Term 1, Week 3 - 2018, 15 February

Written on the 15 February 2018

From the Principal

Mr Brian Schumacher
Principal

Whether it is taking time out to celebrate the opening of the school year with a liturgy or earlier this week making time to mark the start of Lent with Ash Wednesday liturgies, it is hard to escape the reality that there is something different about studying in a Catholic school.

Regardless of the type of school one chooses, most people appear to seek an education that is balanced; one that draws out and helps to develop the many aspects of our children's lives. In the same way, many parents have a good sense that being successful at life is much more than a set of test scores, an occupation, the amount of wealth one accumulates or perhaps how many followers one has on social media. Living a fulfilling life is a combination of all these and more with the balance of gifts being very much an individual thing. Explaining this to students I like to use the following graphic to illustrate the point that in order to become fully human we seek to develop across five different but interrelated capabilities.

While much of what we teach is rightly prescribed by our governments, the way we shape and present the curriculum along with the ways in which we seek to work with young people is influenced by our core beliefs. In a Catholic school it is our belief that we are created unique and in the image of an infinitely loving God that underpins everything we hope to achieve.

Along with the many academic, sporting, cultural and pastoral programs available to students, one of the key attributes of a Catholic school is the many invitations to pray, to reflect and to discuss our ideas with others. Rather than these things taking away from instructional time or detracting from our secular learning, they are fundamental in giving us even more reason to study and providing us with a natural sense of awe and wonder at the world.

So, in a Catholic school we strive to really see the beauty and complexity of creation including that which is amazing in each of us. Thus, learning is fundamental to not only living a fulfilling life but also to coming to some understanding of the purpose of such a life my own. During Lent we also take time to consider more closely how we might contribute to building a more just and compassionate world. Project Compassion, an initiative that commenced here in Adelaide, brings thousands of Australians together in solidarity with the world's poor to help end poverty, promote justice and uphold dignity. Follow the link below to watch how this program helps us to make a real difference in the lives of others.
http://www.caritas.org.au/projectcompassion

May the weeks of Lent give us all many opportunities to reflect upon the beauty of the world around us and to cherish the communities that support us.

Brian Schumacher
Principal

From Leadership

Frank Ranaldo
Deputy Principal

Years 7-12 Parent Information Evening

We look forward to meeting parents who are attending this evening. A great deal of information will be delivered by Heads of Houses and others regarding the Pastoral Care structure and processes. If you are unable to attend, please refer to the PowerPoints available from the Parent Portal by clicking on the "Parents Documents" link on the home page.

The success of any student at Rostrevor depends entirely upon the strength of the three-way partnership that must exist between student, family and school. This partnership has as its foundation, respect and trust. We all want what is best for the boys and, in order for this to happen, the College and its staff must respect the role of parents / caregivers in being the first and most important teachers of their boys. Likewise, the parents / caregivers must respect the teachers and support them in their role and the boys must respect their parents / caregivers as well as their teachers.

Dux Assembly

I would like to offer my congratulations to the Graduating Class of 2017 on their success in their final year of schooling. At our Dux Assembly on Friday morning we will acknowledge their achievements and, in particular, congratulate our Merit Winners and students with ATARs above 90.

We look forward to hearing from our 2017 Dux, Lawson Nitschke who achieved an ATAR of 99.65. We will also acknowledge Flynn Pisani as Proxime Accessite who achieved an ATAR of 99.55 and was also awarded the Governor of South Australia Commendation. Flynn was one of just 26 recipients out of 14,000 students undertaking the SACE.

This year we introduce a new award, namely, the Principal's Medal for Exceptional Academic Achievement which will be awarded to Tom Roocke.

Tom had the opportunity to commence University studies before completing his secondary education, after being accelerated in Mathematics via our LEAP program, Physics, Religion Education and Music. Consequently, he was able to complete the majority of the SACE Stage 2 requirements by the end of Year 11. He was accepted into the University of Adelaide's Headstart scholarship program, which then allowed him to commence a university degree.

Tom undertook 4 courses at the University of Adelaide in 2017 as part of his accelerated program. The courses were: Object Orientated Programming, Algorithm & Data Structure Design, Physics and Mathematics. In the second semester he began a research internship, looking at simulations of the quark-gluon field in vacuum, which he and his team computed using the university's super computer.

Tom is currently studying a double major in Theoretical & Experimental Physics at the University of Adelaide, with minors in Mathematics and Computational Science. He has been offered a research internship at the Technical University of Munich, in Munich, Germany, which he plans to undertake in the summer of 2019/2020. Beyond that, Tom intends to gain a PhD in Physics (specifically Quantum Mechanics), from the Australian Nation University (ANU) in Canberra, upon completion of his undergraduate studies in 2020.

Shrove Tuesday

Shrove Tuesday is the day before Lent starts on Ash Wednesday. The name Shrove comes from the old English word 'Shriven' meaning to go to confession to say sorry for the wrong things you've done. Lent always starts on a Wednesday, so people went to confessions on the day before. This became known as Shriven Tuesday and then Shrove Tuesday.

The other name for this day, Pancake Day, comes from the old English custom of using up all the fattening ingredients in the house before Lent, so that people were ready to fast during Lent. The fattening ingredients that most people had in their houses in those days were eggs and milk. A very simple recipe to use up these ingredients was to combine them with some flour and make pancakes!

Our R-12 Shrove Tuesday Pancake morning was yet again an enormous success. This was a combined Junior Years and Prefect initiative to raise money for Edmund Rice Camps. We were very pleased to have staff and volunteers from Edmund Rice Camps assist with preparing the pancakes and also to answer any questions.

Edmund Rice Camps provide holiday experiences for young people aged 7 - 16 years who would not otherwise be able to enjoy them. Many of the participants come from what could be considered as marginalised or disadvantaged backgrounds and wouldn't be in a position to afford such an experience; the money raised will contribute to making this experience a reality for a number of these young people.

Year 10 "Stepping Up" (Father or Male Mentor & Son) & Retreat Days

On Thursday 8th and Friday 9th March, we will be holding our annual Father or Male Mentor and Son Programs and Retreat days for our Year 10 students. The program consists of two parts with 3 House groups participating in a Retreat on one day (boys only) and then spending the day with their father or male mentor, experiencing a range of activities here at the College on the second day. It works in reverse for the other 3 House groups, i.e. Father or Male Mentor Program on the first day and retreat on the second day. Every year this has run, we have received numerous messages of thanks and encouragement for it to continue. While it is difficult for some fathers or male mentors to get time off work it is certainly worthwhile for all those who can attend.

Through our Pastoral Care Program, our Academic Programs and our Spiritual activities, we aim to assist in the development of young men who can be true to themselves and who will become advocates of the values their families and school share. It is our main goal at Rostrevor to educate young boys and watch them grow into fine men, able and willing to make a difference in the world around them. If we achieve this then we certainly have followed Edmund's directive when he said, "The will of God be done in this and everything we undertake".

God Bless

Frank Ranaldo
Deputy Principal

Junior Years

Mr Geoff Aufderheide
Director - Junior Campus

Dear Members of the Rostrevor Community,

Welcome back! As is always the case, the staff and students of the Junior Campus have hit the ground running to kick 2018 off with a bang! Our first few weeks have seen us all dust off the cobwebs of a Christmas holiday break as we engage in the critically important routines at school.

As a Junior Staff, we believe that planning and implementing simple, everyday routines are essential elements in providing boys with the skills to develop the logic and ability to learn more complex knowledge. We believe that regular routines assist the boys in becoming self-assured and confident individuals able to anticipate, and understand what will happen next, the expectations of educators and prepare for transitions. This promotes self-esteem, self-control and confidence in safe risk-taking behaviours to enhance and encourage learning.

No doubt all parents and carers have been bombarded with copious amounts of information throughout the first few weeks. It is important for all of us to understand the value of the routines we set up early each year and how they can support the development of the boys both at school and at home. We believe that routines can assist you at home through the home learning opportunities we provide each week and there is great value in a consistent message.

We will hold our annual Parent/Caregiver Information Night next Tuesday 20 February from 6:30pm where we hope to further inform you about our plans and routines for the 2018 Academic Year.

Year 5 Aldinga Camp
(and the Year 6 Leaders too)

Last week we held our annual Year 5 Camp to Aldinga Beach. Whilst it was a hot few days away, the seaside location and picturesque surrounds made it the perfect spot! The boys enjoyed some time together on the beach, learned some new surf skills (despite a distinct lack of surf) and bunked together in the dormitory style accommodation. The opportunity to develop some independence and life skills whilst away from home was the ultimate aim and we are pleased to report that all campers took up the opportunities with gusto!

We also asked our new Year 6 Leaders to come with us and begin to develop some of their personal leadership skills with the Year 5 cohort. The Leaders took on the task of supporting the younger boys with great enthusiasm and were able to build on or develop relationships that will support the development of the Year 5 group as they navigate their way into Year 6 for 2019 seems like such a long time away!

As always, we were indebted to our staff for their care and support of the campers whilst they were away. Thanks to Ms Lauren Hanson, Mr Michael Hingston and Mr Elias Degeorge for taking time away from their families to ensure the boys had a worthwhile, safe and engaging experience. Thanks also to 'Active Ed' (our Camp facilitators) and the fine people at the Aldinga Beach Holiday Park for hosting our stay. I'm sure the Year 5 boys, having had the Aldinga experience under their belts, will be adequately prepared for their Canberra Tour when they hit Year 6 next year!

Year 6 Leaders Pledge

Part of our annual culture now is for the Year 6 Leadership Team to consider what they stand for as a group and how they will leave their mark on the Junior Campus after they have finished their time with us at the end of this year. This year, during planning for this, I asked the boys the simple question: "Who we for?". Those familiar with the College War Cry will know the significance of this line for us at the College.

After much discussion and thought, the Year 6 Leaders determined that they would challenge our Junior students for 2018 with this simple message:

"Take a step forward and let your light SHINE!"

So, for the 2018 Academic Year, let's see our lights shine!

Best wishes for the Year ahead

Mr Geoff Aufderheide
Director - Junior Campus

Head Prefect

Luke Valente
2018 Head Prefect

Prefect Investiture Speech - Friday, 2 February 2018

Good Morning Principal Mr Brian Schumacher, Board Chair Doctor Vin Thomas, invited guests, parents and families, staff and students. I came to this school in 2014 as a year 8 student. I stood in front of the white house early on a hot summer morning. Sweating from the heat and maybe a few nerves. Actually, lots of nerves. I walked down into the valley as the bag pipes played and took my seat on the grass. And I became a Rossi boy. I became a part of the community. I fell in love with the place. And the people. And that was the start of my very own Rostrevor Journey.

But everyone's journey has been and will be different. Some of us came in Reception, or year 8, or maybe year 10. Some of us have come from Darwin, from the Eyre Peninsula, the South East or maybe just down the road in Magill. Some of us like Maths, or English or PE. Some of us play footy, do debating, or sing in the choir. Some of us are just beginning our journey, whilst for the class of 2018, we have one final year to leave our legacy on this great College.

We are all different. And that's what makes our school so special. All of us come together to unite and form our inclusive community. And as another year begins we find ourselves presented with an opportunity to form new relationships and build on old ones. Or to try another sport, or another subject. I hope you are all as excited as the Prefects and I are, at the challenges that lay before us.

During the holidays, I was lucky enough to travel to America and visit the University of California in Los Angeles, commonly known as UCLA. UCLA is one of, if not the, best colleges in America and has seen some very successful people in all areas of life walk through its doors. The college is home to around 45,000 students and as I walked the immaculate grounds, with not a piece of rubbish in sight, I crossed paths with a large number of students. And there was one thing that was undoubtedly evident during my time there. It was that they all knew what it meant to be a UCLA student. At a college with no required uniform, every single student was wearing an item of UCLA clothing, highlighting the amount of pride and respect they all had for the environment they had been given the opportunity to learn in. Without even probably thinking about it, the students are leaving a lasting impact on myself and anyone else who chooses to walk through the door.

On a much smaller scale, this idea brought my mind back to the students and staff back home at Rostrevor. My first thought was that maybe Mr Pezos would be happier in LA because he wouldn't have to spend any of his time running after students with untucked shirts. Yes, this was because UCLA did not have a compulsory uniform. But it made me wonder, even if they did have a uniform over there, would Mr Pezos be required to walk the school grounds waiting to catch the unsuspecting student not wearing the appropriate uniform, or dropping his rubbish on the ground? Probably not, such was the school pride and the strength of their successful culture.

So, in saying that, I am going to challenge everyone here today to be a leader this year. There are many forms of leadership that each one of us can bring to the table. The easiest being to take responsibility for our own actions and therefore set the example for others. It can be something as simple as putting your own rubbish in the bin and picking up after others. Or maybe you decide to make the extra effort to include all of your peers.

Regardless of what you do, try to set the standard high, and in turn become a role model for those around you. And if you can summon the courage, then maybe give your friend a reminder when you see fit as well, because we are all here to grow, learn and become better young men. However small these actions may seem to you, to an outsider looking in it says:

I am proud of my College.
I am thankful for the opportunity I have been given to come here.
I buy into the culture here.
And I am honoured to represent my College.

It is important to remember that you really are a part of something special. In the College's 95th year, we must celebrate and embrace 2018 amongst ourselves and amongst the broader community. Let us aim to celebrate our history, whilst at the same time creating more. To celebrate our culture whilst we build on it together. To celebrate our traditions and the spirit that brings us closer, no matter where we have been and where we are going. So, show some Rostrevor spirit, wear the emblem with pride on the good days and the bad days. Look after your red and black mates, work hard but enjoy yourself, and the success will come.

Senior Years Co-Curricular News

Mr Jeff Fischer
Head of Co-Curricular

Almost a full complement of teams were able to hit the pool, pitches and courts over the weekend despite the extreme heat experienced during the week and the inability to train prior to the first round of matches. I would like to thank the coaches, players and their families for their commitment to Rostrevor's sporting programs and wish them every success throughout the remainder of the term.

First XI Cricket

PAC 9/205 from 40 overs (Kyle Brazell 2/27, Riley Slack 2/40)
Defeated Rostrevor College 8/192 (Matt Dnistriansky 52, Angus Honner 40, Kyle Brazell 36)

This was a game that was played in 2 parts. Generally, our bowling and ground fielding was not up to the standard which we expect from ourselves and at the end of the day, this was the reason we lost the game. Too many balls delivered to the PAC batsmen which they could score freely from and not enough pressure being built up by bowling the consistent line and length. Only Kyle Brazell really put the brakes on and he consistently bowled one side of the wicket where others struggled to do so.

PAC reached 1/94, but for us to then take regular wickets and restrict PAC in the middle overs to 8/170 was pleasing. Our last 4 overs with the ball weren't good enough and is something we must learn from. Special mention must be made of our catching with Angus Honner and Mackenzie Heath in particular taking great catches at various stages in the field. Captain Joel Size also performed a brilliant direct hit run out at a crucial time.

In reply, Stefan Lanzoni and Kyle Brazell looked comfortable and put on 26 in 6 overs before Lanzoni was out LBW. From 2/28 after Christian Leddicoat's dismissal, Angus Honner joined Brazell and both boys batted well, putting on 49 for the 3rd wicket. From that point, we continued to push the run rate and there were some valuable contributions from many boys, but Matt Dnistriansky on debut made a fantastic 52 hitting the gaps and also showing he can hit the ball a long way when he needs to. He looked very comfortable and gave us a real sniff of victory, however 205 was always going to be a push. Angus Honner played his best 1st XI innings and finished with 40. Unfortunately, we probably needed one of our boys who reached 35 to go on and make 70+, however it was a mature batting performance and to make 192 was pleasing as this would win most games. A huge thank you must go to new student Ryan Lymn who filled in at the last minute after Jake Slivak dislocated his shoulder in the warm up. He batted well and showed that he will one day settle in to this level of cricket.

To fall 13 runs short was disappointing, however, we look forward to the possibility of a potential rematch with PAC in 3 weeks' time and would take a lot of confidence in our performance on Saturday, having been close without playing anywhere near our potential in the field.

In other Co-curricular News:

Old Collegian Steve McKenna ('07) has continued his quest for Australian representation claiming a win in the Kingston Olympic length Triathlon (1500m swim, 40km cycle and 10km run) held on the weekend. Year 10 student Elliott Murada was an impressive 4th in his first ever Olympic length event, completing the course in just over 2 hours.

If your son, be he a current or old scholar, has made any significant achievement in an activity outside of the College, please pass this on to me via email to jfischer@rostrevor.sa.edu.au or by phone, so that I can include his achievements in the weekly newsletter.

Jeff Fischer
Head of Co-curricular Activities

View Co-Curricular Results