QUOTE: “Human beings only grow if they’re outside their comfort zone. If a human being is comfortable, they’re not growing. In fact, if they’re not careful, they might actually be going backwards”. Herb Elliott

Our Countrylink boys rose early this morning to make their respective journeys north, south, north-west and west with the last boy finally walking out of the dorm at 6.30am with the bulk having left Thursday afternoon. Our packing and tidying up went very well but was certainly a very busy time with the odd bag, blazer and of course single socks left behind. They were a tired but happy bunch as they departed, knowing they had finished off the term extremely well, having earned their holiday break.

The last week commenced with our boys returning for 8.15pm Mass on Sunday night. It was a stirring Mass and great to see the Chapel so full. This will become a weekly occurrence throughout Term 2 and 3 as they boys return after their weekend leave. Parents are very welcome to join the boys for this weekly celebration of the liturgy.

Saturday, 26^th March was our Summer Sports Rally marking the end of our Summer Sport (except Rowing) Seasons. Our Senior Swimming Team commenced proceedings with our Year 11 Representatives: Harrison Holgate (Butterfly), Jackson Pittorino ( Backstroke), David Ryan (Freestyle). With Ned Tipping and Josh Schwager being awarded on stage for their commendable efforts this season.

Basketball was our next sport presented with our 1st Basketball representatives in Year 11 being Eddie Browne, Max Chippendale, Josh Commins, Harrison Goodrick, Andrew Hookey and Joshua Kay. Their season saw them compete against 3 of the top Basketball Schoolboy teams in the country and this experience will stand them in great position for a strong season next year. Congratulations to Harrison Goodrick for being selected in the Combined GPS Seconds. They were followed on stage by Nick Berney, Hugh McLean and Charlton Wilson of the 2nd V Basketball. The experience all these boys gained certainly sets up with much anticipation for next season with all these boys backing up in our Senior Squad.  Congratulations to the coaches, Mr. Jim Arkell, Mr Allan Dawson and Convenor, Mr Kieran Jones.

Our 1^st Tennis boasted Maurice De Costa as our Year 11 representative while Harrison Gould, Matthew Hall, Nicholas Wood, Sean Quigley and Geoff Choy represented in the 2nds Tennis. The boys were praised for their tireless efforts and great spirit they displayed over the season. Congratulations to Mr. Craig Attwater, Mr. Gavin Were and their hard working convenor, Mr. John Haines.

Our 1st XI Cricketers with Jesse Fenech, Ben Rodgers, Hamish Bartlett, Jackson Watts, Declan O’Donahoe and James Williams provided great excitement for all at the Rally, needing an outright victory over Scots and some results to go their way,and they would be Premiers. The boys scored 280 runs and had taken 18 Scots wickets and needing 2 wickets in 12 overs to become Premiers. The Rally commenced and all were waiting in hope and expectation of the boys’ result. They arrived at approximately 6.30pm, with the news they had fallen 1 wicket short of victory and another Premiership. Although disappointed for them and their coaches Mr Richard Casamento and Mr Pat Rodgers, everyone was extremely proud of this tremendous effort in coming so close to victory. The Second XI Year 11 representatives were: Josh Schwager, Alex Newsome, Tim Litherland, Tom Laban, Tom Garrick, Seth Turnbull and Alex Pay, congratulations to them and their coach Fr. Andrew Nee for taking out the Premiership. Congratulations to all boys and to their coaches, with a very special thanks to the excellent work from the Convenor of Sport, Mr. Miles Newman, for his excellent organisation and help throughout the Cricket Season. It was also pleasing to hear fitting praise declared for Mr. Bill Rawlings and his ground Staff who produce outstanding wickets and grounds every week; certainly the best facilities in the GPS.

The two remaining Summer Sports saw our Senior Water Polo team acknowledged for their efforts in the combined GPS/CAS competition to see the Senior Team competing in a very competitive competition, with William Glenn, Duncan Baxter, Nick Henry, Harrison Holgate and Saxon Dunworth representing Yr 11 in the 1^st Waterpolo.

A most impressive part of our Sports Rallies are the speeches made by our Captains of Sport. These young men are selected for their sporting prowess and leadership and not necessarily for public speaking skills, however, every one of them speak most eloquently in front of a 1,500 crowd to do their sport, their team and themselves duly proud. The Captain of the First XI Cricket, Angus LeLeivre, Declan Carroll 1^st Basketball and Joshua Johns 1^st Tennis in Year 12, were no exception and were warmly acclaimed for their outstanding addresses to the College.

Last Saturday, saw our annual pilgrimage to the Head of the River bringing together the AAGPS for the first of the two occasions a year. The organisation of the day is huge and that is only for the supporters, let alone the tireless hours of training from our Senior Rowers and their coaches.

All boys then returned to the College to acknowledge the dedicated efforts of our rowers for the Rowing Sports Rally. The first rowing crew with Yr 11 Representatives were the 3^rd V111 with Joe Callaughan, Brendon Follington, Ed Dudley, Jack Spork, and  Andrew  Raumer. The boys did very well and rowed their fastest time for the season by 25 seconds. In the 4th 1V William McManus represented Yr. 11 on stage after the crew rowed a personal best on the day. Morgan Thomas, Max Hall, and Daniel Picone gained a tremendous second place in the 3^rd 1V. Jonathon Canturi, Zach Guilfoyle and James Allan representing in the 2^nd IV, all showed great fight to put in strong performances and rowed their personal best times on the day. Our 1^st 1V with David Ryan and Dom Mullane got off to a bad start but regathered their composure to row a very admirable race.  Our 2nd VIII with Peter Ritter, James Dressler-Smith, Tom Murphy, James Quinn, Hamish Elliot and Vincent Salinos rowed their best time of the season as did the 1^st V111 with Conor O’Gorman, Sam Clarke, Alec Rainnie, and Ethan Shaw being  warmly greeted at the Rally commiserating with the boys but celebrating their efforts in this most demanding of sports.

The holidays will provide a good rest for our boys however some will be representing us in a variety of activities. Harry Maher, Max Hall and Alex Bellato head off to Bougainville with our Solidarity group to continue the service learning partnership with our fellow Marist school, St Joseph’s Mabiri. Tomorrow lunchtime, Darren Frost and the other 1^st and 2^nd Football coaches take a Senior and Junior Squad of Footballers on a magnificent tour of the United Kingdom and Spain, which will be a wonderful sporting and cultural experience for all boys involved. 25 Year 11 boys are off to the 1^st and 2^nd XV Rugby Camp at Coffs Harbour in the last week to prepare for the coming Rugby Season. We wish all boys and the Staff looking after these endeavours, our very best wishes.

Our boys have made a great start to the year. They have worked extremely well and thoroughly deserve a well-earned rest.  ALL our boys (Full Boarders and ALL Weekly Boarders) return by 8 pm MONDAY EVENING, 2nd May. I would ask you to ensure your son returns with his hair cut to College regulations and please have him check that he has his full College uniform with him, including shoes and belt!

Finally, may I wish you a very Happy Easter and an enjoyable time with your son hoping the break is an enjoyable time for all.

Regards

Jeremy

QUOTE: “It is hard to forget, to apologise, to be unselfish, to avoid mistakes, to keep out of a rut, to begin all over again, to make the best of all things, to keep your temper at all times, to think first and act afterwards, to maintain a high standard, to keep on keeping on, to shoulder the blame, to be charitable, to admit error, to take advice, to forgive – but you’ll win more games”. Jack Gibson.

Exam Fever has certainly gripped our boys over the past week with all types of symptoms being shown. Varying levels of stress as well as healthy concerns about their exams have been demonstrated by most. Panic trickled amongst a few, worried about running out of time, while a few others declaring absolute boredom in struggling to manage their extensive Study blocks. It is important for them to learn how to manage and be responsible for their time.

This exam block is really the first time our boys have experienced long periods between exams and they really are learning how to manage their time. This is a wonderful learning experience for them, just as the new levels of concerns, you would be hearing and seeing in your son, are all very normal, healthy and really, quite good, as he begins to mature into being an HSC student. Please continue to reassure him when you receive his phone calls of defeat and despair over the year. It is all very normal for our boys. It is just that they are experiencing many of these feelings for the first time.

At the Headmaster’s Assembly yesterday SJC Old Boy Joe Fazio was honoured when his wife, Di, who is also on the teaching staff here, presented the 1st V111 with their skins for tomorrow’s Head of the River. This is an important day in the College calendar as it is one of only two days when all the GPS Schools come together as one in competition. Our boys’ presence and the aura they leave others through their manners, spirit, cheering and togetherness is another important lesson in their development. The First VIII of 2011 for Saturday’s Head of the River were presented with their skins. Special congratulations to Sam Clarke, Alec Rainnie, Connor O’Gorman and Ethan Shaw on making the First VIII and to Peter Ritter, Tom Murphy, James Dressler-Smith, Hamish Elliot, James Quinn and Vincent Salinos in the Second VIII, along with all of our representatives, who will proudly represent the College at the Head of the River tomorrow.
A reminder that all of our boys will head off at 7.45am to Head of the River by bus with their Year 7 Buddies travelling with them. All boys must also return on the bus back to the College with the Rowing Rally commencing at 4.30pm due to finish around 5.30pm. Weekly Boarders, Day boys and Full Boarders with overnights will mark off with me at this time.

The Winter sports trials kicked off literally this week with plenty of enthusiasm and competition between the troops. I have been impressed with the boys’ efforts, although it was expected, and there will be more to come next week. I have told them to be patient, and not get too carried away if they have a great game or if things do not come their way, not to worry too much, it is a long season.
I would like to thank our Parent Reps for their time and energies in organizing opportunities for us to come together for a laugh and swap some possible bribery stories. Carolyn, Marie, Nicole and Graeme have asked if you would take time out to consider the following requests for the upcoming Rugby season:
“A message from year 11 parent reps….. Year 11 parents have been allocated 2 away games for canteen duty this year as on a few occasions a number of teams will be playing over at the park in the morning, due to a shortage of ovals available at the away school. For the first game on 7th May against Scots we would like some volunteers to help us set up and serve in the main park canteen. The canteen will only be open between 8am and 1pm. We need 2 people from 8am-9am, 3 people from 9am-11am and 3 people from 11am-1pm. If you are available, could you please contact Carolyn Kay carolynkay@cci.net.au with your preferred timeslot”.

Many thanks for your support
Carolyn, Marie, Nicole & Graeme

I have also attached a copy of the Social Contacts form which Nicole has asked if you could complete and return if you would like to be on this Year’s contact list.

Well, this time next week your boys will be back home with you or well on their way. They have a big day in front of them tomorrow, whether they are competing or looking after their Yr 7 Buddy and supporting on the banks. Next Monday they will face exams in Ancient History, Biology and English as well as more very competitive winter sport trials. I have encouraged them to be sensible with their spare time this weekend and they need to prioritise, rest, time with their families (if possible) and preparation for next week’s exams. I encourage you all to do the same.

Take care and enjoy the weekend with your families.

Regards
Jeremy