Boarding News

Dear Parents and Friends,

Greetings of the season to you all for this final newsletter in 2019.

No doubt you are all aware we have had a challenging week, enveloped in a thick smoke haze. It has been quite unpleasant outdoors and with little physical activity you could forgive the boys for being a little restless. I’m very pleased to say they have been brilliant under the circumstances.

This Sunday we are heading down to Jamberoo for what will hopefully be a very welcome relief from the smoke and an enjoyable way to cap off the year.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank you, our parents, grandparents and carers, for your support of our boarding community this year. As a staff we are so fortunate to work with people who support the College and place an enormous amount of trust in our capacity to develop our young men. We have our challenges and our patience gets tested, but it is always reassuring to know that we share such a positive spirit of cooperation, working together to achieve the best outcomes for your sons. There is plenty of work to come in 2020 and I’m excited about the new boarding staff team we have assembled. Fresh eyes and new perspectives are always beneficial, and I know Michael Bullock and Tevita Halaifonua are incredibly enthusiastic about their new positions. We will all be looking forward to welcoming you back in the new year.

On behalf of all boarding staff I wish you a Merry Christmas. May this joyful season bring your family the blessings of Hope, Faith and Love. My we be granted the wisdom and vision to see those blessings amidst the challenges. We remain ever hopeful that the new year will bring new opportunities and renewed energy with which to embrace them.

May you all enjoy some wonderful time together with your sons’ over the summer and may Mary and Saint Marcellin continue to watch over them and keep them all safe.

Ad Jesum per Mariam.

Max Spencer

Director of Boarding

Duke of Edinburgh

Last Friday at our College assembly, the Year 10 Coordinator, Mr Greg Serone, spoke to the boys about the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme. It occurred to me that we have never had many boarders participate in this excellent program. This is surprising given most of them would already complete around half the requirements to qualify for the award each year. This includes playing a sport and volunteering or community service.

Please have a look at this link for your information. We would be very happy to assist any boarder wishing to participate in the scheme from next year.

https://dukeofed.com.au/doing-the-award/

Reminder – final day of Term, 12th December

All boys will need to be picked up with all their belongings so that rooms can be prepared over the summer. Families that can make the 9:00am Christmas Mass can take their sons home after that. Otherwise houses will open again at 2:30pm that afternoon.

Fingal House feature.....