Rush House

As the second term of the year draws to a close, I just want to take a moment to look back at a couple of key events that the Rush Rampage were involved in.

Man Cave Workshop

In Week 1 of this term, Year 10 students participated in a full-day incursion from the The Man Cave. It was an immersive experience that encouraged students to explore the concept of masculinity and the impacts of outdated and stereotypical societal expectations placed on men, and it worked to build healthier relationships with themselves and those around them. I spoke with several students after the event, and they all provided positive feedback and said that it was a worthwhile experience. The workshop created a safe space for participants to have real conversations with each other, and I witnessed many Rush students embrace the challenge and enter into honest discussions around mental health, relationships/consent and pressures around masculinity. It provided many points for thought and discussion after the experience.

Science – Year 7

I happened to walk past a Year 7 Rush Science class earlier in the term, and saw them engaged in a practical Science experience relating to testing soil. I witness all students engaged in the task and working well with one another. I thought I would take a couple of photos of the boys in action. 

Foley Volleyball

A popular House Cup event this term was Foley Volletball. The Rush team made it through Round 1 and got knocked out, in a close game, in the semi-final. Thanks to those who formed part of the team – some of the boys are pictured below.

Year 11 Leadership Day

UPP (Unleashing Personal Potential) ran a full day workshop with the Year 11s around the topic of Leadership. This ‘officially’ commenced their leadership journey, and the subsequent ASH lessons were centred around their role in the College as Seniors next year. In addition to useful information and advice, the day consisted of various challenges that required teamwork, patience and support of one another. As Head of House, it was a good opportunity for me to see who stepped up and used their skills to lead the group. The Rush Year 11s did well in encouraging one another throughout the process, and I look forward to continue working with this group around ‘leadership’.

Rush 105 Pastoral Group – Pizza Lunch

105 PG organised a pizza lunch after hitting internally set goals around attendance to House events last term. It seemed to be a good motivation and I thank Ms Dekkers for organising this – the boys definitely enjoyed this time together.

Liveworks

I attended Liveworks, which was an evening to showcase Arts at the College by highlighting a couple of Music and Drama performances, films made in Media and artwork created in class. I was able to see artwork from Year 7 Rush, as well as a film that was made by Sam Coleman and included Archie Breitkreuz and Will de Maria. It was an enjoyable evening.

Jane Wilcox – Champagnat Award Winner

Congratulations to Jane Wilcox, mother of Sam (2024 Graduate – Rush 106 PG) and Charlie (Year 12 – Rush 108 PG), for winning the Community Champagnat Award for her work with Marist Family Support. I have worked with Jane for many years and know the work she puts in behind the scenes; she is a wonderful human and I am proud to have her as part of the Rush family. She gives willingly of her time to support those who are struggling, and her compassion, kindness and sensitivity reflect the Catholic values that we hold dear. Congratulations again, Jane – well deserved.

House BBQ

Once again, we had a Rush House BBQ before we commenced Exam Block, which is always a nice community building event. Thank you to the Year 11s who cooked and served the BBQ. This time, we had a Year 5 and 6 class join us to help strengthen the connection between Primary and Secondary. Unfortunately, it was raining so we didn’t have a chance to play handball and basketball together (which was the plan), but many conversations were had during this time.

Rush House Mass

The Mission Office extended an invitation to Rush House for the Wednesday morning Community Mass in Week 9. It was during Exam Block, which was a nice time to gather as a group, pause from the busyness and study, and celebrate Mass together. Thank you those who were able to attend.

Athletics Day

It was another enjoyable Athletics Day this year. Due to oval closures, there are some events that still need to take place in Week 1 next term, before a result is determined. We definitely had a good start, and I spoke with many students who achieved well across a variety of events. It was good to see each year level work together, with the members they had, and support each other to give it their best shot – sadly, there were a few ‘key players’ absent. The only way that Rush can remain at the top of the House Cup ladder is to show this level of support. Good luck to the Rush Rampage! We will know placings early next term.

Mother and Son Lunch

On Monday of Week 10, the Year 12 Mother and Son Lunch took place at the Intercontinental Hotel. It was a great opportunity for the boys to spend a few hours with their mothers as the focus. I also enjoyed being able to touch base with some Rush mothers. The event really emphasised how little time the Seniors have left, and boys were encouraged to consider what they are thankful for when it comes to the sacrifices their mothers have made for them to get to this point. Oli Bishop (106 PG) spoke well to this, and then his mother, Selena Bishop, gave the reply on behalf of the mothers, with some really poignant advice. 

There were quite a few rainy days mid-term, and one staff member was able to capture the following image, which is a nice reminder to look for the beauty in amongst the dark and grey – a message that can be hard to remember sometimes.

All the best for the break ahead. I hope that the Rush family has an opportunity to spend some quality time together, and the boys have a chance to rest and recharge. Thank you for your continued support. I look forward to working with everyone again in Term 3. God bless.