Message from the Headmaster

Dear Students, Parents and Carers

There is a long history of Shore deploying expertise for the assistance of staff and, therefore, through them, the benefit of our students. We enjoy a very productive engagement with the Faculty of Education at the University of NSW. Our English Department continues to benefit from an ongoing relationship with a Professor of English at Sydney University. Other departments establish specific connections at points of need with our various universities in Sydney and, over time, with Harvard University, which has been at the forefront of learning theory in recent decades. We wish to dig deeply into evidence-based research.

Currently, Shore is being gifted a wonderful opportunity by two scholars-in-residence, Professor Trevor and Dr Margaret Cooling, whose complementary expertise covers the years of Prep and Senior School, the humanities and the sciences (including the so-called soft and hard sciences). Professor Cooling is Emeritus Professor of Christian Education at Canterbury Christ Church University in the United Kingdom. 

Both Drs Cooling major on good pedagogy, i.e. the art and craft of excellent teaching. Professor Cooling, in particular, is a very experienced figure in the vital field of Character Education. Both these issues are critical to Shore. Professor Cooling argues for the importance of teaching students to think well in a world pervaded by interpretation. He argues for the rigorous teaching of knowledge and interpretation of its application to the real world. He stresses the importance of exploring what it means to be human. In terms of Christian Education, he argues for giving students room for disagreement as they think through a diversity of viewpoints. He says “I propose that this process of discovering meaning and judging significance is essentially what education is all about. Schools should be equipping pupils to participate in this activity, which characterises what it means to be human”. He opposes a notion of schooling which simply hands down proclaimed truth from on high, without any engagement with propositions by students. Professor Cooling argues for an open and inclusive approach to Christian Education which allows students to exercise agency.

Professor Cooling’s approach is grounded in the Scriptures: “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” (Philippians 4:8)

Shore, in the company of many Anglican schools, has enjoyed a long-term relationship of around 15 years with Professor Cooling, during which time he has consistently been at Shore or engaging with Shore staff. We regard ourselves as fortunate in this respect, as both Professor Trevor and Dr Margaret Cooling are in demand throughout Australia. 

International Opportunity

Congratulations to our Captain of Debating, Michael Kwak, who has been invited to the World Schools Debating Championships in Belgrade in July.  

Dr John Collier
Headmaster

Careers Expo – Thank You

Thank you to everyone for supporting the Lower North Shore Career Expo this week. It certainly was a huge event with estimates of around 1500-2000 people attending. The addition of the “Human Library” allowed families to talk to current tertiary students and professionals across 40 career areas, which proved to be a great success, resulting in many meaningful conversations. We are so grateful to our participants for giving up their valuable time and sharing their stories. There were over 65 exhibitors from universities, private colleges, gap years, Consulates, Government and industry bodies which gave consistently positive feedback as to the quality of the questions asked by students and their respectful manner.

We are so fortunate to work with wonderful staff at Shore, and a massive thank you goes to Mrs Matilda Slade, who led the Events Team, including Mrs Catherine Cambridge and Mrs Lara Krawchuck, in making it happen. Thank you to the Student Careers Committee who were instrumental in showing guests where to go, Mr Huw Blood, Mr Brendan Morris and Barry House students and staff for managing the BBQ, the Facilities for all their work in setting up carpets, tables and chairs and transforming the basketball courts into an incredible display of opportunities, and IT and catering. A special thanks to Mrs Belinda Wilde and Mrs Danielle Wallis in the Careers team who worked extremely hard to ensure the event was a success and are a joy to work with.

Please complete the feedback form so we can make next year even better.

Ms V Shirriff
Head of Careers Education

Mothers’ Day Stall

We would like to express our immense gratitude to SPA volunteer, Ms Leanne McDougall (Sam – Year 8, Tom – Year 11), for stepping up to the plate and taking over the Mothers’ Day Stall this year with such grace and efficiency.

Leanne kindly took over the Mother’s Day Stall at the very last minute. She was able to source a wide variety of high-quality gifts in a short amount of time, storing all her purchases in the spare bedroom. She then spent the school holidays wrapping everything herself. She also produced the Mother’s Day Brochure on her own. This was Leanne’s first time running the Stall and we are very grateful for her solo effort!

The boys took their time browsing the beautifully wrapped gifts on offer, making sure they chose the perfect gift to take home.

Thank you also to the happy volunteers who arrived early to help set up and run the stalls – your time is greatly appreciated.

National Boarding Week

National Boarding Week is dedicated to honouring and celebrating the vibrant community that is Boarding School life.

It is our opportunity to reflect on the unique experiences, friendships, and opportunities that Boarding Schools offer. Boarding is more than just a place for students to study and sleep. It’s a home away from home, where lifelong friendships are formed, and where independence and resilience are fostered. It’s about shared study sessions, weekend adventures, and the bonds forged from living and learning together.

We also recognise the dedication of our staff, who work tirelessly to create a supportive and nurturing environment for our students.

To parents, we extend our gratitude for entrusting us with the education and care of your children. Your support and involvement in the Boarding Community enrich the experience for all.

Treasurer and Assistant Treasurer Positions

Role Description

Treasurer and Assistant Treasurer: Appointed for one year in each role.
Volunteer basis – 2 Year Shore Parents’ Association Executive Role
Please forward applications to: spachair@shore.nsw.edu.au

The Shore Parents’ Association (SPA) was established to raise money to buy equipment and fund bursaries, support the school, organise social activities and provide relevant wellbeing seminars to the parent body.

This job requires a person with experience in accounting and Excel spreadsheets. The role does not require the production of Year End Special Purpose Financial Statements as these are prepared by Shore Finance. The Role requires up to 10 hours per week during the School Terms. The first year of appointment will be the Assistant Treasurer role and the second year will be the Treasurer role.

For a full position description and to learn more please contact the SPA Chair at the email address provided.

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.

Thursday 30 May 7.00pm – 9.00pm
Christian Studies Rooms
Light refreshments will be provided
Dress code: Smart Casual
RSVP: trybooking.com/CRRMR

Parking is available in the School Car Park (entry via Hunter Cres). Please forward this to any interested members of the Shore Community.

Study Centre

Shore’s Study Centre has now started again. There are subject-specific sessions before and after School to allow the boys to seek individual help and guidance with their schoolwork. Teachers, sometimes assisted by high-achieving Old Boys, are available according to the published timetable. Study Centre operates on a drop-in basis, and there is no charge. The boys are strongly encouraged to attend.

The ‘Focus On’ programme is part of the Study Centre. It is run by staff in the Educational Services Department who support 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 occasionally 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:

Third Batch Sub-Prefect Induction Ceremony

On Monday 13 May, our Third Batch Sub-Prefects were inducted during Chapel service by the Headmaster Dr John Collier.

Congratulations to:
L-R: Max K, Mitchell C, Zachary L, Jack I S, Angus B, Oliver D, James B, Duncan C, TK K.

Congratulations to the following Sub-Prefects who have been promoted to Prefects:
L-R: Lachie D, Rory C, Nicholas G, Chris M, Alexander S, Alan L, Matthew C, Michael K, Charlie C-J, Ari C.

Progress Meetings

Term 2: Notice To Parents – Years 9 and 11

• Information will be emailed home with all the details.
• Boys are expected to attend.
• No Co-Curricular activities for students who have Progress Meetings.

Mr S Werakso
Staff Professional Co-ordinator

Cover and Contents

Simpler Times

Death and Taxes

Tax is THEFT!! Or is it?

M. D. Kwak

THE CONCEPT OF TAXATION has been around for thousands of years in various forms. In Australia, among others, we have personal income tax, corporate tax, GST and payroll tax. Oh, the injustice! I, for one, dread the day I’ll have to turn over my hard-earned cash to the taxman. 

A poster of a masked robber (symbolising the IRS). Source: SoundCloud

But what do our philosophers have to say about taxation?

For a utilitarian, the most important thing would be aiming for the greatest total happiness for the maximum number of people. In terms of taxation, all people having a modest amount of money would generate more satisfaction in total than if the same total amount of money is concentrated in the hands of a few people. Thus, utilitarians would argue that the redistribution of wealth that taxation serves provides a better outcome overall.

However, extreme rates of tax will reduce investment incentives, which makes it hard to generate sufficient total resources and ensure long-term growth. In other words, too much taxation and redistribution may lead to less utility. Therefore there must be a balance between the ethical side of things and the economic side of things. Here, utilitarianism merely lays down a computational rule. Utilitarians need experts from other disciplines to do the computations for them.

But utilitarianism isn’t the only way of thinking about the ethics of taxation. Rather than computing the amount of utility at the outcome, deontologists think of ethics as laying down absolute moral duties or rules. One common duty is to respect people’s right to property. This could be interpreted to mean that there should be no tax at all – as after all, tax is the forcible transfer of property away from taxpayers in the form of their income. Perhaps taxation is even the theft of one’s labour and time (and can be equated to slavery).

On the other hand, the duty to respect property rights can also be used to argue that people should pay for any social resource they use (e.g. roads, hospitals, the abstract sense of safety provided by a state…), even if one did not ask for those resources to be provided.

But is it realistic to ask people to opt out of using public roads if they don’t want to pay tax? How does one quantify all the tangible and intangible benefits provided by living in a communal society?

For example, in Anarchy, State, and Utopia (1974), Robert Nozick argued that imposed taxation is a violation of our rights. He argued that property is shared initially among people through a process of acquisitions and by exchanges since then. He went on to say that if the initial acquisitions and the subsequent exchanges were just and with consent, then the current distribution of property is just, and it would be unjust to interfere with that distribution by force and without consent. He also said that if people individually agree to pay for things like a police service, that’s fine, but the majority should not force the unwilling minority to contribute.

One such challenge to this idea was by Liam Murphy and Thomas Nagel in The Myth of Ownership: Taxes and Justice (2002). They argued that the state is what gives the stability that allows high incomes to be possible. In a world without government there would be no security of property, no system of enforceable contracts, and so on. Thus, taxation is a price for being able to live in a civil society where making and keeping money is possible. In their opinion, it wouldn’t be that the existing wealth would be distributed differently without a tax-levying state; that wealth would mostly not exist.

A picture metaphorically valorising property rights as the bastion of a futuristic utopia. Source: Google.

So, some level of tax is probably moral. But a more pertinent question is whether progressive tax is morally permissible or not. Most people have an intuitive feeling that it is justified to tax more from the rich, but what are some arguments they give?

If taxation ought to reflect one’s use of public services and facilities, progressive taxation wouldn’t make much sense. At best, wealthy people use public services to an equal extent and in fact, put less strain due to their use of private medical care, education and transport. 

A utilitarian would point to the diminishing marginal return of utility that wealthy people derive from holding onto more of their income, and the necessity of lifting up the quality of life for the most vulnerable. 

A photo of a city. Source: Google

Some see taxation as a means of accounting for luck and ensuring broadly agreeable outcomes like equality. Some may argue that the majority of wealthy people had an unfair advantage from the outset with access to wider opportunities. Perhaps taxation should be used to bridge the gap between that inequality by providing greater opportunities for the deprivileged (even if that comes at the expense of higher taxes for high-income earners).

2024-2025 Budget

A Golden Fleece or Pandora’s Box? (Surely the former…)

D. H. Kang

YES, I KNOW, IT’S THAT TIME OF YEAR AGAIN. BUDGET TIME! Mr Chalmers, our Treasurer, is set to formally deliver the budget for the 2024-2025 year at 7pm. this Tuesday, or by the time you read this, probably Tuesday last. Although not everything is revealed yet (obviously), let’s go through what we do know from the preview:

The elephant in the room shall be cost-of-living support. The name itself is pretty self-explanatory: cost-of-living refers to the amount of money required so basic needs such as housing, food and healthcare are met, and the support bit refers to the changes to stage 3 tax cuts, which was actually announced at the start of this year. Compared to the previous coalition, there are greater tax cuts for the low-income, but also naturally benefit middle-income workers and their families, leaving average families with roughly 1900 dollars more – enough to buy a pretty decent computer or more than ten weeks of groceries. 

We can also somewhat expect energy bill relief as part of an extension of the Energy Bill Relief fund introduced in December 2022. PM Albanese announced a plan to build more solar panels previously as part of a $1.5 billion fund to ease pressure on families and fight inflation due to the power prices shooting upwards as a consequence of Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine.

The government plans to inject $12.3 billion into various housing programs to ease the rental crisis, in which renting affordability has hit a 17 year low. Over a five-year period, $1 billion is to be allocated to emergency accommodation for women and children, $1 billion to build new roads and infrastructure in support of housing, and $9.3 billion to social housing. 

Amongst other things, there is also set to be a wiping of three billion dollars in higher education debt interest for three million Australians by changing the way higher education debt interest is indexed, and for social workers, teachers and nurses, there is set to be a weekly payment of $319.50 during their professional placements.

All these benefits to cost of living are great, but it’s good to keep in mind that there are certain risks to economic pressures and inflation, that may force the Reserve Bank to raise interest rates. 

Aside from cost of living, the Prime Minister last month announced that the federal government would assist industries in boosting manufacturing and lift investment. From what we know, there is one billion dollars set to go into quantum computing, and one point five billion dollars to accelerate Australia’s medical manufacturing. Labour also plans on honing in on renewables, including one billion in the “solar sunshoot” program. In terms of defence capabilities, Defence Minister Richard Marles illustrated a new national defence strategy, involving an additional $5.7 billion into the military over the next four years and a whopping $50 billion dollars in the next decade. Stay tuned.

Is the Future as Bleak as it Seems?

Or will the upward arc of progress save us all?

H. A. G. Longstaff

ACCORDING TO RIDLEY, OUR GENERATION IS AMONG THE LEAST OPTIMISTIC IN HISTORY. It’s said we’re the first to anticipate being less affluent than our parents. Housing is in crisis, with today’s average house costing 17 times the average income, compared to nine times in 1990. Birth rates have plummeted, with US fertility now at a mere 1.68 babies per woman—below the level needed for population replacement. And then there’s the looming spectre of climate catastrophe—echoed by the unforgettable words of Greta Thunberg: “You have stolen my dreams and my childhood with your empty words.”

Maybe other generations have also been bleak. Children growing up in the Cold War reportedly felt that they could be obliterated at any moment. Of course there are many still for whom just getting a meal a day is a struggle.

Yet, on any assessment, the world has never been better. We are wealthier, healthier, happier, kinder, more peaceful, more equal and longer-lived than any previous generation. A 2010 book by Matt Ridley, ‘The Rational Optimist’, covered this incredibly well.

Let’s look at a few statistics over time:

Wealthier: data from 1820 tell us that ¾ of the world lived in extreme poverty almost wherever they lived, whereas today it is less than 8 percent (using the UN’s measure), with most of these in Africa.

Healthier: For most of human history, around 1 in 2 newborns died before reaching the age of 15. By 1950, that figure had declined to around one-quarter globally. By 2020, it had fallen to 4 percent.

Happier: In 1900, the average American spent 76 percent of his income on food, clothing and shelter, yet today, that is 37 percent, with the balance free for the pursuit of happiness.

More Peaceful: Since 1800, more than 37 million people worldwide have died while actively fighting in war, not including civilians which, would have doubled this number at least. But only 1 percent of these deaths have been since 1945.

Advancing Equity: Progress toward gender equality is evident worldwide, with significant improvements in various aspects of female welfare. Whether it’s suffrage, educational achievements, health standards, or economic prosperity, women’s empowerment measures have seen substantial advancement. For instance, global female educational attainment has surged 50 percent since 1900, although progress remains uneven across regions. While Western Countries have made considerable strides, areas like Africa and the Middle East have experienced slower progress, albeit with accelerating momentum since 1980.

Extended Lifespan: In 1900, the average life expectancy of a newborn was 32 years. By 2021, this had more than doubled to 71 years.

So is there a cause to be so glum?

Technology has been the defining solution to the advancement of humanity. The printing press allowed the distribution of knowledge and standardisation of language, and the Industrial Revolution harnessed steam power to transform the industry. Agriculture has been transformed by genetic engineering and fertiliser technology so that a country such as India, once feared caught in a Malthusian trap, is now a net exporter of grains. It was only 66 years between the Wright Brothers’ first powered flight and Man’s Landing on the Moon. PCs and the latest generation of transformers have changed the world forever, driven ceaselessly forward in capability by Moore’s Law. I could go on.

There is an arguable case that technology can and will develop to continue the arc of human progress and address the challenges of our age, especially climate change. Technology can and will improve lives and solve problems with artificial intelligence at the vanguard.

I, for one, am a rational optimist.

Machiavellian Politics

Enduringly Relevant or Awfully Unsuccessful?

E. Y. Nam

NICCOLO MACHIAVELLI was a man of his time. In the annals of political thought, few figures loom as large as the titular man himself, known for his controversial philosophy and often named the “founder of modern political science”. Born in Florence during the Renaissance, Machiavelli witnessed first-hand the tumultuous power struggles that characterised Italian city-states of the era. It was within this cauldron of political turmoil that Machiavelli crafted his enduring masterpieces, “The Prince” and “Discourses on Levy”. Inspired by observations of the ruthless machinations of rulers such as Cesare Borgia, Machiavelli sought to distil the essence of effective leadership in a world fraught with uncertainty and treachery. So, what exactly did his philosophy entail?

Niccolo Machiavelli

At its core, Machiavellianism rejects the classical political philosophy of democrats such as Plato and Aristotle, challenging conventional notions of morality and ethics. Rather, he advocates for the unyielding pursuit of power and stability at any cost, embracing instead a cold realism that prioritises results over principles. Through this interpretation, Machiavelli can be seen as a devout consequentialist, which is the belief that the only measure of success is through results. However, consequentialism also states that as long as the favourable outcome is achieved, your actions become irrelevant. It’s like saying wiping out half of humanity for the greater good (sound familiar?). Therefore, you can see why this approach poses perennial ethical dilemmas.

This consequentialism meant that he also believed in realpolitik and strategic thinking, urging readers to deeply consider the effect of their actions before making emotionally spurred decisions. Where modern day leaders come into argument with this, it is because the strategic thinking often involved manipulation and sabotage of others for personal advancements.

It is this ruthless pragmatism that has made Machiavelli’s teachings reviled and yet somewhat revered throughout the centuries, as leaders grapple with the enduring question: Is it better to be loved or feared?

Transcripts of the original book, “The Prince”. Left: original cover; Right: English translation

Again, Machiavelli certainly argued the latter, believing that if a ruler is too generous, kind, or merciful to his subjects, they will become too demanding. Therefore, he precautioned the necessity to keep subjects in line. Further, previous leaders who have idolised his philosophy to grapple with this question have set a precedent of cynicism and misanthropy, striving for money, power, and status. Joseph Stalin, for instance, arguably demonstrated Machiavellian traits through his indifferent manipulation of both ally and enemy, maintaining power through a culture of fear and deception.

Thus, the success or failure of Machiavellian philosophy often hinges on how it is interpreted and implemented by leaders. While some may view it as a blueprint for effective leadership and statecraft, many others criticise its amorality and ruthless tactics. The application of these principles can vary widely depending on the goals and ethics of the individuals or entities employing them. In the current day, his philosophy is not well-established, accounting for only 2-3 percent of the population. So for now, I think it’s best you don’t take it upon yourself to start a world war in order to save humanity…

Image: Famous quote from Niccolo Machiavelli’s “The Prince”

From Achilles to Alphas

How to Become an Ancient Sigma

C. N. Vujanovic

WHAT MAKES HEROES SO SIGMA?

It’s a fair question to raise. The likes of Achilles, Odysseus and more were almost certainly John Wick-esque, but the question is why? Why do we hold up these individuals? Why have societies since the beginning of time (albeit free from the brain rot of Sigma society) held up these individuals with reverence? And more importantly, what can we learn from this Sigma to become more ‘based’ ourselves? 

To answer such a crucial question, we have to step back through time to where it all began. Ancient Greece. Yes, that’s right, Assassin’s Creed Odyssey. 

Let’s first take a look at Achilles. 

Imagine a mother, so concerned for a child that she dangles him headfirst, by the ankle, into the fiercest river in the underworld. The Styx. This mother was Thetis, Achilles’ Mum, who hoped that the holy waters would make him immortal. Yet, in her bid to make him invulnerable, she had left a weak spot – his heel. Now we all know the story, and although he ended up dying with an arrow in the heel, it must be what he did before he died that elevated him to a god-like status. 

Reddit user boasts his 50 hour Achilles armour set in Assassin’s Creed Odyssey

In the Iliad, written by the original Homer, Achilles is at the centre of the action. In fact, the very first word of the Iliad begins (in translation), “Sing, Goddess, of the rage of Peleus’ son Achilles”, but in the original Greek, we see Homer has the sentence structure flipped to make Achilles the real Sigma. 

Homer Vs. Homer

In Greek it begins, “Μῆνιν ἄειδε θεὰ Πηληιάδεω Ἀχιλῆος” (you’re welcome, I’m sure that is very helpful to you), or to hone in on the first word, ‘mênis’, meaning rage or wrath, we really learn a lot about the character of Achilles. See, the Iliad is not just about a war, but it is the intense emotions that drive individuals to their limits and beyond. Seth Schein, Professor of Classics, explains that his emotion ultimately points to his mortality, and that is what makes individuals heroes. 

Schein writes that we see Achilles “move toward disillusionment and death to reach a new clarity about human existence”, not referring to the realisation of the rat race, or of the pervasive nature of over commodification within our society, but of the inevitability and inescapability of his fate. 

He is a hero because he chose to accept his fate (Sisyphus level stuff), enabling him to become a Sigma. He henceforth lived as a valiant role model. 

For example, he confronts the decision to kill Hector (his rival) while knowing the prophecy. According to legend, “it is decreed [that Achilles] death must come straightway after Hector’s”, yet he fights, he wins, and then… he dies.

Wait, he dies? But how could this Sigma hero die? 

It is believed that while he was certainly a hero while he lived, it was his mortality, his valour, and his bravery that made him a hero. Yet, Aristotle points out that it was his death that made him a Sigma (I paraphrased Aristotle). 

The only thing Achilles truly feared was ‘κᾰκός’, or ‘to live as a coward’. So then, his death and his mortality made him a hero. Aristotle’s words then summarise what made Achilles a Sigma hero. 

“Such a death was the nobler [choice], though living was expedient” – Aristotle

Aristotle Sigma edit from TikTok

So, as the arrow guided by Apollo careened through the air, striking that lone vulnerable spot. This moment should not be understood at which a hero died, but the moment that a hero was born. Achilles, in choosing death over dishonour, embodied the ultimate sigma move: embracing his vulnerability to attempt to fulfil his destiny. Then, just as the waters of the Styx River could not shield him completely, so too does our own journey through life expose us to our own vulnerabilities.

It is not the avoidance of our fate, but our response to fate that defines true characters, and that makes us sigmas. 

Do you want to be a sigma hero? Well, come join us at Philosophical group on Thursday Lunch. It’s where it’s at.

Football Report

Saturday 11 May 2024 Match Results

First XI vs Newington 1-2 loss

On Saturday, the First XI came up against a very strong Newington side away at Tempe Reserve. Despite the cold and rain, the game kicked off to a very high intensity, but due to an unfortunate mistake from Shore, Newington was able to capitalise and take the lead early on. Regardless, Shore kept working and, just towards the conclusion of the first-half, were able to score an excellent team goal, assisted by Liam McFarlane and slotted in by Charlie Mattison. During the second-half, the match remained very tight and competitive, with Shore creating many chances against Newington and holding a strong back line, excellently coordinated by Ben Hadfield. Unfortunately, with the last kick of the game, Newington were able to score off a set-piece, and the game finished 2-1 in the opposition’s favour.

Second XI vs Newington 0-2 loss

Shore started the game off with great tempo, pressing high to win the ball back and attempting to break down the Newington defence. This tempo was seen throughout the first-half as Shore and Newington battled in a tough first-half. The constant rain did not faze Shore as they continued to pass the ball around Newington and were unlucky not to grab a goal going into the half. The second-half started the same, with Shore continuing to put pressure on the Newington backline. A few missed chances from Shore were costly as Newington grabbed 2 quick goals to take the lead. Jono Loy made many crucial saves to rescue the tired Shore team from further goals scored against them. The game ended 2-0 to Newington, but it was an inspiring game for Shore to build on.

Third XI vs Newington 2-5 loss

The La Niña weather was going to play its part in this fixture, along with the boys’ lack of training while they were away on Step Up Camp.  Despite the change of ground to a synthetic pitch, the players knew that the pitch was still likely to prove testing. The opening exchanges were played in a furious style, with the visitors having a chance in the first minute. A confident Ethan Spark was soon required to clear a long Newington ball that had penetrated the defence. Shore was looking to hit back but was exposed by Newington on the left-hand side, and a perfect cross saw their striker score. Shore then produced some exciting attacking play and was awarded a penalty for handball, which Chris Griffiths coolly tucked away. The next 15 minutes was a display of one-way traffic, with Newington exposing Shore’s lack of composure, scoring 3 quick goals. Half-time Shore 1 vs 4 Newington. Shore attacked straight from the whistle in the second-half, putting Newington on the backfoot from a resulting set play and Oliver Roxburgh smashing home the opening goal. It was from this point on that the game really opened up with possibilities for both sides. Newington went on to score again at the end of the game, resulting in a 2-5 loss.  The boys can take away many messages from this game, including the importance of good communication.

15A’s vs Newington 1-5 loss

The 15A’s performed extremely well against a strong, well-balanced Newington A squad, with the score being 1-1 going into half-time with a quality counter-attacking goal by the team scored by Lucas Newton. The team showed many positive signs within the game: hunger to win possession, work rate, attacking purpose and overall an impressive team effort, considering the squad to be fairly new. The first-half showed two teams batting out a good contest. Unfortunately, we looked to run out of steam and concentration within the second-half, which opened the opportunity for Newington to take advantage. With progression across training sessions and a few matches under the belt, this team will most definitely improve to have this score line be different next time around.

15B’s vs Newington 0-4 loss

Coming off a tight loss from the week before, the Shore 15B’s came into the game against the Newington 15B’s with a renewed desire to perform. The match once again started quickly, with both teams trading attacks as they looked to take first blood. Unfortunately for the boys, they found themselves behind by two goals thanks to wonder strikes from the opposition. Moving into the second-half, the boys battled hard against Newington but regrettably were unable to capitalise on their chances, with Newington finishing off two well-worked attacks of their own. Special mentions must go to goalkeeper Nick Whitney, who performed outstandingly in the goal and kept us in the game for long periods.

15C’s vs Newington 0-14 loss

Tough result with the 15C’s having faced a highly technical, skilled Newington team. The team really struggled based on our technical ability, shape, and principles of play, for example, congesting, expanding, pushing up, and dropping back, although we displayed great fight and belief while pursuing a score. We will look to focus on these principles of play going into the week ahead with the goal of reinforcing the areas that need improvement. 

15D’s vs Newington 0-10 loss

After coming off a cancelled game from the weekend before due to bad weather the 15D’s were eager to get on the pitch at Northbridge, even in the heavy rain. Unfortunately for the 15D’s, they encountered a strong Newington side who had come to play. The first-half involved a lot of defending, with the boys heading into the change rooms 6-0 down. The second-half saw an improvement, with the boys digging in and fighting for each other. However, it was always going to be an uphill battle with the 15D’s ultimately succumbing to pressure from a very strong opponent.

14A’s vs Newington 2-3 loss

In a rollercoaster match, the 14A’s team displayed resilience and determination despite facing a slow start that saw them trailing 2-0 at half-time. However, a positive response during the break saw them reset their focus and intensity. The second-half showcased their fighting spirit as they created multiple chances, with Andreas Karellas eventually breaking through to bring the score to 2-1. A quick counter attack further fuelled their comeback, with Luca Caruana’s clinical finish levelling the score at 2-2 with 10 minutes remaining. Though the boys battled fiercely, Newington managed a last-minute winner, concluding the match 3-2 in their favour. Nevertheless, the game highlighted the team’s ability to respond under pressure and demonstrated the character within the group. 

14B’s vs Newington 0-2 loss

In a hard-fought battle on the pitch, the 14B’s faced off against Newington in a thrilling encounter that ultimately ended in a 2-0 loss for the home team. Throughout the first-half, the match remained tightly contested, with both teams creating scoring chances. However, it was Newington who managed to capitalise on an opening, as their forward expertly found the back of the net with a clinical finish, putting the visitors ahead 1-0. Undeterred by the early setback, the 14B’s intensified their efforts, with midfield maestro Angus Collins orchestrating plays and distributing the ball with precision. As the second-half commenced, the 14B’s pushed forward relentlessly in search of a breakthrough. Striker Fred Stewart displayed exceptional agility and determination, weaving through Newington’s defence in pursuit of a goal. However, Newington’s goalkeeper exhibited remarkable reflexes, thwarting every attempt at goal with impressive saves. In a cruel twist of fate, Newington extended their lead midway through the second-half, courtesy of a well-executed counter attack, which ended up putting the visitors ahead 2-0. Although disappointed by the result, the 14B’s can take pride in their valiant effort and look forward to bouncing back stronger in their next fixture.

14C’s vs Newington 2-0 win

In their first competitive fixture, the 14C team kicked off their season with a memorable game marked by standout performances. Despite a slow start, the boys found their rhythm midway through the first-half, showcasing glimpses of their potential. A defining moment arrived with the introduction of super substitute Chili K, who made an immediate impact by scoring a brace and turning the tide in our favour. However, it was Isaac Lo, our goalkeeper, who emerged as the unsung hero, making crucial saves to preserve a well-deserved clean sheet. With the team starting to gel and move the ball effectively, they secured a convincing 2 – 0 victory, signalling a promising start to their campaign. This win not only marks a significant milestone for the 14C team but also sets a solid foundation for future success. 

Top image: Chili K

Mr E de Marchi
MIC Football

Golf Report

Officially, Shore Golf on Saturday was cancelled due to the dire conditions both overhead and underfoot. However, that did not deter our intrepid captain of golf, Tom Livingstone. Not only did he do us proud by teeing it up on a day most sane persons are rugged up at home with a hot chocolate (indeed, there were only 18 players who were hardy enough to set off), but he also produced a stupendous performance, firing an unbelievable 4 over par to win the competition. He took home the Sponsors Prize, combined with his Dad to win the pairs event and put the icing on the cake with a Nearest the Pin prize on the 5th hole! No doubt Tom is looking forward to the next time rain threatens play.

Mr R Ward
MIC, Golf

Rugby Report

Knox – Saturday 11 May 2024

Rain in the week? Check. Muddy fields? Check. Good to go for Rugby in the Mother’s Day Round vs Knox? Of course!

Thank you to our Sportsmaster for supporting all Rugby games still being on last Saturday. I am sure it will be a day many remember, given the rain and mud. Shore teams looked fantastic in pink socks in a nod to the wonderful women in our lives who do so much for us.

And it was memorable, with some good Rugby being played across the grades.

Some notable games around the grounds included the Fourth XV having a good win against Sydney Boys High First XV and the 13E’s registering their first win in their first game against Sydney High A’s. Our 15A’s had their first win for the season against Knox and the 15B’s and 16B’s continued their streak.

Our GPS Competition teams continue to prepare well for the season. The Third XV and Second XV had narrow wins against Knox – at times being our own worst enemy – but with plenty to work on this week, ready to face Riverview.

The First XV came out of the blocks quickly, scored two clever backline tries, and looked ready to put the game away. However, Knox responded strongly, took on Shore in the middle of the ground, and used their forwards effectively in a direct game. A rolling maul try from Knox narrowed the gap, and it was a tight game going into half-time.

The second-half started like the first and saw Shore pounce on an opportunity through some Henry Conick skill and smart play by Charlie Francis to score. Again, though, Knox responded well and made Shore tackle and tackle. Shore’s defence was resolute; however, Knox ground down a try, and the score suddenly got to 17 – 14 and a bit close for comfort. Once again, Knox played the game right up the middle, but the Shore boys defended brilliantly and held Knox out. Shore then turned that absorption of pressure into points through an attacking raid after a clever Conick chip kick saw Rex Bassingthwaighte score under the posts to ensure a 24 – 14 win.

Tomorrow sees the start of Round 1 in the GPS Rugby Competition for First and Second XV teams. Be there to support the boys as they take on Riverview at Riverview in the afternoon. The Shore crowd is always valued and appreciated by the boys, so let us continue the support our School is famous for.

Go Shore!

Mr D Mason-Jones
MIC Rugby

Team of the Week – Saturday 4 May 2024

Individual Team of the Week: 13E’s

Shore vs Knox