Welcome back to the second half of 2024! This week we welcomed 19 new students into our community, including eight eager new Mid-Year Receptions into A’ishah Adamo’s class.   

Our Junior Years students have been very excited this week, finally having access to their newly renovated classrooms and toilets. Living through any kind of construction has its challenges, and I acknowledge the patience and understanding of the staff, parents and especially students over the last year. Short term pain has certainly resulted in long term gain! 

Term 3 is always an important and busy term for our Year 12s who complete their final full term of schooling. This term we also look forward to key College events including Intercol, Year 11 Formal, Blue Week, Book Week, the Athletics Carnival and Sports Day, announcing the 2025 Prefect group and much more!  

Our Year 11 students have spent the last few days on Retreat at Aldinga and Woodhouse. I thank the staff, in particular Lisa Clark, Director of Identity and Mission, who have supported in providing valuable opportunities and time for a focus on renewal of mind, spirit and body. 

Students from Mary MacKillop College and Rostrevor College were invited submit artwork for the Josephite S.A. Reconciliation Circle NAIDOC Week Art Competition that were displayed at the NAIDOC Week 2024 Art Exhibition on Wednesday. Well done to Isaiah Miller and Marco Varricchio who had their artwork featured on the night, with a special congratulations to Isaiah who had his artwork awarded a ‘Highly Commended’ Prize by guest judge and Aboriginal artist Nikki Carabetta. 

We are excited to launch the Rostrevor College Centenary Book in celebration of the College’s 100th year. It not only captures a rich and fascinating history but celebrates our current students and community. From the 2023 whole-school photo to contemporary images of their sporting, creative and academic pursuits, the pages of this historic book commemorate the journey the College has taken and the journey that has just begun for our Rostrevor families. The photos above are just a few of many featuring current and recently graduated Rostrevor students. 

The limited print run is now available for pre-order and will be ready for collection from the College or delivery in time for Father’s Day this year. Pre-order your Centenary Book HERE.

Agriculture students have been learning about rearing chickens this year, and the chicks that they hatched have now grown into lay hens ready to find their forever homes. There are twelve 20-week-old hens in need of homes at $30 each. For more information, to buy chicken(s) or to arrange pickup, email Agricultural Science Coordinator Sam Powell HERE.

We are once again choosing to participate in the Vinnie’s Winter Appeal this term. Families are encouraged to make donations of warm clothing and blankets which will be collected in the blue bins placed inside Equity and Student Services. 

Rostrevor is also participating in the Kick Start for Kids Period Poverty campaign, collecting feminine hygiene items for girls in need in SA. Families can donate items through the collection bin in Equity. 

Congratulations to the First XI Soccer team who in the first week of the school holidays went back-to-back-to-back, winning the Interstate Independent Schools Cup for the third year in a row! On an impressive streak, they won every game until they faced Newington College from NSW in the Semi-Final, being bested 0-1. The First XI rallied in the Final against the same Newington team, digging their heels in to come away with a convincing 4-0 win!

Hear from Coach Jamie Lee about Wednesday’s game against St Michael’s College:

Rostrevor’s First XI sealed the league title on Wednesday evening as they finished with an impressive 4-0 win against 2nd place St Michael’s College to move six points clear with just one game of the regular league season to play. Shortly before half time, the deadlock was broken when good work from Vincenzo Scalzi down the left-hand side meant he was able to cut the ball back to Yel Akot who swept in a tidy first-time finish. There was still time for more action before the half time whistle went as St Michael’s looked for an instant response. They were denied an equaliser after an outstanding save from Rostrevor keeper Noah Matthews from point blank range. 

After the interval Rostrevor came out looking for the second goal and their dominance was soon rewarded. Josh Zeeman decided to showcase his impressive footwork as he weaved his way through a number of defenders before seeing his shot saved, but Antonio Siciliano was on hand to tuck away the rebound and give Rossi a commanding lead. Rostrevor continued to dominate the second half and captain Antony Rapuano added a third after intricate play from Joseph Terminello and Vincenzo Scalzi. The best was saved until the last minute of the game. Antonio Siciliano capped a fine individual display by picking up the ball on the edge of the 18-yard area. He danced his way through four St Michaels defenders before calmly slotting home to ensure an emphatic win for the red and black. 

Rostrevor will now look to record a perfect league season next week as they take on St Peters at Campbelltown City Football Club. This will be a crucial period for the boys in red and black as they look to gain momentum in the build-up to the finals and Intercol later this term.  

Congratulations to Year 9 student Jack Isaac and teacher Carla Saponari who represented SA at the 2024 Under 16 Nationals at Bendigo during the recent school holidays. Jack played in South Australia’s U16 team and Carla coached SA’s U16 Girls’ team. Hear from Carla about their achievements:  

The Under 16 Nationals week of basketball is always the ultimate showcase for emerging elite basketballers in Australia. Each player was competing for a medal and an Australian camp selection. It was mentioned at the opening ceremony that all our Olympic representatives competed in the Under 16 Nationals. This tournament was the first step towards their future endeavours.  

The Under 16 Girls and Under 16 Boys both won Bronze! Jack Isaac brought an elite level of three-point shooting to his team and was an incredible teammate on and off the court. Jack displayed all the traits of Rostrevor student on the biggest stage in Australia. Jack did Rostrevor proud and has accomplished something truly special. The boys defeated a tough Western Australia Metro side 98-86 in an absolute thriller to take home bronze.

Our Under 16 Girls team defeated Queensland North 78-67. The girls refused to leave Bendigo without a medal and kicked into gear in the fourth quarter and pulled away for a secure win.  

Congratulations to Year 7 student Maxwell Martin on his selection for the School Sport SA 12 Years and Under Boys Soccer team. We wish him the best of luck as he travels to Port Kennedy, WA in October for the competition.