Today we welcomed back Old Collegians from the Class of ‘23 and their families for this year’s Dux Assembly, gathering as a school community to celebrate the exceptional academic achievements of last year’s graduates. I and the entire academic staff at Rostrevor are extremely proud of what the cohort was able to achieve, with every student having reached their personal best by the end of the year. We are also proud that every student achieved their SACE, which is the seventh year in a row the Rostrevor Year 12 cohort has accomplished this feat! 

The Old Collegians present at today’s ceremony consisted of 18% of the Class of ‘23 who achieved an ATAR of 90 or above, the 26 students who were awarded a Merit and the 25 students who achieved an A+ grade. This included College Dux Harrison Lynch, who spoke to students about the drive and self-discipline it took him to achieve his ATAR of 99.7.  

We acknowledged 2023 Head prefect, Lachlan Tripodi who was awarded the Governor of South Australia Excellence in SACE award. Lachlan was awarded the Governor of South Australia Commendations - Excellence Award for demonstrating extensive understanding in all seven SACE capabilities. This is the fifth year in a row that a Rostrevor graduate has received a Governor's Commendation! 

We also acknowledged Jack Haddad who was awarded a Student Citizenship Award with Distinction last year for his outstanding contributions to the community. 

I would like to thank the many people who supported the Class of ‘23 on their 13-year academic journey and wish Rostrevor’s most recent Old Collegians all the best as they move forward onto new pursuits. 

We gathered for our Ash Wednesday Liturgy as Catholic community in the Valley on Wednesday morning. Marked with the Ashes, we begin our Lenten journey with prayer, fasting and almsgiving in order to grow closer to God. Led by our Identity Leader Ignatius Crafter, we look to support Project Compassion by sharing what we have with those who need it most. 

Our Year 8 students participated in their camp from Wednesday to Friday last week. They spent half of the program situated at a base camp where they tried their hand at surfing, fishing and enjoyed some sightseeing. The second half of the program saw the boys engaged in a kayaking expedition where they camped in tents and cooked their own meals on a Trangia stove. All students should be commended for the resilience that they demonstrated and their willingness to participate in all activities on offer.

The Rostrevor community extends its congratulations to Year 3 teacher, Adele Stramare, who was married to Gianluca Girolamo in the College Chapel over the weekend! It was a special occasion made even more so when her 2023 Year 1 class surprised her after the ceremony, showing up in their blazers to congratulate the newlyweds. 

On Wednesday night the Middle Years First XI Cricket team hosted the SACA Indigenous Youth Squad for a friendly competitive T20 match. Prior to the game commencing, both teams united to conduct a barefoot circle ceremony and exchange gifts. This was the second time Rostrevor has played the SACA Indigenous Youth Squad with the last result narrowly going the way of Rostrevor.  

Zack Faraonio was our stand-out batter making 29 runs, helping Rostrevor get to 120 runs in 20 overs. The SACA openers got off to a fantastic start, making 61 before their first wicket. Sidney McDonald and Michael O'Donnell then took four wickets each and our opponents were bowled out for 111 in the final over.  

The game was played in great spirit with fierce competition displayed on both sides. We thank the SACA Indigenous Youth Squad for the match and look forward to strengthening our partnership in the future.

The College’s Co-Curricular Program is well underway for the 2024 Term 1 season. The Middle Years First XI Cricket team took advantage of the sunshine on the Main Oval on Saturday, playing a game against Adelaide High School. While the visitors returned home victorious with 2/66 to Rostrevor’s 4/65, we had standout players in Cooper Douglas (15 runs) and Brock Langaluddecke (1/15).

Congratulations to new Year 10 students Archie Shaw and Jarrah Reidy on their selection for Rostrevor’s First XI Cricket side. They were both presented their caps by their families before Saturday’s home game against St Michael’s College, where Rostrevor was able to secure a comfortable 3/125 to 10/124 win.  

Jarrah is one of Duggan House’s new boarders, so it was particularly special for his family to have travelled to Adelaide from Port Lincoln to watch his first match for the College.