‘After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb.’
Revelation 7:9a (NIV)
Shore Spirit
Dear Parents and Carers
Human beings are by nature gregarious. We tend to migrate to others with shared values and interests. We have been doing this through all recorded history. We do it at Shore.
We all need to feel part of something bigger than ourselves, which has substance, meaning and purpose. It gives us a sense of belonging. We all want to belong, at least to something of significance.
This sense of belonging is critical to the development of teenagers to healthy adulthood. Those who lack that sense can be isolated, alienated, angry at the apparent rejection. Developing an appropriate sense of belonging and inclusivity is one of the aims of our extensive co-curricular and sporting programmes. They contribute immensely to the formation of whole people.
At the essence of our sense of belonging at Shore is our shared Christian faith, but we see it also exists for our boys through group activities such as bands, theatre, orchestras and sport. Faith itself is inclusive, as the Apostle John wrote: “After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb (Jesus).” Revelation 7:9a (NIV)
My contention is that at Shore, that sense of belonging and collaborative spirit is a valuable positive. We saw this at the Sydney International Regatta Centre, the site of the Head of the River, last Saturday. Shore on the water was magnificent. Shore in the stands was magnificent, with an enormous crowd of Shore boys, staff, parents and Old Boys, cheering on our crews. Our boys were enthusiastic in their war cries and affirmation of our rowers, appropriate in their celebration, very well behaved and very well dressed. This is very much a tribute to them, to staff and to their parents. It was Shore at its best – coming together as one team, regardless of age, experience or background – in pursuit and celebration of a shared goal. The boys found the day inspiring, meaningful and immensely satisfying. I am sure we will see the same positive School spirit tonight, at the GPS swimming finals.
It certainly seemed our rowers were lifted by the crowd, particularly with Shore positioned just near the finish line, where encouragement can be very effective for exhausted athletes. Of 11 races in the program, Shore won six (often with a stupendous effort in the last 25 metres to overhaul the opposition), achieved three 2nd places and two 4th places. Our First VIII’s, in placing 2nd, achieved a time which would have won the race in each of the last six years. Hearty congratulations to all the boys, especially those in the boats, but also to the spectators. Congratulations to our Master in Charge of Rowing, Mr Glenn Bates, our Senior Coach, Mr Jason Baker OAM, and to all of our coaching staff on this superb result.
Other Headmasters sought to congratulate me at the reception following the program. I channelled the former Prime Minister: “I don’t hold an oar”. The success of the day was the collective effort of many, especially the boys themselves and their coaches, but also of parents with so much transporting of the boys and preparation of food for immensely hungry rowers needing lots of energy. Thank you very much to all involved and your contribution to Shore and the culture of belonging which is so powerful at our School.
Vale Sophie Kilburn
In news just at hand today, Friday 28 March 2025, our much loved former Mathematics teacher, Ms Sophie Kilburn has passed away after a long battle with cancer. Ms Kilburn has had a long and outstanding career at Shore assisting generations of young men, not only in their study of Mathematics, but in their formation as excellent adults. By Ms Kilburn’s request, a Memorial Service will be held in our School Chapel. Arrangements will be provided for staff, students and parents, all present and past, as soon as possible.
Dr John Collier Headmaster
Chaplains’ Chat
Last week was Harmony Week —a celebration of the diversity and multiculturalism that makes up our great nation of Australia. As part of Harmony Week, our Chapel Services became a special time to give careful consideration and reflect on how we can live in peace and harmony with others. Speaking two thousand years ago to the church in Rome, the Apostle Paul instructed them, “Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.” (Romans 12:16). Harmony has always been a priority among God’s people and it is a noble task to strive for.
A special part of our Harmony Week Chapel involved readings of the Bible and prayers in different languages to reflect the diversity of our society. Christianity is the most diverse religion in the world, with people of every nation holding to the Christian faith. The Bible itself is the most translated book in the world. It is available in over 3000 languages and millions of Christians in the world are not reading the Bible in English. For comparison, there are more Christians in China than the entire population of Australia three times over!
Accompanying our Harmony Week Chapel was the message from Mr Ho, reflecting on the words of Psalm Chapter 84. He shared a bit about his family’s history and the dangers his parents faced when fleeing Vietnam after the Vietnam war in search of a better future. He shared how they found that future here in Australia — a land of opportunity — where they could start afresh.
In Psalm 84, we are promised a secure future that cannot be taken away from us and that is greater than anything we can imagine. In this Psalm, God is described as our provider and protector who invites us to dwell with him. In fact, the psalmist goes as far as to declare that “Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere.” (Psalm 84:10) Mr Ho had the students think about the best day they could imagine — the people they would be with, the food they would eat, the activities they would do — and times that by one thousand! But even then, one day with God trumps them all. We can trust that God, who gave us all the best things we enjoy here on Earth, has something even better (if that is possible to imagine!) in Heaven with Him.
Rev John Sheldon Chaplain (Acting)
CRU Update
Who is the greatest leader in your life? Have they ever abandoned you or let you down? Are they always true to their word?
Last week at CRU we considered the way God is the best leader. We began with an introduction from Mack Haddow, welcoming newcomers and introducing the purpose of CRU as somewhere we can come to grow in our faith and talk about Jesus to encourage one another. With Mack leading us in prayer for our time, Archie Dykes brought us the Bible reading from Exodus 13:17-22.
Jayden Pan begun his talk by asking us to consider Harry Maguire — a leader and former captain of the football team Manchester United. Although recognised as a good leader, he has been in arguments with other team members and let his team down on occasions. No matter who the greatest human leader in your life is, they can still let you down.
Jayden used this as a contrast to emphasise that God never abandons His people. In the Exodus reading, God went before them in a pillar of cloud during the day and a pillar of fire during the night to guide them around the danger of the Philistines. Similarly today, God is always with us in the Holy Spirit and guiding us.
Jayden also mentioned that God always keeps His promises, knowing what is best for us. In Genesis 50:24-25, Joseph said God would visit the Israelites and they would carry up his bones. Even this seemingly random verse shows that God is true to His word as we see this promise fulfilled in the passage in Exodus. In times of trouble, we can remember that God never forgets His promises, and even if things aren’t looking good God knows best and He is always with us. We can always turn to Him in prayer or open His Word in the Bible to listen to Him speak.
CRU is held Thursday lunchtime for Years 7 to 8 and Friday lunchtime for Years 9 to 12 in the Christian Studies area, while lunchtime Bible studies take place each week as well. All boys are encouraged to consider attending if they are interested in Christianity — everyone is welcome.
Lunchtime Bible Studies
Year 7: Tuesday
Year 8: Tuesday
Year 9: Monday
Year 10: Thursday
Year 11: Monday
Year 12: Wednesday
Daniel Becker Year 12
Boarding at Shore: International Information Events
Shore is hosting Community Reception and Information Evenings in Hong Kong and Singapore during April. If you, or your friends or family, are interested in attending we warmly invite you to join us.
Hosted by our Head of Admissions, Mrs Vickii Scott, guests include current and prospective Shore parents, Old Boys and friends of Shore.
Guests will enjoy drinks and canapés while learning more about the School’s vision, academic support, pastoral care, co-curricular opportunities and practical preparations for international boarding.
The evenings will include presentations from Shore Staff:
Dr Andrew Mansfield, Deputy Headmaster Operations – Overview of Shore
Mr Derek Champion, Deputy Headmaster Pastoral Care – Pastoral Care at Shore
Mrs Emily Murray, Year 7 Boarding Co-ordinator – Boarding at Shore
Event Details
HONG KONG Date: Saturday 12 April 2025 Time: 6.00pm – 8.00pm Venue: The Langham Hotel Hong Kong 8 Peking Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon
SINGAPORE Date: Tuesday 15 April 2025 Time: 6.00pm – 8.00pm Venue: The Mandarin Oriental Hotel 5 Raffles Ave, Singapore
Following last week’s tip on How to Filter News by Topic, this week, we’re focusing on how you can find upcoming events and image galleries of past events.
Upcoming Events and Past Event Galleries
To explore upcoming events or past event galleries, click on ‘Community Events’ under the Shore Community tab in the left-hand navigation bar, or select the ‘Upcoming Events’ image tile on the homepage slider, located just below the calendar.
This will take you to the Shore Community Events page, where you can find a list of upcoming major community events and browse through image galleries of past events. Be sure to check back regularly to view new galleries after each event to relive the moments and memories!
During Week 8 Shore Staff and Students enjoyed the opportunity to celebrate Harmony Week.
Boys spent time in tutor groups engaged in a flag Kahoot and played a traditional Chinese game prepared by the Student Committee.
They also reflected on the importance of diversity and inclusiveness, sharing cultural stories.
We especially enjoyed Chapel readings presented each day by students in different languages. Thank you to Ollie Campbell, Jonathan Lim, Daniel Lu, Yukai Yan, Gideon Kingal-Paia and Louis Pichler.
Students indulged in delicious lunches from three food trucks on Tuesday and Friday — Gourmet Gozleme, Fire & Flames Pizza and Little Tokyo Japanese.
Many joined in the celebrations on Friday by wearing their cultural dress or the colour orange.
It was truly a wonderful week celebrating such an important event in our school year at Shore.
Thank you to the Harmony Week Team for their organisation and hard work, providing a special week of celebrations.
School Photos Now Available
Having strengthened privacy measures around accessing student photos, Melba Studios now has the following 2025 photos available:
Individual Portrait, available for instant download
House Photo and Composite Year Photo, digital copies can be requested and will be sent via file transfer service WeTransfer within 48 hours. Group photos will no longer be available for preview before digital distribution and/or purchase.
Printed packages are available to order at various price points.
Sydney FC’s Autumn Holiday Clinics, in partnership with Shore, are back and better than ever, giving your child the chance to level up their skills, make new friends, and have a blast these holidays! ⚽️
Date: Tuesday 22 April to Thursday 24 April 2025
Time: 9.00am – 3.00pm each day
Location: Shore Playing Fields, Northbridge Campus
🔥 Three Days of Football Fun, Games, and Challenges! Give your child the ultimate football experience these school holidays with three action-packed days of games, skill-building and friendly competition.
⚽ Level up your skills with coaching from the pros! Our expert Sydney FC coaches will guide your child through fun drills and techniques, helping them develop their football skills and boost their confidence.
🎯 Perfect for soccer fans in Year 7! (Ages 5-12) Whether your child is a beginner or already has some experience, our clinics are designed to meet all skill levels, ensuring they have a blast while improving their game. Kick off the holidays in style and secure your little footballer’s spot today!
Year 7 and 8 Easter Family Service
Families and students from Years 7 and 8 are warmly invited to a ‘family-friendly’ Chapel service, followed by refreshments and mingling on the Chapel Lawn. There will also be a fun Minties Hunt for students and siblings.
We look forward to seeing you.
Date – Tuesday 8 April 2025.
Shore Chapel – 5.45pm for 30 minutes.
Parking – Bishopsgate, please enter via Hunter Crescent.
Dress – Casual for boys and parents.
Supper – Kindly provided by the Shore Parents’ Association. To assist with catering please RSVP here.
Morning tea will be served after the Service on the Chapel Lawn and is kindly supplied by the Shore Old Boys’ Union.
We look forward to seeing you there.
Lower North Shore Careers Expo
Students and Families from Years 10 to 12 are invited to the Lower North Shore Careers Expo on Monday 12 May from 3.30pm – 6.00pm in the R A I Grant Centre.
This is a wonderful opportunity to explore and discuss tertiary options with the many exhibitors in attendance and leverage the expertise of Alumni to explore your career pathways.
Shore Athletics Carnival 2025
The Annual School Athletics Carnival will be held on Tuesday April 1 at Sydney Olympic Park Athletic Centre (SOPAC). This event is a highlight of the School calendar, offering all boys the opportunity to participate in a variety of track and field events. The day emphasises both participation and enjoyment, encouraging everyone to get involved and have fun.
Students are to arrive at School by 8.00 am for roll call in House groups wearing their full sports uniform, including a yard hat.
As food and beverage options at Olympic Park are limited, we recommend that all boys bring a packed lunch and their own water bottle.
Buses will transport students to and from the SOPAC stadium.
In 2025, a new process for Championship races on the track was completed via Clipboard, with individuals signing up for the races of their choice. Boys who run in non-championship races will still have their times compared to the results of those in the Championship races and, therefore, can still receive Championship points for their performances. The track events on the day include the 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m, Hurdles and House 6 x 100m Relay (with the 1500m races contested on Monday 31 March and Opens 3000m on Thursday 3 April), while the field events involve the High Jump, Long Jump and Shot Put.
The boys simply need to turn up to the marshalling area on the carnival day to compete in their chosen events. We look forward to an exciting and enjoyable carnival day next week.
Mr Jono Sparks (MIC Athletics)
Programme of Events
9.30am
Under 13, 14 High Jump
9.45am
Under 15, 16 Shot Put
10.00am
800m Championship Races (U13 to Opens)
10.00am
Under 17, Opens Long Jump
10.15am
800m Non-Championship Races (U13 to Opens)
10.45am
Hurdles Championship Races (U13 to Opens)
11.00am
Under 13, 14 Shot Put
Under 15, 16 Long Jump
Under 17, Opens High Jump
11.15am
100m Non-Championship Races (U13 to U16)
On the Back straight
11.15am
100m Championship races (U13 to Opens)
100m Non-Championship Races (U17 and Opens)
On the home straight
11.55am
Tug-o-War Final (Jnr and Snr)
12.00pm
Under 13, 14 Long Jump
Under 15, 16 High Jump
Under 17, Opens Shot Put
12.00pm
200m Championship Races (U13 to Opens)
12.10pm
200m Non-Championship Races (U13 to Opens)
12.50pm
400m Championship Races (U13 to Opens)
1.00pm
400m Non-Championship Races (U13 to Opens)
1.40pm
6 x 100m House Relay
2.00pm
Depart for Buses
2025 Athletics Carnival
The following races will occur in Week 10 of Term 1. All students are invited to turn up and race at either or both events, and no sign up is necessary. Students who compete will be given a House Point towards the Athletics Carnival House Points tally. Students who place in their race will accumulate points towards Age Group Champion.
U13 – OPENS 1500m Monday 31 March 7am School Oval
OPENS 3000m Thursday 3 April 7am School Oval
Mr Sparks MIC Athletics
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 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 and 16A vs Waverley (Queens Park)
13A, 14A, 15A 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
Shore’s Production of Newsies – Don’t Miss Out!
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.
All dates and events are subject to change, please confirm with the Music Department.
Date
Event
Venue
Time
Term 1 (30 Jan – 10 Apr)
March
Thurs 27 – Sat 29
School Musical: Newsies
Smith Auditorium
7.30pm
April
Wed 2 – Sat 5
School Musical: Newsies
Smith Auditorium
7.30pm
Wed 9
Concert Group – Opera Australia: Hadestown
Theatre Royal Sydney
7.30pm
Term 2 (29 Apr – 25 Jun)
May
Thurs 1
Open Chapel Service Rehearsals
Chapel
11.40am
Thurs 1
Concert Group – SSO: Tchaikovsky’s Sixth Symphony
Sydney Opera House
7:00pm
Fri 2
Rock School
Smith Auditorium
9.00am
Sun 4
Open Chapel Service
Chapel
9.00am
Wed 7
Year 10 Elective Performance Concert
Orchestra Room
7.00pm
Wed 14
Year 9 Elective Performance Concert
Orchestra Room
7.00pm
Thurs 15
Year 7 Intro to Instruments Rehearsals
Smith Auditorium
8.20am
Thurs 15
Year 7 Intro to Instruments of Band and Orchestra
Smith Auditorium
9.00am
Wed 21
Scholar’s Recital
Orchestra Room
5.00pm
Wed 28
Year 11 Elective Performance Concert
Orchestra Room
7.00pm
June
Wed 4
Concert Group – SSO: Stephen Hough performs Mendelssohn
Sydney Opera House
8:00pm
Wed 11
Instrumental/Choral Dress Rehearsal
Smith Auditorium
All Day
Thurs 12
Instrumental/Choral Concert
Smith Auditorium
7.00pm
Fri 13
Band Concert Dress Rehearsal
Smith Auditorium
All Day
Thurs 19
Band Concert
Smith Auditorium
7.00pm
Term 3 (22 Jul – 25 Sep)
July
Tues 22
Evensong Rehearsals
Choir Room or Chapel
2.00pm
Wed 23
Evensong
Chapel
7.00pm
Wed 30 – Thurs 31
HSC Soirees
Choir Room
7.00pm
August
Fri 1
Australian Music Day
MLC
All Day
Fri 1
Concert Group – ACO: Gershwin and Shostakovich
City Recital Hall
7.00pm
Wed 6 – Thurs 7
Choir Camp
Choir Room
All Day
Fri 8
Music Photos
Chapel Lawn
3.00pm
Mon 25 – Fri 5 Sep
Music Awards Heats
Various
TBC
September
Thurs 4
Confirmation Service Music Rehearsals
Choir Room
8.20am
Sun 7
Confirmation Service
Chapel
9.00am
Thurs 11
Year 12 Family Service Music Rehearsal
Choir Room
8.20am
Tues 16
Spring Concert Rehearsals
Town Hall
8.00am
Tues 16
Spring Concert
Town Hall
7.00pm
Term 4 (14 Oct – 5 Dec)
October
Mon 20 – Wed 22
Senior Music Awards
Smith Auditorium
10.00am
Wed 22
Concert Group – ACO: Dan Muller-Schott performs Tchaikovsky
Sydney Opera House
7:00pm
Mon 27 – Wed 29
Junior Music Awards
Smith Auditorium
10.00am
Tues 28
Concert Group – SSO: Mountain
Sydney Opera House
7:00pm
November
Fri 7
Masterclass
Orchestra Room
3.30-5pm
Mon 17 – Fri 21
Summer Lunch and Twilight Concerts
Hall Quad
Various
Thurs 20
Festival of Lessons and Carols Rehearsals
Choir Room
8.20am
Mon 24
Festival of Lessons and Carols
Chapel
7.00pm
Wed 26
Concert Group – SSO: Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony
Sydney Opera House
8:00pm
Dates To Be Confirmed (TBC)
TBC
Medieval Guest Artist
Smith Auditorium
9.00am
TBC
Battle of the Bands – Heats and Finals
Band Room
3.00pm
TBC
Santa Sabina Composition Day
–
–
TBC
Symphonic Encounters
Modest Orchestra
–
Term Dates 2025
Term 1
Thursday 30 January – Thursday 10 April
Term 2
Tuesday 29 April – Wednesday 25 June
Term 3
Tuesday 22 July – Thursday 25 September
Term 4
Tuesday 14 October – Thursday 4 December (Prep) Tuesday 14 October – Friday 5 December (Senior)
Career News
University of Sydney Update
The Careers Team recently attended the University of Sydney to gain up-to-date information on new degrees, recruitment trends and alternate pathways.
Mr Shane Griffin, Associate Vice-President of Sydney Future Students, highlighted significant trends in student enrolment and the impact of recent changes. The university has seen a 14.36% increase in main round first preferences and a 27.46% increase in total offers year-over-year.
With the removal of the Advanced Maths prerequisite requirement for many of its degrees, University of Sydney is committed to providing comprehensive mathematics support, including individual consultations, workshops and peer programs. It is important to note there is still an Advanced Maths Prerequisite for the following degrees:
B Engineering
B Pharmacy
B Advanced Computing
B Mathematical Science.
NEW Bachelor of Biomedicine and Health
This degree will be offered at the Westmead campus, leveraging the university’s long-standing partnership with the Westmead Health Precinct. Students are completely immersed in the hospital setting and the qualification provides a strong foundation for postgraduate medicine, dentistry, pharmacy or any postgraduate allied health degree. It is three years fulltime with a selection rank of 90.
NEW Bachelor of Mathematical Sciences
This degree replaces the B Science/Master of Mathematical Science and prepares students in fields like data science, financial analysis and bioinformatics. It is three years fulltime with a selection rank of 95.
Understanding Entry and Admissions
The following graphic provides an excellent summary of Selection Rank, ATAR and Adjustment Factors:
Additional Selection Criteria
The following degrees have additional selection criteria:
Dentistry and Medicine: Assessment day (undergraduate entry).
Education: Personal statement and NESA subject requirements.
Music: Audition, portfolio and/or interview.
Veterinary Medicine: Commitment statement and Situational Judgement Test.
Visual Arts: Portfolio of artwork.
Admissions Pathways
Students can attain up to ten adjustment factors by combining TWO of the following eligible entry schemes:
Educational Access Scheme: For students experiencing disadvantage. Students apply through UAC by 30 September.
Academic Excellence Scheme: For high performance in select subjects.
Elite Athletes and Performers Scheme: For students competing or performing at an elite level. Apply by 31 October.
MySydney Entry and Scholarship Scheme: For students from socioeconomically disadvantaged areas.
Regional Remote Scheme: For students residing in regional or remote areas.
Portfolio Pathway: For select Architecture, Design, and Planning degrees.
Creative Arts Special Admissions Scheme: For select Music and Visual Arts degrees.
The School and Dr Collier apologise for Dr Collier’s statements following the tragic events that occurred at St Andrews Cathedral School at the end of 2023. We apologise to everyone who was hurt and offended by those comments, including members of our staff and of our school community who raised concerns and complaints. We deeply regret any offence or harm those statements caused.
We acknowledge and recognise the profound impact of gendered violence on women and our community.
It is our responsibility as educators to contribute to a culture where violence against women is condemned, and we can do this by being vocal, vigilant and proactive in creating an environment where equality and respect underpin everything we do.
Cultivating a respectful and safe environment for our students and staff is a top priority for the School.
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.
Rowing Report
Saturday 22 March 2025
Head of the River Regatta
Full of anticipation, the Shore Boat Club headed to the Sydney International Regatta Centre to compete in the 128th AAGPS Head of the River Regatta. This is a highlight of many who row at Shore and this year was no different, with the boys from North Sydney determined to put on a great show for all those who made the effort to attend and lend their support.
Year 10 VIIIs
It is tradition to start the HOTR Regatta with the Year 10 VIIIs. These competitors have just completed their first season of sweep, so the opportunity to row in front of thousands of spectators gives a taste of how it feels competing in Head of the River. All our Year 10 VIIIs have had a great season with lots of lessons learned along the way. The week leading up to the final day was filled with drama, with many late withdrawals due to illness. It is important to point out the selfless decision made by the seventh seat of the First Year 10 VIII, Micah Minchin, who ruled himself out of the day due to illness and not wanting to let his crew mates down. This was a very tough call but done to support the majority which was very impressive! We still had a few under an illness cloud but with our ‘next man in’ mentality the crews quickly reorganised and got on with preparations.
The Fourth Year 10 VIII had a last minute change with Dominic Walker moving into the stroke seat on the Thursday prior and Henry Johnston moving into the bow end. Early into their race the crew realised they would need to come together quickly as they were under fire from St Joseph’s College (Joeys) and St Ignatius College Riverview (Riverview). At the halfway mark, the crew found themselves in the unfamiliar position of 3rd, trailing Joeys by just two seconds. A brilliant final 1000m saw the crew from North Sydney dispatch their Hunters Hill rivals and claim 2nd place — a great result!
FINAL PLACINGS: 1st – Riverview, 2nd –Shore, 3rd – Joeys
The Third Year 10 VIII steadily improved throughout the Term and were most certainly ready to race. The crew welcomed William Heiler back into the stroke seat, a combination that had proven successful in previous regattas. Right from the first stroke, it was Riverview and Shore through every marker on the course with 3rd place dropping back quickly to allow these two crews go to battle. The two boats were separated by under one and a half seconds at all stages – with the Shore team claiming victory in this tightly contested race. It was a display of brilliant focus from these rowers who are early into their sweep racing careers.
The Second Year 10 VIII welcomed Julian Noakes back into the boat for the final dance. This was again a drag race between schools that had traded blows all season, with 3rd place almost ten seconds behind the battle for 1st. Our crew trailed in the first 1000 metres but were not deterred from the task at hand and looked for those small one per cent effort areas to peg back the deficit. As they crossed into the final 500 metres, they trailed by just 0.3 of a second (approximately one metre). It was at this point in the race that stroke Peter Cominakis and seven seat Michael Hocking went for the jugular, bringing up the beat to sail past Riverview and putting on a brilliant show for those watching from the sidelines.
FINAL PLACINGS: 1st – Shore, 2nd – Riverview, 3rd – The King’s School (King’s)
The First Year 10 VIII had a tough run into the final day but were boosted by the inclusion of Xavier Coker into their crew for the big show. With their seven seat down and potentially more illness affecting the crew, the early pace of the race proved challenging to a crew more accustomed to leading the early stages of the races. An improved second 1000 metres saw our crew draw close to 2nd place, but in a very tight finish they had to settle for 4th. While not the result they had aimed for, I was very proud of this crew, and the efforts they put in throughout the season were truly worthy of a gold medal.
FINAL PLACINGS: 1st – Riverview, 2nd – King’s, 3rd – Joeys, 4th – Shore (just two-thirds of a length back from 2nd place).
The Fourth IV had a brilliant run this season, enjoying many 1st places through the year and some great performances against higher ranked opposition. This crew welcomed back stroke Liam Kennedy for the final two weeks of the season (after a short injury lay off). This crew has a knack of breaking contact by the halfway station and this race was no different with some brilliant early boat speed opening clear water just as the bow ball crossed the first 1000 metres. It was here that the boys really got down to work, building on the margin through the third 500 metres and reaching the final stage with a five second lead. From here it was a case of ‘shut the door’ with the mighty Fourth IV pushing further ahead to defend the Penrith City Cup by a very impressive nine seconds and setting a new record time of 6:51.
The Third IV had excellent improvement over the final few weeks of the season. The crew had tasted success against the field and were keen to bring home the Father Gartland Trophy to North Sydney. The first 1000 metres went our way with the crew crossing the halfway mark ahead by one second. Riverview responded with some great rowing to lead into the final 500 metres. This was a tight finish with Shore responding through the 1750 metre mark to have their bow ball in front, but a little jagged stroke surrendered this momentum enabling Riverview to take the win. It was a cracking race enjoyed by the crowd.
The Second IV had an inconsistent season — when they were on, it was hard to find a faster four. Alas this regatta was not to be theirs. The first 500 metres caught the crew out as King’s, Riverview and Joeys launching forward to create a small breakaway pack at the front of the field. By the end of the second 500 metres, the Shore crew moved up on 3rd place and looked poised to finish on the podium, but unfortunately slipped back during the third 500 metres. The crew bravely held onto 4th place, and while it was not the result that they hoped for they should be very proud of what they achieved throughout the season.
The only way to describe the First IV’s race is they absolutely blew their opposition out of the water. On a day of nail-bitingly close results, this event was the polar opposite. This crew hit a brilliant gear in the first 500 metres and held it for the 1000 metres, building and sustaining a clear water margin. They looked like they could row for days at that pace! The crew of Toby Crowther, Austin Hamilton, Sam Bowman, Oscar Miller and, in his final race for Shore, Henry Faddy pushed the whole race to establish a winning margin of ten seconds and setting an amazing new record time for this event of 6:36.
The mighty Third VIII welcomed a few late additions to their crew with the inclusion of Rupert Forrester and Caleb Jones due to injuries. The crew were excited to be rewarded for their efforts through the season with the use of the new Laszlo boat on this final weekend. Full of fire, they came hard out of the blocks to open a half-length lead through the first station. This was always going to be one of the races of the day with both crews having very close racing through the season. Through the middle 1000 metres, Riverview took back some of that margin to just trail by 0.34 of a second coming into the final 500 metres. It was at this point the spiritual talisman of the Third VIII, Will Taafe, yelled from the bow to inspire his crew and drag them over the line in 1st position, the first time all season that the Riverview Third VIII had been beaten with Joeys trailing behind by twelve seconds.
The Second VIII had an outstanding season and were pretty much undefeated with only some illness getting the better of the boys during the season. They did not come into this regatta over-confident, but instead with an understanding that anything can happen, the underdog can rise and the favourite topple, and this was exactly what Riverview hoped would happen. There were definitely some early heart-stopping moments in this race. Riverview shot out of the blocks like men possessed, determined to throw the Shore crew off by applying early race pressure and it almost worked. Riverview led through the first, second and third stations but the boys from North Sydney did not falter in the face of adversity, impressively chipping away at Riverview’s lead to come into the final 500 metres only one second behind. It was here that the true Shore spirit prevailed with the crew’s almighty push creating a two second swing in margin to put the blue canvas of the Shore boat in the lead. Once they had the lead the result was never in doubt with the crew buoyed by the calls of coxswain Jethro Chapman.
The Major Rennie race closed out the HOTR Regatta and this was a true ‘David versus Goliath’ battle. The ever-impressive Riverview First VIII came into the race the favourite but Shore’s First VIII have been continually improving and were ready to challenge. As soon as the green disc flashed on the screen, Shore and Riverview traded blows reflecting the pattern of the day, and just 0.7 of a second separated the crews through the first stage. A strong move from Riverview saw their lead open through the second stage with Shore maintaining contact throughout the middle stage of the regatta. It was here that the class of the Riverview crew shone through as they made a further push to break further away the Shore crew. Riverview recorded an impressive winning time, but pleasingly our First VIII achieved their season best time in what was one of their final races wearing the chevrons on their chests.
