Falcon Bulletin - Issue 02 - 2026

M ar 26

F a l c o n

B u l l e t i n

IS S UE 2 S u m m er S po r t & Craw fo rd S hiel d

VINC IT Q UI S E VINC IT

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Summer Sport

01

Grade Sport Reports

11

Crawford Shield

29

PAT 47

SUMMER SPORT

BY RICHARD CROAN 2025-2026 Summer grade sport finals Grand finals for North West Metropolitan Zone summer competitions were played on Wednesday February 25, with 12 North Sydney teams qualifying for finals. Congratulations to all students involved in these matches on a successful season. Thank you to the coaches of all grade sport teams for their effort throughout the season.

Premiers 1st Grade Basketball – North Sydney def. Epping 2nd Grade Water Polo – North Sydney def. Epping 5-4 1st Grade Squash – North Sydney def. Epping 8-0 2nd Grade Squash – North Sydney def. Epping 8-0 15s Squash – North Sydney def. Epping 5-3 14s Squash – North Sydney def. Epping 5-2 14s Volleyball – North Sydney def. Homebush 2-0 Grand Finalists 1st Grade Cricket – North Sydney def. by Epping 1st Grade Water Polo – North Sydney def. by Epping 13-3 2nd Grade Basketball – North Sydney def. by Epping 2nd Grade League Tag – North Sydney def. by Homebush 14-5 15s Water Polo – North Sydney def. by Epping

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NSBHS Premiership Winning Teams – Summer 2025-2026 1st Grade Basketball Allen Ji Austin Tang Daniel Jung Matthew Liu Oliver Banh Qanit Mubarak Luke Park Rhys Sung Zimin Lu 2nd Grade Water Polo Daniel Chen Edson Jia Edwin Pang Joey Shao Kayne Xue Kingsley Wong Louis Wang Lucas Ding Lucas Sun William Xu Ryan Zhong 1st Grade Squash Jayden Phung Kai Shao Ken Fu Sean Sehu Taoyi Wang

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2nd Grade Squash David P’ng Felix Zeng Isaac Lou Leo Liu 15 Years Squash Alvin Yuan Charles Wang Jake Fry Kris Guo Vincent Chen 14 Years Squash Alex Xing Eric Qin Louis Zeng Lucas Huang Shawn Huang 14 Years Volleyball Argen Li Bryan Halaseh Daniel Li Daniel Lin Gabe Clark Lucas Zeng Orlando Wang Raymond Xie Shaun Kim

Falcon Bulletin

Best and Fairest Awards

Zone Swimming Carnival

Congratulations to the following students who have been named ‘Best & Fairest’ player for their positive contributions during the 2025-2026 summer season.

Our Zone swimming team achieved excellent success at the Zone Swimming Carnival, finishing as the overall champions of the event. Three students were crowned Age Champions in their respective divisions: Liam Kim – 12 years, Joo Sung Byon – 14 years, and Albert Wang – 17+ years. Congratulations to these swimmers on their outstanding performances.

1st Grade Cricket – Arjun Mahadik 15s Cricket – Aarin Pramanick 1st Grade Water Polo – Albert Wang 2nd Grade Water Polo – Lucas Ding 3rd Grade Water Polo – Jet Li 15s Water Polo – Edward Lee 14s Water Polo – Oscar Shao 1st Grade Squash – Sean Sehu 2nd Grade Squash – Isaac Lou 15s Squash – Vincent Chen 14s Squash – Shawn Huang 1st Grade Basketball – Zimin Lu 2nd Grade Basketball – James Ahn 15s Basketball – Ethan Van Domselaar 14s Basketball – Lucas Dai 1st Grade Futsal – Rei Tohara 2nd Grade Futsal – Raul Saldanha 15s Futsal – Ethan Kato 14s Futsal – Eric Oh 1st Grade Volleyball – Cooper Nguyen 2nd Grade Volleyball – Xiao Hong Liu 15s Volleyball – Hugo Le 14s Volleyball – Lucas Zeng Opens League Tag – Aizen Tam 15s League Tag – Ethan Wong 14s League Tag – Najib Sarker 1st Grade Ultimate – Hamish Lee 2nd Grade Ultimate – Shahzaib Ansari 15s Ultimate – Michael Zhang 14s Ultimate – Jayxen Soon

NSBHS Swimming Team Yr 7 August Lu Jason Kim Matthew Hung Edwin Zhou Geo Ryu Gerrard Li Liam Kim Yr 8 Aiden Lu Joo Sung Byon Lucas Dai Odin Lam Oscar Shao Yr 9 Edward Lee Laurie Ye Nathaniel Chong Preston Zhou Yr 10 Alexander Song Jake Lee Manny Keith Will Kwak

Swimming Carnival Results Congratulations to the following boys in recognition of their outstanding individual performances at the school carnival:

12 years 13 years 14 years 15 years 16 years 17+ years

Age Champion

Age Runner-Up

Liam Kim (7)

Gerrard Li (7)

Oscar Shao (8)

August Lu (7)

Joo Sung Byon (8)

Aiden Lu (8)

Edward Lee (9)

Nathaniel Chong (9)

Manny Keith (10)

Louis Wang (11)

Albert Wang (11)

Owen Zhang (11)

Yr 11 Albert Wang Bryan Liu Jordan Yan Louis Wang Lucas Ding Michael Shou Owen Zhang Ryan Zhong

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The following students provided some highlights by finishing 1st or 2nd in their events and qualified to swim at the Sydney North regional carnival: Liam Kim – (12 years) – 50m freestyle (1st), 100m freestyle (1st), 50m breaststroke (2nd), 50m butterfly (1st) Gerrard Li – (12 years) – 50m freestyle (2nd), 200m freestyle (1st) Joo Sung Byon – (14 years) – 50m freestyle (1st), 100m freestyle (1st), 50m breaststroke (1st), 50m backstroke (1st), 200m freestyle (1st), 400m freestyle (1st), 200m individual medley (1st) Aiden Lu – (14 years) – 50m backstroke (2nd) Odin Lam – (14 years) – 50m backstroke (2nd), 200m freestyle (2nd) Laurie Ye – (14 years) – 200m freestyle (2nd) Edward Lee – (15 years) – 100m backstroke (2nd) Nathaniel Chong – (15 years) – 50m freestyle (2nd), 100m backstroke (1st), 200m freestyle (1st) Alexander Song – (15 years) – 50m freestyle (1st) Manny Keith – (16 years) – 400m freestyle (2nd) Albert Wang – (17+ years) – 100m breaststroke (1st), 100m butterfly (1st), 200m freestyle (1st), 400m freestyle (1st), 200m individual medley (1st) Michael Shou – (17+ years) – 400m freestyle (1st) Liam Kim, Gerrard Li, Geo Ryu, Matthew Hung – 12 years relay (1st) August Lu, Jason Kim, Lucas Dai, Oscar Shao – 13 years relay (2nd) Joo Sung Byon, Aiden Lu, Odin Lam, Laurie Ye – 14 years relay (2nd) Edward Lee, Nathaniel Chong, Preston Zhou, Alexander Song – 15 years relay (1st) Manny Keith, Jordan Yan, Lucas Ding, Louis Wang – 16 years relay (2nd) Albert Wang, Owen Zhang, Michael Shou, Ryan Zhong – 17+ years relay (2nd) Liam Kim, Lucas Dai, Joo Sung Byon, Edward Lee, Manny Keith, Albert Wang – 12-17+ years 6 x 50m

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Regional Swimming Carnival Results Congratulations to Joo Sung Byon (3 events), Albert Wang (2 events), Liam Kim (2 events), Alexander Song (1 event), Aiden Lu (1 event) & Gerrard Li (1 event), who qualified to swim in individual events at the NSWCHS State Carnival.

The 12s, 14s, 15s and All age relay teams also progressed through to compete at the State carnival. Congratulations to all team members!

NSW CHS Carnival Sport Some outstanding results were achieved again this year at the CHS State carnival: 6x50m - Freestyle Relay (1st) 12yrs - 4x50m Freestyle Relay (1st) 14yrs - 4x50m Freestyle Relay (2nd) 15yrs - 4x50m Freestyle Relay (2nd) Joo Sung Byon - 14yrs - 200m Individual Medley (4th), 100m Freestyle (6th), 200m Freestyle (8th) Aiden Lu - 14yrs - 50m Freestyle (8th) Albert Wang - 17–19yrs - 100m Breaststroke (10th), 17–19yrs 200m Individual Medley (10th)

Important Dates Zone Cross Country Carnival

Monday May 25 (Week 6, Term 2)

Zone Athletics Carnival

Thursday June 25 (Week 10, Term 2)

Winter Grand Finals

Wednesday July 29 (Week 2, Term 3)

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BASKETBALL

1st grade by zimin lu The 1st Grade Basketball team had a season that none of us will forget. It wasn’t always smooth sailing, lost some tough matches, but when it mattered most, this group showed exactly what they were made of.

Both the semifinals and the finals came down to the wire. We found ourselves down by more than 5 points in each game, and somehow, someway, we turned it around both times. Two comeback wins, and our first championship in 4 years.

None of it happens without the whole team. Austin was massive when we needed buckets, and Luke brought the intensity that got everyone else going. Matthew and Qanit were tireless on both ends of the floor, making the right play at the right time, whilst Rhys and Daniel were rocks that kept the team grounded when things got stressful. Allen and Oliver gave everything they had every single game. That attitude across the whole squad is exactly what carried us over the line.

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And then there’s Mr Murphy. His impact on this team goes beyond just drawing up plays, he kept us believing when we were down, pushed us harder than we thought we could go in training, and had us ready for every single moment the season threw at us. Those two comebacks don’t happen without the foundation he built. He deserved this one just as much as any of us.

Winning a championship is special. Winning it as a comeback from 3 down in both the semis and the final? That’s something else entirely. This team earned every bit of it. ____

2nd grade by andrew yuze li Our North Sydney Boys Opens Seconds Basketball team had a remarkable season to say the least.

This team was a special group, filled with a mix of experienced veterans and young talents but defined by our unwavering discipline and dedication in our shot at the premiership. Across Friday morning training our team put in the work, week in and week out. Session after session, we showed up with effort, developing chemistry and trust, learning new plays and defensive schemes which over time, turned into instinctive execution in our games.

And though our efforts ultimately culminated in a loss to a strong Epping team in the grand finals, this loss did not define our season. Our team upheld the falcon values in the way we played this season. In our effort, determination and sportsmanship that was reflected in our performance.

And that’s something we were all proud of.

Our team also wants to thank our coach Mr Murphy whose commitment and belief in this team drove us to new heights and has undoubtedly helped us all become better players and a better team as a whole.

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CRICKET

Cricket 1st Grade by gosakan badrinarayanan The North Sydney Boys 1st Grade Cricket team wrapped up a highly competitive 2025–2026 Summer Sport season with an impressive second-place finish, a result built on commitment and determination shown from the very first match to the last.

Finishing with a record of 2 wins, 2 draws, and 1 losses, the team demonstrated real consistency throughout the season.

Our victories were well-earned and showcased the depth of talent across both the batting and bowling line-ups.

Off the field, the camaraderie within the squad was outstanding.

Players rallied behind one another through every run scored and every catch dropped, and the compassion shown between teammates, especially when things didn’t go to plan, made this team a genuine pleasure to be a part of. On the field, the team carried themselves with respect for their opponents, the officials, and the game itself, representing the school with pride in every fixture.

Finishing as runners-up is a tremendous achievement and a credit to every player who gave their all this season. We would all like to thank our coaches, Mr Kimberly and Mr Reid, for their continued guidance as we could not have done it without them.

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FUTSAL

1st Grade by Dennis Chau The 1st Grade Futsal team had a season to remember in 2025/2026, perhaps not always for the scorelines, but certainly for the heart, resilience and character shown in all games.

From the opening fixture to the final whistle, the whole team approached every match with genuine commitment, always giving everything they had regardless of the circumstances.

Throughout the season, there were moments of real quality, and watching the team grow both individually and with one another was definitely something everyone should be proud of.

The camaraderie shown within the team, whether lifting each other up after mistakes or celebrating every goal with enthusiasm, truly elevated the experience. On top of that, at all times, the squad conducted themselves with respect and integrity, ensuring they represented the school with pride and passion every moment they were on the court.

Finally, we would also like to thank our wonderful coach, Mr Kwiet, for his constant encouragement and dedication to the team. His genuine care for every single one of us on and off the court made the season such a positive experience.

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LEAGUE TAG

opens by aaron kim Going into this season of Opens League Tag, there were definitely some doubts as to what our success rate would be, especially considering that around half the team was new to the sport. Despite the ‘rookie’ mistakes we made early on, we reflected and developed a better understanding of our strengths across the games we played together, allowing us to string together multiple victories and eventually become the first ever NSBHS Opens League Tag team to reach the Grand Final!

Collectively, we improved our knowledge of the sport, our synchronicity as a team, and most importantly, our confidence.

As our skills developed over time, both the veterans and the rookies made game-defining plays across multiple games, allowing us to qualify for the semi-finals with 5 wins and 4 draws. This definitely surpassed all of our initial expectations, especially our coach, Ms Dell, as she remarked, “Don’t ask me how this has happened, but apparently we’ve made it!”

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The Grand Final against Homebush Boys was indeed a challenging experience, but we gave it our all (even in the 35 degree heat), with the Year 12 students savouring what would be our last Grade Sport match ever. Even though we ultimately fell short of a victory, there were some brilliant tries scored and tags stripped from our opposition, and we were all able to celebrate the success we had achieved together.

We would like to thank Ms Dell for her unwavering support and guidance throughout the season. Her leadership truly brought the team together, making this year’s achievements possible.

Of course, we also need to acknowledge all the players who comprised our team: myself, Armaan Bhullar, Aizen Tam, Anthony Fang, Daniel Lee, Eric Martello, Larry Shen, Lucas Nguyen, Nathan Le, Raphael Susanto, Terrence Lee, Terrence Li and William Zhou. Special shoutout to former all-star player Agastya Katamaneni who sadly was out for the season due to injury, but still played his part as assistant coach. ______

15s by ryan kuo The 2025-2026 summer season was a successful and memorable time together. Our team faced each competitor with commitment and teamwork which built our confidence and coherence with one another. The execution of our plays through tactical passes and fast breakthroughs of defence was something to remember. I could feel the determination of each player to perform with all their efforts every time, leading to a strong team energy with high spirits.

Off the field, friendships were strengthened and many memories were created, not just within our team but also with other schools. Our team talks with our coach Mr Parker built our strong connection and synergy on top of the skills we developed

each week. As a whole, we improved our communication and strategy and it felt great when put into practice.

Although we didn’t make it into the semis this season, it didn’t undermine the positives we had together. Instead, it motivated us to recognise our continued strengths and build up our mindsets. Overall, this summer season was an enjoyable and rewarding experience that I hope to experience again. ____

14s by Ulysses Lindquist & Akshi Jeyaganesh This season had a lot of memorable moments both because of the games we played and the conditions we had to deal with.

One of the most intense experiences was playing at Cammeray Oval during extreme weather, with lightning and thunder around us. Another challenging day was at Pennant Hills, where 35 degree heat made it really tough to keep energy levels up throughout the match.

Despite these conditions, the team performed well overall. We had some strong early wins against Ashfield and Normanhurst, and we also managed a solid draw against Epping. By the end of the competition, we finished in 4th place, which was a good result considering the challenges we faced.

Some players really stood out during the season. Najib had several impressive moments, often intimidating the opposition by running straight at them with confidence and strength.

Leon also played an important role, showing great awareness by finding gaps in the opposition’s defence and turning those opportunities into tries.

Overall, it was a rewarding season with plenty of highlights and a strong team effort. We would like to thank Mr. Gray for his patience and guidance this season.

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SQUASH

1st grade by Sean Sehu The past few months have been another successful season for the Opens 1st squash team. The team, containing many new players this year, won their 4th consecutive premiership alongside all other NSB squash teams without dropping a single fixture.

The smooth run to the premiership provided all the players with plenty of opportunities to further develop their experience and technical ability. Progression over the course of the season in a number of players of the team was truly remarkable.

The season was a significant one due to the unfortunate passing of teacher and coach Mr Umar, who had overseen grade squash at NSB since its introduction 4 years ago.

1st grade squash would not have had the successful and memorable season it did without the amazing oversight of Mr Tsikrikas and the late Mr Umar. Additionally, as a player, I can say for certain that the sportsmanship, effort and overall positive energy put in by the rest of the team made and brightened the season. Support for each other and lower age groups through individual matches was unbelievable.

Ultimately, a good success and more memorable moments for possibly one of the last grade squash seasons as the home courts close for good.

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1st grade by Sean Sehu The NSBHS 15s squash team had a commanding season this year, moving through the competition with very few sides able to push us. Our team, consisting of Jake Fry, Vincent Chen, Alvin Yuan, Kris Guo, and Charles Wang, brought consistency and depth across every fixture, and we rarely felt stretched in our matches.

The clear exception, at least at the top of the ladder, was Epping.

They are our long-standing rivals, and their number one player was genuinely skilled, easily the best individual we faced all season. Below that, though, the depth of our team showed, and we were able to come away with comfortable wins against them.

This season was also marked by deep sadness. Our coach, Mr Umakanthan, passed away mid-season. His patience, his knowledge of the game, and the time he gave so generously to our development shaped every player on this team, and his absence was felt on court for the rest of the year. The way we played in the rounds that followed, and the standard he held us to, was a reflection of what he had built in us. We will carry his memory with us beyond this season.

By the time the semifinals and finals came around, the team had built strong momentum, capping off a season defined by both our results on court and the standard Mr Umakanthan set for us.

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ULTIMATE FRISBEE

1st grade by hamish lee The Ultimate Frisbee 1st Grade team has once again delivered a season that can only be described as revolutionary. While traditionalists may focus on “wins” and “losses,” us Falcons have transcended such outdated metrics, instead prioritising sportsmanship, falcon pride, and sheer aura. Week after week, the team stepped onto the field with unmatched confidence, immediately asserting psychological dominance over opponents. In several cases, rival schools were so intimidated by the Falcons’ presence that they forfeited before the game even began. This generation team has made a testament to the reputation this squad has built across the competition.

The team’s dynamic approach to Ultimate Frisbee has captivated audiences. Spectators around were treated to ambitious longrange throws, multifaceted movement patterns, and defensive systems so advanced that not even the players themselves fully understood them. Opponents may have scored more points on occasion, but few could rival us Falcons’ commitment to looking composed while doing it. Players demonstrated elite athleticism throughout the season, frequently sprinting

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incredible distances to retrieve discs launched far beyond conventional tactical boundaries. Team chemistry also reached extraordinary levels, with nonstop reached extraordinary levels, with the collective experience of refusing to let reality affect confidence, no matter the point deficit.

Although results on paper may not fully reflect the Falcons’ success in the competition, this season has earnt the 1st graders a spot in history. The legacy of 1st Grade Ultimate was never going to be measured by scoreboards alone - it was measured by presence, confidence, and the unwavering belief that every match was already won spiritually before the first pull. ____

2nd grade by Shahzaib Ansari Being a member of the Ultimate Frisbee Seconds Team for the 2025-26 summer season will be a memory I will truly look back on when reflecting on my high school experience. From the very first game to the final whistle of the season, our entire team showed up with energy and determination, even when results didn’t go our way. Every match we played improved our chemistry as a team.

One of the biggest highlights of the season was the improvement our boys made, many of whom had never touched a frisbee outside of PDHPE. Early on, simple passes were rushed and communication was lacking. But by the end of the season, we were all moving the frisbee with confidence, pushing experienced teams harder than we expected of ourselves at the start of the season.

But let’s not forget all the wins we made as a team that may not be listed on the scoresheet. I can confidently say that every player in our squad improved both individually, in terms of skill, and working together as a team. Beyond that, we all got to know each other a lot better, forming friendships we wouldn’t have if it weren’t for this team. Ultimately, I thank our entire team including our coach Mr Dai for making this an enjoyable season, filled with unforgettable memories both on and off the field. ____

15s by Tharun Walakada Gamage Even though the trial selection process was very straightforward, it resulted in a small and focused team being chosen at the start of the season, with four additional players joining halfway through and adding fresh energy to the group. Despite the win column staying empty, our ultimate frisbee team turned every matchup into a story of progress, improving week by week as we developed stronger teamwork, more accurate throws, and better field awareness. In matches against schools like Ashfield Boys High School, Normanhurst Boys High School, and Epping Boys High School, along with many others, we began to see these improvements translate into real moments of success. Our captain, Michael Zhang, alongside Aaron Zhu and Jay Shi, played a key role in this, managing to score points against strong opposition. The highlight of the season was scoring our first points — a small moment on the scoreboard but a huge milestone for the team. Ultimately, the season became less about results and more about growth, resilience, and the camaraderie built through consistently showing up and supporting one another.

There were so many games this season where it felt like we were sniffing our first win, but had to settle for draws or losses.

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VOLLEYBALL 2nd grade by xiao hong liu It has been a very fun and challenging season for the 2nd Grade Volleyball team. Our team consisted of 10 members initially, with a variety of skill levels. Later on, at the beginning of term 1, 2026, a new student joined our team, increasing the number of players to 11. Although it took some time, we were able to successfully find a suitable position for him to play during our games.

Everyone had a fun and enjoyable season, travelling to and from other schools, and playing against different teams. We had won and lost a number of games, ultimately making it to the semifinals along with the 1st Grade Volleyball team. Unfortunately, despite our efforts, we still came short of a victory.

However, over the seasons, there had been massive improvements to everyone’s skill level as they got more familiar with the sport of volleyball and practiced through games.

Our teamwork and communication had exponentially grown from the start of the season to the end as our team chemistry improved. We were able to run more plays, play longer rallies, and win more points. Another key feature of the 2nd Grade Volleyball team was our inclusivity, as we made sure everyone had a chance to play in games and that no one was left out.

Overall, it was a very fun experience being part of the 2nd Grade Volleyball team, meeting new people, and playing different teams whilst improving my volleyball skills.

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WATER POLO

1st grade by bryan liang Water polo is never an easy sport - a truth the First Grade squad learned intimately this season. Whether it was a player’s third year in the pool or their very first, the team’s chemistry remained unbreakable from the first whistle to the last.

We opened the season against a formidable Epping side.

Though it resulted in a hard-fought loss, the defeat only fueled our determination. We pushed forward, taking on Normanhurst and various Epping lineups, racking up notable victories along the way - none more satisfying than a clinical 7–5 win over Normanhurst.

Before long, a semifinal rematch against Normanhurst loomed.

As the second-seeded team in the competition, they were a daunting hurdle, and a win would be no small feat. Yet, bolstered by the courage of key players - including star shooter Owen Zhang and the ever-reliable Albert Wang - and the tireless encouragement of Mr. Miller, we rose to the occasion.

We secured the team’s most memorable victory of the year, punching our ticket to the grand final.

The season concluded with a razor-thin contest against Epping.

While a narrow loss left us as runners-up, the final score doesn’t define our year. The effort, camaraderie, and unyielding spirit displayed by every player speak far louder than any result on the scoreboard.

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3rd grade by woody wang The Water Polo team’s 2025-26 Summer season began with a series of intensive swimming sets and eggbeater drills designed to rebuild the fitness levels required for four quarters of high-intensity play, ball handling, and positioning under pressure. Following this, our team started the season strong, securing unexpected results against experienced opponents like Asquith and Homebush.

2nd grade by kayne xue Although we began the season feeling somewhat rusty, strong teamwork and communication allowed us to gradually develop as a team together. Over time, what started as a group of individuals became a team that genuinely trusted and supported one another, making the season both enjoyable and rewarding.

A major highlight of the season was our finals campaign.

During the semi-finals, the match remained close at half-time; however, through our superior swimming endurance and determination, we were able to pull ahead and secure the win.

The grand final was an unforgettable experience. With the score tied 4–4 at full-time, the game was extended by three minutes. In that period, William Xu scored the decisive goal, while our goalkeeper, Daniel Chen, made a crucial save on the opposition’s best player, resulting in a 5–4 win.

Our greatest strengths this season were teamwork, communication, and perseverance. Despite some early inexperience from newer players, the entire team showed a large amount of improvement, and it was truly an honour to develop as a team with these boys. This season wouldn’t have been what it was without everyone trying at their hardest

These early successes showed the teamwork, training and determination of younger rookies on the roster, as well as experienced veterans from the Class of 2026. As with every season, our most difficult matches consisted of those during year group camps, where absent team members meant we had no reserves and were forced to play the full four quarters without substitution. Despite this, the tactical advice of our coach Mr Allman, and the active callouts between team members, meant we managed to set up a strong defence and use long-range shots to catch the opposition off guard.

As the season moved into the final rounds, our focus shifted toward keeping a steady defensive rhythm and communicating effectively during quick transitions. Even in the semi-finals when facing more seasoned teams like Epping with deeper benches, our squad fought massively for every possession and tapered the margin of victory for our opponents through lockdown defence. This allowed our team to find a rhythm that kept the pressure as low as possible, even as the clock began to fade, reflecting our collective composure that allowed everyone to adjust in the moment, and rely on one another.

Finally, we would like to extend a sincere thank you to our coaches and coordinators, whose constant encouragement and support gave us the drive to improve and made this season a great experience for everyone involved.

____

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14s by oscar shao 15s by edward Lee An unforgettable season for the 15’s water polo team saw us rise to the finals in what was the first year playing for many of our squad. Despite our inexperience, with most players new to the sport, we showed determination and resilience from the very beginning. Over the course of the season, we developed our skills significantly, improving our passing, shooting, and overall swimming ability under the guidance of Mr Renford and persistent effort from the team.

Reaching the finals was a major achievement for the team. Although the result didn’t go our way, it did little to overshadow what we had accomplished together. The growth we experienced, both individually and as a team, made the entire journey worthwhile. With the foundation we’ve built this season, we look forward to stepping up into the open division next year and taking on new challenges with our newfound confidence. ____

Over the 2025 summer season, the Under 14s water polo team under Mr. Renford has performed extremely well with the majority of students having never played before. At the start of the season, they weren’t as competent with the other schools, however as the season progressed, they have learnt from their wins, losses and mistakes and have finished the season with a very good outcome. Despite being the only under 14s team in the competition, we have won a decent amount of matches by doing their best with what they had including wins over North Sydney Boys and Epping 3rd grade teams.

The team’s swimming skills were outstanding and their passing and shooting was also impressive through their great teamwork and coordination. This allowed them to score on almost every single team every time.

The team showed great competitive spirit and sportsmanship during each match, and this is what allowed them to win themselves many games. Overall, the team has brought out their best in this sport and has greatly represented our school in the 2025 Grade Summer Sport Season.

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CRAWFORD SHIELD

BY BILLY TSIKRIKAS

The 2026 Crawford Shield will be remembered as a defining chapter in the proud rivalry between North Sydney Boys High School and Melbourne High School. After last year’s challenging campaign in Melbourne, our students were determined to rise to the occasion and reclaim the Shield–and they did so in thrilling fashion.

Across two days of spirited competition, our squad demonstrated exceptional commitment, resilience, and sportsmanship in ten diverse events: Basketball, Chess, Debating, Futsal, Music, Table Tennis, Volleyball, Water Polo, Badminton, and Cricket (which was unfortunately abandoned due to wet weather). In a tightly contested exchange, North Sydney Boys emerged victorious with an overall score of 5.5 to 4.5, securing wins in Chess, Music, Debating, Basketball, and Table Tennis.

The competition was matched by an electric atmosphere across the school. Students turned out in force to support their peers, with venues filled with energy, encouragement, and school spirit. The gymnasium in particular was packed for the futsal fixture, where a thrilling and closely fought contest had spectators on edge until the final moments. It was

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a powerful reminder of the pride and unity that the Crawford Shield inspires within the school community.

Beyond the results, the Crawford Shield continues to represent much more than just competition. The billeting program remains a cornerstone of the exchange, allowing students from both schools to form lasting friendships and experience each other’s school and culture firsthand. These connections are what make the Crawford Shield such a unique and valued tradition.

We extend our sincere thanks to the staff who coached and mentored the students, dedicating countless hours towards preparation and support. Their commitment ensured that our students were equipped to perform at their best, while also upholding values of respect and sportsmanship. We also acknowledge the generosity of the families who hosted Melbourne High students, providing a warm and welcoming environment that greatly enriched the experience for all involved. We further thank the office staff for their organisation and coordination, which ensured the smooth running of the event.

Reclaiming the Shield in 2026 is a testament to the hard work, unity, and determination of everybody involved. While the victory is certainly worth celebrating, it is the spirit of camaraderie, mutual respect, and tradition that continues to define the Crawford Shield.

The Shield now takes its rightful place in Mr Ferguson’s office and we look forward to continuing this legacy in the years to come.

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CAPTAIN REPORT

BY TIM LIN After weeks of training, rehearsing, debating, drilling and quietly convincing ourselves that Melbourne High could be defeated, North Sydney Boys entered Crawford with confidence and left with the Shield. Our teams had prepared seriously: the musicians refined every entry, the debaters sharpened every argument, the basketballers and table tennis players worked with intensity, and the chess team, with their usual calm menace, seemed ready to dismantle Melbourne one move at a time.

The exchange began before the competition itself. Through billeting, students from both schools spent the weekend together, and despite the obvious burden of coming from Melbourne, our guests proved excellent company. My billet, for instance, appeared genuinely mesmerised by Sydney’s golden beaches and shining waters, which is fair enough; after enough time around trams and grey skies, the Harbour must feel almost mythological. Still, the billeting process is one of Crawford’s best traditions. It turns opponents into friends, creates connections that last beyond the final whistle, beyond the match point, and reminds us that rivalry is strongest when there is respect beneath it.

Once competition began, NSB delivered. Music secured a commanding victory, debating showed composure under pressure, table tennis combined precision with aggression, basketball took two of three games, and chess added another win to the tally. Melbourne had their moments, taking badminton, volleyball and a close futsal contest, but we are willing to acknowledge that generously, since generosity is much easier when the overall Shield is already ours.

By the end, the result reflected more than talent. It reflected preparation, discipline, school pride and the effort of every competitor, billet, coach, teacher and supporter involved.

Melbourne High brought quality, spirit and a respectable amount of confidence. North Sydney Boys brought slightly more of everything that mattered.

Crawford has always been about more than winning, but winning certainly helps.

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PAT

BY GOSAKAN BADRINARAYANAN

This year’s NSB Prefect Afternon Tea brought together over 160 students from more than 30 schools across Sydney, making it one of the biggest and most anticipated gatherings of its kind. It was a night that reminded everyone why these events matter, with new faces, familiar ones, and a shared sense of excitement that set the tone for everything that followed. The success of our PAT was primarily dependent on the extensive coordination and logistical planning occurring behind the scenes. The structured sequencing of activities helped maintain engagement, as transitions between games and dining minimised downtime and kept energy levels high throughout the evening. However, more effective delegation during the pre-event setup would have ensured that decorations, food preparation, soundchecks and guest admissions ran smoothly once guests arrived.

Furthermore, the event also highlighted several practical challenges, particularly the reliance on precise timing and communication between prefects to manage large groups moving between locations. The scavenger hunt highlighted these potential complications, specifically regarding supervision and ensuring all guests who arrived late could also participate in the event. Despite these pressures, the adaptability and cooperation of the prefect team enabled issues to be addressed efficiently, ultimately creating a highly organised and enjoyable atmosphere that demonstrated the importance of preparation and contingency planning in large-scale school events.

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After a brief instrumental performance of “YMCA” and “happy”, the PAT started with the wavelength game as an icebreaker. By giving students an opportunity to discuss their opinions and perspectives, prefects could interact with others and connect as they share funny and interesting explanations. Subsequently, prefects had to complete certain tasks by taking photos as part of a scavenger hunt around the school. Not only providing prefects from other schools a glimpse of the NSB facilities available, teamwork and exploration were also encouraged which united them through cooperation for a shared goal of winning this event. Finally, platters of food were served which eventually led to the highlight of this PAT: Linus Wang of the school culture portfolio volunteering to shave.

Overall, the teamwork and support of prefects, the SRC committee, Ms Willma, Ms Grant, Mr Iverach, Mr Ferguson, the school’s admin team and countless others allowed for this PAT to be a success creating a unique and unforgettable experience that reinforces values of falcon pride among the Sydney high school community.

The 2026 NSB PAT was an incredible opportunity for prefects from all over Sydney to attend an energetic and welcoming atmosphere. The wavelength game served as an effective icebreaker, with humorous prompts that got people laughing in minutes. This was followed by a scavenger hunt around the school, where teamwork and communication were essential as groups completed challenges and explored the school grounds together.

The hunt brought out astounding creativity, with some of our personal favourites being a group spelling out words with sign language, and an incredibly niche spot within the school that we didn’t even know existed. The PAT concluded with food and social time, along with music, a great chill way to end the night. Overall, the whole event was extremely enjoyable, helping strengthen relationships between schools and showcasing our school pride and camaraderie.

What made the evening feel seamless to attendees was anything but seamless to plan. From arranging the setup of decorations and equipment, to coordinating food, soundchecks and guest admissions, the preparation that preceded the night demanded considerable time, effort and dedication. None of it, however, would have been possible without the unwavering support of some truly remarkable individuals. A heartfelt and sincere thank you must be extended to Ms Grant, whose guidance, encouragement and generosity of time throughout the entire planning process was invaluable and deeply appreciated.

Equal gratitude is owed to our coordinator Ms Willma, whose steady oversight and support kept everything on track from the very beginning. We are also tremendously grateful to our Deputy Principal Mr Iverach and our Principal Mr Ferguson, whose trust, backing and willingness to champion this event at every level made it possible in the first place. Most importantly, to every prefect and guest who attended on the night, thank you for showing up, for bringing your energy, and for making the evening everything it was. Events like this are a reminder of what this community is capable of when everyone comes together.

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I SSU E 2

north sydney boys High School 127 Falcon Street North Sydney, NSW, 2060 P: +61 (02) 9955 4748 - E: northsydbo-h.school@det.nsw.edu.au https://northsydbo-h.schools.nsw.gov.au

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