Anchorage House News

What a great first term it has been for our boarding families and students in Anchorage. We have had the full range of emotions this term with some ups and downs from homesickness to having fun on the slip and slide. Through all these experiences the boys have been learning about themselves and how to get along with other people. Thank you to the returning boarders who have been very supportive of the journey of our new boarders. The highlight of this term has been seeing the boys of all year groups connect and engage with each other. It is heart-warming to see them include each other in fun and guide their fellow boarders through school and boarding life.  

Prep

The boys have shown growth and improvement in their attitude towards prep. Most nights they work at the table in Anchorage. We are encouraging all the boys to bring a book back to boarding to read, when they do not have homework. Michaelmas prep is quite popular as there is a tutor there to assist with, this roster will change slightly next term due to staff rosters. 

Woodwork

The boys have enjoyed Woodwork with Mr Colgate this term and next term the Endeavour boarders will spend this time with him. Thank you Mr Colgate, we appreciate you teaching our boarders woodworking skills.

Head of House Leave

As families were emailed, I was away for Week Seven. My daughter-in-law required multiple surgeries here in Albany and in Perth. I was helping my son care for my newborn granddaughter.  During my leave, Ms Vanessa Bromhead took over the running of Anchorage. The boys enjoyed having her for the week and I am so glad that she offered to take over. They now know how to make their bed really well and are able to spin a coin on their doona! Vanessa and Bailey took good care of Rolley.  

Outdoor Activities

Boys have enjoyed playing on our new basketball hoop that has been recently installed and also playing footy and rugby on our rugby oval behind the houses while it is dry. 

Well done to the boys who got up early to help with the grape harvest. They have also enjoyed going down to the Lower King Bridge catching fish and having lunch with the fish they caught at the Coraki Park picnic area and BBQ. 

Bocce and ten pin bowling has also kept the Anchorage boarders entertained. We have a new game called spike ball which follows volleyball rules and involves a ball being bounced on a tight net between four people. This has been lots of fun. 

Farewell Mr Stanborough

On Wednesday evening the Anchorage boys had lots of fun celebrating the time they have spent with Mr Nelson Stanborough before he heads off for bigger things in the tennis world. Nelson organised, played and umpired a game of football out on the rugby oval behind Anchorage House until dark. Then it was pizzas in the recreation shed before heading up to the gym for a last session. Jack Lange had cooked cinnamon donut muffins for everyone to share for supper. Nelson is very fond of Jack’s cooking. We thank Nelson for all his effort, humour, steadfastness, persistence and reliability whilst working in Anchorage. The boys look upon you with much affection and they have valued your guidance and mentorship. We wish you all the very best in your future endeavours and welcome you for a visit anytime you are in Albany.

Ms Anne Robertson | Head of Anchorage House

Student Report

Jack usually cooks us a lovely supper. We have already had banana bread, biscuits, caramel slice, chocolate cake, orange cake and chocolate strawberries. We are all looking forward to more. If your child has a favourite recipe, they’re welcome to bring it to boarding and have fun cooking it. It can be sweet or savoury. So far Tyler has made his favourite chocolate brownie recipe from home. All the boys agreed it was delicious. 

We enjoy eating our dinner in Anchorage sometimes instead of at the Dining Hall. This has allowed us to take advantage of eating outside in the nice weather or watching the footy while we have dinner. 

Definitely one of our favourite recreation activities has been to go fishing at the King River Bridge. It’s a bonus if we catch some fish.

Ryan Hams | Year Nine

Boarder Reflections

It has been a good start to the year with boarders settling well into Anchorage House. It was fun to start the year off with the slip and slide. My favourite activities so far have been going to the beach, playing beach cricket and going to the gym after prep to play basketball, footy and hockey. 

Zane Cairns | Year Eight

I think boarding is fun because we go to ALAC to the pool, fishing and lots of different things. I like meeting lots of new people and teachers. It's weird being away from your family but you get used to it because you have friends here to encourage you when you get homesick. I like playing football after school and eating dessert at dinner. I have had to get used to doing homework at prep time in the evenings. It's fun to go to the Plaza, ten pin bowling and swimming at Emu Point. 

Lucas Smart | Year Eight

I like having the new basketball hoop outside Anchorage and the slip and slide. BBQs at Anchorage are good. I enjoy the waterslide at ALAC and going to the beach where I can jump off the jetty. 

Tyler Germain | Year Eight

Boarding has been fun but unpredictable this term with COVID affecting what we can do and having to wear masks inside. 

Taj Carruthers | Year Eight

Boarding has been good. I really enjoy the night gym sessions. The supervisors are good and so is the food. The recreation activities are good and keep us entertained. I like that we are always with our mates. It’s a bit hard being away from home but after a while it's easy to get used to.  

Ronald Williams | Year Seven

The boarding house so far has been really fun, especially the afternoons. I like hanging out with Louis. I have enjoyed the recreation activities, particularly fishing and the whirl pool at ALAC. 

Fraser King | Year Seven