Issue 32 - 23 October 2026
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    In this Issue

    Show all
    From our Rector
    • North American Martyrs and Praying for the Dead
    From our Principal
    • Faith, Values, and Democracy
    From the P&F
    • P&F Update - Term 4, Week 2
    Student Leadership
    • Message from George Bradford, Vice Captain (Boarders)
    Ignatian Centre
    • 456.8kg of Generosity for the Ignite Store
    Teaching and Learning
    • Buzo Theatre Company Performance for Year 11 Students
    • Year 8 Agriculture - Exploring Dairy
    Co-Curriculum
    • Riverview 1st Water Polo – 17/10/26
    • The Basketball Report
    • Riverview Cricket | Round 1
    Performing Arts
    • First Heat of ImproAustralia’s Schools’ Challenge
    • Music Private Tuition Recital Evening
    Boarding
    • Save the Date | Boarding Community Advent Liturgy
    Around the College
    • Year 7: NSW School Vaccination Program
    • Lost property: A little care goes a long way
    Christopher Brennan Library
    • What's happening in the Christopher Brennan Library?

    From our Rector

    North American Martyrs and Praying for the Dead

    FR TOM RENSHAW SJ, RECTOR

    Halfway along the right-hand side of the Dalton Chapel is a beautiful stained-glass window that commemorates the Jesuit martyrs of North America whose feast day was on Monday this week. There are eight martyrs - seven Jesuits and a lay volunteer who worked, mainly in modern-day Quebec – Fathers John de Brebeuf, Isaac Jogues, Anthony Daniels, Charles Garnier, Noel Chabanel, Gabriel Lalemant, Jesuit Brother Rene Goupil and Mr John de la Lande.

    In addition to the stained glass window in the Chapel, Saint John’s House, our Years 9 and 10 Boarding House, is named after Saint John de Brebeuf SJ.

    The pioneering missionary work of these French Jesuits was portrayed in the 1991 film, Black Robe.

    The two most famous of the martyrs are Fr Isaac Jogues SJ and Fr John de Brebeuf SJ.

    These French Jesuits accompanied the French explorers who settled in modern-day Quebec, and were associated with the early establishment of Montreal. They were engaged in the Huron mission, sharing the Christian faith with them. Unsurprisingly, at times, the Huron and the Mohawk people were at war with the French settlement and soldiers, and the Jesuits often found themselves in the crossfire.

    In 1642, Fr Jogues SJ and Br Goupil SJ were taken prisoner and tortured by the Mohawks, including Jogues having his thumb cut off, and hot coals dropped on his body. Fr Jogues lived as a slave for a number of months, until he was able to escape from his captors with the assistance of some Dutch traders in Albany, New York. He returned to Europe for some time but yearned to return to the mission and the Christian Hurons that he had brought to the faith. After visiting his mother, he returned to North America.

    Fr Jogues sought to negotiate a peace treaty with the Hurons, acting as France's ambassador. Following this, he returned to work with the Hurons. Shortly after leaving Quebec, they learnt that the Mohawks were once again at war with the French. Upon entering the territory, Fr Jogues was taken prisoner, tortured once more and killed by a tomahawk strike to his head.

    Fr John de Brebeuf SJ was one of the first Jesuits to volunteer to go to North America in 1625. His initial contact with the Hurons was through their annual trading visit. Fr John was a tall and strong man, and the Indians were initially reluctant to take him in their canoes due to his size. He spent the first two years learning the Huron language and studying their customs and beliefs so that he could more effectively engage with them. The first few years of his ministry appeared fruitless, and this difficulty was compounded by a drought. The only conversions were people on their deathbed. In the background, the English and the French were at war, and the English blockaded the St. Lawrence River, which stopped the delivery, by the French ships, of much-needed supplies. The French surrendered to the English, and all the French missionaries, including Fr de Brebeuf, were sent back to France in 1629.

    In 1632, the French and the English signed a treaty, and what is modern-day Canada was once again French territory, and Fr. de Brebeuf returned to the mission in 1633. Initially, he was welcomed back among the Hurons and, for a number of years, lived successfully among them. While the Jesuits were living with them, there was an outbreak of smallpox, and this epidemic placed all of their lives in danger, with over 1000 people dying.

    Over the next decade, Fr de Brebeuf continued to labour among the Huron people, even though the possibility of martyrdom was present. Fr Jogues was martyred in October 1646, and Fr de Brebeuf was killed by the Iroquois in March 1649. He was burnt alive, with boiling water poured over him. In addition to this, his face was mutilated, and a hot iron was forced down his throat to silence him.

    These Jesuit missionaries planted the seeds of faith in modern-day Canada and were heroic in their witness to Christ.

    November – a time to pray for our deceased loved ones 

    There is a long tradition, dating back to the earliest centuries of Christianity, of praying for our deceased relatives and friends. This usually takes place during the month of November, beginning with the celebration of the Feast of All Saints on 1 November and the Commemoration of All Souls on 2 November.

    Throughout the month of November, the Riverview Jesuit Community intend to offer prayers and Mass daily for all those, now deceased, who have been part of, or are related to, the Saint Ignatius College Riverview family.

    You are invited to send in the names of those you would like remembered in these Masses during November. You can do so by filling in the form, which can be accessed here.

    Names will be placed in a Book of Remembrance – kept for the month – in the Dalton Chapel, with a copy in the Jesuit Community Residence chapel.

    Please do not include any stipend or donation – this is the Jesuit Community’s gift to the College family.

    We want you to be quite certain, brothers and sisters, about those who have died, to make sure that you do not grieve about them like the other people who have no hope.  We believe that Jesus died and rose again and that it will be the same for those who have died in Jesus. (1 Thess 4:13-14).

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    From our Principal

    Faith, Values, and Democracy

    MR MARK TANNOCK, PRINCIPAL

    This week, the Director of Boarding, Anthony Begg, and I have travelled to Hong Kong and Singapore. The purpose of our travels has been twofold: to engage prospective parents from South-East Asia who might be considering Riverview as a school for their sons; and to engage with the Riverview diaspora (current parents, Old Ignatians and past parents) who now make these two great cities their home.

    As many of our community have experienced, travelling far from home often gives one some time and space to reflect on Australia and the current state of our nation. While it is always dangerous for a school principal to delve into political matters, the attack on independent parliamentarian the Hon. Dr Helen Haines MP has given me some cause to pause and discern what this might mean for our school community and, therefore, our country.

    Unlike other people across the world, modern Australia is unfamiliar with violence as a feature of our polity. The attack on Haines was one of only a few examples in our modern history. There was the attempted assassination of perennial leader of the Labor opposition, the Hon. Arthur Calwell MP, in the genteel surroundings of the Mosman Town Hall in June 1966. Caldwell was attending an anti-conscription rally when 19-year-old factory worker Peter Kocan shot him through the window of his Commonwealth Car. Parents will also recall the killing of Liberal Party candidate and anti-drugs campaigner, Donald McKay, in Griffith in 1977 and the assassination of NSW parliamentarian, the Hon. John Newman MP, in 1994 in Cabramatta.

    Whilst we look with dreadful bemusement at the youth of France tearing their towns and cities apart, Australians don’t possess the cultural and historical disposition to turn political frustration into acts of violence and civil disorder. The French have some form when it comes to rioting, with the disaster that was the French Revolution being the best historical example. Similarly, the protests and violent riots that resulted from the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis in 2020 were just the latest example of Americans turning to the sword during times of social upheaval.

    I echo the sentiments of our elected representatives (including the Prime Minister) to ‘turn down the temperature’ when it comes to political discourse. I would, however, respectfully suggest that our political class needs to take the first step when doing so. Whilst critique of one’s opposition has always been a feature of political behaviour in a liberal democracy like ours, the rise of social media makes this criticism incessant, adding to the blackening of our social discourse.

    Further, the incessant nature of our politicians’ social media presence (be it criticising the other, claiming credit for any achievement and signalling virtue when none exists) only adds to the cynicism of the electorate. To turn the temperature down, our political leaders and their advisors might consider turning off the oven.

    None of this is an attempt to defend the attack on Dr Haines, but it is to suggest that those engaged in political life are, by their own behaviour, contributors to a toxic social culture of demonisation and polarisation.

    For the boys of Riverview, my encouragement to them is not to take inspiration in their lives from the cynical and simplistic voices that they often encounter on their social media feed – regardless of their political persuasion. Instead, pursue the truth through voices that are learned, reasonable and responsible. In particular, engage in the authentic human environment that only face-to-face encounters can provide – with parents, siblings, friends and teachers.

    Democratic, liberal societies like ours are built on compromise. As interests compete, settlements are made. This is why I believe our mission as a Catholic, Jesuit school is more vital than ever. We draw on a 2000-year old tradition that offers a seamless tapestry of faith and values upon which we can build lives of hope and integrity.

    We are truly blessed to live in Australia in 2026. In relative terms, we enjoy a quality of life (including peace, justice and prosperity) that is largely unmatched in the history of humanity. To preserve this for our children’s children, we must intentionally choose a future that reclaims virtue as the source of the good life.

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    From the P&F

    P&F Update - Term 4, Week 2

    MRS CLAUDIA McINERNEY, P&F PRESIDENT 2026

    Term 4 is in full swing. Alongside assessments (not to mention the HSC!), there is summer sport, excursions, and Reflection and Leadership Days across Regis and the senior campus. Today’s Senior School Swimming Carnival has added to the busy week.

    Somehow the end of the year always takes us by surprise, with its fast pace and jam-packed calendars. It is also a wonderful time to catch up with friends and family, to relax, and to celebrate the achievements and special moments of the year.

    As the celebrations begin, a few gentle reminders:

    • Our HSC students are still sitting exams. A quieter weekend, or a little patience, can mean a lot to a family in the middle of it.
    • Not everyone is in a celebrating mood. For some families, this season brings illness, loss or financial pressure. A phone call or an invitation can make a real difference.
    • Look out for our boys at gatherings. Talk with other parents about supervision and expectations, and make sure everyone has fun and gets home safely.
    • Be good neighbours. Keep noise, parking and late nights considerate of those around us.

    With two months until Christmas, it is a timely reminder of the Ignatian call to be “men and women for others.” Let’s celebrate generously, and in a way that leaves room for everyone in our Riverview family and the community around us. Please see below end-of-year events where we can all come together and celebrate a fantastic 2026. 

    P&F Events Term 4 

    • Year 10 end-of-year celebrations - Saturday 31 October. Tickets on sale HERE.
    • P&F First Friday Mass (hosted by Year 7; all welcome), followed by the Cardoner Walk through the College grounds. Friday 6 November. Sign up HERE. 
    • Year 7 end-of-year celebrations - Friday 6 November. Tickets on sale HERE. 
    • Year 12 Blue & White Ball - Saturday 7 November. Any queries, please email: blueandwhite@riverview.nsw.edu.au
    • Year 5 end-of-year celebrations - Friday 13 November. Tickets on sale HERE.
    • Year 9 end-of-year celebrations - TBC on the weekend of 13-15 November. Info to come. 
    • Mass of Gratitude (6pm, Dalton Chapel) followed by P&F Annual General Meeting (7pm, Wingaru) - Thursday 19 November. RSVP to the Mass HERE.
    • Year 11 end-of-year celebrations - Friday 20 November, The Union Hotel. Tickets on sale HERE.
    • Year 8 end-of-year celebrations - Saturday 21 November. Tickets on sale HERE.
    • Year 11 Father/Carer & Son Mass and Dinner - Sunday 22 November. Tickets on sale HERE.
    • Year 6 end-of-year celebration - Save the date: Thursday 26 November, The Diddy. Info to come.
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    Student Leadership

    Message from George Bradford, Vice Captain (Boarders)

    GEORGE BRADFORD, VICE CAPTAIN (BOARDERS)

    As we conclude the second week of Term 4, sport has fully kicked back into gear, the workload is back, the boarders have settled into routine, and for the class of 2027, the reality of the HSC year has set in. 

    In the boarding houses, Term 4 is a term filled with opportunity and enjoyment; with daylight saving taking effect during the holidays, boarders now have an extra hour of light to make the most of their afternoons. To make the most of this light, our boarding leaders have planned a new initiative to build a stronger sense of community within the Year groups beyond organised gatherings. Starting in week 3, we are splitting the 20 Year 11 proctors across the 4 younger Year groups (Year 7 - 10) to build authentic connections with the younger years, providing advice, support, and new friendships. We plan to target Friday afternoon. Proctors will be distributed to their respective years in the afternoon for games of touch, basketball and conversations in the twilight hours before enjoying a sausage or steak sandwich with their year group to conclude the night. We hope these connections will not only grow into genuine friendships but also create a support network that ensures our younger students' needs and voices are heard by the leaders in our community. 

    We are also looking forward to having our new Year 7s for 2027 arrive for their orientation day and sleepover at the end of week 4. This day and night give incoming boarders a sense of what the next 6 years of their schooling life beyond primary school will look like. Despite it being a day of nerves and trepidation, this day, speaking from personal experience, is a day these boys will never forget. The day they first set foot in the Riverview community. So, make sure everyone smiles and helps ensure these new students have a positive start to their Riverview journey. 

    On to sport. Round 1 of the GPS summer season brought mixed results. After a wet Wednesday and Thursday, the sun finally showed its face, and the sky cleared Friday afternoon, setting the stage for an action-packed Saturday. And action-packed it was.

    The golfers, led by Ted Madigan, got off to a 3- 1 win. The water polo boys had a tough day in the pool, facing strong opposition. The cricketers had mixed results, with the twos claiming a win after bowling Grammar out for 60 and chasing it successfully. However, the ones experienced the reverse, being bowled out for 60 by a strong Grammar side. The basketball, led by Ben Barnett in both the ones and twos, had convincing wins against Grammar, putting the rest of the GPS on high alert.

    Looking forward to this weekend. Touch football, led by Hudson Nichols, kicks into gear as they play Cranbrook in their first match. Meanwhile, in the GPS competition, we match up against Shore, always a tough competition.

    Best of luck to everyone competing tomorrow. Play and represent the badge with pride and humility. 

    P.S. - Good luck to all the Year 12s completing their final exams; our thoughts are with you as you make this last push for your schooling journey. 

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    Ignatian Centre

    456.8kg of Generosity for the Ignite Store

    MS DOMINIQUE MARTURIA, IGNATIAN CO-ORDINATOR

    While the Swimming Carnival was underway today, our Business Office staff and Facilities and Maintenance teams delivered the College community’s grocery donations to the Ignite Store, run by Jesuit Social Services.

    A sincere thank you to our parents and students for your generosity. Together, you donated an incredible 456.8kg of pantry items to support the Store and the people who rely on it.

    We look forward to seeing the shelves stocked and ready to support customers throughout the day and into the week ahead. Thank you for making such a meaningful contribution to our wider community.

    Teaching and Learning

    Buzo Theatre Company Performance for Year 11 Students

    MAX FINSTERER, DRAMA PREFECT 2027

    On Monday this week, the Year 11 Drama cohort was fortunate enough to be visited by Laurence Coy (OR1984) and actors from the Buzo Theatre company who performed Alex Buzo’s landmark Australian play ‘Norm and Ahmed’ in O’Kelly Theatre. It was greatly beneficial to see the play live, as we are currently studying it in class. Through the intricacies of Laurence and Raj’s performances and their insights about the play in the subsequent workshop, we gained a deeper understanding of the play and its themes, which will leave us in very good stead when it comes time to analyse and perform the play for our HSC Drama course. We are so grateful to have seen our HSC text live and to Ms Arnott for organising it all; it was an opportunity that will not be taken for granted. 

    Year 8 Agriculture - Exploring Dairy

    MR CHAD RAMSAY, TEACHER - AGRICULTURE

    During Term 3, Year 8 Agriculture students explored dairy production through a range of practical and hands-on learning experiences. In the classroom, students made cheese, butter, buttermilk pancakes and ice cream, as well as taste-testing and comparing a variety of dairy products, including milk, cheese, and yoghurt.

    In Week 1 of Term 4, 53 students visited Belgenny Farm in Camden to explore life in an earlier era. They learnt about the history of the area and the challenges faced by people in the past, including reliance on horse-drawn transport, traditional food preservation methods, and limited access to medical facilities.

    The boys also heard from Jess, an experienced dairy farmer from Camden Valley Farm, who shared insights into modern dairy production and the importance of value-adding to milk to maximise profitability. Jess explained how value-adding can benefit smaller dairy enterprises, such as her own farm, which milks a herd of just 40 cows.

    To bring their learning to life, students watched a demonstration of cream being separated from skim milk before having the opportunity to milk a Jersey cow and churn their own butter. The excursion provided a valuable connection between the history of agriculture and contemporary dairy farming, allowing students to deepen their understanding of the industry from paddock to plate.

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    Co-Curriculum

    Riverview 1st Water Polo – 17/10/26

    MR ALEXANDER GODBOLD, WATERPOLO SPC

    Our Riverview 1st Water Polo team has taken an exciting, challenging step this season, returning to the GPS 1st Grade competition and embracing the opportunity to test themselves against some of Australia's strongest schoolboy water polo programs.

    The GPS 1st Grade water polo has a proud history of developing outstanding players, including Olympians and representatives of State and National teams. It is a competition that demands skill, fitness, discipline and, above all, resilience. For our boys, stepping into this environment is about more than the results on the scoreboard; it is about challenging themselves, learning from the best and discovering what they are capable of achieving together.

    Before the opening game against St Augustine’s, the team was fortunate to welcome Fr Tom Renshaw SJ and Mr Cameron Anderson, Director of Co-curriculum, who generously took the time to bless and present the boys’ their caps. This was a meaningful moment for the team, reminding the players that when they enter the pool, they represent something much greater than themselves. They carry the support of their College community, the traditions of Riverview and the responsibility to play with courage, humility and respect.

    The boys were also inspired to hear the story behind the seven lines that make up the Riverview crest. These lines serve as a powerful reminder of the College’s identity and the tradition that connects generations of Riverview students. More than a symbol on a uniform or cap, the crest represents a shared history, a set of values and a community to which each boy belongs.

    As the team takes on the challenges of GPS 1st Grade water polo, these seven lines can be a reminder that every player has a part to play in upholding that tradition through the way he trains, competes, supports his teammates and responds when things get difficult.

    The opening contest against St Augustine’s proved to be a tough but needed introduction to the level of competition that awaits. We exposed ourselves with a few silly mistakes and poor passes, but amongst that there were moments of brilliance.

    The mistakes are easy to fix; the brilliance comes from our individuals working together as a team, much harder to coach, but you can’t win without it.

    Augustine’s tested us, but amongst their goals were some fabulous saves by Ryley Nolan. Amongst a few counters on us, we saw some nifty steals from Jack Mulveney and Jack Priestly-Mathews. Up against experienced and sizeable opponents, our centres, Paddy Phillips and Lachlan Garcia-Hennessy, managed to take control and apply pressure with shots on goal, never making it easy for the opposition.

    With more exposure, we will tighten up our defence; with more time in the water, we will get more shots on target and more into the back of the net.

    While these challenges can be difficult, they are precisely why the boys have taken this step. If we want to reach a higher standard, we must be prepared to compete against teams that demand more of us.

    Strong opposition reveals where we need to improve, and every difficult passage of play offers an opportunity to learn.

    This is where the Jesuit tradition plays a particularly important role. Saint Ignatius of Loyola’s understanding of growth through reflection, perseverance and purposeful action offers a valuable guide for the season ahead.

    The Jesuit ideal of magis, striving for the greater good and seeking to do more with the gifts we have been given, is not simply about winning more games. It is about committing ourselves to continual improvement, being willing to do the hard work and finding ways to contribute more effectively to the team.

    Resilience is built when things do not go our way. Determination is shown by returning to training, working on the fundamentals, and staying committed when progress is not immediate. For our boys, the challenge is to respond to setbacks with humility, to learn from mistakes rather than dwell on them, and to approach each new contest with renewed purpose. These are lessons that extend well beyond the pool.

    A team does not develop its cohesion overnight; it is built through repetition, trust, shared challenges and a willingness to work for one another. With time and commitment, we expect to see that growth reflected in our performances and, ultimately, in our results.

    The return to GPS 1st Grade is a significant step for Riverview Water Polo, and the boys should take pride in embracing the challenge. There will be tough days and demanding opponents, but there will also be opportunities to grow, build friendships, and represent the College with distinction.

    Our thanks again to Fr Tom Renshaw and Mr Cameron Anderson for their support and for helping mark this important occasion. As the team continues its journey, we look forward to seeing the players embody the values of courage, resilience, humility and determination in the pool, at training and in the way they support one another.

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    The Basketball Report

    MR MATTHEW JOHNSTON, BASKETBALL SPC

    Thank you to the Riverview community for the warm welcome I have received as the new Program Coordinator of Basketball. I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know the students, staff and parents over the past few weeks. There is plenty to be excited about, and it has been great to see the boys finally take the court for the opening round of the GPS season.

    I am continuing to grasp the structure of the program, our game days and training sessions. Inevitably, I have been making a few mistakes along the way, and I apologise for any confusion or inconvenience these may have caused. Thank you for your patience and understanding as I get across everything. I appreciate the feedback and support already offered as we work to provide a positive experience for all boys in the program. There are some immediate changes forthcoming in the Opens age group but more information about this will be sent out next week. 

    Looking Forward

    Please check Clipboard for this weekend’s fixture details, including times and venues. Any absences for games and training must be communicated to the relevant Age Group Coordinator (AGC) by a parent or carer. 

    1sts and 2nds

    1st V - defeated Sydney Grammar 99-47

    The 1sts opened their season with a convincing win over Grammar. Aggressive play at both ends of the floor put the Grammar guards under pressure, with Riverview controlling the contest across the statistical categories. Pleasingly, the boys maintained their approach throughout the game and finished with the same intent with which they started.

    2nd V - defeated Sydney Grammar 63-36

    With nine players making their Opens Basketball debut, the 2nds had plenty to be pleased about in their opening win. Defensive pressure forced turnovers and created opportunities in transition, while the boys also produced some excellent basketball once settled into their offence. A few early nerves were understandable, with a strong first performance to build on ahead of Shore.

    View's Five in Focus

    3rds - defeated Sydney Grammar 47-22
    The 3rds started strongly, with rebounding and defensive intensity setting the tone. Jack led the way on the boards, while Doug made an immediate impression on debut with his offensive rebounding. Henry’s composure at point guard helped keep the group organised in a convincing team win.

    16As - defeated Sydney Grammar 55-39
    After a close first half, the 16As responded well to feedback and pulled away to a 16-point win. An emphasis on help defence and forcing Grammar into difficult decisions paid off in the second half. It was particularly pleasing to see the boys listen, adapt and put those changes into practice.

    16Gs - defeated Sydney Grammar 41-9
    Excellent ball movement and teamwork helped the 16Gs record one of the strongest results of the round. Their defensive pressure caused problems for Grammar, making it difficult to inbound the ball and advance up the court. A very encouraging start for the group.

    15As - defeated Sydney Grammar 54-35
    The 15As opened with a strong win against a competitive Grammar side. Looking up early and passing ahead created several easy layups in transition. There are still defensive habits to sharpen, but plenty to like about the way the boys moved the ball.

    14Cs - defeated Sydney Grammar 31-18
    After conceding 11 points in the opening five minutes, the 14Cs allowed just seven more for the remainder of the game. Every player contributed to the turnaround, with Lucas, Jack and Carter earning special mentions for their leadership at both ends. A terrific response after a difficult start.

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    Riverview Cricket | Round 1

    MR JASON KREJZA, CRICKET SPC

    1st XI

    Result: Saint Ignatius' College Riverview 59 lost to Sydney Grammar 2-60

    After a week of rain, the grounds staff did a tremendous job preparing a quality wicket for the opening match of the season. Captain Xavier Quoyle won the toss and elected to bat on a surface that looked to have plenty of runs in it. In hindsight, bowling first may have been the better option, but having made the decision to bat, the challenge was to adapt to the conditions, build partnerships and put Grammar under scoreboard pressure.

    Unfortunately, things didn't go to plan. Grammar's disciplined bowling attack made scoring difficult from the outset, while our boys struggled to adjust to the conditions. Early wickets saw us slip to 5/28 inside 15 overs, with a significant rebuilding effort required.

    The situation became increasingly difficult as Riverview quickly fell to 7/42 before eventually being dismissed for just 59. It was a disappointing batting performance and one that highlighted the importance of adapting quickly to conditions and building partnerships under pressure.

    Defending such a small total was always going to require something special. While the boys approached the second innings with determination, missed opportunities in the field made the task even harder. Grammar chased down the target with eight wickets to spare, securing a bonus-point victory.

    It was certainly not the start the 1st XI had hoped for, but the response will be far more important. With Shore awaiting this Saturday and The King's School just four days later, the boys have an immediate opportunity to show their character, learn from the experience and get their season moving in the right direction.

    2nd XI

    Result: Riverview 5/69 defeated Sydney Grammar 10/68 by 5 wickets (Bonus Point Win)

    Riverview won the toss and elected to bowl, with opening partners Ben Robertson and Jack Maher setting the tone early. Robertson was superb with the new ball, making life difficult for the Grammar batsmen and claiming important early breakthroughs. The pair bowled with great control and intensity, putting Grammar under pressure from the outset. This momentum continued through the change bowlers, supported by strong energy and commitment in the field. Grammar were eventually dismissed for just 68 in the 26th over.

    Our batting innings began shakily, with early wickets putting us under pressure. Robertson again led from the front, taking on the bowling and playing positively. While we lost more wickets than we would have liked, captain Ben Camilleri steadied the ship with a composed innings, ensuring he was there at the finish to secure a five-wicket bonus-point victory and an excellent start to the season.

    Performance Highlights

    Bowling

    • Ben Robertson: 3/13 from 6 overs – outstanding opening spell.
    • Jack Maher: 2/20 from 6 overs – excellent new-ball partnership.
    • Xavier Katich: 2/14 from 5 overs – maintained the pressure.
    • Lucas Gesterkamp: 2/5 from 1.4 overs – finished the innings strongly.
    • Max Hazell: 1/7 from 5 overs, including a maiden – exceptional control.

    Batting

    • Ben Robertson: 23 runs from 29 balls, including two boundaries.
    • Ben Camilleri (c): 18 not out from 29 balls – a composed captain's innings to guide us home.

    A pleasing start to the GPS season, with plenty of positives to build upon. We now turn our attention to Shore at home next week. They will provide a strong challenge, coming off an impressive victory against Sydney Boys High. Another good opportunity to build on our opening-round performance.

    3rd XI

    The 3rd XI delivered a commanding performance in their opening match of the season, producing an outstanding display with both bat and ball to completely outplay Sydney Grammar.

    Batting first, Riverview piled on an impressive 7/219 from their 30 overs, led by a magnificent unbeaten century from Edward Towzell. His 115 not out from just 91 deliveries included 19 boundaries, as he controlled the innings beautifully and kept the scoreboard ticking over.

    Towzell received excellent support from Toby Lau, who played a composed innings of 34 from 48 balls, while Will Rees Woods added some late fireworks with a quickfire 15 from just eight deliveries.

    If the batting performance was impressive, what followed with the ball was even better.

    Fergus Roger produced a sensational spell of bowling, tearing through the Grammar batting line-up to finish with remarkable figures of 5/4 from just 3.1 overs. Archie McCallum was equally effective in support, claiming 2/16 from three overs, while Harry Francis picked up an important early wicket to help set the tone.

    Grammar were left reeling at 8/46 after just 12.1 overs, completing a dominant performance from the Riverview boys.

    With Towzell's unbeaten century and Roger's extraordinary five-wicket haul, it was a memorable opening round for the 3rd XI and a fantastic way to begin their season.

    15A

    The 15As made an excellent start to their season opener, reducing Sydney Grammar to 3/19 through some disciplined bowling and energetic fielding.

    Opening bowlers Luca Hilyard and Sam Hendry set the tone, applying early pressure that forced mistakes from the Grammar batters, including poor running between the wickets. However, Grammar gradually recovered, eventually reaching 6/154 from their 32 overs and setting Riverview a challenging target.

    In reply, Cole Tucker provided stability with an excellent innings of 41, holding the batting effort together and giving his side a platform from which to chase. Tom Shepherd also played some attacking shots as Riverview looked to keep pace with the required run rate.

    Unfortunately, as the innings progressed, the required run rate continued to climb, leaving the boys with too much to do in the closing overs. Riverview eventually fell 15 runs short.

    Although disappointed not to get across the line, the boys showed some encouraging signs, particularly with the new ball. The challenge moving forward will be maintaining that pressure for longer periods and ensuring partnerships keep the scoreboard moving throughout the innings.

    14A

    The 14As produced one of the standout performances of the opening round, delivering a complete team effort against Sydney Grammar, highlighted by an outstanding century from Zac Meacock.

    After an early period that required some patience, Hugo Stuart and Meacock combined for a mature and composed partnership that shifted the momentum firmly in Riverview's favour. The pair showed excellent judgement, absorbed the pressure and gradually took control of the contest.

    Meacock was simply outstanding. Scoring a century in a 30-over match while still in Year 7 is an exceptional achievement, but it was the quality and composure of his batting that impressed most. He looked in complete control throughout his innings, rarely offering a chance and showing maturity well beyond his years.

    The impressive batting performance was backed up by an equally strong effort in the field. Riverview were sharp, disciplined and committed, with clean ground fielding and no costly misfields or overthrows.

    Ben Hodgkinson was particularly effective with the ball, building pressure from one end and making scoring difficult for Grammar's batters. The entire bowling group worked well together, maintaining tight lines and lengths and supporting one another throughout the innings.

    It was a terrific all-round performance from the 14As and an excellent example of what can be achieved through strong partnerships, disciplined bowling and a committed approach in the field.

    14B

    The 14Bs made an impressive start to their season with a comprehensive victory over Sydney Grammar, defending a total of 141 before dismissing the visitors for just 74.

    Riverview's batting innings featured several valuable contributions, with Nick Atkinson, Will Keliher and Tom Payten all scoring in the 20s. The boys showed positive intent, making the most of scoring opportunities and ensuring they had a competitive total to defend.

    With the ball, Riverview took complete control of the contest. Sam Miles delivered an outstanding spell, claiming three wickets for just two runs, while Lachlan Mills provided excellent support with two wickets of his own.

    The bowling attack worked together brilliantly, making it difficult for Grammar to establish partnerships or build any momentum. Just as importantly, the boys backed up their bowlers with a terrific fielding display, holding every catch that came their way and completing a sharp run-out.

    It was a convincing and well-deserved win built on contributions across the team. While there are still areas to improve, the 14Bs can take plenty of confidence from their opening performance as they look to build momentum over the coming weeks.

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    Performing Arts

    First Heat of ImproAustralia’s Schools’ Challenge

    MS LARA STERN, TEACHER - DRAMA

    On Thursday evening, Riverview hosted the first heat of ImproAustralia’s Theatresports Schools’ Challenge in the O’Kelly Theatre. Our Junior State Theatresports team- Charlie McDonald, Elliott Johnston, Chester Johnson, Dylan Wong and Henry Donaldson competed against teams from the Hunter School of the Performing Arts, Loreto Normanhurst, Oxford Falls Grammar, Hunter Valley Grammar School, MacKillop Catholic College and Oakhill College.

    The theatre was packed with families, friends and staff from every school, and the night was joyful, generous and full of laughter. Every young improviser who took the stage showed courage, quick thinking and superb teamwork. It was wonderful to see so many enthusiastic Riverview supporters in the crowd, led by our wonderful Drama and View Crew Captains, Max Finsterer, Jimmy de Flamingh, Jed Mercer and Max Quirk. 

    We couldn't be prouder of our boys who approached every scene with off-the-charts energy, wit and playfulness. The highlight was their final scene where they played "Typewriter", a three-minute game in which they told the story of a boy who stole his mum's cookies, making them the only team to earn a perfect score of 5, 5, 5. In a close contest, our boys finished in second, with Oakhill College taking first place.

    An enormous thank you to all the parents, students, families and staff who came along to support the team. Thank you to Callan McInney and Max Quirk for their brilliant work on sound and lights, to Mrs Kathleen Hunt for the fabulous costumes, and to Mrs Hunt and Kim Prodinger for running the Immersion Stall. Finally, thank you to my fellow coach, Sally Wentiro, for her energy, expertise and endless encouragement of the team.

    The boys now head to the Semi Finals in Week 4. Please come along to support the team and enjoy a wonderfully entertaining evening. 

    Semi-finals:
    Monday 2 November
    7pm - 9pm
    O'Kelly Theatre
    Tickets are available at the door: $10/$15

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    Music Private Tuition Recital Evening

    MR PETER WATTERS, HEAD OF MUSIC

    The College's Music Private Tuition Program showcases the musical talents of our students through two Music Recital Evenings during October, providing an opportunity for students to perform for family and friends.

    The first evening, held on Wednesday 21 October, featured performances from students studying Brass, Woodwind, Voice and Drums. The second recital will take place on Tuesday 27 October, featuring students learning Piano, Strings, Guitar and Bass Guitar.

    These evenings provide a wonderful opportunity for students to share the progress they have made throughout the year and gain valuable experience performing in front of an audience. For some students, it is one of their first opportunities to perform publicly, while others demonstrate the confidence and skills they have developed through years of tuition.

    The recitals also highlight the wide range of instruments available through the College's Private Music Tuition Program and the dedication of students who commit to regular lessons and practice alongside their academic and co-curricular commitments.

    Congratulations to all students who performed at the first recital, and we look forward to hearing from our remaining performers next week. Thank you to our Private Music Tutors for their ongoing work in preparing students and to the families who continue to support their sons' musical development.

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    Boarding

    Save the Date | Boarding Community Advent Liturgy

    We look forward to bringing our boarding community together for the annual Advent Liturgy and Supper on Tuesday 1 December 2027. It will be a wonderful opportunity for families to come together in faith and community as we prepare for Christmas.

    A formal invitation with further details will be shared with families via the College App.

    Around the College

    Year 7: NSW School Vaccination Program

    MS LEANNE NEAL OAM, HEALTH CENTRE CO-ORDINATOR

    As part of the NSW School Vaccination Program, the vaccination team will be visiting the College on the following dates to administer the following vaccines for Year 7s:

    • Tuesday 27th October 2026 for the dTpa (Diphtheria/tetanus/pertussis)
    • Thursday 5th November 2026 for the HPV (Human Papilloma Virus)

    Parental consent is required for these vaccinations. For more details, please see the notification in the College App.

    To complete your consent online, please go to engage.health.nsw.gov.au/engage before the scheduled visit.

    Lost property: A little care goes a long way

    MR GARY AU-YEUNG, HEAD OF FINANCE

    Our lost property areas are overflowing, and the numbers are higher than we've ever seen. We need everyone's help:

    1. Parents: please label each item with your son’s full name (and House, if space allows) so it can find its way back to him.
    2. Students: please look after your belongings. If something goes missing, labelled items can be collected from your House lost property box, and unlabelled items from Licona. Sorting takes time, so if your item isn’t in your House box yet, it may still be waiting at Licona.

    Every unclaimed item costs a family money to replace and staff time to collect and sort. Unclaimed items often end up in landfill, which is an added environmental cost to our common home.

    The good news is that this is easy to fix: a little care from each of us makes a real difference, so thank you for playing your part.

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    Christopher Brennan Library

    What's happening in the Christopher Brennan Library?

    MS JENNIFER POCKNALL, LIBRARIAN

    What’s new?

    Matthew Reilly’s books are a popular read in our library. King’s Ransom is the second in the Detective Sam Speedman series. Read the thrilling synopsis below:

    A DARING ABDUCTION. The richest man in the world has been kidnapped. Along with four of his children. 

    THE DEADLY CHALLENGE. The kidnapper's demand: the five best private detectives in America must come to the missing tech billionaire's penthouse in New York City by noon and engage in a deadly series of riddles and ransoms to find and rescue them. 

    THE FIFTH DETECTIVE. Among the five investigators brought to New York is Sam Speedman. Skinny, bespectacled and brilliant, Sam is different to most other detectives. But as the situation escalates and the bodies mount, Sam is going to discover that appearances can be deceiving and that maybe some villains are best left alone…

    What’s on?

    We have a competition to recognise some Villains of Literature. Some of them are very obvious, while others are testing the boys’ knowledge. 

    Do you know who these characters are?

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    Viewpoint editorial staff

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