ATAR slippage and maintain the status quo, NESA has introduced a much-needed measure targeting private schools. Beginning in the 2024 academic year, all private schools will be charged a tax, ranging from 5-40% of their annual revenue, roughly proportional to their median ATAR.

The NSW Minister of Education, with an air of authority that one can only achieve from hours spent deliberating over the scaling of subjects, weighed in: “It’s about equity. For too long, private schools have enjoyed the upper hand. By redirecting their funds to James Ruse, we ensure that academic excellence stays where it belongs: at the top. James Ruse has been a beacon of academic brilliance for decades. It’s only right that we rally around our flag-bearer in their time of need.”

The James Ruse P&C Association has released a statement saying they were “overwhelmed and grateful” for NESA’s recognition of their unique position in the academic ecosystem. “When James Ruse sneezes, the whole of NSW education catches a cold,” the statement read. “It’s a good thing that NESA is working hard to prevent an even greater disaster.”

But it isn’t all about the money. To keep it fair for everyone, NESA has also mandated a series of curriculum changes to maintain academic rigour. These include the inclusion of mandatory lessons on the history of James Ruse Agricultural High School, a module on the importance of agricultural studies irrespective of the subject being studied, and weekly seminars for the heads of private schools on the perils of “ATAR slippage”.

“It’s essential to ensure that our HSC maintains its integrity. If that means we have to readjust our priorities and recognise the monumental importance of agriculture, then so be it.” NESA elaborated in a handbook, distributed last week to teachers across the state. “Students and teachers alike need to understand the gravity of the situation. We’re choosing the minds of tomorrow. We cannot afford to let the bourgeois win.”

“I’ve always had a passion for English Extension,” said one Year 11 student from a renowned Sydney school, who requested to remain anonymous. “But now, I’m thinking of pursuing my newfound passion for… um… tractors?”

Though more changes are undoubtedly still to come, the citizens of New South Wales can rest easy knowing that NESA is on the case. With inflated subject scalings, a new tax on private schools, and a revamped curriculum, the state’s academic future seems brighter than ever. Whatever the outcome, it’s clear that NESA’s commitment to academic integrity is determined, and unwavering; they truly embody the educational spirit of NSW, and have with them the courage, and conviction of all our hearts.

Surfing Report

Week 1 Term 4 2023

Clean 2-to-3-foot waves were on offer on Saturday morning for the Shore surfers. The boys wasted no time getting down to No Man’s Land, where a relatively uncrowded bank offered both lefts and rights. Duncan Cowan was quickly into his favoured left handers, picking up his stylish form from Term 2. Will Hoy and Henry Peters traded waves in front of the pole, whilst Noah Kordek and Henry Bloore sat a bit further north searching for right handers.

The standard of surfing was excellent, with Henry Peters dominating the session with the turn of the morning.

Mr J McClelland
MIC Surfing

Basketball Report

Week 1 – Saturday 14 October 2023

The First V went into their opening fixture prepared for a difficult task against a Scots team who were unbeaten in the pre-season Raschke Cup. Despite their opponents’ pedigree, the opening of the game was a tight affair, with Shore leading by 1 midway through the first quarter thanks to a superb defensive effort and some good scoring on fast breaks. While Shore stayed in the fight, the rest of the first half saw Scots’ tough rebounding open a 13 point lead at half-time. The second half saw the gap remain largely unchanged, with tough interior defence and profligate perimeter shooting making scoring difficult for both teams. This pattern was to continue through the end of the game, where a late Shore rally left a final result of Scots 68 – Shore 56. Captain Julian Reynolds led all scorers with 23, while Ben Murray had an impressive 20 rebounds.

The Second V was also facing a strong Scots side and found themselves in an 8-point hole early before a hot run of scoring just before quarter time put them back in touching distance at 14-16. The game remained an arm-wrestle through the second and third quarters, with both teams going on impressive scoring runs at times but unable to consistently prevent their opponents from doing the same. The game entered its closing stages with Scots holding a one point lead, but the men of Shore held their nerve and came up with some big defensive stops to decisively win the last five minutes, coming away with a 64-58 win. Ben Barry had a massive offensive game with 26 points, while guards Rex Cambridge and Toby Ashton did a great job of breaking Scots’ press to get the ball up the court.

To restart last Term’s never lost at Shore race, we have four coaches in their first season of basketball this Term – Mr Nield (6ths) and Mr Rajabzadeh (14G) from the ICT department unfortunately did not win their first games, but congratulations to Mr du Plooy (15D) and Mr Chapman (16B) for getting off to winning starts and thus becoming the winningest coaches at Shore for now. There were lots of other performances of note: at 7-1, the 15s were our most successful age group, while Vaughan Finlay’s 23 points for the 8ths and Tom Houstone’s 19 for the 6ths represent impressive totals for running clock games.

Player of the Week: Shared between splash brothers Eric Qiao and Tom Fiori, who combined for 6 threes (including 5 on consecutive possessions)  to ease the 5ths to a 49-27 win.

Team of the Week: Even though we had lots of big winners, I’m giving this to our 14Hs, who were denied a deserved draw by a very suspect foot-over-the-line call on a last-second free throw.

Mr G Davis
MIC Basketball

Shore Tennis

I’m thrilled with excitement as we embark on another exhilarating tennis season at Shore. It’s my distinct pleasure to extend a warm welcome to all of you as we gear up for an action-packed year on the court. 

First and foremost, I wish to offer a heartfelt welcome to our returning students and coaches from the previous year. Their unwavering commitment and dedication to our tennis programme have truly set the standard. As coaches, we are absolutely delighted to have our players back, and we are eager to share our expertise and passion with our budding talents. 

But this season brings more than just continuity. I extend a welcome to all the new students who’ve joined tennis this season. I’m pleased to introduce some fresh faces to our coaching team. Their new viewpoints and insights are sure to enhance our players’ development even further.  

Here are your team coaches for the 2023 season: 

Should you have any questions, queries, or require assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out to your respective coaches or myself via email. 

We extend our congratulations to Zachary Little, for his selection as Tennis Captain for the 2023/24 season. Zachary will be a great ambassador for the sport, leading our 1st team and the entire tennis programme.

We’re also pleased to announce Chris Mathur as the 2nds team Captain, who, like Zachary, will be a valuable asset to Shore Tennis. We anticipate a successful season under their leadership. Congratulations to both!

Our young athletes have already displayed commendable sportsmanship and a robust work ethic during our recent practice sessions and Saturday matches. We are eagerly looking forward to witnessing this level of dedication persist throughout the season. 

Furthermore, we wish to express our profound gratitude for the unwavering support and valuable guidance offered by parents. Your active involvement both prior to the matches and during the journey home significantly contributes not only to the development of tennis skills but also to the cultivation of strong character in our students.

For important sports-related information, students are to check the School Sport notice board and the monitors placed around the School premises. It’s essential for our students to stay informed and be proactive, building independence. Coaches, of course, will remind students during training sessions as well. 

Let’s make this season one to remember, filled with camaraderie, growth, and, of course, a lot of fantastic tennis action. Thank you for your continued support, and let’s make 2023/24 a season to be proud of. 

Mr J Straney 
Tennis MIC 

Firsts Report  

The Shore Firsts tennis team lost 5-4 to Scots after some intense matches in the gruelling heat. Despite chances in doubles and singles where players had a number of opportunities, we just fell short. The boys displayed great sportsmanship and resilience, and we nearly came out winners.  

The outstanding performance of the day came from Felix Harrop who won his match against a tough opponent 6-2 6-2. A special mention goes to Harper Cunningham, the newest member of our team, who prevailed despite the pressures and expectations for him on his debut.  

Despite an undesirable result, our team is determined to bounce back and improve for our match against Riverview next week. 

Zachary Little, Year 11, First Captain  

Seconds Report  

In an exciting away match, the Shore Seconds Tennis Team faced off against Scots in a showdown of skill and determination. The team displayed passion and intensity which ultimately led to a closely contested, 5-4, victory.  

The doubles matches set the tone for the day, with two victories. Connor Fung combined his skills with Chris Mathur to secure a hard-fought win, showcasing their chemistry on the court. Joining the winners’ circle were Josh Cottee and debutant Oliver De Kock, who showed great promise in his first appearance for the team. 

The singles matches were filled with intense, closely contested battles. Connor Fung demonstrated his prowess by clinching a well-deserved victory along with old Chris Mathur. 

One of the most remarkable moments of the day came from newcomer Oliver De Kock. His debut was nothing short of spectacular, as he dominated his opponent with a commanding and decisive victory, leaving an indelible mark on the match. 

This opening match sets the tone for the rest of the season – we are on the dawn of a new, exciting era! 

Chris Mathur, Year 11, Seconds Captain  

Athletics Update

Saturday 16 September saw the culmination of the 2023 Athletics season with the AAGPS Athletics being held at Homebush. Extremely challenging conditions greeted the athletes with unseasonably warm weather, making competition difficult. The Shore athletes showed great tenacity and determination and, out of the 74 individual events, recorded 51 personal best performances. This was an excellent overall outcome, and all the athletes are to be commended for their performances not only throughout the season but also on the final day of competition.  

At the conclusion of the day, Shore came 5th in the Senior and Junior divisions and a fine 3rd in the Intermediates. Of the many personal best performances, a number of athletes were outstanding. Julian Harrison broke the school record in winning the Under 15 High Jump with a height of 1.90 metres, while Nick Wendt equalled the School record in winning the Under 15 Hurdles in 13.39s.

Other athletes who won events included our Captain Nathan Stanmore in the Open 800 metre Championship, Lachy Brown in the Under 17 1,500 metre Championship, James Bestic in the Under 16 800 metre Championship, Henry Wheeler in the Under 15 400 metre, Charlie Galligan in the Under 16 Shot Put Division, Thomas Eaton in the Under 13 800 metre Division, William Rintoul in the Under 14 Hurdles Division and Thomas Kierse in the Under 15 Hurdles Division. 

The results from all the boys would not have been possible without the guidance and expertise of the Shore coaches, and I thank them for their efforts throughout the season. Along with the coaches, I do wish to thank the students and staff who supported the boys at Homebush on the day in the tough conditions. The athletes certainly appreciated this support on the track and on the field. A special mention must also go to our Captain, Nathan Stanmore, who was an excellent captain throughout the season. He was a great example to the other boys with his commitment to training and his dedication to his overall performances. He has been an outstanding athlete during his time at Shore, and we wish him every success in his future endeavours. We certainly look forward to seeing the development of all our athletes in their future seasons.  

Rev. Anthony Benn 
MIC Athletics