Message from the Headmaster

The Online Cauldron

Dear Parents and Carers,

We are all aware that the landscape for young people has changed rapidly over recent years. One of the scourges of ubiquitous social media is immediate access to sites which have the potential for harm. In our recent Staff Day, Senior School staff were briefed by Dr Marshall Ballantine-Jones, who is perhaps Australia’s foremost expert on the corrosive impact of pornography on young people. His presentation was crystal clear and alarming. We have engaged him to undertake a parent meeting next Wednesday evening, 6 August 2025 at 5pm. He will speak about respect, consent and pornography. Perhaps the old computer saying, “garbage in, garbage out” applies. We would prefer our boys to conform to the biblical mandate, “Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things” (Philippians 4:8).

My view is that the quality of parenting and schooling experienced by our boys is a protective factor. We would however be naive if we thought our boys were not likely to be buffeted by this issue. I highly recommend this session, which may serve as a revelation.

Edward Street

I am somewhat bemused by the fact that Shore’s desire to purchase 75 metres of Edward Street, which is entirely enclosed by the School, should be a source of national interest! Nonetheless, North Sydney Council have voted to give their management staff the authority to explore the issue with Shore. Currently, this aspect of Edward Street cuts off our Prep School from our oval. Within the purchase lies the possibility that we could actually ease the traffic situation for local residents.

We don’t expect a rapid answer, but are glad that the consideration will occur. 

Opportunity for our Boys

17 of our High Potential Learners from Year 10 have been undertaking a course at the Australian Catholic University under the supervision of Mr Anthony Macks. In their recent assignment on the Greek Philosopher, Plato, all of the Distinctions and High Distinctions in the course were awarded to Shore Year 10 students. This means that every Shore student in the course surpassed every university student in the course!

Jayden Pan (Year 11) has recently been an Australian representative in the International Mathematical Olympiad. Jayden has come 1st in Australia and 27th in the world!

Congratulations to all these students on such outstanding achievements.

In House Physiotherapy

As a service to parents and students, we have brought the work of our physiotherapist in charge, Mr Ken Raupach and his colleagues into the School such that they undertake consultancies here on site. This has the advantage to parents and students of minimising time out of class, which might otherwise be spent travelling to and from external premises. Mr Raupach has served the School as a physiotherapist for around 25 years. I commend the services of Activfit to you.

Regards

Dr John Collier
Headmaster

Chaplains’ Chat

We all know that relationships are the key to human life. We are involved in relationships every day of our lives. Whether this is the family relationships that we enjoy, the relationships with work colleagues, the School relationships or social relationships, life itself is built around relationships. More and more at Shore, we want these relationships to deepen and grow. Perhaps the key part of relationships is in our words. We are speaking people, and our speech and words matter, especially in the realm of deepening relationships.

This Term in Chapel, we are looking at a few examples of how Christians should live. In Ephesians 4:25 we read: “Therefore, each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbour.” We all know of the friend who speaks truthfully to us. It is wonderful. They are reliable, trustworthy and dependable. Even when their truthful words can be difficult to hear! Being truthful in our words has the effect of deepening relationships. Of course, the God of the Bible is the God who speaks and speaks truthfully to us. We can look to Jesus to see this. What a wonderful thing it is when we are in relationships where the words spoken are truthful words.

Rev Anthony Benn
Chaplain

Considering Boarding at Shore?

If you’re a parent of a Day Boy and wondering whether Weekly Boarding might be the right fit for your son, we’d love to show you what it’s all about. Boarding at Shore offers a structured environment where boys can thrive academically, develop independence, and feel supported every step of the way.

What does Boarding at Shore offer?

A Balanced Routine: Boarding life helps students build essential life skills, manage their time effectively, and balance academics with co-curricular activities.

Round-the-Clock Support: With 24/7 Pastoral Care and an on-site medical centre, we’re here to ensure your son’s wellbeing and provide guidance whenever it’s needed.

A Sense of Belonging: Boarding creates a close-knit community where lifelong friendships are formed, and students feel part of something bigger.

We know that choosing boarding is a big decision, and you probably have questions about how it works, what daily life looks like, and how we support students in settling in. That’s why we invite you to come and see for yourself. During a tour, you’ll have the chance to meet our staff, explore the Boarding Houses, and hear from current Boarders about their experiences.

If you’re curious about how boarding could help your son grow and succeed, we’d love to show you around. Book a tour and let us help you explore whether this could be the right next step for your family.

Mr Daniel Bradford
Director of Boarding

You’re Invited to a Special Evening in Scone

All Scone and nearby families are warmly invited to a cocktail dinner on Friday 8 August, from 6.30pm to 9.30pm at The Cottage, 196 Kelly St, Scone.

This is a fantastic chance to meet our new Director of Boarding, Mr Daniel Bradford, Robson House Housemaster, Mr Peter Reid with Mrs Fiona Reid, and School House Housemaster, Mr Werner Pienaar with Mrs Tara Pienaar.

Enjoy good food and conversation in a relaxed setting, connect with others in the community, and bring along any families who may be interested in joining us.

We can’t wait to welcome you, see you there!

Click here to RSVP by 4 August.

Foundation Thank You Lunch

Last Saturday, the Shore Foundation invited guests to a special Thank You lunch in appreciation of their support.

Parents, past-parents and Old Boys enjoyed a casual lunch in the Hawker Stand at Northbridge whilst watching a thrilling afternoon of Rugby matches.

The Foundation is grateful to all the parents who make a voluntary donation with their fees or support the School on Giving Day. These funds go towards our means-tested bursary programme or future capital works. 

It was a thrilling afternoon of Rugby across the grades, with a great win by the Second XV against The Scots College. Please find the Lampada gallery here.

Mr David Mason-Jones
Executive Director, The Shore Foundation

Year 5 Grandparents Morning Tea

The Shore Foundation hosted the annual Year 5 Grandparents Morning Tea this week. Grandparents of Year 5 boys were invited to the Preparatory School to join their Grandsons in their classrooms, where they joined in fun activities and heard about recent learnings from the boys. Afterwards, they all enjoyed morning tea together.

The boys were very excited to have their Grandparents at School, and it is always lovely to watch their connection and happy moments together.

The full photo gallery can be viewed here.

Sawkins House Partners with Our Big Kitchen

Sawkins House was privileged to participate in the impactful “Our Big Kitchen” (OBK) Programme, a community initiative that brings people together to help those in need. OBK operates a commercial kitchen where over 250,000 meals are prepared and distributed annually, supporting more than 33 charities and benefiting thousands of individuals each year.

On Sunday June 1, Sawkins House students, along with their parents and siblings, joined forces at the OBK Commercial Kitchen to cook meals together for the homeless and those facing hardship. It was a wonderful opportunity not only to support the community but also to reinforce the core character virtues such as respect, humility, care, generosity, and gratitude that we strive to foster through Shore’s “Characters in Action” programme.

Listening to OBK’s General Manager and co-founders, Mr George Koronis, Rabbi Dr Dovid Slavin, and Mrs Laya Slavin, was a truly humbling experience. They shared inspiring stories about the tangible impact OBK has on the community, as well as the ongoing social inequalities exacerbated by the current cost of living crisis. For many of our boys, it was a powerful reminder of how important it is to help others whenever we can.

The event was deeply moving for all involved, and many students and families expressed eagerness to participate again. Special thanks go to our Head of Service Learning, Mr Huw Blood, who, together with Rabbi Slavin, has championed this partnership and made it a vital part of Shore’s Service Learning programme.

We look forward to continuing this meaningful collaboration, growing in compassion and making a real difference in the lives of others.

Mr Chris Tyson
Sawkins Housemaster

Thank You to Our Duke of Edinburgh Award Students

A big thank you to the Duke of Edinburgh Award students who have generously volunteered their time to assist at the Northbridge Canteen as part of their service component. Your dedication and hard work have not gone unnoticed, and your contribution has made a real difference to our School community.

The Duke of Edinburgh Award is a globally recognised programme that encourages young people to develop skills, resilience, and a sense of responsibility through activities in service, physical recreation, skill-building, and adventurous journeys. At Shore, the programme provides boys with opportunities to give back to their community while fostering personal growth and leadership.

By assisting at the Northbridge Canteen, these students not only support the smooth running of a vital School service but also learn the value of teamwork, commitment, and serving others. Their efforts embody the spirit of the Duke of Edinburgh Award and reflect the values we strive to instil in all our boys.

Thank you once again to our Duke of Edinburgh students for your service and dedication, you are making a positive impact!

Second Hand Uniform Pop Up Shop Next Week!

The Shore Parents’ Association will be selling all second hand uniform items from Prep and Senior School at our pop up shop next week to raise funds.

Visit us in the Coach House from 8am to 11am on Wednesday 6 August – behind Graythwaite!

If you would like to donate uniform items, washed and in good condition, please find green donation bins clearly signed, placed in the Prep Office at our North Sydney Campus and under cover at the Northbridge Canteen.

Please note: Parking is not available on campus.

Shore Parents’ Association

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.

Shore Parents’ Association

Volunteering at Shore

Volunteering is an important part of the Shore culture and is integral to the Shore Parents’ Association’s (SPA) ‘Sustain the Flame’ initiative, supporting the great Shore tradition of ‘handing on the torch of life’.

There are many opportunities at Shore for parents to be meaningfully involved within the community and build connections. We hear time and again of new friendships forged and current friendships strengthened just by helping at the canteens for Saturday Sport, in the Library or on a stall at the American Tea.

A reminder that at Shore, volunteers are required to have a Working With Children Check (WWCC) clearance. This process is free and straightforward. Parents and carers can register their details on the School’s volunteer register.

For a list of volunteering opportunities, details about obtaining a WWCC clearance and access to the online form to register as a volunteer at Shore, please click here.

We are very grateful and appreciate all those who give of their time and energy to volunteer at Shore. We warmly encourage all parents to consider registering as a Shore volunteer via the link above and look to contribute as much as they can to our wonderful School community.

Rev Dr Richard Wenden
Chair, Shore Parents’ Association

Shore Parents’ Association Assistant Treasurer Position

The Shore Parents’ Association (SPA) is seeking applications for the position of Assistant Treasurer.

This is a two-year role, commencing as the Assistant Treasurer in the first year and the Treasurer in the second year.

Please click here to access a full position description from the SPA Lampada page.

Please also refer to the SPA Lampada Page for further information about the important role SPA plays in serving the Shore community. 

To apply, please email SPA Chair, Rich Wenden at spachair@shore.nsw.edu.au  

Applications close Monday 18 August 2025.

Shore Parents’ Association

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.

From the Deputy Head Operations

AAGPS Athletics Carnival – Saturday 20 September

The AAGPS Athletics Carnival will take place on Saturday 20 September at the Sydney Olympic Park Athletics Centre, Sydney Olympic Park.

This event is compulsory for all boys in Years 7, 8 and 10. Boys from Year 11 and Year 12 are also welcome to attend. 

Boys must wear full winter School uniform (no Boater) with coat or blazer for those who have been awarded one. The only hats permitted are Shore Yard Hats (no caps).

Boys will travel to and from the venue by bus. Boys should gather in House groups at Shore at 6.30am for roll call. Our buses will depart Shore at 7.00am sharp. These earlier timings are necessary as the AAGPS have shifted the start time of the carnival to 8am (the good news is that we will therefore finish considerably earlier than past years).

Any boy who misses the buses will be expected to find his own way to Sydney Olympic Park and report to his Housemaster to be marked off the roll.

The return buses will leave Sydney Olympic Park at 1.45pm, arriving back at Shore at approximately 2.30pm.

Permission to travel by private transport must be requested in writing (by email) from your son’s Housemaster.

Leave from the event will only be granted in exceptional circumstances and will also require an application in writing (by email) to your son’s Housemaster. Boys in the Cadet Bivouac Advance Parties and those involved in the Middle School Play have been granted leave, so there is no need for individual requests.

It is recommended that boys bring a packed lunch and a drink, as catering facilities at Sydney Olympic Park are limited and typically have long queues. Boys will not be able to leave the stadium to get food and must not have food delivered. Arrangements will be made for Boarders.

It promises to be a very exciting and successful day for Shore, so we look forward to the support of the Shore community.

Dr Andrew Mansfield
Deputy Head Operations

Parent Seminar – Respectful Relationships

The Pastoral Care team and Shore Parents’ Association warmly invite parents to a seminar with Dr Marshall Ballantine-Jones, on Respect and Consent in the Digital Age.

We will address online challenges, including the harmful effects of pornography and media messaging. The seminar aims to help parents guide their sons in developing healthy attitudes toward respect, consent and digital responsibility.

Date: Wednesday 6 August 2025
Time: 5.15pm – 6.30pm
Location: Playfair Hall
Cost: Free
RSVP: Here

Supper will be provided from 5.00pm outside the BH Travers Library.

Undergraduate Study Options in the United Kingdom

All interested students and their families are invited to an exciting opportunity to explore undergraduate study options in the United Kingdom, as representatives from Cambridge University and Imperial College London host a special event on Wednesday, August 13, at Shore, from 6.00pm to 7.30pm.

The event will offer valuable insights into programmes, application processes, and what it takes to thrive as a student at two of the world’s leading universities.

Cambridge University, renowned for its historic legacy and consistent ranking among the globe’s top Universities, and Imperial College London, celebrated for its excellence in Science, Engineering, Medicine, and Business, present a unique opportunity for attendees to gain firsthand knowledge about studying at world-class institutions.

Study in the UK. Be the best possible you – explore the value of educational opportunities abroad and the transformational impact they can have on personal and professional development.

What the Event Offers

Attendees will get an inside look at undergraduate life in the UK, from academic expectations to campus culture. The event format will include presentations by Cambridge and Imperial College representatives and a Q&A session, allowing attendees to receive tailored advice and guidance.

This gathering is open to all with an interest in higher education, regardless of their academic background. It particularly aims to inspire prospective students who are considering taking their ambitions global.

Why Should You Attend?

Students and their families have the invaluable opportunity to connect directly with some of the brightest institutions in education. Exploring options at Cambridge University and Imperial College London opens doors to a world of possibilities, offering not only a top-tier education but also access to a global network of peers and professionals.

We encourage all individuals and families interested in advancing their educational goals to attend. Whether you are a high school student, a parent, or simply curious about international education, this event promises to provide inspiration and actionable insights.

Event Details 

Date: Wednesday August 13, 2025 
Time: 6.00pm – 7.30pm 
Location: Shore, Smith Auditorium. Enter via Blue Street.

Make the most of this chance to interact with representatives from two of the most respected Universities in the world.

Register your interest here to explore this exciting pathway toward academic and personal growth, unlocking your full potential. 

Music Calendar

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

Term Dates 2025

2025 NAPLAN Results Available for Years 7 and 9

2025 NAPLAN results for Years 7 and 9 are available to be viewed and downloaded by selecting ‘Reports’ on the ribbon at the top of your screen.

Please use the ‘Download’ feature to save the results to your personal files.

If you encounter any issues accessing the files, please contact:

Years 7 and 9: Ms Emma Campbell at ecampbell@shore.nsw.edu.au or +61 2 9900 4783.

A Journey Through Chinese Traditions: Taichi, Opera, Garden and Yum Cha

To launch Term 3 with energy and cultural curiosity, Year 9 and Year 10 Chinese students took part in a full-day cultural and language immersion excursion on Friday 21 July, at the Chinese Garden of Friendship in Darling Harbour. The experience was thoughtfully designed to extend classroom learning, deepen students’ understanding of Chinese culture, and provide opportunities to apply their language skills in authentic contexts.

The day included two hands-on cultural workshops. In the Chinese Taichi Workshop, students learned fundamental stances and movements while gaining insight into the philosophy and discipline that underpin this ancient tradition. This was followed by a captivating Beijing Opera workshop, where students viewed a performance excerpt from The Drunken Concubine (《贵妃醉酒》) and explored the symbolic gestures, facial makeup, and stylised movement that characterise this classical art form. Both workshops were led by experienced cultural practitioners who provided rich historical and cultural context.

Students then enjoyed a peaceful self-guided tour of the Chinese Garden, taking time to explore the serene pathways, pavilions, and waterfalls. Dressed in traditional Hanfu, students immersed themselves in the elegant surroundings, gaining a deeper appreciation for Chinese aesthetics and cultural heritage.

A highlight of the day was a traditional yum cha lunch in Chinatown, where students sampled a wide variety of authentic dim sum dishes in a lively, communal setting. The shared meal fostered not only cultural appreciation but also joyful conversation and connection.

Adding to the richness of the experience, students were joined by peers from St Catherine’s School. This inter-school collaboration provided a valuable opportunity for shared learning, cultural exchange, and new friendships.

Overall, the day was a rich and memorable experience, filled with learning, laughter, and authentic engagement. We are proud of how our students embraced every aspect of the programme with curiosity and enthusiasm.

Ms Jingling Hu
Master Assisting of Chinese

Please see Patrick Fischl’s (Year 10) reflection on his experience of the day below!

Personally, after attending last year’s excursion (a treasure hunt in Chinatown), I was really looking forward to the next one and it did not disappoint! On the day, we were joined by the Year 9 and 10 Chinese students from St Catherine’s School who were a wonderful addition. It was a fantastic opportunity to meet new people and practise conversational Chinese in a relaxed and authentic setting.

We had the honour of learning a routine of Tai Chi from an international grandmaster. The movements, though difficult for us, were powerful and the session gave us a deeper appreciation of the discipline and values behind this ancient martial art.

Later, in the heart of the garden we were fortunate enough to watch a Beijing Opera performance. For many of us, it was our first time experiencing this unique art form. We were amazed by the performers’ traditional makeup, colourful costume and expressive singing.

Lunch at the Royal Palace Seafood Restaurant was another highlight. Some of the fan favourites were the pork buns (叉烧包), siu mai (烧卖) and of course the dessert, the mango pancakes (芒果班戟). During our free time in Chinatown I also enjoyed Emperor Puffs and bubble tea, a great way to feel the authentic environment around us.

Experiencing Chinese culture outside the classroom helped me connect with the language on a much personal level, in a way that our textbooks simply can’t do. My favourite part of the day were the breathtaking views of the garden’s flowers while wearing Hanfu and learning about the strong culture of discipline behind Tai Chi. This cultural immersion has only made me more excited to continue this subject into later years.

Economics Students Attend the Annual Anika Foundation Fundraiser

Mr Matthew Fletcher accompanied three outstanding Year 12 Economics students Taj G, Daniel B, and Connor F to an annual event hosted by The Anika Foundation last week. Generously funded by the Shore Foundation, this event allows top-performing students to hear directly from influential leaders. This year, the boys heard from keynote speaker Ms Michele Bullock, the current Governor of the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA). She is also a Member of Chief Executive Women and a signatory to the Banking and Finance Oath. With an impressive career spanning various senior roles at the RBA, including Deputy Governor and Assistant Governor, Ms Bullock insights on the financial sector were invaluable to our students.

The Anika Foundation, established in 2005, supports critical research into adolescent depression, one of the most pressing yet underfunded social and medical challenges of our time.

We thank our boys for their wonderful representation of the School, including a detailed question from Taj to Ms Bullock which had the room stunned! See below!

Year 10 Work Engagement

Thank you to all students who have submitted their Student Placement Record as a PDF on Lampada and completed the online form with employer details. Also, thank you to those parents who are supporting the programme and are able to offer placements to students for the week. It can be challenging to secure a position, particularly with employees working from home, so it is greatly appreciated.

Completed Student Placement Records are due on 31 August. They require sections to be completed by the parent/carer, student, school and the host employer. As the form needs to be sent to the host employer to be completed and then received back, it can take a couple of weeks for this to occur. Therefore, students are encouraged to send the Student Placement Record to employers as soon as possible to meet the required deadline. This is a legal document, and no student will be able to participate in the programme without a completed Student Placement Record.

Students undertaking the Macquarie University Business Week have been emailed the Employer Section of the Student Placement Record. Once the parent/carer section and the student sections have been completed, the form can be uploaded onto Lampada.

For those students who have registered for White Card and Barista training, a reminder that they will need to secure 3 days of work engagement from Wednesday to Friday of the Work Engagement week and upload a Student Placement Record for those days.

Further details and where to upload paperwork are available here: Lampada – Work Engagement.

Work Engagement is such a wonderful opportunity to explore future pathways and experience the world of work. Students can meet and have conversations with professionals and gather career stories. Experiencing the “end career product” before embarking on further education greatly assists in the decision-making process, particularly as courses cost significant amounts of money and take time.

Upcoming events, information sessions and further information on post-school options are available on the Careers News page on Lampada.

Please don’t hesitate to contact the Careers Team if you have any questions careers@shore.nsw.edu.au.

Ms Vanessa Shirriff
Head of Careers Education

Year 10 Progress Meeting – Dates For Your Calendar

Important dates for Year 10 Progress Meetings 2025:

• detailed information will be published on Lampada News and by email to parents on Monday 21 July
• bookings will open on Monday 28 July at 9am and close on Monday 4 August at 8am
• meetings will be held on Monday 4 August from 4pm to 7pm via Microsoft Teams

Shore uses an online booking platform: Booked (previously known as PTO).

Students must attend with their parents. Students are automatically excused from co-curricular activities in order to attend Progress Meetings. 

Year 12 Update

As we commence the final Term for the Class of 2025, we want to ensure all students have applied to university and/or TAFE and taken advantage of Early Entry and other opportunities that are available to current students. Those students taking a gap year are still encouraged to apply this year and defer any offers.

Last week, I spoke with the Year 12 Year Group and went through the different application processes. This included Early Entry, UAC, Scholarships, EAS, and SRS. The presentation has been sent to students via Teams, and parents/carers can access the presentation on Lampada.

The Careers Team is currently meeting with students individually to ensure applications are submitted. Please encourage your sons to make an appointment via Lampada – Careers Education, which will greatly assist with the process.

Upcoming events, information sessions and further information on post-school options are available on the Careers News page on Lampada.

Please don’t hesitate to contact the Careers Team if you have any questions careers@shore.nsw.edu.au.

Ms Vanessa Shirriff
Head of Careers Education

Introducing Blue Cards

A New Way to Recognise Character and Conduct in Years 9 to 10

We’re pleased to announce the launch of Blue Cards for students in Years 9 and 10, beginning in Term 3, a new initiative within our Pastoral Care programme that formally recognises and rewards positive conduct, character, and contribution to the Shore community.

This development builds on the long-standing tradition of Pink Cards, first introduced by Shore’s founding Headmaster, Mr E.I. Robson, as a badge of honour for good work and conduct in Years 7 and 8. Pink Cards are awarded weekly during Friday House Meetings, and collecting ten in a Term earns a student a Headmaster’s Award. We must also give a respectful nod to Mr D.F. Myles (’52), the undisputed original Pink Card king, who earned 31 cards in a single year between 1946–1947. A record that still inspires.

Now, with the introduction of Blue Cards, students in Years 9 and 10 will be recognised in the same spirit. These cards will be awarded weekly in House Meetings and will contribute towards Headmaster’s Awards at the end of each Term. From 2026, both Pink and Blue Cards will also become part of the House Colours process, with more details to follow.

This initiative was developed in response to thoughtful feedback from both the Student Committee and teaching staff. It replaces the credit points system, which had gradually faded in Years 9 and 10, and reflects our commitment to fostering a culture of respect, integrity, and growth.

We’re excited to begin this new chapter in partnership with students and staff and look forward to celebrating the many ways our boys demonstrate character and work in the months ahead.

Mr Derek Champion
Deputy Head, Pastoral Care

From the Music Department

Congratulations to…

…Joel G, who won the Open Trombone section and the Under 19 French horn section at the State Solo Championships in the holidays. This is an outstanding achievement, and we congratulate him on his fantastic result. Thank you to Ms Day and Ms Robertson for supporting Joel.

…Edward Perham who was awarded Highly Commended at the Sydney Eisteddfod for voice. This is an excellent achievement.

…Samuel Advani, George Harvey and Declan Ma, who all passed their recent Grade 4 saxophone practical examinations. A wonderful achievement.

…Choristers who sang at Evensong last Wednesday 23 July. The service was beautiful with excellent repertoire. Thank you to Mr Fox and Director of Choirs Mr Massey. The choir were joined by Prep Choir led by Ms Belshaw.

… Alex B, Daniel B, JJ B, Andrew G, Joel G, Ben H, Russell J, DJ N, Kieran O, Ollie P, Jonnie P, Eddie S and James T on their outstanding performances at the HSC Soiree concerts held this week. The calibre of performances was outstanding. Thank you to all the accompanists and to Ms Robertson for her support in organising this event.

…James Heddle, Hugo Alderson, Jackson Reid, Tristan McEvoy, Max Dalziel, Edward Fuzes, Tom Roxburgh, Harrison Kordek, Noah Kordek and Jonnie Pridmore on their solo performances for the Drum Studio Concert at the end of last Semester. Thank you to Mr Toby Hall for organising this wonderful concert.

… Finn Herald, Oscar Hart, Toby Armstrong, Jet Seeto, Isaac Metcalfe, Angus Pearce and Digby Wood on their solo performances at Mr Aleks Petkovic’s piano studio concert. There was an array of repertoire, and the students were most impressive.

…William Steiner, Henry Grieve, Daniel Bleach, Andrew Bell, Nestor Liu, Shaun Ng, Avery O’Neil, William Morris, Sebastian Novakovi, Aidan Ward and James McCowan who performed violin and viola. Thank you to tutors Ms Lizzy Jones, Ms Gabriella Jung and Ms Alex Wentzel and to Ms Katherine Day, who accompanied many of the students.

…Edward Perham, Josiah Thomas, James Wood, Elliott Copeland-Ognibene, Toby Armstrong, Daniel Hone, Avery O’Neil, Matthew Sanson, Euan Milne, Finn Hearls, Rory Wenden, James Yaffe, Alexander Beattie, James Thompson, Chris Griffiths, Tom Hurt, Ben Hocking, Eddie Scougall who performed on voice last Term on Monday 23 June 2025. Thank you to Mr Chris Richardson for his organisation of this concert.

Band Concert

The Band Concert which showcases Symphonic Winds, Concert Band, Stage Band, Jazz Ensemble and Trumpet Ensemble will be held on Tuesday 5 August in the Smith Auditorium at 7pm. The car park will be open from 6.15pm. This is a free event and all are welcome to attend.

Choir Camp

Choir Camp is on Wednesday 7 August and Thursday 8 August. This year, it will be held at Shore. Year 12 will be attending after School on Wednesday 7 August and will attend normal classes during the day. School uniform is to be worn. The activities look fantastic, with many different professionals coming in to provide our students with workshops. Any questions, please contact Director of Choir Mr Massey: lmassey@shore.nsw.edu.au

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.

AFL Report

Monday 23 June and Longest Kick Competition

In the final week of Term 2, the Combined President’s (GPS) XVIII played against a Combined CAS team at Barker College on Monday 23 June. Shore had seven representatives, the most we have ever had selected for the team, with Mr Frank Punch as the Head Coach.

• Mitchell D
• Neo P
• Daniel H
• Sam W
• Thomas H
• Monte C
• Hamish G

Ben Hocking was originally selected but withdrew due to injury.

They all played very well in a highly paced game. GPS had the lead after the first quarter, but in the end, CAS were too good with having many Swans Academy players in their squad, taking the win for the first time since 2019, winning 80- 33.

The following day, the First XVIII held a mentor day for the Intermediate A Team. This gave the opportunity for our future stars to learn the trade of what the standards and expectations are to play in the First XVIII. The boys thoroughly enjoyed it and took a lot out of it.

In the final week, AFL also hosted the inaugural Longest Kick Competition for Years 7 to 9 on Monday lunchtime and Years 10 to 12, and staff had their kick-off on the following day. We had over 40 contestants across all year groups and six staff members. Well done to the following winners:

During the Holiday break, an invitational squad from all year groups were invited to attend a three-day training camp at Gore Hill Oval and Northbridge Lower Ground Playing Fields. Thanks to Mr Frank Punch and Mr Michael Jones for giving up their time. Another great opportunity to see the future stars and keep them motivated to work hard to make the First XVIII when their time comes.

Two Shore boys, Monte C from Year 10 and Hamish G from Year 11, were busy during their holiday break playing for the U16s Sydney Swans Academy in the Marsh AFL National Development Championships. Playing three matches, they defeated GWS Giants and Gold Coast Suns with one loss to Brisbane Lions. Well done to Monte, who was named Sydney Swans Player of the Tournament.

As we commence Term 3, we have just three rounds remaining. The First XVIII qualified for the quarter finals for the first time ever. They are playing against Newington on Friday night at Bat and Ball. Hopefully, we can get a large support group to get our boys over the line.

Mr Geoff Tesoriero
MIC of AFL

Cross Country Report

Saturday 26 July 2025

The Trinity Relays, Ewen Park, Hurlstone Park

It was great to back in the Inner West for The Trinity Relays last Saturday. They always prove to be a fun and fast affair. This played into the Bestic family plans as they shot off post-race to celebrate our Captain James’ 18th Birthday. No doubt Mum smothered him with kisses for the duration of the day!

A massed start of all teams at once proves to be a bit nuts, but racing soon settles down mid-first lap. We promoted James Warren from the Intermediates to bolster our Opens team, and he settled into a good rhythm not too far adrift from the leaders. He then handed onto a determined Daniel Becker. The pace was hot up front with the Cranbrook Staff Team scorching their way around the course, setting a new record. Daniel soon sent James Bestic on his way, and then it was Tom Gray’s turn to charge off with the baton… and secured his teammates and Shore a solid 7th in the Opens race.

Just in their rearview mirror were the Shore Intermediate Team, who were having a red-hot crack at securing a place in their category. Hugo Stewart led the charge and had a fine first leg. He handed proceedings over to Ben Frantz, who continues to improve, and they were established ‘well amongst it’ in the Inters. Toby Ward shot out of the change zone like a cannon and set up a fine position for our anchor man, Jonty Jagger, who had a blistering run to secure 3rd in the team’s event.

Our Juniors Team also looked awesome on paper and didn’t fail to impress in their racing. George Harvey led the team from the start and handed over to teammates Henry Grieve, Zac Roberston and Alex Baxter. These four combined excellently to be 6th in the Juniors.

So, all in all, it was a fun and action-packed day of Cross Country Relay racing at Ewen Park.

We head back to Rydalmere and UpJohn Park tomorrow for our last Cross Country of the Season with our CAS brothers. It includes the fun GPS v CAS races, which is an opportunity for each association to ‘flex’, in the three age groups, and we are chuffed to have Toby Ward and James Warren representing GPS in the Intermediate GPS Team with Jonty Jagger as a reserve. Nice!

Good running,

Mr Michael Spratt
MIC Cross Country

Football Report

Saturday 26 July 2025

On Saturday 26 July we hosted The Scots College (Scots), with other match-ups including Knox Grammar School, St Aloysius’ College, and Reddam House. Against opposition with varied formations and systems of play we recorded wins with the Fifth XI, Sixth XI, Seventh XI, 16A’s, 16D’s, 15B’s 15C’s, 15E’s, 15F’s, 14D’s, 13A’s, 13B’s, 13C’s, 13D’s, 13E’s and draws for the First XI, 15D’s, and 14ED’s.

First XI vs Scots 2-2 draw

Coming into the 4th Round of GPS Football, Shore’s First XI had spent the break training hard and had performed well throughout all the holiday fixtures, looking to recover their best form. In the lead-up to the game against Scots, the team was playing some of its best football and was looking forward to this clash to turn around their season. As the whistle blew, Shore started with high intensity, and this hard-pressing football rewarded Shore with complete dominance for the first twenty minutes, eventually leading to two goals in quick succession. Twice Will Procter was released down the right flank, completely outpacing his defender to first put a ball across the box that Brian Thorpe tucked away, then going himself and slotting the ball in the back of the net to make the score 2-0, Shore. Looking in complete control of the match, Shore faced a sharp break and was unlucky to concede a penalty. While initially saved by Jono Loy, Scots reacted faster and managed to score the rebound to put them back into the game at halftime, with both teams going into the dressing room with the score 2-1. After the break, Shore had to weather a storm but managed to do so, until an unfortunate mistake gave Scots a free kick at the edge of the box. After a tricky free-kick routine, the ball was buried into the net to tie the game at 2-2. Shore continued to press forward and came close several times, but was unable to find the net, leaving the game level at full-time. Shore put in their best GPS performance so far. Coming against Sydney Boys next week, Shore will be looking to put in another strong performance.

15E vs St Aloysius’ College 15F 15-1 win

A very uneven and one-sided game, as the score indicates. The boys started well, getting the ball up into the attacking third through quick dribbling down the wings and putting in crosses, cutbacks, and at times cutting in field and having shots at will. Shore put the opposition under constant pressure, getting lots of shots on goal. The boys were a bit wasteful early on with their finishing, but eventually we were able to get our shots on target, and goals began to flow constantly throughout the rest of the game. Lachlan Ward controlled the midfield well with some good passes and playing through balls to the strikers Edward Pritchard and Louis Wang, who scored 4 and 3 goals respectively. Oscar Hart was a constant threat on the wing, beating his opponent in his 1 vs 1 and delivering good crosses and cutbacks and scored a goal himself. The game was played almost entirely in the opposition half, with them struggling to find a way through a defence.

Mr Elvis DeMarchi
Head of Football

Results

Rugby Report

Saturday 26 July 2025

AAGPS Round 7

The Scots College (Scots) 38 defeated Shore 36 (Tries: Tim Leahy 2, Rex Bassingthwaighte, Digby Hockey, Jai Callaghan, Oscar d’Almeida; Conversions: Oli Greig 3)

Shore began well, kicking off and almost regaining possession following a well-weighted contestable kick-off. Shortly after, Shore received a penalty in good field position. Rather than take the points, they opted to kick for touch, and a well-executed line out and driving maul led to Shore’s first try, with Tim Leahy being the man to put the ball over the line. However, Scots were quick to hit back with some slick transition play, catching the Shore defenders on the back foot. This allowed them to score two quick tries to put their team into the lead 12 – 5 after 15 minutes. Shore’s set piece work from the lineout proved very effective again, with another try to Tim Leahy coming off the back of a good drill and an effective driving maul. The successful conversion from Oli Greig tied the game at 12 – 12. Both teams’ attack was proving hard to defend, and Scots scored two tries to Shore’s one, by Rex Bassingthwaighte, to go into half-time leading 26 – 17.

After a stern talk at half-time, Shore came out with renewed energy and were first to score courtesy of a cross kick from Jai Callaghan that sent a flying Digby Hockey in for a try in the right-hand corner, narrowing the score to 26 – 24, following another conversion from Oli Greig. With the game in the balance to win for both teams, Shore made a few costly errors, resulting in Scots scoring two tries on transition to lead 38 – 24. Despite this, Shore kept on fighting, scoring two more tries by Jai Callaghan and Oscar d’Almeida. In the end, Scots hung on to win 38 – 36 with valiant efforts from both teams. Overall, it was an exciting game to watch with a lot of time with ball in play, allowing both teams to expand the defence, edge to edge, and create a free-flowing game. Unfortunately, some poor defensive efforts on our goal line allowed Scots to score six tries from seven entries into our 22m area. The team will be determined to put in a good shift at training this week and reverse the result against Newington this Saturday.

Mr David Mason-Jones
MIC Rugby

Snowsports Report

2025 Interschools Sydney Region Championships

In the last week of the July Holidays, 60 boys from Kindergarten to Year 12 journeyed to Thredbo Ski Resort to compete in the 2025 Sydney Region Championships. The snow was exceptional, and the courses challenging; our boys enjoyed great success across all age groups and disciplines.

The Redlands Cup was a spectacular start for our team, with Charlie Kovacs winning the event pretty much a clear 1.5 seconds ahead of the 2nd Place runner from Snowy Mountains Grammar School (SMGS) in Division 1. Nick Yates’ solid 5th place, the A Team were awarded Team Silver, Angus Motteram ranked 11th, and Max L’Orange ranked 15th. In Division 2, Ben Rose ranked a strong 11th and Alex Glasfurd 20th; Division 3 had Oli Klass in 6th, Jake Mears 12th, Hudson Williams 19th, Tom Rose 22nd, Henry Grieve 23rd and Henry Clark 33rd; In Division 4, Theodore Karedis ranked a strong 6th, Adrian Zhang 10th, Alexander Grieve 21st and Jack Dreverman 23rd; In Division 5, Lachlan Barnes flying solo – 18th and In Division 6, Louie Guo ranked 16th, well done Louie!

In the Scots Cup over in Perisher, our sole competitor flying the Shore flag, Luca Ewen, in a wild-weathered event reduced to one run, placed a solid 6th in Division 2.

On Day 1 of the Sydney Regionals, in Division 5 Alpine, Lachlan Barnes placed 10th.

In Division 3 Snowboard GS, Josh Charlie and Darcy Parry Okedon placed 9th, and Oscar Hanson placed 25th as an individual.

In Division 2 SB GS, Asher Shepherd and Cyan Couch came 4th!

In Division 1 SB GS, Noah, George and Neo took home Team Bronze.

In Division 3 Snowboard Cross, Charlie Pressley, Oscar Hanson and Joshua Kingsmill placed 4th, about 0.5 seconds off 3rd, with Charlie Pressley taking home the Silver Individual!

In Division 2 SB X, Asher Shepherd, Cyan Couch and Lachlan Boys also placed 4th, also a shave off 3rd!

In Division 1 SB X, Noah Shepherd, George Lane and Neo Pressley took home the Team Silver, and Noah added Individual Bronze to his cabinet.

On Day 2, in Division 6 Ski Cross, we had two DSQ in the A Team of Justin Yang, Hudson Vakili and Luca Di Giovanni after missing some tricky gates. The B Team of Jasper Li and Louie Guo placed 10th, with Jasper Li placing 15th.

Lachlan Barnes came 8th Individual in Division 5 Ski Cross.

The Division 4 Alpine A team of Theodore Karedis, Adrian Zhang, Callum Saurajen and Jack Dreverman won Team Bronze with Theo taking Individual Bronze. Our B Team of Max Madar, Alex Grieve, Louis Kennard and Arlo Philp came a solid 8th, Freddie Muldoon placed 41st. Some great depth forming in Division 4.

In the Moguls Qualifier Rounds:

In Division 3, Oli Klaas placed 8th, Thomas Rose 10th, Henry Grieve 19th and Hudson Williams 25th

In Division 2, Benjamin Rose 3rd yeeeew! and Lachlan Boys 10th

In Division 1, Ari Ganassin, 4th, Charlie Kovacs, 6th and Taj Robertson 7th.

On Day 3, we had a SILVER MEDAL WINNING TEAM in Division 6 Alpine – Justin Yang, Jasper Li, Hudson Vakili and Luca Di Giovanni. Louie Guo raced as an Individual and placed 50th.

In the Division 5 Moguls Qualifier, Lachlan Barnes placed 14th, and Justin Yang, skiing up from Division 6, placed 28th.

In the Division 4 Moguls Qualifier, Theodore Karedis placed 3rd, Adrian Zhang placed 11th, Alex Grieve 12th and Frederick Muldoon placed 16th.

Our Division 4 Ski Cross A Team of Theodore Karedis, Adrian Zhang and Callum Saurajen smashed out TEAM SILVER, with Theodore claiming INDIVIDUAL GOLD. Our B. Team of Alex Grieve, Louis Kennard and Jack Dreverman placed 15th, and Arlo Philp placed 74th in a huge field.

In the Division 3 Ski Cross, the A Team of Oli Klaas, Archer Bailey and Jake Mears placed 7th, the B Team of Tom Rose, Sam Diddams and Henry Dockrill placed 12th, our C Team of Henry Grieve, Hudson Williams and Henry Clark placed 18th, and our D Team of Hugo Rofe and Thomas Sharp placed 29th. Another large group of keen Shore skiers inside an enormous field of competitors.

In Division 2 Alpine, our A Team of William Thompson, Luca Ewen, Benjamin Rose and Alexander Glasfurd won Team Bronze, William Thompson missing Individual Bronze by 14/100ths of a second, and the distance between 4th and 1st was only 37/100ths of a second.

On Day 4, in Division 3 Alpine, our A Team of Oli Klaas, Jake Mears, Sam Diddams and Henry Dockrill placed 4th, only 1.5 seconds behind 3rd. Our B Team of Tom Rose, Archer Bailey, Henry Grieve and Hudson Williams placed 10th, our C Team of Hugo Rofe, Henry Clark and Thomas Sharp placed 26th. A huge field of 31 teams/139 athletes, which shows an encouraging age group for our boys with a lot of potential to develop over the coming years.

In Division 2 Ski Cross, our A Team of Luca Ewen, Ben Rose and William Thompson just missed the podium as well, coming 4th by 0.29 seconds! Alex Glasfurd placed 26th as an individual.

Our Division 1 Ski Cross A Team of Charlie Kovacs, Nicholas Yates and Taj Robertson won TEAM SILVER. The B Team of Angus Motteram, Max L’Orange and James Thompson placed 7th, and our C Team of Ari Ganassin and Alexander Yu placed 9th. Three Teams in the top 10 is a fantastic effort. Considering the Scots B Team won the event, 3rd, 4th and 5th were Scots A, C and D, with Redlands in 6th, I think we can hold our heads really high here, for sure – Four schools made up the top ten teams.

In Division 1 Alpine, with a similar team structure approach, our A Team of Charlie Kovacs, Nicholas Yates, Taj Robertson and Ari Ganassin won Team Silver, and the B Team of Angus Motteram, Max L’Orange, Max Papadopoulos, and James Thompson just missed that State invite, coming in at 6th, only 0.48 seconds behind 5th. Alexander Yu had an excellent race too, placing 22nd.

Many thanks go to all of the parents for their assistance with Team Management and Course Volunteering, and to Mr Gareth Inches, Mr David Weston and Mr Glenn Bates for their tireless efforts on and around the mountain. NSW State Championships will be happening in a few weeks, and Shore looks forward to posting a strong team. With the snow continuing to fall, this is shaping up to be a fantastic year for Shore Snowsports.

Mr Warwick Payne
MIC Snowsports

Surfing Report

Surftag at URBNSURF

Shore entered a team in the Surftag High School Competition at the Urbnsurf wave pool last Term. In freezing conditions (the water in the pool was 12 degrees), the team had 30 minutes on the left-hander and 30 mins on the right. Each team had five surfers, whose two best waves were judged to make up the team score. With fantastic results, Shore finished 4th in a competitive field.