Boarding 

Trialling the Boarding Experience

This week has been busy in the boarding house. We have had The Production, Sports, Trips to University Open Days, new boarders trialling, and some interior design work in the Macdonald and Speirs’ House foyers. Our boarders live such busy and exciting lives, and keeping up with 96 of these busy young men and women is simply energising.

Recognising Champions of Effort

Recently our boarders have been recognised in all facets of College life: from The Beauty and The Beast production, to academic effort awards, and on the sporting field. It is such an amazing feat for our boarders to find success in the co-curricular pursuits whilst also completing their day-to-day chores. We are so proud of our boarders and all that they do for the College. A list of recent accomplishments include:

National U/13 Hockey Championships Umpiring appointment in Tasmania – Chloe Andersen (Yr 12)

U/16 Best and Fairest for the Horsham and District League – Tyler Hateley (Yr 9)(24 votes with second on 20 votes).

Academic effort awards:

Year 10: Alyssa Hocking and Grace Austin.

Year 11: Celine Chen and Hugh Wettenhall.

Year 12: Chloe Andersen, Pei Yu Chen, Samentha Kwan, Nihindu Ranasinghe and Alannah Sander.

The Beauty and The Beast cast included:

James Sutherland (The Beast), Izzy Azzopardi (Madame Bouche), Alyssa Hocking (Silly Girl#1), Michaela Meyer (Cast - ensemble), Percussion (Euan Sutherland), Anna Spaull & Billie Smitheram (Hair and Make-up), and John Charnley (Lighting).

Social Event for South East South Australian Boarding Families

Dani England and I organised dinner and drinks at the William Mackintosh Motor Lodge in Naracoorte last Monday night. It was a casual affair for seven South East families to eat, greet and be merry. What a great way to get to know our boarding parent community.

There was much fun, laughter and tall stories that may have turned a few heads of the 13 people who attended, particularly new boarding parents Bernadette and Brian. Their son, Luca, was at College having an awesome time on his boarding trial. (While the kids are away the parents will play!)

Andrew, Scott and Mick had many yarns to tell about antics that happen when international boarders step outside their comfort zone and visit farming families, experiencing many new adventures on offer. Andrew Cavill spoke about the resilience that the kids develop at Hamilton College, particularly from boarding. Many parents agreed and much conversation was had about the importance of resilience and how crucial it is as a key to success in all parts of life.

There was a consensus that the night will become a regular event and we would love for other members of the Hamilton College staff to take up Andrew Monk’s lead and venture across the border, getting to know the College’s interstate families. We appreciate that Andrew showed his enthusiasm and genuine interest in all his boarding kids. Over dinner we all learnt a plentiful amount about each of our families and our kids, chatting in this informal setting. There was discussion about the advantages we get from boarding and what we want to see for our children in the Boarding House into the future. Mostly there was bountiful amounts of fun and laughter. A great night was had by all and we look forward to the next event in Term 4.

Jane Hetherington (Annabel Hetherington Yr 10).

Trial Boarding and Speak With a Current Boarding Family from Your Local Area

Trial boarding and speak with a current boarding family from your local area.

If you or a family you know would like to trial boarding, experience the benefits of casual boarding or simply enquire about boarding in general please do not hesitate in contacting Susie Holcombe or myself (amonk@hamiltoncollege.vic.edu.au). We would be more than accommodating to visit a family at their home or alternatively welcome the family into the Boarding House for an afternoon tea or meal.

Our families are wonderful advocates for Boarding and many have offered to take a phone call about how they have experienced the benefits of enrolling their children into boarding life. If you would like to speak with a current boarding family in your area, please contact myself or Susie so we are able to put you in touch.

Andrew Monk