It was fantastic to see so many mothers, grandmothers and special friends on the Front Lawns this morning at the Junior Years Mothers and Special Friends morning tea. There were some truly beautiful speeches read to the crowd from the older Junior Years boys, with not many dry eyes left amongst grown-ups present afterwards! The Reception to Year 3 boys also performed a very sweet and well-rehearsed Mother’s Day song. The family photos below are linked to a OneDrive folder where you can download high-resolution versions of your photos. The moving speech below was written by Year 6 leader Sebastian Conhye and read at this morning’s gathering by younger brother Xavier (Year 4).  

Mary loved Jesus deeply. Mary gave birth to Jesus via the blessing of the Holy Spirit, she supported Jesus unwaveringly as a fellow disciple. Mary was there with every step Jesus took with the burden of his heavy cross. She was there at his death and celebrated his ascension into heaven.  

Like Jesus, how lucky we are to have a mother that gives her heart and deepest courage in an effort to help us boys achieve our hopes and dreams. How lucky we are that our mothers and mother role models have the capacity to ground us and remind us that this world is a beautiful place with so much hope. How lucky we are our mothers become our first friend, our best friend and forever friend. How lucky we are at the end of the day to lie in bed and be kissed by our mother's goodnight.

From my heart and every boys heart here at Rostrevor College I would like to simply say, thank you.... Thank you for sacrificing your body, your sleep, your social life, eating hot meals, going to the bathroom alone, your patience and sometimes your sanity, all for the love you have for us boys. 

With that I wish all mothers and mother figures a Happy Mother’s Day and may you all be celebrated for your devotion to us boys at Rostrevor College. 

The rhythmic heart of Mount Gambier resonated with the Rostrevor College musicians at the annual Generations in Jazz music competition last weekend. 30 talented students showcased their musical prowess in the Senior Band, Senior Jazz, and Small Jazz Band categories, performing three pieces including a set piece, ballad and own choice. Adding to the grandeur of the event, renowned professional performers graced the stage, including the iconic Kate Ceberano. 

Amidst the musical extravaganza, students found respite at the picturesque Mount Gambier Golf Club, where camaraderie was only surpassed by the outstanding drives on the driving range. It was an outstanding weekend, and all should be congratulated on their dedication, hard work and passion, truly exemplifying the spirit of Generations in Jazz. Worth of special note was ‘Man of Gambos’ Henry Jones, who performed in all three ensembles and made outstanding contributions in all facets of the experience. Thank you to teachers Peter Waterman and Greg Osman for facilitating this fantastic initiative. 

Students participated in a meaningful visit to the Bene Italian Village yesterday. During this visit, they will engage with the residents and participate in hands-on activities, fostering empathy, understanding, and valuable intergenerational connections. This also serves as a great opportunity for students to accrue Service hours for Service Learning! 

On Thursday last week, Year 6 captains were given the opportunity to attend a student leadership workshop ran by the South Australian Catholic Primary Schools Sports Association (SACPSSA) in conjunction with the Australian Council for Health, Physical Education and Recreation SA. The boys collaborated with leaders from different schools to investigate ways they can enhance the leadership program here at Rostrevor. 

On Thursday the Stage 1 Agriculture classes travelled up to Nairne to tour around Sidewood's winery and surrounding vineyards. Head Viticulturalist Mark spoke passionately to the boys about vineyard management, and Hugh, Max and Chief Winemaker Dylan showed the boys around their winery facilities. Seeing how wine is made at a commercial scale complemented the learning they have done so far in the classroom. Themes of sustainability and technology were explored throughout the winemaking process, as well as many examples of employment opportunities within the industry. 

Catholic School Parents South Australia, in collaboration with Mercedes College is hosting Paul Dillon of Drug and Alcohol Research Training Australia (DARTA) who is presenting Teens, Parties, Alcohol and Vapes: What do Parents Need to Know? Adolescence is a challenging time for all concerned, with many parents feeling as though they are not adequately prepared, particularly in areas such as alcohol and other drugs. Spaces will be limited to 120 people in person. Livestreaming will be available on the evening, with the recording available after 48 hours for viewing.  

Where: Mercedes College Mercy Lecture Theatre 
When: Tuesday 14 May 2024, 6.30pm - 8pm 
Cost: Free 

Registration is essential. REGISTER HERE 

Join Wellio for a free webinar to learn practical strategies that will help your children manage phone addiction and social media. During this webinar, Wellio will be discussing:  

• Reality vs social media: how students compare their lives with what they see on social media and the impact this has on their self-esteem along with three simple strategies to keep them on track. 
• Technology and Sleep: 73% of teenagers aren't getting enough sleep and their devices are a primary cause and how you can limit the impact. 
• Techniques to manage anxiety: A toolkit of strategies to help your child manage and prevent anxiety developing from social media and phone use. 

When: Tuesday 14 May 2024, 6:30pm 
Cost: Free 

Registration is essential. REGISTER HERE 

Congratulations to all those students named as Captains, Vice Captains and Deputy-Vice Captains of Rostrevor’s First teams. These positions are not distributed lightly, with much time and effort being spent by coaches, team managers and players to decide which students are best equipped to lead their team in a manner that best aligns with Rostrevor’s values and who demonstrates the red and black spirit. I have no doubt that Tyrone Sheehan, Jacob Newton and Antony Rapuano will lead their basketball, football and soccer teams amiably through the 2024 winter Co-Curricular season.  

To be selected for any First team takes dedication and skill, so I also congratulate the students below who were successful in securing a place in their respective teams this year.  

On Thursday some Years 7-10 students competed in the Mountain Bike Teams Championship held at Sturt Gorge Recreation Park. The boys made the most of the ideal conditions with ‘team 259’ consisting of Ryan Underwood and Zachary Hughes just missing out on the podium finishing in 4th - a significant achievement given the 80 teams that competed in the 7/8 category. In the 9/10 division Liam Underwood and Aidan Launer came out winners, managing to complete 11 laps in the shortest time. Thank you to the parents who came out to support the boys and assisted in transportation. 

Well done to all students who represented the red and black last week, especially those who donned the colours for the first time! The best of luck for the rest of the season.