College News – 20 February 2026

Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent and a time when Christians pause to reflect on how they are living. Student leaders hosted a liturgy on Wednesday this week in which Ashes were distributed, Project Compassion launched and the Gospel shared and reflected on. The Catholic tradition speaks about prayer, fasting and acts of kindness during this time, and the message in today's liturgy was to be mindful of how we can fast from certain activities and behaviours to make space and time for what truly nourishes us. 

In his Lenten message this year, Pope Leo XIV has proposed a ‘fast’ from hurtful words, instead making room for words of hope and peace. Hear from Archbishop of Adelaide, Patrick O’Regan about the meaning of Ash Wednesday in his Pastoral Letter for Lent. 

Presented by Year 6 leaders at the liturgy, each PC and Junior School classroom has been supplied with a donation box to collect funds for Project Compassion during Lent. Alternatively, families are invited to donate to this worthwhile cause through Rostrevor’s Caritas Project Compassion donation page. Funds raised help to empower people living in poverty around the world, enabling access to clean water, healthcare, safe shelter and education. Project Compassion provides critical resources and opportunities for people to reclaim their lives with dignity, resilience and hope. 

On Shrove Tuesday, we are reminded of the Catholic Tradition of preparing for a time of fasting during Lent by using up indulgent foods such as milk, eggs and butter in the sharing of pancakes.  

Students across Reception to Year 12 participated in Shrove Tuesday this week. Junior School students learned about the tradition in their classrooms, enjoying pancakes with their classmates. Senior School students had the option to purchase pancakes cooked by student leaders at recess, with all money raised from sales being donated to the Project Compassion appeal.  

The Year 7 Activity Days this week were a fantastic way for the cohort to get to know one another and extend their comfort zones in a fun and challenging environment outside the classroom. Students spent three days snorkelling and fishing at Port Noarlunga, rock climbing and taking on Challenge Hill at the Mount Lofty Adventure Hub and paddleboarding and kayaking at the dolphin sanctuary at Garden Island. 

Yesterday, Rostrevor's Social Justice leaders visited Kildare College to meet with their Living Justice | Living Peace group. Students shared ideas, explored common goals, and began planning collaborative initiatives for 2026 that promote justice, service and community engagement. It was a wonderful opportunity to strengthen connections between our schools and empower our young leaders to make a meaningful difference together. 

“Meeting with the Living Justice | Living Peace group at Kildare College gave us the chance as a boys school to really listen and learn from the perspectives of young women who are just as passionate about justice and service as we are. By sharing our different experiences and ideas, we’ve gained a broader understanding of leadership and strengthened our commitment to working together to create meaningful change in our communities and environment.”  

Liam Davis, Year 11 

“During our time discussing with the Living Justice | Living Peace group at Kildare College, the girls shared a different perspective and demonstrated their dedication to helping the community. I was paired with Lara, and she shared passionate ideas about getting both our schools involved in Backpack for Kids through donations and service. The visit broadened our thinking around leadership and social justice, showing the value of sharing experiences, listening, and building relationships with new people.”  

Giancarlo Blefari, Year 11 

Some of Rostrevor’s Year 10 and 11 boarding students spent Sunday at Trinity Gardens Bowling Club playing lawn bowls with boarding students from Loreto College, building strong connections through friendly competition. They shared lunch afterward, giving everyone time to talk, relax and strengthen friendships. 

All Rostrevor parents and caregivers, both new and returning, are invited to join us for the Parent Welcome Drinks on the stunning Rostrevor House Front Lawns to kick off the 2026 school year. 

It’s the perfect chance to mingle and get to know fellow Rostrevor parents in a laid-back and friendly atmosphere. Come along for great conversation, refreshing drinks and a warm welcome to the Rostrevor community! We can't wait to see you there! 

• When: Thursday 12 March, 6:00pm – 8:00pm
• Cost: Free
• RSVP: via TryBooking 

Please note – the date for this event was previously advertised as Thursday 5 February. This is a parent & caregiver event only – no students are permitted to attend. 

The College is pleased to announce the appointment of Zaren Tatarelli as the First V Basketball Coach for the 2026 season. Zaren is well-known to our community as a current Senior School teacher and Old Collegian from the Class of 2020, and has served as the Assistant Coach of the First V team for the past two years on top of his role as Coach of the Norwood Flames U18 Division 1 Boys team. We are excited about the skills and knowledge that Zaren brings to this coaching position, and wish him all the best in the season ahead.  

Rostrevor’s swim team competed in their third meet of the year on Wednesday at Prince Alfred College. Consisting of students from Years 6 to 12, the team performed well in the fast-paced program against PAC and Concordia College, finishing middle of the draw.  

Rostrevor has entered three teams into the SAAS Badminton competition this year – the Middle As, Middle Bs and Senior team. Well done to both Middle teams who came away with wins against Pedare College and Blackfriars College on Saturday! The Senior team was only narrowly beaten in their away game against Pembroke School, ending on 5/1/315 to 4/7/298.