College News –7 August 2026

It has been wonderful to return to the College this week after a few weeks of leave and to see such energy and activity across all areas of College life. I sincerely thank Cameron Alexander for stepping into the role of Principal during my absence, and I also acknowledge Daniel Stratford and Siobhan Paley for their ongoing support of Cameron, and the wider Senior and Junior School communities. 

It was wonderful to see so many students, staff and Rostrevor families come together to participate in our Community Mass with Father Anthony Beltrame on Wednesday morning. These Masses run from 8.00am-8.30am, and are a beautiful and peaceful way to gather as a community in Catholic faith and prayer. The next Rostrevor Community Mass is on Wednesday 9 September, with all warmly invited to attend.  

Shana Bennett

Blue Week is an annual event at Rostrevor where students in the Senior School are given the space and resources to learn about men's mental health. Over the course of the week, the boys were given time to pause and reflect on their own wellbeing and the wellbeing of those around them, remembering that mental health struggles can affect anyone. 

Through activities such as wearing Blue Week wristbands, a barefoot grounding exercise, wellbeing lessons focussed on mental health, a morning walk & talk on the oval and hearing from a range of guest speakers, students learned about the importance of Blue Week and played an active part in reducing the stigma around seeking help. 

The Prefect-led blue doughnuts, netball match against Loreto College and wearing a 'touch of blue' activities were fun ways to lift spirits while keeping a focus on the message of the week. All funds raised from Blue Week will be donated to Beyond Blue.

Congratulations to the Social Justice Group and other volunteers from Year 6-12 who participated the Vinnies Winter Sleep Out. Fifty students spent the night sleeping rough at school in solidarity with those experiencing homelessness, gaining a greater understanding of the challenges faced by many in our community. 

The evening began with inspiring presentations from Grantley Fraser (Class of 1990), a volunteer with the Hutt Street Centre, and Mark Jaksa, President of the St Vincent de Paul Society's Hectorville Conference. They shared powerful insights into the realities of homelessness, the work of their organisations, and the importance of treating every person with dignity, compassion and respect. 

Following a BBQ dinner cooked by the Year 12s, students enjoyed spending time together whilst Mr Urbani provided the live music. Later in the evening, Hugo led a meaningful reflection, encouraging students to consider the stories they had heard and the purpose behind the experience before bedding down on cardboard in Mackey Mall for the night. 

Before sunrise, the group rose to prepare for the Hutt Street Centre Walk a Mile in My Boots. It was wonderful for our staff and students to walk alongside the staff and the Year 10 students from Mary MacKillop College, united in raising awareness and funds for people experiencing homelessness. The event supports the Hutt Street Centre, providing connection, practical assistance and hope to those doing it tough. To donate to this important cause, please visit Rostrevor's Walk a Mile donation page. This is a fantastic opportunity to put compassion into action and continue making a meaningful difference in the lives of others. 

As a College and parish community, we joyfully recognise and celebrate the students who received the Sacraments of First Holy Communion and Confirmation on 2 August at St Joseph’s Church, Tranmere. These sacred milestones mark an important step in each student’s faith journey as they deepen their relationship with God and strengthen their connection to the Church. We congratulate these students for their reverence and commitment. We also thank their families, sponsors and parish leaders for their guidance and support. 

As a parish community, we give thanks for these young people and pray that they continue to grow in faith, hope and love as active members of the Church. May God bless them abundantly as they continue their journey with Christ. 

The Year 12 Outdoor Education class have refined their campcraft, communication and kayaking skills to design their final trip and conduct their last expedition whilst shadowed at a distance by staff this week. It is a truly unique experience where students are given the autonomy to demonstrate their self-reliance, test their decision making and group unity with minimal teacher influence. The calm and glassy waterways were a stark contrast to the blustery conditions on their last paddle in June which proved a useful learning experience.

As part of the Year 9 Rite Journey program this year, the cohort has been visiting Mary MacKillop College to participate in a collaborative soup-making initiative to support Fred’s Van, a St Vincent de Paul service that provides meals and support to members of the community experiencing homelessness and hardship. Last week, the Barron Year 9 students took part, working collaboratively with the other school's students to deepen their understanding of the importance of giving back. 

A group of 10 Senior School students attended St Francis Xavier's Cathedral in Adelaide to visit the Exhibition of the Relic of St Carlo Acutis. During their visit, the students had the opportunity to learn more about the life and witness of this remarkable young saint and to spend time in prayer and reflection. They also joined the wider community for the Cathedral's midday Mass, sharing in a beautiful celebration of faith. 

A special feature of the exhibition was the presence of a first-class relic of St Carlo Acutis. This was a portion of his pericardium, the protective membrane surrounding the heart. In the Catholic tradition, a first-class relic is a physical part of a saint's body. Relics are treasured by the Church because they remind us of the holiness of the saints and their close relationship with God. They are not worshipped but rather honoured as tangible connections to those who lived lives of extraordinary faith and virtue. 

St Carlo Acutis was an Italian teenager who was born in 1991 and died in 2006 at the age of just 15. Known as the "patron saint of the internet," Carlo used his passion for technology to spread the Gospel and share his love of the Eucharist. He created a website documenting Eucharistic miracles from around the world and encouraged others to grow closer to Jesus through prayer, Mass and acts of charity. His joyful faith and witness continue to inspire young people today. The visit was a meaningful opportunity for our students to encounter the story of a modern saint whose life demonstrates that holiness is achievable in every age.

Rostrevor's Year 7 Charter Ambassador Students recently attended Parliament House as part of their ongoing leadership development. During the visit, they learned about Australia's system of government, participated in a guided tour of Parliament House, and engaged in mock debates on a proposed bill in both the Lower House and Upper House. 

A highlight of the day was meeting the Independent Member for Finniss, Lou Nicholson, who shared her journey into politics and public service. Students had the opportunity to ask thoughtful questions about a range of laws, policies and issues relevant to South Australian politics, gaining valuable insight into the role of elected representatives and the democratic process. 

Over the next few weeks, the Reception to Year 2 students will be participating in organised gymnastics sessions, implementing fundamental movement skills into a variety of actions using their body. Each class has three sessions, showing their balance, strength and flexibility in a range of tasks such as the bars, mats and trampolines. The students enjoyed their first session this week, with the parallel bars being a frequent favourite!

We are excited to announce that we will be attending the Eyre Peninsula Field Days at Cleve next week from 11 to 13 August. If you're in the area, come along to the Carpa Pavilion and catch up with our friendly enrolments and boarding staff! 

Every year, schools competing in the SAAS interschool sporting competition participate in Pink Round. School teams across Adelaide wear pink socks and award Pink Round medals to the most sportsmanlike player on each team to promote awareness of breast cancer and women's health in the community. Congratulations to all students who were awarded their team's Pink Round medal this week!

Congratulations to Rostrevor's First XI team who have secured their place in the 2026 SAAS Soccer Grand Final next week after their 4-0 win against St Peter's College on Wednesday. Paolo Matto demonstrated great form as he gave Rostrevor the lead five minutes before half time to break the 0-0 deadlock. Paolo added Rostrevor's second shortly after the interval to allow for a comfortable lead. Emilio Piombo powered in a head from the corner and Jordan Schirripa tucked away the fourth to round out the scoring. We wish the squad the best of luck as they face a strong Nazareth College side next week in the Grand Final! 

Rostrevor's First XVIII team faced St Peter's away on Saturday in a must-win game to keep their hopes alive of a place in the SAAS Division 1 Grand Final. From the first bounce, Max Anderson was dominant in the ruck and provided first use to the midfield all day. Gaining early momentum, the team held a narrow lead at the first quarter break. The second quarter was another see-sawing battle with both teams enjoying periods of momentum until two goals from Archie Simpson helped Rostrevor open up a five-goal half-time margin. Archie finished with five goals in a best-on-ground performance.  

St Peter's continued to ask questions in the second half but each time, Rostrevor was able to regain control and pleasingly, finished the game strong with a five-goal last quarter, with 13.17 (95) to 3.12 (30). The backline was strong all day, holding the opposition goalless in the second half. Aden Knowles won the Pink Round Medal, awarded to the 'Best Teammate' for the spirit and camaraderie that he played with.  

The win sets up an exciting Round 10 fixture vs Prince Alfred College at home. We wish the team the best of luck in the game, the outcome of which will decide if Rostrevor finishes in outright second place and makes the Grand Final of the SAAS competition. 

Rostrevor's Year 9/10 Knockout Basketball team competed in Round 1 of the 9/10 Division 1 Knockout Competition earlier this week. The team played two games, facing off against Nazareth and Woodville High. The boys got the jump in Game 1 early against Nazareth with a 20-5 run in the first quarter. This then continued throughout the game with the final score reading RC 71 - NAZ 49. Game 2 proved difficult with a strong Woodville High outfit getting an early lead and holding their composure for the whole game. The final score was RC 40 - WHS 73. The team now looks forward to progressing to round 2 with the opponent yet to be determined.