Character in Action: Fostering Personal Growth and Community Service

Dear Students, Parents and Carers

The beginning of the New Year is always an exciting and busy time at Shore. We extend a warm welcome to new students and families to our School community. Our Pastoral Care team is already hard at work, having hosted Year 7 camp this week at an Anglican Youthworks site in Port Hacking and a Year 8 seminar titled Connections that Count with external experts Your Choicez. We are committed to knowing each student and fostering a supportive environment, so they can thrive academically and have opportunities to engage in the full life of the School.

We have a comprehensive approach to pastoral care at Shore, with our House system as the cornerstone. Our Housemasters and tutors are actively ensuring that all students have the information and resources they need to start the year on a positive note, providing encouragement and setting high standards for behaviour and conduct in these early weeks.

At Shore, we Build Good Men through an holistic approach to education that emphasises our School’s guiding virtues, such as respect, humility, service, and integrity. Our School virtues are embedded in the School culture, ensuring that principles of character are consistently demonstrated and reinforced to our students. This is achieved in various ways, including service opportunities, assemblies, House meetings, camps, and being modelled in leadership roles, making our School virtues visible to all students throughout their educational journey.

In the forthcoming weeks, our students will embark on a new Character in Action programme during tutorial sessions, which aims to instil our School’s core virtues. This year marks the beginning of a more robust approach to character education, designed to build personal growth through increased community service opportunities and explicit teaching of our School virtues. Our goal is for students to engage positively with the community and have them reflect on these experiences to understand the importance of helping others and learning from people with different perspectives and life stories.

A distinctive feature of our approach to character development over many years has been the involvement of Year 11 students, who facilitate sessions and mentor their younger peers. These sessions, which will take place in Term 3, are aimed at deepening the understanding of the School’s virtues through critical reflection in the context of service learning. Such activities provide practical opportunities for these ideals of character to be applied and ingrained through habituation.

We are committed to not only growing character but also instilling hope and empowering our students to actively seek out opportunities to make positive change. Toward the end of 2023, Shore announced a new initiative in the Senior School, The Shore Student Committee. This is the first of its kind at Shore and serves as an important student representative body in the Senior School. The aim of this group is to meet throughout the year to explore various issues and ideas, represent the boys across the year groups and give feedback to Senior staff in a collaborative and constructive manner – a genuine student voice in the School. Mr McCormack (Head of Students) will assist in leading this group as they meet and build some momentum throughout 2024.

Around 100 boys from across Years 8 to 12 and across the Houses applied to be a part of the Shore Student Committee. Each boy needed to submit their reasons for applying and what they aimed to contribute to the role if chosen. 18 boys have been chosen to form this team, representing all 18 School Houses. The Shore Student Committee will meet at least three times a Term, plan events, raise and discuss various issues within the student body and seek to allow the boys an opportunity to work as a team in the important area of a representative voice within the Senior School. The appointment to the committee is for the duration of the 2024 school year. We have high hopes and expectations of the Shore Student Committee and look forward to their contributions to life at Shore.

Our Student Committee has been given the opportunity to collaborate with various schools, including several girls’ schools with which we have existing partnerships. Shore has a longstanding tradition of boys’ education, and we recognise the importance of collaborating with girls’ schools to ensure a comprehensive and balanced approach. We have benefited greatly in the past from joint learning initiatives with schools such as Wenona, Roseville College, Queenwood, SCEGGS Darlinghurst, Pymble Ladies College, and Abbotsleigh. These collaborations, through programmes like Cadets, Crusaders, Drama performances, School musicals, and social and emotional learning experiences, have provided and will continue to offer significant opportunities for mutual growth and learning.

In Term 2, our Year 11 boys will once again take part in the Building Connections day alongside Roseville College and Queenwood, listening to expert speakers and engaging in group discussions on important topics such as respectful relationships, mental health, and student leadership. Additionally, the boys will have the opportunity to visit these schools, learn alongside students with different perspectives, share their own experiences, and develop ongoing relationships that enhance their educational journey and personal growth. We seek to expand these partnerships in 2024 to provide a more comprehensive programme across the Senior School.

Our partnership with parents is crucial for maintaining the safety and wellbeing of all our students. By collaborating with the Shore Parents Association, we aim to bring in engaging and insightful external speakers. This initiative helps to equip our School community with essential tools and knowledge, enabling parents to support their sons’ growth and success in school effectively. This collaboration takes on added significance as we address critical topics such as cyber safety, fostering positive masculinity, cultivating respectful relationships, and promoting safe social experiences for our boys. This year, we are proud to host several esteemed expert speakers, with the first event featuring Dr Justin Coulson on Wednesday 20 March. We strongly encourage all to attend this significant event, where Dr Coulson will deliver a compelling talk titled Raising Young Men of Character.

We are excited about the launch of our new initiatives and are looking forward to the year ahead, as we encourage our boys to adopt the character attributes advocated in the New Testament:  “walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love” (Ephesians 4:1-2).

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.

Chaplains’ Chat

I am sure we can all think of those times when we have let someone down. Perhaps it was a word against a loved one, even a silence when a word should have been spoken, or a denial of an event that had taken place. Often, the deeper we love someone, the harder it is to deal with the consequences and effects of our actions. In many ways, it goes to the heart of the importance we place on relationships and, especially, those we love. Because we all treasure relationships so highly, we don’t want to let the other person down as a result of mistakes.

This Term in Chapel we are looking at the School’s New Testament Bible reading which is 1 Peter 2:11-25. The context of these verses is that they are written by the Apostle Peter, who was not only the one who denied Jesus three times at his trial, but was also the one who was welcomed back and forgiven by Jesus. This would have stayed with Peter for the rest of his life. Peter had received God’s mercy, so he can write at the start of 1 Peter 2:11 that people are beloved or loved by God. Perhaps we often overlook this simple and yet profound meaning that this has.

We have all experienced the love of family and friends. And yet Peter can write of God’s love for us, even when he knew what it was like to let God down. God has been gracious for Peter and for us and, as a result, wants us to live God’s ways in our lives. What a great encouragement this is for all of us.

Rev. Anthony Benn
Chaplain 

CRU Update

If you have ever been to the doctor before, you have probably received something called a diagnosis, where the doctor tells you what the problem is. Last Friday at CRU, we saw the great problem of God’s people in Isaiah 5, requiring a great cure.

Following an incredible week of seminars and discussions regarding Christianity, an excited crowd descended on the Christian Studies classrooms last Friday for a sausage sandwich and the weekly CRU group gathering. Following an introduction and a quick revision quiz on the beginning of Isaiah from Nathanael J as well as a Bible reading from Nick G, Mr Kellahan spoke on Isaiah 5, where we saw the Israelites diagnosed with their illness – rejection of God – in verse 24. Despite everything that God had done for them in looking after them and delivering them out of slavery, they only produced bad fruit, rejecting God’s perfect plan and installing themselves in His place. The sin of God’s people evoked God’s righteous anger, and we were warned of the judgement that disobedience deserves. Mr Kellahan reminded us that all of us have rejected God and gone our own way, too. If you were at the doctor and heard that you had a serious medical condition, the right response would not be to deny it and run away, but to accept the issue and trust the cure. In the same way, this passage is pointing to the cure for sin. This cure is Jesus. God loved the world so much that despite all our sins, He was willing to sacrifice His only Son, allowing Him to be crucified on a cross so that our sins are paid for if we trust him. This is amazing news for us, and we should aim to live our lives for Jesus in light of this. If you have any questions or are keen to learn more, it would be great to go along to the Christian Studies rooms in the next few weeks on Monday or Friday recesses with Mr Kellahan and take a deeper dive into the Christian faith. CRU group continues next week on Friday lunchtime in the Christian Studies area as we look through Isaiah, while year group Bible studies are also on during the week.

Daniel B
Year 11

Isaac Armitage Lecture Invitation

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

You are warmly invited to attend the annual
Isaac Armitage Lecture
AND, NOT, OR, WITH: the good in education

Friday 8 March 2024
4.00pm – 6.30pm
Shore Library, BH Travers Centre
Blue Street, North Sydney

Speaker: Dr Paul Burgis
PhD (UNSW), MEd, BEd, Dip Tch (Eng/His-sec), Dip Div/Miss
Principal, PLC Croydon

Respondent: Dr Kaye Chalwell
PhD (UNE), MEd, BSc, DipEd, GradDipTheol
Head of Junior School, Rouse Hill Anglican College

Please RSVP by Monday 26 February 2024

Light refreshments will be provided after the Lecture
Parking is available in the Bishopsgate Carpark via Hunter Crescent.

Dr Burgis will speak to introduce ideas from his upcoming book, in which he writes:

‘What is called The Enlightenment has given humanity many new capacities. STEM programs flourish in schools and provide a framework for critical thinking. This is largely based on the word NOT. We are teaching students that all is not as it seems. We must probe deeper. This is important. Yet NOT is not the only important conjunction for thinking. Magnanimity and generosity are at the heart of learning. AND, OR and WITH also matter. And they matter to Christian educators, who sometimes find themselves as the object of the NOT claims.’ 

Dr Chalwell’s response will be followed by a general discussion.

Dr Paul Burgis has been the Principal of PLC since 2011 and recent past Principal of Inaburra School, Menai. Dr Burgis’ previous appointments include Program Director for the Master of Arts in Education and Principal Lecturer in Education at the University of Lancaster UK and he has taught or researched education in NSW, Queensland, Filipino and Zimbabwean schools. Dr Burgis is a strong believer that an education should have both depth and rigour as well as breadth and engagement.

https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1153255

Enquiries: Chaplaincy Office
T +61 2 9900 4734
chaplainsPA@shore.nsw.edu.au

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

Year 7 Welcome Family BBQ

The Shore Parents’ Association (SPA) warmly invites all 2024 Year 7 Shore families to a Welcome BBQ.

Date: Saturday 9 March 2024
Time: 4.00pm – 6.30pm
Venue: Shore Northbridge Playing Fields, E Ground (Behind the Hawker Stand)
Cnr Alpha and Sailors Bay Roads, Northbridge
Parking will be available on G Ground with entry via Alpha Road

BOOK NOW

RSVP: 1 March 2024

A free sausage sizzle is provided and non-alcoholic drinks will be available to purchase. Please feel free to bring a picnic rug, cheese plates, snacks and NON-ALCOHOLIC drinks. Games and activities will be organised for the boys and their siblings by Shore staff, coaches and Senior boys.

All SPA events rely on the generosity of volunteers. We ask that you click on the link below for a 30-minute commitment. It’s also a great way to meet new friends!

VOLUNTEER

For further information please contact Year 7 Reps: Stephanie Fischl, Fiona Mears or Edwina Gilbert on ShoreClassof2029@shore.nsw.edu.au

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.

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

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.

Southern Highlands Morning Tea

Dear Parents and Carers

You are warmly invited to a morning tea

Date: Wednesday 20 March
Time: 10.00am – 11.30am
Venue: The Pavilion & Gallery at ‘Hopewood House’, 201 Centennial Road, Bowral

The special guest will be the Head of Boarding, Mr Alistair Roland, who will share valuable insights into the vibrant world of Boarding at Shore in 2024.

RSVP: By Thursday 14 March 2024, please email oldboys@shore.nsw.edu.au or phone Maria Black, Alumni Community Manager on 9956-1123.

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:

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 Sprint
• 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.

Looking ahead to Week 6, boys in Year 7 and Year 9 will also have their Athletics Trials. The dates are as follows:

• Boys in Year 7 will trial on Monday 4 March, during Periods 5 and 6.
• Boys in Year 9 will trial on Tuesday 5 March, during Periods 5 and 6.

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

AFL Key Dates 2024

As the Winter Season fast approaches, please note the AFL key dates for boys in Term 1, School holidays, and the start of Term 2.

Once boys have registered for their Winter Sport, more details of the main events below will be communicated to the boys and their families. Please lock in the dates on your calendar.

TERM 1

TERM 2

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

HSC Tribute to the Class of 2023

On Friday 16 February, the Year 9 and Year 12 boys gathered in the Smith Auditorium to commemorate the outstanding achievements of the 2023 HSC cohort. The hard work and dedication of the 2023 cohort leaves much to be admired, and the insights of some of the year’s top performers left lots to consider, as well as some large shoes to fill, for this year’s HSC cohort.

Following a prayer led by Mrs Domingo and a Welcome to Country by Jack H, Dr Collier and Dr Mansfield addressed the class of 2023, acknowledging their efforts and achievements over the year. Deputy Head Academic, Mr Matt Leeds, provided a summary of what is the greatest performance ever witnessed within the School’s history. With a median ATAR of 91.90 and 17 students sitting with an ATAR above 99, the School ranked 24th overall in the state. Not only were there many successes within the exam hall, but boys garnered an outstanding 67 showcase nominations across Art, Drama and Music. It was also encouraging to hear the different post-school destinations boys had gained entry into, such as Thomas Graetz (winner of the Headmaster Enterprise Award) who is off to study Industrial Design at the Pratt Institute in New York.

For the current Year 12 boys, these results were as exciting as they were daunting, and many were left wondering whether they could meet the great expectations now imposed upon them. Fortunately, as is the custom at each tribute, three of some of the highest achievers in the Year were invited to speak to the current students, drawing from their experiences to offer sage advice on tackling the many trials and tribulations that lay ahead.

George Chen opened with a powerful talk that resonated with many of the boys. Whilst recognising the difficulty of remaining focused in a modern world in which countless distractions exist in the palm of our hand, George reminded the boys of the importance of working smart and working consistently. Briefly touching on the Tel-Aviv nightlife (amongst other things), George then discussed the importance of finding a system that works for oneself, providing insightful perspectives from his experiences at the international Science Olympiad Summer School working with some of the world’s brightest young minds. As important as collaboration in this difficult year is, it is important to realise that no study method will fits all.

Next, Patrick Zhang offered some practical advice on maximising improvement and academic success. He stressed the importance of self-diagnosing – being comfortable with acknowledging one’s shortcomings and weaknesses – then focussing on them and transforming them into strengths. However, that isn’t to say one should then neglect areas in which they thrive. Patrick also warned the students of the dangers of complacency, and ultimately advised the boys to remain consistent over the coming year.

Ethan Tan concluded with some much-needed words of encouragement. Despite being incredibly tough, Ethan noted that 2023 was a very rewarding experience. As important as it is to find what works for you, and to start early and be consistent (a common theme amongst the speakers), Ethan emphasised the importance of recognising the many support systems available to students of Shore. Collaborate and confide in friends, teachers and supporting staff, all of whom work tirelessly to help you on your journey. Climb over all obstacles during the year, and don’t be afraid to lean on others on the way up.

Finally, Old Boy Hugh Kierath (’14) offered some perspective into life beyond school and the HSC. As a Shore boy and Boarder, Hugh found great success in both Academics and Sports. Currently working for Goldman Sachs, Hugh reflected on his studies and career, teaching the boys the value of mistakes as opportunities for growth. In his words, “the greatest lessons are learnt during the hardest moments”.

As this year’s HSC tribute ended with much cause for celebration, I hope that the Year 12 boys of 2024 will continue to reflect upon such wisdom throughout the year, so that we might maintain the legacy of those who succeeded before us.

Top image: George Chen

Max K
Year 12

Careers News

International Opportunities – Study in Spain!

When thinking about post-school options, many students only look at local institutions and follow well-known paths. This may be the only option for many families, and they are great options. However, if families are in the fortunate position to broaden their choices, there are so many different opportunities available worldwide that provide amazing experiences for students.

A couple of weeks ago, I was invited to IE University in Madrid to attend an International Counsellors Conference. I was the only Australian in attendance and met my equivalent counterparts from 25 corners of the globe, including Canada, the UK, the US, United Arab Emirates, Bahamas, Kenya, France, Italy, Hong Kong, Ghana and Guatemala, to name a few. All from “like” schools it was a wonderful opportunity to compare notes and see how different schools were in vision, culture and even hours of operation (one school started lessons at 7.30am and finished at 5.00pm and provided accommodation for staff) and yet they were the same in many areas.

IE University provides a truly international experience for students, starting in the classroom. Small classes with students from different countries provide interesting perspectives during class discussions. The academic offerings are extensive, campus facilities impressive, but the highlight was meeting students. Students we met spoke at least two languages and were highly motivated and mature, providing a wonderful environment to learn collaboratively.

Some key points about the university include:

• Students can study Business, Applied Mathematics, Architecture, Behaviour Science, Communication, Computer Science, Data and Business Analytics, Design, Economics, Environmental Sciences for Sustainability, Fashion Design, International Relations, Law or PPE.
• Double degrees are also available.
• IE University has two campuses, one in Madrid and one in Segovia, which is approximately 1 hour from Madrid. Students have the choice of spending two years in Segovia and then the next two years in Madrid or four years in Madrid.
• Application is based on an online assessment, academic results and interview. The university receives 30,000 applications for 2,000 places.
• Cost of tuition is more reasonable than other international universities at 25,000 Euros per year.

This week, we welcomed Andrea Pagani from IE University, who presented to students during a lunchtime workshop. They will also be in attendance at the Lower North Shore Career Expo on Monday 13 May.

If families are interested in learning more, please contact me at vshirriff@shore.nsw.edu.au, and I can send you Andrea’s contact information.

The latest Shore Career News is available on Lampada.

Ms V Shirriff
Head of Careers Education

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

Concert Group

As part of Shore’s Concert Group programme, several students – accompanied by Ms Wentzel and Ms Robertson – had the privilege of attending the Australian Chamber Orchestra’s River concert at the City Recital Hall on Wednesday 14 February. Following the production of the critically acclaimed Mountain, ACO artistic director Richard Tognetti joins hands with director Jennifer Peedom once again to produce another unique, cinematic exploration of the symbiotic relationship between man and rivers.

Following a distinctive narration by Willem Dafoe on a journey through space and time, River documents the cultural significance of these natural landforms throughout history to the devastating impacts of overpopulation and exploitation. The astounding documentary-style visuals, played above the performers on stage, were elevated by evocative performances from leading Australian didgeridoo player William Barton and the ACO, blending live music and breathtaking visuals to produce a unique live performance unlike any other. The performance revealed an extensive program, short excerpts of contemporary compositions containing electronic and synthetic sounds being matched with a number of substantial works such as Bach’s Chaconne, Vivaldi’s Violin Concerto in D Major, to Ravel and eventually Radiohead. The concert captivated audiences throughout its 120-minute duration and left a lasting impression on all of the boys and staff who attended.

Max K
Year 12

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. The 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

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

Part 2: Geopolitics and Armaments

M. D. Kwak

LAST WEEK, I TALKED ABOUT THE WEST’S HISTORICAL CULPABILITY in creating the origins of this conflict, and our persistent failures to ameliorate it. However, there’s more to the story than what the West has failed to do; in various ways, we have actively worsened the conflict on the ground.

The existence of Israel has always been an overwhelming geopolitical advantage for Britain and the U.S. In the minds of policymakers, the protection of Israel is equivalent to the survival of their only Western ally in a sea of Arab states that (for quite justified reasons) refuse to play proxies for Western strategic interests. This incentive existed a century ago when the Balfour Declaration was drafted, and it exists now. This military concern is also inextricably linked with an ethno-religious one. Zionist lobbies, particularly in the U.S., are incredibly powerful and far-right evangelical Republicans would much prefer Israel to be in the hands of white Judeo-‘Christians’ as opposed to Arab Muslims, whom they fearmonger and racially vilify as being barbaric terrorists (strangely enough, it’s these ultra-conservative radicals that have also been the most Anti-Semitic in U.S. political history).

So, despite all their claims of support for a two-state solution, it is in every Western interest to preserve Israel’s hegemony over the region, and as long as Israel possesses this asymmetrical advantage, peace will be virtually impossible to attain. Indeed, how on earth is it in the interests of peace for the U.S. to send billions of dollars of lethal weaponry to Israel every year? (the most recent being a $14.3 billion package) Some argue that creating a US-backed Israeli superpower creates deterrence from conflict, notwithstanding the fact that an ideologically-driven terrorist group like Hamas will never be deterred and never has been, by Israel’s military might (evidenced by their 7 October attack, which killed 1,100 and took 248 hostages). All this means is that Israel now has more bombs with more devastating firepower to try and sniff out Hamas terrorists from Palestinian civilians. The result? Over 28,000 dead, 12,000 of whom are children, 68,500 injured and 7,000 missing.

Israel also happens to have one of the world’s largest defence industries. So even if Australia, India or the E.U. aren’t pouring billions of dollars into direct aid like the U.S., they do sign lucrative ‘defence contracts’ to buy Israeli-made drones, missiles and cyberspying technology. Sickeningly, many of these weapons have been ‘tested’ on Palestinian civilians to devastating effect – allowing weapon manufacturers to attest to their product’s ‘combat-readiness’ in so-called ‘counter-terrorism operations’. Israel’s weapon exports not only feed its military-industrial complex but also serve as a bargaining chip to insulate themselves from any political backlash over atrocities committed. By holding security contracts over our heads, Israel has ensured that the West turns a blind (or at least ambivalent) eye to its actions.

Israel and Hamas may both bear responsibility for the suffering caused in this war, but this is a conflict we have exacerbated by bankrolling Israel’s military – whether it be to preserve our neo-colonial interests in the Middle East or to safeguard our military contracts. For this, the whole world ought to hang its head in shame.

The Enhanced Games

Why Not?

B. N. Dent

Prior to a recent finding, I had, foremost, known Peter Thiel to be a billionaire who was a co-founder of PayPal and an early investor of Facebook – a man involved with reputable businesses. Thus, it was to some surprise and amusement when I stumbled across a post headlining that Peter Thiel had recently invested in a drug friendly sports contest that is to be positioned as a reinvention of the Olympic Games – a sporting event where the use of performance enhancing drugs is not only allowed but encouraged. Well, in all of Peter Thiel’s past ventures, he would’ve had people telling him that he was crazy, and in many of his past ventures, he found great success. So, let’s not be too quick to eliminate the possibility of this idea’s future success. 

Following my initial exposure, I began to dig deeper into this event, which I find very intriguing due to my astute interest in both sports and steroi… never mind. Officially called “The Enhanced Games” and set to take place in 2025, the event is spearheaded by Australian businessman Aron D’Souza, who has a background in law. In response to obvious health-related backlash from sports science specialists, the games have attempted to be marketed as a safe way to compete by ensuring that the use of performance enhancing drugs is under clinical supervision. In D’Souza’s reasoning behind the games, he states that it will allow athletes “to push the limits of humanity”. Inspired by this idea, other deep-pocketed investors such as Balaji Srinivasan, former Chief Technology Officer of Coinbase, and Christian Angermayer have also jumped on board. With this strong endorsement, from a financial perspective, it seems likely that the games could possibly proceed in 2025. However, one issue that The Enhanced Games still faces comes from attracting athletes to compete in the event. But, for the sake of things, let’s assume they are able to achieve this. Should the games go on?

Aron D’Souza, Founder of The Enhanced Games.

Ever the optimist, let’s look at some of the positive outcomes that could arise from The Enhanced Games. Firstly, with the free use of performance enhancing drugs, there will be a clear increase in the quality of athletic ability. From a sporting perspective, performance enhancing drugs can provide a plethora of improvements, including strength, reaction time, speed, stamina, and anticipation – all key contributors to an athlete’s proficiency. As observed in the sporting world, an increase in quality is almost directly proportional to a boost in viewer entertainment. Secondly, by pushing humans to their physical maximum and subsequently improving performance quality, it will allow us, and analysts, to view sports in a different light, likely resulting in newfound insights and areas of optimisation. 

But does this increase in quality and possibly entertainment outweigh the potential harm that such an event could plague the sporting world with? In my opinion, no. Even if we were to disregard the main argument opposing the free use of performance enhancing drugs (i.e., the detrimental and potentially fatal impact that they can have on individuals’ health), I still believe that the rise in this phenomenon would be a net negative for sport on two premises. Foremost, I think that if performance-enhanced sports were to become popular, an uncomfortable environment would arise whereby, whilst some athletes would choose to jump ship, others would be hesitant and stay in their respective leagues. Thus, this would potentially result in top-level players being isolated from each other, therefore depriving us of being able to witness their rivalry. Furthermore, performance-enhanced sport would lead to unequal benefits for organisations that are financially prosperous, as affluent associations would have greater access to high-end drugs and steroids. Ultimately, this would intensify an already prominent issue, which is the disparity of wealth between sporting clubs that leads to unfair benefits. 

Research has estimated that between 14-39% of current elite adult athletes have intentionally used performance enhancing drugs, so it may just be that The Enhanced Games is our current reality. Nevertheless, it will be interesting to see how this venture plays out and the implications it will have on the sporting world.

Albums Just Don’t Fall Out of the Sky, You Know?

The Best from K. West Part One
J. K. Tang

A LEGACY SPANNING TWO DECADES awakens to stir up our streaming charts in a jaw-dropping fashion. This long awaited collaborative special with 24-time Grammy Award winning Hip-Hop maestro, Kanye “Ye” West and rapper/songwriter visionary Ty Dolla $ign, skyrockets to the No. 1 spot on global music charts (as per Billboard). Once more, Ye’s symphonic blend of experimental lyricism, miscellaneous sound samples and head-bobbing instrumentals has us wondering how this super-duo can top themselves in the two remaining chapters of the ‘Vultures’ album trilogy. As we put our wonder to halt, let’s dive into the best of Ye’s latest release. 

STARS: As ‘we finna go where the stars at’, Dijion’s heavenly vocals—from his song, Good Luck—drifts us into the unworldly heights of West’s discography. The celestial uplift of choir chords and martial drums lays a steady path for his other transcendentalist tracks. 

KEYS TO MY LIFE: With a distorted sample of Brand Nubian’s Slow Down, Ye begins his lyrical journey wearing an introspective lens. The rapper pays homage to his late mother and life in Chi-town (Chicago), bringing the same existentialist depth found in Homecoming from his third album, Graduation. Reverse samples and fast hi-hats reminiscent of his fifth album, Life of Pablo. 

BACK TO ME: One of the standout tracks on this album. One of the original songs to be fully leaked. A cinematic sample from Dogma blossoms into a melodic symphony of colourful drums and distorting vocals. This melodic dynamism between Ye and Ty pushes this track to andante moderato and guides the consistency of this tempo with allusion to the story of Icarus. In the second half of this song, Freddie Gibbs delivers an unparalleled verse that critiques our contemporary images of status and wealth through the eyes of Karl Marx. As he provokes our socio-political systems, the ongoing flow of Marxist criticism funnels into the line, “She cryin’ tears in that Maybach and not the Toyota’  —the emphasis of the bourgeoisie’s tendencies to victimhood—. 

BURN: Where Ye’s catchiness and controversy meet, the sublime track, BURN, exposes how ‘love is dangerous’ in a world ‘entertained by [his] pain’. After copious amounts of backlash, Mr West finds himself both estranged and amongst the populous. Evidently, his verse, ‘Who ain’t cash a check off my name?’, questions society’s capitalist attitudes towards music stardom. In this questioning, this pop-like ballad reveals the rapper’s ability to find calm in the chaos and harmonise it into a beautiful catastrophe. 

CARNIVAL: Can a listener be in the audience? The combination of star-studded features and the stadium-shaking vocals of Inter Milan ultras opens Ye’s concerts into an entirely new atmosphere. Each rhythmic chant layers the lyricism of Playboi Carti and Rich the Kid into a quaking allegro pace. Humbling the pace with his nostalgic hand, the sample-god surgically implants subtle electric guitar riffs from Hell of a Life on My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy. This Travis Scott-esque track diversifies the genre-breaking masterpiece of an album and emulates West’s timeless response to an ever-changing industry.

This album has its outstanding highs and underwhelming lows. However, as average music-goers, we will continuously try to find our own calm in Ye’s chaos. Credits to Will M J for his insight into Vultures 1.

A Virtuous Shore Cycle

A Look Into The Shore Old Boys Union
T. G. George

EARLIER THIS WEEK, a group of Year 10 Robson students were mucking around on the Old Boys Terrace. An instinctive Mr Reid caught them red handed and set down a creative punishment. The eight boys were to each read a speech in front of the House at roll call, detailing the history and significance of the Old Boys Union (OBU). Specifically, they had to research the creation of the OBU, a building funded by the OBU, and one member or past member of the OBU.

By 7.40pm on Thursday night, after hearing eight iterations of the same speech (I don’t know how the Year 9 History teachers cope), I had a pretty solid understanding of the OBU and a newfound appreciation.

The OBU was formed following an Old Boy’s Football Match in 1894. The Memorial Library, now the Upper Teachers’ Common Room, was the first building project supported by the OBU. If you have ever daringly crossed the forbidden veranda, you may have noticed the beauty of that quaint room. More importantly, that building, as well as the War Memorial Hall and the Chapel, commemorate the bravery of the Shore Old Boys who have fought for our country. When we sit in those Chapel seats or ascend into the WMH, we should all feel immensely proud about their service and acknowledge that the prosperity of the School is a credit to those before us. 

South African War Memorial Library 1911

The Shore Old Boys Union, or more generally being a Shore Old Boy, bears even more fruit than just the buildings funded. This sentiment became obvious to me when I attended the 2023 HSC Tribute. Of course, the results were outstanding, but what stood out to me was the camaraderie of the boys returning to the School. They looked genuinely excited to be back and were in sprightly attendance at House meetings. Within just three months, the class of 2023 has already had a reunion of sorts, ensuring that the connection to the School is perpetual.  

This everlasting relationship is evident by the array of relatives that have attended the School, and chosen the same path for us. For me, this was my grandfather, Jock Robertson. He was a Boarder from Lismore, in School House, from 1958 to 1963. His journey at Shore was characterised by many ups and downs, but he now looks back at his Senior years fondly. Along his journey, he met Tim Kierath, a fellow Boarder in School House, his best mate for the past 50 years. They are now both members of the OBU. 

As I endeavour through the final months of my 6-year stint at Shore, I am relieved that when I pack up my room and bid farewell, my connection to Shore will not cease. I will always cherish the memories I’ve made here, and I hope to implement the same sense of service and generosity that Shore has taught me into the betterment of the School for future generations. Vitai Lampada Tradunt.

ISDA Debating Report Round 1 vs Kambala

M. D. Kwak

LAST FRIDAY SHORE HOSTED KAMBALA on topics surrounding education, with Shore winning five out of eight debates – an impressive record against a historically strong Kambala side. 

The Primary As and Bs affirmed ‘That Schools Should Not Group Students Based on Ability (i.e. streamed or selective classes)‘, with the As going down valiantly and the Bs securing a well-deserved win. These boys, many of whom are only just beginning their debating journey, should be congratulated for their efforts. 

Our Year 7s smashed their way into the high school debate scene with an impressive victory, affirming ‘That all High School Aged Students Should Complete a Minimum Number of Community Service Hours Each Year.’ The boys were excellent in establishing the imperative and integrity of their case, accompanied by consistent analysis and high-quality responses. Although Kambala spoke well, the realistic characterisation of Shore ultimately led to a close but clear win. My intuition tells me this Year 7 team is one to look out for (maybe even bringing home the coveted Year 7 ISDA trophy). 

Rounding out a fantastic performance from our Junior debaters, Year 8 also clutched up with a dub, affirming the same topic. The boys presented a strong model as well as nuanced and persuasive arguments in favour of high school students doing community service.

Unfortunately, Year 9 went down, affirming ‘That Schools Should Introduce Flexible Learning Options for Students (similar to flexible work arrangements).’ Although the team implemented a clear structure and debated with determination, they will need to work on constructing a more specific model and avoid using examples that are extreme or unlikely. Having personally received this feedback for many, many years (and still working on it), all I can say is that adjudicators never stop going on about it – so do your best to keep your heads cool in a debate and strive to be the most realistic team. 

Year 10 unfortunately went down affirming ‘That Schools Should Focus On Teaching Students Soft Skills (e.g. interpersonal and communication skills and leadership) Over Hard Skills (computer skills, language, maths)’. The team was a formidable opponent against Kambala, demonstrating strong rebuttal. Despite the sentiments of a certain team member expressed in a shockingly salty Instagram Note – this team is undoubtedly a strong one, having reached the finals of this competition last year. Moving forward, I expect to see some wins chalked up on the board. 

Now for the top dogs of Shore debating: the Senior As and Bs. In dominant fashion, both teams secured victories affirming the topic ‘That, as a Parent, We Would Foster Intelligence Over Charisma in Our Child’. Considering the majority of our Senior debaters (excluding ‘Rizz-bear’ Ramon and the everso charismatic Leslie-Vujanovic duo) had evidently prioritised the former over the latter, teams were well-versed in defending the ‘benefits’ of intelligence and dismissing charisma as being ‘overrated’ (really, we were just coping with the fact that we still struggle to talk to girls without bringing up debating or Maths Extension 2). 

Despite no members of the Senior Bs being parents, the 5-man squad consisting of Ramon Zhang, Callum Vujanovic, Eric Qiao, Angus Leslie and Michael Xu channelled their inner daddy for this debate and spoke in a compelling manner down the bench. Undoubtedly influenced by Ms Wolsely’s passionate rants about Australia’s tax brackets, the team provided thoughtful characterisation of the status quo as being inherently capitalist (an all-time adjudicator favourite), thus framing intelligence as being essential to success. A shoutout to Eric ‘E-giant’ Qiao for doing an admirable job at 1st in setting up the team’s case. 

In an excellent and close debate, the Senior As, made up of Daniel Kang, Max Kim, Daniel Liu and Michael Kwak, clutched a dub for Shore. The night was punctuated with excitement – but more importantly, a thirst for revenge. Kambala had beaten this team in last year’s ISDA group stages and did so again, in their semi-finals matchup (it was rumoured that after this particularly traumatic event, Deek broke character by going home and crying himself to sleep). Such historical trauma made the boys’ victory even sweeter. A particular highlight was the team’s careful analysis of how fostering a love for learning and curiosity would both prepare children for their future careers and help them discover their own passions and interests. Drawing upon their infinite repositories of intelligence, the team illustrated how helping children develop their critical thinking and learning skills would foster better relationships with parents. However, this team still needs to work on their preptime skills and maximising charitability to truly transcend into the ISDA champions they are.

Despite winning both debates through perhaps a greater display of intelligence, the Senior As and Bs are unfortunately still searching for ways to improve their ‘rizz’ and would be open to any suggestions from the crowd. 

Next week, Shore faces St Andrews in debates concerning politics. All teams have something to work on, but R1 was a fantastic start to the season for all teams and no doubt a sign of more to come. 

Introducing: your indifferent Senior As defending the bridge.
From L to R: Max ‘looks-maxxing’ Kim, based Kangers, young gun Dan Liu and veteran speaker Kwakers

Let’s Talk About: The Belt And Road Initiative

What The Policy is and Catching up on Recent Developments

D. H. Kang

When I first saw articles on The One Belt One Road initiative, it was the coming of a new age. The introduction of an internationally-spanning policy that would re-mould the global paradigm. A couple of years have passed, but I seem to rarely hear new information or see anything on my news feed. So here is an explanation of what it is and an update on the situation.

Let’s start with some introductory descriptions. The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is a global development infrastructure project originally proposed in 2013. According to the initiative, its five major priorities are policy coordination, infrastructure connectivity, unimpeded trade, financial integration and connecting people. The infrastructure looks like building roads, railways, airports, power plants, and telecommunication networks in developing countries in need of economic stimulus. As of now, the number of countries that have joined the initiative number over 151.

If you think that the name Belt and Road rings a bell, it was coined, drawing upon inspiration from the Silk Road that connected China to the Mediterranean via Eurasia, trading silk, tea, dyes and porcelain for gold, honey and wine.

It’s clear that China is advancing national interests, and this policy is a way of building its soft power in developing nations that would affect the outcome of voting and political sidings in international committees like the United Nations. It can be seen as an act of legitimising China’s model of governmental and economic development that differs from the democratic system of government promulgated by the West. 

Yet simultaneously, it has brought some undeniable benefits. Infrastructure has brought stronger, more efficient supply chains, access from rural areas to key facilities like hospitals and education in urban areas, and important fiscal stimulation, creating jobs and employment opportunities. Studies from the World Bank show that the BRI could increase trade flows by 4.1% and cut the cost of global trade by 1.1–2.2%. See Michael’s article on trade from the SWR Archives (2021??) on the benefits and costs of trade.

There is no doubt that BRI has sparked heated debate about how countries like Australia should deal with such a policy. The U.S. government has alleged that the Belt and Road Initiative is a form of Debt-Trap Diplomacy, which as the name suggests, lends out a sum of money or investment in the form of a loan that the opposing party is unable to pay back, resulting in a never-ending cycle of piling debt. However, many refute such accusations. Research from Deborah Brautigam, a political economist from John Hopkins University and Meg Rithmire from Harvard Business School points out that up till now, “Chinese banks are willing to restructure the terms of existing loans and have never actually seized an asset from any country, much less the port of Hambantota.” Rather, the system of lending resembles that of Western lending frameworks like the IMF.

Others have pointed out ecological issues that arise from such an initiative. For example, the Emba Hunutlu power station in Turkey is being built as part of the BRI and is obviously not great for the environment. Critics have reasonably pointed out that China may have motivations to outsource pollution to less economically developed areas like Serbia. In 2017, Xi Jinping stated the BRI would “pursue the new vision of green development and a way of life that is green, low-carbon, circular and sustainable.” A later report by the United Nations Development Programme and CCIEE portrays the potential environmental benefits of the BRI, insofar as it provides green trade, finance, and investment, which it has begun to adopt. 

Over time, however, the initiative’s pace has changed. From 2013 to 2023, China has inked roughly one trillion USD for infrastructure and investment with partner nations. However, things haven’t gone as planned. In August 2022, China stated that the loans of 17 African nations would be forgiven, which surfaces some of the underlying problems; investing large sums of money in countries with the inability to pay it back is inevitably unsustainable. The original plans to spend brazen amounts of money have slowly mellowed out, and the Chinese government’s outlook has now changed. Foreign lending has decreased ever since 2016. Mr Xi claims that the BRI will now focus on “small but beautiful” investments, a significant change in the previously brazenly ambitious tone of the initiative. This is also in part due to China’s recent economic slowdown (see Brad’s article last Term for more).

Only time will tell us the conclusion of the BRI. Stay informed and make your own judgements based on evidence.

An example of transportational infrastructure built as part of the BRI.

A railway in Kenya linking a large part of East Africa to a major port on the Indian Ocean as part of the BRI.

2024: The Ultimate Election Year

H. A. G. Longstaff

NATIONAL ELECTIONS are scheduled or expected in at least 64 countries during 2024, as well as the European Union, which together represent almost half of the global population.

These elections will define the shape of the world and geopolitics for the second half of the 2020s, including several of critical importance to Australia’s relationship with the world.  

Notionally, such an outburst of democracy would seem like an encouraging sign. But a quick survey highlights the somewhat peripatetic walk of the peoples’ will.

India, with a population of 1.44 billion, represents the largest free and fair election in the history of the world. It will define India’s future under Hindu nationalist Narendra Modi, who has served as India’s 14th Prime Minister since 2014, as well as India’s position as a counterweight to China.  

Map of countries that have an election in 2024

Indonesia is a diverse island archipelago, the world’s largest Muslim democracy and a vital regional player. Its 279 million people go to the polls on Valentine’s Day to replace the termed-out President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo, who is still popular but cannot run again. Indonesia represents one of the great democratic success stories since the military-led presidencies ended after Suharto’s fall in 1998. Australia has invested significantly in Indonesia’s democracy, and this remains one of our great foreign policy success stories.

Despite losing ‘showman’ Boris Johnson, the U.K. election will be closely watched, although if polls are right, it will mark the end of a somewhat chaotic 14 years of Conservative rule with a Labour victory and a Prime Ministership for Sir Kier Starmer.

I am sure that SWR readers have missed the elephant in the room… that there is an election for 341 million Americans on 5 November. While the most consequential, it is hard to conclude now that this contest is between the lesser of two evils. There seems to be a likely competition between President Biden, who would be the oldest President ever elected and was recently described by a Special Prosecutor as a “well-meaning, elderly man with a poor memory”, and President Trump, a man of dubious integrity currently facing several prosecutions. 

Trump and Biden are likely to face off in the 2024 election.

Countries where democracy is fragile will also go to the polls.  

These include South Africa, where Nelson Mandela’s extraordinary democratic legacy has been trashed by corruption, nepotism and a lack of accountability within his African National Congress party. The next election may represent their last best hope, but signs are not promising.

Democracy in Pakistan also hangs by a thread as the country’s most popular politician, former Prime Minister Imran Khan, sits in jail, while his party has been suppressed and his supporters arrested in the run-up to February’s election.

Other elections are free and fair in name only but can still be worth watching.

Vladimir Putin is embarking upon a sure-win election campaign and has been ruthlessly suppressing opposition, but the March results of Russia’s 144 million people may still contain (if honest results are ever published) something of a referendum on his Ukraine invasion and the impact of Western sanctions.

Kim Jong-un and Putin in a North Korean-Russian bilateral conference.

North Korea’s people vote on 10 April, and it will be a surprise if Kim Jong Un, North Korea’s ‘Dear Leader’, receives a vote of less than 99.9% of his oppressed ‘hermit kingdom’. The comparison could not be greater to South Korea, whose democratic rise since the 1950s from the ashes of the Korean War (still only in ceasefire, not peace) has delivered a vibrant and wealthy country. Ironically, their election is also on 10 April.

Passionate election watchers can also keenly follow elections in Chad, Azerbaijan, Tunisia, Iceland, Belarus, Kiribati and Togo. Tuvalu, with a population of only 11,396 (less than the number of Shore Old Boys but with the same number of United Nations votes as China), will be the smallest country to vote in 2024.

My conclusion: Democracies remain vital. But the allure of power, the fragmentation caused by social media and a fall in the trust and respect for institutions means that we can expect unusual and unexpected results.  Hold onto your seats.

Are You Feeling Bored? Pt. 2

Fun Games Not to Play in Class

C. D. Michel

WHILE I ALREADY COVERED THE MAJORITY OF THE MAINSTREAM GAMES that I haven’t seen played at School in part 1, it appeared to me that it was not enough. Clearly some people’s attention span has been degraded by Instagram Reel’s morbid short videos, and they need more things to do to keep themselves entertained once they get home from School ;). So I’ve burdened myself for your entertainment, and provided more of my personal favourites.

Funnily enough, all these games are coincidentally unblocked on School Wi-Fi (not that it means anything). 

The Holy Wikipedia Game. While researching for this article, I found this game amongst the holy grails for boredom killers. For those unfortunate enough to have never heard of the Wikipedia game, I’ll give you a brief explanation of the rules. It’s more fun playing with your friends, so grab them right now and read. If you don’t have any friends, that’s fine, you can opt for single player. The game starts with all players on one Wikipedia article. It can be any page: Mike Tyson, Principality of Schwarzburg-Sondershausen, or Pop-Tarts; it does not matter. The aim of the game is to end up at a specific Wikipedia page, just through your navigation of the hyperlinks. The first person to reach the specific chosen page wins all. For example, if you decided to play a game starting at Marshmallows and ending at Bees, you could use the hyperlinks, ‘Corn-Starch’ to ‘Sugar’ to ‘Honey’ to ‘Bees’. The good thing about this game is that it doesn’t scream “I’m off task” to anyone walking by, unlike Cool Maths Games or Poki.com, etc. When people see you playing, they think you are some insightful Wikipedia nerd.  Perfect for places where you get in trouble for playing games, such as…uhh I’m not sure. Furthermore, this game breaks relationships, builds spite and creates long-lasting competition unmatched by any sport or historical war. So, have fun!

While the Wikipedia game makes you look like a genius scouring long articles, Minesweeper will actually make you a genius. (Play hard mode – the others are not fun, and a monkey could complete easy/medium difficulty modes). Minesweeper gives you first-hand experience on the war field, digging out mines in Google’s flower/water-lily garden. For those planning a career in the military, this would be a perfect way to spend your time. If this gets too frustrating and time consuming, try letter-boxed. While simple, it is nice and quick. It’s a game based on your ability to find anagrams and words out of jumbled up-letters.

Finished screen of Google’s empty water-lily garden once all the mines have been swept. 

Forget downloading Flappy Bird, Snake, or Tabby Cat when on the Chrome Web Store. Run straight to Tetrys – the best extension on the Chrome Web Store by far. This little extension is a dime. Just the thought of it brings back distinct memories of Year 10 Geography and English class… study time at home. How nostalgic. While the game is simple and based on the original Tetris from 1984, be careful: this game is a time traveller. Let me explain: after finishing what feels like 20 minutes of playing this game, the day will be over. BE WARNED.

Another one for the Hall of Fame: the dinosaur game. Just turn your Wi-Fi off and open Google. This innocent and pure game, while not being the most complicated or intricate game, really gets your heart going. Dodging pterodactyls, jumping over cacti, inverting colours, I mean, what more could you want?

While I was about to end this article here, I thought it would be rude not to include some more Cool-Maths Games recommendations. Slice Master – I mean, the reviews speak for themselves. “#3 in top 10” (Cool Maths Games), “I think I’m addicted, I’m level 2,000, I love it” (Matt George Y12). This game is one of those TikTok games which take up half the screen on an Andrew Tate, or Impaulsive video, so it’s bound to be fun. Or you can play Blue, Pink, Green, Fruit Ninja, Run 3 and the other 1,723 games on Cool Maths Games. 

However, I’d like to paraphrase my previous article by stating how these games should not be played in class 😉 and disrupt your attention from important matters ;). Plus, the only way these games are intended to make your day go by quicker is because of your sheer anticipation to play them at home ;), and you will find much more enjoyment going outside ;). 

POV: You during class, answering questions and paying attention, while not playing games.

Drugs Can Help

Medicine’s Double-Edged Sword Just Got Even Sharper

A. J. Li

WHAT DO YOU FIRST THINK OF WHEN YOU HEAR THE WORD “DRUGS?” There is no doubt that the word “drugs” has acquired quite a negative connotation in the modern vernacular. But now, these same drugs so often associated with shady dealings and illegal activities are now being used as a legitimate medical treatment in Australia – for the first time anywhere in the world.

Specifically, MDMA, known by recreational users as ecstasy, as well as psilocybin, the drug found in magic mushrooms, were legalised for prescription in their pure forms in July last year by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). They were approved on the basis of their conjectured efficacy in acting as an assistant therapy for those suffering from complex post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and treatment-resistant depression. Despite being legalised mid-last year, the first dosages were only administered in late January in Melbourne. With new clinics opening up and advertising this new treatment, the debate has only grown fiercer over whether or not the TGA is truly looking out for the welfare of patients and whether the decision to legalise such drugs is grounded in empirical evidence or political pressure.

It is important to note that the new treatment is not a general treatment. It is not a new standard for treating patients suffering from emotional trauma. Only a subset of particularly affected patients suffering from PTSD and treatment-resistant depression whose current therapies are making minimal progress in their rehabilitation can qualify for MDMA or psilocybin treatment. According to Ted Cassidy, a Sydney psychiatrist whose patient was one of the few who underwent the new MDMA treatment in Melbourne, the drug can help highly traumatised patients who are too anxious to think about their past, let alone discuss it with a therapist, leaving traditional therapeutic methods ineffective. MDMA relaxes such patients and “reduces the fear centres” to allow for better communication and addressing of their trauma. The use of MDMA in a controlled medical environment is also vastly different to its well-known use at parties and other such activities. In a controlled setting, the drug is non-addictive and does not cause any other adverse effects, which are usually caused by substance abuse and mixing at parties. So far, the patients who have undergone the treatment are responding well. They are more calm and more willing to talk, which are crucial steps in addressing such trauma and improving their rehabilitation. 

In light of the TGA’s approval, specialty clinics are also opening up to solely facilitate psychotherapies involving the approved MDMA and psilocybin drugs. For example, Clarion Clinics, a dedicated facility for such treatments, received over 250 expressions of interest from patients in its first week. Due to the specialty nature of the treatment, the screening process is also aptly rigorous. Prospective patients must first meet the clinical diagnosis for PTSD or treatment-resistant depression and have already tried an approved pre-existing treatment without success. They must then complete an online medical screening and personally meet with psychiatrists from the clinic to undergo further psychiatric and physical assessments. Only then are they enrolled in the program if deemed eligible. The treatment process itself involves taking the medication and spending several hours with therapists. Further meetings are then carried out with therapists without the drug being administered to discuss the previous existence and make rehabilitative progress. The whole programme’s dosage comes to around one dose per month.

But although the drugs are there only to help and facilitate the therapy (i.e. the drugs are not the cure), there is still a lot of scepticism and fear that the treatment has too many unknowns and is simply not ready for widespread clinical use. Some members of The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists believe not enough research from clinical trials was gathered to justify the TGA’s decision to approve the drugs. Data such as length of efficacy, which patients will respond to the treatment, and further use of the drugs in conjunction with other treatments is lacking. Although some patients, such as Cassidy’s, may respond well to the novice treatment, it is important to note that this is in no way guaranteed for all people who end up using the drug. Thus, further research and data are needed to improve the screening process to make sure that only people who are completely eligible for the treatment receive it, and not individuals who may be vulnerable to it. These concerns are further exacerbated by fears that the TGA only approved this treatment in the first place due to intense pressure from lobby-groups instead of health experts and empirical evidence. “It seems the TGA has yielded to pressure from the public and lobby groups to increase access to these experimental treatments, outside of clinical trials,” said writers, led by Professor Susan Rossell, a cognitive neuropsychologist at Swinburne’s Centre for Mental Health. This has also led to ethical debate surrounding the price tag of MDMA prescriptions and treatment. For Clarion Clinics, the full package costs up to $24,000, where the psychotherapy component accounts for around 85% of the total cost. Could pro-psychedelic lobby groups be jeopardising the wellbeing of emotionally weak and distressed patients for profits? It is a hardly palatable idea, but with such a steep price for treatment and the research not being 100% solid yet, there is definitely some suspicion and exasperation from mental health experts about the true intentions of many pro-psychedelic clinics, which could lead to serious adverse effects in patients if the process is faulty.

With all the buzz surrounding MDMA as a new treatment for extreme PTSD, it is important to remember that mental health problems are extremely common and that the treatment involving such drugs is being used as a quasi-last resort; it is in no way a mainstream treatment. For many, the best way to start and continue the process of internal healing is simply to talk to someone about it.

The Questions We Refuse to Face

Hide and Seek with the Truth

C. N. Vujanovic

WE ARE SCARED OF THE UNKNOWN. Questions, by their very definition, are unknown, and so we are scared of them.

Let me ask you a few questions:

1. Are we truly free in making our choices or are our actions predetermined? This may be through the interplay of genetics, environment, and possibly divine will…

2. Is morality a societal construct? Is it based on evolution or God’s will? Does it even exist?

3. Is there an objective purpose to our existence, or do we create our own meaning?

4. Is A.I. conscious?

These questions are unique in that they have been asked and thought about for millennia with seemingly no collective agreement. These questions contrast to the type of questions that can be answered with a microscope. These questions are those that transcend empirical investigation, scientific analysis, and the boundaries of what can be observed and measured.

See, there are broadly two types of questions. There is How? and there is Why?

How? is answered by scientific inquiry whereas, despite human effort, looking closer at a human brain does not tell us anything about our moral compass. Similarly, scientific questioning both does not and cannot tell us whether God exists because, if God does exist, God is by definition ‘supernatural’, or, in other words, outside the realm of scientific investigation. 

In contrast, Why? seeks to understand the reasons behind things. For example, the ‘how’ might explain the biological mechanisms that contribute to feelings of calmness – the neurochemical synthesis and release of serotonin. However, the scientific ‘how’ does not fully account for the personal, subjective experience of these feelings. The subjective experience of any feeling, or ‘what it is like’ to experience something, cannot be accounted for (at this stage) by science because it is only accessible by introspection. Philosophers typically refer to it as ‘Qualia’.

There exists many theories to explain qualia but, as with all ‘why’ questions, there inevitably remains debate. If there is room for debate there will be debate. Some would go further and say that if there is debate there are two conclusions. One, these questions do not have answers. Secondly, and following from one, these questions are not worth asking.

For some, these questions are childish or even foolish. 

I disagree.

I disagree with those who argue that these questions do not have answers. Consider, if there are answers to the questions of whether we are free, whether God exists or whether there are ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ actions, then these questions are the most important questions in the world. Yet, even if there are no answers, these questions are nonetheless  important for innumerable reasons. Here are three:

1. The ‘why’ question itself underscores its significance. The meta-inquiry – a question about the value of questions – reflects a fundamental part of how we navigate our existence. 

2. Engaging with these questions cultivates a profound sense of wonder in the universe. This wonder can, in turn, promote a meaningful life, that is – unless it leads you to stare nihilistic dread in the eyes.

3. It fosters critical thinking and reflective skills. By considering various answers to these questions it grows a nuanced perspective, a crucial skill in an increasingly polarised world.

In a world where the humanities are increasingly devalued in lieu of STEM it is important that they are both valued. Martin Cox, previously a Professor at Oxford, encapsulates this sentiment compellingly.

Paraphrasing his words: “If we get science wrong there are tragic consequences. Buildings collapse, planes crash, people die. But, if we get the humanities wrong, get literature, politics, or religion wrong then society crumbles. It is the difference between the tragic death of thousands and the death of society itself. Both are interdependent and essential.”

Nonetheless, because of the recent decline or degradation in the popularity of the humanities, I would argue that they need special attention. A revival of sorts. 

Intrigued? If so, or even if you are just a tad curious, you are not alone. Perhaps consider it predetermined, a sort of destiny, that you have read this article, that you find it interesting, and that you want to find out more. Could it be that your purpose in life was to read these words and question further? Are you at this very moment procrastinating from doing School work by reading the Shore Weekly Record? Perhaps imagining that Chat GPT will do your homework later for you? 

Hmm, I would imagine that is fine. A.I. is not alive or conscious… is it? Is it? If it was, would that mean you are complicit in unpaid labour…? (unless you have GPT-4, of course.) 

Shore’s very own Agora Philosophy Club is currently delving into a three part series on A.I. If you want to have a clear conscience every time you use Chat GPT, come along on Thursday Lunchtime at 8-G-3, to stare in the eyes, the questions we refuse to face.

Basketball Report

Week 11 Term 1 2024

The Firsts went into their game against Sydney Boys High (SBHS), looking to build some momentum with back-to-back wins. Shore has put together a better season than the men from Moore Park from a wins and losses standpoint, but SBHS is always a tricky fixture, and the game started nervily as a result, with SBHS getting in front early before Shore clawed their way back to hold a slender 17 – 15 lead at the end of the first quarter. From here, Shore’s aggressive, full-court defence led by Nick W and Eddie S began to see Shore put together a number of scoring runs, with SBHS struggling to get the ball into the hands of their big men at the pointy end of the court. The result, in the end, was a comfortable 88 – 52 victory for Shore, with Julian R once again topping the scorers with 29 and late-season revelation Eddie S chipping in with 15 of his own.

The Seconds game was a much more straightforward affair, with Shore surging into a 24 – 16 lead at the end of the first quarter and never looking like relinquishing it before running away in a dominant second half to win 9 – 53. Adam A topped the scorers with 19, but the team really shared the points around with Kai T, Jack H, Ben B and James E all making it into double digits.

Outside the GPS teams, this was a strong week for Shore, with all age groups winning at least 50 percent of their games and most considerably higher than that. Clearly the week off meant that boys came back well-rested and ready to play! Congratulations to Mr Patterson on the 13Is, who had his first win as a Shore coach, as well as to the 13s age group as a whole, who opened their account with a dominant eight wins from ten with a cumulative score of 342 – 97. We are expecting great things from the class of ’29!

Player of the Week: Markos K exploded with 20 points to lead the 14Fs to a 36 – 17 win over High. 

Team of the Week: The 16Gs were the only team to travel to Trinity this week (and I think the only team to play Trinity this year) and came away with an impressive 28 – 20 win, meaning that there is at least one school we have not lost to this year!

Top image: Team of the Week 16Gs celebrate their win over Trinity

Mr G Davis
MIC Basketball

Results

Surfing Report

Week 3 Term 1 2024

The surf conditions were smaller than the past two weeks, but the wind was light, and there were some great waves on offer. After a lengthy warm-up surf, the boys were paired up for a two-man tag-team competition. Each team had 16 minutes for both surfers to catch two waves each. Second wave score was doubled. This event is great training for the upcoming Battle of the Boards against Knox.

Following the tag-team, the boys competed in a 5 minute 1 wave heat, which was taken out by Noah K.

Mr J McClelland
MIC Surfing

Results

Top image: Max W

Surf Lifesaving Report

Week 3 Term 1 2024

After windy and choppy conditions all week at Long Reef, Shore Surf Lifesaving (SLS) enjoyed excellent weather and surf conditions for Saturday SLS, with sunshine and a very fun, clean 2-foot wave. All boys were able to work on both their water and beach events and were focused on their preparation for next week’s Barker College Carnival, where they hope to retain the Bungan – Whale Challenge Cup.

We were also delighted to welcome two very special guests to Long Reef. Dr and Mrs Collier chose an excellent morning to visit the boys. They enjoyed a tour of the new Clubhouse from Long Reef SLSC Club Captain Tony O’Brien before spending time on the beach interacting with the boys and parents, spectating events, and discussing weekly roles and responsibilities with the Patrol Team. The boys were very proud to showcase all that they do at Long Reef each week.

Year 7 and 8 Nippers

The nippers are developing their board skills, with some testing conditions during the week. Most boys were able to make it out the back on Wednesday despite a very strong onshore wind pushing the waves at regular intervals.

On Saturday, the boards were out again, with several events held, before the boys finished the session with a bodysurf in the flags. The following results were recorded:

Year 9 and 10 Intermediate

The Intermediate Group has gone from strength to strength this Term, with the introduction of a group of competitive and very competent Year 9s. All of the Year 10 boys now have their Bronze Medallion, Provide First Aid, Provide CPR and Advanced Resuscitation Techniques certificates and are now on the regular Patrol roster each Saturday. Nevertheless, there is still plenty of time for them to continue developing their skills and taking part in competitive events. The following results were recorded on Saturday:

Year 11 Seniors

The Seniors enjoyed excellent conditions on Saturday, with an average-sized swell, light winds and an open beach. They made the most of these conditions, spending most of their time in water events, including swim races, board paddling, pairs board race and team relays. The boys also rotated through their other SLS responsibilities including acting as Water Safety for the younger age groups and completing their rostered Patrol.

The following results were recorded in competitive events:

Final Dates of the season:

Top image: Dr and Mrs Collier with Shore SLS Seniors

Mr G Jones
Acting MIC SLS

Tennis Report

Round 11 – Sydney Boys High School (SBHS)

Firsts Report

The Shore Firsts tennis team showed their class and resilience in a comprehensive 9 – 0 victory over SBHS at Northbridge on Saturday. The win was a strong bounce back from a disappointing 4 – 5 loss to Joeys last week, which snapped our unbeaten streak. The Shore players were determined to make amends and put on a dominant display of tennis, winning all six singles and three doubles matches without dropping a set. In all six sets of doubles, Shore dropped just four games. Ari G and Josh P started strong with a rapid 6 – 0 6 – 0 victory in doubles, with Ari G following up with another 6 – 0
6 – 0 in his singles. Felix H and Ollie W showed their dominance as one of, if not the best, double pair in the GPS with a 6 – 1 6 – 0 win against a competent SBHS opposition. With Felix subsequently winning his singles 6 – 0 6 – 0. This strong display of Shore’s firepower is a warning that we are strong contenders for the GPS premiership. This victory places Shore in the leading position by 9 points with three rounds remaining. Our goal now is to test our limits and extend this lead as much as possible. 

Zachary L
Firsts Captain

Seconds Report

On Saturday, the Seconds, with much anticipation and energy, came out victorious against an improved and highly competitive SBHS side, ending the day with a nice 8 – 1 victory.

Two aggressive doubles matches played by no. 2 and no. 3 pairs were stellar in setting the tone for the day. A rocky start from Connor F and Chris M put the team in potential jeopardy, losing a ‘hard to watch’ first set. A reminder and homage to the legacy duo’s first match together, which happened three years ago on the same court wherein they won from a set and double breakdown, inspired the two to fight back with all they had, the pair winning the super tiebreaker 10 – 6 despite Connor F’s evident shoulder pain.

A flawless singles match from Oliver C B inspired the team to follow in a similar fashion, with Oliver D-K, George G and Charlie M all winning swiftly, ‘with style,’ some might even say.

We wish Connor F a speedy recovery with his shoulder and hope he is back in full health for our match next week. Whilst our lead on the table is handsome, we will need to continue to maintain our health and fitness as well as a positive mentality.

Chris M
Seconds Captain

U16s Report

This weekend’s tennis was a very close contest against SBHS. The 16A’s tied 3 – 3 with great performances in both the singles and doubles from A1, Chris H and A2, Lachie A. The 16Bs and 16Cs were a close loss with scores of 2 – 4 despite a valiant effort from all players. Congratulations to the 16Ds, who secured a convincing 5 – 1 victory. The boys played well in the hot weather and played their hardest against tough opponents.

Ralphie F
U16 player

U15s Report

This week was a difficult matchup versus SBHS, with unfortunate losses for the As and Bs alike. However, the Cs and Ds produced more promising results as they managed to get some consistent wins in singles across the board, most notably with a great tiebreak performance from Luca W, just edging his opponent. However, there was one standout from the Bs squad with a thrashing from Isaac M, displaying excellent sportsmanship and technique. Overall, it was a great effort from the boys, and I wish them all luck for their matches next week.

Michael H
U15 player

U14s Report

All in all, it was a competitive weekend against SBHS. The 14Bs were plagued with illness, leading to some last-minute changes to the line-up. This didn’t do anything to dampen the spirit of the 14s, who played well in the heat. Extra special thanks to Daniel W and Tom H who not only played in the 14Bs as well as their matches in the Cs and Ds squads. Alan Z should also be commended for his move from the Cs to the Bs, making some strong plays in both singles and doubles. Daniel demonstrated his skill at the net, duelling in doubles on more than one occasion for some closely contested points. While Tom H was hitting some well-struck forehands that left his opponent outplayed, unfortunately however, the scoreline did not match the performance as SBHS outplayed us on their home ground. Tom B clinched a nail-biter, knocking his opponent out in the tie-beak 7 – 4. A solid follow up to his 6 – 2 win with doubles partner Zai C in doubles. Despite the heat, everyone had a good time and left Moore Park with a smile on their faces – ready to hit the reset and prepare for training this week. No doubt next week’s matches will be hard fought as the Shore 14s look to take a win.

Mr N Daunt Watney
U14 Coach

Water Polo Match Reports

Thirds

The Thirds got off to a red-hot start with 3 goals in the first quarter, giving us a comfortable lead that we would hold for the duration of the game. Chris T scored one of his best goals, and Hudson B was on a double. Thomas W really found his grove and fired off multiple shots at goals with impressive strength. Hudson B ended up on 5 goals for the match, which is impressive considering he played less than half the match! Jack B was solid as always in the goals and threw some lovely passes to set up goals. The boys let King’s have 2 consolation goals in the last quarter, a humble display of sportsmanship. 

Mr Craig
Thirds Coach

14Bs

The 14Bs Water Polo side had an excellent match on Saturday against St Aloysius College (Aloys). After a big week of training, we knew what we needed to do to get the win! Toby H and Charlie T started off the game strong with some forward offence, allowing us to get a steady 2 – 0 start. Fin M and Louis W’s defensive work ensured that the side was kept to nil at the quarter. In the second quarter, the Shore side managed to score 3 more goals, with Will P and Oscar C doing an excellent job at centre forward. The third quarter was steady going, with another 4 goals being scored thanks to Charlie C and Fin M’s excellent passes, allowing Riley to score 2 of the goals. The final quarter ended up being closer; however, the determination of Cyan C as goalkeeper kept the score of Aloys to zero, with the final score being 10 – 0. Excellent performance from the boys, and the coaches are very excited to see a similar performance next week!

Mr D Kovacs
14Bs Coach

Results from Saturday 17 February 2024

Miss Z Dowdell
MIC Water Polo

Top image: Harrison T scores for the 13As