Message from the Headmaster

Dear Students, Parents and Carers

Often I speak to aspirational groups of boys and their parents hoping to commence at Shore. My remarks are necessarily limited by time, and hence, any outline will be by its nature, reductionist. Notwithstanding, here is the ‘Collier Codex’, employing the speaker’s / preacher’s device of alliteration to assist recall.

Our culture at Shore is to assist every boy to be excellent in every way possible and to be known, by adults and other boys, to be comfortable and to experience a deep sense of belonging. In order to achieve this, we major on the importance of community to provide real connection. Friends made here can be, and often are, friends for life. Boys are carried forward after graduation and as men through the Old Boys’ Union (OBU), the networks of which are positive, powerful as a community, and intergenerational.

Shore is seeking curriculum excellence. This implies student cooperation with expert teachers, a consistency of effort and a comprehensive approach to studies in order to maximise outcomes. Our aim is to assist students, through their results, in launching into careers which enable them to flourish as adults. We wish them to graduate with a sense of citizenship, an appreciation of many of the dimensions of our civilisation and with a commitment to doing good.

“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:10

Part of this will be enfolding within the nuances of a great School, Shore, where they challenge themselves to be the best version of themselves possible. Much of this framework is embedded through the Christian faith represented through Shore’s Anglican heritage and through the invitational presentation of the doctrines and values of faith. Our desire is that these attributes are well grounded in each boy, to enable him to embark on an adult life well lived. Such will exhibit various criteria, such as a sense of ethics, a care for others, and a basic humility, which is prepared to learn and which acknowledges the rights and interests of other people. Such a young man will be kind, free of arrogance and entitlement and demonstrate a care for others. Part of the formation of a young man of character will occur through our co-curricular activities which enable the exercise of creativity and of conviction, whether we speak performing arts, sport or other Shore endeavours. Shore’s outcomes depend upon excellent collaboration between boys, staff and parents.

If this list of excellence seems essentially unattainable in its immensity, the evidence that it can be attained is all around us, as manifested by so many of our boys themselves and so many of our graduates. Accordingly, this inventory of excellence is essentially a paean, a 21-gun salute, to our boys, our young men and our not so young men.

Assistant Chaplain

It was a pleasure to attend the service in St Andrew’s Cathedral on Saturday wherein the Anglican Archbishop ordained our Assistant Chaplain, Mr John Sheldon, as an Anglican Minister. This follows four years of theological training by Rev Sheldon, and hence was a high point for his family. Congratulations Rev Sheldon!

Dr John Collier
Headmaster

Chaplains’ Chat

“¹⁰ Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. ¹¹ If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.” – 1 Peter 4:10-11

This passage from 1 Peter reminds us that each of us has been uniquely gifted, and those gifts are not meant to be kept to ourselves—they are given so that we can serve and uplift others. Whether on the sports field, in the classroom, in an ensemble, or in everyday life, our talents have a purpose beyond personal success. But what does it truly mean to serve others with these gifts? How can something as simple as playing a great game of rugby or performing well in a concert bring glory to God?

This week in Chapel, Mr Craig summed up this verse with a powerful message: “Loving others like Christ loved us.” This means that whatever we do, we should do it wholeheartedly—not for our own recognition but as an act of love and service. When we use our gifts to serve others, we show dedication, integrity, and encouragement, making sure we don’t let others down. We reflect God’s love in the way we speak and act.

So, whether we are competing in a sport, studying diligently, or helping a friend, let us use our gifts to love and serve, just as Christ has loved us. When we use them with purpose and gratitude, we bring glory to God in all we do.

Rev John Sheldon
Chaplain (Acting)

CRU Update

This week at CRU, we continued to explore the Book of Exodus – in particular, we delved into Moses’ encounter with the Burning Bush. We began with a game of “Guess Whose Voice It Is”, where a leader was blindfolded, and Year 7 and Year 8 boys spoke sentences from the Bible, with the leader trying to guess the identity of the speaker. Shoutout to Joseph Allan for his first time MC’ing – an authoritative yet entertaining leader that we’ll surely see more of later this year.

After a Bible reading by Will Watson (“that was read better than most Year 12s!”) and prayer, we investigated Exodus 3, focusing on God’s message to the Israelites and Moses. Daniel Becker first related Moses’ broad frustration at God with the frustration of getting left on read – leading to a few chuckles from the audience who had undoubtedly shared similar experiences. The experience of getting left on read is a universal one – you feel as if someone doesn’t understand your situation or, even worse, doesn’t value you as a person. This was exactly how Moses and the Israelites felt – the promises of God to Abraham seeming like a fantasy to the Israelites, who at this point had been continually oppressed by Pharaoh and the Egyptians.

Daniel gave us a couple of core messages from the talk – the first was to show that God is merciful to his people. In verse 7, God highlights his mercy with “I am concerned about their [the Israelites’] suffering”. Note at this point in time, the Israelites have not done anything worthy of being saved – in fact, they have been beating and fighting with each other in Egypt. However, God’s mercy extends beyond that – he will not allow this to play out, which he shows through his presence in the burning bush.

The second key message was that God has a plan for all of us – he has not left the Israelites on read, and in fact, he is working to help them. He is completely in control over what is happening – and eventually, he will have a plan to save them and lead them into “a land flowing with milk and honey”. Although the Israelites may be experiencing temporary pain and hardship, God promises that in the long run, he knows what is best for them and always has a certain plan. Through God’s appearance in the Burning Bush, he makes it certain he will fulfil his plan to Moses. And while these stories may seem outdated, the same lessons can certainly apply to us today – that our God is one of mercy, and that our God has a plan for all of us. Think of a failure you had that felt shattering in the moment but had many good things come from it.

Moving forward, we will have CRU on Thursday lunchtimes for Years 7 to 8 and Friday lunchtimes for Years 9 to 12. In addition, there is a weekly Bible study run every lunch for each Year group – in particular, it’s a great opportunity to learn about the Bible for new Year 7 boys. You don’t need to be a Christian to come to CRU – all you need is yourself and an interest in looking further into Christianity over a soft drink and sausage.

Jayden Pan
Year 11

Welcome Miss Jessica Real

Shore’s Preparatory School welcomes Miss Jessica Real as the new School Chaplain, bringing with her a passion for both music and ministry. With a Bachelor of Music and a Master of Primary Teaching from UNSW, Miss Real combines her love of education with a deep commitment to sharing the Christian faith.

During her university years, Miss Real actively participated in a Christian group, where she developed and refined her skills in teaching from the Bible. This experience laid a strong foundation for her ministry and her ability to connect with young learners in meaningful ways.

Before joining Shore, Miss Real taught Music at Claremont College, where she also served as Chapel Coordinator. Her background in both Music and Christian leadership has shaped her approach to teaching, using music as a dynamic and engaging way to encourage an understanding of God and a love for Jesus.

An accomplished musician, Miss Real plays the ukulele, guitar, and piano and enjoys singing. She believes that music has a unique ability to inspire and bring people together, making it a powerful tool in her role as Chaplain.

As the Preparatory School Chaplain, Miss Real will share stories from the Bible with children from the Early Learning Centre (ELC) to Year 6. She will also teach Christian Studies across the School, providing students with opportunities to ask questions, explore biblical concepts, engage in meaningful discussions, and pray together.

A key goal of her role is to ensure that students hear and understand the gospel message during their time at Shore’s Preparatory School. This aligns with the School’s commitment to an informational and invitational approach to Christianity, where students are encouraged to explore faith in an open and supportive environment.

Miss Real’s passion for teaching, Music, and ministry makes her a valuable addition to the Shore community. Her leadership will no doubt inspire students to grow in their faith while fostering a love for learning and discovery.

AAGPS Sporting Events

Year Group Compulsory Event Dates

Each year, the major AAGPS Sporting events provide an opportunity for the boys of the School to come together to show support for their School and our athletes.

In 2025, the following year groups will be attending the AAGPS Events:

Head of the River, Saturday 22 March

• Compulsory for all Year 7, 8 and 9. Year 11 and 12 are welcome to attend.
• Summer School uniform (no coats or boaters) with yard hat or a blue Shore sports cap.
• Bus transfers will be arranged.

AAGPS Swimming Carnival, Friday 28 March

• Compulsory for all Year 10 and 11 (except those participating in the Musical).
• Summer School uniform (no coats or boaters) with yard hat or a blue Shore sports cap.
• Bus transfers will be arranged.

AAGPS Athletics Carnival, Saturday 20 September

• Compulsory for all Year 7, 8 and 10. Year 12 are welcome to attend.
• Winter School uniform (no boaters) with yard hat or a blue Shore sports cap.
• Transport will be arranged.

Communications will be sent home to parents with relevant details closer to each event.

Dr Andrew Mansfield
Deputy Head Operations

Disabled Surfers Australia Event

On Saturday 22 February, a group of Shore students participated in the Disabled Surfers Australia event at Collaroy, demonstrating leadership, empathy, and commitment to community service. Their exemplary conduct was widely recognised, as they were the only teenagers in attendance, receiving praise from numerous participants and organisers.

The Disabled Surfers Association was founded in 1986 by Mr Gary Blaschke after he experienced a motorcycle accident that resulted in the loss of his kneecap and extensive rehabilitation. Recognising a gap in support for surfers with disabilities, he established the organisation to assist individuals in returning to the water and fostering a sense of community. The association supports individuals with a broad range of disabilities, from asthma and joint injuries to paraplegia, providing them with friendship, encouragement, and access to surfing. A fully voluntary organisation, it has since grown to set world-class standards in supporting disabled surfers.

This voluntary initiative provided an opportunity for Shore students to engage meaningfully with individuals with disabilities, fostering inclusivity and support. The students approached each interaction with enthusiasm and adaptability, ensuring all participants felt encouraged and valued.

Disabled Surfers Australia is a wonderful organisation that aligns with Shore’s values of service and community engagement. The event was a valuable learning experience for all involved, reinforcing the importance of leadership and compassion in real-world settings.

Overall, the event was a resounding success, and Shore will endeavour to continue our support of this initiative.

Mr Jake Somerville
Head of Athletic Development

Icebreaker 2025

Last week, more than 850 parents of children from ELC to Year 12 gathered for Shore’s annual Icebreaker event, hosted by the Shore Foundation and Shore Parents’ Association. The evening provided an opportunity for parents to reconnect and meet new families at the School. Despite unpredictable weather and the last-minute move to the undercover area in the Centenary Building, everyone had a fabulous evening. It was wonderful to see so many parents enjoying the night. We appreciate our amazing Shore community. Thank you to everyone who attended, and we extend our gratitude to all those who helped make the night a success. What a great night to start the School year!

To view the full photo gallery from the night, please click here.

Go Shore!

Mr David Mason-Jones
Executive Director Shore Foundation

Rev Dr Richard Wenden
Chair, Shore Parents’ Association

Lampada Tips and Tricks

Following last week’s Shore Parents’ Association article on Accessing Student Assessment Calendars, this week, we’re focusing on how you can access your Year Group parent contacts.

Parent contact details for your child’s year are accessible via the Year Contacts button in Lampada.

Please follow the step-by-step instructions below to find parent contacts.

To be able to view other parents’ details, you must be sharing at least one form of contact for yourself.

Updating Your Contact Information

If you update your contact details (e.g. email address or mobile), it will reset your contact preference. For example, if you change your email address under My Details, you will need to go into Year Contacts and reselect the option to share your email address.

Please send an email to contactlists@shore.nsw.edu.au should you require any assistance.

Click here for more Lampada help information.

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 to pray for the School as well as our wider world.

Thursday 6 March – Shore Dining Hall

Dress – Smart Casual

Dinner – A casual dinner will be provided (Boarding meal)

RSVP – To assist with catering, please let us know if you are attending by clicking here

Parking: Parking available in the School Car Park (Entry via Hunter Cres)

Please forward this to any interested members of the Shore community.

We look forward to seeing you there.

Shore Foundation and Lions Club Compassion

Last week, 60 members of the Shore community came together to celebrate the Year of the Snake with a special dinner hosted by the Shore Foundation and the Lions Club Compassion, led by Shore parents Mr and Mrs Michael and Michelle Lam.

The night raised over $10,000 to assist the Shore Foundation’s drive to create more means-tested bursaries. The funds from this particular night will help families with a refugee background make the most of an opportunity to attend Shore. This opportunity has already been granted to one such family, and they make up but one of the 85 families the Shore Foundation assists.

Our Chinese New Year dinner welcomed outgoing Federal MP Mr Paul Fletcher as the Guest of Honour, and he gave a wonderful overview of his time in parliament and the ever-changing and vibrant nature of our community. Ms Gisele Kapterian and Mr Scott Yung – both candidates in the next Federal election – were also guests. Both are examples of people willing to put up their hands and serve our wider community.

The evening’s focus was that of service and the benefits we not only give by doing such service but also by what we receive. As we all face the year ahead, its challenges and busyness, let us always remember those we can help and serve – uplifting others while enriching our own community.

Thank you to everyone who attended this inaugural dinner, donated prizes and supported the Shore Foundation.

Mr David Mason-Jones
Executive Director Shore Foundation

Tennis Day – Hosted by Shore Parents’ Association

Friday 7 March 2025 from 9.30am – 12:30pm

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

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

Book Now

Year 7 Welcome BBQ

The Shore Parents’ Association (SPA) warmly invites all 2025 Year 7 Shore families to a Welcome BBQ.

Saturday 8 March, 4.00pm to 6.30pm – Shore Northbridge Playing Fields, E Ground (behind the Hawker Stand). Corner of Alpha and Sailors Bay Roads, Northbridge.

Parking – Parking available on G Ground with entry via Alpha Rd.

Dinner – 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.

RSVP – Please let us know if you are attending by 28 February: click here to RSVP

Volunteer – All SPA events rely on the generosity of volunteers. At Shore, volunteers are required to have a WWCC clearance. We ask that you please consider registering as a volunteer via this link and also click here for a 30-minute commitment at the Year 7 Welcome BBQ. It’s a great way to meet new friends!

For further information contact Year 7 Reps: Mrs Virginia Westcott, Mrs Karen Prowse and Mrs Laura Ferguson via ShoreClassof2030@shore.nsw.edu.au

We look forward to seeing you there.

Annual Ceremonial Parade

The Senior Under Officer, CUO William Fife

and

The Commanding Officer, LTCOL (AAC) Chris Oxley

cordially invite

Members of the Shore and Wenona Communities

to the

Annual Ceremonial Parade

of the

Shore Cadet Unit

We would be pleased if you could join us on

Monday 10 March 2025

4.45pm for 5.00pm

School Oval, Shore – North Sydney Campus
Parking is not available within the School grounds.

Reviewing Officer

Lieutenant Colonel Craig Delaney

SO1 Governance, NSW 2nd AAC Brigade

Athletics Trials for Year 7 to 10

On Thursday 6 March (Week 6), all students in Years 7 to 10 will participate in Athletics Trials on the School Oval at North Sydney. These trials will assist with formulating Championship Races for the upcoming Athletics Carnival on Tuesday 1 April (Week 10) at Sydney Olympic Park Athletic Centre (SOPAC). Further details will be provided closer to the date.

ALL students must arrive at School in their full school uniform.

Boys will contest the following events: 

• 60m Sprint 
• Long Jump 
• Shot Put 
• 400m (Year 7 and 8 only)
• Push Up Test 
• 800m (Year 7 and 8 only)
• Vertical Jump 

Boys will need to bring their PE uniforms on the day to complete these trials, which will be run throughout the school day. Normal before and after-school Sport activities will remain for all students.   

Mr Jono Sparks
MIC Athletics 

Career Event

UNSW Year 12 Medicine Information Evening

When: Wednesday 12 March 6.00pm-7.00pm

Where: Online

Register here

Cost: Free

Learn about the highly competitive application process and the opportunities available in the programme.

Music Calendar

All dates and events are subject to change, please confirm with the Music Department.

Shore’s Production of Newsies – A Must-See Musical

Step into the bustling streets of turn-of-the-century New York City as our students bring to the stage the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical, Newsies! Inspired by the true story of the Newsboy’s Strike of 1899, the largest child-led strike in history, this high-energy production follows Jack Kelly and his fellow newsies as they stand up against injustice and fight for what’s right. With thrilling choreography, powerful storytelling, and iconic songs like Seize the Day and King of New York, Newsies is a must-see event for the whole family.

Proudly joined by students from Wenona, Queenwood, Roseville College and SCEGGS Darlinghurst.

Don’t miss this must-see production!

Dates: 
– Thursday 27 March
– Friday 28 March
– Saturday 29 March
– Wednesday 2 April
– Thursday 3 April
– Friday 4 April
– Saturday 5 April

Time: 7.30pm

Location: Smith Auditorium

Book Tickets

Shore Rugby – 2025

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

Term 1

Saturday 15 March

• Final Summer Sport weekend (excluding Head of the River crews)
• Rest week for coaches and boys

Tuesday 18 and Thursday 20 March

• 14A/B, 15A/B, 16A/B “Return to Contact” 15min sessions in gym 3-3:15pm or 3:15-3:30pm.

Monday 24 March

• Training commences for all age groups. Under 13s and Under 14s will train on Mondays and Wednesdays.

Saturday 29 March

• Internal training and trials – Under 13s (Northbridge)
• 14A/B, 15A/B, 16A/B vs Hunter Wildfires (Northbridge)
• Opens and all other age group internal trials (Northbridge)

Friday 4 April

• Shore Rugby Season Launch – The Buena, Mosman – 6pm (Parents only – ALL rugby parents are invited)

Saturday 5 April

• First, Second, Third XV vs Waverley (Northbridge)
• 13A, 14A, 15A, 16A vs Waverley (Northbridge)
• All other age groups, internal trials (Northbridge)

Thursday 10 April

• Under 13s, Under 14s overnight camp in Shore Boarding houses (North Sydney)
• Third XV Scrimmage vs St Aloysius 3:30pm ( Northbridge)

Friday 11 April

• First and Second XV Trial Games vs Cranbrook (Cranbrook)

Term 1 – Holiday Schedule

• Week 1: Open gym (all teams (optional)
• Week 2: Under 15s tour of Darwin and 16A and Opens (First, Second, Third XV ) Tour of Lennox Head

Mr David Mason-Jones
MIC Rugby

Term Dates 2025

Class of 2024 UAC Offers

The Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) administers university offers for students in NSW and ACT. Previously, this was the only mechanism in which students managed university offers and applied to university. Now, with the rise of Early Entry and Direct Entry being offered to students from universities such as Australian National University (ANU), University of Technology (UTS) and Macquarie University, students can receive offers directly from institutions in addition and sometimes instead of UAC. Most students apply to multiple Early Entry schemes as well as UAC; however, it is difficult to gather the data as to which offers are accepted as universities do not provide offer or enrolment data to schools. In late March, after the census date, a post-school destination survey will be sent to the Class of 2024 to gather accurate information.

In the meantime, the UAC data available does provide an interesting picture of where and what students are interested in studying. It is important to keep in mind that ANU is not represented accurately in this data as their main form of entry is Direct Entry.

Offers By Institution

University of Sydney remains a popular choice for students, but it is important to note there are no Early Entry offers with this university, and UAC is the only way to apply.

Offers by Study Area

There was a significant increase in Management and Commerce and a reduction in Engineering offers compared to last year. This year saw a rise in offers for the B.Commerce at  University of Sydney, which may be due to the removal of the Maths Advanced prerequisite requirement and the lowering of the ATAR from 95 to 93.

It is important to note this is only a small snapshot of the Class of 2024, with a number of students attending TAFE and deciding to pursue work and travel.

We look forward to keeping in touch and hearing of their many adventures.

Ms Vanessa Shirriff
Head of Careers Education

Support From High-achieving Old Boys and Teachers

Shore boys have a long tradition of getting academic support in the Study Centre. This free service employs Shore teachers and high-achieving Old Boys and operates as a drop-in centre with subject-specific sessions according to the published timetable. Students are welcome to come to get difficult topics explained, get feedback on essay drafts, get help with homework or ask any questions they need help with. They should not leave it until just before the due date of a task as it tends to get very busy at such times.

This year, Shore is lucky to have secured the services of some of the high-achieving Old Boys. The English Study Centre is supported by Messrs Michael Kwak (’24), Hector Richards (’24), Daniel Ivanhoe (’24) and Harvey Frewin (’24), as well as Tom Wait (’23) and Liam Sewell (’23). Mr Tom Fisher (’24) will work with students in PDHPE, Mr Nathanael Robertson (’24) in Drama and Mr Tom Ellis (’24) in Business Studies. These Old Boys all achieved Band 6 in their subjects with some of them receiving State placings.

All Shore boys are encouraged to take advantage of the service provided by the Study Centre. Besides the subject-specific help, the Old Boys are happy to share more general tips for developing good study habits and achieving good results in the examinations.

Mrs Eva White
Head of Library & Information Services

Study Centre Timetable Term 1 2025

   Study Centre Timetable Term 1 2025

Year 12 Progress Meetings

Year 12 Progress Meetings Tuesday 25 March 4pm to 7pm.

• Booking information and meeting details will be emailed to parents two weeks prior to the meeting.
• Meetings are conducted online via Teams.
• Boys are expected to attend in school uniform.
• No co-curricular activities for students who have Progress Meetings.

Ms Emma Campbell
Academic Data Manager

Cyber Safety Day at Shore and Information for Parents

Last Wednesday 19 February at Shore, we held a Cyber Safety Day. The following information is a summary of the key learnings. Given the pervasive influence of digital platforms in our children’s lives, it’s imperative that we, as a community, engage in open dialogues and implement these lessons at School and at home.

Cyberbullying and its platforms were discussed with boys and parents. Many students report deliberate exclusion from online social groups, a subtle yet impactful form of cyberbullying. Our Year 9 students identified Snapchat as their most frequently used application, underscoring the need for parent monitoring and guidance in navigating such platforms.

The ySafe ‘PROBS’ Framework: A Tool for Thoughtful Online Engagement

To equip our students with practical strategies for responsible online interactions, Mr David Smith introduced the ‘PROBS’ framework for boys to use before posting online.

P – Perceive: Consider how the content might be interpreted by others.

R – Reach: Reflect on the potential audience and how it might evolve.

O – Outcome: Anticipate possible unintended consequences.

Bs – Better Strategy: Think of alternative ways to convey the message.

We encourage you to discuss this framework with your sons, reinforcing mindful and respectful online communication.

Navigating the Complexities of AI and Digital Footprints was an area of significant discussion. Both the student and parent seminars delved into the implications of artificial intelligence in online interactions and raised some important issues to consider. We are aware that some boys are engaging frequently with AI chatbots and that this has replaced Google as the online search engine of choice.

Engaging with AI chatbots can present several risks, including the development of emotional dependency and the formation of unrealistic expectations. This is particularly concerning for younger persons and presents a risk. Users often begin to rely heavily on these chatbots for emotional support, which can adversely effect their social skills and real-world relationships. Additionally, over-reliance on AI for guidance may lead to diminished critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. It’s important to recognise that AI systems have inherent biases and limitations, as they are programmed based on existing data and may not always provide accurate or unbiased information.

To navigate these challenges, boys and parents were told to approach AI chatbots with a clear understanding of their design and purpose. Recognising that chatbots are programmed to use agreeable language can help prevent misinterpretation of their responses as genuine human empathy. It’s crucial to remember that AI chatbots are tools, not substitutes for human relationships or professional advice, and they should not replace traditional search engines for information gathering. Refraining from sharing personal or sensitive information was discussed, such as home addresses or financial details, during interactions, as AI systems are designed to retain user data, which could pose privacy concerns.

A concerning trend is the use of AI to create deepfake images, including non-consensual explicit content. The Australian government has responded with the Criminal Code Amendment (Deepfake Sexual Material) Act 2024, imposing severe penalties for the creation and distribution of such material. It’s crucial to educate young people about the legal and ethical ramifications of misusing AI technologies.

Moreover, with Year 9 boys, we emphasised the importance of maintaining a positive digital footprint. Universities and employers increasingly review candidates’ online histories, and content depicting inappropriate behaviour can have lasting negative effects. Encourage your sons to curate their online presence thoughtfully, reflecting integrity and respect.

The Role of the eSafety Commissioner as a vital resource in combating online abuse was discussed with boys and parents. They have the authority to investigate and act upon reports of cyberbullying and the non-consensual sharing of intimate images. We urge you and your sons to utilise this resource and report any incidents to ensure prompt and effective action.

Building a foundation of trust and open communication at home is essential in guiding our boys through the complexities of the digital world. Studies have shown that adolescents’ trust in their parents is positively related to open parent-adolescent communication. By engaging in regular, non-judgmental conversations about online experiences, we create an environment where our sons feel comfortable seeking guidance and support. This collaborative approach not only strengthens our relationships but also empowers them to make informed and responsible decisions online.

Utilising parental controls for enhanced safety online is strongly recommended. To assist in monitoring and guiding your child’s online activity, consider implementing parental control tools. One such tool offered by the School is Qustodio, which offers features including:

Content and App Filtering: Block inappropriate websites and applications to create a safe online environment.

Activity Monitoring: Access real-time dashboards to review your child’s browsing history, screen time, and more.

Time Management: Set daily screen time limits and establish routines to promote balanced device usage.

Location Tracking: Monitor your child’s location to ensure their safety.

Our Online Safety Hub in Lampada provides a link to Qustodio and other resources to support you in this endeavour. Implementing such tools, in conjunction with open communication, can significantly enhance your child’s online safety. Please note that Qustodio can’t currently be downloaded to the new laptops. This should be rectified soon, and we will notify parents.

Year 9 boys also had a discussion with our ySafe expert about how consent is paramount in all interactions. He discussed that genuine consent must be freely given, enthusiastic, and ongoing. It’s more than a mere “yes”; it’s an active agreement without any form of pressure or manipulation. We encourage you to have candid conversations with your sons about the nuances of consent, empowering them to engage in respectful and healthy relationships with others.

As we continue to address these topics in Year meetings, House meetings, and Assemblies, your involvement is crucial. Engaging in regular discussions at home reinforces the values and lessons imparted during our seminars. Together, we can equip our boys with the knowledge and tools to navigate the digital landscape responsibly and ethically. A recording of the parent seminar is now available on Lampada. If you’d like to discuss any of this information further, please contact your son’s Housemaster, Mr Stuart McCormack our Head of Students, or myself.

Thank you for your support in helping create a safe and respectful online experience for our students.

Mr Derek Champion
Deputy Head, Pastoral Care

Parent Seminar Series 2025

From the Music Department

String and Orchestra Camp

Last Friday was the annual Strings and Orchestra Camp, where we were fortunate to work with the esteemed Dr Paul Terracini as our guest conductor. Dr Terracini had a profound influence on the students, enabling them to create a cohesive sound that is indicative of their growing skills. Guitar Ensemble had an extended rehearsal in the morning, during which they worked diligently on repertoire. After morning tea, the Senior Strings lead the Intermediate Strings combining to perform their new repertoire. After lunch the students worked with professional tutors in their sectionals to further develop their aural and technical work – key skills in ensemble playing. The brass section was lucky enough to have Dr Terracini for more valuable insights and advice about their instruments. Finally, the Orchestra had one last rehearsal, followed by an open rehearsal for parents, which provided some teasers for the upcoming concerts. Thank you to the music mentors, tutors, guest conductor Dr Terracini, Guitar Ensemble Director Ms Mitrovic and Head of Strings Ms Wentzel for all of their work in making this wonderful event happen.

Russell Jiang
Captain of Music

Encore Excursion

The 2025 Encore concert was an exciting opportunity for our current Years 9 to 12 Elective Music students to witness invigorating performances by a number of the 2024 graduating cohort from across NSW. The concert was held at the Opera House last Monday and featured both individual and ensemble works. An array of diverse styles were showcased; from Morin Khurr (an instrument highlighting Mongolian Music traditions) to Japanese funk, from bagpipe to musical theatre. Some highlights included the virtuosity demonstrated in Shostakovich’s Cello Sonata in D Movement 2, the Marimba and Vibraphone Duet, the Allegro Sonata on Tuba and the vocal piece The Girl in 14G. Composition was also showcased and excellent examples of these were performed. Composition exemplars included a Brass Quartet and a Vocal Quartet. This provided a unique experience that served to develop our own musical and stylistic understanding and show us the world of possibilities available in musical performance. Thank you to Ms Robertson and Mrs Barber, who organised and facilitated this excursion.

Joel Gilmour
Vice Captain of Music

Private Music Lessons

All private vocal and instrumental lessons have begun for 2025. If you are considering your son ceasing lessons at the end of Term 1 2025, please notify your son’s tutor and privatemusiclessons@shore.nsw.edu.au no later than Thursday 13 March.

Mrs Judy Hicks
Coordinator of Private Music Lessons.

Upcoming Dates

Mrs Kim Barber
Head of Music

Student Articles Available in Lampada

In keeping with tradition, printed copies of student articles are handed out at the Senior School gates every Friday. This allows us to honour the Shore Weekly Record’s mission, ‘by the boys, for the boys,’ while making the digital version more concise for parents. A PDF of the student articles is also available each week on Lampada in the publications page.

Basketball Report

Saturday 22 February

In Round 11, Shore’s First V faced off against the top-ranked team, The King’s School (King’s). Once again, Shore was missing key players, meaning it would take a massive team effort to pull off an upset.

From the start, King’s demonstrated why they were at the top of the table, efficiently scoring early in the first quarter to jump out to a 12-point lead. However, the resilience of the Firsts was evident during this period—they never gave up and found a way to stay within reach.

With only minutes remaining in the third quarter, Shore battled back to cut the deficit to just two points, trailing 54-56. Unfortunately, their momentum stalled in the next period, as a five-minute scoring drought allowed King’s to go on a 10-0 run. This ultimately created a gap too large for Shore to overcome.

Ben Murray delivered his best performance of the Term, recording a double-double in points and rebounds. Meanwhile, Louis Pichler led all scorers with 19 points in his first game back from injury this year.

Shore Seconds secured a thrilling overtime victory, defeating King’s 55-50. A hot start from the Shore, turning defensive into offence and jumping out to a quick 13-2 run, but after a few substitutions and a dip in energy, King’s regained momentum and entered halftime with a three-point lead. The second half was a back-and-forth battle, with both teams making big plays and momentum constantly shifting. With a minute left, Shore trailed by three—just the right moment for Harvey Joyce to step up and knock down a clutch three-pointer. The Seconds then delivered a fantastic defensive stand in the final possessions, preventing King’s from scoring and forcing overtime. Shore then dominated the overtime period, opening with a 6-0 run and never looking back. Jacob Shih was outstanding in transition, finishing key fast breaks, while Jordan G and Harvey Joyce led the team with 13 points each, including crucial late-game contributions. The Seconds remain in contention for the premiership and can secure it by winning the rest of the season.

Player of the Week: Hayden Bunting – Leading the 14Cs to a massive 43-24 win against King’s and adding 15 points himself.

Team of the Week: The Sixths continue their stellar season, securing another victory and bringing their record to 10 wins from 11 matches. This past Saturday’s game against King’s was a nail-biter, with the Sixths narrowly edging out a 35-33 win. Close games have been a theme of their season, yet they consistently find a way to come out on top. A scrappy and athletic team, they excel at generating offensive opportunities through defensive pressure and capitalising on second-chance points from offensive rebounds.

Noah Shepherd and Nick Dolman led the team with nine points each, but it was a collective effort that secured the win. The team plays with relentless energy, embodying the idea that the harder you play, the luckier you get.

Mr Indiana Faithfull
MIC Basketball

Golf Report

Saturday 22 February

This week, we hosted Riverview at Northbridge Golf Club in the penultimate round of the regular season. With our lead in the standings cut to just two points, every match in these final weeks is crucial.

Matthew Goddard entered the match in strong form but faced a tough challenge as his opponent played an excellent round. Despite struggling off the tee, Matt showed resilience on the back nine, forcing his opponent to earn every hole. Ultimately, he fell three and two in a hard-fought contest.

Archie Frewin continued his stellar matchplay form, surging to a five-hole lead at the turn. His opponent mounted an impressive comeback, winning four straight holes to put the pressure back on. However, Archie responded in style, sinking a birdie on the par-3 17th to close out a two and one victory.

Luke Ellis and Kaya Macpherson found themselves in tightly contested battles, with momentum swinging back and forth throughout the round. Kaya mounted a brilliant charge, winning four consecutive holes to tie his match with two to play. Unfortunately, he fell just short, losing one down. Luke’s match went all the way to the 18th, where his opponent’s bogey secured a halved result.

There were some outstanding performances in the Northbridge members’ competition as well. Malachi Warner produced a sensational round, winning the event with 41 points—28 of which came on the back nine, where he shot five over par with two birdies. Dastân LePoutre and Lachlan Kwan also impressed, posting 40 (4 over) and 36 (7 over) points, respectively. A playing partner commented on how enjoyable it was to be in their group, a testament to their sportsmanship and attitude. Robert Kerr also had a strong showing, finishing with 39 points.

As we head into the final round, we now sit second in the standings, just one point ahead of Knox Grammar School. With a grand final spot on the line, a 2-2 result or better against Knox next week will secure our place. Best of luck to the team!

Mr Hugh Morgan
MIC Golf

Rowing Report

Saturday 22 February

Last weekend was another dual regatta weekend with the running of the annual The King’s School (King’s)/PLC Sydney (PLC) regatta at SIRC and the running of The Scots College regatta in Canada Bay.

Our Junior Quads had a great day out in Hen and Chicken Bay, with some great racing across both age groups. Our Year 8 Quad group continue to develop their skills and, more importantly, their discipline in race scenarios, although we are still capable of the odd lookout of the boat that leads to a lost oar! The Year 8 Quads got our day off to a great start, with a highlight coming from the very first race of the day, where our newly formed Tenth Quad took on the Ninth Quad. This was a showdown for the ages, with the Ninth boat getting away cleanly until a little bit of ill-discipline resulted in a lost oar and the Tenth boat seizing the moment to take out the win. Our Ninth boat had to scramble hard but did a great job to fend off St Joseph’s College (Joeys) and Newington! Our Second boat also had a narrow miss with a lost oar close to the finish (after navigating a crash with Sydney Boys High previously). This allowed King’s to skip past them in the final 100m to claim the win.

The Year 8 Third Quad (previously our Fourth crew) had a brilliant race under the guidance of stroke seat Anders Minchin. They were ultimately our second fastest Quad on the day, which is a great achievement! Our Year 8 First Quad enjoyed a much better execution this week, which ultimately saw them close out the race against Joeys.

Our Year 9 Quads enjoyed an equally impressive set of results, with the squad recording five 1st places from their eight race starts. Our Eighth Quad had a great race to record a brilliant 3rd place, whilst our Seventh crew stepped up to compete in the Sixth Quad division, which was a brilliant challenge for them. Pleasingly, they finished in 2nd place in between Saint Ignatius’ College Riverview (Riverview) and Sydney Grammar. Our Third and Fourth crews had tough-fought wins with the course starting to show the signs of the many boats zipping around the course.

Our Second and First Quads were primed for a great showdown with their Joeys rivals, who had shown brilliant form in the lead-up regattas. In both these races, Shore was able to get away well and, despite getting hit by washes from pleasure craft, were both able to close out the races well.

In much calmer waters, our Senior squad and Year 10 group travelled to Penrith to compete in the King’s/PLC regatta. This regatta is one of the rare events that brings the boys and girls schools together to compete. Enjoying a gentlemanly later start to the day (racing at 11am!!), our Year 10 crews got our campaign underway with a bang, with our Fourth Year 10 crew recording a great victory for the shed. They were racing against a composite crew consisting mainly of Riverview boys, with one King’s boy joining the fray. In a pleasing performance, the Shore boat sat in 2nd place for the majority of the race but made a powerful move through the final 500m to record a narrow 1st place! Our Third Year 10 Crew consisting of Josh Sarkis, Max Riddell, Jack Butcher, Will Heiler, James Cunningham, Julian Noakes, Scott Robson, Cambell Binne and cox Harry Leahy shot out of the blocks to lead from first stoke to last stroke, recoding a great 5-second winning margin and showing great resilience to bounce back from the Gold Cup. Our Second Year 10 VIII had a really tight tussle down the course with Riverview (with only a second separating these two down the course). Whilst it was a win to Riverview, I know the boys enjoyed being involved in such a contest. Third place in this race was a further 15 seconds back. Bring on the Sydney Rowing Club regatta!!

Our First Year 10 crew bounced back from the rough and tumble of the gold cup to record a strong 2nd place behind Riverview and in front of King’s. The crew built a narrow lead through the first 1000m but were under siege through the third 500m. I know this will be an area of focus for the men from North Sydney this weekend.

Our Senior Third VIII raced next and found the initial pace a little too quick for their very green combination. Once the race had settled, the crew showed some promising signs. 

Our GPS Fourth IV has continued its impressive run, recording another strong time and margin, which really comes from a brilliant first 1000m of the race. This crew has been a steady performer for the shed.

Our GPS Third IV had a closer race this week thanks to a spirited race coming from Riverview. This crew had a great start in the first 500m and established a sound 2-second lead by the halfway mark. This was slowly eaten into by the Riverview crew and the way they approached the third 500m. Despite this, the crew of Caleb Jones, Lachlan McIntosh, Harry Faulkner, Chris Yun and Jeddy Sam showed enough grit to get their bow ball over the line first.    

Our GPS Second IV did not enjoy a great day in the office, unfortunately, by their own standards. The pace of the line was a little too much for the Shore boat to handle, and they found themselves trailing by the halfway mark to both King’s and Riverview. There has been a lot of improvement in this boat, and I look forward to seeing them sink their teeth into training this week.

Our GPS First IV did not compete in the first race due to some illness late in the week. They did compete in the second race (Under 19 IV+) with the assistance of Connor Glancy as the Second VIII was only competing in one event due to illness. Here, the Shore boat finished in 3rd place behind a First IV combination that contained two members of the Second VIII from Riverview and four from the Scots First VIII.

Our Second VIII had a storming win over the field – this time completing the 2km in what would be the fourth fastest time of the day (behind the First crews from Shore, Grammar and Riverview). This was an amazing performance from a crew of exceptional young men. A very pleasing part of this performance was the establishment of a strong first 1000m, but then the work through the third 500m to effectively close the door on the field was brilliant.

The crew of Ethan Nam, George Scammell, Angus Marshall, Connor Glancy, Addison Stanberg, Kalan Welch, Henry Roxburgh, Oli Paris and Jethro Chapman continued to drive the boat through the final 250m to set up a very pleasing margin of over five seconds.

Our First VIII had the opportunity to race twice down the 2000m track. In the first assault down the course, we saw the Riverview crew establish a very dominant performance again through the first 1000m, and the Shore crew came under fire by the Sydney Grammar combination. This, unfortunately, saw a photo finish go the way of the Grammar, with Shore settling for 3rd place, a length in front of 4th, Newington.

In the second race, Shore had to contend with King’s as the leader of the peloton behind the Riverview combination. This was a great battle between these two schools, but happily, it was a battle that we claimed with a strong final 500m coming from the north Sydney boat to push through King’s and sit in 2nd place behind the Riverview crew.

Mr Glenn Bates
MIC Rowing

Surf Life Saving

Saturday 22 February

Years 9 to 12 at Butterbox

Saturday saw one of those rare days when the conditions were just right for a long-distance paddle to Butterbox, just to the south of Long Reef Headland. The Intermediate and Senior group paddled together and enjoyed some time catching some perfect lefts across the reef and practising their board skills.

Barker Carnival

Next week, Shore Surf Life Saving (SLS) will travel to Bungan Beach to compete in the Barker Surf Sports Carnival, and they hope to retain the Bungan-Whale Challenge Cup. Boys should arrive at Bungan Beach by 8.30am. Please be aware that parking is challenging, so you may need to walk down from Barrenjoey Road.

Mr Gareth Jones
MIC Surf Life Saving

Surfing Report

Saturday 22 February

Small, clean waves were consistently rolling into Long Reef on Saturday morning. The Shore surfers set up in front of the lagoon to run a technique session. Despite the crowded conditions, the Shore surfers were busy, and all surfers were catching plenty of waves.

The best turn of the morning went to Jacques Callebaut, whose forehand tail release hack was impressive to watch. Will Hoy spent the session trying to complete a reverse (unsuccessfully), while Henry Peters, Marcos Perez, Oscar Hanson and Sam Pockley all caught plenty of high-quality waves.

Entries for the Shore Surfing competition on 29 March will be open next week.

Mr John McClelland
MIC Surfing

Tennis Report

Saturday 22 February

Round 10 vs The King’s School (King’s)

Firsts Report

C’s

Kieran Yan and Nathaniel Lam played tough opponents to go down 6-2. Tom Rose and Daniel Jin were the dynamic duo. They won many long rallies, and their games resulted in a tiebreak, which they narrowly lost.

D’s

Collin Yu and James Cuthell played well to win their doubles 6-4. Lachlon Wang and Jack Hersey started the day with great wins in the doubles 6-3. In the singles, Jack Hersey dominated the early games with his forehand shots but narrowly went down 6-4.

Mr Winters and Mr Junee
U13s coaches

Water Polo Report

Saturday 22 February

Firsts

The Firsts team faced a tough start against The Scots College (Scots), struggling to find their rhythm early in the game. However, as the match progressed, they settled into their structure and took control in the second half with a dominant attacking display. Jett Semmens led the charge with an impressive hat-trick, while George Kennedy, Charlie Kovacs, Cooper Semmens, Hamish Walls, JJ Black and Charlie Lewcock all contributed to the scoreboard. The team’s improved communication and cohesion allowed them to create numerous scoring opportunities, capitalising on their speed and accuracy in front of goal. Strong defensive efforts and quick transitions helped maintain their momentum, securing a well-deserved victory. This performance highlights the team’s resilience and ability to adapt under pressure, setting a positive tone for the final two matches of the CIS competition.

Miss Dowdell
Firsts Coach

Fourths

After a tough draw against Newington the previous week, the Fourths were at home to The King’s School (King’s) and from the opening whistle, the game flowed from end to end with some strong shots at goal and great defence demonstrated by both teams. The first half saw Shore behind initially; however, some great counter-attack saw Saxon Mitchell score a screamer from out wide to level the scores at halftime. The second half was a see-sawing affair, with goals traded between teams and defence being the order of the day. Further goals to Michael Irvine, Angus Motteram, Charlie Yates, Hamish Wade and Will Pritchard saw the game finish seven-all at fulltime. The match was an entertaining game; however, the Shore boys showed great teamwork and were unlucky at the end to not steal the victory.

Mr Cook
Fourths Coach

RESULTS