Head’s Welcome

The Dunbar sports fixtures are in full swing at the moment, and we had two great rugby fixtures for the boys on Wednesday against St. Andrews as well as a triangular netball tournament for the girls on the same day. Next week we have an additional rugby fixture for the boys on Monday against St. Joseph’s and this will be in place of Activities for them.

Following discussion with the Director of Music and the Head of Drama, we have decided to reschedule the Dunbar Inter-Watch Music competition from Thursday 13 February to Thursday 27 February. We felt that for those Dunbar pupils involved in the College Production (of which there are a number this year), it would be too demanding to have the Inter-Watch Music competition the day after the three Production performances, and so we have moved it back a couple of weeks. The time and venue remain the same however, so it will be 19:00 in the Chapel on Thursday 27 February, and all parents are warmly welcomed.

Can I also take this opportunity to issue a polite reminder about uniform standards. Many of the children in Dunbar grow significantly during their two years in the House, and this can show in the length of trousers (some of which are hovering way above the ankles) and skirts (which should be knee length) in particular. We have a very helpful College Shop who are able to effect alterations if required, and do please ask if you have any questions about the uniform - I will be happy to help and advise.

It is pleasing to see the days gradually lengthen, and it won’t be too long before pick-up in the evening will no longer be in the dark, and we will feel the first warm rays of sunshine on our faces. As always I welcome the opportunity to meet and speak with all the Dunbar parents, so please get in touch if there is anything I can do to help.

Best wishes as always, Ian

Dr Ian Hart

We are almost at the end of another mini sprint, a very busy couple of weeks for the boys. I hope they all made good use of the overnight leave weekend and got some well deserved rest.

The boys will be disappointed with our parade scores on College Sunday, there was a great deal of effort from the majority of the house, this unfortunately was offset by a few who failed to meet the required basic standards. We have a chance to put this right later this term on the 9 March and look forward to seeing as many parents as possible on the day.

Congratulations to George P and Edward B who have been promoted to CC this term, well deserved for their continued  contributions within the house last term in a number of different areas. I have been really enthused by the academic performance of the Year 9s, a number of them are still showing 100% positive contributions on Class Charts, well done and keep it up. Thank you also to Joseph H and Matthew B for reading so well in Chapel this week.

The Upper Sixth and Year 11s are all preparing for their second round of trials after half term, many courses are now coming to completion and we are entering the very important revision phase. The boys have been asked to give them the space and environment that they need at this time. Help is always available from the House staff during the scheduled prep times and evenings.

It has been good to see the boys involved in the co-curricular programme, many are making the most of what is on offer and getting the exercise that they need. Harbinger is representing the College well in rowing and football this weekend, giving them a great opportunity to work together and build those lasting memories.
We have our Divisional Dinner being held on Saturday 7 June for parents and guardians of all students of Harbinger as well as the Upper Sixth students. It will be held at Goring and Streatley Golf Club. Please do book your place here.

Andrew Sumner

The boys put on a great performance in the Divisional Quiz last week, narrowly missing out on the final, a great effort by all involved.

Last week’s parade saw a great improvement in our shoes and suits so the boys must be commended here! There is still work to do upon our marching and that will be a strong focus these next few weeks before the final parade of this term.

The Upper Sixth and Year 11s are all preparing for their second round of trials after half term, many courses are now coming to completion and we are entering the very important revision phase. I have reminded all of the boys to respect those preparing for exams during quiet times in house when work is being undertaken. 

Next Saturday 8 February we have the Hesperus Divisional Dinner for all parents of pupils in the Division, as well as the Upper Sixth pupils. The booking window is only open until Monday morning, so if you do intend to come please ensure you have secured your place via the Booking Link Here

Tom Cheney

The Illawarra girls have been a whirlwind of activity these past few weeks! Victorious on the netball court, the season is in full swing, with many juggling matches alongside their hockey commitments. Our equestrian stars have been blazing trails at recent competitions, while our rowers relished their brief return to the river.

Despite the biting cold and limited practice time, the girls shone at the recent Parade. As Mia reminded them in her pre-parade muster, these final parades together are precious moments, and we hope they cherish them. A little extra shoe polish would add the perfect finishing touch next time!

A gentle nudge about uniform: skirts should be appropriate length and not overly fitted (this applies to both No. 2 and suit skirts). We've noticed a few growth spurts impacting skirt length, so please double-check and adjust the hem if needed – there's usually plenty to work with. Also, a reminder that acrylic nails are not permitted, and nail polish should be a neutral shade. Your support at home with these details will be a huge help and prevent any unnecessary issues for the girls.

The calendar ahead is packed with fixtures, and many of our talented students are pouring their hearts into the College production. Come and support them! Tickets are free, but reservations are essential to secure your seat.

With just two weeks until half term, let's encourage the girls to maintain their focus and finish strong, with their trademark smiles and enthusiasm. Easter will be here before we know it!

Rosie Jewell

It has been another solid couple of weeks as the Division works its way through the first month of 2025. However, there have been some really bright moments that have highlighted the continued effort of the boys.

Parade last weekend was one example and, when the score sheets came out, Macquarie had dropped just one point! An excellent result that won us that particular Parade and puts us in contention for the Parade Cup. Last Thursday, our quiz team also put up a strong display in the Divisional Quiz final. Whilst they eventually lost out to PJ, the scores were incredibly close with just 15 points between the teams. Well done to Rory, Tom, Oscar and Rafe for their efforts and wonderfully obscure knowledge.

With just two weeks of academic lessons before the start of the next tranche of Trial Exams, the pace is really starting to pick up. The boys - especially those in Year 11 and Upper Sixth - should have plenty to be getting on with. As I constantly remind them, if they need anything from the College in the way of revision materials, checklists or other resources, now is the time to ask.

Finally, another reminder that the Macquarie Divisional Dinner is due to take place on the evening of Saturday 17 May at Goring Golf Club. Tickets are available to all parents along with students in the Upper Sixth. The link to purchase tickets can be found here.

Let’s hope the weather brightens up for February and I hope to see you all soon.

David Metcalfe

With only two weeks until half term there has been plenty for the boys to throw themselves into,  whether on a personal level, or as a division. 

With very little time to practice and the bitterly cold weather, I thought the boys did superbly at the last Parade. As Murray mentioned in his muster prior to the event, these are the last opportunities for the boys to parade together, and I hope that they don’t take these moments for granted. 

Following this, James, Shea, Harrison M, and Bruce took on the mighty Macquarie in the final of the Divisional Quiz last Thursday. With Macquarie being winners for the last few years, PJ were the clear underdogs for the occasion. However, in a back and forth type of quiz, PJ came out Divisional Quiz Champions 2025 with only a 15 point difference. Winning the first instalment of Divisional Quiz in 2018 and winning the final instalment of the quiz as we know it in 2025, was a poetic closure for PJ, and one I am sure we will cherish until Founder’s Day.

Looking ahead, Year 11 and Upper Sixth have the second instalment of their Trial exams in a few weeks time. I urge the boys to keep working hard, especially as the summer exams creep closer and closer. 

Then finally, it was a shame that the Port Jackson Dinner was unable to go ahead last Friday due to numbers. However, I promise not to allow the event to fall by the wayside, and we will look to rearrange for another date in the summer to celebrate everything Port Jackson.

Steve Thompson

A busy few weeks for the St George girls. Netball season is now in full swing with many girls still competing in hockey matches as well. Our riders have also enjoyed great success at recent competitions, along with our rowers who much enjoyed their brief return to the river. 

Parade was hugely successful, with the girls scoring second out of all divisions. All the marching was of a very high standard and it was great to see the progress many of our newer pupils have made since they joined. Thank you to all the parents who came and supported the girls despite the cold.

Just a polite reminder that skirts should be of an appropriate length and not overly fitted (this goes for No.2 and suit skirts). A few of the girls have clearly had growth spurts and it shows in the skirt length. Most skirts have plenty of hem so please double check the length, and take it down if needed. Similarly, pupils should not be wearing acrylic nails of any kind, and nail polish should be a neutral colour. Your support at home will make this much easier, and should hopefully avoid the girls getting in unnecessary trouble.

Looking ahead we have plenty of fixtures to keep us busy. Many of our pupils are also working hard on the College production and would love to see you there to support. Tickets are free but do make sure you reserve a seat so as not to miss out. 

With only two more weeks till Half Term, we hope the girls maintain their current focus and ensure they end the half term on a high, with their usual smiles and enthusiasm. It will be Easter before we know it!

Jenny Jones