Issue 07 - St Aloysius

Friday, 15 March It is better to be the child of God than king of the whole world. ‐ St Aloysius Gonzaga 

Issue 13/07 

HABEMUS PAPAM 

Francis I (Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio SJ)

THE RECTOR 

By now, members of the Aloysian Family will have received the news 

that Father Chris Middleton SJ will complete his term as Principal of 

the College at the end of Term I, 2014. Father Chris has devotedly 

served the College and the Aloysian Community, as Principal, since 

2003. The Provincial of the Australian Jesuits, Father Steve Curtin SJ, 

in advising the College Council of his decision to assign Father Chris 

to another role, informed the Council that there is no suitably 

qualified Jesuit to take Father Chris’ place at this time and that the 

Council should begin the process to recruit a lay Principal of the 

College. Fr Chris’ next ministry will be announced in due course. The 

news that Fr Chris will finish at the College is cause for some 

sadness. There will be an opportunity for the Aloysian Family to 

farewell and say thank you to him over the coming year. Fr Chris 

epitomises the Jesuit ethos of cura personalis through his care and 

sense of fairness. His preparedness to walk with students who find 

themselves in difficult circumstances has been so important for the 

young men concerned. His encouragement and wisdom have been 

invaluable for so many. 

Traditionally, in Jesuit schools, there has been a Jesuit Rector who 

was Head of the school and Superior of the Jesuit Community. In the 

1970s, the decision was taken to split the roles – a Jesuit Headmaster 

was appointed to run the School and a Jesuit Superior managed the 

Jesuit Community. This model worked for a time but, with the evergrowing 

pressures of the Headmaster’s role, it was decided that all 

four Jesuit schools in Australia would move to a dual leadership 

model. When Father Chris commenced as Principal in 2003, the dual 

leadership model was instituted at St Aloysius’ College. It was 

decided that the Rector would oversee the religious and Ignatian 

identity of the school and the administration of the College (the 

finances, the College Foundation, admissions et al), and the Principal 

the academic and co-curricular areas of the school. Now with the 

appointment of a lay principal, it is likely that some of these roles 

may change. This dual leadership model has worked well at Saint 

Ignatius’ College Riverview (with Father Ross Jones SJ as Rector and 

Mr Shane Hogan [Dr Paul Hine from Term II, 2013] as Principal) 

and Xavier College in Melbourne (with Father Tom Renshaw SJ as 

Rector and Dr Chris Hayes as Principal). Only Saint Ignatius’ College 

Adelaide (with Father Stan Hogan SJ (SAC 1962) as Rector and 

Father Rob Davoren SJ as Headmaster) still has Jesuits in both roles. 

In most independent schools, Principals serve approximately ten 

years in the role. Not only are the demands many and the hours long 

for the individual, it is important for a school to attract new 

personnel and different perspectives in a changing educational 

climate. For a Jesuit, it is the nature of our vocation to be available to 

be missioned by our Provincial to various ministries according to the 

more universal need. The role of Rector in our schools is usually a 

six-year appointment. The Province’s ideal plan is that there will 

always be an overlap when the school changes Rector or Principal. 

When Father Jones SJ left the College in 2010 for Riverview, Father 

Chris helped settle me into the role. Now Father Chris is leaving, I 

will assist the new Principal settle into their life at the College. At a 

time where most Catholic schools in Australia have few, if any, 

Religious on the staff, we at St Aloysius’ have much to be grateful 

for. There are currently several other Jesuits actively involved at 

St Aloysius’, including Fathers Bruce SJ and Schneider SJ and two 

Jesuit Scholastics – Nico Lariosa SJ and Kamil Mrówka SJ. We are 

blessed to have a strong Jesuit presence and remain very much a 

Jesuit School. I have known Father Chris for nearly 40 years and 

know that he will, in his last twelve months, continue to work in the 

same way he has over the past 10 years – with the best interests of 

the College and our students in mind. 

In the coming months the Chair of the College Council, The Hon Tim 

Studdert QC (SAC 1952) will oversee a sub-committee of the Council, 

who will work with a recruitment consultant, to source and select a 

new Principal. The Council will, in good time, forward to Father 

Provincial SJ the preferred candidate for his approval and 

appointment. After 135 years, we are about to begin the search for 

the College’s first lay Principal. We ask God to bless the College 

Council with discernment and guidance as they undertake this task. 

The Papal election began on Tuesday in Rome. When the Cardinals 

gathered in the Sistine Chapel, the conclave commenced with an 

address on the current state of the Church and the qualities needed in 

a Pope at this time. Over recent weeks, there had been much 

speculation as to who the leading contenders might be. I did not like 

to guess about this; preferring to trust that the Holy Spirit works her 

blessing upon us in these times. However, it is clear that Pope 

Francis will take on the leadership of a Church in need of reform and 

with many challenges to address. Commentators suggested that a 

strong manager is needed, but also someone who can communicate 

the Gospel effectively in an ever-changing age of media. Many spoke 

of their desire for a person who is reflective, compassionate and 

discerning. Cardinal Tagle from the Philippines touched many when he 

spoke of the need for a simpler, humbler Church, with a greater capacity for 

silence. One thing, though, is certain. When Pope Francis stepped 

onto the balcony to give the first Urbi et Orbi (to the city and to the world) 

papal blessing, we were all conscious of his need for our prayers and 

support. 

Peter Hosking SJ 

THE PRINCIPAL 

The announcement that I will conclude my term as Principal of the 

College next year at the end of Term 1 has, among other things, 

occasioned some conversations with the boys and parents and staff 

about the nature of missioning in the Society and the vow of 

obedience. The article in The Australian also struggled with language 

in describing the move. 

In one sense, the announcement simply reflects the normal process 

of turnover of Principals in our schools. Ten years’ service is close to 

the norm today. The year’s notice allows the process of advertising, 

selection and transition to occur and is similar to the timetable 

followed in the last couple of years at Riverview and Loreto. Insofar 

as there is a news story, it is that a lay Principal will follow me, 

though this is already the situation in nearly all Jesuit and Catholic 

schools. The role of the Rector ensures that the Jesuit character of 

the school is preserved. 

There is also a dimension to the announcement that the Jesuits face a 

sometimes painful diminishment of numbers that affect our ability to 

be as present in as many ways as we might like. There is something of 

a paradox in the recognition that, amidst the continuing creativity and 

vitality of so many of our ministries, the number of Jesuits available 

to serve is restricted. Hopefully, the new work entrusted to Fr David 

Braithwaite SJ, known to many in the College, will assist in the

promotion of vocations to the Society. Certainly I can recommend it 

as a wonderful life, with its challenges and sacrifices for sure, but with 

experiences such as here at Aloys that give life and provide joy and 

meaning. Fr Schneider’s recent celebration of his one-hundredth 

birthday is but one testament to what is possible. 

So there is for me already a real sense of sadness at the prospect of 

leaving this place, even though it is a year away. It is so, precisely 

because of the immense sense of gratitude I have for the opportunity 

afforded me here at Aloysius’. My move here in 2003 was also a 

moment of genuine loss, as I left Saint Ignatius in Adelaide, which 

also lies close to my heart. I am reminded of that, when, as was the 

case last weekend, I celebrated the marriage of two former students 

in Adelaide. It is one of the real privileges of being a priest involved 

in the work of education that there are ongoing opportunities to 

maintain relationships with students and families after school. 

At a deeper level, the movement of a Jesuit relates to a sense of the 

corporate mission of the Society and to the vows taken by each 

Jesuit. The vows, themselves – of poverty, chastity and obedience – 

are freely entered into and derive much of their meaning from a 

sense of the Jesuit being available for whatever is discerned as the 

mission of the Society in the service of faith and justice through the 

Church. They are a commitment to, and in, service. Contemporary 

society has trouble coming to terms with the type of commitment 

expressed in the vows, even though the marriage vows also contain 

an extraordinary commitment to sacrificial love. 

In faith, the vows are a response to a call from the Lord, not 

necessarily a more important call than others, but my call. They lie at 

the heart of the call to religious life, that is the living and working in 

communities of vowed priests, brothers and nuns. They shape our 

belonging in community. The Jesuit desires to be free to respond to 

the needs of the world through the mission of the Society. There is a 

formal and informal process of consultation, but in the end there is a 

trust, in living out the vow of obedience, that a mission given by the 

Jesuit Provincial has the touch of God’s Spirit. It is not to say that 

Provincials can’t make mistakes (rarely!) or that God is directly 

dictating things (along the lines of my recent reflection on the 

election of a Pope), but that the process as a whole is graced. 

The vows, then, for me are about having a freedom to respond to the 

call of the Lord as expressed in the mission of the Jesuits. They are 

relational in nature as they are akin to the vows of marriage – a 

commitment to a discipleship of the Lord. It is not always easy, as is 

the case, I believe, with any relationship worth nurturing. They are a 

call to love, a particular type of love to be sure, but of love 

nevertheless. And, like all ideals, we might struggle in living them 

well, and sometimes stumble and, in some cases, there is failure and 

even betrayal. 

In a recent article in The New York Times, the Jesuit author, James 

Martin SJ, writes of celibacy in a way that resonates with me and 

expresses how I try to see and live my vows: 

Celibacy is not only an ancient tradition of asceticism, but more important, it is 

an ancient tradition of love. Celibacy is, in short, about loving others. Those 

who opt for celibacy (or to use religious terminology, those who feel ‘‘called’’ to 

embrace it) choose it as a manner of loving many people deeply, in a way that 

they would be unable to if they were in a single relationship. It is certainly not 

for everyone. And it is not a better or a worse way of loving than being a 

married person, or being in an exclusive relationship with one person. 

A feature of life at Aloysius’ is the 

international dimension to our 

education. It takes many forms. The 

contacts we have with other Jesuit 

schools and works draw us ever 

more into a world that is increasingly 

connected through communications, 

economics, the environment and 

politics. These exchanges and other 

points of contact take us outside 

ourselves and have genuine value in 

broadening our understanding of the 

world we live in. 

Jesuit High Gdynia, in Poland, was the second Jesuit school to open 

in Eastern Europe after the fall of ‘the iron curtain’ in 1989. In the 

last few years Polish students have spent a month at St Aloysius’, and 

a growing number of families and young Old Boys have dropped in 

to visit the school in Gdynia. This year again, four students from this 

school (two girls and two boys) will attend St Aloysius’ for the last 

four weeks of Term 2 (from the weekend of 25&26 May – the final 

dates are still to be confirmed). They will attend normal classes at the 

school with the aim of improving their English, as well as getting to 

know something of Australian culture through school and home. If 

there are any families who would be interested in hosting one of 

these Polish students, for all or some of this time, could they 

please contact me. Generally speaking, a fortnight seems to work 

best, which means the students change billets once during their stay, 

but having them for all of the time or less is possible. Please contact 

me by phone or email (Chris.Middleton@staloysius.nsw.edu.au). Our 

Polish scholastic, Mr Kamil Mrówka SJ, will co-ordinate the students 

during their stay with us. 

The presence of our Polish students reminds us that the College is 

indeed part of a wider reality, the Jesuit mission worldwide. 

Hopefully, contacts such as those with our Jesuit school in Poland 

will encourage and inspire the boys to look more expansively at the 

world, including having a concern for addressing injustice in the 

world. The early Jesuits considered themselves citizens not of a 

monastery but of the world. Jerónimo Nadal wrote that “the world is 

our home” and this reflected much of Jesuit spirituality and how it 

viewed the world around them. The contacts we have with other 

Jesuit schools and works draw us ever more into a world that is 

increasingly connected through communications, economics, the 

environment and politics. These exchanges and other points of 

contact take us outside ourselves and have genuine value in 

broadening our understanding of the world we live in. 

Another aspect to the College is our membership of the CAS – 

Barker, Cranbrook, Knox, Trinity and Waverley, along with 

Aloysius’. The CAS forms the backbone of our sporting competition 

in the Senior School. It also sponsors other activities, ranging from 

regular festivals involving Art, Drama and music, through to Cadets 

and an ecumenical service. One of the these events is the annual 

Year 9 CAS leaders Camp where six boys from each school come 

together over three days in a range of physical and team-building 

activities. We are very grateful to Barker which has hosted this for 

many years. This year, the College was represented by Jack Buckley, 

Matthew Dainton, James Elhindi, Andrew Holland, Dylan 

Ienco and John Lidbetter. 

In sport, I missed a great night of Basketball at Dalton on Friday 

night when I was away in Adelaide. The Seconds went down to 

Cranbrook by one point (having won by a similar margin in the first 

round). The Firsts’ game went to a thrilling two extra times before 

Aloys secured a 64-63 win in front of a wonderful crowd. It was in 

particular a fitting way to acknowledge Fabijan Krslovic and the 

other Year 12 members of the team, Zac Sweeney, Tom Kennedy, 

Caillan Andrew and Robbie Joannides. They have been terrific 

ambassadors for the sport. The successes in Years 7 and 8 should 

also be mentioned. 

In Cricket, the Firsts just fell short by 26 runs but retained equal 

fourth place in the competition. Our Year Twelves have again been 

fine ambassadors for the game, led by Ben Rowbotham, and 

including Tom Moffitt, Declan Creek and Monty Callaghan. 

Mention should be made of the Thirds who again notched up a win, 

to leave the Principal somewhat out-of-pocket! James Begbie’s 6 

for 15 broke the back of Cranbrook’s chase. 

The Firsts Tennis finished the season with an 8-0 win over 

Cranbrook, and thus third on the CAS competition table. With 

names such as Robin Pfister, Max Evans, Liam Roberts and 

Zach Mytkowski in Year 12, it was an end of an era for a number of 

families who have represented and supported the College so well in 

Tennis over the last number of years. 

Congratulations to Ogilvie House led by the Captain, Max Sturt, and 

the Vice-Captain, Max Sherlock, on their narrow win over Campion 

in the College Senior Athletics Carnival at Homebush. 

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Congratulations also to the Age championship winners and runnersup: 

Liam Gorman and Finnian Kelleher in the U13s, Patrick 

Coleman and Gus Whelan in the U14s, Luke Gorman and Justin 

Shaw in the U15s, Alec Diamond and Sam Lawson in the U16s, 

Jackson Diamond and Isaac Chia in the U17s, and Tim 

Robinson and Louis Desdoigts in the Opens age-group. 

Congratulations to Daniel Williams (Year 12) and Mitch De 

Lorenzo (Year 12) on being awarded ARU School Student 

Scholarships for Match Officials (SSS) for 2013. This is a national 

programme designed to assist talented identified referees achieve 

their potential. 

The CAS Swimming Carnival is on at Homebush this Thursday 

evening, as The Gonzagan goes to print. We wish Liam Thomson 

(Year 12) and all the team the very best in this first class competition. 

The College’s Major Drama Production, Cosi, plays this weekend in the 

Miguel Pro Playhouse. A talented cast and dedicated crew, ably guided 

by the staff of the Drama Department have put together a production 

of this demanding Australian play. The production will be on this 

Friday and Saturday evening at 7.30pm with a matinee on Sunday at 

1.00pm. The production is only suitable for Year 9 and over. 

Chris Middleton SJ 

WHAT’S COMING UP 

16 March Cricket End-of-Season Dinner 

Drama Production – Cosi 

17 March Year 6 Mass & Morning Tea 

Drama Production – Cosi 

Swim End-of-Season Dinner 

23 March Years 3&4 Parents’ Function 

THE HEAD OF JUNIOR SCHOOL 

You never know whom you might bump into when you go 

walkabouts in Kirribilli. Our Prime Minister was very lucky (and 

grateful I bet!) last week when she took a short break out of her time 

of ‘governing’ from her temporary HQ at Rooty Hill to be with some 

“unreal” people at Milsons Point. The Year 3 boys were on a walking 

tour of Kirribilli-Milsons Point as part of their getting to know your local 

community unit in HSIE. 

FOR THE ALOYSIAN FAMILY 

As Chair of the Jesuit Schools Commission and the Provincial’s 

Delegate for Education, I was somewhat bemused by the account in 

Tuesday’s The Australian of the Provincial’s decision that it is time to 

give Fr Middleton a break and a new challenge. I wondered whether 

the author had understood anything about this decision at all. For 

those like myself who have experienced the wonderful but 

demanding role of Principal, eleven years is a lengthy tenure in the 

one school and an appropriate time to take some sabbatical rest and 

prepare for new ministerial challenges. Conversations between a 

Provincial and a Jesuit about a change of assignment focus on the 

needs of our universal mission, the welfare of the Jesuit himself and 

the best way for him to serve on the next stage of his Jesuit journey. 

The article in the Australian did not seem to understand our Jesuit 

way of proceeding. Fr Chris has given outstanding academic and 

pastoral leadership during the past eleven years. His weekly 

reflections in the ‘Gonzagan’ newsletter demonstrate his grasp of 

educational developments which is of the highest quality and a 

significant factor in St. Aloysius’ College enjoying such robust health 

in 2013. Contrary to what was claimed in ‘The Australian’, the shared 

leadership role of Rector and Principal is not new. It was established 

in 2001, and has been successfully in place at St. Aloysius’ since 2003. 

Indeed, our experience in other Jesuit schools has been that a 

combination of Jesuit Rector and lay Principal has in no way 

diminished the Ignatian character of our schools. On the contrary, it 

has added to it. I look forward to supporting the College Council as it 

begins the search for the new Principal. 

Christopher Gleeson SJ 

Oremus 

Let us pray 

For those who have died: 

Ross Paris (SAC 1955) 

For those who are sick: 

Chloe Smith, daughter of Anna & Michael Smith (SAC 1980) 

Ian Binnie, father of Matthew (SAC 1995) & Edward (SAC 1998) 

Ask and you shall receive … knock and the door 

will be opened unto you.” (Matt 7:7) 

If you would like someone to be prayed for by the College community 

(even anonymously), please pass the details to the Rector 

Aaron Espiritu, Joel Tonuri, Henry Hayden & Harrison Hill with the PM 

A visit to the Junior School by the students and staff of Redfern Jarjum 

last Friday was a real treat for all concerned. We are hoping that it’s one 

of a series of visits by them and a few return ones from us in small 

groups at regular intervals during the year. While the main reason for 

this visit was participation in our Cross Country Carnival, Redfern Jarjum 

(literally Redfern Children in the aboriginal dialect) were able to spend 

almost a full day with our boys taking a look at our facilities but more 

importantly interacting with them in and out of the classroom. The 

visitors were overwhelmed at first and quite literally commented on the 

fact that they had never seen so many boys in one place at the one 

time! I know that they will feel more at home the next time they will 

visit us because our boys were most welcoming of the visitors and a 

number of them went out of their way to make them feel so. 

The Social Justice 

Committee played the role 

of hosts to perfection, 

taking the children under 

their wing. I would like to 

specially commend 

Brendan Doyle (Year 6) 

who was singled out by the 

Jarjum staff for his 

Jarjum kids with their hosts outstanding sportsmanship 

and kindness to two of the 

Jarjum kids during the Cross 

Country run across the Harbour 

Bridge. Brendan, halfway 

through his race, running well 

enough to finish in top 10, 

stopped to encourage the two 

runners from Jarjum who were 

tiring and on the verge giving up, 

to keep going and running with 

Yarron, from Jarjum, with 

Angus Murray & Dominic Nissen 

4

the two on either side of him all the way to the finish. For this gesture, 

we awarded him the Aloysian of the Week, just as we acknowledged 

Thomas Sato (Year 6) last week for his example of kindness and 

maturity in helping a Year 4 boy who was experiencing distress on the 

train during his journey home. 

Our congratulations go to the following boys who are celebrating 

their birthdays this week: 

11 March Chris Kohout, Hugo Wicks 15 March Liam Murphy 

16 March Luke McNamara, Sam Petry 17 March Leroy Park 

In weekend sport, it was a most successful Saturday. For a start, it 

was the first Saturday of this summer season when every scheduled 

game went ahead as planned. For the majority of the boys, it was 

great just to be out there and have a bit of fun without the weather 

interruption. Coming Saturday, being the sixth round of summer 

sport, marks the half-way point of this year’s summer season with the 

second half to resume in week one of Term IV. 

Congratulations to Luca Marchione (Year 6) 

(pictured right) who, together with Will Crellin 

(Year 7), is heading off to Spain to compete at the 

prestigious Mediterranean International Cup 

Football tournament representing Mongo Football 

Academy Sydney. Will and Luca will have amazing 

opportunities to compete at this elite level and we 

congratulate and wish them every success and safe 

trip there and back. 

Friday next week (22 March), we commence winter sport trials, first of 

a series. Looking at the initial set of numbers in terms boys’ first 

choices out of Football and Rugby, it appears that we should be able to 

accommodate most and hopefully all into their chosen code. My 

apologies once again for informing you at short notice the cancellation 

of winter sport information evening earlier this week. While there is 

nothing new by way of information for parents of boys who’ve been at 

the College, for those new to the College, please refer to the 

information package your attention to which was drawn at the 

orientation day morning last year. This information is available on 

Manresa. There aren’t any changes to it other than number of teams, 

venues fixtures schedules and training times that’s always a moving 

feast from year to year. The process is exactly as laid out. Boys are 

given the opportunity to trial for Football or Rugby and then the 

option to move across codes depending number of teams vs number 

of boys trialling. Part two of the trialling process is grading and then 

getting the boys ready for competition in Term 2. If you have any 

questions, please feel free to contact Nick Jones, Sportsmaster, 

(nick.jones@staloysius.nsw.edu.au) or myself. Thank you to all the 

parent volunteers at the Cross Country Carnival last Friday. 

Congratulations to all boys on their participation, be it championship 

run or the fun run. Well done in particular to the top 10 finishers in the 

Bridge to Opera House race in each age category. Owen, led by Max 

Walburn and Alexander Mowbray were the overall winners while 

Campion, led by Sam Potter and Charlie Weber, won most points for 

house spirit. Daniel Rasmussen, Kieran Gorman, Oliver Brooks 

and Cameron Gorman were first across the line in the U8/9, 10, 11 

and 12 age groups respectively in the championships category. 

Congratulations to Isaac Mayer (3.1) who is performing in Joseph & the 

Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat with Chatswood Musical Society. Please 

support your schoolmate by bringing your family and friends and enjoy 

a timeless piece of entertainment. Isaac will be performing in half of 

the shows and will appear on the following dates: 10 May (Opening 

Night), the evenings of 11, 14 & 16 May and a matinée on 18 May. For 

bookings, go to www.chatswoodmusicals.org or call 9777 7547. 

Finally, a couple of comments on some general housekeeping 

matters. In the interest of your children’s safety, can I ask parents’ cooperation 

for compliance with reference to the “No Stopping” sign 

right next to the pedestrian crossing outside the Junior School and 

the equally important “Disabled Parking” sign directly opposite on 

the other side? Needless to say, these signs take additional 

significance when they’re located outside a school. 

On a different note, can I draw your attention to a matter of protocol 

with regard to incidents involving your boys at school? When there is 

an incident between two or more boys at school, or the incident is 

directly school related, can I ask that you refer such incidents to the 

attention of the school, as opposed to trying to resolve them yourselves 

by contacting each other? It is clearly in your interest, and that of your 

boys, when matters are resolved at school by a third party. Boys are 

able to see and read the issues with more open minds, and learn to be 

more resilient and responsible for their actions. Needless to say, when 

you get unnecessarily involved, it often leads to a straining of what 

might otherwise be a good relationship. It does not mean that you can’t 

get involved at all, but simply that there is a time and place for it to 

eventuate. It might be that the school, if it deems that it’s of benefit to 

all parties, will request you at some stage to come together to resolve a 

particular matter for the long-term good. I am pleased to be able to say 

that occasions for such intervention are few and far between at Aloys, 

but I am simply putting it out there so that, if you do come across any 

matters that concern you and you are undecided on what you should 

do, just contact us first. 

Martin Lobo 

CURRICULUM NEWS 

THE JUNIOR SCHOOL LIBRARY 

It has been the usual busy period at the beginning of the 2013 academic 

year. The library is up and running with many new, exciting fiction and 

non-fiction publications on the shelves. The boys have two weeks 

turnover for borrowing. The students can return their books anytime 

during the two weeks to the returns box outside the library. Students 

can renew items for another two weeks if they so desire. This can be 

done online as well as at the loans desk. It is not necessary to bring the 

book only to request renewal for a particular item. 

The library is open every morning before school from 8.05am for the 

purpose of returning and borrowing items, research, homework 

opportunity and relaxing and reading on our comfy cushions. The 

library is also open at lunch times for thirty minutes between 1.25 

and 1.50pm. It is also open after school between 3pm and 4pm on 

Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. These library opening times 

are particularly important as during a library lesson there may not be 

time to borrow. 

Outcomes and the Information Skills Process: The English 

Syllabus sets out distinctive outcomes in three strands: Reading, 

Writing, and Talking and Listening. The Information Skills Process 

incorporates these outcomes and extends them, as technology 

evolves. The Information Skills Process acknowledges six stages: 

Defining: What do we really want to find out? 

Locating: Where can we find the information we need? 

Selecting: What information do we really need to use? 

Organising: How can we best use this information? 

Presenting: How can we present this information? 

Assessing: What did we learn from this? 

The acquisitions of these skills are a vital part of the learning 

continuum. If the boys wish support to define, locate and select 

information on a theme or topic they can do so by logging on online 

via the Manresa website. Then scrolling across to Library, choosing 

Kirchner Library, then databases: they have a choice of World 

Book online or Britannica. They can choose from various levels 

but I would suggest the primary levels as the first point of call so they 

can peruse what information they really need at their own level. 

I am encouraging all grades to use their online resources via our library 

systems. They just need to log on with their own password. Please do 

have a conversation with your son about his reading, borrowing, and 

research habits. If you find you have a reluctant reader please feel 

welcome to make contact with me in the library so we can try and find 

literature that will engage him and give him reason to acquire the 

reading habit for pleasure as well as an essential education tool. 

Boys in 6.1 wrote passionate and empathic letters in response to a 

reading of a remarkable picture book entitled Tree by Danny Parker, 

illustrated by Matt Ottley. It is a little story about big things – every 

5

end is a new beginning. Samuel Solichin 6.1 wrote a letter from the 

older tree to the younger tree: 

Letter to A Sapling 

Dear Younger tree 

Welcome! My name is Older Tree. I am very pleased that you have chosen to grow 

next to me. Let me tell you a bit about myself. I was growing happily under the 

shelter of an old big tree. Everything seemed right until one night … no trees 

survived it. The older tree above me was unfortunately struck by lightning. 

After that I was the only tree left in the whole city. Seasons went by with the city 

growing and expanding until there was almost no space left. Then you came along, 

I was ecstatic when I saw you. I am enjoying your company and I hope you grow 

into a big strong tree one day. 

Kind Regards, Older Tree 

Gus Morton had a little rant as the boss of the factory who wants to 

get rid of tree so he can expand: 

Dear Tree 

I don’t want to see you here. 

You’re taking up all our factory space. 

You smell like a tree and we hate the smell of trees 

Your rustling leaves are very annoying. We can’t hear ourselves think. 

We don’t like the feel of your bark. 

We get splinters in our hands when we touch you. 

You’ve hit five of my employees with your stupid fruit and branches 

Your fruit is disgusting, it makes me feel sick. 

We might be coming to cut you down. 

Sincerely, The Boss of the Factory 

Caroline Byrne 

Teacher Librarian 

THE KIRCHER LIBRARY 

The Gerard Manley Hopkins Reading Challenge: Classes in 

Years 7-10 have mostly begun the Challenge. Students should all 

have books to read at home. If your son has missed out on his 

Reading class then he should go to Manresa/Library/Literature/ 

Gerard Manley Hopkins. There he will find details of the 

Instructions, Reading list and Reading records. 

In this fortnight’s lessons classes have all been taking these 

Instructions, Reading list and Reading records and placing them on 

their iPads using the app Good Reader. This app allows students to 

update their Reading records and parents to sign records as students 

complete their books. Please ask your son to show you how this works. 

Current research shows that students benefit from hearing their 

peers, families, teachers and teacher librarians promote good books 

to read. Students in Years 7-9 have begun selling their books to their 

peers this week. Their challenge is to do so in no more than two 

minutes by following the set criteria. Students in Year 10 will do the 

same using their Good Reads account. 

We are currently encouraging students to enter a competition, where 

they match the opening paragraphs of listed books with the book. 

Details are on the Manresa/Library/Literature/Gerard Manley 

Hopkins page/survey. Students should complete answers following 

the links to survey monkey. Clues to help students match books are 

in the Library display case. Entries will be in the draw for a book of 

their choice to the value of $30. Competition closes 22 March. Please 

contact me if you need any assistance. 

Serena Ahern (Serena.Ahern@staloysius.nsw.edu.au) 

Head of Library Services 

CAREERS 

Thought for the week: Reminder to all students to work on 

developing 21st Century skills – the “4Cs” of today’s education: 

• critical thinking; 

• creativity & innovation 

• collaboration 

• communication. 

SCHOLARSHIPS 

I know to some students/parents it seems strange to be thinking 

about scholarships already, but universities and private colleges are 

tending to bring application closing dates earlier in the year as they 

know HSC Trials are in Term 3. It is important never to forget that 

scholarships are highly sought-after and competition is very keen. 

Smart students will begin collecting information about the range of 

scholarships on offer, what documents they will need to have at hand 

to include with their application, preparing a resume, etc. There is no 

point in completing the form the night before it’s due, in a rushed 

fashion, without due thought and having someone check it to make 

sure it is properly completed and well-presented, without spelling 

errors, and legible. I am always happy to review a student’s 

scholarship application and offer advice. Always keep a photocopy 

of what you submit and file it away safely. It is advisable to take 

this with you should you be invited to an interview so you can refresh 

your memory and be aware much of the interview will centre around 

what you have said about yourself and your achievements. 

Please take note of this fact – scholarship boards, medical 

interviewing panels and future employers really value part-time jobs. 

A young person learns much more than you can imagine by working 

– as well as developing good time-management skills. Best time to get 

this experience is in Years 10 and 11 – in HSC it is best to focus on 

keeping a balanced life and preparing for future tertiary study. 

UTS scholarships for their Bachelor of Accounting (a great applied 

business degree) and Bachelor of Information Technology both 

require application next term with interviews during July vacation. 

The good thing is that successful students know they have an offer 

(subject to obtaining a specified ATAR before the write their HSC. 

Please be sure to read this column weekly so you don’t miss key 

information and dates. 

New Tuckwell Scholarships on offer for the first time: Twenty-five 

Australian National University Tuckwell Scholarships are offered each 

year Australia-wide and are worth $20,000 per annum for each year of 

the degree up to five years. These are competitive and awarded to 

outstanding school leavers who wish to pursue a full-time single or 

double undergraduate program at the ANU. They are seeking students 

who are not only highly talented and motivated but who have a 

commitment to giving back and display characteristics underpinned by 

integrity, humility and generosity. Applications open on 4 March and 

close 2 April for study in 2014. Applicants need to have a high ATAR 

which they have set at 95+. The hope is to achieve a “balanced class” 

comprising of students of all different backgrounds, personalities and 

interests. Interested current Year 12 students should not delay in 

further researching this amazing opportunity and preparing their 

application form. Please see me if you require assistance. 

LUNCHTIME TALKS IN TERM 2 

I am planning to have guest speakers on Wednesdays at lunchtime 

next term and I am seeking feedback from students and parents 

about this idea. Sometimes a speaker is invited and there are few, if 

any, attendees. This is not fair to expect these busy, well informed, 

generous people to get themselves here and find the effort is just a 

waste the time. I would appreciate emails or phone-calls about which 

speakers/universities you would like me to invite. (Please note I 

already have 8 May booked for UNSW to talk about their prestigious 

Co-op scholarships). 

Aloysius’ students have very busy lives and regular weekend sporting 

commitments means many boys never get to actually visit a campus 

or their Open Day and there learn about what makes a university 

different, what their special degrees are, etc. It is absolute foolishness 

to apply to a university that you have never visited or researched 

thoroughly. A myth is going around that transferring from one 

degree, or from one university, to another is a simple and easy 

process – nothing is further from the truth. It is far better and more 

economical to get yourself into the degree course that best meets 

your needs so you graduate in the proscribed amount of time and 

with a minimum HECS debt. Another myth the boys tell me is that 

you don’t pay your HECS bill if you fail!!! 

6

NEWS RECEIVED THIS WEEK 

Bond University: Australia’s first private university is situated on the 

Gold Coast and has a three term year which allows for fastforwarding 

degrees. This College also has a special relationship with 

Bond and each year they offer a scholarship to one of our students. 

Choosing the right university for you can be challenging – and it’s 

one of the most significant decisions you’ll make in shaping your 

future. At Bond they appreciate the significance of this decision and 

encourage those looking for quality education to consider them. As a 

result they are inviting interested students to attend the Bond 

University Interstate Experience Day. Departing early morning on 

17 April, and returning later that day, their $90 package includes: 

• Return airfare from Sydney to The Gold Coast 

• Transfers to and from Bond’s campus 

• Morning tea and lunch and campus tour 

• An exciting program of activities and seminars 

• An information pack. 

This is a great opportunity to experience Bond for yourself during 

the Easter vacation. There are only 30 places so it is essential to 

register immediately. See www.bond.edu.au/bond-experience-sydney. 

For more information contact the Event Co-ordinator, Natalie 

Quinlan (07 5595 1114 or events@bond.edu.au). 

A Day @ UNSW: These special opportunities are on offer to 

Aloysius’ students as we are one of their “network schools”. Four dates 

are available for students from Years 10-12 to get a first taste of 

university life. All nine of their outstanding faculties, including Arts & 

Social Sciences, Built Environment, Business, College of the Fine Arts, 

Engineering, Law, Medicine, Science and UNSW@ADFA, will offer 

activities and lectures on the day to help students determine what 

university program is right for them. When registering, students are 

given the opportunity to select their preferred Faculty lectures or 

activities and UNSW will ensure they get as many of those preferences 

as possible. These days fill to capacity very quickly so register as soon 

as possible to avoid disappointment. Dates: 4 April; 10 July; 26 

November; 12 December. Each session runs from 9.30am-2.45pm. 

Registration: www.network.unsw.edu.au; keyword: Day @. 

17 April, 8.30am-4.30pm: University of Sydney Aspiring 

Business Leaders’ Program – This program will give four students 

an on-campus experience and includes lectures from academic staff, 

mentoring from current students and an opportunity to find out 

more about their collaboration with corporate partners and industry. 

Interested students need to complete the online application form at 

www.sydney.edu.au/business/webforms/schools/aspiring_business_lead 

ers/. Once completed, the student must print the form and give it to 

me and I will submit it to the university. Applications close on 22 

March. Places are limited and they are seeking students with 

demonstrated potential for success, leadership potential, 

communication skills, team work skills and an interest in business. 

Mathematics in Surveying Excursion: During 2013, the 

Institution of Surveyors, NSW, will be organising three free “Maths 

in Surveying” excursions to Bicentennial Park on 17 May, 16 August 

and 8 November. Bookings are now open for 7 May excursion. The 

activities are suitable for students in Year 10 (5.1). This would be a 

most worthwhile day for students interested in maths, science, 

information technology and geography or who are thinking of 

surveying as a career. Future job prospects and salaries are very good 

in this area and for students who don’t wish to be sitting at a desk all 

day it is well worth considering. Please see me in person if you wish 

to attend this excursion. 

21 March, 5.30-7.30pm: Studying in the USA – Information 

Evening in the Packer Theatre at SCHAM at Edgecliff. Talks will 

include “Why study in the USA?”, “Sport & Study in the USA”, “All 

about the ACT: a great alternative to the SAT” and the chance to meet 

representatives of universities which will include Indiana University, 

Georgetown, Princeton, Yale, Columbia, Brown, Cornell, Purdue, 

University of Pennsylvania, Harvard, UC Berkley, Southern Methodist 

University, Duke, Michigan state, University of Miami, NYO, Bard 

College, Boston University, University of Florida, Barnard College, 

Syracuse University and Carnegie Mellon. This evening is open to all 

secondary students and their parents but students in Years 10 and 11 

are expected to be the main audience. Please RSVP by 18 March to 

simone.salier@ascham.nsw.edu.au or phone: 8356 7038. 

University of Canberra newsletter and 2013 course guide – 

Included is information about their new Bachelor of Pharmacy 

(ATAR 80.00) and Bachelor of Physiotherapy (ATAR 93.1). See 

http://www.canberra.edu.au/aus-futurestudents/attachments/pdf/domestic-course-guide-2013.pdf. 

Students currently in Year 11 who are studying/interested in 

Science, and later a career in this area, are asked to think about 

applying for the 2014 National Youth Science Forum which is held 

in January each year. This last week, at a Rotary meeting, I heard two 

students talk about their experience in January 2013 (one who went 

to Perth, the other to Canberra) and they just raved about the 

fortnight experience and how much they had learned and enjoyed it. 

NYSF is a prestigious Australian program started in 1983 by Rotary 

in conjunction with ANU and CSIRO and dedicated to exposing 

Year 11 students who are heading into further studies in science, 

engineering and related disciplines so that they will later make more 

informed choices for their future endeavours. They are also given 

training in time management, interview skills and public speaking. 

The program is fully residential and takes place in Canberra and 

Perth. All activities are fully supervised by student staff and resident 

Rotary counselors. Applications have not yet opened but if you are 

interested please watch this column as competition for places is very 

keen. Students who attend either of these programs are then eligible 

to apply for the London International Youth Science Forum, 

Stockholm International Youth Science Seminar or Canada-Wide 

Science Fair. For more information see www.nysf.edu.au. 

5 April & 12 July: University of Melbourne – Opportunity to go 

and explore the Parkville campus. See 

www.futurestudents.unimelb.edu.au/accessallareas. 

Careers in Agriculture: There will be seminars twice daily 11.00am 

and 1.00pm at the 2013 Royal Easter Show at Homebush: 

21 March Animal Careers 

22 March Food Careers 

27 March Fibre Careers 

28 March Emerging Industries 

Representatives from Australia’s leading tertiary institutions, specialist 

agricultural recruitment agencies and industry groups will attend to 

represent their vision of the future of Australia’s vibrant food and 

agricultural industries and endless opportunities for school leavers 

and graduates. 

Law School Admissions Test (LAST): This is a standardised test 

designed by an independent body and is required for admission by 

more than 200 law schools around the world. University of 

Melbourne Law School is the only Australian law school that uses the 

LSAT. It is designed to measure aptitude for the study of law; no 

prior knowledge of law is required or advantageous. It comprises five 

multiple choice sections and a writing section. It is highly 

recommended that students prepare for this test. Many bookshops 

stock LSAT preparation books. All applicants for the Melbourne 

Juris Doctor (law degree) must register for the LSAT prior to 

applying. See www.law.unimelb.edu.au/jd/future-students/how-toapply/about-the-lsat. 

Going on exchange can be a wonderful experience for a student – 

however so can being a volunteer host family. Student Exchange 

Australia New Zealand are looking for host families for exchange 

students from Europe, USA and Latin America to be welcome into 

Sydney homes for between 2-10 months. This is an exciting 

opportunity to experience a foreign culture without having to leave 

the comfort of your own home as well as experiencing a foreign 

culture before sending your son on exchange himself. Hosting an 

exchange student can be a truly rewarding experience and it allows 

your family to learn more about a foreign culture first hand, be 

exposed to a new language and to pass on a bit of Australian culture 

– by doing so you will be helping to make this world a better and 

more tolerant place. For more information, contact Sandra Harders 

(1300 135 331) or visit the website www.studentexchange.org.au. 

7

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY 

Defence Force Recruiting: Information sessions will be held at 

Defence Force Recruiting Parramatta – Level 4, 9 George Street, 

Parramatta at 6.30 pm. Any student wishing to attend must contact 

Miss Jordan King (8831 2243 or joking@dfr.com.au), specifying 

name of Information Session and the date. 

16 March, 1.00-5.00pm: Projects Abroad” Open Day – take a Gap 

Year with a service focus Dougherty Community Centre, Chatswood 

(www.projects-abroad.com.au/more-info/meet-us/). 

The School for Excellence HSC Programs: TSFX offers a range 

of free and paid programs designed to help students excel at their 

HSC exams. 

9, 10 & 16 March: Mastering the Exams (Series 1) – Cost: $10 donation 

to charity on the day. Venue: UNSW Kensington Campus and 

University of Sydney Camperdown Campus. See 

http://www.tsfx.com.au/?hsc-program=mastering-the-exams-series-1. 

9-24 March: Mid-Year Exam Revision Lectures – Cost: $40-65 per 

session. Venue: University of Sydney Camperdown Campus. See 

http://www.tsfx.com.au/?hsc-program=mid-year-exam-revisionlectures. 

17 March: University of Melbourne Veterinary Science Day at 

Werribee (www.futurestudents.unimelb.edu.au/events). 

**19 March: Navy Information Session at Defence Force 

Recruitment Centre at Parramatta. 

20 March: UNSW Faculty of Engineering Information Evening. 

21 March, 6.00-9.00pm: The Hotel School, Sydney Information 

Evening. Come to learn more about their Bachelor of Business in 

Hotel Management. Register your attendance via email 

atinfoevening@scu.edu.au. For more information, visit 

www.hotelschool.scu.edu.au. 

**25 March: Royal Military College, Duntroon Information 

session at Defence Force Recruiting Centre at Parramatta. 

CSIRO Work Experience Placements: Work experience 

placements are available for high schools students around Australia 

interested in science in Years 10, 11 and 12. Applications open 

1 March and close 31 March. See http://www.csiro.au/org/Work- 

Experience-Overview. 

2 April: Closing date for applications for Tuckwell Scholarships at 

ANU. 

8 April, 9.00am-3.00pm: YAPA Shift This: HSC Edition – A oneday 

forum about HSC stress and anxiety for student leaders in NSW. 

RSVP to Emily at operations@yapa.org.au. See 

http://yapa.org.au/youth/events/shift/shifthishsc.php. 

9 April: Invitation to attend Shore Old Boys Union Tertiary 

Options Expo. More details later – should be on “To Go to” list of 

all students from Years 10, 11 and 12. 

15-17 April: Short intensive workshop on Journalism at SCEGGS 

Darlinghurst – Cost $270. Limited number of places – please see me 

ASAP. Contact Carrol Evans (9332 1133). 

Autumn School of Engineering – ASE = Gateway to 

Engineering: 15-19 April - Engineers Australia has 100 available 

places for students in Years 12 and 11 to learn more about careers in 

engineering. Cost: $270 including GST. Rotary sponsorship is available 

to assist in covering the cost of this program but requires early 

application and processing. ASE application form and more 

information are available at www.engineersaustralia.org.au/sydney listed 

under “Schools Programs”. Attendance at this program is highly valued 

by future employers and scholarship selectors so if you are interested I 

recommend you apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. 

2014 UK Gap Year Program: UK Gap Year places students 

graduating Year 12 in 2013 in work placements in private schools 

throughout the UK in 2014. Applications close 30 April. See 

http://www.ukgapyear.com.au/. 

7 May: Year 10 Subject Selection UNSW campus. It is really 

important to book your place now at one of these sessions as they are 

filling very fast. Go to www.network.unsw.edu.au. 

8 May: Lunchtime talk in The Bellarmino – University of New South 

Wales will talk about their prestigious Co-op Scholarships. It is 

important that HSC students start preparing their applications now. I 

also recommend students in Years 10 and 11 to come and hear what 

things they value highly. 

10-11 May: Sydney Careers and Employment Expo at Darling 

Harbour. 

15 May, 4.30pm: Chartered Accountants Cadetship Evening at 

Sydney Convention Centre. For Year 12 students 

(www.charteredaccountants.com.au). 

16 May: UNSW Faculty of Law Information Evening 

16 May: UNSW Year 10 Subject Selection Evening [Abbotsleigh] 

20 May: UNSW Year 10 Subject Selection Evening [The Kings 

School, Parramatta] 

23 May: UNSW Discover Engineering Day 

23 May: Year 10 Subject Selection Evening [UNSW campus] 

28 May: UNSW Year 10 Subject Selection Evening [Wenona] 

29 May: Year 10 Subject Selection Evening [UNSW campus] 

30 May: UNSW Faculty of Science Information Evening 

30 May-2 June: Sydney Morning Herald HSC and Careers Expo 

[Moore Park] (www.hscandcareers.com.au) 

6 June: UNSW Scholarships Information Evening 

7 June: Registration for UMAT closes (http://umat.acer.edu.au) 

11 June, 5.00-7.00pm: Saint Ignatius’ College, Riverview Careers 

Expo 

12 June, 6.00-8.00pm: Macquarie Uni Parents’ Information Evening 

(www.mq.edu.au/future_students/undergradaute/coming_events) 

17 & 20 June: University of Sydney Year 10 Subject Selection 

Evenings 

26 June: University of Sydney Scholarship Information Evening 

30 June-13 July: Professor Harry Messel International Science 

School (ISS2013) – The theme is Nanoscience: Small Wonders, Big 

Futures – top international experts plus our Nobel-prize winning 

cosmologist Prof Brian Schmidt. This is a residential camp, to be held 

in the School of Physics at the University of Sydney. It will bring 

together 150 high-achieving high school students from 10 countries 

for an amazing experience. Students (Year 11 or 12) need to apply 

online for a scholarship to attend. Closing date is 21 February. See 

website for ‘how to apply’ and application guidelines 

www.physics.usyd.edu.au/foundation/iss/iss_2013/index.shtml or 

contact Alex Green (9036 6188 or alexandra.green@sydney.edu.au). 

See website for ‘how to apply’ and application guidelines: 

www.physics.usyd.edu.au/foundation/iss/iss_2013/index.shtml. 

30 July, 4.30pm: For Year 10 and 11 students – Chartered 

Accountants “Meet the Business Leader”. See 

www.charteredaccountants.com.au. 

31 July: UMAT exam for hopeful medical students 

31 July, 3.30-7.30pm: Apprenticeship Expo 2013 [Hornsby] 

31 August: UNSW Elite Athletes & Performers Bonus Points 

applications open (closes 30 November) (www.unsw.edu.au/domesticundergraduate/elite-athletes-and-performers-program) 

27 September: Closing date for UAC applications 

18 December: ATARs released to HSC students www.uac.edu.au 

GAP Programs: Student exchange not only provides teenagers with 

considerable skills but also social maturity, intercultural competency 

and knowledge of self. In addition, authentic, long-term learning 

experiences in other countries contributes to peace and 

understanding between people of different backgrounds. Value of 

taking a Gap Year – research done by the University of Sydney – a 

most interesting article well worth looking at is 

http://www.smh.com.au/national/education/gap-years-can-add-adegree-of-motivation-20130115-2crkb.html. 

Any students who are interested in volunteering in homes run by the 

Ryder-Cheshire Foundation in East Timor are welcome to go to 

http://ryder-cheshire/org/ or make contact through 

rydercheshirevolunteersaust@gmail.com. 

8

2014 UK Gap Year Program: UK Gap Year places students 

graduating Year 12 in 2013 in work placements in private schools 

throughout the UK in 2014. Applications close 30 April. See 

http://www.ukgapyear.com.au/. 

Antipodeans (GAP option): Volunteer & travel on your Gap Year 

– teach English, care for animals, build a new school or work at an 

orphanage and travel with a group of other students and explore a 

new country and culture. Information Nights are held regularly in 

Sydney. Phone 9413 1522, email explore@antipodeans.com.au or visit 

www.antipodeans.com.au. 

CCUSA provides Gap Year placements into summer camps and 

seasonal jobs in USA. 

Lattitude Global Volunteering: A variety of placements are 

available for next year including teaching options in China, assisting 

local communities in India or supporting young campers in the UK 

or Canada. Phone 03 9826 6266 or visit www.lattitude.org.au. 

Are you looking for an overseas adventure during the next summer 

holidays? If so why not try the Lions Youth Exchange Program 

(www.lionsclubs.org.au/ye): 

• Youth 17-21 years are eligible 

• No school attendance is required 

• Free accommodation provided by families from Lions Clubs 

International 

• Chaperoned stopovers in Los Angeles and London 

• Depart December 2013 return January 2014 (5-6 weeks of 

holidays) 

• Cost range from $1,800 depending on destination 

For more details email Lion Helen Dalgleish helend222@hotmail.com. 

Applications close early June 2013. Apply now if you are interested to 

avoid disappointment. 

Rotary Youth Exchange: See www.rotaryyouthexchange.org.au or 

www.ryep.org or contact Pam Bennett (0414 189 210). 

Tutors Worldwide: For Gap tutorships in UK for 2014. Last year TW 

placed 130 Australian applicants. See www.tutorsworldwide.org. Closing 

date is 11 April (all documents have to be posted to in New Zealand 

before this date - no faxes or emails.) Interviews are held here late 

April-June and all students will be notified of result, successful or not. 

There is a non-refundable registration fee of Aus$130.00 payable in 

cash at the interview. Students must check if visa will be available to 

them to work in the UK. Visit 

www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/workingintheuk 

and 

www.ukinaustralia.fco.gov.uk. I have documents about the various 

categories of visas in my office should you wish for more information. 

14 May & 12 June, 7.30-9.00pm: Bowlers Club of NSW, Level 2 95- 

99 York Street, Sydney. Information on Student Exchange through 

World Education Programs (WEP). For more information, 

phone1300 884 733 or 03 9598 47 33 or email info@wep.org.au. WEP 

(Australia) are now accepting applications from students who wish to 

participate in 2013/14 exchange programs for a summer, semester or 

a year. Students can choose to study and live with a carefully selected 

host family in more than twenty-five countries. Exchange students 

return to Australia with maturity, confidence and in many cases, 

proficiency in another language. Scholarships to Argentina and China 

are now available for 2014. 

Youth for Understanding: YFU Australia places young people in 

exchange programs which last from one month to one year. Positions 

are available globally with participants getting the chance to 

experience a new culture, learn a new language and gain valuable life 

experiences. Visit http://www.yfu.com.au. 

Student Exchange Australia New Zealand Ltd: Are there any 

families who would be interested in hosting an exchange student 

from Europe, the USA or Latin America? Their stays vary between 2- 

10 months. For more information, please contact Sandra Harders 

(9997 0700) or visit www.studentexchange.org.au. 

Deirdre Agnew 

Careers Counsellor (deirdre.agnew@staloysius.nsw.edu.au) 

I am usually at the College in Room 181 in Wyalla Tuesday, Wednesday 

and Thursday during school hours. My direct line is 9936 5516. 

PASTORAL NEWS 

ST VINCENT DE PAUL & BUDDIES’ DAY 

St Aloysius’ College has a strong St Vincent de Paul society. We have 

the mini Vinnies in the Junior School and, in the Senior School, we 

can have 60 students attend clubs and societies across Years 7-12. Our 

senior students go out on Night Patrol each month accompanied by 

Michael Cronin, Gary Molloy and other staff. 

Annually, we host Buddies’ Day. The St Vincent de Paul Society 

supports a number of these events each year. On 3 March, James 

Mullan (President), Stan Zovko (Vice-President), Tom Booth, Max 

Whelan-Young, Matthew D’Cruz, Hugo Vlachos and Liam Ebbs 

provided a day of fun and enjoyment for nine children from 

disadvantaged backgrounds. We went to Chowder Bay Clifton 

Gardens and, with the children, engaged in a sporting activities and 

water play. Our fish and chips lunch was a treat for the children. Our 

thanks go, in a special way, to Michael Cronin who is at every Vinnies’ 

event throughout the year, including Buddies’ Day and Night Patrol. We 

also thank Kamil Mrówka SJ, Michele Curtin and Fr Peter 

Hosking SJ who attended Buddies’ Day this year. 

Emily Moran 

STUDENT FORMATION 

Four of our Year 11 SRC 

members James Dainton, 

Jack McClatchey, Daniel 

Pigott and Joshua Hertz, 

represented the College at 

Monte Sant’ Angelo’s 

International Women’s 

Day breakfast on 8 March. 

The boys were fine ambassadors for the College at the event, which 

celebrates women in our world. This year the theme of the morning 

was Our Earth Our Future and the boys and other guests heard from 

two excellent speakers - Emily Hamilton, Senior Policy and Research 

Office - Climate Change ACOSS and Natalie Isaacs, Founder of the 

One Million Women Campaign. A record thirty-two Year 8 and 9 

students attended the Loreto Normanhurst Dance on Friday evening 

and from all reports, a great time was enjoyed by all. 

The SRC has had a busy start to its year under the leadership of Chair 

Liam Thomson and Vice-Chair Anthony Spiteri. The SRC was very 

pleased to announce to the students at Year Meetings this week that 

the Library is now open for business at 7.45am each morning for 

anyone needing to do that last minute work. The hours are now: 

7.45am-4.30pm Monday to Thursday and 7.45am-3.40pm on Friday. 

The SRC would like to thank the Library staff for allowing this 

change in opening hours to occur. 

At the Year 11 and 12 Year meetings Mr. Neville Williams was 

pleased to announce that due to requests from the SRC, Senior 

students will have access to Apps such as Pages in Year 12 and 

Keynote and Pages in Year 11. Well done to the 2013 SRC for 

instigating these exciting initiatives. 

Margaret Loomes 

Head of Student Formation 

9

THE COLLEGE COMMUNITY 

SECONDHAND UNIFORM SALE 

Anyone interested in purchasing well-loved, second hand uniforms 

for your boys in the Junior or Senior Schools, please come along on 

26 March, from 8.30-9.30am. The sale will be held outside the 

Uniform Shop (Dalton Hall, Jeffreys Street). If you wish to donate 

any uniforms prior to the sale, please drop them off at the Uniform 

Shop on Tuesday or Friday. Thank you for your support. For any 

further details, call me on 0407 977 180. 

Jenny Carter 

THE PARENTS’ & FRIENDS’ ASSOCIATION 

The P&F will be holding its first General Meeting of the year on 

26 March. All parents are welcome and encouraged to attend. Our 

meetings are held in a friendly atmosphere and include a small 

amount of formal business, followed by discussion on other business 

parents may wish to discuss. 

We extend an invitation to all parents and especially new parents to 

the school to join a “lunch” club. This is an opportunity to keep 

connected in a very particular way and is not necessarily revolving 

around lunch. Please let your year co-ordinator or class parent know 

or contact Sarah Abbott, our lunch club convenor, directly on 

sarahbabbott@msn.com for an opportunity to begin and be part of a 

valuable friendship group. 

Save the Date! The 2013 Mothers’ Day dinner will be held in the 

Foyer of the Great Hall on the evening of 2 May. This is the first 

week back in second term; it is a tremendous evening of shared 

stories and an opportunity to meet mothers from the school 

community. More details will be available next week, tickets will be 

available through TryBooking only and must be pre-purchased, 

numbers are limited. Looking forward to seeing you there. 

In other news: The Years 3&4 parent dinner is approaching, please 

see invitation later in this issue. The NSW Parents Council are having 

an information night on subject scaling, our St Aloysius’ parent 

representative Sue Boudakin has provided an invitation to all parents, 

which is published later in this issue. If you would like to order a 

name badge, please see the order form later in this issue. 

DIARY DATES 

17 March Year 6 Family Mass 

23 March Year 3&4 Parents’ Function 

26 March P&F meeting 

CONTACT DETAILS 

Chairman Simon McSweeney 0418 111 956 

President Merin Boyd 0419 969 111 

Vice-President/President Elect Marte Tagle 0424 662 668 

Vice-President/Pastoral Care Bryan Jenkins 0414 355 255 

Secretary Jacqui Stene 0408 969 766 

Assistant Secretaries 

Sophie Lynch, Barbara France & 

Margaret Cassidy 

Treasurers Marie & Chris D’Cruz 0413 255 400 

Assistant Treasurers 

Sandra Menendez & Carina Colinares 

Logistics Co-ordinator (JS) Jacinta Eaton 0419 213 882 

Logistics Co-ordinator (SS) Catherine Verschuer 0404 050 673 

Oval Canteen Co-ordinator Harry Boudakin 0418 474 111 

Prayer Group Co-ordinator Edwin Lapitan 0410 463 517 

THE SENIOR SCHOOL CANTEEN 

The following parents have kindly offered their services in the Senior 

School Canteen for the week commencing 18 March: 

Monday Geraldine Callanan, Cathy de Mestre, Miho Kendy, 

Melissa St Julien 

Tuesday 

Wednesday 

Thursday 

Friday 

Nadia Lorenzutta 

Canteen Manager 

Maria Wong, Leanne Favotto, Michelle Marsden 

Louise Price, Theresa Evans, Karen Flaherty, Jane 

Landon, Roberta Connaghan 

Karen Hart, Felicity Emmett, Mary Williams, 

Deborah Gillon 

Celia Sheldon, Alison Dennis, Jenny Griffiths, Julia 

Halim 

THE UNIFORM SHOP 

The Uniform Shop operates Tuesday and Friday from 8.00am to 

3.00pm during school term. 

Trading Hours in March, April & May: 

19, 22, 26 & 28 March – 8.00am-3.00pm 

2, 4 & 5 April – 8.00am-3.00pm 

8, 9, 10, 11 & 12 April – 8.00am-3.30pm 

29 April – 8.00am-3.00pm 

30 April – 8.00am-3.30pm 

2 & 3 May – 8.00am-3.30pm 

Normal trading hours recommence on 7 May – 8.00am-3.00pm 

The Winter uniform for Terms 2 & 3 is now available at the shop. 

Attention Year 11 Parents: Senior blazers, which are needed in 

Terms 2 & 3, are available in size 16 to size 26. Please ask your son to 

come in to purchase a blazer if you are unable to accompany him. If 

you’re not satisfied with sizing of his choice, you are welcome to 

exchange, in its original condition. 

Embroidery of Colours: For those who have been awarded 

Colours, please bring in your Senior blazer – with forms – on the last 

Tuesday of the month (26 March) during school term to the 

Uniform Shop. 

Items Marked Down: Limited sizes are available while stock lasts 

of: cotton rugby jersey @$40.00; blue/gold SAC bathers @ $30; ski 

fleece @ $30; and cricket vest @ $20. 

Delivery to Junior School: Orders can be made by email, phone 

(from 9.00-11:30am) or leaving a message on our answering machine. 

Items will be delivered to the Reception at Junior School for collection 

before lunch. Please inform your son to collect from Reception. 

Bob Stewart Credit Accounts: I urge that, if you have not yet 

opened a Credit Account with Bob Stewart, to do so, as it helps to 

process transactions much faster. For more information, please go on 

to the College website, under Uniform Shop, to download the form. 

If you do not wish to open a Credit Account, please obtain a form of 

payment for your son to make a purchase. 

* If you would like to send your son to the shop for a uniform purchase, 

we are happy to fit him for your convenience. We accept cash, cheques 

(payable to “Bob Stewart Pty Ltd”), credit cards, EFTPOS or Bob 

Stewart Credit Account.* 

Irene Lau 

Supervisor (staloysius@bobstewart.com.au /9955 4193) 

CO-CURRICULAR NEWS 

THE DIRECTOR OF CO-CURRICULA 

The last round of CAS Summer Sport was played on Saturday, with 

games against the Cranbrook School. As has been the case for 

numerous years, many of the matches played were very close in 

score-lines. This was certainly evident in the Friday night basketball 

games where, in both the 1sts and 2nds matches, only one point 

separated teams in either game. 

In front of a huge home crowd in Dalton Hall, our 1sts basketballers 

won a thriller 64-63, but only after both teams played two sets of extra 

time!! Cranbrook raced to an early 9-0 lead, but a strong finish in the 

first quarter saw our 1sts establish a ten-point buffer which the team 

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held until the final minute when Cranbrook drew level at 51-51. In 

extra time, both teams could not be separated on 60-60. In the second 

extra time, our 1sts managed to secure the 64-63 win with supporters 

storming the court. It was another enthralling fixture and memorable 

experience for players and spectators alike. It was a solid effort from all 

team members but our Year 12s stood out, especially Zac Sweeney, 

Tom Kennedy, Robbie Joannides and Fabijan Krslovic. The win placed 

the team in second equal placing with Knox Grammar in the CAS 

competition, behind perennial winners Trinity Grammar. 

The 2nds lost 32-33 in a very exciting encounter. Apart from Knox, 

the 2nds were as good as any other team in the competition. 

Congratulations to the 3rds, 42-19, and 7ths, 24-15, on their wins. In 

other age groups, our 10As lost their first game for some time, 34-37. 

The 10Es were our only successful team in this age group, winning 

46-34. Cranbrook dominated the 9s but the Es had a comprehensive 

41-16 success. The 8As capped off a terrific season with a 51-29 win. 

The team lost only one game and that was to Knox in Term 4. The 

Bs too were successful 30-24. We won all 7s’ matches which was 

fantastic. Congratulations to every team. The As only lost one game 

to Barker this term. The Bs were undefeated!! 

In cricket, the 1sts unfortunately could not consolidate on their great 

win of the previous week against Knox Grammar. The team bowled 

and fielded well to contain Cranbrook to only 154 runs. Ben 

Rowbotham 3/29 and Jack Thomas 2/17 were the pick of the 

bowlers. However in the run chase, we fell short by 26 runs. Jack 

Thomas contributed a handy 33 runs and he was well supported by 

James Fraser who scored 27 runs. The loss didn’t affect the team’s 

placing in the CAS competition. The team finished equal fourth with 

the Cranbrook School. We wish Captain Ben Rowbotham the very 

best as he plays this week in NSW Schools Cricket Week. The 2nds 

lost their fixture narrowly by only eight runs. Captain Matt Turnbull 

with 25 runs and 3/14 and Cassian Hand on 38 runs, stood out in the 

team’s performance. The 3rds won their fifth game of the seven 

matches they played this season. Again the consistent Tom Booth was 

amongst the runs with 33 on the scoreboard. James Begbie produced 

an outstanding bowling spell, capturing 6/15. Cranbrook, when 

looking like winning, lost seven wickets for seven runs to be 18 runs 

short of the 3rds total. The 4ths were outplayed in their match. 

The 10As started well but were eventually well beaten by the top 

team in their competition. Similarly, Cranbrook was too strong for 

our 10Bs. The 9As and 9Bs however were both victorious. For the 

9Bs, it was only their second win of the season. The As won by five 

wickets with runs from Pat Brimson 39 and Matt Dainton 34 whilst 

John McNally snared 3/7 in the bowling. In the Bs’ match, Asad 

Ishak hit 59 runs and James Browning took a hat trick with figures of 

3/1. Cranbrook had the edge in the 8A game, but the team was 

without both their strike bowers. The 8Bs also competed well but fell 

short on runs. The 8Cs had a bye. The 7As bowled and fielded well 

but didn’t get enough runs to win their fixture. The 7Bs were 

involved in an exciting tie, with both teams scoring 90 runs. The 7Cs 

were beaten by six wickets in their fixture. 

The 1sts tennis finished the season in style with a convincing 8 sets to 

0 win over Cranbrook at Tennis Cove. All players were impressive on 

the day. The win placed the 1sts in third position on the CAS 

competition table. Knox Grammar won the title, with Trinity 

Grammar in second placing. Our 2nds too finished the season 

strongly with a 6-2 sets win. The team won seven matches in the 

season and were certainly one of our best performing teams. They 

finished second overall in their unofficial competition. Well done, 

also, to the 3rds on their success on Saturday. In other age groups, 

our 10s won all their matches. The Bs won handsomely 6-0 on sets. 

Both the 9As and 9Bs lost, but Jasper Seffrin’s win in the Bs’ singles 

kept him undefeated all season. The 8As and 8Bs were surprising 

losers. They have been very successful throughout the season. The As 

lost by only one game unfortunately. However the Cs and Ds ran out 

winners. There was a mixed bag of results in the 7s with the As and Bs 

unsuccessful but the Cs and Ds (6-0) winners. 

Chess teams came up against greatly improved Cranbrook teams last 

Friday. We managed only three wins throughout the grades. Well 

done to Intermediate winners and brothers, Sean O’Shea and Connor 

O’Shea. Junior player Luke Bartels was also successful. Enthusiastic 

Opens player and Chess Captain James Sindone has a fuller report 

elsewhere in the newsletter. 

The College Athletics carnival was held last week at SOPAC 

Homebush. The participation level of all students was excellent and it 

made for an exciting House Competition. In the final analysis, 

Ogilvie House won the House Points score narrowly from Campion 

House. Congratulations to Ogilvie House Captain Max Sturt and 

Vice-Captain Max Sherlock. There was intense competition in the 

various age groups for Age Champions. In the final analysis, only a 

few points separated the top three competitors in each age group. 

The following boys finished as Age Champions and Runners Up: 

13s Age Champion Liam Gorman 

Runner Up Finnian Kelleher 

14s Age Champion Patrick Coleman 

Runner Up Gus Whelan 

15s Age Champion Luke Gorman 

Runner Up Justin Shaw 

16s Age Champion Alec Diamond 

Runner Up Sam Lawson 

17s Age Champion Jackson Diamond 

Runner Up Isaac Chia 

Opens Age Champion Tim Robinson 

Runner Up Louis Desdoigts 

The CAS Swimming Championships are on this week. A detailed 

report on how the team performed will be in next week’s Gonzagan. 

Good luck to staff, cast and stage crew involved in the College’s 

Major Drama Production ‘Cosi’, to be held this week in the Miguel 

Pro Playhouse. It should be a wonderful night’s entertainment. The 

production will be on this Friday and Saturday evening at 7.30pm 

with a matinée on Sunday at 1.00pm. 

The Summer Sports Prize day will be held next Wednesday in the 

College Hall at 11.00am. At the assembly, we recognise the best and 

fairest players in all teams and best performing teams in all sports. 

Names of award winners will appear in the following newsletter. 

Tae kwon do and fencing will continue as normal until the second 

last week of term. On Saturday, all rugby boys will be involved in 

internal seven-a-side matches at the College Oval from 8.00am, 

commencing with the 13s’ age group and finishing with the Opens at 

1.00pm. Football training for Opens only will follow the rugby 7s 

from 1.30pm to 3.00pm. Tae kwon do is in the Old Gym at 8.30am. 

Saturday details: (all at the College Oval) 

Rugby 13s 8.00am-9.00am 

14s 9.00am-10.00am 

15s 10.00am-11.00am 

16s 11.00am-12.00pm 

Opens 12.00pm-1.00pm 

Football Opens 1.30pm-3.00pm 

Paul Rowland 

THE ACTING JUNIOR SCHOOL SPORTSMASTER 

Round 5 Wrap Up: Finally, and not a day too soon, the skies were 

clear (enough) and we got in a full round of sport, the first time since 

Round 1 all the way back in early February. It was wonderful to see 

that our boys made the most of this weather and ensured that they 

played hard and at their best. All reports from Saturday speak of 

sportsmanship of the highest level and some greatly improved 

performances. It is pleasing and encouraging to hear that our boys 

make the most of each opportunity to fly the College flag in their 

pursuit of greater things. 

Cross Country: On a day that promised rain, none was delivered and 

we had a wonderful afternoon for a quick jog across the bridge and 

around Bradfield Park. Joined by our friends from Jarjum College, 

Redfern the stage was set for a great series of races. The quality of 

racing both in terms of competition and sportsmanship was of the 

highest standard and all boys are to be congratulated on a wonderful 

performance. There were numerous parents who came on board for 

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the afternoon to assist in various marshalling and course director 

roles. To all involved, our greatest thanks, as without your assistance 

we would not have been able to host such a successful day. The age 

Champions and runners are listed below. Congratulations to all these 

boys on their wonderful achievement but also to every boy who 

participated on Friday for earning valuable points for their house. 

Age Group 

U9 Age Champion 

U9 Age Runner-Up 





Open Age Champion 

Open Age Runner-Up 

Winner 

Cameron Gorman 

Nicholas Hyde 

Oliver Brooks 

Harry Brown 

Kieran Gorman 

Samuel Greenland 

Daniel Rasmussen 

Jack McFadden 

The Overall point score and spirit cup were both very close. In the 

end, only 40 points separated first and fourth. 

Spirit Cup 

Points 

1st – Campion 50 

2nd – Southwell 40 

3rd – Ogilvie 35 

3rd – Owen 35 

Cross Country Championship Points 

1st – Owen 153 

2nd – Ogilvie 130 

3rd – Southwell 122 

4th – Campion 113 

Congratulations to the Owen and Campion boys for taking out the 

two titles on Friday. 

Weekend Results 

Round 4 

Opponent 

Result 

Junior School Cricket 

6A Traditional 

BYE 

6B Super 8 

W 90-50 

6C Super 8 L 51-55 


W 

5B Super 8 W 3/52-43 

Kings 

5C Super 8 

W 


W 

4B Super 8 

W 

4C Super 8 

L 

3A Super 8 Newington Lindfield L 

Junior School Basketball 

Prep A 

L 

Prep B 

W 

Prep C W 14-11 

Prep D L 54-14 

Knox 

Prep E L 15-30 

Prep F L 20-22 

Prep G W 21-17 

Prep H L 9-16 

Year 3 & 4 A 

W 45-26 

Mosman Prep 

Year 3 & 4 B W 28-14 

Junior School Tennis 

Prep A 

W 24-10 

St Pat’s 

Prep B L 16-18 

Prep C 

W 23-11 

Riverview 

Prep D W 21-13 

SAC Tennis 

SAC 1 

W 36-5 

Riverview 

SAC 2 L 37-21 

SAC 3 

W 

Barker 

SAC 4 L 19-31 

JUNIOR SCHOOL WATER POLO 

Gonzaga Training W 5-4 L0-8 

Rangers Scots W 7-5 

Team of the Week – Year 4B Super 8 Cricket: The Aloysius’ 4Bs 

came into Saturday’s game against Kings confident of a strong 

showing after a very good training session during the week. Playing 

away from home, the 4Bs won the toss and decided to bowl first. 

The decision to bowl first was a fantastic one as no runs were scored 

off the bat until the sixth over of the match. The Aloysius’ 4B bowlers 

were constantly asking questions with their bowling and finally Samson 

delivered with a pinpoint strike that bowled the Kings batsman middle 

stump. Samson’s wicket opened the floodgates for Cameron, who took 

himself two middle stumps in the next over to really give the advantage 

to Aloysius’. The bowlers were backed up well by their fielders, with 

Ben and Josh stopping countless runs and Dan himself getting a direct 

hit run-out. To finish off the innings Nick picked up a fantastic wicket 

that was caught on the boundary by Samson. 

Knowing that the Kings total was very achievable, the Aloysius 4Bs 

went out to bat needing to play their shots but also be very careful 

guarding their wickets. Kings started off well, by picking up a few 

early wickets and keeping the run-rate low, but then Oscar came in 

and blasted two fours from three balls which turned the game back 

into Aloys’ favour. He was backed up by Cameron, who scored with 

ease, and Finn who managed to hit a massive six off only his second 

ball. What was pleasing to see was that all batters managed to score in 

the game, which helped the Aloysius’ 4Bs to a fantastic victory. Well 

done to all the boys on such a great game and deserved result. 

General News: Winter Sports trials are upon us and will be 

conducted next Friday and Saturday. Please ensure that all boys have 

their winter gear ready for Friday, as boys who present without 

appropriate safety equipment will not be able to trial. Rugby players 

must have their mouthguard, headgear and shoulder pads as well 

boots to trial. Football players must have their boots. It is advised, 

but not compulsory, to wear mouthguards in football, too. 

Nicholas Jones 

BASKETBALL 

The First V finished with a tension-filled win over 

Cranbrook on Friday night to cement their second 

place in CAS. Congratulations to the team and to 

Coach Dom Pelosi, and thanks for providing so 

many wonderful moments this year. At the Firsts and 

Seconds’ dinner on Saturday night special mention 

was made of the retiring Year 12 players: Caillan Andrew, Robert 

Joannides, Tom Kennedy, Fabijan Krslovic and Zac Sweeney. If you 

were at the game on Friday night – and it seemed as though most of 

the College community was – you will have seen the great 

contributions of these players. 

The last two games against Cranbrook in the Open 2nds have been 

decided by a total of 4 points, with both Aloysius’ and Cranbrook 

winning one game each. Aloys came out aggressive in the first half and 

built up an 8-point lead at half time. Liam Ebbs was effective at 

controlling the game at the point guard position while James Mullan 

produced a fantastic all round performance to help build the lead. 

Cranbrook quickly fought back in the second half and the game was 

again levelled. Michael Bounds, Ben Walker and Ross Noone were 

aggressive on the offensive end of the floor and kept the score ticking 

over. Despite a fantastic effort from the entire team throughout the 

game, Cranbrook managed to steal the win in the closing seconds. 

The Open 4ths took off to a flying start by opening up the game and 

playing some aggressive transition basketball. Our structured defence 

forced the opposition to take risky shots before their three-point 

shooters began to hit their mark. It then required the combined 

efforts and skills of the veteran Aloysius’ crew to haul in a large gap 

and bring the game to within a few points. Unfortunately, this was 

not enough to take Cranbrook down at the buzzer but, nonetheless, 

it was a hard-fought game on both sides. 

Robbed of victory in their previous match up, due to inflated egos and 

lacklustre basketball skills, Tabuteau’s Mighty Open 5ths, led by Matt 

Janssen, stepped out once more unto the breach, prepared to secure 

victory by any means necessary. It wasn’t to be as, by half-time, we had 

only managed to rack up 5 points. Inspired, or perhaps threatened, by 

the half-time pep talk, the 5ths resumed play and, motivated by the 

temptation of post-game drinks, started to play seriously. Then, after 

getting bored with that, they reverted to ambitious three-pointers, 

12

spontaneous ‘Hail Mary’ plays and some unsportsmanlike fouls. 

Needless to say, with such individualism the result wasn’t in our favour. 

Sunny day. Home court advantage. Mid-morning – so you know the 

players aren’t too tired; yet it’s still early enough that they can plan the 

rest of the day. Cranbrook. A consistent underdog that robbed the 

Open 6ths of a victory prior in the season. With captain Marco De 

Vera down and out after suffering an injury at Knox the previous 

week, the team looked to Hugh Riisfeldt – and he stepped up with 

gusto. Dom Canturi, displaying some of his more ... unorthodox 

ballhandling skills, put on a show for the spectators, running the 

floor and securing rebounds. Max Crawford and Chris Breslin then 

stepped up to facilitate plays. 

The Open 7ths controlled the game from start to finish, playing 

smart defence and supporting each other in offence. Being teamcoached 

by James Mullan and supported by Fabijan Krslovic, Robert 

Joannides and a small group of parents, the teams supporters ensured 

victory. There were many highlights but Tom Heaton’s layup stands 

out. Liam Deetlefs and Samuel Doughty ensured the scoreboard 

continued to tick over for Aloys, with the quick defence of Harrison 

Kenny and Chris Munoz. 

What the Open 8ths didn’t have in shot-making, rebounding, 

passing or layups they made up for it in spirit. Six years of basketball 

had led them to this point, where they could demonstrate the value 

of years of dedicated training both on the court and in the gym. 

Unfortunately, it wasn’t to be, as they came up against a strong 

Cranbrook team who could shoot from anywhere. One of their 3- 

pointers was scored from well outside the 3-point line. Nevertheless, 

the Open 8ths keep giving their best, even though they lacked the 

offensive and defensive rebounding which had been their greatest 

advantage in the first half of the season. Captain Weng, once again, 

led by example and Edward Halliday worked tirelessly at both ends 

of the court. Yanni Metchler played with the great sporting spirit and 

Ramon Lau persisted despite being denied several times at the hoop. 

The team was also cheered on by a dedicated band of vocal 

supporters who marked the occasion 

The 10As were looking for one last win of the season against the 

strongest defensive side in CAS. After a slow start, Aloys finally 

found good looks at the basket through big man Will Halliday. A 

good defensive effort in the first half by Tom Nowlan and Conor 

Mulcahy held Cranbrook to only 20 points in the first half, however 

poor shot selection led to Aloys trailing by 8 points. After the break, 

some sharp shooting from Scott Carroll pulled Aloys to within one 

point with only 25 seconds to go, however Cranbrook dug deep and 

held on to win by 3 points. The 10As finished the season in third 

place, with five wins, one draw and four losses. 

The 10Bs, unfortunately, hit an offensive cold streak right before the 

final game of the season, losing 22-12. Shots that were automatic in 

previous rounds were rimming out and the boys struggled to find a 

rhythm for themselves. Despite this setback, they were still 

outstanding on defence, forcing turnovers and preventing open looks 

to the basket, and conceding only five points in the second half! 

Credit must be given to Sebastian Porter-Zadro, for stepping up in 

his second game in the Bs; and the backcourt combination of 

Anthony Pham and Joel Vozzo, who anchored the team on both 

ends of the floor. 

The 10Cs played a very strong game against Cranbrook, coming onto 

the court firing. It was a close match, both teams going point-forpoint 

with each other. Mentions go to Harry Bartter and Connor 

O’Shea for their shots, Eric Stene for his drives, Alex Graham for his 

dribbles and Pat Sweeney for his outstanding big-man work. The 

10Ds started strongly against their Cranbrook counterparts, but 

found difficulty in defending their strong drives through our zone. 

Our offence was solid, but Cranbrook’s height meant they dominated 

rebounds most of the game. Mentions go to Alex White’s dribbles, 

James Tsiros and Tim Milross’ defence, and John Kim’s offence. 

10Es: The boys played just like their attitude ... tough. An excellent 

offensive performance saw the 10Es have too much class for 

Cranbrook on the weekend. Some stellar play from Lachlan Hughes 

set the tone early and all the boys joined in. Jack Scanes had a seasonhigh 

scoring effort and Joe Casey was alert to any Cranbrook fast 

breaks. Tim Tagle may have turned up late, but he turned up to play. 

The skilful A J Youssef was shaking and baking, and the bash 

brothers James ‘D D’ Hollands and J J Ashcroft crashed the boards; 

but the highlight of the day was Luis ‘Swindle’ Colinares scoring his 

first for the season, and he quickly added a second soon after. Coach 

Comito was yet again very happy with his team. “It has been a great 

season and the boys have been a pleasure to coach.” 

10Fs: A great game from the team, unfortunately the result didn’t 

work out in the end, but this was by far our best game of the season. 

The season has been a tough one for all the boys, but they definitely 

left the crowd at Dangar with some fond memories. Some great play 

from our newest recruit Charlie Haywood showed the boys what they 

can do when they apply themselves, and some big baskets from 

William Tandany kept the game close. Some unlucky calls and a quick 

run of points from Cranbrook ended any hopes of a St Aloysius’ 

comeback but full credit to all of the boys, as they put in the same 

effort today as they have each week – giving it their all. 

The 9As led for most of their game against Cranbrook. Despite the 

best efforts of all players on the team, Cranbrook gained the lead in 

the final minutes to win by three points – after hitting four three 

point shots in rapid succession. The 9Bs battled hard against a much 

bigger opposition. The first half was close, but the superior 

rebounding and shooting of Cranbrook saw them win quite 

comfortably in the end. Nevertheless, the 9Bs never stopped trying 

throughout the game. 

The 9Cs met a taller, athletic and well-coached Cranbrook team that 

dominated the boards and allowed us no second chances. We played 

our usual running game but missed layups enabling the bigger 

Cranbrook boys too many opportunities to outlet and dribble full 

court for uncontested layups. Best player for the day was Benjamin 

Kassabian who kept trying hard to match it with the bigger 

opposition. There is plenty of talent in this team that will show itself 

in higher teams next season. 

The 9Ds had one of those great basketball games where they were up 

against a big team that played as individuals, whilst we played the team 

game the boys have come to enjoy. Connor Jordan had his best game 

of the season, with a great pressure basket that had the crowd on their 

feet. Max Gillis was dominant in the paint and again proved to be the 

toughest man on the court. A thrilling last ditch shot by Luke D’Cruz 

just missed, and we went down by a point. A really great end to a 

season full of improvement. 

The 9Es played fantastically from the off; by far the best basketball 

they have played. Working as a team, they managed to overthrow any 

defensive tactics with sharp precision passing and great finishing. No 

single player can be singled out, as everyone played a crucial role in the 

win. A perfect end to a great season for the boys. The 9Fs played a 

tough game. They showed great courage to come back from a first half 

beating, to narrow the score to just 2 points with five minutes to go. 

After a time-out with two minutes to go the boys did their best to put 

in to action plays that had been practiced at training. Sadly, our 

finishing was the difference between the scores and, in the end, Aloys 

lost by 4 points. 

The 8As finished the season in great style with a 51 to 29 win against 

Cranbrook. This game, like the entire season, was based on team 

spirit and strong defence. The team had only one defeat in ten games 

and are joint winners of the CAS competition. The 8Bs played a 

game that was really the culmination of a season’s hard work. Special 

mention goes out to Finn McDonagh, Anthony Sleiman and 

Anthony Tardo for holding the team strong when our lead looked 

threatened. It’s great to see our on-court game really come together 

and, hopefully, strong off-season training will keep that form alive. 

The 8Cs finally managed to find a rhythm to their game; 

unfortunately, it was too late in the season. They played extremely 

well in both offence and defence, with Reno Aprile scoring some 

great baskets. However, this couldn’t stop Cranbrook from clicking a 

win. Hopefully, the boys can take what they have learnt this year and 

further improve in the 9s. 

The 8Ds showed a lot of promise in the first half, with some early 

baskets and solid defence. Unfortunately, they couldn’t keep it up the 

whole game and were overrun by Cranbrook’s fastbreaks. James 

13

Tabuteau showed great potential, while Cooper Feltham and Matt 

Williams were exemplary in their layups and shooting. 8Es: This was 

one of the best games the team has played all season and they were in 

the game until the last minute. All boys gave of their best and are to 

be commended for their commitment throughout the season. Zach 

Heffernan started the scoring and was ably supported by Jackson Ball 

and James Tabuteau. The 8Fs started well and were unfortunate to 

not see a closer score-line – a couple of lapses in concentration saw 

several baskets scored against them in quick succession. Jonathon 

Downs and Liam Cantwell played well. The boys are encouraged to 

focus upon improving their skills during the off season. 

The 7As final game was a mixed one. Strong defensively, the team 

was uncharacteristically off target at the offensive end. Never losing 

control of the game, the boys slowly broke away from Cranbrook 

and in the end won comfortably. Congratulations on a great season 

and we all look forward to how this team progresses in the future. 

The 7Bs finished their undefeated season with a more than 

convincing 46-20 win. Aloys were far too strong for their opponents, 

as was the case for most of the season, and they were rewarded with 

a 5-0 record. Max Brennan, Luke Ryan and Max Whiston all scored 

double figures, but all players were equally valuable in a great display 

of the talent possessed by the strong Year 7 age group. The 7Cs 

played extremely well once again, defeating Cranbrook for their third 

win of the season. The addition of a full court press to their defensive 

structure helped get them over the line, with a number of the team 

playing extremely well. 

7Ds: What a way to finish the season! The 7Ds finally played defence, 

led by captain Harry Schmidt, and executed a dominating performance 

over the Cranbrook side, claiming their first win of the season. The 

7Es looked strong from the beginning; stronger than we have seen 

them on any other occasion – at training or competition. They finally 

combined their individual talents, dedicating them towards a higher, 

common goal. Tight defence, when employed, and tremendous passing 

in and around the key on offence were the strongest points from Aloys 

in what, despite the relatively low score early on, was a very one-sided 

affair. Particular mentions to Nico de Matteis for demonstrating 

phenomenal vision in the game and to Oliver Knight for using his 

height to dominate boards and lay-ups under each of the rings. A 

fantastic climax to a very enjoyable season! 

What a way to finished a very successful season for the 7Fs. Despite 

the facade of an even scoreboard during the majority of the game, the 

boys continued to outplay the Cranbrook team with superior defensive 

mechanisms (when employed!) and the best demonstration of offence 

from the team this year, taking out the game in the latter stages of the 

second half. Particular mentions to Jeremy Wong, who outpaced the 

opposition on numerous occasions to steal the ball and even finish 

with an open lay-up a few times, and to Rory, whose perseverance 

cemented the team’s strong defence. A fitting end to great half season! 

Greg Duggan 

Master-in-Charge 

CHESS 

The fifth and final round of CAS chess was held in the year seven 

rooms after school on Friday against Cranbrook. With the support of 

twenty five dedicated supporters from the Blue and Gold army, the 

chess team put in a much improved effort against a Cranbrook side 

exceeding expectations. 

In the seniors, playing up a position, Josh Caccamo failed to win his 

match, but played exceptionally well. Josh Felipe, Ben Grace and Will 

Ridley were unlucky to lose their matches in tight contests. In the 

intermediates, the O’Shea brothers performed brilliantly to win their 

matches. Luke Gelagin and Brendan McRae were unfortunate losers 

in tight contests. 

In the juniors, Luke Bartels won a magnificent match, and was voted 

the player of the day by the supporters. Congratulations Luke! Also in 

the juniors, Christian Cipriano, Nicholas White and Murray Peh 

played well, and came extremely close to winning their matches. 

With the CAS season now over, the chess team is looking to build on 

recent results, continue improving, and perform well in the 

Metropolitan Chess Tournament next term. 

James Sindone 

Captain 

DRAMA 

2013 Major Drama Production – ‘Cosi’: This production opens 

15 March at 7.30pm in the Miguel Pro Playhouse and performances 

run for the evening of 16 March (7.30pm) and a matinée on 17 March 

(1.00pm). We have a very enthusiastic and talented cast who have been 

working tirelessly since late last year to produce what is sure to be a 

highly entertaining production. The show is suitable for students in 

Year 9e and above, due to some swearing and adult content. 

Tickets are available through TryBooking.com: 

http://www.trybooking.com/Booking/BookingEventSummary.aspx?e 

id=44142. 

Heidi Quinn 

Head of Drama 

MUSIC 

Lunch Concert – All welcome: 

Date: 19 March 

Venue: The Boys’ Chapel 

1. Rock Ensemble 

2. Martin Pacak – Flute 

3. Flute Ensemble 

4. SAC Jazz Band 

Fr Willcock Instrumental & Vocal Competition: Application 

forms are now available from the Music Department. Applications 

close 5 April. 

Tim Chung 

Head of Music (Performance) 

RUGBY 

Rugby got underway this week with Training commencing for all age 

groups. Below is the training schedule for Term 1. All students 

should be at training from now on. If you aren’t at training for any 

reason, please notify Mr Jeremy Curtin by email 

(Jeremy.Curtin@staloysius.nsw.edu.au). 

This weekend we have the 2013 Rugby Launch and 7s’ Tournament 

at the College Oval commencing at 8am with the U13s. All players 

will be given a free sausage sandwich and drink. It is encouraged that 

all rugby players attend the Rugby Launch. For any enquiries, see 

Mr Austin in Dalton Hall. 

Jeremy Curtin 

Greg Austin 

Master-in-Charge 

Director 

Rugby Term 1 Pre-season Training 

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday 

Opens College Oval College Oval 

16s Primrose Park Primrose Park 



13s Anderson Park Anderson Park 

Rugby Launch – 16 March [College Oval] 

13s 8.00am 16s 11.00am 

14s 9.00am Opens 12.00pm 

15s 10.00am 

14

PUBLIC SPEAKING 

vir eloquens 

Coaching sessions will be held on Mondays and Tuesdays from 

3.30pm until 5.00pm in The Bellarmino (until further notice). 

All interested students, old and new, are invited to attend. Attendance 

at one of these sessions is required for competition preparation. 

All information relating to this co-curricula activity will be relayed 

through this publication, Year meetings, Line-ups and the electronic 

noticeboards throughout the College. 

1. CSDA Public Speaking Competition: Congratulations to 

Matthew Fadhil (Year X) who secured Fourth Place in this 

year’s State Final. 

2. Rostrum Voice of Youth Public Speaking Competition: The 

College can enter up to four Junior Division (under 15 years) and 

four Senior Division (under 18 years) speakers. Details of the 

competition, including topics for the first round, are to be found 

on www.rostrum.com.au/voy. 

The following students will represent the College: 

Juniors: Christopher Curulli, Thomas Verschuer, Tristan Kennedy 

and James Elhindi 

Seniors: Jackson Pierce, Lorenzo Benitez, John Lewis and Matthew 

Fadhil 

Registration has been completed. Details of dates and venues TBA. 

3. The Legacy Junior Public Speaking Competition: 

Expressions of interest need to be received via email by 8 March. 

Contestants must be 14 years old or younger on 1 January 2013. 

Details at www.artsunit.nsw.edu.au. 

4. The Sydney Morning Herald Plain English Speaking 

Award: Expressions of interest need to be received via email by 

8 March. Contestants need to be between 15 and 18 years of age 

(inclusive) on 1 January 2013. Details at www.artsunit.nsw.edu.au. 

As other competitions become known, their details will be 

disseminated. All interested in participating at a competitive level are 

expected to attend coaching sessions conducted by Old Boys with 

experience and success at public speaking. 

Magar Etmekdjian (Magar.Etmekdjian@staloysius.nsw.edu.au) 

15

Issue 07 - St Aloysius

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