Message from the Headmaster

Declining Health of Teenagers

Dear Parents and Carers,

A recent study published in the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health surveyed 5,000 Australian teenagers. The study has indicated that a significant number of Australian teenagers are living with a chronic disease such as irritable bowel syndrome, asthma, eczema, chronic fatigue, hay fever, or diabetes. While the frequency of these conditions is higher for girls than boys, there is no reason for complacency in this situation for Australia’s young men. The study indicated a strong correlation between some of these illnesses, and unhealthy choices such as a preponderance of highly processed food, consumption of alcohol and smoking. Evidence is emerging that, despite the claims of the marketers, vaping leads to, not away from, tobacco.

While correlation is not causation, the links between some of these forms of indulgence and an illness are strong enough to suggest causation.

No doubt the proportion of adolescents so labelled reflects better diagnosis, with the improvement of tools available to doctors and researchers. However, the sheer numbers are confronting.

The New Testament, despite the developing Gnostic presence in the First Century AD, which argued that the body was immaterial or evil, places a lot of importance on the human body, and how we use it. The Apostle Paul goes so far as to say “your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit” (1 Corinthians 6:19). This is sometimes counter-intuitive for teenagers, who, are flushed with the confidence of youth, think they are indestructible and do not plan much for a future which seems distant. There is a place here for counsel from the wiser life experience of parents.

The message from the study is that parents need to act in so far as they can to reduce some of the potentially causative factors. The study provided a clarion call that if some of these illnesses are not controlled as well as possible, there could be ongoing damage to the immune system, leading to the onslaught of more severe diseases later in life.

Regards

Dr John Collier
Headmaster

Chaplains’ Chat

There is so much in life that is good. Fine experiences of overseas travel, a nice meal with family and friends, tickets to a favourite concert or a sporting event. We enjoy pleasures in life that sometimes last many weeks, all the while living in a fabulous country. And yet, of course, we also know about pain and heartache. Our experiences remind us that life is not always easy and there can be some very tough times indeed.

Relationships can be difficult, health is not always a given, and disappointment in work and social settings seem to happen regularly.

Our lives are a complex mixture of all of this and more. As we journey through life, we experience all of these things and the emotions that go with them. And yet, as we heard in Chapel this week from Matthew 24, King Jesus reminds us that he is returning. Amazing indeed! He is returning to correct injustice, to end suffering, to wipe away all the tears. All of these things that he himself also experienced. Jesus will return to show his absolute Kingship over everything, including humanity. Jesus gives us the sobering news that we will also need to give an account of our lives to Him. It gives us pause to not only marvel at what Jesus will do, but also gets us to reflect upon our attitude toward Jesus. Is he our King?

Rev Anthony Benn
Chaplain

Deepest Condolences

During the week we have conveyed the sad news to our staff, students, ex-students, and parents that Charlie Michel, Year 12, 2024, has passed away after a brave struggle with brain cancer. Charlie was a greatly loved student, very academically able and heavily involved in Surf Life Saving and Cadets. A memorial service is being held in our Chapel on Friday 20 June 2025 at 1:30pm. We share in the immense grief of Charlie’s family and friends, and will support all as best we can.

Dr John Collier
Headmaster

Confirmation 2025

For Year 10 Boys and above who wish to confirm and declare their Christian faith.

If you wish to be confirmed in the Shore Chapel in 2025, please apply to Rev Benn via email, abenn@shore.nsw.edu.au, before Wednesday 25 June, Term 2, Week 9.

The first meeting will be held in Week 2 of Term 3 at lunchtime in the Christian Studies Centre Room 21-3-3.

Any questions, please email Rev Benn.

Shabbot’s Camp

The June long weekend saw the CRU groups of Shore and Abbotsleigh combine for their annual camp known as Shabbot’s. 70 Shore boys and 70 Abbotsleigh girls attended the camp from Friday night through to Sunday afternoon at the Galston CRU site. We had a wonderful weekend away with some insightful talks on the theme of God Speaks We Listen, reflective group discussion times, great games and a theme night with a dress-up theme of ‘People We Listen To.’ There were great times of fellowship and the deepening of relationships as well as a One Direction styled memory verse from John 1. One of the strengths of the camp is that it is almost entirely student-led. The boys and girls do a fantastic job not only in their preparation but also in the activities at camp. Some of these are up-front activities such as leading a big group session. However, many of the boys and girls continue to have discussions and reflections with the younger students at camp. It is another demonstration of the power of relationships in our community, and students seeking to serve those around them.

Rev Anthony Benn
Chaplain

Shore Sleepout Returns: Supporting Rough Edges and Banksia Women

Service Learning continues to be a cornerstone of a Shore education, and our School’s strong relationship with Rough Edges in Darlinghurst remains a vital part of this commitment. This year, students from Barry, Burrell, Emery, Hodges, Mathers, Robson, and School Houses are invited to take part in the Shore Sleepout, an experience designed to build empathy, awareness and real-world understanding of homelessness and disadvantage.

Each Tuesday night, Shore boys already volunteer at Rough Edges, serving food and connecting with patrons. The Shore Sleepout extends this connection, with students participating in an urban walk from Shore to Rough Edges. Along the way, they will stop at stations to hear from people with lived experience of homelessness, addiction, and domestic violence, including from the affiliated group, Banksia Women.

Once at Rough Edges, students will share a modest meal, hear from the centre’s leadership and patrons, and reflect on the realities faced by Sydney’s vulnerable. The night concludes with a quiet service and group reflection, before students sleep in supervised, secure outdoor and indoor locations based on year level.

Importantly, this is Rough Edges’ major annual fundraiser. With no government funding, Rough Edges and Banksia Women rely entirely on donations. Funds raised through the Shore Sleepout will help employ a much-needed social worker to extend their impact.

We encourage the Shore community to give generously and support our boys as they walk in solidarity with those doing it tough. Donations can be made via the Shore Sleepout fundraising page.

The experience is designed to be safe but intentionally uncomfortable, to help students better understand the challenges of life on the margins. Thank you to all staff, families, and volunteers supporting this meaningful initiative.

Mr Huw Blood
Head of Service Learning

American Tea 2025 – Call for Donations!

It’s time to start collecting donations for this year’s American Tea. All fundraising proceeds go toward School resources, and every item helps!

Main drop-off: William St Loading Dock (just after Main Gate)
Hours: 8am–12pm and 1pm–3:30pm

What We Are Collecting

• Smash Stall: Chipped/cracked crockery (no glass)
• Trash and Treasure: Homewares, electronics, toys, craft kits, accessories (no clothes)
• Second-Hand Sports Gear: Balls, bats, boards, kits (clean and usable)
• Crazy Hats and Costumes: Fun dress-ups and accessories
• Books: Quality novels, non-fiction, current textbooks (no encyclopedias/damaged books)
• Ski Gear: Good condition skis, boards, jackets, gloves, etc
• Uniforms: Good condition Shore uniforms (no Firsts/Seconds jerseys)
• Lucky Jars: Nut-free lollies and small toys in jars (no nuts/unwrapped items)
  • Extra drop zone: 50 Rosedale Rd, Gordon or Prep Office
• Silent Auction: Seeking big-ticket items like wine, art, holiday homes, vouchers, unique experiences, etc. Email: americanteaauction@shore.nsw.edu.au or drop off at Graithwaite Reception (clearly labelled).
  
  For all American Tea updates, please click here.

Giving Day 2025 – Thank You

Thank you to everyone who contributed to our 8th annual Giving Day and to being part of “A Tradition Of Giving.”

We are grateful for your generosity and support, and thanks to 288 wonderful donors, we raised an incredible $692,350 in just over 24 hours. 

Your support this year will benefit future capital projects and our means-tested Bursary Programme, including Boarders, Day Boys, and Indigenous students, which allowed us to help 85 boys attend Shore this year – the highest number ever. 

Thank you for being part of this remarkable day and investing in our School’s future. 

Your support makes Shore a very special community.

Go Shore!

Mr David Mason-Jones
Executive Director, Shore Foundation

The Shore Foundation 49th Annual General Meeting

Regional Boarding Expos

Our Boarding and Admissions teams will be at the 2025 Boarding Schools Expo events taking place across New South Wales and will also hold a regional tour throughout NSW to meet with families and prospective families interested in connecting with the Shore community.

Our staff look forward to meeting new faces and reconnecting with familiar ones as we showcase the opportunities Shore has to offer.

NSW Regional Tour

Please extend the below dinner invitations to friends and family who may be interested in their son/s joining our Boarding community:

Wagga Wagga, Friday 20 June: Book here
Scone, Friday 8 August: Book here
Armidale, Friday 22 August: Book here
Forbes, Friday 29 August: Book here
Orange (lunch), Saturday 30 August: Book here

The 2025 Old Boys’ Union Scholarship

Fuel Your Passion for Making a Difference

The Shore Old Boys’ Union is once again proud to offer the Old Boys’ Union Scholarship supporting Year 13 students with a strong commitment to community service. This is your opportunity to turn your passion into action.

Do you have a service-based project or idea that could create real change? Each year, the Old Boys’ Union Scholarship is awarded to Year 12 student/s who demonstrate commitment, initiative, and a desire to give back. Whether you’re starting a not-for-profit, launching an environmental project, or pursuing an idea that’s close to your heart, this scholarship could help turn your vision into reality. The Old Boys’ Union wants to support your journey

The Scholarship seeks to acknowledge both a boy’s appreciation of the School values, and also his desire to put into practice what they have learnt in a unique way. The value of the Scholarship is a minimum of $3,000.00. It may be utilised by the recipient(s) over a three-year period up to the 31st December of the third year following your final year of School. The Scholarship is announced in the final week of Term 3.

What We’re Looking For:

• A genuine passion for making a difference
• A well-thought-out service project or community initiative
• A demonstrated commitment to helping others
• Clear goals for your community service or passion project
• A plan for how the scholarship will support your next steps.

If you are interested in applying, we ask that you give a brief explanation in writing, answering the following three questions in no more than one A4 page in total. Send to: Ms Maria Black, Alumni Community Manager at mblack@shore.nsw.edu.au by 5:00pm on Sunday 31 August.

1. What have you learnt in your years at Shore about being ‘A Good Man?’
2. Indicate the nature of Service activities that you have already been involved in both in the School and the wider community.
3. What would be the nature of the ‘Service’ activity that you would like to undertake on leaving school?

Don’t miss this opportunity to take your ambition beyond the School gates.

Music Calendar

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

Term Dates 2025

Book Week is Coming

The Senior School will celebrate an extended Book Week between 12 and 24 June. There will be poetry slam, author visits, a book talk, jeopardy between the Houses, a bookmark design challenge, and a couple of guessing competitions. 

The literary celebrations kicked off with Poetry Slam this week, where Shore’s budding poets performed their creations on the theme “Adventure” at lunchtime. Ms Allison Tait, author of The Fire Star, Willow Bright’s Secret Plot and others, will address Year 8 on 19 June. Mr Jeremy Lachlan, author of The Jane Chronicles, will speak to Year 7 on 20 June. The boys in Year 9 will listen to Young Adult literature specialist Mr Paul Macdonald speak about “The Reading Landscape Today – Current Trends and Top Reads” on 24 June. This should give them some good holiday reading suggestions.

The Library Service Captain and Deputy, Ethan and Will in Year 12, will run Book Jeopardy between the Houses at lunchtime. Each House will be represented by three boys. Last year, Gilmour won the trophy. Which House will be the champions this time?

Boys are encouraged to enter the bookmark design competition. The theme for the design is “Book an Adventure”. Entries are due on 18 June, and entry forms are available in the Library.

Boys will have the opportunity to test how well they know Shore staff members’ literary tastes by participating in a guessing competition where they will have to match ten staff members with their reading journey. Another guessing competition will test the boys’ familiarity with a couple of well-known books. Pages from old copies of three books have been torn into strips and strategically put in glass jars. Have a close look at the strips and see if you can work out which books the pages are from.

Mrs Eva White
Head of Library & Information Services

Dates for Term 2 and 3 Progress Meetings

Parents and students in Years 8, 10 and 11 are asked to note the following dates for Term 2 and Term 3 Progress Meetings:

Term 2

• Year 11 Progress Meetings: Tuesday 24 June (Week 9) between 4pm and 7pm

Term 3

• Year 8 Progress Meetings: Monday 28 July (Week 2) between 4pm and 7pm
• Year 10 Progress Meetings: Monday 4 August (Week 3) between 4pm and 7pm

Booking information and meeting details will be emailed to parents and published on Lampada two weeks before the meeting date. Progress meetings will be conducted online via Microsoft Teams.

Boys are expected to attend in School uniform.

There are no co-curricular activities on these dates for students attending Progress Meetings.

Ms Emma Campbell
Academic Data Manager

Future of Jobs Report 2025

The Future of Jobs Report, produced by the World Economic Forum, captures the perspectives of over 1000 employers, representing 14 million workers across 22 industry clusters and 55 economies. These perspectives are combined with data from Coursera, Indeed and LinkedIn. A key finding of the 2025 report is the impact of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) on the landscape of work, which is increasing at a rapid pace.

Since the release of Chat GPT in November 2022, investment in AI technologies has increased eightfold (WEF, 2025), and it is expected to have the largest impact on business in the next 5 years, according to 86 percent of employers globally. Interestingly, when looking just at Australia, this figure increases to 93.6 percent.

From automation to augmentation, AI is transforming industries, creating new roles and redefining the skills required to thrive in the modern economy. While it is projected that 92 million jobs will be displaced by 2030, this is counterbalanced by the creation of 170 million new roles. Technology is having a significant impact on the fastest-growing jobs of the future.

While there is uncertainty around the long-term impact of generative AI on the disruption of workers’ skills, core skills remain essential. Analytical thinking remains the top core skill identified by employers, followed by resilience, flexibility and agility, leadership and social influence, creativity, collaboration, motivation, self-awareness, empathy and active listening. The development of these “human” skills is becoming more and more important alongside technology skills.

The report also outlines other major drivers expected to shape and transform the future labour market, including geoeconomic fragmentation, economic uncertainty, demographic shifts, and the green transition. These are discussed in further detail in the report.

As students make decisions for the future, it is essential that they are aware of the impact of AI and grow skills in this area. There are many free courses available through Google, Microsoft, and Coursera that can help you build AI capabilities. Students are also encouraged to identify the “skills” they wish to develop when researching future options and tertiary courses, as we move from a knowledge economy to a skills-based economy.

Students can organise a Career Chat any time through Lampada here.

Mrs Vanessa Shirriff
Head of Careers Education

Parent Seminar Series 2025

From the Music Department

Congratulations to…

…Andrew G who was awarded a Licentiate in Music (LMusA) on Clarinet with Distinction. This is a most impressive accomplishment, and we congratulate Andrew for attaining his diploma qualification.

Also to Tom Armati, James Cuthell, Declan Ma and Will McCowan who performed piano at Ms Lin’s studio concert last Friday.

More on this next week, but a big congratulations to the students and staff involved in the Winter Concert at the Concourse last night and to Symphonic Winds who competed at the Sydney Eisteddfod last Tuesday. It has been a huge week for our musicians (and staff), and I commend them on their wonderful performances and outstanding effort.

Ms Kim Barber
Head of Music

Concert Group

On the evening of 4 June, elective music students had the privilege of attending a performance by the Sydney Symphony Orchestra at the Opera House, led by Principal Guest Sir Donald Runnicles. The first half of the concert showcased two works by Mendelssohn, both of which he began writing in 1830 – reflecting his Classical training and his transition into the Romantic style.

The orchestra opened with Mendelssohn’s The Hebrides Overture (‘Fingal’s Cave’, Op.26), a tone poem inspired by the composer’s journey to Scotland, shown through the evocative melodies. Despite being seated near the back of the Concert Hall, we were enveloped in the sweeping textures and oceanic swells that vividly evoked the rugged coastlines and dramatic landscapes of the Hebrides, setting a dramatic tone for the rest of the evening.

Following the Overture, Sir Stephen Hough then took centre stage as the crew pushed the magnificent Hamburg Steinway in front of the conductor’s podium. His performance of Mendelssohn’s first piano concerto (Piano Concerto No.1 in G minor, Op.25) was nothing short of mesmerising, clearly displaying Mendelssohn’s Classical sensibilities infused with Romantic expressiveness. The concerto was notable for its seamless transitions between movements, a characteristic that departed from the traditional concerto format of the time. After the performance, I even had a few boys ask me whether I could distinctly make out the movements.

The first movement, Molto allegro con fuoco, opened with a vigorous piano entry, immediately establishing a dialogue between the soloist and the orchestra. The second movement, Andante, offered a lyrical contrast as the piano’s delicate lines weaved over the orchestra’s gentle accompaniment. Hough’s bold interpretation of the concerto’s sparkling scalic passages captivated the audience from start to finish. The final movement, Presto – Molto allegro e vivace, bursts forth with energetic rhythms and playful exchanges between the piano and orchestra, culminating in a spirited conclusion.

The synchronisation between the SSO and Hough was fascinating to say the least, as the orchestra stepped back under the guidance of Runnicles allowing for the melodic passages to reach every member of the audience. To the audience’s delight, Hough returned to the stage for an encore, delivering an exquisite rendition of Chopin’s Nocturne in E-flat Major, Op. 9 No. 2. His expressive use of rubato filled the Opera House with tenderness and introspection, providing a moment of stillness before intermission.

Following the intermission, the orchestra presented an Australian Premiere of Detlev Glanert’s Hidden Image: Contrafactum with Brahms. This contemporary piece doesn’t just “quote Brahms’ material literally, but instead explores the Brahmsian gestures, figures, motifs, and structural qualities that make up his musical language”. The opening gesture underpinned by the F – A flat – F motto of the Brahms’ Symphony, showcased the orchestra’s commitment to tradition through a contemporary lens.

The evening concluded with Brahms’ Symphony No.3. From the bold and assertive motif, the orchestra captured the grandeur and emotional sweep of Brahms’ mature style – immediately capturing the audience’s attention. Runnicles guided the ensemble through the intricate layers of Brahms’ composition, highlighting the dynamic contrasts and the rich textures that defined the symphony, from the noble heroism of the first movement to the bittersweet lyricism of the third. The concluding movement brought the symphony to a rousing finish, with the orchestra delivering the final passages with vigour and precision – even rousing some drowsy listeners who had grown perhaps too comfortable in the Opera House’s famously plush red seats!

The opportunity to witness world-class musicianship and the rich tapestry of Romantic music firsthand was invaluable. Conversations during the intermission and after the performance centred on the nuances of the compositions, the historical context of the works, and the emotional resonance conveyed through the music.

On behalf of all the students who attended, we would like to thank the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, as well as Head of Music Ms Barber and Ms Robertson, for providing such a memorable and enriching experience.

Jeddy Sam
Year 11 Music 2 Student

The night’s programme for those interested can be viewed here.

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.

AFL Report

Friday 6 June 2025

Throughout the week, the First XVIII was gearing up for a big game against Riverview First XVIII for a Friday night game—what better way to celebrate than to have it during Reconciliation Week. The School had its annual Reconciliation Assembly and Luke H presented the Indigenous Guernsey to AFL Captain, Sam W. It was a fantastic speech by Luke about Shore’s homeland and coming together.

On the back of this, word had spread around the School that big Thomas Fuzes was going to be up against Sergeant Major Tesoriero’s nephew from Saint Ignatius’ College Riverview (Riverview). This was creating much hype, and by kick-off, Riverview had 50 supporters, and we had around 70 strong Shore supporters standing on the hill cheering our boys on. It created a great atmosphere, and it was a great scene to have them do the traditional tunnel for our First XVIII to run out to.

Shore’s First XVIII confronted Riverview under challenging conditions. Riverview, past premiers, were favoured, but Shore’s evident improvements since last season fuelled their excitement to gauge their progress. Riverview started strong, but Shore, led by Ben Hocking and Felix H, levelled the scores by the end of the first quarter. In the second quarter, Riverview intensified its attacks, although Shore’s defence, notably from Michael Hocking and Jeremy McKindley, resisted admirably. Despite being down by five goals at halftime, Shore showed resilience, led by Tom Hamilton and Logan Crookshanks. Ultimately, Riverview’s strength prevailed, but Shore’s improved performance and valuable insights gained were significant takeaways from the challenging match.

The Shore Junior A’s secured their first win of the season on a Friday night game. Despite an early setback, they dominated the match with all players contributing significantly, including standout performances from Jackson Harris and Drew Rennie, leading to a well-earned victory.

Shore’s Second XVIII faced Redlands, a known formidable team, and displayed commendable grit and determination. Despite their efforts, Shore could not capitalise on scoring opportunities and fell behind as Redlands took control. A notable moment was Harry Edmunds’ goal, reflecting Shore’s persistence. Although Redlands emerged victorious with a 55-11 score, Shore’s effort and resilience were evident.

In a Division 3 debut, Shore’s Intermediate A enjoyed excellent weather at Blackman Park, showing impressive teamwork and pressure. After a cancelled game the previous week, they unleashed their potential by controlling the match from the start. A powerful second quarter gave them a significant lead, although they faced a challenge from Waverley post-halftime. Nonetheless, Shore managed to maintain their strategy, concluding with a 95-13 victory, a remarkable start to their campaign.

Across these outings, Shore’s teams showed remarkable effort, teamwork, and growth. Each group, from the Junior A’s to the First XVIII, demonstrated resilience and learned important lessons. These matches highlighted Shore’s development and the players’ commitment to their sport, setting strong foundations for the remainder of their respective seasons.

‘Beyond the Bridge’

Mr Geoff Tesoriero
MIC AFL

Results

Shore Rugby

Shore vs Saint Ignatius’ College Riverview (Riverview) – Northbridge

The first thing I would say about last Thursday is – “How good are Shore boys in the Hawker Stand?” The answer – the best. Thank you to all the boys who came to Northbridge to support the Shore First and Second XV in their Round 4 clash with Riverview.

The Second XV got back into the winner’s mix last Thursday with a hard-fought and entertaining win. After going down two tries at the start of the first half, the Seconds fought their way back into the game and brought the score back to level. Riverview counter-attacked and hit the lead at 14-19 but a well-worked team try put Shore ahead and go 21-19 up. From there, the team lifted again and took the score to 28-19, which would be the final result. It was a great team effort with Dan Ritchie controlling the game well at #10, Noah Quayle hitting the best 50-22 of the season, Charlie Mott scoring a double and a strong fight-back from our forward pack led by Harvey Joyce, Darcy Squire and Fin Shadforth. The Seconds deserved their strong applause from the Shore boys in the Hawker Stand.

The First XV came out ready to face an in-form Riverview side. After a tight tussle in the early stages of the game, Shore took the lead at 12-7 and were playing good Rugby. Riverview countered, and the scores were locked up. It was tight footy and both sides were running hard.

The second half was set for a showdown, and both sides started at a frenetic pace. Just as it seemed Shore had the advantage, Riverview created and converted a tight sideline attacking raid into a try and took the lead. From here, Shore just couldn’t convert their attacking opportunities, and Riverview were able to put on another try and put the game beyond doubt.

With honours shared across the two games, Shore went into the long weekend for a well-deserved rest and recovery.

Long Weekend Rugby

Well done to all the Shore boys who played in the State Championships over the long weekend in Orange and Dubbo. There was tremendous representation from our Under 13s, Under 14s and Under 15s players throughout the tournament. Special shout out to the Shore boys in the Under 14s Norths side – winners in their age group, and to our Under 15s boys in the Norths side who went down in the Grand Final to a big Gordon side.

Thank you to Will Powell and Ollie Mott, who spent their long weekend refereeing games at this tournament. The game can’t happen without good officials – well done, men.

Shore takes on The King’s School tomorrow at Parramatta. See you all loyal Shore boys out there.

Mr David Mason-Jones
MIC Rugby