“The crisis for most young men revolves around identity and a core sense of purpose. In the absence of strong guidance from fathers and the community of men, boys are adrift and are increasingly trying to initiate themselves in personally and culturally toxic ways!”

Jonathan Doyle
Thursday 7 June 2012

May I sincerely thank all the parents, and in particular the 100 dads, who braved the elements and joined us last Thursday to listen to Jonathan Doyle. Jonathan provided many valuable insights, including the wisdom noted above, and the parental feedback has been very positive. Notes from his presentation are available on the P&F website and please do not hesitate to visit Jonathan’s site to discover more: http://www.choicez.com.au.

Next term, on Wednesday 18 July, Mr Paul Dillon will present the final address in our trilogy of ‘must-see’ information nights on the issues of teenage alcohol and drug addictions.

Co-curricular success

I am delighted to report that the College has enjoyed further co-curricular success since our historic Senior Athletics victory in early May. A fortnight ago, our debaters were victorious in the FED Finals with our Year 7, 10 and Seconds teams all defeating excellent opponents. Musically, the Symphonic Winds attained a fantastic first place in the Sydney Eisteddfod’s Premium Band Competition. A superb accomplishment and certainly the first of its kind for this College in many decades!

Similarly, this Sunday our Senior Theatresports team will contest in the Grand Final of the Impro Australia Theatresports Competition at the Enmore Theatre. Finally in sport, a record number of Cross Country Runners will represent the College and GPS at the CIS carnival. ‘Character’ remains the key ingredient to success in all these fields and I thank the boys, staff and parents for their contributions.

HSC/IB Diligence

I remind all Year 12 students that the July holidays provide an excellent opportunity for all boys to reflect on their progress over the past semester. Please read carefully your teachers’ advice from your recent reports and act upon their instructions in the calm of holidays and the comfort of your home. The HSC and IB trial examinations commence next term on Monday 20 August.

Applications for Leave

Please note that all applications for leave from school for one day or more must be sent to me in writing or by email. The request for leave should contain the dates being requested and the reason, with as much notice as possible, to give the necessary time to for the College to consider the request. I will then confirm, in writing, whether or not leave has been granted. If a student misses sport, then please forward your explanation to the Sport Administration Manager, Mr Brian Dene.

Overseas Tours

This June/July, the College bids farewells to four touring parties. Mr Pyne, Mr Scali and Mr Chambers lead 30 boys on a Classics Tour to Europe. Mr Quince, Mr Watson, Mr Potter, Mr Kolbe, and Mr Light lead 28 boys on a Service Learning Trip to Tonga; meanwhile Mr Madden and Chaplain Bennett will lead our inaugural Service Learning trip to an Aboriginal Community in the Daintree region of Far North Queensland. Finally we wish Mr Dene, Mr Burgess, Mr Cox and Mr Honeywill and our senior footballers every success as they compete in G6 knockout competition in Canberra. All four groups are incredibly fortunate and I know they will wear our School colours with pride!

This weekend versus Shore

Finally on behalf of Dr Wright, Headmaster of Shore, can I please request that parents supporting our boys do not park across driveways when attending sporting games at the Northbridge grounds. From 1.00pm onwards there is parking available on Shore G Ground if travelling south on Alpha Road.

Best wishes for the forthcoming holidays!

Dr Andrew Hirst
Head of Secondary