Wellbeing - Senior School

International Boys School Coalition (IBSC) Conference: Cultivating Humanity: A Compelling Responsibility in Boys Education’.

In recent days I have had the opportunity to attend the IBSC Conference held in Adelaide, where one speaker described adolescence existing in the “decade of disorientation,” highlighting how students, teachers and parents are navigating shifting expectations around masculinity, relationships, and identity. Particular attention was given to the data indicating the rising levels of student anxiety, with statistics suggesting these rates are now worse than those experienced during the pandemic.

It was a privilege to hear the keynote address from renowned UK teacher and academic, Tom Bennett. His presentation titled ‘No More Lost Boys,’ utilised J. M. Barrie’s Peter Pan as a metaphor for boys’ identity formation; in Bennett’s framing, some boys become ‘lost’ or ‘unanchored’ when they lack structure, stable role models, clear boundaries and meaningful pathways to status and belonging. He also warned that a ‘digital Neverland’—particularly gaming and online identity-making - can provide substitute meaning, fraternity and achievement while pulling students away from real-world connection. His central argument was that character is built through environment and habit (“character is built, not found”), and that schools and parents have powerful levers—clarity, consistency, modelling, and recognition—to help boys navigate the transition from boyhood to responsible young adulthood.

Presentations from researchers based at Monash University also explored the growing influence of the online ‘manosphere’ and the challenges it presents for adolescent boys. These presentations examined how algorithm-driven online platforms are shaping some boys’ and young men’s worldviews, including increased exposure to misogynistic and anti-social narratives associated with the ‘manosphere.’ The presentations explored the kinds of messages students encounter online, the flow-on impacts for attitudes, relationships and school culture, and the responsibility of schools and parents to respond through explicit teaching, clear expectations, and a commitment to respectful relationships. It was strongly contended that boys’ schools are uniquely well placed to respond to these challenges, preparing the next generation of young men to engage positively, form healthy identities, and contribute meaningfully to their communities.

Year 9 Camp

In many respects, the Year 9 Camp held last week embodied the work that we aim to achieve with the students in our Wellbeing Program. It was great to hear feedback from staff and camp instructors on how the boys engaged positively with them, how they were consistently resilient and overcame the challenges of being out of their comfort zone while undertaking the expeditions on both water and on land. 

Having spent the week with the boys at Camp Somerset, I am proud of the way the boys pushed through fatigue, injury, and illness. I take this opportunity to thank Mr Knight, Ms Fisicaro and all of the staff who attended the camp. Moreso, congratulations to the young men who participated in the program.

Robert Simpson

Director of Senior School

Leadership Day at Greater Western Sydney Giants

As Michael Jordan famously said, “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” 

With that in mind, I took a shot of my own. I reached out to my favourite AFL player, Stephen Coniglio, hoping he might speak at our Student Leadership Afternoon Tea. I expected nothing, so when a message arrived two days before the event saying, “Hey mate, can’t wait, I’ll see you in the hall at 4pm,” I could hardly believe it. I do not think I have ever been so nervous and excited at once. 

At the end of the afternoon, Stephen surprised us again by inviting the SPC Student Leadership Team to the GWS Giants training facilities for a leadership experience alongside professional athletes. Everyone would agree that I had the widest smile on my face. 

When we arrived at Sydney Olympic Park, Omar Elrayes (Manager – Community Engagement) welcomed us to the world behind the Giants’ success. Watching players run drills on the field and walking through the medical and recovery spaces gave us a real sense of the discipline and resilience required at this level. The mental recovery rooms, used for prayer, yoga, sleep and meditation, highlighted how seriously the club takes wellbeing. Omar also made sure we understood why no one ever risks dozing off in there — the boys are far too quick to turn any opportunity into a bit of playful mischief. 

Moving through The Triangle, where the men’s AFL, women’s AFL and Super Netball programs intersect, we saw how the club’s culture is built across teams. The moment Lachie Whitfield wandered through our tour in his budgie smugglers is something none of us will forget. 

In the gym, Tom Greene and Finn Callaghan paused their training to chat with us, which showed how grounded the players are despite their status. Later, in the team meeting room, Omar led leadership activities that pushed us to think about risk taking and the responsibilities that come with representing a community. Stephen joined us again, guiding a discussion on leadership through the lens of sporting legends. What stood out was that although these athletes achieved incredible things, their success was built on being other‑person‑centred putting their teammates, their club and their community before themselves. That message connected strongly with our own service‑leadership model at the College, reminding us that real leadership isn’t about individual achievement, but about lifting others up. Hearing from co‑captain Connor Idun and young gun Joe Fonti added another layer, especially seeing how emerging players look up to the senior leaders. 

Then it was time to get on the field. Jamal ran us through drills that tested teamwork, communication and quick thinking. Competition heated up in kick tennis and the clapping game, with Alex R and Chris M earning GWS jerseys for their wins. 

A personal highlight came when Stephen introduced me to Jake Riccardi. The three of us ended up laughing about the nickname “Cicc”, which all our families use. Connecting with players I admire on something so personal made the day even more meaningful. 

For all of us, this experience stands out as one of the most memorable moments of our schooling. We are incredibly grateful to Omar, Stephen and the GWS Giants for their generosity and insight. We also recognise that none of this would have happened without the ongoing support and effort of Ms Santiago, and we thank Mr Donlan for supervising and supporting us throughout the day. 

Francesco M 

College Captain