Welcome back to Term 4
As we start the final term for 2019, we welcome the following boys and their families who have joined the College this week. We wish them well as they settle into their new College and trust that they will quickly feel at home here.

Sebastian (Year 5)
Harrison (Year 8)
Angus (Year 9)

Congratulations to the boys in our Primary A cricket team who made the most of their opportunity to play their match against Greenwith Primary School on the Big Mem on Thursday after the Bungalow pitch was washed out following the rain overnight. Thankfully, after many years of waiting, we now have pitch covers for Big Mem that will minimise rain cancellations in the years ahead. Following the success of the younger peers in the morning, our First XI side got off to a fine start for Term 4 with a close T20 match against Pembroke later in the afternoon on Thursday.

GPA Improvement
In signing the latest batch of certificates for boys who had improved their GPA by 5% or more from Semester 1 to Term 3, I was struck by the large number of certificates. 144 boys have increased their GPA by 5% or greater and 13 boys have increased their GPA by 15% or more. With this in mind I am looking forward to presenting these certificates in Week 2 to a group of young men who will now receive tangible evidence of Palma Merenti in their lives.

Twilight Fair (Friday 15 November 2019)
With preparations well under way for the 2019 Twilight Fair, we look forward to hosting you for our final Rostrevor family gathering for the year. 

Although the grounds of Rostrevor College have been very quiet over the weekends for the past month, local sporting clubs have had an abundance of activity and incredible results involving both current and past students. August and September are traditionally the busiest of months for various Co-Curricular activities, and a number of our students had the memorable opportunity to represent their respective clubs in finals fixtures. These opportunities are priceless for our students as they challenge themselves to engage and perform in an environment where almost every tangible aspect of competition is 'heightened' somewhat.

One of the most pleasing realisations recently has been the reciprocal support of staff and students from a Co-Curricular perspective. Students are commonly spotted along the sideline of the Rostrevor Old Collegian Football and Soccer Clubs on a Saturday afternoon, whilst staff also frequently return the favour to support students inside and outside of Rostrevor College. Whilst I'm positive we aren't the only College in South Australia with that connection, it is one that will play a significant part of developing and maintaining the inclusive and supportive culture we seek.

Whilst the peace and quiet was indeed enjoyable around the College grounds with the conclusion of Winter activities, our Summer Season is upon us already to spoil the serenity. In traditional fashion, the next 5-6 weeks of competition will most likely seemingly finish just as it has begun making it imperative that our students make the most of the final term for 2019. There is a much more relaxing atmosphere present on Saturday mornings watching Badminton, Cricket and Tennis whilst our Volleyball and Water Polo teams compete on Friday afternoons to slightly extend the school day. As the weather improves and sun creeps through the clouds, I very much enjoy this time of year from a Co-Curricular perspective and look forward to seeing many of you throughout Term 4.

Finally, we will be operating a trial run of the communication and management system Consent 2 Go during Term 4. Whilst there is likely to be some small 'hiccups' along the way, I'm positive this will drastically improve communication portals to parents, staff and students to ensure accurate information is delivered to those who require it. As always, we welcome feedback if there are any irregularities with the communication you are receiving during the trial. Provided all goes well, we aim to implement the use of Consent 2 Go for all Co-Curricular activities from 2020 onwards.

In other Co-Curricular News

• Our Senior Debating Team were crowned unanimous victors and State Debating Champions on Saturday 21st September 2019. Our team, consisting of Year 11 students Liam D'Silva, Garang Kuach and Christy Saji, competed against St. Peter's Girls College at The House of Assembly Chamber, Government House. Our boys were the affirmative for the topic 'Boris is best for Brexit' and spoke tremendously to secure the first State Debating title for Rostrevor College in years. It capped something of a 'Cinderella Story' season for the boys as they went from strength to strength each week, surprising many and most likely themselves along the way. Congratulations to Mr. Tom Hodkinson also for his tireless efforts to prepare the boys each week, and an amazing reward for the efforts of all involved.
   
• Thomas Griffiths (Year 7) was selected in Under 13 FFSA Soccer Squad, who competed at the National Championships at Coffs Harbour on the 30th September until the 4th October. This would have been an incredible experience for Thomas, and no doubt rest of the South Australian Under 13 Squad.