Fostering Academic Success for Boys: A Focus at Shore

Dear Students, Parents and Carers

At Shore, we are committed to providing our boys with the best possible education that suits their needs, interests and abilities. We believe that boys learn best when they are engaged, challenged and supported by teachers who understand how boys learn. In recent years, there has been a noticeable disparity in the Higher School Certificate (HSC) performance between boys and girls, with boys often lagging slightly behind girls in median ATAR scores (over the past few years this gap has been on average 2-3 ATAR points). While boys tend to perform lower than girls nationally, recent data shows that boys’ schools have outperformed coeducational schools in the HSC over the past five years. A recent Sydney Morning Herald article from December 2023 highlighted that “Across public comprehensive boys’ schools there was a median success rate (a top band result in an HSC course) of 13.5 per cent – up from 9.8 per cent five years ago – and now narrowly overtaking girls. The success rate for co-ed comprehensive schools has risen slightly this year (2023) to 9.2 per cent.” Shore, recognising the unique needs of boys in education, has long implemented targeted programmes to foster academic success.

One such programme that seeks to continue our tradition of fostering academic success at Shore is the Shore Teacher Expertise Model. This is a programme centred on the science of how boys learn by making incremental improvements to practice over time. All teachers at Shore are part of this professional development programme created in partnership with the University of New South Wales. This programme is designed around short bursts of focused learning and teaching strategies we know have a statistically significant impact on improving learning outcomes for our boys in the Senior School. This project launched this year and was codesigned with 30 Shore teachers across all campuses. Using evidenced, informed practice in teaching and learning is something Shore has long undertaken. We believe this programme will continue to use the best available research to provide excellent learning for our boys. Alongside this, we are also an active member of the International Boys School Coalition, a global network dedicated to the education and development of all students at boys’ schools. This affiliation allows us to collaborate with like-minded institutions, undertake action research projects, and stay informed about the latest developments in boys’ education.

One of the strongest research findings on the academic benefits of single-sex schooling is the impact it has on the selection of subjects boys undertake. Research suggests that in single-sex schools, girls are more likely to undertake higher-level mathematics and science subjects, and boys are more likely to undertake performing arts subjects. For instance, at Shore, our Drama programme has flourished, with the largest Drama Performance Candidature in New South Wales for the HSC in 2023. Not only are boys participating in creative arts subjects, but they are excelling. Last year, Drama emerged as one of our top-performing subjects in the HSC, with 75% of boys achieving a top band result and 31 boys receiving practical nominations for HSC ONSTAGE. For a boys’ school, this is a wonderful achievement and something of which we are very proud.

Shore’s commitment to addressing the unique needs of boys is evident in the recently introduced Foundations Course for Year 7. This new programme focuses on teaching executive functioning, organisation in the Senior School and the development of technology and research skills. All boys in Year 7, once a cycle, have begun this new course created by our Year 7 Academic Dean, Ms Barbara Doran, Acting Head of Digital Learning, Mr Matt Fletcher, Head of Library and Information Services Ms Eva White, and Head of Educational Services, Ms Deb Oates. Research suggests girls often show earlier maturation in certain areas of the brain crucial for executive functioning. This may contribute to girls exhibiting advanced skills in areas like language and fine motor skills during early childhood. Boys require explicit teaching of executive functioning skills, particularly in tasks involving verbal fluency and attention to detail. Recognising this, our Year 7 Foundations course seeks to provide boys with the skills they need to succeed. One such skill is that of discernment. Amidst the huge volume of data available online, which information is accurate, worthy of attention and rich in value? Which meets reasonable tests of truthfulness, and which is prejudicial, or propaganda? In play here is the development of wisdom. As the writer of Proverbs says: ‘Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom…get understanding’.(Proverbs 4:7)

These programmes represent just a snapshot of how Shore caters to the unique learning styles and needs of boys. Next week, Mr. Derek Champion, Deputy Head of Pastoral Care, will delve into equally crucial pastoral and wellbeing programmes that focus on building good men through character development and service-learning experiences, authentic student voice, and coeducational partnerships with single-sex girls’ schools.

At Shore, we are not just educating boys; we are shaping future leaders, thinkers, and contributors to society. Through tailored programmes and a commitment to excellence, we are creating an environment where boys can thrive and achieve their full potential.

Please note: We encourage expressions of opinion by our Student 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.

CRU Update

What are some things you would say you trust in? Where do you find hope? Last week at CRU, we saw that there’s only one relationship you can have that will last and never fail.

The passage we looked at on Friday was from Isaiah 2, which Mr Kellahan guided us through. We began by reading the passage and noting how God’s people were turning away from Him and becoming like other nations, placing their trust in what other people were doing and objects rather than God. Their land was filled with gold, chariots and idols. Verse 22 really demonstrates this, commanding the people to “Stop trusting in mere humans”. Ultimately, we can only do the things that God allows us to, because it is God who gives us life and sustains us. He is the one we can trust with certainty. In light of this passage, we should carefully examine our own lives and what we might be putting our hope in. One such idol may be money, however, situations such as the Global Financial Crisis demonstrate the futility of trusting in wealth. We know that we can trust God because he sent Jesus whom he raised from the dead, revealing that we can also be raised with Christ into eternal life if we trust and believe in Him. The passage that follows in Isaiah 4 says the Lord will wash away the sins of those who trust him and provide a “shelter and shade from the heat of the day, and a refuge and hiding place from the storm and rain”. This is the amazing hope of what is to come for the Christian. 

Daniel B
Year 11

Shore Community Fellowship and Prayer Evening

A special evening for members of the School community to come together to reflect and rejoice in the School’s Christian purpose and to pray for the School community.

We would love to have people from all parts of the School community – Old Boys, Staff, Parents (current and past) – everyone is welcome. The evening will be an opportunity to share a casual meal, meet one another, hear from various members of the School community regarding the Christian ministries that are happening, and pray for the School as well as our wider world.

A casual dinner will be provided (Boarding meal). Parking is available in the School Car Park (Entry via Hunter Cres). Please forward this to any interested members of the Shore Community.

Thursday 7 March 7.00pm – 9.00pm
Shore Dining Hall
Dress code: Smart Casual
RSVP: www.trybooking.com/CPEWD

Swimming Lessons – Open to the General Public

Shore’s Swimming School programme provides both an outstanding facility and dedicated, knowledgeable swimming tuition to swimmers from seven years of age and up. The swimming school provides a skills-based programme designed to strengthen and improve swimming in age-appropriate classes and squads.

Swimmers commence along the developmental pathway before progressing through to our competitive or non-competitive streams. The competitive pathway is also supported by the ever-growing Shore Swimming Club, which hosts race nights on two nights per School Term and is a great way for swimmers to put the skills and abilities they develop at the Shore Swimming programme to the test.

Please visit our Shore Swimming School homepage to complete the 3-step enrolment process.

Please visit our Shore Swimming School homepage to complete the 3-step enrolment process.

1. Book an assessment.
2. Select a programme.
3. Enrol your child.

Tennis Day – Hosted by Shore Parents’ Association

Book Now

Friday 8 March 2024 from 9.30am – 12:30pm

Mums, Dads and Carers please join us for a fun morning of social tennis at the wonderful Northbridge Tennis Pavilion. There will be prizes, a raffle and morning tea.

There will be a Tennis Active Clinic for all levels, or Round Robin matches if you love competition. All standards are welcome!

Volunteering at Shore

Volunteering is integral to Shore’s vibrant community, fostering a strong connection among the greater School community. It allows parents to contribute meaningfully to our School’s diverse activities and initiatives, from K – 2 in-class parent helper groups to sport trials, cadets, parent events and much more. A complete list of support areas and details on how to register can be found here: www.shore.nsw.edu.au/community/volunteering

As an important part of this, the School does need to adhere to the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) guidelines, requiring all parent volunteers to undergo a free Working with Children Check (WWCC) through Service NSW here: www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/apply-for-a-working-with-children-check

The process is straightforward, and you will be required to produce personal identification.

We kindly thank all of our current and past-serving parents for your incredible support. You are crucial to the continued functioning and improvement of our wonderful School.

BOOK NOW and join the Shore Community

Tickets are still available for the annual Shore Icebreaker.

The Shore Foundation and Shore Parents’ Association welcome all parents from ELC to Year 12 to attend Icebreaker 2024.  Join us and meet other parents in your Year group and catch up with old friends in the beautiful surroundings of our School.

Bookings close by COB on Monday 19 February.

Booking: https://www.trybooking.com/COTON
Date: Friday 23 February 2024
Time: 6.00pm – 9.00pm
Location: Graythwaite Lawn, North Sydney campus
Cost: $85.00 per person, including drinks and canapes for three hours.  We have various food stations with gluten-free and vegetarian options available.

Mr D Mason-Jones
Executive Director, Shore Foundation

Mr D Cambridge
Chair, Shore Parents’ Association

Snowsports Invitation 2024

The 2024 Snowsports Season promises to be an exciting and rewarding experience for those who are passionate about skiing and snowboarding. After an outstanding season of success from newcomers and experienced racers last year, we invite all new families to join the Shore Snowsports Team this year and greatly look forward to the return of experienced athletes. The School is already abuzz from the recent success of Duncan C at the 2024 Gangwon Youth Olympic Games; let’s get out there and get racing!!!

Snowsports fosters a wonderful family-oriented enjoyment of Alpine environments, with events in downhill skiing and snowboarding, skier and snowboard cross and slopestyle, ski and snowboard slopestyle and cross-country skiing in a fun and relaxed atmosphere, suitable for skiers and boarders of all standards.

Please read below for important information for this season:

Info Night

The Info Night is an evening event for prospective families to learn more about Snowsports at Shore, the Interschools Competition and the registration process. There is also the opportunity to meet with parents who are experienced with the sport.

The 2024 Info Night is scheduled for Tuesday 9 April, in the Playfair Hall from 6.30pm.

Interschools Event Dates

In 2024, the Shore Snowsports Team will compete at the following Interschools events:

• Subaru Sydney Interschool Snowsports Championships: July 16 – 19 at Perisher.
• Subaru NSW/ACT/QLD State Interschools Snowsports Championships: August 19 – 23 at Perisher.
• Subaru Australian Interschools Snowsports Championships: September 3 – 8 at Perisher.

If you are not yet part of the Snowsports Team at Shore but are interested, please contact Mr Payne for any information regarding the season ahead, as well as to be added to the email contact list to keep informed of any developments as the season approaches: wpayne@shore.nsw.edu.au or visit nswinterschools.com.au.

Stay tuned!

Mr WJ Payne
MIC Snowsports

Athletics Trials in Week 5 for all boys in Years 8 and 10

A reminder for all boys in Years 8 and 10 about the Athletics Trials on the School Oval at North Sydney on the following days: 

• Boys in Year 10 will trial on Monday 26 February, during Periods 5 and 6 
• Boys in Year 8 will trial on Wednesday 28 February, during Periods 5 and 6 

Boys will contest the following events: 

• 60 metre Sprint 
• Long Jump 
• Shot Put 
• 400 metre Sprint
• Push Up Test 
• 800 metre 
• Vertical Jump 

Boys will need to bring their PE uniform on the date of their event to complete these trials, which will commence straight after lunch and conclude by 2.50pm in the afternoon. Normal after-school sport activities will remain on these days. Please get changed at 1.00pm during lunch on your designated day to meet promptly on the School Oval at 1.10pm.   

Mr J Sparks 
MIC Athletics 

Rugby Key Dates 2024

As the Winter Season approaches, please note the following key dates for boys in Term 1 in preparation for the season’s commencement.

Once registrations are open, please ensure your son completes the Sport survey for Winter Sport registration. We cannot communicate with you unless he does that.

Mr D Mason-Jones
MIC Rugby

Term Dates 2024

Study Centre

Welcome to 2024 and Shore’s popular Study Centre. There are subject specific sessions before and after School to allow the boys to seek individual help and guidance with their work. Teachers, sometimes assisted by high achieving Old Boys, are available according to the published timetable. Most sessions are held in and around the Library, but check the timetable for locations. Study Centre operates on a drop-in basis, and there is no charge involved. All boys are strongly encouraged to attend.

Focus On is part of Study Centre. It is run by staff in the Educational Services department who offer support to boys in all subjects in Years 7 to 10. They will assist the boys with their executive functioning skills as well as help with homework and other schoolwork.

Please note that the Study Centre timetable changes from time-to-time as teachers’ co-curricular commitments change. It is always best to check for the most up-to-date version of the timetable on Lampada.

Mrs E White
Head of Library & Information Services

Please view the study timetable below:

The Art of Rhetoric

The English Department would like to extend our gratitude to all students who participated in The Art of Rhetoric at the conclusion of Term 4, 2023. The Art of Rhetoric is a public-speaking competition, which celebrates the power of language and has developed a promising legacy within English and the Shore community.

It was inspiring to hear our chosen finalists deliver powerful and thought-provoking speeches that left a significant impact. The speech topics (listed below) were inspired by Bob Marley’s song titles and lyrics, prompting students to produce a short speech, which allowed each speaker to share their unique insights, bringing these lyrics to life in new and inspiring ways.

During The Art of Rhetoric, students across Years 7 to 9 studied the key elements of speech writing, gaining an appreciation of the hard work and confidence required to produce a memorable speech. The significance of this competition lies in its poignant demonstration of the influence of public speaking and the positive impact it can impart on individuals and communities. The success of this competition is a testament to the hard work that our students put into honing their public speaking skills, allowing for another memorable year of The Art of Rhetoric.

The English Department is excited for the year ahead, and we look forward to introducing an increase in writing and speaking competitions for 2024!

A special congratulations to the winner and runner up of each year group:

Year 7: Archie W (Winner) and Edward G (Runner Up)
Year 8: Patrick F (Winner) and Oliver D (Runner Up)
Year 9: Joshua L (Winner) and George S (Runner Up)

Speech Topics:

• Get up, stand up
• Sun is shining
• Could you be loved?
• Every little thing is going to be alright

Ms Z Doutreband
Master Assisting English (Academic Enrichment)

Save the Date: Dr Justin Coulson, Parent Seminar on ‘Raising Young Men of Character’

Date: Wednesday 20 March 2024
Time: 6.00pm – 7.00pm
Venue: Playfair Hall

Booking details to come!

Bio: Justin is the co-host and parenting expert on Channel 9’s Parental Guidance, the founder of www.happyfamilies.com.au, and one of Australia’s most trusted parenting experts. He holds a PhD in Positive Psychology.

Over the past decade, he has helped innumerable families with his nine books about raising children, his hundreds of media appearances (including all of Australia’s major news outlets, and even the Washington Post and the New York Times), and two viral videos that have been viewed a combined 80 million times! 

Justin and his wife, Kylie, have been married since the late 1990s and are the parents of six daughters.

From the Music Department

Benefits of singing

Melbourne University has studied the benefits of singing, and a summary can be found using the link below. Essentially, the study found that singing:

• Increases oxytocin levels (aiding bonding) and decreases cortisol (lowering stress).
• Contributes to the development of our thinking and language.
• Is good for our wellbeing.
• It can improve our physical health.
• It can enhance feelings of empathy.

If any student would like to join Shore Choir, then please contact the Director of Choirs, Mr Lachie Massey, at lmassey@shore.nsw.edu.au

Source: 5 ways singing helps humanity | Pursuit by The University of Melbourne (ampproject.org)

Camps

There are several Music Camps:

• Strings Camp is on Tuesday 27 February
• Band Camp is on Thursday 7 March and Friday 8 March
• Choir Camp is Wednesday 7 August and Thursday 8 August.

Details will be emailed to parents. For more information please contact Head of Strings: awentzel@shore.nsw.edu.au; Coordinator of Bands: pdorich@shore.nsw.edu.au; or for Choir Camp: Director of Choirs: lmassey@shore.nsw.edu.au

Private Music Tuition

Lessons have begun for students learning instruments at Shore. The School offers lessons on all brass instruments including euphonium, woodwind instruments, including saxophone, string instruments including guitar, musicianship/theory and drum kit. You can complete a form to sign up for lessons. Form can be found here:
www.shore.nsw.edu.au/co-curricular/performing-arts/music

If you have any questions regarding private music lessons, please contact privatemusiclessons@shore.nsw.edu.au

Upcoming Dates

Mrs K Barber
Head of Music

Save the Date – Senior School Musical

Please see important dates:

The West Is The Real Culprit In The Israeli-Palestine Conflict

Part 1: Anti-Semitism, Guilt and Colonialism

M. D. Kwak

WESTERN MEDIA HEADLINES WOULD HAVE YOU BELIEVE that the current war raging in Gaza and the West Bank is just another regrettable yet intractable conflict over ‘land and religion’ in the Middle East – an unfortunate crisis that is conveniently far-removed from our domestic concerns at home. Many gleefully play the blame game of ‘which side has the moral high ground’, and either champion the Israeli right to self-defence or lambast Netanyahu’s violent and disproportionate retaliation against Palestinian civilians.

This is farcical.

Western colonial empires birthed this conflict with its vile anti-Semitism and facilitation of Israeli settlement. Our governments have continuously failed to respond in ways that protect the human dignity of both sides facing atrocity. Politicians and media outlets have fuelled the scorching blaze of war with their dehumanising and inflammatory rhetoric. The biggest culprits in this conflict are those watching from the sidelines.

Zionism’s call for the establishment of a Jewish state in Palestine didn’t come out of thin air. It was created (or at least certainly accelerated) in reaction to anti-Semitic and exclusionary European nationalism that told Jews they did not have a place in Europe. In 1881-84, there were anti-Jewish pogroms in the Russian empire; for decades, all European nations debated the ‘Jewish problem’; the Holocaust may have been the most evil manifestation of anti-Semitism, but it certainly wasn’t the first.  

The slaughter of six million Jewish people cemented the perceived necessity of a Jewish state – outside of a European continent which had pillaged and murdered them. And Europe, as if to absolve themselves of the guilt of genocide, was willing to support them. This guilt is well-placed not just for German Nazis but also Hungarian Nazis, French collaborators, complicit European governments and in varying degrees, the entire European collective for either perpetrating or allowing a uniquely evil event in human history to metastasise.

However, Europe’s lingering Holocaust guilt – exemplified no better than Germany’s fierce intolerance for Nazi iconography – still informs their hesitance to condemn Israel. Instead of calling for a ceasefire or providing meaningful humanitarian aid to starving civilians subject to Israeli blockades in Gaza, Europe’s response has been confused, disunified and substantially unhelpful in reducing human suffering. Some leaders have called for Israel to abide by its legal obligations. Others are fierce in their support for Israel’s right to defend itself. Many still ‘discuss’ a two-state solution without ever taking steps to progress it. The West’s failure to clean up its own mess is damning. Their guilt-induced, ambivalent support for Israel is akin to washing the blood of the Holocaust off their hands with the blood of Palestinians who face ethnic cleansing. Europe’s guilt may be justified, but not at the cost of Palestinian lives.

Guilt is only a fraction of our moral culpability in creating this conflict; there’s also the West’s solipsism. From the onset, Israel’s creation was justified with a particularly Western settler-colonialism mindset, not to mention, a conveniently-placed geopolitical advantage for the West to maintain. Britain’s 1917 Balfour declaration supported a “national home” for the Jewish people in Ottoman-occupied Palestine. This was a declaration which explicitly assumed that Palestine was an empty land without a people which the British Empire could bestow upon a people without a land. It was this settler colonialist mindset of ‘terra nullius’ (sound familiar?) which created this conflict, and it’s the same colonial mindset that Israel inherited from the West. Despite the illegality of Israel’s West Bank settlement, the number of settlers has increased from 270,000 to 700,000 in the past 30 years. In retaliation to Hamas’ October 7 attacks, Israel has encroached even further and threatened the displacement of millions from their homes whilst settler violence and civilian and journalist deaths have increased rapidly. That’s not to say that the Hamas attack wasn’t deeply wrong; it was a barbaric raid for slaughter and human trophies. Yet, the fundamental system which underpins the region’s persistent instability and ethnic conflict was inherited from the West and sustained by our shameful inaction.

Perhaps the most glaring failure of Europe and the international community is their UN attempt to partition the region – causing civil war to break out and eventually the 1948 Arab-Israeli conflict. The British authority which had ruled for decades and had the obligation to maintain order, simply organised their own withdrawal, packed up and left Palestine to avoid handling the ethnic conflict which had spiralled out of control – conveniently leaving the region embroiled in conflict that has continued to this day. This is quite similar to European decolonisation, which left Africa under the knife of instability, causing millions of deaths due to post-colonial conflict and economic impoverishment. It is not good enough for the West to simply walk away from the geopolitical and humanitarian havoc they have wreaked – they have a responsibility to repair it.

Biden and Netanyahu in a bilateral conference

Apple’s Leap Into Virtual Reality

Finally, Not Just Another iPhone Update

B. N. Dent

I have no doubt that, for the majority of people reading this publication, the primary way you receive information on the outside world is through social media. Make no mistake, as I do not say this in order to criticise. If you are able to navigate through the maze of nonsense and trolls, social media platforms can serve as solid sources for details of current events. However, due to the relatively unrestricted nature of these platforms and non-existent requirement of user credibility, EVERYONE is able to broadcast their opinions to the world on whatever subject matter they feel like talking about. Now, in some cases, this leads to the creation of meaningful insights, but in most, the result is simply ‘yap’.

One recent phenomenon that has been majorly projected on social media is Apple’s latest product – the Apple Vision Pro. In short, the Apple Vision Pro is a mixed reality headset which displays augmented reality content overlaid onto your surrounding world. Though, the ‘real’ part of the world that you see is just a virtually generated environment created using cameras. Furthermore, infrared cameras are used inside the device to track the wearer’s eyes, while downward facing cameras on the exterior track hand movements, allowing the wearer to control the virtual environment around them.  

Demonstration of the Vision Pros ‘Mixed Reality’ Creation

From personal reviews of the product to point-of-view demonstrations of their functionality, the Apple Vision Pros have been all over various digital platforms in recent weeks. Consequently, there have been a plethora of conflicting views and opinions voiced by individuals regarding the tech giant’s latest product, but very few deny the revolutionary nature of the product. So, let’s sift through the multitude of arguments for and against the Vision Pros to get a sense of their true quality and the implications that they will have for both the virtual reality and tech space more broadly. 

After years on end of enduring iPhone update after iPhone update followed by the occasional air pod update, Apple users have remained subservient, but they have grown bored of the company’s lack of innovation. As such, the Vision Pros are an extremely exciting prospect. They mark the beginning of Apple potentially taking more strides into emerging areas of tech that are foreign and risky, but, at the same time, bring on so much opportunity. So, let’s start with the positives. Starting off, we have the product’s immaculate immersiveness (i.e., their ability to make users believe that the digital landscape surrounding them is real). Ultimately, this translates to the product’s extremely high graphic quality, which many critics agree is far and above anything previously done in the VR space. This is enabled by the device’s two OLED displays, which together pack a total of 23 million pixels, the equivalent of more than a 4K TV on each eye. Alongside this, Apple has masterfully developed the way in which the user is able to create their own environment whilst using the headset – allowing them to lock floating projections of applications in areas within their space. This is illustrated in the image above, and is yet another example of a feat that has not been achieved to such a great extent by other companies in the VR space.

Overall, Apple’s Vision Pros should be viewed as an exciting, refreshing and high-octane product that will hopefully launch the brand into a new period more akin to the early 2000s Steve Jobs era of the company.

When The Torch Goes Out 

Has The Cost Exceeded The Gain?

T. G. George

THE OLYMPIC GAMES ARE A GLOBAL SPORTING SPECTACLE, esteemed in tradition and history. The first games were hosted in 776 BC, Ancient Greece, where the athletic wonders of the world were celebrated every four years for almost 12 centuries. In 1896, the first games of the modern era were hosted in Athens. Since then, this display of athletic excellence has transformed itself into a paragon of peace, culture, and competition.

Today, the Games are more than just the athletes competing, but rather, a bright light shed on the host nations. With the opportunity to celebrate the beauties of their country, enhance their global profile, spark development and be a part of this global phenomenon, the eagerness to host these events over the past century has grown. But has the cost outstripped the fruitful benefits?

Since 1960, every single Olympic Games has run over budget, but this severity was only illuminated in 1976. Here, the host city, Montreal, initially projected the cost of the Games to be $124 million – a gross underestimation that was soon overblown by billions of dollars. The Canadian city left these Games with $1.5 billion in debt, saddling taxpayers until 2006 when it was finally repaid.

The only profitable Olympic Games were in Los Angeles in 1984. However, this came following a decade of unsettling Games, plagued by a massacre, high costs and boycotts. Consequently, LA was the only city to propose a bid, exuding significant negotiating power. This, combined with the reliance on existing stadiums and a sharp increase in television broadcast revenue, saw a $215 million operating surplus.

Apart from this abnormal occurrence, the deficits incurred by host nations have continued to increase.

So, what are the costs?

Well, even the process of submitting a bid is exuberant, with Tokyo spending $150 million on a failed bid in 2016. Once the bid is accepted (which was $4.8 billion for Brisbane 2032) the real expenses start to pile up. Infrastructure expenditure ranges from $5 billion to $50 billion, including new stadiums, transportation upgrades, accommodation availability, and Olympic Village construction. There are also further planning costs associated with the logistical nightmare of hosting hundreds of thousands of tourists and ten thousand athletes spread across a hundred events.

Following this investment, some nations are able to benefit from their developments. For example, the Sydney Olympic Village was transformed into housing. However, this is often not the case. The majority of this sporting infrastructure becomes obsolete, especially facilities that are highly specialised. Another growing issue consists of “White Elephants” which are expensive projects with limited usage afterwards. For example, the Sydney Olympic Stadium costs Sydney $30 million a year to maintain. Fortunately, this stadium has had more usage than others. Beijing’s “Bird’s Nest” stadium, which cost $460 million to build, requires $10 million a year to maintain, and is mostly unused.

The financial burden of the 1976 Montreal Olympics is not the only extreme case. The 2004 Athens Olympics cost $7.5 billion, and was a significant factor in accentuating the Greek debt crisis that left Greece bankrupt. Other extreme taints on the budget include the $52.7 billion spent on the Sochi, Russia Winter Olympic Games in 2014 and the $52.7 billion spent on the Beijing Olympic Games in 2008.

Empty beach volleyball stadium, Athens

Nations are beginning to become hesitant towards bidding. In the bid for the 2024 games, Budapest, Hamburg, Boston, and Rome all withdrew, leaving only Paris and Los Angeles, which were, hence, simultaneously chosen to host 2024 and 2028, respectively. The Boston mayor stated that he “refused to mortgage the future of the city away”.

Hence, the IOC has enacted change. The 2020 Olympic Agenda aims to reduce the cost of bidding, allow hosts more flexibility in using already-existing facilities, and promote development that outlives the Olympic Games.

As Brisbane begins their tedious planning for 2032, Australia is hopeful that these IOC changes prove beneficial. The Queensland government predicts that the Games will boost international tourism and trade by $8.5 billion and provide $9.1 billion in social benefits across the nation. However, the organisational budget already stands at $5.8 billion, with the initial budget ballooning to $4.45 billion. With still eight years left until the Games commence, I hope the guise of the economy doesn’t taint our nation’s excitement towards these prestigious Games.

Football’s Unavoidable Entanglement In Politics

Is Football Becoming Too Politicised?

H. R. Richards

A POINT OF CONTENTION THAT FOOTBALL often finds itself faced with, is whether it should be apolitical or not.

Football, like many other forms of mainstream entertainment, has long been an escape from our hyper-politicsied society: a medium in which people from all over the world and from all different cultures can partake in and enjoy. But naturally, this ubiquity means that football often finds itself entangled in society’s conflicts. And when it does so, it is often compelled to respond. For where there is a platform, there is an expectation that it be used to speak out. The bigger the league, the club or the player, the greater they are compelled to do so.

Here, we reach said point of contention: Players and organisations are pressured to speak up about injustice, yet by doing so, they politicise football which is something intrinsically apolitical. In turn, this threatens the distinctly unifying nature of football that makes it as special as it is. However, because institutions like the Premier League or clubs like Liverpool are as big and influential as they are, this means that they have the capacity to bring a spotlight to injustice and, therefore, initiate change for the better. This leaves us with the question of whether politicising sport and football specifically is for the better or the worse.

In October of 2023, the Premier League issued guidance to its clubs advising them to prohibit Israel and Palestine flags at games. The rationale behind this decision is understandable, given the contentiousness of the subject. However, at the time, this led many to point to the Premier League’s widespread support of Ukraine amid Russia’s invasion a year prior, where Ukraine flags weren’t just allowed but encouraged inside stadiums. And while these are two very different conflicts, and thus, I can appreciate why they were treated differently, I still think it raises concern. 

First, in regards to the intent of the Premier League. Did they respond to such conflicts in the manner they did to merely position themselves on the ‘right’ side of politics, or are they genuinely interested in fighting injustice? 

Second, such inconsistency dangerously implies that certain causes are worth fighting for more than others. The Premier League’s non-involvement in the Israel-Palestine conflict has led many to perceive the body as not having taken a firm enough stand against what is happening in Gaza and, thus, ultimately not supporting Palestine. In this sense, this shows not just the inevitability of sports and the institutions therein becoming entangled in society’s conflicts, but also the issue of picking a side in them.

Racism is another social issue that intersects with football. Unfortunately, because of how rampant it runs across football, institutions and players are required to take action against it. When it comes to racism, this idea of ‘no response’ indeed constitutes a response that shows that racist behaviour is acceptable and, therefore, does nothing to prevent its continued existence. For instance, La Liga’s inaction against the racism experienced by players such as Vinicius Jr has led many to rightly question the integrity of the organisation. After receiving racial slurs in Madrid’s loss to Valencia last year, Vinicius later tweeted that “it was not the first time, nor the second, nor the third. Racism is normal in La Liga. The competition considers it normal, the federation considers it normal, and the rivals encourage it.” Carlo Ancelotti (Madrid’s manager) also spoke out about the incident, saying that “it is time to stop talking and act forcefully.” 

I think this highlights La Liga’s worrying inaction because, without consequences for this type of behaviour, racism will continue indefinitely. This again shows that sports are bound to intersect with politics and social issues, especially with football being as ubiquitous as it is, but it also emphasises the importance of responding in a righteous manner. 

Vinícius Júnior reacts to racist chants.

Are You Feeling Bored?

Fun Games Not To Play In Class

C. D. Michel

WE’VE ALL HAD THOSE MOMENTS; class seems to last forever. You’ve got a long JSTOR reading assigned but for some reason, reading seems impossible. Despite going over the same line over and over again, nothing computes in your head. Words just turn into random letters without meaning. You need to give your brain a break to recuperate, right? Cool Maths Games? 

No, wrong answer. 

The correct answer is to work harder, become more studious, and build good habits. However, if you are not in class, and need some sort of a break to cut the repetitive, perpetual cycle of life, here are some fun things to do, which are unblocked on the School computers/Wi-Fi.

Wordle – an absolute classic. A game based on your in-depth knowledge of five-letter vocabulary. While it’s simple, it’s a perfect five-ish minute break. It’s short enough to ensure you don’t fall down a rabbit hole of procrastination, but long enough to rejuvenate your brain. Moreover, the statistical page builds a great sense of self-competitiveness to keep you entertained. However, maybe vocabulary isn’t your forte and geography is more down your alley. If so, try Wordle’s counterpart: Worldle. It’s sort of like the ‘Who’s that Pokémon’ game but with countries. It gives you an outline of a country and its bordering countries and you have to guess where you are. If that’s not enough to keep you entertained, it also quizzes you on the capital city, flag, language, currency, population, size and most populated cities of that country. Or instead, play Flaggle, Moviedle, Flickdle, Globle, Nerdle, Octordle, Quordle, Dordle, Factle… the list goes on.

If you enjoy challenging your brain, go straight to The New York Times website. While it has Wordle, it also has one of the most time-consuming and frustrating games brought to existence: Connections. It involves having to find four words which have a ‘connection’, and it’s much harder than you may think. While the connection may be something as easy as a homophone or synonym, it can be as hard as the U.S president’s middle names or something along those lines. If you give up, don’t worry. There’s always the New York Times Mini Crossword. Unlike most crosswords, this one is actually possible, as there are only around eight words you need to solve. You’ve successfully wasted forty minutes, however there are still ten more minutes until  class ends… uh, Saturday Sport.

It’s time for brain-rot central: Cool Maths Games. This maths website contains 1,000+ games, with some exclusively unique wonders such as Racoon Retail, Dolphin Olympics and Duck Life. In all seriousness, Moto X3M is a must play. It’s a third person motorbike racing game, packed with all the thrills of riding a real motorbike. Once you finish that, play all the spin-offs: Moto X3M Pool Party, Moto X3M Winter and Moto X3M Spooky Land.

If that’s getting boring: Fireboy and Watergirl’s multiplayer medium, along with the struggle, strife, and memories established from escaping deadly temples, really builds a sense of camaraderie and brotherhood and develops life-long bonds that powerfully uphold Shore’s beliefs and values. If you thought Moto XCM had a lot of sequels, check this out! Once you’re done with Fireboy and Watergirl, play Fireboy and Watergirl: The Light Temple, The Ice Temple, The Crystal Temple, Elements, Fairy Tales, and Forest Temple.

Exhilarating game-play from Fireboy and Watergirl: The Forest Temple

Despite the days and weeks feeling tediously long, I hope after reading this article, class periods feel shorter, and procrastination feels longer. 

Disclaimer: The only reason class periods will feel shorter is because of your anticipation to play these games once you get home after a hard day of studious work.

Or you could go outside, the choice is yours.

POV: You and your friends if you decide to not read this article, and instead decide to go out!

On Academic Activism

How To Be Objective When Subjective

D. H. Kang

THE WORLD IS IN A TUMULTUOUS ERA. With Trump poised to perhaps take the next election – someone who has previously expressed his support for Neo-Nazi and white supremacist groups – as well as the rising tide of the far-right in Europe, and imminent issues like climate change and immigration, such heated topics have become the source of debate and protest worldwide. But where does the role of academics lie in these times? Surely they can and should openly express their opinions, right? They’re one of the world’s most trusted people who have spent their entire lives investigating particular subjects and separating fact from fiction, so that the world can gain ground on understanding our lives, society and everything that we know of. But therein lies the problem. Such activists have credibility from the very fact that they remain objective or neutral in any problem. If they do decide to voice their opinions, which they certainly have the right to do, it could put their work and credibility at stake, chipping away all that they have built up in their lives. 

Hence, the vast majority of academics prefer to refrain from commenting on subjects that their research does not concern. I’m not saying that all academic activists have clouded judgements; indeed, it is oftentimes not academics (in the true sense of the word) who become activists. Instead, it is the activists who become academics who can be the problem. It certainly is not an issue for a belief to be grounded in what you research for yourself. For example, voicing conclusions that the earth’s temperature is rising and we should care about climate change. However, twisting facts and searching for scattered details to attempt to piece together a shadow of your beliefs is a dogmatic approach to research. In the words of the legendary detective Sherlock Holmes: “It is a capital mistake to theorise before you have all of the evidence. It biases the judgement.” And this too is a lesson for us: refrain from making conclusions before all the pieces of the puzzle are present before us. Keep an open mind, as the truth is often unexpected. As an audience, we must henceforth beware of what we receive from the media. 

So at the end of the day, where do we draw the line between activism and academic research? There’s honestly no real answer to that question (unfortunately). At the core of this whole topic, it is imperative that we realise that everyone is human, prone to subjective viewpoints and biases developed from a lifetime of experiences and interactions. For those who claim to have no opinions on any of these matters must be called ChatGPT or one of its AI brethren.  There is nothing inherently bad about academic activism, as long as those academics remain open to discourse, dialogue and the changing of opinions when new evidence is presented. We too can learn from how well-regarded academic activists like Charles Milles take their stances.  

Listen, think and reply.

New Brains

Cautious Excitement Around Neuralink’s First Human Trial

A. J. Li

ELON MUSK, THE MADMAN, HAS DONE IT. NEURALINK HAS PUT IN ITS FIRST HUMAN BRAIN CHIP IMPLANT. The human implant marks a watershed moment in the development of “brain chips” as decades of research and progress are vindicated, yet the cries of critics only continue to grow louder.

But what is Neuralink in the first place? The company is one of several of Musk’s pet projects alongside The Boring Company, which first made an appearance in 2017. Its ambitious objective is to revolutionise brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) and allow people to control other connected devices through thoughts alone. For example, one could theoretically call someone else or surf the web simply by thinking, rather than having to physically touch a phone or computer like we have to at the moment. This technology thus has far-reaching implications for giving or restoring autonomy to those who are paralysed or otherwise unable to function independently through the use of a device connected with Neuralink. Much of the debate surrounding the ethics of Neuralink and brain implants as a whole is rooted in the use and proliferation of such technologies, with some even dubbing it the 4th Industrial Revolution.

Neuralink’s first patient is reportedly “recovering well”, with “initial results show(ing) promising neuron spike detection”, according to Musk, referring to the cellular activity between a person’s brain and their nervous system. But that’s as much information that has been released to the public for now and where concerns surrounding transparency and ethics begin, thus the term “cautious excitement” shared by many in the medical and technological world. Previously, Neuralink has completed trials and experiments on monkeys and pigs, drawing widespread criticism from animal rights activists and other such activist groups. These trials demonstrated the monkeys playing basic video games and controlling devices such as computers and screen cursors through their Neuralink implants. Musk will be wanting to closely observe his first human patient, though, as several issues reportedly plagued the monkeys involved in previous trials, with paralysis, seizures, and brain swelling being some of the primary concerns. We can thus comfortably infer that the primary objective of this first trial is safety and the continued optimal functioning of all the body’s systems. According to Neuralink’s study brochure, volunteers will be followed for five years with patients using the device at least biweekly to control a computer.

While Neuralink’s trial was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), it had previously been rejected, and even now, it is not listed on ClinicalTrials.gov, a registry where hospitals, medical research centres and other medical institutions usually register their trials. This is perhaps a consequence of the collision between the business world and the medical world, which often have conflicting philosophies. This is also not completely surprising given there are approximately forty BCI trials ongoing right now and perhaps Musk simply wants to maintain an edge over his competitors. The ever-mercurial Musk also does not help to allay fears of the misuse of such groundbreaking technology with speculation rife due to his opaqueness of the trial and Musk’s history of meddling with degenerate culture.

Neuralink opened its patient registry for clinical trials in September last year for individuals with diseases of the spinal cord, i.e. those suffering from paralysis and paraplegia. This is where the big question mark lies surrounding the ethical use of BCIs and similar technology. Under what circumstances should BCIs be used and sold? Should it be free access in a free-market, or should it be government regulated? For now, it seems Neuralink and BCIs in general, seek only to improve the quality of life of those who have been robbed of their autonomy, whether from birth or from a catastrophic accident. From an ethical standpoint, this seems to be the happiest and optimal, albeit naive solution. Undoubtedly, the restoration of autonomy and elevating those who are handicapped is a very palatable idea, much more so than extending the reaches of human capability, but how long will this philosophy hold? It seems ridiculous to suggest that such powerful technology will only serve to restore autonomy, a very noble cause, and not to extend the realm of human advancement. Perhaps not this year or even in this decade will Neuralink be used to further human capability rather than simply restoring it, but it remains a glaring possibility – one which has left the wider public and not just ethicists uncomfortable. There are countless allegories and cautionary tales warning against a dystopian future stemming from the misuse of BCIs; we need only look at our advanced English syllabus with texts such as Blade Runner and Never Let Me Go elucidating the concerns of these technologies in the hands of corporatocracy. This is where government regulation seems most likely, but even still, can we trust human nature to prioritise the benefit of all over the benefit of self?

Neuralink has made great strides in the development of a BCI that will hopefully restore autonomy to those who need it most. But Musk’s mercurial nature and opaqueness of his trial leave big question marks hanging over the ethics of such practices. Will the world come to rejoice in the advent of BCIs, or will it one day come to regret their very inception?

Meta-Shower Thoughts

Shower Thoughts About Shower Thoughts

C. V. Vujanovic

EVERYONE LOVES HAVING A SHOWER. To me, the beauty of a shower is that it is one of those rare times when your sole purpose is, simply put, to shower.

Wh ile some of my friends might argue that their phone is ‘waterproof’ and so they bring it into the shower, I do not really think anyone believes that. 

So, if showers are the only time that you go without your phone, laptop, or anything really, then it gives us time to think. Uninterrupted. Silent (save for the sound of the shower). And calm (that is, unless you are in Y12 and you are trying to memorise your essay in the shower).  

The point is unless you are really stressed, showers are relaxing and boring. There is one saying that immediately comes to mind: “Boredom gives birth to creativity”. Now, although the quote is sufficiently cringey, what it is saying is true. 

When you have been scrolling through Reels or TikTok all day and you have to write an imaginative for English, your brain just does not seem to function. There is something incredible about boredom and what it does. 

Boredom, in a sense, gives birth to shower thoughts (although it might also be the fact that you’re in an unusually calm state and the shampoo fumes are finally getting to you). In any case, shower thoughts are nice. 

Here are some of my shower thoughts – I will try to keep it original: 

1. If a shower falls in a forest and no one is around to hear it, does it make any sound?

2. If you’re singing in the shower and there is no one there to hear it, are you still off key, or is the shower singing with you?

3. Is the spider in the corner going to jump at me?

4. If the soap bar falls in the shower and there is no one there to watch it, did the shower knock it over? (Cf. Inception)

5. When you write a message on the foggy mirror is it a fleeting attempt for permanence, or just a way to communicate with your future self?

6. Is the pursuit of understanding shower thoughts the most elusive shower thought, or are we just trying to sound deep to try to avoid getting out of the shower?

Tennis Report

Round 10 – St Joseph’s College

Firsts Report

Last week, Shore’s Firsts tennis team played St Joseph’s College (Joeys). Unfortunately, Shore landed on the wrong side of many close matches, resulting in a 5 – 4 defeat. A standout player was Harper C, who fought back from one set down to overcome a talented player and win 4 – 6, 6 – 0 and 6 – 2. Harper represented his School well, and despite a lack of energy from the whole team, he brought Shore a much-needed win for the day. There are many things we can learn from this loss, and as a team, we must adapt and finish our season strong. Despite this loss, Shore remains in the lead of the competition by 6 points with four matches left in the season.

Zachary L
First Captain

Seconds Report

On Saturday, in a long-awaited rematch, the Seconds played an eager Joeys side with great success, winning 9 – 0 and securing a consecutive bagel round. A decisive doubles win from Connor F and Chris M, winning 6 – 1, 6 – 0, set the tone for the day, one where no free points were awarded to the opposition. Another doubles win in a similar fashion from the Ollies, Connor B and Oliver D-K, helped to create an early leg forward. The real highlight, however, was George G and Charlie M coming out victorious in a nail biting, closely contested battle, with a beautifully sculpted point ending in a tube-smash winning the super tie-breaker.

Following on from this in the singles was Connor F, who led a dominant display, winning 6 – 0, 6 – 1. In a similar vein, Mr Captain showed his years producing a 6 – 0, 6 – 0 victory, his first for over two years. Similar wins from Ollie C B winning 6-0, 6-0 and Ollie D-K and Charlie M capitalised on the lead set in the doubles. Player of the day goes to George G, who fought arguably the toughest opponent of the day, playing the tennis of his life, winning 6 – 4, 6 – 4.

Whilst we are top of the table, our adversary The King’s School is close, only half a point behind. We must continue this kind of display if we are to obtain the glory that awaits the team who hoist the victory cup.

Chris M
Seconds Captain

Surfing Report

Week 2 Term 1 2024

A 40-knot south easterly wind made for messy conditions on Saturday morning, but this did not stop the Shore surfers from some quality surfing. Max W opened the session by pulling into a crumbly barrel, where he rode the foam-ball and forced his way out to continue his wave. Duncan C was searching for a left-hander on his preferred forehand side, but the lefts were not offering the same opportunities as the rights.

Harrison A, Tom B and Ollie R all caught a fair haul of waves in the messy conditions. While Henry B and James M displayed some smooth surfing on their waves.

Henry P dominated the session. He destroyed the waves on offer with a mix of power surfing and smooth style. He is in fine form as we lead into the competitions later in the Term.

Mr J McClelland
MIC Surfing

Top image: Henry P

Surf Lifesaving Report

Week 2 Term 1 2024

Shore Carnival – Long Reef Beach

Despite beach closures at Long Reef, the boys approached their training over the week preceding the Carnival with enthusiasm and were certainly up for the challenge when Carnival Day came around. Mid-week training included beach sprint and flags practice races, along with swim practice in the ocean pool at Dee Why. The Sir Adrian Curlewis Cup has never left Shore in all the many years that the Shore Carnival has been running, and the Shore SLS boys were certainly not going to give it up this year.

Ocean conditions were poor on Saturday, with a strong southeasterly wind as Shore welcomed St Joseph’s College (Joeys), Barker College and Knox Grammar School to Long Reef for a morning of competitive beach and water events. As a result of the adverse surf conditions, the beach was closed, and the water events were re-located to Fisherman’s Beach, with all beach events remaining at Long Reef.

It was pleasing that the Juniors and Intermediates had some competition from Barker College, and there was fierce competition between the boys for the top six point-scoring places and gold, silver and bronze medals at all times.

The Senior boys faced tougher competition from Joeys, Knox and Barker but demonstrated immense skill, determination and athletic ability to be the highest scoring School in six of their seven events.

The Barker College girls competed amongst themselves in each age group and showed that they are an incredibly talented surf carnival team. It is hoped that Long Reef Surf Lifesaving Club might raise a team of girls to provide some much-needed competition for future carnivals.

The following outstanding results were attained during the day:

Junior (Years 7 and 8)

Junior Age Champion: Harrison A – Shore

Intermediate (Years 9 and 10)

Intermediate Age Champion: Noah M – Shore

Seniors (Years 11 and 12)

Senior Age Champion: Billy B – Joeys

Overall Points Scores

A huge congratulations to the Shore SLS boys for demonstrating such tenacity and competitive spirit to retain the Sir Adrian Curlewis Cup, but more importantly, for participating with a sense of fun, camaraderie and of utmost respect for all competitors and staff from other schools.

Top image: Seniors Board Race

Mr G Jones
Acting MIC SLS