Swimming Carnivals
It was wonderful to see so many parents attend the Middle and Senior Years Carnival at the Aquatic Centre last Thursday and our Junior Years Carnival on Friday.
Results of both Carnivals are published in the co-curricular section of this Newsletter.
Year level medallists will be announced at next week's Principal's Assembly.

Year 10 Retreats
The Year 10 Retreat day facilitated by Mr Ric Sachse and his team is an integral part of the spirituality dimension of the College.

Students focussed on the theme that maturing in our understanding of relationships helps to build deeper relationships both with important people in our lives and with God. Expectations we have of others and realistic images are important for relationships to develop and deepen.

Year 10 Stepping Up Program
Alongside the Retreats, we also hold the Year 10 Stepping Up Program (Father or Male Mentor & Son Day), led by Mr Evan Pezos. This Program was again a great success and we were delighted with the attendance and wonderful feedback received.

The program rationale is based on extensive research in the area of boy's education. We need to acknowledge the challenges facing adolescent boys in education and society in general, the need for male role models in their lives and the importance of having conversations we may otherwise not have.

2020 What a Carnival
This year's Carnival is one for the memory reels. Barron set the tone early; their energy and passion in cheering from the start was probably the best I have seen in years! There is no doubt they deserved the Spirt Shield in 2020. Well done to 'the braves'.

The competition over the duration of the event was fantastic. In the pool it was fierce, yet beyond it the camaraderie was outstanding. The boys are to be applauded for this; they showed what truly makes Rostrevor unique, competitive in the heat of battle yet united beyond it.

The Invitational once again brought that special occasion moment to fruition. Watching our elite swimmers showcase their talents (which they don't get to do like our other sports) always creates a feeling of excitement. Watching young Tom Braunack chase down Thomas Carson would have been worthy of the Olympics, a great moment. Congratulations to all the boys in that event, you bring something special to it.

Having spoken to a number of parents after the event, I can proudly say that the boys did the red and black proud, impressing with the passion and spirit they are renowned for. It was pleasing to witness these qualities across the board, from the main pool to the novelty events.

The icing on the cake for me (I am biased yet impartial) was to witness the staff win once again in the staff vs student event. Thomas Hill must be congratulated on his excellent preparation in presenting the student team for the event. The boys gave their very best effort.

An event such as this does not come together easily. The effort and passion the PE Faculty brings to this event has such a large bearing on its success.

The 2020 Junior Years Swimming Carnival held at the College Pool was a fantastic day for all involved. From the outset, House spirit was on full display with plenty of singing and cheering from the grandstands.

Students gave their all during individual races with some excellent personal results. For some students, it was fantastic to see their water confidence develop, being able to swim 25m across the deep end, and for others there were some very fast times swum. Some of our boys will now get an opportunity to represent Rostrevor College at the SAPSASA and Catholic Schools Competitions.

Overall scores were tight for most of the day. In rather uncharted waters, Webb House grew in confidence as they flirted near the top of the leaderboard and were eventually crowned as this year's popular Swimming Carnival House Champions. All students left feeling like winners, particularly the Year 6 House Captains who took bragging rights in the staff vs student relay.