American Tea

Since 1936, Shore has hosted an annual fair called the American Tea. It is a social day to raise funds supporting the education of boys and girls at Shore with equipment, bursaries, and improved facilities. It has always been held on a Friday as it is a day for the boys, however it is also a day for grandparents, parents and family friends to come and share in the fun.

The day starts with the Year 10 Father and Son BBQ, followed by the Grandparents’ Morning Tea before the boys rush out of class to Trash and Treasure, Fairy Floss, Lucky Jars, Show Bags, Skittles, Entertainment Rides and much more. The parents enjoy delicious coffee, scones, cakes, fresh produce from the country and international food and freshly shucked oysters amongst many tempting external stall holder wares.

It is a day for all to enjoy. We must thank those who generously volunteer and donate as the day would not be a success without them. Put it in your diary and come along, get involved and be a part of the Shore community.

If you would like more information please contact the American Tea Coordinator:

Katie Kelly spaamericantea@shore.nsw.edu.au

Frequently Asked Questions

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The Shorter Oxford Dictionary defines an American Tea as “ a social function to raise funds, to which guests contribute by bringing or buying food and drink.” The origins of the Shore American Tea event started on 16 November 1936, under the auspice of “bring a gift,
buy a gift” organised by the Ladies Committee at Shore. The following year a garden fete was held, however still called the American Tea, with the boys from the school conducting tours of the school buildings and the view from the tower. It has been held annually ever since, changing through the war years to provide funds to the war effort, and then in subsequent years contributing to the War Memorial Hall Fund, building of the library in the 1950’s and ever since supporting the education of boys at Shore with equipment, bursaries, and improved facilities. Further details can be found here about the history of the American tea.

In 2022, it will be on Friday 9 September. The hours for the American Tea are 9.00am – 3.00pm. The North Sydney Campus hold the American Tea in the Senior School grounds. The Prep boys come over to the Senior School to participate. There are stalls on the Chapel Lawn, in War Memorial Hall, the Oval, the Quadrangle, Graythwaite lawns, the Hawkins Foyer and the Undercroft. The HSC art works are on display in the MAC at the Prep. School. The Northbridge Campus (K-,1,2) hold their American Tea on the same day and their stalls are in the school grounds and on the Northbridge Oval.

There are many dining stalls with a variety of dining options. These include a BBQ, Asian Food Stall with fried rice, noodles etc, Oyster Bar, Undercroft Café selling sandwiches, soups, salads, and Devonshire Teas, Fruit Salad stall, International Food stall with chicken satay, Thai Beef Salad, Samosas etc, The Chapel Lawn and Hall Quadrangle have tables and chairs with umbrellas to provide shade.
Also available are Drinks, Hot Chips, Sweets, Cakes, Snow Cones, and Fairy Floss.

This event is held on the Robson Terrace to celebrate all the Grandparents in the School and is attended by the Headmaster. It is open to all Grandparents of Year 7 boys at the School and the Year 7 boys are invited to attend with their Grandparents if they wish. It is a pre-booked event that sells out quickly as we have limited seats available. It is advised to book early. Booking details are published in the Shore Weekly Record.

All school parents are encouraged to be involved. During the year there are many events that help to raise funds towards stalls at the American Tea. These include the Mother’s Day Stall, Movie night, Gourmet and Sweets cooking days, and Tennis day. At the American Tea you can work on a stall for an hour or two, or you can offer to run one of the many stalls and recruit your friends to help on the day. Or alternatively you can just come along, spend some time shopping and enjoy lunch on the Chapel Lawn or the Quadrangle. There will be links available through the Shore Weekly Record and Shore Association Weekly to sign up and help out before and on the day.

You can also contact one of the American Tea Convenors at: spaamericantea@shore.nsw.edu.au

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the history of American Tea?

Where and when is it held?

Who can attend the American Tea?

How do I get there? Is there parking available?

What type of stalls are there?

What food is available on the day?

Do the boys have any time out from class to attend?

Are there any extra events held on this day?

What is the Grandparents Morning Tea?

How can I be more involved in the day?