Week 6 - Sydney Church of England Grammar School
Transcription
Week 6 - Sydney Church of England Grammar School
The Shore Weekly Record Friday 29th May, 2015 HEADMASTER’S AWARD FOR ACADEMIC MERIT WH Andrews -Year 9 (DN) For 10 Credit Points in English ACW Beale - Year 9 (WT) JJ Sarikas - Year 9 (CK) CR Gilmour - Year 9 (EW) DT Fredericks - Year 9 (EW) HTF Moses - Year 9 (BY) SE Shanahan - Year 9 (RN) SA Roberts - Year 9 (AN) For 10 accumulated Credit Points HTF Moses - Year 9 (BY) MD Sinclair - Year 10 (AN) For 10 Credit Points in Mathematics Volume LXXVI Term II Week 6 Saturday 30th May 3.00pm - Wedding of Sam Moles and Bianca Falloon Sunday 31st May Morning Prayer Preacher Leader Readings House on Duty : : : : : 9.00am Rev Paul Dudley Rev Anthony Benn Colossians 3: 1-14 Robson House 10.00am Baptism of Harrison Reaney, Jude Mason-Jones and John Robb JYJ Lee (AN) For full marks in the Australian Music Assessment Task Year 10 - Music FDP McCredie (TY) QJ Chen (DN) For an outstanding effort in the Year 7 Wide Reading Challenge Year 7 - English HOUSEMASTERS’ COMMENDATIONS YEAR 12 - SEMESTER I JB Whelan (AN) GW Wheatley (BL) J Dong (BS) EG Foster (BY) MR Tafft (CK) BR Field (DN) W Verge (EW) TCG Wood (EY) CR Baikie (GE) EA Hale (GR) OB Lane (HS) NB Bennett (MS) LW Miller (PE) AYB Ma (RN) HDH Cudmore (SL) WJ Purbrick (SS) RJ Mosse (TY) LBG Gidney (WT) Friday, 29th May, 2015 YEAR 12 Progress Meetings: 6.00pm Monday 1st June YEAR 11 Progress Meetings: 6.00pm Tuesday 9th June YEAR 7 Progress Meetings: 6.00pm Wednesday 17th June Information has been emailed home with all of the details. Boys are expected to attend with their parents and to wear School winter uniform with coats. Boys have a page near the front of their diary in which to record interview times. Limited parking is available in the Bishopsgate car park off Union Street and in the School through the Edward Street entrance. Weather permitting; parking is also available on School Oval. Enter through the gate on Edward Street just past the tennis court. We look forward to meeting with you. R A Morrison Assistant to the Headmaster Shore’s Privacy Policy is available on our website at www.shore.nsw.edu.au or by contacting the School’s Privacy Officer Page 410 May 29th June 10th July 24th Aug 4th Sept 4th Bringing Parents Together Holiday Workshops will be offered, from Thursday 18th June, to Year 12 boys for the upcoming vacation. These have proven successful in providing boys with structure which complements their individual study programmes. Year 7 Dads drinks Year 9 Mothers Night Out Each 3 hour Holiday Workshop session will consist of coverage of important HSC topics in that subject. A mix of strategies will be used in order to maximise learning: revision lecture, structured tutorial and discussion. Workshops will generally be limited to a minimum of 7 and a maximum of approximately 20 boys. A fee of $60 (which includes GST) will be charged per (3 hour) workshop, which represents excellent value compared to externally run HSC lecture courses. Boys are encouraged strongly to make good use of the workshops and are expected to stay to the end of each workshop. SAVE THE DATE Literary lunch with author JC Burke at the Boatshed details to follow soon Tennis Day - N’bridge Pavilion AMERICAN TEA Please read the SHORE ASSOCIATION WEEKLY for details of upcoming events: http://www.shore.nsw.edu.au/file.php?fileID=9090&dl=1 Shore will be conducting its annual collection for the Anglicare Winter Clothing Appeal during May. If your family can help, please ask your son to collect a bag from me, then fill it with your clean, used clothing and return it to the School. Your pre-loved warm clothing is urgently needed and your help is greatly appreciated. Graham J Robertson DEPUTY HEADMASTER Evensong A selection form will be handed to each boy in Year 12 and is to be returned to Ms. Lamb, Director of Studies Secretary. Boys may choose as many sessions as they like. Every attempt will be made to accommodate all boys, but it might be necessary to restrict the number of boys in a particular workshop, depending upon demand. This will be done on a first come first served basis. Charges will be made to the next fees statement on a no-refund basis. A list of all available workshops will be available through the school’s portal, Lampada, from Friday, 29th May. Boys will not be required to wear school uniform. Boys are not encouraged to drive to school for the workshops. However, if they do drive they are not allowed to park in the front driveway under any circumstances. We do hope that each boy will participate in the workshops, which, according to boys in the Classes of 1999-2014, contributed well to their success at the HSC examinations. I M Middleton MIC – Holiday Workshops 6.30pm Thursday 4th June Friday, 29th May, 2015 Page 411 Reviewing Officer Lieutenant Colonel James McGann Shore Cadet Unit Celebrating 107 Years of Service The Headmaster of Shore, Dr Timothy Wright and The Officer Commanding Shore Cadet Unit, Captain (AAC) Richard Hughes cordially invite Members of the Shore Community to the Annual Ceremonial Parade to be held on School Ground Shore School, Blue Street, North Sydney Reviewing Officer Lieutenant Colonel James McGann Commanding Officer The 2nd/17th Battalion, Royal New South Wales Regiment Friday 12th June 2015 2.00pm for 2.15pm At the conclusion of the parade afternoon tea will be served on the Hawkins Foyer balcony RSVP: Captain (AAC) Anthony Chandler by Friday 29th May 2015 9900 4797 or email achandler@shore.nsw.edu.au Shore School PO Box 1221 North Sydney 2059 Friday, 29th May, 2015 Lieutenant Colonel James McGann assumed command of 2/17 RNSWR in December 2013. Lieutenant Colonel McGann commenced his military career in 1993 when he enlisted into the Army Reserve in Tasmania as a rifleman with 12/40 RTR. In 1995, he began his Regular Army career by attending officer training at RMC-Duntroon. He completed his officer training at RMC in 1996. As an Infantryman, Lieutenant Colonel McGann’s regimental experience has been in the 3rd and 7th Brigades where he has served in a number of command positions within both 2 RAR, 3 RAR and 25/49 RQR. Lieutenant Colonel McGann also has experience within the Army training environment, having been posted to Adelaide Universities Regiment as Adjutant and RMC-Duntroon as an instructor. Lieutenant Colonel McGann has also undertaken a number of staff appointments including the personal Staff Officer to the AHQ Chief of Staff, as well as SO2 Regional Commitments and SO1 Preparedness within the Directorate of Military Commitments Army. Prior to assuming command of 2/17 RNSWR, LTCOL McGann was employed as the SO1 Current Operations at HQ FORCOMD. His operational experience includes: Officer Commanding the combined infantry and armoured combat team (Security Task Group) as part of the 4th Reconstruction Task Force deployment to Afghanistan in 2008. In 2007, Lieutenant Colonel McGann commanded the Domestic Incident Security Force (DISFOR) as part of JTF 633 for OP DELUGE (ADF Support to APEC). Lieutenant Colonel McGann has also served in East Timor on two other deployments as a lieutenant (1999) and captain (2002). Lieutenant Colonel McGann’s academic qualifications are a Master of Business and a Master of Arts (Management and Strategy) both from the University of New South Wales. He also holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Tasmania. Lieutenant Colonel McGann is a graduate of the Australian Command and Staff College (2010). Lieutenant Colonel McGann is married to Belinda, and they have two young children: Samuel (2004) and Emily (2005). He enjoys spending time with his family and in what spare time remains reading, camping, water skiing and Australian Football. Page 412 ISDA Shore Primary Bs won their semi-final last Friday affirming ‘that we place too much emphasis on celebrities’. They are the only Shore team remaining in contention for an ISDA premiership and welcome your support as the finals approach. RQ On Friday afternoon, Shore Year 7 were due to debate Queenwood, but unfortunately Queenwood forfeited the match. On the other hand, Year 8 got a chance to debate against Queenwood and the topic for the debate was “That animals should not be used in sport for our entertainment”. It was a very exciting debate on a controversial topic, with arguments focusing on animal cruelty, culture and tradition, logistics and legality. Shore was able to present excellent reasoning and clear rebuttals and consequently won. It was a tremendous night and a well-deserved win for the boys. Lachlan Chambers, Joshua Lam and Will Hancock stepped up and chaired various debates and they performed brilliantly in their roles while Jack Elster, Kevin Shi, and Atticus Lewarne participated in a friendly debate against Year 9 Queenwood which the Shore boys won. Boys in Sets 1 and 2 in Year 7 along with boys in Sets 1 to 3 in Years 8 to 10, and a number of boys who study Science in Year 11 or 12, will be competing in the International Competitions and Assessments for Schools, ICAS (previously called the ‘Australasian Schools Science Competition’) on Wednesday June 3rd (Day 1). For all boys, this competition has proved to be an exciting challenge as well as an indicator of their level of scientific understanding and general knowledge. A range of practice questions are available on the EAA website. Go to www.eaa.unsw.edu.au and follow the link to ‘Practice Online’. The cost of entering the competition is $8.80 and will be included in the accounts of all boys mentioned above. Due to our commitment to being involved in the competition we will not be able to reimburse those boys who may be absent on the day. N van Vliet Head of Science Friday, 29th May, 2015 Page 413 Music Updates: Upcoming Concerts/Event at a glance: 28th May String and Choral Concert 7:30pm 28th May Lunchtime Concert 31st May Symphony Orchestra Eisteddfod 1st – 3rd June Senior House Music festival 1st June CBI Eisteddfod 2nd June CBII Eisteddfod 3rd June Stage Band Eisteddfod 4th June Evensong (Choir) 5th June Battle of the Bands Heats 11th June Band Night – PLEASE NOTE CHANGE OF DATE 14th June Chapel Choir Confirmation Service 16th June Queenwood/Shore performance night (Auditioned Vocalists) 18th June Battle of the Bands Lunchtime Concerts: These events are an opportunity for students to perform for students at Shore. To organise a spot, please email Miss Wentzel (awentzel@shore.nsw.edu.au ) with the name of the music you are going to perform and any performance requirements you might have. Evensong Shore Chapel, at 6:30pm on Thursday 4th June Evensong is a traditional Choral service of evening prayers, psalms, and canticles (hymns), which have been chosen to allow gentle reflection in the still of the evening. The theme for this particular Evensong service is ‘call to love one another as Christ loved’, based on Psalm 110 and 1 John 3. If you would like to attend the Evensong service, it will begin at 6:30pm in the Shore Chapel on Thursday 4th June. Supper will be served at the conclusion of the Service in the Hawkins Foyer. The Chapel Choir choristers and I would be delighted to have your company at this service. We hope you will enjoy our humble musical offering. Gloria! - 5th August: Calling all old boy singers and musicians We are currently welcoming past students and Shore community members to join with the Shore Music Department to celebrate Music at Shore. We are organising a “Gloria!” Concert on the 5th August in the Smith Auditorium at Shore. Excitingly, we are in the midst of negotiations with an internationally acclaimed conductor to teach and lead the combined Shore ensembles; this will be announced in due course, and is an opportunity not to be missed! We are also inviting instrumentalists to play with our current students in our Shore Symphony Orchestra, as well as singers to take part of the in singing excerpts from the celebrated “Gloria” with the School Chapel Choir. To be part of this magnificent event, please email Miss Claire Needham on cneedham@shore.nsw.edu.au and please give your best contact email; your connection with the School (For example Old boy 1996) and whether you would like to sing in the choir or which instrument you play. Music and further details will be emailed back to you. We look forward to joining together in “Glorious” song. Friday, 29th May, 2015 Page 414 Performance opportunities: Meet the Music: Concert 3: Russian Romantics Wed 22 Jul 6:30pm SCHULTZ Sound Lur and Serpent - Fanfare [Australian premiere] TCHAIKOVSKY Piano Concerto No.1 RACHMANINOFF Symphony No.1 Vasily Petrenko conductor Simon Trpčeski piano Bursary Opportunities: In 2015 the Shore Foundation will offer a limited number of Instrumental Bursaries to boys in Year 7 who demonstrate a willingness to commence or continue tuition on particular instruments, which will specified on the application. In special cases a Bursary may be offered to a boy from another year level. The Bursaries will cover the cost of one term’s lessons in each of the first four years of Senior School, plus the cost of instrument hire from the School during that time. The bursary application forms have been emailed to all parents of students in year 7 – 9 and hard copies will be available from Miss Claire Needham (Performing Arts Administrator) in Term 2, or from your son’s class Music teacher. These forms must be completed and returned by the 17th June. Private Music update: Lessons are continuing for students learning instruments at Shore. The School offers lessons on all orchestral instruments, all guitars, voice, musicianship/theory and drum kit. Please contact Mrs. Judy Hicks on jhicks@shore.nsw.edu.au if you require more information regarding private music lessons at the School. Mrs Kirsten Macaulay Head of Music A note from the Committee This week is the beginning of a busy few weeks for the Music Department, but with all the concerts, eisteddfods and services it should make for a great few weeks musically. This Thursday is the Strings and Choral Concert. The orchestra and choir have been practicing hard since the start of the year, so it would be good to get a great Shore attendance. There is also a multitude of eisteddfods in which both the concert bands and also the stage and jazz band have entered. This is followed by Evensong on Thursday 4th June at 7.30pm, which all the Prefects are attending. This is finally concluded by the band concert two Thursdays from now when Mr Dorich and Mr Payne’s dancing should provide an entertaining night! Like many sports, music requires a fair bit of skill, so get out and support your boys just as you do on the rugby pitches. See you there. WJ Purbrick Friday, 29th May, 2015 Page 415 Editorial The Masculinity of Compassion NJ Healy It’s important that as young men we learn to communicate with each other effectively and compassionately, to promote a general wellbeing that can only come from a community that cares for one other. Too often, I think that as a school of only boys we place too much emphasis on physical performance and how we are perceived, and as a consequence we can lack the necessary compassion that all of us at some stage need but are too ‘masculine’ to provide. In terms of society, it runs more deeply. I think the greater problem is our self-obsession with maximising contentment, sometimes at the expense of others. It’s the selfish desire to put our own short-term happiness before the longterm wellbeing of someone else. It has become inconvenient to ask the simple question, ‘Are you okay?’ when we might not want to trouble ourselves with the answer. If this is an inevitable consequence of leading busier lives, surely we can find something other than compassion to sacrifice. Within school, Building Good Men and other such programs aim to teach us that masculinity is Friday, 29th May, 2015 not characterised by a lack of emotion, but rather a true man is one who cares for others. This is strength of character, and this is what others look up to. It should therefore be an aim for all of us to think less about convenience and more about the wellbeing of those closest to us. From the occasional ‘check up’ on a mate, just to see how they’re travelling, to the more thoughtful question and possibly action of those not necessarily always in our sights. We all have a part to play in looking after each other, for fundamentally as humans we require relationships to grow and flourish. What this edition aims to do is to provide a range of insights from experts, those with their own stories, and everyday Shore boys into what it means to have emotional wellbeing, and how we can achieve it. Although there is undeniably a greater awareness of mental health issues now than there ever has been before, there is still a great deal more to be done to promote an improvement to the general emotional wellbeing of our school and in our society. Page 417 Secretarial Diet and its Link to Emotional Wellbeing NH Andrews Nutritionist, author and presenter, Michele Chevalley Hedge is asked about how nutrition and a healthy lifestyle can affect your mental health. People often struggle to understand what a perfect diet consists of? What are the main components of a healthy diet in your opinion? There is no perfect diet. People that strive for perfection often fall short and then rebound - not with just physical symptoms but mental ones. I am a great believer in moderation. Key tips are: 1. Choose foods that are whole and real. Try to go through your day not eating something out of a box, bag or factory line. 2. If you have to eat processed foods – out of a box or bag – make sure you can read/ pronounce ingredients. If it sounds like a chemical then it probably is a chemical. Why would you do that to your brain, skin, or muscles? 3. If you’re eating real food then it is most likely low sugar coming from real food sources, which is NOT in issue. 4. Hydrate – people often confuse hunger for thirst. Start everyday, even before the morning toilet run, with a drink of clean water. 5. Fill your diet with protein rich foods, good fats and lots of veggies. This keeps your blood sugar balanced and you brain firing for excellent concentration. 6. Don’t eliminate a food group like dairy, meat or grain unless you have food intolerances or you just know that it is not serving your brain, energy, or body. What are your thoughts on added sugar in foods? Is there a key difference between sugar from lollies and sugar found in fruits? Friday, 29th May, 2015 It is added sugar that is the lead demon in messing around with brain, energy, moods, and hormones. Yes, sugar from cereals, lollies, soft drinks, sports drinks, flavoured yogurts and milk is really giving your brain and mental state a hammering. Why? Because it makes your blood sugar rock up and you get all fired up but equally you fall when you’re coming off a sugar high. When you have hit a low from a sugar high that is when brain fog sets in. Standard rule of thumb – try to keep added sugar to a minimum – between 6-9 teaspoons per day according to the World Health Organisation. How do you find that? Look at the label on your processed food and divide the sugar by 4 (in most cases) For example, a can of Coke will have 40 sugar grams, so divide by 4 and that equals 10 teaspoons of sugar. Would you munch on 10 teaspoons of sugar? How can a poor diet affect concentration, and can this impact on school/exam results? Page 418 Yes! In the following ways: 1. A poor diet doesn’t contain the vitamins and minerals you need to fuel your brain. We know that serotonin needs protein and certain vitamin B’s to create the happy hormone-serotonin. 2. If you’re on a sugar high, you cannot concentrate. If you’re on a sugar low, you feel tired, cranky, hungry and angry at the same time. 3. Sugar fuels something called candida. If your gut is full of this type of bad bacteria it is difficult for your immune system and your brain to receive the nutrients it needs. More than 70% of our serotonin is made in the gut. There is enormous research coming out on this topic. In your opinion is a healthy diet key to mental health? Balance in everything – food, sport, study, sun, and sleep – each of them equally important. Poor food choices can create havoc on your sleep, energy for sport, desire to get some sun and messes up your ability to study. The brain needs to be fed well to function well. If you had to recommend a perfect diet/ Friday, 29th May, 2015 exercise regime for a Shore boy what would it be? What are the benefits of following such a regime? In my professional career dealing with thousands of students, parents, CEO’s, politicians, models and sports stars there is a common thread…always…. Eat well. Mostly foods from home that are whole foods. Nothing grand, just simple, clean food. Exercise in the sun when you can so you can stimulate the pineal gland in your brain whilst you increase your endorphins. Sleep. This regenerates your cells, improves insulin receptors, and increases dopamine, serotonin, and testosterone. If someone is feeling down/anxious should they reconsider their diet and/or seek help? If not what do you think is the most important course of action? Balance your diet with the above advice. If this doesn’t work, seek out a qualified nutritionist. A qualified nutritionist, like my team at A Healthy View, will know if the underlying pathology of depression/anxiety is coming from sugar swing and/or bad diet or something else and refer you to a GP. Page 419 An Outside Voice Guest - Nic Newling This is a story written by the old boy Nic Newling, who shares his story as a mental health advocate and who currently works at the Black Dog Institute. His story is of his life at Shore, his own mental health issues and how he approached them. This is his story. How the hell did you get through it? Being mentally ill and also losing your brother to the same sickness? I get asked that question a lot. It feels so long ago in many ways but every time I walk through the front gates I’m reminded of how close it still is. I was a Shore Boy once too. Perhaps not one for the history books of sporting prowess; my only career try in rugby was for the wrong team after I forgot that we switch sides in the second half. Oops. I was more academically inclined for a while. I received a scholarship to Shore in Year 7 which turned out to be one of the only misguided financial decisions I’ve ever seen the school make. I had a very clear idea even at that age of what I wanted to do with my life and how I was going to get there. I was going to be a vet and there was no room for adaptation to change. Half way through Year 7 everything did change. I was anxious, depressed, scared, angry. I exhibited qualities that were foreign to me and I didn’t know why. My family and the school were so wonderfully supportive and I couldn’t help but feel guilty for wasting their time. What did it feel like? People often erroneously presume depression is simply an intense sadness. To me it was deeper than that. Depression was an inability to feel anything positive. Jokes were no longer funny, food didn’t taste good, colours looked dull. It was an emptiness that is so often misunderstood. To further confuse the issue I had Bipolar: a type of depression with deep lows of mood and equally high highs. Uneducated about mental illness, I felt like a fraud whenever I would Friday, 29th May, 2015 laugh or feel anything positive. I was supposed to be the sad kid so I had to hide on two fronts. It would take years to receive the correct diagnosis because I’d never want to report symptoms of manic highs to clinicians. I enjoyed them. Feeling elated could only indicate a return to ‘normal old Nic’, not another side of an illness, right? In the meantime I was forced to abandon my dreams of being a vet and being a success in school. I was in a psych ward by the end of Year 8 and wouldn’t return back to school for another 9 months. By that time I’d given up hope. It was a daily routine of heavy medication, an inability to focus on anything in class, and a disinterest in continuing my life. At that time I wasn’t able to see how much my situation would end up changing for the better. My older brother, also a Shore boy, ended his fight with depression when I was in Year 10. He never quite made it to the age of 18. I’d always seen myself in his shadow and had great love and respect for him. I couldn’t deal with life so I dropped out of school. Those events began a change that took many years of hard work but which eventually led me to fighting to not just stay alive, but to really live. I don’t at all identify with that scared, fragile kid I once was. I’m totally mentally fit and healthy. I now work in mental health speaking to people about my experiences in an effort to try to further the understanding and awareness. You boys are part of the first generation of people who can truly make a difference to the way that we, as a society, perceive and treat mental illness. The tides are beginning to turn in a way they never have before. What you choose to do with this opportunity is entirely up to you. Be creative. Think with your heart. Never be afraid to speak up. Page 420 Mental Health and Young People: An Interview with Professor Garry Walter AM NJ Healy Professor Garry Walter AM is a child and adolescent psychiatrist and Chair of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at the University of Sydney. He is also Clinical Director, Child and Youth Mental Health Service, Northern Sydney Local Health District and has a private practice at Northshore Kidspace in Chatswood. How common are mental health problems among young people? Most young people at one time or another will have unpleasant feelings like worry, sadness, and so on. The key issue is whether such symptoms are brief or sustained over time, and whether they have a negative impact on a young person’s ability to go about their daily lives. If such difficulties last days or weeks rather than just a few minutes or hours, and they are having a detrimental effect on a young person’s ability to function normally, then a mental health problem (also known as mental health disorder) may be present. Around 1 in 5 young people will have a mental health problem at some stage. Some problems – like anxiety and depressive disorders, for example – are extremely common, while others, such as schizophrenia or bipolar illness, are encountered less frequently. How would I know if I had a mental health problem? There are two main ways. Firstly, a young person may himself feel anxious, sad and irritable. These are called subjective symptoms. The second way is that there may be a disturbance in a person’s function, noticed by the young person himself or sometimes only by others: has there been a change in how the young person is performing with school work, functioning within a family, mingling with friends? I mentioned earlier that these difficulties would generally need to last more than a few minutes or hours before a mental health problem would be diagnosed. Friday, 29th May, 2015 What are the most common concerns of young people that can negatively affect their mental health? A range of concerns can have a negative impact on a young person’s mental health. Each year, Mission Australia conducts a survey of young people in relation to areas of personal concern and other matters. In 2014, among the issues causing young Australian males aged 15-19 years to be “extremely or very concerned” were: school or study problems (26%), coping with stress (23%), family problems (14%), body image problems (14%), and bullying or emotional abuse (11%). Concerns like these can negatively affect a young person’s mental health, particularly if they are not actively addressed. If I am anxious or depressed as a teen, does that mean I will always feel this way? Certainly not. Here, it is important to distinguish between one’s underlying personality Page 421 – we all differ in our nature – and, as a separate issue, whether there is a mental health problem on top of that personality. Personalities can shift over time, particularly with growing maturity and life experience, and mental health problems (like anxiety or depressive disorders) can be effectively treated. Various counselling and behavioural treatments can be beneficially used for young people with anxiety or depressive disorders, and medication, if required, can sometimes assist greatly. Anxiety or depressive problems can recur, particularly with stress, but early detection and treatment will generally shorten the duration of such recurrences. Where do teenage boys tend to turn when seeking help for important issues? Last year, the Mission Australia survey that I mentioned found that teenage boys most commonly turned to friends (85%), followed by parents (77%) and a relative or family friend (69%). Unsurprisingly, the survey found that the internet was a common source of help (49%). Notwithstanding these findings and the importance of such supports, health professionals – counsellors, psychologists, psychiatrists, GPs and sometimes others – play a critical role in assessing and treating young people with mental health problems. What's the difference between a counsellor, psychologist, psychiatrist and GP? A counsellor is a person who has completed a course designed to develop skills that will assist people with emotional or other difficulties. A psychologist has a university degree, is able to conduct tests, diagnoses a range of problems, and offers psychological treatments (“talking therapy”). A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who has then undertaken further specialist training in the mental health field – he or she can diagnose the full range of mental health problems that can affect people, is able to provide various psychological treatments and, when indicated, will prescribe and monitor medication. A GP is a Friday, 29th May, 2015 medical doctor who has had general training managing a variety of health problems encountered in the community, including mental health ones. How do these professionals work together? These different professionals will often work closely together because, while there are areas of overlap, each profession has its own skills. Young people of school age will turn to a school counsellor, who will often aid a young person and their family judge whether help outside the school, in the form of a GP, psychologist or psychiatrist, is required. In many cases involving a teenager, these various health professionals work as a team. How can I promote emotional well-being? In terms of oneself, the key ingredients relate to pursuing a healthy lifestyle and striving for balance. Thus, due attention to obtaining adequate sleep, exercising, having a nutritious diet, working and studying diligently – allowing time for replenishing breaks – and minimising stress are crucial. Breathing and muscle relaxation exercises can also be very helpful. Finally, having an awareness about mental health problems and the benefits of treatment help to ensure that these problems are recognised and treated promptly, whether the young person himself is experiencing mental health problems or a friend happens to turn to them for advice and support. Do you have any final comments about this subject? Simply a reflection. When I was at high school in the 1970s, mental health problems affecting young people were never spoken about. Never. Stigma and lack of recognition of those problems were likely reasons. It is so refreshing to think that in 2015 schools are prepared to openly discuss the issue and, moreover, to devote a special edition of their school newspaper to it. This initiative alone will help to break down barriers and help clear a path for those needing support and treatment. Page 422 Drugs and Alcohol: An Interview with Paul Dillon NJ Healy Paul Dillon has been working in the area of drug education for the past 25 years. An ex-school teacher, Paul has an interest in working with young people, and regularly provides drug information sessions and workshops to students across the country. With a broad knowledge of a range of content areas, Paul regularly provides media comment, appearing on Sunrise, TODAY and the 7PM Project. He also has a blog where he continues to discuss topical issues of the day. Is there a connection between young people using drugs/alcohol and mental health? There certainly is a link but it's not as simple as drinking causes mental health problems or smoking a joint will cause schizophrenia - it is much more complicated than that! Binge drinking has been found to be a contributing factor to psychological problems in some cases. Drinking to excess is not always about trying 'to have a good time' but can instead be due to other issues in the person life and, as a result some people, including teenagers, drink to 'self-medicate' - to make themselves feel better or to cope. Alcohol does not necessarily make you feel better - it actually intensifies the feelings that you have. Sometimes people with existing mental health issues 'gravitate' towards alcohol. They believe it will help them but instead it only makes things worse. In terms of illicit drugs, cannabis’s link with depression is particularly confusing because it is used by some to relieve symptoms of this condition. Research shows that smoking cannabis may actually make depression worse. So there's a connection but it's not simple! What are some of the common reasons for teenagers overusing drugs and alcohol? What is self-medicating? This is a simple one – they drink for all the same reasons adults do! In many cases, it is the Friday, 29th May, 2015 same for illicit drugs. It's fun, it helps them socialize and it makes them feel part of a group. Young people also feel great pressure to drink - I don't mean peer pressure, although that is a factor - I mean social pressure. They get this from watching movies and TV, seeing advertisements and even watching sport. They are constantly bombarded by messages that tell them that to have a good time you need to drink alcohol. It is very powerful. Whenever we do anything, even adults, we quickly do a balancing act in our head what's the benefit of doing this and what are the possible harms - this is done in a millisecond. For many of them the good outweighs the bad - it is worth the risk to them! Certainly some people, including teenagers, use alcohol and other drugs in a different way and for different reasons. It certainly isn't for the 'right reasons' (if you want to call them that) - they're not drinking or taking drugs for fun or to socialise, they are doing it to 'self-medicate' - to try to cope with their lives and their problems. This is the most dangerous type of drug use and usually leads to the person experiencing great problems with their alcohol or other drug use down the line. If we regularly use drugs and alcohol as a teenager, does it make us more likely to develop an addiction in later life? Page 423 We certainly know that the younger a person starts drinking or using illicit drugs, the greater the problems they are likely to experience in the future, including dependence (or addiction). We have always tried to prevent or at the very least, delay, illicit drug use, but there is now growing evidence that we should also be delaying alcohol use for as long as possible – particularly in relation to damage to the developing brain. Research has found that those young people who are drinking regularly at the age of 15 years are far more likely to experience problems with alcohol later in life, including the risk of dependence. There are a number of factors involved, including physical factors such as the developing brain and the changes that occur when you drink or take drugs at an early age, as well as social considerations such as early and regular exposure to a particular lifestyle. How does excessive consumption of alcohol as a young person impact on one's social life and academic performance? One of the main reasons that young people choose to drink is for social reason, but there can be negatives in this area as well. Young people drinking are more likely to be victims of violent crime, including rape, aggravated assault, and robbery. Drinking underage is also illegal, unless you do so in the presence of your parents or guardians, and if you get caught drinking in a public place you may receive an alcohol caution – something that stays on your police record forever. Studies now suggest that drinking alcohol at intoxicating levels during adolescence may produce permanent, irreversible brain changes in the long-term. An adult brain would return to normal, for the most part, when the alcohol wears off, but unfortunately we now know that an adolescent brain does not. The problem is that many of these effects may actually not be experienced for a long time, and we know that it Friday, 29th May, 2015 is extremely difficult for an adolescent to relate to something if it doesn't happen to them in the short term. Of course, if you are out partying every weekend it is going to have an effect on your schooling – but are you going to see immediate short-term effects on your ability to think and remember things as a result of the alcohol you are drinking? Most probably not. If I am worried about my, or my friend's, drug and alcohol habits what can I do? Most importantly, if you believe that your friend's alcohol or drug use is putting their life at risk – immediately tell someone else about your concerns! You may be concerned that you will be seen as a 'bad friend' or that you broke their trust but that means nothing if they die. You would never forgive yourself. I always advise young people to find a trusted adult to talk to in the first place – a problem shared is a problem halved and that is very true in this instance. A school counsellor can be helpful here – when you are talking about a friend's problem, they don't need to know who that person is so there is no confidentiality issues here. Once you've done that and you believe you may be able to make a difference by talking to them, plan it carefully. Tell them what is worrying you and make these as specific as possible and focused on how their alcohol or other drug use has affected you. Don't talk about how anyone else feels, just you ... e.g., "When you were stoned you became very paranoid and angry. Sometimes I feel scared when you get angry." Although it can be extremely difficult, don't accuse or argue. There is every possibility that the friend may get angry and react in a negative way. Don't ever put yourself in a situation where you could get hurt. *This is an abbreviated version of Paul’s comments. For the full version of the interview, please visit the ‘Counselling Years 7-12’ page found on the left when you log into Lampada. Page 424 Depression: The Elephant in the Room WJ Purbrick This is a topic I have been asked to write about by a friend, and both he and I share similar feelings about it. It is a topic that is rarely talked about or mentioned, and never really delved into, but it is something that plagues the young minds of thousands – the elephant in the room. While on the surface one might appear fine, even a little happy, what happens under the skin can be extremely different – feelings of loneliness, hate, and deep sadness dwell in the minds of people who you could be close to. You might never have thought to ask. Depression is as yet partially undefined because the line is deeply blurred; what one may consider depression another may consider temporary sadness. However, I do know that while the line is a large one, no matter what side of the line these people are on they need someone to share the burden with. You can liken Friday, 29th May, 2015 it to a heavy weight as it is possible for one to carry this load on their backs for a little while, but they will inevitably fall. If this burden can be spread around amongst three or four carriers the weight on each is much less. It is a common mistake, however, to assume that depression means you’re self-destructive. The reality is that very few will take it that step further. But regardless of the time and even severity, it makes life and relationships very difficult. It’s always easier to say “I’m fine” than to admit how you really feel. So many younger people don’t seek help, either from fear of what people will think or the belief that there isn’t help available. Maybe even the thought that they are beyond help? This is far from the truth. This is an issue which has so many potential paths of help that one can take. This is where others need to step in, friends or trusted and respected adults – everyone can be a part of the solution. The causes of depression can be anything, from abuse to just being lonely, or even a chemical imbalance that you are born with, but every person reacts and feels something completely differently. Yet this provides a complication, because at the heart of depression is often a problem, and while it may seem like you can’t tell anyone, it is the only way to move forward. Talking is the most important and effective thing in this situation – talking about everything that is wrong, about what you could do and how you will approach it. While this may seem something small it has an incredibly large effect on a person, it gives them someone to talk to, to lean on, to rely on. It spreads the weight around. And if the weight is spread around, they will not fall. Depression is everyone’s fight. Page 425 Dealing With Grief MKT Lovell To lose someone or something you genuinely care about is always incredibly difficult. To one degree or another, all of us have experienced some level of grief or disappointment. Be it distress at school, the loss of a pet or the passing of a loved one, anguish is very real and at times can certainly seem overwhelming. As in any discussion of grief, it is important to note that the manifestations of everyone’s grief change according to your circumstance and the nature of your loss. In 1969, psychiatrist Elisabeth Kübler-Ross devised a five-stage process that outlined the archetypal response to grief: 1. Denial: “This can’t be happening to me.” 2. Anger: “Why is this happening to me?” 3. Bargaining: “Make this not happen, and in return I will…” 4. Depression: “I’m too sad to do anything.” 5. Acceptance: “I’m at peace with what happened.” This system is designed to bring comfort to those who are experiencing suffering by allowing them to relate their emotions to those others, and to see that healing will occur in time. However, not all those who suffer experience the same process, and that is perfectly okay. Later, Kübler-Ross said of her five stages: “They were never meant to help tuck messy emotions into neat packages. They are responses to loss that many people have, but there is not a typical response to loss, as there is no typical loss. Our grieving is as individual as our lives.” In dealing with grief, it is a similar situation; there is no one solution as no two circumstances are the same. Despite this, there are some key considerations that are important to make during Friday, 29th May, 2015 a time of grief. The first is to seek support. Sharing your burden with people you trust makes it much easier to bear. Attempting to hide your feelings only leads to emotional exhaustion and boilovers. You should not feel as though you are burdening your friends and family by sharing; they will rejoice in supporting you and always strive to be of great support to you. Moreover, joining a bereavement support group or talking to a grief counsellor are sure ways to further understand your emotions and overcome your obstacles. Reading books such as C.S. Lewis’ A Grief Observed can also provide a well-reasoned explanation of the feelings you are facing. The next important consideration is to look after yourself. This takes the form of both mental and physical attentions. Expressing your feelings creatively can be a very helpful tool. Recording your emotions in a journal or making a scrapbook with your best memories of a loved one are very worthwhile investments to make. Further, mental and physical health are linked in more ways than you would expect. By eating well, staying fit and sleeping enough you can improve your emotional wellbeing. Do your best not to turn to drugs or alcohol to attempt to forget your predicament – to face your situation front on is the most efficient way of dealing with it. In any loss, it is important to know that you have family and friends who care for and love you, numerous establishments designed to provide expert advice, and above all a God who has a plan and an unending love for us all. Celebrate the lives of those you love and make the most of every moment you spend with them. Page 426 The Toughest Match of All LN Hughes Top sports stars appear to have it all – success, fame and fortune, but even they are not immune. If 1 in 5 people are affected by mental illness then it is not surprising that our sporting heroes are prone to suffering too. Mental illness has often been a taboo topic, misunderstood and overlooked in the macho environment of sport. It does not sit well in a world of competitiveness, bravado and strength, but it is a devastating illness that has affected many top sportsmen. Beyond Blue chairman Jeff Kennett describes it as being ‘rampant’ amongst Australia’s elite sportsmen. Ironically, sport and physical activity are highly recommended for the relief or prevention of depression, as sport has been proven to have a positive effect on the brain’s metabolism. So why are so many top sportsmen affected? The driven nature of elite sportsmen is what makes them successful in their chosen field, but is also exactly what makes them susceptible to mental illness. Some develop symptoms after Friday, 29th May, 2015 retirement when they go from intense, often obsessive, training regimes to endless hours to fill in the day. For many, their sport is all they have known as they have sacrificed everything in its pursuit. They are parachuted from the highs of elite competition to often career-less lives. The depression may always have been there but may have been repressed due to training and competition. For others it can be the pressure to succeed, the weight of expectation – not only their personal desire for success, but that of their faithful fans. Our celebrity-obsessed culture has turned the modern sportsman into a superstar and the expectations are huge. They need to be public figures and role models as well as excelling on the field. The fans can lift them up to great heights but can also be very unforgiving. In a world of tabloids and media they undergo immense scrutiny. Not to be ignored in the equation is the physiological effects of years of playing high Page 427 impact sports such as football and boxing. The biological damage on the body and the brain can contribute to mental illness in ways that are only recently being discovered. Combine all this with the fact that most sporting stars spend a great deal of time travelling, away from family and friends. Moving house is considered to be one of the most stressful times in one’s life but these sportsmen spend their lives on the move and are removed from the support circles that they may need. Admitting to a problem is something that sportsmen find very difficult because they are conditioned to be both physically and mentally tough. Neil Lennon, the colourful Scottish footballer said “it is an illness that doesn’t manifest itself to the naked eye – you can’t see it and people who suffer from it work hard not to give it away”. If you break your leg you wear a cast, people can see and accept a physical injury Friday, 29th May, 2015 but if you have mental problems there is nothing evident. Andrew ‘Freddie’ Flintoff recently appeared in a BBC documentary titled “The Hidden Side of Sport” in which he spoke to many sporting heroes all too familiar with the pitfalls of mental illness. The flamboyant ex-England Cricket Captain bravely spoke of his own struggles with depression and alcohol: “I was Captain of England and financially successful but instead of walking out confidently … I didn’t want to get out of bed”. The list of sporting stars who have been diagnosed as suffering from mental illness is lengthy, and the number who are publicly acknowledging their struggles is growing. Whilst it is always sad when a sporting idol admits to suffering from a mental illness, we must be proud of them for having the courage to face their own demons and to go public, helping to reduce the stigma and improve public awareness of mental health issues. They may be our sporting heroes but they are still just people and they have to deal with the same, if not more pressures, than the rest of us. Page 428 Interview: Amy Greenwood CYF Li Amy Greenwood is one of Shore Senior School’s two counsellors, and is particularly involved with boys who are linked with the Academic Support Department. She is also responsible for running Shore’s ‘R U OK?’ Day each year. What is your role in the school? If boys are having a tough time at school, it is my job to work with them to work out where they are having a tough time and support them with their difficulties. This may involve completing assessments or through counselling. I think that ‘RUOK’ day is an important event because many boys will have a difficult time at some point during their time at school and it’s good to raise awareness of how they can seek help. Our big push is around ‘help seeking’, that is - seeking help from friends, teachers, parents, or Mr Burns or myself. We also want to make sure that boys know where to find us if they’re having a tough time. What are you hoping will come out of ‘RUOK’ Day? The main point of ‘R U Ok’ Day is for someone to ask a mate how they’re going. The reason we promote it is because we’ve found that boys are most likely in the first instance to let their friends know they’re having a tough time rather than their parents. The main message from ‘RUOK’ day is that asking ‘are you okay?’ can make a huge difference, and that’s why we want boys to do it. We want the students to check in with each other and to look out for their friends. At what point do you think boys should start seeking help for their friends? If the boys notice that their friend’s mood has changed, that things are getting on top of them or they aren’t coping, that’s when they should check in with their friend and seek help. If you’ve noticed a change in your friend, then that would Friday, 29th May, 2015 be a good time to ask ‘are you okay?’. It is also important to remember that you can get help from teachers, parents or counsellors because we don’t expect boys to know how to help all the time. What are the most important things for a boy to do if they know their friend is going through a difficult period? There are probably two things. Firstly, to ask their friends how they’re going, but secondly seek help from someone else. They shouldn’t feel like they could solve all their friend’s problems, and they can come and see us for support. It’s always good to acknowledge someone’s feelings, for example saying ‘I’ve noticed that you’ve been having a tough time,’ and asking if there is anything you can do to make it better. Boys don’t always want to be told what to do, but just listening can be helpful. They could also ask their friends - ‘do you want me to come with you to see the housemaster or to see the counsellor?’ ‘R U OK’ Day suggests that it is important to make sure you’re in the right headspace yourself, listen without judgement and check in with your friend later on to make sure they’re okay. Specifically with Shore Boys, some good times to check in with a friend might include if two of you are walking somewhere before or after school, or if the playground is quiet. What are some ways the senior boys can help with the younger boys in the school? It is always appreciated when older boys say hello to the boys and are friendly to them. It is also helpful to check in with the younger boys about what they like at school and asking what’s going well for them. It means a lot to the younger boys when the senior boys acknowledge and talk to them. Page 429 Being a Mate VA Kancharla I think it’s sad that we have “R U OK” day. I think it’s sad that mental health is so widespread an issue that we have to dedicate a day to it. But more importantly, I think it’s sad that we need to have an official “day” to remind ourselves to look out for our friends. You’d think that was just common sense. So why do we need this reminder? Sad as it is, a lot of us seem to forget the prevalence of mental health issues. And quite often it’s the people closest to us that we overlook – the people whose mental health we take for granted. I’m not saying we should be constantly asking all of our friends whether or not they are okay, but I do think there are some things each of us can do to help alleviate the strains that are mental health issues. 1. Embody the attitude that you want to see in others. All of us know a guy that is simply impossible to dislike. The guy that wears a smile to school as reliably as he wears a school uniform. The guy Friday, 29th May, 2015 who, without fail, can make anyone feel welcome. Maybe that guy should be more of us. 2. Be willing to be supportive. The moment when you find out your mate is doing it tough can be daunting. Most of us have been there. But what comes next is more important – how you handle it. Do you turn your back on them when they need you most? Or do you stick it out with them? 3. Be inclusive. What if you see someone struggling but you aren’t particularly good friends with them? Despite the importance of supporting our friends, it’s equally important to recognize our obligations to all Shore boys. If we can support them on A Ground, we can definitely make an effort to support them in all of their endeavours. With the current state of mental health issues, I think that now, more than ever, we need to recognize our own individual importance. Not only our self-worth, but the value we have in the lives of others. Page 430 “The World Ain’t All Sunshine And Rainbows” WRA Hodge In the recent holidays I went on a study camp where one of the leaders made a pretty bold statement: “life sucks”. I, along with several other boys in my discussion group, very quickly objected, coming from the basis that life’s actually pretty good. We hear so often that we’re privileged people, but the journey along our ‘pretty good’ lives doesn’t come without a few, if not several, speed bumps. Just because we’re privileged doesn’t mean we don’t have issues too. People often think that these issues we face aren’t worth talking about. Be it girlfriend troubles, stress, divorce, loss of loved ones, depression, anxiety, the list could go on, things are worth talking about. In reality, people might not always be able to help you, but talking gives you a very good opportunity to vent your feelings, let others know what’s going on and these people can often find ways to make you feel a lot better about your situation. It’s much easier said than done though: it’s not Friday, 29th May, 2015 easy to talk. Finding the right person can often prove to be the most difficult task. Trust is a big issue in our society and gossip can play a huge role in our day-to-day lives. But there are always people out there that will help. People that won’t judge. People that will listen. Behind all the banter at Shore, we can see peer groups that will always look out for each other. A simple “I need to talk to you about something” to a close friend and they’ll be there to listen to what you have to say. These support networks have played a huge role in my life at the School, and you’d be surprised how willing to help and understanding the people around you are. No matter how big or small your issue, reach and find someone to talk to. Be it a friend, parent, teacher or counsellor, there are always people out that will listen. Always. Like I said earlier, not everyone has the ability to help fix an issue, but letting people know what’s going on is often the first step to finding real help. Page 431 Keeping it Balanced DMC Santone Shore’s staff, old boys and mentors within the school always emphasise that we should participate in a wide range of co-curricular and sporting activities. The power structures within the School constantly explain that an education is not simply limited to or measured by time in the classroom, and that a four-digit number at the end of six years is not the summation of an education. But some boys throw themselves into everything whilst others are quite passive, and don’t take advantage of the tremendous benefits that a holistic education can offer. Without sport and physical exercise, I would argue that Shore would be a vastly different place. A boy’s emotional health is aided through staying fit, let alone exercise’s physical benefits. Training simply two times a week, or running up a steep hill in PE, can be extremely beneficial for our emotional wellbeing. Simple exercise and an increase in our heart rate releases endorphins, which is a natural chemical bi-product of exercise released by our brains. This process has Friday, 29th May, 2015 significant soothing and emotionally nurturing properties, which are so beneficial to keep us in a healthy state of mind. They keep us awake during an Ancient History, Assyrian inscription reading day. Physical exercise and participation in sporting activities for the boys of Shore also allows for a break between sessions of schoolwork. The University of South Carolina even conducted a gender study which found that boys who exercised for a maximum of 1 hour per day felt more confident in class, and had an improvement in their academic performance. For the boys of Shore, especially in the older years, spending the majority of your time at your desk is not effective or productive. You become mentally overwhelmed and physically unhealthy, and with such academic pressure placed upon you it is simply not worth it. A balance is so important, and 30 minutes of exercise a day is all you need to have a healthy body and a healthy mind. Page 432 Why Mental Health is Something We Don’t Talk About JW Sinclair It is one of the great taboos of our age, an issue widely acknowledged, yet rarely mentioned. Initiatives like R U OK day, National Youth Week and organisations like Beyondblue provide assistance, but are often ignored. It really is a wakeup call when we need to have a Record specifically dedicated to mental health and emotional wellbeing to talk about these issues. Throughout our lives we have been shaped and moulded by our parents, our friends, our school, our society. We have learnt that it’s important to be tough, to always get back up after being knocked down, to have integrity, guts, spirit and heart. But what has become evident over time is that a by-product of this overzealous masculinity is a brushing off of emotional connection and wellbeing. As young men, we are taught that it’s not cool to cry, that real men simply grit their teeth and move on. We are trained not to show weakness, through our words or body language. We don’t ask for help, we keep our hands off our heads and our hips and we stand upright on the footy field, we don’t let people know how bad we may be feeling. Of course, there is a time and place to act tough, to be strong. But there needs to be a time Friday, 29th May, 2015 and place where it is acceptable to ask for help, to let someone know you’re not doing great. In our society, we don’t talk to one another about mental health, a genuine inquiry into the life of a mate comes off as awkward and peculiar. But it is this awkward encounter that can potentially save a life. In Australia, youth mental health has hit crisis levels, with over 25% of 18 – 25 year olds suffering from a mental health issue, and over 75% of all mental health problems emerging before the age of 25. The sobering truth is that chances are, one of your friends is suffering from a mental health issue right now. But because of the way we interact with one another, I’d be willing to bet they wouldn’t ever dream of mentioning it, for fear of criticism and scrutiny. This needs to change. We are taught that courage is one of the most important characteristics of a man. So we should show courage. We need to find the courage to pop the question, to say those three magic words that can change a person’s life forever. Those three words that really deserve more than just a week to be spoken about. “Are you okay?” Page 433 A Harsh Reality Sharing is Caring FB Fitzhardinge J Dong “Are you OK?”. “Yes”. “Are you sure?”. ‘I’m actually fine, don’t worry”. This is a common misconception, one that is experienced too often throughout societies, friends and families. I can almost guarantee that one of your closest friends is currently going through something negative and harmful. Recently, I was told about something affecting a close friend which was out of my control, similar to what a large majority of people, both young and old, are experiencing. Whether it is a mental illness, a divorce or a sense of unworthiness, nothing can prepare you for shock that hits almost instantly when you are told of something by someone which is out of your control, whether as a victim or a simple spectator. As a man of Shore, and more importantly as a human, act out with the best interest, not for yourself but for those in need around you, as that is what truly defines us. Dear all suffering due to a harming position to which you have been put in, Reach out to someone you trust your word with. You have friends. You have family. You have teachers. You have helplines. You have each other. I am guaranteeing you, and I am promising you that you are not alone and that you can talk to people. You can do this to relieve stress, solve a problem or simply do it for the sake of trying. I will re-iterate myself as many times as need be, you are not alone, and you can receive guidance and/or and shoulder to rest on. We have all been and all will be placed in situations which can be destructive. I urge you to address the problem as rationally as possible, not as an individual but as a unit of friends, family and teachers. I promise you, things always even out, and things always get better. The three words “sharing is caring” might find their most common use when your friend has a large packet of potato chips, but they apply also to far more important issues (yes, more important that chips). Too often we bottle up our emotions and our troubles within ourselves, and as a result make them seem far worse than they actually are. We try to suppress them but in the process do nothing but make them seem greater. What is the solution to this? As you’ve probably guessed, it’s sharing. No, it’s not giving your friends chips (why would you ever do that), but sharing your feelings and troubles with those whom you feel comfortable. Simply by talking about it, by expressing it in words rather than in unspecified fears, we can make our emotional problems smaller and less frightening. What’s more, to share costs nothing at all. It does not cost you money, stress, or even precious potato chips to share with somebody, and nor does it cost them anything to listen and to provide a shoulder for you to lean/cry/ whatever you please upon. With a little time, and a little rational thought, what seemed like a large problem can become the smallest of your worries. And, in case you were feeling insecure about the other person caring, they will care (at least in the vast majority of cases). Who, except perhaps the most deranged of psychopaths, would not care about the plight of a friend, and who would not take a little time to talk it over, to share the burden and to lighten it? So if you do have something troubling you, or a deep dark secret that needs to be shared, do not be afraid to do so. People will care, people will help, and you will be helped too. You can share your potato chips as well. Friday, 29th May, 2015 Page 434 Top 5 Simple Things to Do in Order to Help Someone in Need TP Shaw In light of this week’s special edition on Mental Health I thought it would be important to put forth some simple things that you can do to help out one of your mates who is going through a tough time. 1. Be aware of how your friends are behaving. Most of the telltale signs of mental health issues are expressed through someone’s behaviour. This includes physical appearance and also how they act in social situations. Make note of how your friends would normally act and compare this to their current situation to determine their mental wellbeing. 2. Be a friend not an expert. Sometimes the only thing people need is to be surrounded by normal situations. Often the cause of their ill health is from an unusual situation in their life and one of the best remedies is to be surrounded by normal situations. Don’t try and be an expert on all of their issues, just be their mate. 3. Talk to them if you notice something unusual. As guys we aren’t very good at expressing our emotions and sometimes we need someone to ask us how we are going before we can get help. The best thing you can do for your friends is to ask them how they are going and if Friday, 29th May, 2015 they are struggling with anything in their life. This can be really beneficial to people as it allows them to let out issues that have been weighing them down, and also to get another opinion on issues in their life. Conversation is the best remedy. 4. Refer your mate onto a counsellor. When helping one of your friends out it is important to realise that we are just school students with no experience in counselling. The service we can provide will often be second rate to that of a professional counsellor, which is why it is very important to persuade your friend to talk to someone more experienced about the situation they are in. 5. Be constructive, not destructive. This should be a given within any friendship, however there are times when a joke is made at the expense of someone else. This should be kept to an absolute minimum because it can lead to or worsen someone’s mental health. Being a constructive friend will build people up and can assist someone in improving their emotional wellbeing. These five tips are practical and simple ways that you can help any of your friends who are going through a tough time. Page 435 Social media: villain or victor? B Jefferson It’s the repetitive refrain of modern-day adolescence: technology is bad for mental health. Parents and teachers hold up examples of cyber-bullying and social media-related depression. We hear in ads and school programs that spending time on Facebook and Instagram can sap our self-confidence. Contrary to what technology marketers say, and most young people think, social media is nothing but bad news for mental health. It’s time to take a more critical, even and optimistic look at this argument. Backing up the negative view of social media is a slew of articles with titles such as “9 Ways Technology Affects Mental Health”. They draw on a number of studies conducted in the last few years that suggest a link between heavy usage of technology and “fatigue, stress and depression”. A 2012 survey by Anxiety UK found that 51% of social media users thought that it had changed their behaviour for the worse; two thirds found it difficult to relax and sleep after logging in. Just looking at this evidence, it would be easy to conclude that social media has a net negative effect on mental wellbeing. Stress, anxiety, depression, addiction and insecurity can come from use of sites like Facebook; scientists suggest this is because we compare ourselves to others while using them, and unfairly see ourselves as inadequate or isolated from a group, particularly when the activity is passive and the person is not communicating and sharing with others. However, it’s also possible to consider social media as a way of dealing with mental health issues positively. DepressioNet, one of Australia’s online guides to coping with and overcoming depression, suggests that “social media can be good for your health”—contrary to the claims found in most newspapers and web articles. Firstly, they argue, it offers an outlet for people Friday, 29th May, 2015 who feel disconnected and disengaged within their “real world” community. The internet enables them to communicate with people in a different, less stressful forum. Social media sites can also aid in breaking down stigma about mental health. There are a lot of people who wouldn’t be reading this article now if I hadn’t emailed it to the Editor and had it posted on the Shore website – case in point. Finally, social media’s capacity for data collection allows organisations working to overcome mental health problems to have access to a vast catalogue of information that will help them to understand the issues people are facing and how to deal with them. A process that might have taken years of research and millions of dollars in scientific grants has been sped up to a process of days or weeks. Ultimately, technology is entirely based on how we use it. Editions of the Weekly Record like this one are important for spreading the word about mental health, but are useless if we don’t take the responsibility for mental wellbeing into our own hands. It goes without saying that cyberbullying is unacceptable, but we need to consider our social media interactions on a more profound level; the comment you made for a cheap laugh at the expense of someone else could be compounding a lifetime of insecurity and anxiety. The message you sent to someone, thinking there would be no consequences, could end up ruining someone’s life. Social media can be a great way of building up confidence and community spirit, but it needs to be used well by every member of a group for it to be effective. Even outside of mental health week, we should keep watch for the wellbeing of everyone in our community, and that includes online. Technology can be a great thing for mental health but it relies on us, the boys of our generation, to make it so. Page 436 Sexual Orientation and Mental Health John Burns - School Counsellor Andrew* is a boy in Year 11 who is experiencing same-sex attraction. This isn’t easy for Andrew. He can’t seem to stop thinking about, or being attracted to boys. He is fearful of how his parents would respond if he told them and he thinks that he can’t tell any of his friends at Shore about feelings. One of the key tasks for all teenagers is the development of their sexual identity. Sexual orientation refers to the sex of the people to whom a person is sexually and romantically attracted. For most young men this is not necessarily difficult: in a predominantly ‘straight’ world they are attracted to females. However, for some young men, making sense of their sexual orientation becomes more complex as they become aware of their own same sex attraction. Although popular convention is that people are either heterosexual or homosexual, the reality is that “sexual orientation does not always appear in such definable categories and instead occurs on a continuum . . . [and] some research indicates that sexual orientation is fluid for some people”**. Sadly, mental health problems - including anxiety, depression and substance abuse - are more common in young people who are gay, lesbian or bisexual. To a large degree this can be explained by the experience of feeling ostracized, victimised or stigmatised within their peer group, family and school. What should be the response of Shore boys? I want to offer three simple responses that could make a huge difference to our boys who experience same sex attraction or who are struggling with their gender identity. First, let’s not assume that everyone is ‘straight’. Boys in your classes, your rugby team, your cadet company, your House may be Friday, 29th May, 2015 experiencing a wide range of complex and confusing thoughts and feelings about their own sexuality. Second, let’s take a strong stance on the use of derogatory, sexuality-based language. If you hear another boy using such expressions as ‘gay’ or ‘fag’, take the brave move to tell him that you don’t appreciate such comments. Finally, let’s remember that every boy in the school is a precious and valued part of God’s creation. At the centre of the School’s Christian foundation is the belief that every boy is accepted and loved by God. * A fictitious name and scenario, but based on real boys I have seen for counselling. **From the American Psychological Society’s Guidelines for Psychological Practice with Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Clients Page 437 4 Ways to Feel Mentally Healthy TC McLennan In conjunction with this week’s special edition on mental health I have decided to write about four ways to improve people’s emotional wellbeing. Most of these strategies have worked for me at some time during my life and ultimately have made me feel more mentally healthy. Sleep: One of my favourite pastimes is guessing how much sleep people have had the previous night. As people arrive at school in the morning it is soon obvious who has slept and who hasn’t. You have the serial offenders who regularly get less than 6 hours sleep a night and then you get the occasional late night crammer who turns up with bags under their eyes and usually have a very low willingness to talk. As most people would know over 8 hours of sleep is recommended for adolescents, a time which most people do not achieve. However when it comes down to it most of us can increase the amount of time we get to sleep by reducing our procrastination and increasing the efficiency at which we do our day to day tasks. Talk: Most people have extremely busy schedules which means there is very little time to think. It is important that you discuss with friends, family and teachers what is troubling you or something you are not 100% certain about. From past experience these third parties may provide you with feedback on how to improve or simply affirm what you were previously thinking. This simple act can help remove the mental burden of uncertainty. Go for a walk: Often when I am feeling stressed, struggling to concentrate or uncertain about something I find it helpful to stand up, go for a walk in the fresh air and think. It always surprises me how relaxing the cool winter air and the sparkling of the stars can be – especially on lowering stress. Friday, 29th May, 2015 Exercise: When discussing exercise with others I always feel slightly hard done by as people rave about the endorphins and happy hormones they receive after their exercise. Realistically when I think about exercise I remember the heaving breath and aching muscles which accompany this act, and complain about the insufficient supply of endorphins which follows. Despite the fact that I feel that my body does not produce endorphins, the benefits of exercise are truly visible. You feel healthier, fresher and proud of what you have achieved despite the feeling of pain which engulfs your body. Overall these 4 strategies have are the main four things which I feel most people can implement to make themselves have a happier, healthier life. Page 438 Jesus Changes Your Life AJ Smith Life isn’t easy. It really is one big roller coaster, filled with constant ups and downs. You get a solid mark in a maths test, but you get dropped from your rugby team. You get praise from your teacher for working hard, but you are criticised by your peers for trying to be the teacher’s pet. You see, the number of ups and downs in our lives is infinite and is mostly out of our hands. But what is in your hands is how you deal with these joys and defeats. Anxiety is something that plagues teenagers in our society. 25% of teenage males, and 30% of teenage females, are struggling with anxiety as a mental illness. And the most concerning thing is that these statistics are on the rise. Feelings of isolation, worry, sadness, low selfcontrol and dissatisfaction are becoming more and more evident in our lives. Why? Well one could forever debate the reasons surrounding this rise, but that is not why I wrote this article. I wrote this article to propose a way, my way and “Trials and troubles the Christian way, come, hearts break and of dealing with dreams are gone, but in anxiety. him our hope is sure, On the surface, for some people, Jesus died to save us Christianity seems all” just like a bunch of rules, but they couldn’t be more wrong. It’s all about a relationship. A relationship between you and God. For me, and for many others, this relationship is what they value most in their lives. It’s what gives their life guidance on how to live it and ultimately it gives them hope. Now to many this seems like foolishness, and Paul speaks of this in his letter to the Corinthians where he says that the gospel is foolish to those who don’t believe. But for those that do, this relationship not only provides guidance and hope, Friday, 29th May, 2015 but it provides fulfilment. This relationship allows you to be released from the many burdens of this world, including one of the biggest facing teenagers today, that of anxiety. I come across many worries and anxieties in life, but if you are a Christian God calls us to cast them on him, and that’s exactly what I do. This relationship allows you to cast your anxiety on the Lord knowing that he will take care of you, and that no matter what happens you will always have a relationship with him. A relationship of love, of mercy, of grace and of forgiveness. This relationship allows you to have full confidence in the fact that God is in control and that he has our lives in the palm of his hand, and that no matter what happens he has control over your life. Christians can trust that his plan is the best one, and that he has crafted one specifically for us. Although this plan doesn’t necessarily mean no more suffering, we can trust that God is good and his plan is too. A plan to build us, grow us in character and strengthen our relationship with him. What am I trying to say? Well, if you’re struggling with a burden such as anxiety I want to say to you that personally, as a Christian, I think God is the best way to lift this burden. Take it or leave it, that’s your choice, but for me and 2 billion other Christians in the world, this relationship has changed our lives. Page 439 Is It Really Just Banter? DR Latham Within many schools, especially boys’ schools, “banter” is a very common thing. It is defined as “the playful and friendly exchange of teasing remarks.” But is there a point when banter becomes too serious? It is very well for someone to say “it’s just banter” but the decision of whether or not it is banter comes down to the person it is directed towards. It is for this reason that communicating and sharing is very important in the life of a school, especially at a boys’ school where sometimes sharing and communicating is not a priority. I’m not here to tell you that banter will cause mental health issues for people, far from it. But the point is that you never really know what is going on in a person’s life outside, or even inside, school. What you think of as banter could actually be causing harm to a person, and you may be completely unaware of this. Friday, 29th May, 2015 And this is where the importance of communicating comes into play. Whether you are the person directing the banter or having it directed at you, it is important to communicate. That might just be saying, “I don’t find this enjoyable, can you please stop” or it might be actually explaining to them why you don’t like what they are doing. They are both equally as important, because if the people dishing out the banter have no idea about its impact then they are not likely to ever stop. Having said this it should not be the sole responsibility of the person receiving the banter to speak up. It can never hurt to ask someone if what you are saying/ doing is okay with them or if they want you to stop. So just think about that next time you are giving or receiving banter, and maybe stop for a minute and talk to each other to make sure the banter is not going too far. Page 440 Defying the Expectations CB Fitzhardinge Upon learning that the topic for this week’s issue was mental health, I was very excited for it is a topic which, over the past year or so, I have become increasingly more knowledgeable about. I should begin by making it clear that mental health is a complicated and somewhat delicate topic which can be tackled from a number of angles - and what I endeavour to explore in this article is the subject not of mental health but of mental disability. I’m sure, as you flip through this issue, your eyes will scan articles concerning certain mental illnesses and certain types of treatment and circumstances. However, I want to look at this subject from a whole new perspective. Firstly, I wish to begin by looking at what a mental illness is actually perceived to be. According to the Oxford dictionary, a mental illness is a condition which causes serious disorder in a person’s behaviour or way of thinking. The free dictionary Friday, 29th May, 2015 online states that a mental illness is any of various disorders in which a person's thoughts, emotions, or behaviour are so abnormal as to cause suffering to himself, herself, or other people. Disorders. Suffering. Abnormal. Everything I read told me that people with mental illnesses suffer – but as I learnt late last year, mental or intellectual disability is a totally different issue. At the end of last year, I became part of a group of 25 Shore boys, and 25 PLC girls, who participated in the 2014 Sony Camp. The Sony Camp, for those who don’t know, is a program which seeks to provide parents of children suffering from physical and mental disabilities with respite: a couple of days during which we students take over their role and live 24/7 with these children. It enables these parents to take a break and perhaps spend time on themselves and their other children, time which they would not normally have. It is a fantastic initiative, and was Page 441 a real eye-opener for me. The reason I bring this up, is because the young boy who I was responsible for during the camp, and developed a very close relationship with, happened to suffer from a range of mental disorders, most notably severe autism and severe ADHD. I won’t lie, things were difficult with him. Being only seven years old, he proved to be a huge challenge for both myself and my partner companion, and for those three days, I became properly exposed for the first time to what it means to have an intellectual disability. He was a beautiful boy, but it’s safe to say that he was in his own little world. Yet despite the constant struggle to feed him, and clothe him and even to communicate with him, there was something about him that struck me. It occurred to be the second night of the camp, when I allowed him to play on my iPhone as a reward for eating all of his dinner - and what happened next amazed me. He took my phone, and in one swift motion, punched in my four digit passcode – a passcode which I am adamant that I did not show him - before reconfiguring the settings and playing his favourite game, Temple Run. The only times he could have learnt the combination to my phone was when he had witnessed me entering the code, and even then he could only have seen my phone screen from a glance. The next thing which he did, that was truly Friday, 29th May, 2015 incredible, occurred the following day. He was basically mute. His vocabulary consisted of roughly three words: yes, no and goodbye (the latter was generally directed at me every time he decided to pull a runner). However, one night, I had been walking with him, and we had just finished watching a segment of Snow White on his iPad. All of a sudden, he began to flawlessly recite the entire scene, word-for-word, probably totalling about eight minutes of dialogue. He did not look at me, or appear to be alert to his surroundings, but over and over again he recited without fault. Once again, I was dumbstruck. As the camp progressed, I began to notice more of these glimpses of brilliance. He could remember number patterns effortlessly, piece puzzles back together in record-breaking timing, and yet at the same time, he struggled to chew a vegemite sandwich. My first impressions of my camper had been that he was somewhat a shell of a child, unresponsive, heavily medicated, and unwilling to involve himself in any activities that the other children participated in. But as the camp progressed, I grew increasingly closer to him. These small moments of sheer genius were more than enough to convince me that there was indeed someone in there. I remember feeling immense frustration at not being able to tap into that genius. My time with my camper on Sony Camp was truly unforgettable, and while I did become exposed to the harsh reality of dealing with a disability, my eyes were also opened to the fact that beneath it all, there can still exist something incredible, something that defies expectation and screams intelligence, and above all hope. For those who don’t believe me, I urge you to take some time out of your busy schedule and go and talk to someone who may have an intellectual disability, because while it will mean the world to them, like me, there’s a good chance you’ll walk away with an entirely new perspective on the subject. Page 442 Where Can I Get Help? If you would like to find out more about any of the matters raised in this special edition of the SWR, or, you would like to speak to someone about your own emotional health, here are some places you can get further help: Websites: http://www.youthbeyondblue.com/ Here is a website with information, resources and support for young people dealing with depression and/or anxiety. It lists the symptoms of anxiety and depression, as well as having a link to a simple checklist aimed at ‘measuring’ how anxiety and depression may have affected you recently. http://www.biteback.org.au/ BITE BACK is all about improving resilience, wellbeing & mental fitness. Join for free and get full access to all their activities and discussions where people are amplifying the good stuff in life. https://www.ruok.org.au/ The website aimed at encouraging people to take an interest in how their mates are going. They have a simple 4 step process to follow if you are worried about the emotional health of a friend. http://au.reachout.com/ ReachOut.com is Australia’s leading online youth mental health service, where you can get the help you need, where and when you need it. On ReachOut.com, you will find help through factsheets, tools, Apps, Community forums, stories, videos, and other random content types, like lists. http://www.drugs.health.gov.au/internet/ drugs/publishing.nsf/content/youth This is the youth drug and alcohol site of the Department of Health’s National Drugs campaign. It has information about the impact of drugs, how to cope with pressure from peers, how to support your friend with a drug or alcohol problem, and heaps of other great stuff. Friday, 29th May, 2015 Counselling: The Shore Counselling Team: Any Shore boy can get counselling from the Shore counselling team. You can find out about counselling at Shore through the Counselling page on Lampada, including information about our counsellors, how to make an appointment and links to heaps of really interesting emotional health websites Your GP: Family doctors don’t just help with physical health problems. Your family doctor is a great place to get help for your emotional health problems. General Practitioners (GPs) can assess what is going on for you and put together a plan to help. Kids Helpline: Kids Helpline is Australia's only free, private and confidential, telephone and online counselling service specifically for young people aged between 5 and 25. You can talk to them about anything, including family or friendship problems, school or study worries, or your own emotions. Their phone number is 1800 55 1800. Counselling services near where you live: There are plenty of experienced counsellors across Sydney. The counselling team at Shore can put you in touch with a counsellor near you who is experienced at working with a wide range of emotional health difficulties. Your local hospital: If you, or a friend, is ever having a real emotional health emergency you should go straight to your local hospital Emergency Department. They have experienced mental health counsellors to help – 24 hours a day. The main hospitals in the areas where Shore boys live are Royal North Shore Hospital, Hornsby Hospital, Manly Hospital and Mona Vale Hospital. All these hospitals have Emergency Departments. Page 443 Friday, 29th May, 2015 Page 444 Team Opponent Result Score 1st XI 2nd XI 3rd XI 4th XI 5th XI 6th XI 7th XI 16A XI 16B XI 16C XI 15A XI 15B XI 15C XI 14A XI 14B XI 14C XI 14D XI 14E XI 13A XI 13B XI 13C XI 13D XI 13E XI SBHS SBHS SBHS SBHS SBHS SBHS SBHS SBHS SBHS SBHS SBHS SBHS SBHS SBHS SBHS SBHS SBHS SBHS SBHS SBHS SBHS SBHS SBHS Won Won Won Won Won Won Loss Draw Loss Loss Draw Loss Loss Draw Won Won Draw Loss Won Won Won Won Won 3-2 2-0 5-0 2-0 6-2 2-1 0-2 2-2 0-1 0-1 1-1 0-1 0-3 1-1 4-1 4-1 3-3 0-3 3-1 3-1 4-1 8-0 3-0 Team Opponent Result Score 1 XI 2nd XI 3rd XI 4th XI 5th XI 6th XI 8th XI 16A XI 16B XI 16C XI 16D XI 15A XI 15B XI 15C XI 14A XI 14B XI SJC SJC SJC SJC SJC Shore 7 Shore 6 SJC SJC SPC SJC SJC SJC SJC SJC SJC Lost Lost Draw Loss Won Won Draw Lost Lost Lost Draw Won Loss Won Loss Draw 0-3 1-2 1-1 0-1 6-3 2-0 1-1 0-6 0-3 1-2 0-0 3-1 1-2 5-0 0-2 2-2 14C XI SJC Won 6-0 14D XI 14E XI 13A XI 13B XI 13C XI 13D XI 13E XI Shore E Shore D SJC SJC SPC Shore E Shore D Won Lost Draw Won Draw Won Loss 6-0 0-6 3-3 7-0 2-2 2-1 1-2 st Goal Scorer C. Cox, J. Meyers, O. Puflett C. Ftizhardinge, T. Ackery C. Baikie 2, A. Cerroti, C.Yuncken, C. Culey A. Morrison, M. Taylor M. Lovell 2, C. Collis 2, N. Ridge 1, B.Nutall 1 N. Gregson J. Newbrun and C. Little E. Royle A. Bogatez A. Bogatez E. Blair, W. St Quintin, M. Bauer, C. Taylor J. Chick, N. Leijer, K. Shi M. Crayn 2, O. Daish-Gorge 1 C. Lobb 2, T. Green 1 L. Krawchuk 1, G. Bertini 1, E. Cutler 2 J. Griffiths 4, D. Kellahan 3, J. Lam 1 A. Buchanan Goal Scorer J. Gillespie 1 A. Cerroti 1 C. Collis 3, M. Lovell 1, N. Ridge 1, B. Nuttall 1 M. Chang 1, N. Gregson 1 L. McMurray 1, A. Middleton 1 E. Townsend-Medlock 1 T.Trevelyan-Jones 1, M. Mattison1, O. Kennedy 1 J. Sarikas 1 D. Emslie 3, C. Wilson 1, O Mufford 1 W. Arnott 1, S. Abrahamian 1 N. Charrett 1, T. Cole 1, K. Smyth 1, SJC own goal, J. Treleaven 1, M. Bauer 1 J. Chick 1, J. Condon 1, D. Pudig 2, M. Huang 1, T. Usher 1 M. Crayn 2, W. Scougall 1 T. Green 3, J. Davis-Rice 2, M. Byrne 1, T. Mufford 1 O. Rajaratnam 1, G. Bertini 1 T. Jackson 1, D. Kellahan 1 W. Bucknell 1 Page 445 Team 1st XV 2nd XV 3rd XV 4th XV 5th XV 6th XV 7th XV 8th XV 9th XV 16A XV 16B XV 16C XV 16D XV 16E XV 16F XV 15A XV 15B XV 15C XV 15D XV Opponent SJC 1 SJC 2 SJC 3 SJC 4 SJC 5 SJC 6 SJC 7 SJC 8 SJC 9 SJC A SJC B SJC C SJC D SJC E SJC F SJC A SJC B SJC C 15E XV 15F XV 14A XV 14B XV 14C XV 14D XV 14E XV 13A XV 13B XV 13C XV 13D XV 13E XV 13F XV SJC F SJC G SJC H SJC A SJC B SJC C SJC D SJC E SJC A SJC B SJC C SJC D SJC E SJC F 13G XV SJC G Friday, 29th May, 2015 Result Lost Lost Lost Lost Lost Lost Lost Lost Lost Lost Lost Lost Lost Lost Lost Lost Lost Lost Won Score 14 - 45 0 - 27 0 - 41 0 - 49 0 - 10 0 - 88 10 - 38 0 - 68 0 - 101 5 - 55 7 - 45 0 - 36 7 - 24 7 - 52 10 - 49 0 - 78 12 - 26 0 - 19 Lost Lost Lost Lost Lost Lost Lost Lost Lost Lost Lost Lost Lost 29 - 0 0 - 51 10 - 39 12 - 31 0 - 51 0 - 53 24 - 27 5 - 84 5 - 49 0 - 20 5 - 29 19 - 24 10 - 40 25 - 27 Won 22 - 15 Point Scorers L Rixon 2 tries: M Sinclair 2 conversions A Carmichael, S Higgs tries N Preece try O Fielke try: B Rixon conversion J Foster try: O Vinter conversion A Francis try Bucknell, Francis tries J Farr-Jones, T Wagstaff tries: D Jackson conversion A Neale, N Rigby, M McCook, J Bloore, J Tan tries: J Gibson 2 conversions J Seabrook, J Bremner tries H Ohlsson 2 tries: H Lucas conversion C Wood try R Moore try L Young 2, A Dowling tries: L Easton 2 conversions M Parras, R Elvy tries E Barron 2, T Riddell 2, F McCredie tries H Loader, C Hwang, C Weston, A Bennett tries: T North conversion Page 446 The Shore Cross Country team turned out in good numbers for the first race in the 2015 points score season last Saturday. The venue was Sydney Park for the first time since 2012 and the notoriously hilly course did not disappoint. Plenty of mud and wet conditions proved to be a good challenge for all athletes. In the Junior 4km race the team placed 6th overall on the point score, with Hamish Longworth impressively placing 7th in GPS. Other impressive performances included Ryan Treleaven’s 36th, Alex Sewell’s 44th and Sam Kaplan’s 57th rounding out the top four and showing promising potential for the season ahead. In the Intermediate 6km race the team showed true grit to finish in 5th place, one place higher than last week. Fraser McKinlay was the fastest runner finishing 15th, followed closely by Matthew Moran in 24th, Darcy James in 41st place and James MacGregor in 42nd to complete the top four. The Senior team looked to extend their win from last week and build a lead in the point score over the 8km course. Ed Trippas and Ed Goddard lead the front pack of four which also featured the national 3000m Silver Medallist. The pack dropped to three as the runners approached the final lap. Ed Trippas surged up the steep hills to win, with Ed Goddard coming in 2nd. Ben Muston was the 3rd place runner for the Shore team coming in at 7th and Jack Whelan placed 20th. Angus Pryde also made a good effort to finish his first race of the season in 26th. The Senior team placed 2nd, only 10 points behind Scots. Cross Country will be at Riverview at 9am next week for GPS and CIS selections so any support would be greatly appreciated. EJK Goddard Cross Country Captain Friday, 29th May, 2015 Page 447 Friday, 29th May, 2015 Page 448