We’ve certainly had another term jam packed full of learning, Co-Curricular and centenary events! My thanks to the educators and support staff who once again have gone above and beyond to ensure that the boys at Rostrevor continue to have a vast array of opportunities to engage in across all areas of the College. My thanks also go to all in our community who have given their time to support our Co-Curricular sporting, music and debating programs and the many volunteers who give so generously of their time - it is deeply appreciated. Thank you! 

Our Year 12s are certainly coming to the pointy end of the year with only nine official days of school left before they head off to complete final assessments and exams. It is around this time that many Year 12s start to realise that the coming weeks are especially precious as they experience some of their final school days with peers and staff and as leaders in the school community. We keep all our Year 12s and their families in our prayers in the coming weeks as they complete these last weeks of their schooling. 

I take this opportunity to wish all students, families and staff a wonderful term break and trust there will be moments in the next two weeks where you can rest, recharge and spend some time with family and friends. 

Congratulations to all students who were presented badges at today’s Middle and Senior Years Social Justice Assembly. Students who have displayed Rostrevor’s touchstone values of Liberating Education, Gospel Spirituality, Inclusive Community and Justice and Solidarity were formally recognised at today’s event. Students who volunteer at the Eddie Rice Camps were also recognised and Year 11 Service Awards were presented. The House Prefects took the opportunity to present cheques for the funds raised by their House initiatives during the year to representatives from their chosen charities.

This year, in addition to being involved in the Junior Years choir, students were invited to volunteer to be part of the Catholic Schools Music Festival Combined Choir. Nine Rostrevor students joined 350 other students on stage for the performance at the Festival Theatre yesterday. Congratulations to Maddix, Francis, Antonio, Adrian, Lincoln, Henry, Anthony, Henley and Jason who stepped up and worked hard to deliver a stellar performance! Well done also to the Small Jazz Band, the Senior Band and Liam Davis for their roles on the evening.

Our Year 11 Outdoor Education class took part in a 3-day bushwalk through Mt Remarkable National Park last week. The boys took on the challenge offered by the steep terrain and were rewarded with some amazing views over the Spencer Gulf. The class put into practise navigational skills and techniques learnt throughout the term and used their knowledge of minimal impact strategies when setting up camp.

On Monday, Year 12 students  Laquell Banderson, Zaivier Page, Jasch Davis, Orlando Turner and Seth Colling (not pictured) attended the Catholic Education SA’s Year 12 Graduation celebration at the National Wine Centre. The event was a chance to acknowledge the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students who have completed their schooling in Catholic Education. 

On Monday, our Senior Italian students embarked on an Italian immersion day, visiting the picturesque Piazza della Valle in McLaren Vale and enjoying a delightful 2-hour pasta-making class at the Santopalato Cooking School in Aldinga, followed by a sumptuous feast of homemade pasta and delectable Sicilian cannoli.

On Wednesday, ten Year 11 students attended the RAA Street Smart High event, which provided information to young people on how to be responsible and safe road users. The event was eye-opening and allowed students to see firsthand how their choices on the road can impact their lives.

Congratulations to Year 4 student Tyler Kovesy on achieving a Credit in this year’s International Competitions and Assessments for Schools (ICAS)! Other subject results will be awarded in Term 4. 

YMCA SA are offering OSHC vacation care at Rostrevor over the Term 3 holidays from Tuesday next week. For more information or to enrol, please click HERE. The activities program can be found HERE. 

Congratulations to all students who participated in the 2023 Junior Years Sports Day this afternoon! This year’s winning House was O’Brien, by a margin of only a few points. Well done to our year level champions Zak Carberry (Year 3), Connor Webb (Year 4), Cooper Shaw (Year 5) and Sidney McDonald (Year 6) on their outstanding performances. The highlight of the day was undoubtedly the Year 6 student leaders beating the teachers in a tug of war! Thank you to the Junior Years staff - particularly Junior Years Co-Curricular Coordinator Tim Baccanello - and volunteers who ensured the day was a success, and to the many parents who came out to support their sons.

The Year 9/10 Soccer Team were crowned SASS Division 1 state champions after convincingly beating Trinity College 3-0 in Wednesday’s final. This came off the back of a tightly contested 3-1 (aet) semifinal win over Nazareth earlier in the day. While both games were characterised by an even team performance, notable standouts were Jordan Schirripa, Massimo Cerracchio and Christian Tassotti who all scored two goals each. The road to the final was built on a solid defensive effort which resulted in only one goal being conceded in four games while scoring 13. A special mention for Oliver Ruotolo who was a key member of the team but missed the final due to injury; we wish him a speedy recovery. The players should be proud of their achievement, and staff on the day were equally pleased to hear the referee applaud the team's behaviour and respect towards the opposition and officials. Well Done! 

Congratulations to Year 11 student and next year’s Sports Prefect, Domenico Zappia on his selection as the Captain of the First XI Cricket team for the 2023-24 season. Dom will be supported in his role by Vice Captains Alex Clark (Year 11) and Alecs Zorzi (Year 10). Well done to the following students who have been selected for the First XI squad:

The 2023 Achilles Cup Team comprising of more than 50 Middle and Senior Years students represented Rostrevor in the Division 1 competition, finishing 6th overall in the statewide boys’ team event. Exceptional first-place performances by Spencer de Lacy and other Year 8 students saw Rostrevor finish third in the 14 and under category.  
 
Thank you to Coach Mark Roberts for his enormous efforts in training and coordinating the team in its Centenary Year. Special mention must be made of Mr Shannon Simpson who was invited to commentate the entire 7-hour event on behalf of all the participating schools and did an excellent job! 

Students, staff and families involved in Rostrevor’s Senior Soccer program gathered at Altavilla Irpina Sports and Social Club on Tuesday evening to celebrate the season and recognise players’ achievements. Thank you to the families, staff and volunteers who played a part in the success of the 2023 season!