Boarding 

In the concluding days of Term One, I wish to congratulate our boarders on their incredible efforts in returning to boarding after a two-year interruption. It has been wonderful to welcome 29 new faces to boarding and their families to our community. All of our boarders have had a successful term, and for our new boarders, they should be tremendously proud in the beginning stages of their journey.

This year, College is focused upon each child being known, valued and challenged, and boarding is determined to make this happen. With theme nights, orientation days, formal dinners, Easter egg hunts, weekend activities, field days, Boarding Committee meetings, and all that occurs in between, the boarders have experienced many opportunities to get to know each other and the staff. In Term Two we look forward to more growth experiences and we will have the National Boarding Week in May, Old Collegians speak at a Formal Dinner, and weekend activities that include a trip to Melbourne.

A successful Boarding House and school is grounded by creating an environment for boarders to grow at their own pace, and along their own path. We support each child in a nurturing environment with positive role models, a safe and secure home away from home, providing opportunities that are targeted to their interests and needs, and striving for achievable challenges. Of course there is no perfect science to boarding, however, the foundations for our boarders, from Year 7 to Year 12, is having staff who are compassionate, kind, and experienced in caring for adolescents. I am proud to say we have staff who exemplify this, and our boarders have positive relationships with them all.

For families, this Easter break will be a time to hear of the stories of new friendships, the ups and downs of life at school and boarding, and see how much your son or daughter has grown this term. It has been a pleasure for our team to be here for your family, care for your son and/or daughter, and to create an environment for all boarders to flourish.

We wish you all the very best for a safe Easter break this year.

Best wishes,

Andrew and the boarding house team.

What to do if you are interested in boarding.

Our Boarding House continues to fill up, which is wonderful to see and hear. Next term, I encourage families considering casual boarding or full-time boarding to make contact with our Registrar, Susie Holcombe, or myself to assist with these plans. Boarding takes a serious commitment and level of organisation, this is where Susie and myself can help your family through a transition period that considers each individual and their needs. If you wish to begin your boarding journey in Term Two, please make contact – via holcombes@hamiltoncollege.vic.edu.au or amonk@hamiltoncollege.vic.edu.au.

Casual boarding

We have casual boarders who regularly stay with us each week for their sporting commitments, such as rowing, cricket and basketball, which makes life easier for the family and for the boarder. Our dedicated Troopy bus drops off and picks up our boarders to their training or games at any time of the morning or evening, continually driving up to 9:45pm! This has made such a difference to some of our families who drive in and out of town two to three times a day. 

Whilst this provides some respite for the family and gives back some valuable prep/study time to their son or daughter, boarding also helps students learn the skills of independence, organisation, and teamwork. In particular, we have been welcoming many Year 7 and 8 casual boarders who have stepped up to the challenge of learning these skills and are receiving the specialised care and guidance from our MOD’s. A perfect mix of support and gentle encouragement. Casual boarding is a good stepping - having to spend a night or two each week in Year 7 or 8 and then moving into full-time boarding in Year 9 or 10 makes for a smooth and confident transition into boarding life.

ANDREW MONK

Director of Boarding