LICONA SIGN-IN | Parents, please remember that all adult visitors to Licona are required to sign in at the front desk for child protection purposes. Alternatively, you may wish to use click and collect to place your order and have your son collect your items.

YEAR 9 CHALLENGE | Year 9 parents, please check the College App for details of the upcoming Year 9 Challenge, including the 3-week schedule and the packing list for Bush Week.

From our Rector

Welcoming and Celebrating Others

FR TOM RENSHAW SJ

Tomorrow is the feast day of one of the great Jesuit brothers, Saint Alphonsus Rodriguez SJ. One of the reasons St Alphonsus is important to our story is that he was the Jesuit who encouraged the young Saint Peter Claver SJ to volunteer to go on the Jesuit mission in South America, especially in what is now modern-day Colombia.

St Alphonsus was born in 1533 in Segovia, Spain. While I was away in Term 2, I had the opportunity to visit Segovia, and it is a beautiful medieval town, infused with Moorish influence. The Alcazar (castle) within the town is reputed to have been the inspiration for the Queen’s Castle in Disneyland’s 1937 film Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.

When Alphonsus was a young boy, Saint Peter Faber SJ, one of Ignatius’ closest friends, visited Segovia and he stayed with the Rodriguez family. While staying with them, Saint Peter Faber prepared Alphonsus to receive his first Holy Communion.

Saint Alphonsus attended the Jesuit College in Alcalá; however, he did not complete his studies as his father died unexpectedly. He returned home to assist his mother and took over the family cloth business. When he was 27 years old, he married Maria Suarez and together they had children - Gaspar, Alphonsus and Maria. Tragically, over the next decade, his wife and all of his three children died. This was a devastating time for him and he considered his life a failure.

With the help of a Jesuit, he discerned that God was calling him to join the Society of Jesus. He wanted to become a priest but he was told he was too old. The Provincial of the time accepted him as a Jesuit brother, so at the age of 37, he entered the Jesuit novitiate in Palma, Majorca, and he lived out the next forty-six years of his life there.

Alphonsus’ role was that of the doorkeeper. In the book Jesuit Saints and Martyrs, this role was described in the following way,

“As doorkeeper his duty was to receive visitors who came to the college, search out the fathers or students who were wanted in the parlours, deliver messages, run errands, console the sick at heart, who, having no one to turn to, came to him, give advice to the troubled, and distribute alms to the needy”.

ALL SAINTS' AND ALL SOULS' DAY

On Sunday, we celebrate All Saints Day. It is a day to remember the example of the Saints, the officially canonised ones and those known to us and to God, and we give thanks for the witness of their lives and ask them to pray for and with us as we too seek to deepen our relationship with God and with those in our community, seeking to be beacons of hope and love, witnessing to the reality of the Beatitudes in our everyday lives.

On Monday, we celebrate All Souls' Day. It is an invitation for us to pray for our deceased relatives and friends, entrusting them to God’s merciful and loving embrace, confident in Jesus’ promise of eternal life for all those who believe in him.

As I mentioned last week, 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.

If you have not done so already, 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.

Wishing you every blessing.

From our Principal

Celebrating World Teachers' Day

MR MARK TANNOCK

I didn’t always want to be a teacher.

After I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts with an Honours in History from the University of Western Australia, I wasn’t sure what to do with my life. I knew that I wanted to go away for a time and live in another country, but nothing beyond that.

I had come to hear of a service program in the United States called the Alliance for Catholic Education (ACE). This embryonic program accepted recent university graduates, provided them with intensive teacher training and then sent them to poor, under-resourced Catholic schools throughout the South of the US.

I applied, was accepted, and after a summer of intensive training at the University of Notre Dame in Indiana, I was sent to St. Joseph’s Catholic School in Jackson, Mississippi. I spent two years at St Joseph’s, and it was the most formative and important experience of my life. Not only did I discover a love for teaching, but it was the rite of passage that I (in hindsight) desperately needed. To cast out into the deep.

Today is World Teachers’ Day, and it is an opportunity for our Jesuit school community to recognise the teachers who spend their days teaching the boys of Riverview. Teaching is a timeless and essential vocation in any civilisation, and we are indeed blessed to have a cohort of teachers at the College who are dedicated to their craft.

At Riverview, there are some essential qualities of a good teacher. Firstly, that they possess an abiding commitment to the Catholic, Jesuit mission of the College. Not all of our teachers are Catholic, but all must be supportive of our raison d’etre. Secondly, teachers should develop mastery of their subject and give witness to a passion for it. This mastery includes the most effective pedagogy within which to engage the learner. This is true for Senior School teachers and also for our dedicated team at Regis who teach across curricula.

Thirdly, because boys ‘learn the teacher’, teachers need to have a relational dimension to their work. If the individual student relates well to their teacher, they are far more likely to engage in the subject, learn deeply and achieve academic success. Finally, our teachers are reflective practitioners. They reflect critically on their own practice in order to improve it. We are all works in progress.

These skills and dispositions are the fundamentals of a good teacher, and they remind us of the influence any teacher can have on the formation of each young man’s character. We all remember that one teacher who had a profound impact on our growth during childhood or adolescence. It is a genuine privilege to have this role in a student’s life.

Thank you to all of the teachers at the College for their commitment to the boys under their care.

From the P&F

P&F Update - Term 4, Week 3

MRS CLAUDIA McINERNEY, P&F PRESIDENT 2026

As the HSC examinations draw to a close, we congratulate our Year 12 boys and their families on the commitment, maturity and good humour they have shown throughout this intense period. We wish them all happy, relaxing and safe celebrations, and a wonderful Blue & White Ball next weekend, which officially marks the end of their schooling on the banks of the Lane Cove River.

Across the rest of the College, boys are immersed in assessments, Eucharistic and Reflection activities, and summer sport. Congratulations to all our Opens teams on a very successful mid-week round, and thank you to the many supporters on the sidelines. Best of luck to everyone in tomorrow’s round of summer sport.

For parents and carers, our wonderful Year Group Coordinators, Liturgy Committee and P&F Committee are busy arranging a range of end-of-year celebrations. Please see the list of dates and events below and book in your diaries.

P&F First Friday Mass & Cardoner Walk - Fri 6 November
Please join Fr Tom and the community for our final P&F First Friday Mass next Friday. Year 7 is hosting the Mass, but ALL families and boys are welcome.

The Mass starts promptly at 8.10am and finishes in time for the boys to make sign-in and their first classes. Parents and carers are warmly invited to attend with their son and stay for a short morning tea in the Parlour (opposite Dalton Chapel). The Mass provides a special time of reflection and connection at the end of a busy week.

The Mass will be followed by the Cardoner Walk around the College grounds hosted by Meg Morrison, Faith in Service Coordinator. This enlightening walk showcases the College's historical and spiritual background and stories, as well as environmental efforts to honour and preserve our special grounds. Please sign up HERE for the Walk.

This is the last Mass & walk of the year, and we hope to see many families there.

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. Link 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 HERE.
Year 9 end-of-year celebrations - TBC on the weekend of 13-15 November. Tickets on sale HERE.
Mass of Gratitude (6pm, Dalton Chapel) followed by P&F Annual General Meeting (7pm, Wingaru) - Thursday 19 November. Mass RSVP 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 26th November, The Diddy. Info to come.

First Friday Evening Social Network!

Friday 6 November from 6pm at Foys Kirribilli, 76 McDougall St, Kirribilli

A long-standing Riverview Community tradition is a relaxed social catch-up every first Friday of the month at Foys in Kirribilli. Now in its 15th year, current and past parents, old boys, teachers and friends, singles and couples have been coming along. Everyone is made to feel welcome. Please pass this on to anyone who might be interested. In particular, please reach out to someone who might be on their own or who wants to broaden their network. Together we can make the world a little smaller, warmer and friendlier.

Every month, new people attend. It is a great way to get some balance back into busy lives filled with parental, work and other duties and to contribute by sharing one's experiences and company as well as just having fun in a relaxed, non-threatening social environment and a night out for those who might otherwise be on their own.

RSVP - please email Rosie Traill - rosienoratraill@gmail.com (to give us some idea of numbers), or just turn up. The location is stunning, and it is easy to find us either in the restaurant, on the deck or on the balcony depending on numbers & weather; just ask for Rosie! It is a very relaxed evening, and there are no formalities. Snacks are provided; meals and drinks are available for purchase at the bar.

There is street parking, and it's a 5-minute walk from Milsons Point station.

Mark your diary now for Friday 4th December too.

Student Leadership

Message from Sam Bull, College Vice-Captain (Day Boys)

SAM BULL, COLLEGE VICE-CAPTAIN (DAY BOYS)

As we conclude the third week of a short Term 4, the term is well and truly in full swing, and what a week it has been!

On Wednesday, we gathered for our annual Ignatian Service Assembly, an opportunity for staff and students to reflect on their own experiences of service and be inspired by the stories of others. A special thanks to Michael Rodgers, who shared a moving insight into the life of his brother, Patrick, after whom the Patrick Rodgers Memorial Award for Ignatian Service is named.

Congratulations to this year’s recipient, Alex Barker, whose outstanding commitment to service, both within the College and beyond its walls, is an inspiration to our community. His example is a powerful reminder of what it means to live out our Ignatian values and put others before ourselves.

Friday was another memorable day, beginning with our Year 12 cohort’s first student assembly. After weeks of discussion, deliberation and the occasional disagreement, we were proud to announce our student motto for 2027: ‘Leave Tracks Worth Following’. The motto sets an exciting tone for the year ahead and challenges us all to consider the legacy we hope to leave behind.

We also announced our new Warcry Leaders, Angus Giblin, Daniel Wright and Patrick McInerney. Congratulations to all three on taking up this important role. In addition, we introduced a rather unique new position: the esteemed title of Captain of Tongs. Congratulations to Spencer Zukerman on securing this highly coveted role!

Friday also marked the first of our InterhHouse events for the year, with Musical Chairs bringing plenty of energy, competition and house spirit. Congratulations to everyone who participated, as well as the winners from each age group.

Finally, a huge good luck to all our Year 12s as they approach the end of their HSC examinations. To those who have already finished, congratulations on reaching this milestone. The whole College is behind you, and we wish you all the very best for what comes next.

Ignatian Centre

Year 8 Day of Reflection

MS TINA VAN DOMBURG, LITURGY AND RETREAT COORDINATOR

The Year 8 Day of Reflection was held on-site on Monday 26 October, beginning with an Elephant Ed presentation that explored safe online interactions, the legal implications of image-based sharing and the importance of a responsible digital footprint.

Students then participated in two House-based workshops: Respectful Relationships, facilitated by guest presenter Jonny Shannon, and Dignity in Our House. The sessions explored the inherent dignity of every person and how Gospel values of compassion, justice and respect can guide our friendships and interactions, both in person and online. Students reflected on how to communicate with dignity, recognise when banter crosses the line, and use technology responsibly while discerning truth and goodness online.

REFLECTION BY THOMAS FIREK (YEAR 8, FERNANDO HOUSE)

The Year 8 Day of Reflection allowed my peers and me to learn about and reflect on the dignity of every person and what it means to be in a respectful relationship. The day began with an Elephant Ed session, where I learnt about our digital footprint and how we should treat others and behave online.

Later, we gathered in our House groups, which gave me the opportunity to reflect on the equal value of every person and how I can become a more active listener in relationships and friendships. Johnny’s session taught me to value my friends and to be friendly, kind and supportive towards others. My key takeaway is this: the best thing a friend can do is listen, value everyone equally and show genuine interest in others.

The Year of Service – Becoming Comfortable in the Uncomfortable

MS MEG MORRISON, FAITH IN SERVICE COORDINATOR

At our annual Ignatian Service Assembly on Wednesday, we gathered to celebrate the remarkable commitment of Riverview students who have responded generously to the call to serve throughout 2026.

Reflecting on the year, I was struck by the willingness of so many students to embrace service that was challenging or uncomfortable. Drawing on the words of Jesuit educator Fr Peter-Hans Kolvenbach, I encouraged students to allow the "gritty reality" of the world into their lives so that they might feel it, think about it, and respond with compassion.

Whether it was Year 8 and 9 students participating in the St Canice’s Kitchen Winter Sleepout, Year 10 students stepping into aged-care facilities and schools for children with disabilities, or Year 11 students serving on immersions across Cambodia, India, Nepal and Cape York, students consistently chose to place themselves at the service of others.

This spirit was also evident closer to home. Throughout the year, students prepared and served more than 2,400 meals, accompanied people living with disabilities, visited elderly residents, tutored Cambodian students online, and participated in numerous fundraising and advocacy initiatives, raising over $80,000 for communities in need. Regis students likewise made an outstanding contribution through more than ten service initiatives and by raising over $30,000 for Jesuit Mission.

A particular highlight of the assembly was a reflection from Year 12 student Mitch Hornby, who spoke about his experience on Country Placement in Moree and the impact of Patrick Rodgers Memorial Award recipient Alex Barker. Mitch shared how his understanding of service was transformed through Alex’s example and leadership with the Clontarf Foundation.

Alex captured the heart of Ignatian service beautifully when he reflected that, “service isn’t about arriving somewhere with all the answers. It’s about listening, learning and building relationships.” His words echoed a lesson experienced by so many students this year: authentic service begins not with solutions, but with humility, encounter, and a willingness to learn from others.

The assembly served as a powerful reminder that service is not about being the hero of someone else's story. Rather, it is about accompanying others, recognising their dignity, and allowing ourselves to be transformed through the relationships we build along the way.

I am deeply grateful to Mrs Jude Southon, the many staff who so generously accompany students in service, and to the students themselves for their courage and openness in stepping beyond their comfort zones. Together, they continue to bring to life Riverview's mission of forming young men for and with others.

Regis Campus

Regis In Concert - An Evening of Music!

MR ARNE TRIPOLONE, COORDINATOR OF MUSIC - REGIS CAMPUS

Join us on Tuesday 17 November, from 4pm to 6pm in Ramsay Hall, for Regis In Concert, a wonderful celebration of music-making at Regis!

The concert will showcase the fantastic talents of our Regis boys across the full range of Music Activities ensembles, including strings, woodwind, brass, singing and percussion.

The afternoon will feature performances from Regis Choir, Concert Band, String Ensemble, Intermediate Strings, soloists and many more. The program promises something for everyone, with a wonderful mix of classical favourites and contemporary hits, including music by Coldplay, Stevie Wonder, Bon Jovi, Queen and more!

It promises to be an exciting afternoon celebrating the hard work, dedication and musical achievements of our boys. We look forward to welcoming families and the wider Regis community for a fantastic celebration of music.

Tickets are available HERE.

A Thunderous African Drumming Experience at Regis!

MR ARNE TRIPOLONE, COORDINATOR OF MUSIC - REGIS

Regis Hall was certainly making some noise on Thursday, as our Year 5 and 6 boys enjoyed an incredible African Drumming workshop!

More than 130 drums filled the hall with a thunderous rhythm as two talented facilitators introduced the boys to the vibrant world of West African drumming. Through energetic call-and-response activities, the boys explored intricate, multi-part rhythms and discovered how traditional drumming was used to communicate messages between villages.

Adding to the experience, one of our visiting drummers came from a family of Griot master drummers, a tradition of musicians and storytellers who pass their knowledge down through generations.

There was plenty of movement, too! Between drumming sessions, the boys learnt a traditional West African dance telling the story of an enormous chicken. They also had the opportunity to step forward and lead the group, sharing their own rhythms for everyone to follow.

Our facilitators had challenged the boys to make enough noise to be heard kilometres away. With 130 drums pounding together in Regis Hall, I think it's safe to say the boys rose to the challenge. A fantastic morning of music, cultural discovery, teamwork and plenty of noise!

Co-Curriculum

The Basketball Report | Rounds 2 and 3

MR MATTHEW JOHNSTON, BASKETBALL SPC

Congratulations to all teams on their efforts and results over the weekend. Across our 34 games against Shore, Riverview recorded 20 wins, 13 losses and one draw, lifting our win percentage from 55% in Round 1 to 59% in Round 2.

There have been several structural changes this week, including adjustments to Opens grading, coaching allocations and training schedules, along with some coaching changes across the other age groups. These changes aim to give all students an equitable opportunity to train and develop in their teams. We have also adjusted allocations where coaches were experiencing clashes between multiple age groups. Our hope is that this will reduce Saturday disruptions and provide greater continuity for teams and their coaches over the coming weeks.

Player movement has also taken place across all age groups. Coaches have been asked to manage these conversations pastorally and respectfully, providing clear feedback to the boys involved. In many cases, coaches will also be attending a session with the team a student is moving into to help support that transition and to observe the development of all students in the age group.

As with our initial selections, these changes are not fixed. Boys who demonstrate improvement will continue to be considered for movement once again. Thank you for your understanding as we work through a more fluid weekly selection process.

Wednesday Evening Fixtures

Wednesday night’s fixtures at The King’s School were a make-up round thrown in for 1sts and 2nds because of the earlier Summer Sport season finish date this season. The evening provided an exciting opportunity for our 1sts and 2nds to play in front of an enthusiastic crowd.

Thank you to everyone who came along to support the boys and helped make it such a memorable occasion. A particular thank you to the boarding house for their energy and encouragement, and to their supervisors for helping the evening run smoothly. Special thanks also to Mr Szabo for driving the 1sts and 2nds Team Bus and to Mr Tannock for his support on the night.

1sts and 2nds Results

1st V - defeated Shore 113–72

The 1sts recorded another strong win, built on sharing the ball, good decision-making and disciplined defence. It was particularly pleasing to see players understand and fulfil their roles, putting the team’s success first. A convincing result and a positive reflection of how the group is playing together.

2nd V - defeated Shore 58–56 in overtime

The 2nds showed plenty of character to come back from 12 points down against a fired-up Shore side. The boys worked their way back possession by possession, forcing overtime before securing a two-point win. Their willingness to stick to the game plan and work together under pressure made this a particularly valuable result.

1st V - defeated The King’s School 105–85. The 1sts travelled to The King’s School for a Wednesday night fixture, with a boisterous contingent of Riverview boarding supporters providing plenty of encouragement from the sidelines. It was a physical contest that struggled to find a consistent rhythm, with both teams producing some uneven possessions early. Riverview found their footing in the second quarter through a series of cohesive defensive possessions, working together to take the ball out of the hands of some of King’s more dangerous players. In the 3rd quarter, King’s responded with a determined fightback, reducing the margin to single digits and putting the pressure firmly back on Riverview. Pleasingly, the boys kept their composure, regrouped and finished strongly in the final quarter to secure a 105–85 win. 2nd V - defeated The King’s School 56–54. The 2nds secured another close win, this time in front of an energetic King’s home crowd. The boys were unsettled early and struggled to play their brand of basketball in the first half. Pleasingly, they found their composure and executed their offence down the stretch to stay narrowly ahead. With the game coming down to the final possession, a crucial defensive stop secured the two-point win and kept their unbeaten start intact.

View’s 5 in Focus

5ths - defeated Shore 50–31
A strong turnaround after an opening-round loss. Taig earned player-of-the-game honours with his contribution in attack and an outstanding six blocks at the defensive end.

15Cs - defeated Shore 35–28
Hugo and George led the scoring as transition layups and offensive rebounds helped establish a 12-point half-time lead. Shore challenged in the second half, but some timely leadership from captain George helped the boys regroup and finish the job.

15Ds - defeated Shore 46–30
A strong first half set up the win, with fast-break opportunities and good work protecting the basket. Tom led the defensive effort and rebounding, while Malakai capped off the performance with 3 three-pointers.

14As - defeated Shore 37–22
An excellent team defensive effort held Shore to just four points in the first half. Josh and Clark then helped guide the group home with composure. The way the boys encouraged one another was a pleasing feature of the win.

14Es - defeated Shore 32–14
The 14Es secured their first win of the season through strong defence and some excellent individual contributions in attack. Zeke finished with 14 points, and Paddy added 12. A great reward for the boys’ efforts.

Weekend Results — 24 October

All games were against Shore. Scores are listed with Riverview first, except for the two entries awaiting confirmation.

1sts: 113–72 Win
2nds: 58–56 Win
3rds: 42–36 Win
4ths: 28–28 Draw
5ths: 50–31 Win
6ths: 27–31 Loss
7ths: 38–29 Win
8ths: 30–49 Loss
9ths: 10–38 Loss
10ths: 31–20 Win
11ths: 15–12 Win
12ths: 21–37 Loss
13ths: 52–30 Win
14ths: 37–22 Win
16A: 52–30 Win
16B: 22–38 Loss
16C: 23–37 Loss
16D: 35–40 Loss
16E: 16–27 Loss
16F: 41–9 Win
16G: 32–25 Win
16H: 8–38 Loss
15A: 59–44 Win
15B: 47–35 Win
15C: 35–28 Win
15D: 46–30 Win
15E: 28–12 Win
15F: 8–28 Loss
14A: 37–22 Win
14B: 31–35 Loss
14C: 29–22 Win
14D: 21–33 Loss
14E: 32–14 Win
14F: 19–40 Loss

The Cricket Report | Round 2

MR JASON KREJZA, CRICKET SPC

1st XI | Round 2

Riverview 160 def by Shore School 7-161

The 1st XI entered its Round 2 match against Shore determined to respond after a disappointing loss to Grammar.

Batting first, Riverview made a slow start as the Shore bowlers maintained disciplined lines and lengths, making scoring difficult. After the loss of George Bradford, captain Xavier Quoyle came to the crease and immediately lifted the tempo with his usual positive intent.

Unfortunately, the middle order was unable to build on a solid foundation. Riverview slipped from 2/94 to 6/114 as wickets fell in quick succession. A valuable late contribution from Archer Mason, who made 22 from 33 balls, helped push the total to 160 before the side was bowled out in 45.4 overs.

It was a competitive score, although probably a little short of what was required. Riverview bowled with discipline, but Shore formed several useful partnerships and prevented us from taking wickets in clusters. We used nine bowlers as we searched for a breakthrough, but Shore eventually passed the total with two overs remaining.

Round 3 | Riverview 3-110 beat The King’s School 109

Just four days later, the boys travelled to King’s with a point to prove.

The new-ball bowling from Xavier Quoyle and Hamish O’Brien was outstanding. Xavier claimed crucial early wickets, while Hamish applied pressure from the other end with excellent control. With several of King’s top-order batters back in the pavilion, Riverview continued to build pressure through disciplined bowling and energetic fielding.

Michael Flanagan then produced an extraordinary spell. Playing just his third 1st XI match, Michael claimed his first five-wicket haul and finished with the remarkable figures of 5/6 from nine overs. King’s attempted to bat through their 50 overs, but Riverview maintained the pressure and dismissed them for 109 in 42 overs.

The run chase could not have started much worse. Bradford was run out from the first ball of the innings before Flanagan was trapped LBW from the next delivery, leaving Riverview 2/0 after two balls.

Charlie Clifford and Xavier Quoyle responded superbly, settling the innings and taking control of the chase. Xavier made a brisk 44 from 39 balls before Archer Mason joined Charlie to guide Riverview home and secure an outstanding bonus-point victory.

It was an important win away from home and a huge confidence boost for the group. The boys are beginning to believe in what they can achieve together. The challenge now is to back up that performance against a dangerous and unpredictable Sydney Boys High side.

2nd XI | Round 2

Riverview 5-115 beat Shore School 114

Round 2 saw the 2nd XI face a strong Shore team that had won its opening match and was a side Riverview had been unable to defeat in either fixture last season.

After losing the toss, Riverview was sent into the field on a wicket that had spent much of the week under covers. Ben Robertson and Jack Maher continued their excellent early-season form, producing a disciplined opening spell in which they conceded no boundaries during the first 10 overs. Their pressure left Shore struggling at 3/20.

Max Hazell maintained that pressure at first change, conceding just eight runs from his six-over spell. Although Shore began to rebuild through patient batting and good strike rotation, their resistance was broken when Ben Robertson produced a brilliant direct-hit run-out from the boundary to remove their key batter. It was the highlight of an outstanding team fielding performance.

Lucas Gesterkamp and Charlie Webber bowled well through the middle overs, collecting several lower-order wickets with the support of some excellent wicketkeeping up to the stumps from Albert Yuille. Max then claimed wickets from consecutive deliveries, leaving himself on a hat-trick heading into the following match, as Shore was bowled out for 114.

Paddy Quinane gave Riverview an excellent start to the chase, applying immediate pressure with a series of quality cricket shots. Shore remained in the contest by taking regular wickets, but Riverview continued to build towards the target through patient batting, effective strike rotation and the punishment of loose deliveries.

Important contributions from Tommy Davis and Albert Yuille helped guide the team home with composure. Riverview reached the target in 37 overs with five wickets in hand.

It was a complete team performance, built on disciplined bowling, outstanding fielding and calm batting under pressure.

1st XI | Round 3

Riverview 199 beat The King’s School 156

Four days later, the boys faced their biggest challenge of the season against defending 2nd XI premiers King’s.

Batting first for the first time this season, Riverview made a positive start with some excellent stroke play through the off side. Consistent contributions from the middle order kept the scoreboard moving, highlighted by a composed 73-run partnership between captain Ben Camilleri (34) and Albert Yuille (32).

That partnership had Riverview well placed to accelerate after the second drinks break. However, a lower-order collapse of 5/16 brought King’s back into the contest. Jack Maher and Max Hazell then provided an important late partnership, pushing the total to 199 and setting King’s 200 for victory.

Jack and Ben Robertson carried their strong form into the bowling innings, restricting the King’s top order and helping reduce the hosts to 3/25. As the ball became older, bowling grew more difficult, and King’s fought back through a 75-run partnership.

Spinners Charlie Webber and Henry Keen turned the match back in Riverview’s favour by dismissing both set batters within four balls. From there, the boys continued to take regular wickets. Henry led the attack with an outstanding 4/29, while Ben completed another excellent performance with 3/34 as King’s was dismissed for 156.

The 43-run victory sent a strong message to the competition. With three wins from three matches against quality opposition, the 2nd XI has made an outstanding start to the season and will look to continue its unbeaten run against Sydney Boys High.

3rd XI

After winning the toss and electing to bat against Shore, the 3rd XI looked comfortable from the outset. A few early wickets fell, but the scoring rate was never a concern thanks to an outstanding innings from Ted Towzell.

Ted used his feet confidently, manipulated the field and struck an excellent 77. He combined with Henry Quigley for a crucial partnership, with Henry’s composed 39 keeping the Shore bowlers at bay for an extended period.

Riverview closed its innings at 7/186, a total that appeared approximately 20 runs above par on the wicket.

In reply, the opening bowlers, led by Gus Laing, kept the Shore batters under constant pressure. The accumulation of dot balls created wicket-taking opportunities and ensured Shore was always behind the required rate.

Ben Stewart was the pick of the attack, finishing with the excellent figures of 3/12 from four overs.

It was a comfortable victory and a complete team performance from the 3rd XI.

15A

The 15A side made a slightly slow start with the ball against Shore, who scored at approximately six runs per over during the opening stages. Riverview responded well and reduced the scoring rate to three runs per over by the drinks break.

Sam, Drew, Ollie Walter, Zach Hammond, Tom Shepherd and Harry Lonne all bowled economically and helped regain control of the innings. Charlie Beaman, the team’s only spinner, also produced an excellent spell.

A strong collective bowling effort restricted Shore to 131 from its 32 overs.

The run chase began poorly, with Riverview falling to 4/18. Tom Shepherd then played an outstanding innings of 65 and, with support from several batting partners, brought the team back into the contest and ahead of the required run rate.

Unfortunately, Riverview finished just two runs short against a sharp Shore side. Despite the result, the fight shown after being 4/18 was a major positive, particularly Tom’s excellent innings under pressure.

The Touch Football Report | Round 1

MR CAMERON NOUD, TOUCH FOOTBALL SPC

Round 1 of the independent school’s touch football season kicked off last weekend with teams making their way to several venues to commence their season. After a few weeks of training and internal fixtures, the boys were ready to test themselves against the rest of the competition, and round 1 brought some different challenges for all teams. For a lot of boys, this was their first time playing in a competitive touch football game, and it is safe to say everyone put their best foot forward and proved that one of the quickest-growing sports at Riverview has so much depth and talent within the program, as 9/12 teams walked away with a win. A very successful start to the season and the best is still yet to come!

1sts vs Cranbrook- 4-3 Win

It was a relatively unknown fixture for the 1sts this weekend, facing a Cranbrook side few people knew well. Riverview started strong, scoring first to take a 1-0 lead; however, costly errors and moving away from the set structures and game plans we had worked on at training proved costly, and we went into the half at 2-2 despite controlling most of the first half. The errors continued at the start of the second half and with about 8 minutes to play, we found ourselves behind 3-2. That's when we really started to click into gear, control the play, and put on 2 classy tries to take the lead 4-3. We stayed composed in the final minutes, and our defence managed to hold out a strong Cranbrook side to take the win, a great result for the team’s first hit out together. Plenty of positives and plenty to work on, as we look forward to taking on what will be a strong Oakhill outfit in round 2.

2nds vs St Aloysius - 11-5 Win

After a back-and-forth first half that finished 4–4, the team lifted their performance in the second half, combining well and applying several of the key skills we had been focusing on in training. It was pleasing to see the players work together, move the ball effectively to produce a dominant second half. Our defence was a particular highlight in the second half, with improved communication and teamwork helping us limit the opposition’s scoring opportunities. The team finished strongly, securing an impressive 11–5 result and showing great improvement as the game progressed.

Team of the Week- 14D- 8-3 Win

A highlight of the Riverview touch program is its overall strength and depth. The 14D team showcased this on the weekend, running away with a commanding 8-3 win over St Aloysius. This team came together as a unit, showing great teamwork, skill and sportsmanship. For many of these boys, it was their first time playing touch football, and they did themselves and their school extremely proud. I look forward to seeing this team continue to grow and develop as the season continues.

The Tennis Season 2026/27 is Underway!

MR JAYMON CRABB, TENNIS SPC

Heading into round 1, we held our cap presentation for the boys who made our 1st and 2nd teams.

The boys have put in a big pre-season with lots of trial matches. Coaches have been very pleased with the attendance, sportsmanship and level of play.

Riverview is very excited for the future, with a very good group of Year 7s, most of whom have pushed each other for years at Regis and put in big winter training blocks.

Congratulations to the boys who have earned their spot for the first time in a GPS tennis team:

1st VI
Orlando Bacic

2nd VI
Lachlan Lau
George Gracey
Finn Bannan
Boston Burden

Week 1 was a baptism of fire, taking on the reigning premiers and flag favourites, Sydney Grammar. Especially with a few players missing due to injury or being away overseas. With most boys playing up two positions, they put in a fighting performance to be proud of.

Archie McCormack, in his first fixture as tennis captain, led from the front with encouragement, energy and team spirit. It was a tough day n the scoreboard but the fight shown by all the boys was admirable and the level of tennis very high.

Special mention to debutant Orlando Bacic, who pushed his much higher-rated opponent all the way, almost taking the 1st set.

The 2nds put in an impressive display, with most matches tightly fought. Player of the day Finn B fought off cramps to claim a big 3-set win in his first ever match at GPS level. Finn spent over 4 hours on court with both singles and doubles going the distance.

Debutants Nikita S at 1 and George G at 2 played outstanding tennis and, although they went down, earned the respect of their teammates and opponents.

I really like the way this group is gelling together and pushing each other to be better. The boys will be much better for the outing, and we are looking forward to further strong performances!

Riverview vs Shore: Week 2

It was a big weekend against Shore, and the boys produced some spectacular tennis when it counted. Here’s how the key moments played out.

Doubles proved vital from early on, with all three matches highly contested. With Zion Sharman (Year 10) out injured this week, Orlando Bacic (Year 7) was asked to step up and pair with team captain Archie McCormick (Year 12) at #1 doubles. It was a heartbreaker, with the boys going down 11-9 in a third-set tie-break despite their best efforts. It could have gone either way, and they were right in it until the final points. For Orlando especially, it was a great first outing at #1 doubles. He and Archie looked completely at home against a tough pairing, and there’s plenty to build on.

All was not lost, though, as Seb Koromilas (Year 9) and Jake Spiden (Year 9) won #2 doubles with an impressive 6-4, 6-4. #3 doubles saw the 1sts' debut of Nikita Sick (Year 7), paired with Lachlan Lau (Year 7). Dropping the first set is never ideal, but the two flipped the script in the second, finding renewed energy and determination. Once they regrouped, they turned the match around to take it in three sets. This win was incredibly important for the team and a great demonstration of how small changes in energy, strategy and communication can shift the momentum of any given match.

Going into the singles with a 2-1 lead, the boys were confident but knew the job wasn’t done. After a number of singles matches had finished and with the tie on the line, Nikita stepped up at #6 singles and got the job done to clinch it for the team, posting his first singles win for the 1sts on debut. The day wasn’t over, though, as Seb found himself locked in a close battle in the final match. Despite the heat and strong winds, he finished on a high, closing out the match in straight sets.

It was a gutsy team performance, with fight shown throughout the lineup. Well done to everyone who took the court, and a special mention to Lachlan, Nikita, Jake, and Seb for their standout efforts in both singles and doubles on the day. On to the next one!

Final score: 6-3 to SIC Riverview.

2nds Win vs Shore 5-4

The 2nds GPS tennis team secured an impressive 5–4 victory over Shore on Saturday in a thrilling contest that went down to the wire. Riverview made a perfect start to the afternoon, winning all three doubles rubbers to take a commanding lead into the singles. The second doubles rubber was particularly exciting, going down to a deciding third-set super tiebreak, where Riverview held their nerve to claim a crucial victory.

Shore fought back strongly in the singles, making the contest a tense battle right until the end. Riverview secured two singles victories to reach the five rubbers needed to win the tie. Despite Shore’s fightback, the boys showed great determination and composure under pressure to get across the line. It was a fantastic team effort, with the clean sweep in doubles proving decisive in securing a hard-fought victory for Riverview.

3rds Tennis Vs Shore 3/33 - 3/26

Draw. A much improved day on court for the 3rds. Archie and Callum fought hard in their doubles going down 7-4 in the tie break. Archie rallied to dominate in his singles with a 6-3 win. Callum again went down 7-5 in a tiebreak. Liam and Shiv were unlucky not to snatch the tiebreak in the doubles; however, both stepped up in singles. Liam fought to win the tiebreak 7-4, and Shiv totally dominated his opponent 6-0.

4th Tennis vs Shore 4/31 - 2/22

Win. Charles and Massimo back for the season, showing great energy and teamwork in doubles but unable to convert that to a win. Jude and Tom also showed how teamwork and high energy in doubles can win matches, with a 6-3 win. Both Tom and Jude taking that energy to the singles court with consistent rallying and solid volleying to win in 2 and 1 respectively. Great to see Massimo bounce back to win 6-4, Charles narrowly missing out in the tiebreak 8-6.

5th Tennis vs Shore 6/36 - 0/17

Win: The 5ths were on fire this week. Better footwork, teamwork and communication set up better results. Xavier and Orlando won 6-0, and the powerhouse pair of Caelan and Aeden won 6-2. Xavier and Orlando were solid in doubles, winning 2 and 3. Aeden had a gutsy singles match, staying in the tiebreak to win 7-3. Jonathon stepped into play in 5th singles at #4 and consolidated the team domination with an impressive 7-5 tiebreak win.

6th Tennis vs Shore3/28 - 3/28

Draw. Frank and Josh combined well again this week to win 6-2, with fewer errors and better teamwork. Kip and Angus stayed in it to win a tiebreak 7-2, with lots of positive doubles energy and communication. Hamish stepped in for singles to win 6-3; Harry was unlucky to lose his first match, but he has lots of potential this season. Angus and Frank fought hard, but both missed out in tightly fought tiebreaks, 7-5. It was a day of tiebreaks for all the Opens teams, with 5 played in the 5ths/6ths and 5 in the 3rds/4ths.

Weekly Focus on 15s Tennis:

What a fantastic showing from our 15s squad against Shore! All four teams came away with wins, which is a great reflection of the effort and attitude the players brought on the day. There were tight moments, a few nerves and some scrappy patches, but every player stuck at it and found a way to get the job done. Well done to all players, and thank you to the parents and supporters who came along.

A Team – Won 5-1

The A team made it a strong 5-1 win, though it wasn’t without some hiccups. Maiers and Moss had a few too many errors in the doubles, but they regrouped well and didn’t let it affect the rest of the day. In singles, both boys overcame some less-than-perfect tennis to secure wins of 6-3 and 6-2 respectively, which shows real maturity. A special mention to Noah Girgis, who faced a tough opponent and kept his head throughout, staying composed under pressure. Great effort, boys.

B Team – Won 5-1

The B team also posted a convincing 5-1 victory. Hudson was a standout with his serve, which was reliable and powerful and put the Shore players under pressure from the first point. Peach picked up yet another win, continuing his excellent form and proving to be a consistent performer for the team. The rest of the squad backed them up with positive, energetic tennis. Well played, B team.

C Team – Won 3 sets all (on countback)

This was a nail-biter! The C team and Shore finished level on sets, with our boys prevailing on a countback of games won. Busco was brilliant, producing a valiant 6-0 performance. Noah played in his very first tennis match and, although he lost 9-11 in the tiebreak, he fought for every ball and never gave up. It was a performance he should be extremely proud of, especially for a debut. Every game counted in this one, so well done to the whole team.

D Team – Won 4-2

The D team secured a solid 4-2 win. Archer was dominant with a 6-0 win, while Austin battled to a 6-4 victory. Both boys showed great court coverage and smart shot selection, and the team did a terrific job staying positive and supporting each other from the sideline. Their communication and encouragement in the doubles were a highlight. Great work, D team.

A Swinging Success | The Golf Report

MR LOUIS CALLANAN, GOLF SPC

After a successful first week against Scots at Strathfield, where the boys won 3-1, our outing to Northbridge against Waverley was less successful. That first week saw Jimmy Ward, Hugo Davidson, Charlie Brown and Ted Madigan play some brilliant golf to secure victory.

The weekend just gone saw some more brilliant golf, only without the same rewards. The narrow fairways proved difficult for our long-hitting types, and the bending eucalypts and their undergrowth of Northbridge swallowed up many a wayward shot.

A tight tussle slipped away from Jimmy towards the closing holes. Hugo Davidson’s match went like a seesaw, but unfortunately Hugo ended up on the lower end. Ted Madigan suffered a similarly narrow defeat.

Charlie Brown’s golf looked promising from the get go, putting his third tee shot to three inches of the pin, but his opponent took a steady lead on the front nine. Things looked grim, but Charlie staged one of the great comebacks, scoring 1 under through 8 holes. A very unfortunate lost ball on the 18th meant that he lost 1 down.

The big news of the weekend was a hole-in-one at Lane Cove. Congratulations to Henrik Schaefer, who scored the ever-elusive achievement on the Par-3 7th!

Pastoral Care

I Know Where My Heart Is: Remembering Richie Fernando 30 Years On

MS MARIS SKOURAS, HEAD OF HOUSE - FERNANDO

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the death of Brother Richard Michael “Richie” Fernando SJ, the patron of Fernando House. Thirty years after his passing in Cambodia, Richie’s story continues to speak powerfully to our community, challenging us to consider not simply what we achieve in life, but where we choose to place our hearts.

Richie was born in the Philippines on 27 February 1970. After graduating from Ateneo de Manila University, he entered the Society of Jesus at the age of 20. His formation as a Jesuit brought him into close contact with people living in poverty and on the margins of society, experiences that profoundly shaped his understanding of faith, service and vocation.

In May 1995, Richie was sent to Phnom Penh, Cambodia, for his Regency. There he served at Banteay Prieb, the “Centre of the Dove”, a school supporting young people with disabilities, many of whom had been victims of landmines. Richie learnt Khmer and developed close relationships with his students, taking time to listen to their stories and accompany them through their struggles.

On 17 October 1996, Richie died at just 26 years of age while protecting others during a violent incident at the school. His final act reflected something that had characterised his entire Jesuit vocation: an instinct to place himself alongside another person, particularly someone who was vulnerable, troubled or in need. Yet perhaps the most powerful insight into Richie comes not from the circumstances of his death, but from the way he chose to live.

Just four days before his death, Richie wrote to his fellow Jesuit Totet Banaynal SJ: “I know where my heart is. It is with Jesus Christ, who gave all for the poor, the sick, the orphan…”

From these words comes our Fernando House motto: Ubi sit cor meum scio (I know where my heart is).

Thirty years later, these words remain much more than a motto on a crest. They are a question and a challenge for every member of Fernando House: Where is my heart?

For Richie, the answer was clear. His heart was with Christ and, because of that, his heart was with those who were vulnerable, forgotten or pushed to the margins. He understood that faith could not remain simply something believed. It needed to become something lived.

That challenge sits deeply within our Ignatian tradition. We are called to become people for and with others, to notice the needs of those around us, and to discover God in the people and circumstances we encounter each day. Often, this will not require an extraordinary act. It is found in the ordinary choices we make: including someone who feels left out, listening rather than judging, standing beside someone who is struggling, speaking when something is unjust, or giving our time without expecting anything in return.

Richie understood education in much the same way. Education was not simply about knowledge or personal advancement. It could give people dignity, possibility and hope. That remains particularly meaningful for our students today and for the many Riverview students who have travelled to Cambodia on immersion. They walk, in a very real sense, in a place where Richie himself lived and served, encountering communities that invite them to see the world, and their place within it, differently.

Thirty years after Richie's death, his story therefore remains unfinished. It continues whenever a young person chooses compassion over indifference. It continues when we notice the person on the margins and move towards them rather than away. It continues when our education becomes not simply something that benefits ourselves, but something we use in the service of others. And it continues whenever the young men of Fernando House are courageous enough to ask themselves: Where is my heart?

A prayer found in Richie’s diary after his death expressed the kind of life for which he hoped to be remembered. He wanted his legacy to be one of service, truth, sincerity and, ultimately, love and discipleship.

Thirty years on, may Richie continue to challenge and inspire us to know what matters, to recognise where God is calling us, and to have the courage to place our hearts there.

Performing Arts

Drama Recital Evenings

MR PETER WATTERS, HEAD OF FACULTY - MUSIC

Our talented young actors stepped into the spotlight during two Drama Recital Evenings held on Tuesday 8 September and Tuesday 20 October, bringing a wonderful mix of characters, stories and performances to the stage.

The evenings featured students from the College’s Drama Private Tuition Program, who entertained audiences with performances that demonstrated their creativity, imagination and developing theatrical skills. From exploring different characters to bringing scripts to life, students embraced the opportunity to put their acting skills into practice.

Drama offers students much more than the opportunity to perform. It encourages them to think creatively, communicate effectively, work with others and develop the confidence to express themselves. These qualities were evident throughout both evenings, with students of varying ages and experience taking on the challenge of performing before a live audience.

Congratulations to all our young actors for their enthusiasm and commitment. Special thanks to our Drama tutors, Ms Cassandra Cochrane, Ms Elizabeth Flemming and Ms Lara Stern, for their dedication in preparing and supporting the students, and to the families who came along to enjoy the performances.

Reflection by Max Finsterer (Year 11)

On Tuesday evening, we held our second Private Drama recital for the year in the O’Kelly Theatre. As someone who has done Private Drama tuition since Year 5, it was somewhat surreal to see young boys perform the monologues and skits I once performed at their age. We were blown away by standout performances from every performance, especially Jimmy Keating, Ed Dunn, Hunter Kwan and of course, a fellow Year 11, Jimmy De Flamingh. Congratulations to all the boys who performed; it was a great night of good fun as well as interesting monologues and duologues. I’d like to thank Ms Fleming, Ms Cochrane, and finally, Ms Stern for their unwavering commitment to their students; it is really a gift to have the three of you as our teachers.

To sign up for Private Drama in 2027, click HERE.

Music Private Tuition Recital Evenings

MRS SUE THOMAS, ACTING HEAD OF FACULTY - MUSIC

Over the past two weeks the College’s Music Private Tuition Program brought students together for two Music Recital Evenings, giving them the chance to share their musical talent with family and friends.

The second evening, held on Tuesday 27th October, showcased students of Piano, Strings, Guitar and Bass Guitar. The program covered a wide variety of styles and genres, from Bach to The Beatles, and students performed with enthusiasm and musicality.

It was a wonderful opportunity for students to share the progress they have made throughout the year and to gain valuable experience performing before an audience. For some students, this was their first time performing in public, while others showed the confidence and skill that come from many years of lessons. The recitals also showcased the breadth of instruments offered through our Private Music Tuition Program, and the commitment of students who balance regular lessons and practice with their academic and co-curricular responsibilities.

Congratulations to all students who performed across both recital evenings. Thank you to our wonderful team of Private Music Tutors for their ongoing work in preparing students, and to the families who continue to support their sons’ musical development.

An Evening of Band Music at The Canopy

Join us at The Canopy in Lane Cove on Friday 6 November for an evening of live band music, featuring performances from across the College’s music program.

From 5pm - 7pm, enjoy an entertaining program featuring the Regis Concert Band, Intermediate Concert Band, Symphonic Wind Band and Riverview Big Band.

Bring the family along, enjoy the music and support our talented student musicians. We look forward to seeing you there!

Cheer On Our Junior State Theatresports Team at the Semi Finals next Monday

MS LARA STERN, TEACHER - DRAMA

Our 2026 Junior State Theatresports team is through to the Semi-Finals of ImproAustralia’s Schools’ Challenge, and they’re competing right here at Riverview.

Charlie McDonald (Claver), Elliott Johnston (More), Chester Johnson (MacKillop), Dylan Wong (Romero) and Henry Donaldson (Owen) will go head-to-head with teams from Redlands, Shore, Hunter School of the Performing Arts, Hunter Valley Grammar School, St Augustine’s College, Oxford Falls Grammar, Northern Beaches Christian School and MacKillop Catholic College.

With every scene invented in the moment, it’s sure to be a fast paced and very funny night of improvised theatre.

Come along for the quick thinking, stay for the laughs and the unexpected twists.

When: Monday 2 November (Week 4), 7pm to 9pm
Where: O’Kelly Theatre
Tickets: At the door, $15 adults, $10 concession

Around the College

School student travel information for parents and students

STUDENT OFFICE

Applications for 2027 School Student Transport Scheme (SSTS) travel are now open.

Students must re-apply or update their details as soon as possible if they:

are changing schools or campus location (Note: This does not apply to Regis students moving to the Senior campus)
are changing home address
are repeating a year
have received an expiry notification for their school travel entitlement.

Students who meet the distance eligibility requirements will have their entitlement updated automatically. Students who no longer meet the distance requirements will receive an expiry notification. Please note that minimum distance requirements vary depending on the year/grade the student is enrolling in.

School travel passes

Students living in rural and regional areas will receive their travel pass from their nominated transport operator. It may be issued via their school or be sent directly to them at home.

Note: some rural and regional operators do not issue travel passes. Students/parents should confirm with their nominated operator if they do not receive a pass.

Terms of use

Students must show their school travel pass when travelling within the approved times between 6.30am and 7.00pm from Monday to Friday on school days only. Cards are personal and cannot be shared.

All students are required to comply with the Student code of conduct. The code of conduct aims to ensure the safety and well-being of school children and other passengers. It is important that parents ensure their child is aware of this, as failure to comply with the code of conduct can result in a suspension from travel.

Boarding

From the Year 10 Boarding Division

MS CHRISTINA MIKAN, HEAD OF DIVISION - YEAR 10 BOARDING

At the beginning of this term, we welcomed two new boarders: Archie Hoiles and Mitch Stocks. Both have settled in well with the help of their boarder buddies. The boys are in the middle of their assessment period and are taking each task in their stride whilst enjoying all the summer sports training. It has been a pleasure to watch them grow this year. They are relaxed, friendly and full of energy, and when the standards needed lifting, they stepped up.

Some of my favourite moments in the Division have been the small ones: new boarders settling in with their buddies, pizza dinners to reward effort, and birthday dinners at my home, where I get to chat casually with the boys over a shared meal and everyday conversations. Moments like these are what make boarding a community, and the boys have contributed to it generously.

This is also my farewell. After 16 years of boarding service at Riverview, I am finishing up in the role. It has been a privilege to care for so many boys and to work alongside their families. To the parents, thank you. Your trust in me and in the boarding staff, your messages and your support, and the way you partner with us through the ups and downs of adolescence are what make this work so rewarding. I have valued every conversation, and I have loved watching your sons become young men.

To the boys, keep working hard, keep looking out for one another, and keep making the most of this community. I’m proud of you all.

Thank you for sharing your sons with me. I wish you and your families all the very best for the years ahead.

How to Know if You’re Raising a Koala or a Boarder

MR ALEX GODBOLD, BOARDING RECREATION OFFICER

Ever wondered whether you’re raising a koala or a boarder? Our recent trip to Treetops Adventure gave me the opportunity to observe a few traits and write this guide to help you answer this age-old question.

Are they constantly trying to eat while awake?

If the answer is yes, you could be raising a koala or a boarder.

Is their favourite food green and smells like eucalyptus?

If yes, it's most likely a koala.

Do they enjoy sleeping and are they a bit groggy when woken up?

If yes, you are raising a koala. A boarder has no fear of an early morning wake up or keeping to a schedule.

Do they grunt at you when you ask them a question?

If the answer is yes, likely a koala.

Do they say please and thank you?

If the answer is yes, you’re raising a boarder.

Do they enjoy spending time up in a tree?

If the answer is yes, it could be a koala or a boarder.

Do they occasionally fall out of trees?

If yes, it could be either.

Do they hit the ground when they fall out of trees?

If the answer is no. You’re raising a boarder who was able to follow directions and correctly fasten their safety harnesses provided by Treetops Adventure.

Despite the scorching weather, our Year 7, 8 and 9 boarders who were in house last Sunday headed out to the Hills and St Ives for an adventure at Treetops. Treetops has a variety of high ropes courses filled with obstacles and ziplines for the boys to navigate and conquer.

It is a trip that has been in our calendar for a few years now but still continues to remain one of the most enjoyed activities.

The boys embraced the challenge, tested their limits, encouraged one another and, of course, found the opportunities to enjoy some well-earned snacks and a slushie.

While we may not have settled the question of whether we are raising koalas or boarders, one thing is certain: given the chance to climb trees and spend time with their mates, our boarders are right where they want to be.