Boarding 

This term we have continued to raise our standards. As part of this we have upgraded our common room into a Boarders’ Wellbeing Space. Not only have we installed new couches and rearranged the physical layout, but we have also been fortunate to have boarders lead the way in overseeing how this space is maintained and used.

Our Wellbeing Space has a pool table, table tennis table, dining table, overhead projector and cinema quality sound, piano, corrals for study, photo board, and 10 years of legacy artwork designed and created by our Year 12 leavers. 

The space has been upgraded in its style and use, but has also been promoted as a place of respect, relaxation, and relationship. I would like to thank Luke Pickering (Year 9) for the work he continues to do with the Boarders’ pool competition, in addition to Thomas Hutchings (Year 10), Charlie Duver (Year 10), Tessa Ingham (Year 10), and Sarah Andersen (Year 10), who are all assisting in overseeing this space continues to support the wellbeing of all boarders.

Andrew Monk

Director of Boarding

An Interview with new MacDonald House Boarders Charlotte Butcher and Crystal Slape

The following interview’s were conducted by Mrs Abbie Cameron, Head of MacDonald House. She

spoke to Year 8 and Year 10 boarders Charlotte and Crystal about life as a boarder.

Both Charlotte and Crystal joined MacDonald House at the beginning of Term 3. Despite multiple lockdowns and weeks away from the house, they have joined the house with grace and enthusiasm and quickly became valued members of MacDonald House.   

Charlotte Butcher 

When you are not in the boarding house, where is home? I come from Stawell, Victoria 

What have you found to be the best part of being a boarder in Mac House?

I love seeing friends and meeting new people. I also like being able to get involved with after school activities like rowing and dancing. 

What is your favourite dinner in the boarding house?

 I really like Alfonso’s Thursday night Parma’s!

What have you found the most challenging thing as you begin your boarding journey? 

This term especially I have started to miss my family and find it hard not seeing them during the week, but I do see them on weekends. 

What are you looking forward to next year? 

Next year I am looking forward to meeting new girls joining Mac House, and being able to show them around and help them with the start of their time in boarding. 

Crystal Slape 

When you are not in the boarding house, where is home? I come from Naracoorte, South Australia 

What have you found to be the best part of being a boarder in Mac House?

 As my siblings have all left home, I am really enjoying living with friends and having them around all the time. 

What is your favourite dinner in the boarding house?

 I LOVE pasta night!

What have you found the most challenging thing as you begin your boarding journey? 

I have found the border closures and not being able to going home really hard, and in Term 3 going in and out of remote learning was an interesting way to start a new school! In my first week I was on camp and went straight into remote learning! 

What are you looking forward to next year? 

Next year I am looking forward to starting new subjects and spending time with friends in the boarding house. 

Abbie Cameron

Head of MacDonald House