Ridley News

We began Term 4 in Ridley House with a look at the infamous Torrey Canyon shipwreck and subsequent oil spill. When I delved into the story with the boys it became obvious that I was looking to discuss much more than the event itself. The fate of the Torrey Canyon, wrecked off the coast of Southern England in 1967, was more to do with decision making than poor navigation. I discussed with the boys the concept of “Plan Continuation Bias”, that is, setting a plan and sticking with it, even though circumstances may have changed and the course that you originally set is no longer suitable. The takeaway from the discussion was that there are times when we all, teenagers and adults alike, need to; stop and listen to others, heed good advice and think of other options.

During Week 2 this term the College celebrated the many achievements of our students from throughout the year. Congratulations to the following boys on their achievements this year and a particular congratulations to two of our seniors who were awarded “Major Awards”, namely: Oliver Lee who was awarded “The Br Terence Heinrich Memorial Prize for First Aggregate in Year 12” and Jude Knapp who was awarded “The Des Ridley Memorial Cup for Sportsman of the Year”.

Year 7

Parker Stayte – Japanese

Year 8

Jeremy Harvey – Japanese

Hamish Jackson – Visual Art

Year 9

Allesander Javier – Digital Tech , Science, Japanese, NAPLAN – Spelling and Top Score

Lucas Dempsey – Geography, Drama

Oli Eaton – Business

Year 10

Cooper McGinn – General Engineering, Specialist Maths

Matt Rowston – French

Will Lukin – General Science

Year 11

EthanLawson-Smith – Drama in Practice

Alex Apelt – Specialist Maths, Maths Methods, Engineering

Xavier Simms – Cert II Engineering

Ethan Purcell - Geography

Harry Dyer - DUX

Sport and Wellbeing Awards

Middle Years Swimming – Archer Mellifont

Senior Rugby – Harry Thomson

Senior League – Cooper Price

Three Violets Award Middle – Oli McGauley

Three Violets Award Senior – Josh Dempsey

Year 12

Oli Lee – 1st Economics

                - 2nd – Literature, Specialist Maths

Darcey Salter – 1st Biology

                - 2nd – Maths Methods

Max Murray – 1st – Modern History

                2nd – Ancient History

Liam McEacherm – 1st Essential English

Harry Cunynghame – 1st Sport & Rec Studies

Jude Knapp – 2nd Business

Cruz Day – 2nd Engineering

Mission and Culture Awards

Mates Platinum – Harry Cunynghame and Archie Ryan

Major Awards

The Br Terence Heinrich Memorial Prize for First Aggregate in Year 12 - Oliver Lee

The Des Ridley Memorial Cup for Sportsman of the Year - Jude Knapp

Week 3 saw us farewell our Senior class for 2023. Classic photos and a flashback video from Year 7 days were a highlight, reminding us all just how much the boys had changed. What hasn’t changed is this year 12 group’s willingness to be involved and to enjoy themselves. They will be missed but we wish them all the best in their adventures ahead.

And as one group of leaders complete their task another is ready to step into their shoes. The Ridley seniors of 2024 have chosen wisely and selected five very impressive young men to lead them in 2024. We wish Harry Lee, Josh Dempsey, Ethan Torrens, Tom Howard and Jake Benson all the best for the year ahead. 

Our Year 11 group stayed in the spotlight and took part in the annual Year 11 Social, held at Victoria Park Golf Club on Thursday 19 October. The boys certainly presented themselves well but what was most pleasing was the manner in which they conducted themselves. I was delighted to have been introduced to so many wonderful young ladies who were partnering with our young men on the night. A great night was had by all.  

And finally, the House Cup kicked off again in Term 4. Three great events have been held, namely: The Ignatius Chess Competition, The Gilroy Ash Dash and the Ephrem Rock Climb. A special thanks to all the boys who volunteered to be involved and support the House through the use of their talents.