College News – 23 May 2025

We welcomed prospective new students and their families at the College Tour yesterday morning, with many still interested in enrolling for a 2026 commencement. Availability for 2026 is limited for both day and boarding schools. If you know anyone who is considering a place for next year at Rostrevor College, please contact College Registrar, Megan McCormack as soon as possible via enrolments@rostrevor.sa.edu.au. 

Shana Bennett

Rostrevor College’s Junior Years came third from 65 schools for the South Australia Rocks Times Tables Rock Stars competition! Results from students’ individual times tables scores were averaged out to give us a podium finish for the second year in a row. The Year 5 cohort came sixth from 320 classes, with the Year 3s finishing 23rd, the Year 6s finishing 34th, the Year 4s finishing 41st and the Year 2s finishing 170th. 

Perhaps most impressively, Year 5 student Angus Hehir came third overall against 4,886 other students with a whopping score of 17,173! Only just losing out to Angus by 79 questions was Daniel Galipo in Year 3 who finished in fourth place with 17, 094 points. 

As part of the Middle & Senior Years Pastoral Care program, students attended presentations this morning from a range of organisations aimed at boosting their wellbeing and equipping them with the skills and knowledge to make positive choices.  

Year 7 and 8 students participated in an Online Safety seminar presented by the Carly Ryan Foundation which engaged students in an internet-positive discussion that empowers, educates and equips them with skills to reduce the risk of harm online. The Year 10 cohort heard from the Sammy D Violence Prevention Program, which is aimed at changing student’s attitudes towards violence by educating them about the negative impacts and providing them with strategies to keep themselves and their peers safe. The Year 9 and 11 cohorts both attended a Gambling Education seminar, which presents facts and myths about gambling including its risks, links to gaming and how to get help or help someone they know. 

On Wednesday, Junior Years classes celebrated National Simultaneous Storytime alongside millions of other students across Australasia. This annual campaign promotes the value of reading and literacy and supports libraries in our communities. 

'The Truck Cat' by Deborah Frenkel was the chosen picture book for 2025: a beautiful story about cats and humans, immigration and identity, and how food unites us all. Thank you to all who have contributed a favourite recipe to the library collection in celebration of National Simultaneous Storytime. Please continue to send them in! 

On Wednesday this week, a group of Rostrevor students had the privilege of visiting the Bene Italian Retirement Village as part of our Service Learning program. The students assisted with the Lifestyle Program and spent time engaging with residents through conversation, games and shared activities. The visit was a wonderful opportunity for our students to live out the Edmund Rice Education Australia (EREA) Touchstone of Inclusive Community, fostering a spirit of mutual respect, understanding and companionship. 

Following the visit, students reflected on the experience during a debrief session and spoke warmly about the joy of connecting with the residents and contributing in a meaningful way. Plans are already underway for a return visit in the coming weeks. We thank the staff at Bene Village for their hospitality and look forward to strengthening this valuable partnership. 

“The visit was a great time to learn from the elders and hear their stories on life.”—Hugo Jaeschke 

This week, the Year 8 cohort had the opportunity to deepen their understanding of the life and legacy of Saint Mary MacKillop, Australia’s first Saint, as part of their Religious Education class. A visit to the Mary MacKillop Museum enabled exploration of her inspiring story of faith, courage and commitment to the poor and marginalised. The boys were also able to walk in her footsteps, connecting with some local places that shaped her ministry. 

Last week, a group of Rostrevor students took part in the CESA Student Advisory Body Workshop at the Catholic Education Office, joining peers from other Catholic schools across the state. The workshop focused on student voice, leadership and the future of Catholic education. Our students contributed ideas, shared experiences and explored ways to strengthen student leadership in schools. It was a valuable experience that empowered our students to be confident, active voices in their community. 

“It was really a great time to bond with other schools and discuss how we can promote and advocate changes as a collective group!"—Lucas Di Blasio 

Thank you to Head Prefect Alecs Zorzi and Deputy Head Prefect James Clarke for volunteering at the charity Moonlight Gala for Run DiPG last weekend. A cause close to the hearts of the Rostrevor College and Loreto College communities, the evening raised funds and awareness for the aggressive form of childhood cancer. Guests heard stories from families affected, including the Lynch family (Charles (’21) and Harrison (’23)), who lost their much-loved sister and daughter Ava to the disease last year. 

Rostrevor’s 2025 Pedal Prix season kicked off on Saturday at the Shell V-Power Motorsport Park in Tailem Bend. The College entered two teams: Eddy, our Middle Years team, and Rossi, our Seniors (with their new vehicle). 

Rain and fogging windscreens made conditions tough all day, but our 17 students managed well. Luca Ricci kept Eddy safe through the wet early laps. Aiden Launer and Jacob Stephenson put in fast, consistent stints, with Year 12, Robert Negoita helping to keep Rossi competitive through the middle of the race. 

It was the first event for many of the Middle Years riders, who maintained a good pace and avoided mechanical issues throughout the six-hour race. Rossi placed 17th out of 44 teams and Eddy finished 24th of 41. Combined, the teams covered over 350km. Thank you to all parents and teacher Lawrence Latisenka for making long drive to Tailem Bend to support our teams on the day. 

Well done to the First XI Soccer team who won 5-1 against Mercedes College on Wednesday at Campbelltown. Rostrevor took the lead midway through the first half when good work from Christian Tassotti set up Marcus Caporaso for an easy goal. Mercedes equalised when they pounced on a loose ball in the box, but Rostrevor responded well and took the lead again through Barnaby Wood from 12 yards. Rostrevor added to their lead early in the second half when Marcus completed his hat-trick by slotting Rostrevor's third and fourth goals past the Mercedes keeper. The scoring was complete when Gianluca D'Apice rifled into the top corner from 12 yards. 

Last week two of Rostrevor’s Year 7 Basketball teams played an internal game after both of their opponents forfeited their matches. With mixed teams and lots of enthusiasm, the players gave it their all in a match that ended 40-19. The best players on the day were Aaryan Nath and Lewis Dowling.