Boarding
Formal dinner – Term 1
This term we were fortunate to begin our Formal Dinner series for the year. Our first Formal Dinner introduced Dr Andrew Bradbeer speaking on the topic of sleep and sleep hygiene. The importance of sleep hygiene could not be understated; it is important for growth, recovery, concentration, mood, sport performance, mindset and attitude. It is recommended that adolescents aim to get at least nine hours of sleep a night, with the quality of sleep also an important factor in understanding our sleep patterns. Dr Bradbeer’s engaging presentation provided knowledge and practical advice to our boarders to take away which was relevant and realistic. The broader topic of stress, anxiety and how electronic devices effect our sleep patterns was discussed with advice about how to deal with this and what to do. I thank Dr Bradbeer for his presentation and the important knowledge he has imparted to our boarders. Our top tips from Dr Bradbeer:
- At least nine hours of sleep is recommended.
- Avoid eating two hours before sleep.
- Screen time reduces our natural sleep hormone - melatonin - being released, which makes it difficult to get to sleep.
- Sleep effects our growth, mood, concentration, and sport performance.
- If you regularly have trouble sleeping, see a doctor or counsellor to chat.
Thank you to James Laversha for recording the evening and creating our Boarders’ Formal Dinner podcast series. This podcast will be available on our College website soon.
Equestrian boarders
With 10 equestrian boarders onsite this year, it has certainly been a busy start to the year at our Equestrian Centre. I am always taken by the commitment, dedication, and organisation required by our equestrian boarders. It is not a commitment for a sporting season or a term - this enduring passion carries over the course of the year regardless of weather, daylight, and the undulating commitment of school work demands. On Friday afternoon last week, I was pleasantly surprised and welcomed by two of our equestrian boarders taking their horses for a walk. What a wonderful way to spend your afternoon and unwind. Thank you to Abbie and Mia for taking Ned and Bertie for a walk around the 20 acres of landscape we have on the boarding grounds.
Andrew Monk
Director of Boarding