Boarding News

Dear Parents,

A very warm welcome from all in the boarding community for this first newsletter of 2020. The boarding houses have once again sprung to life and it is good to see the boys settling in so well. It is not by chance that we have had an excellent start to the year, the Boarding Coordinators and House Supervisors have given immense amount of time and energy over the last week and I thank them sincerely for their efforts.

I’m also grateful to all our young men, especially our newest members of the community, for making such a settled start. Re-adjusting after a long holiday or simply adjusting for the first time to life in a community can be challenging. It has been pleasing to see many new connections being made and the positive attitude boys have adopted towards the new school year.

Our Marist theme for this year is ‘One wild and precious life’. After what was an extremely difficult summer, for so many reasons, it seems that this year’s theme might hit just the right note for many of us. Life is indeed precious. An extraordinarily precious gift, too often taken for granted until it is gone, or we are faced with losing it. The ‘wild’ part is certainly up for interpretation. The word itself summons thoughts of youthfulness and freedom. We all know that the wildness of our youth can be all too quickly forgotten in the more serious, mundanity of adult responsibility. Still, a part of our wild youth lives on in all of us.  But wild can also mean rough, harsh or remote. Anything but gentle. Life is no gentle ride and we hit plenty of rough patches along the way. There is plenty of harshness at times and many experience remoteness in human connection despite the illusion that we are more ‘connected’ than ever before.   In his book ‘Beyond Belief’, author Hugh Mackay writes about a growing trend in Australia for people to consider themselves ‘Spiritual But Not Religious’ (SBNR). He explores peoples increasing rejection of religious institutions or organised religion whilst still holding onto spiritual values. This offers us both a great challenge and an opportunity in Catholic education and it is something we embrace wholeheartedly.

Part of our job is to help young people navigate their world with their spirituality intact and to avoid what Mackay describes as the ‘seductive idea that there is no reason why we can’t be happy. As he states, ‘this is not healthy or harmonious happiness’. Happiness is not an illusion, but it is certainly not a destination or state of mind we will one day reach. In embracing this year’s theme, may we help our young people be wild, young and free in heart and mind as we challenge ourselves to do the same. In doing so, may we come to appreciate a little more how precious all life is.

Ad Jesum per Mariam

Max Spencer

Director of Boarding

Boarding Updates

Junior Boarding - Years 7 and 8

The team and I are very pleased to welcome you and your boys to the start of the 2020 school year.  It was lovely to meet you all and a very special welcome to all the new families. The Year 7 & 8 boys in Valens and Fingal House have had a busy first week. The boys looked ‘sharp’ on their first day and it was a proud moment for the new boys beginning their journey at St Gregory’s College. The Year 8 boys did a fantastic job leading from the front and guiding the new additions to the boarding family. Ms Sue Santa Maria has been with the boys every day, guiding and caring for the them in the Marist way: ‘with a strong mind and gentle heart’.

The boys experienced plenty of sport over the past weekend, which included the U13 Cricket team continuing their strong season and the U13 Basketball team facing a highly skilled Redlands outfit. It was pleasing to see the new boys get involved and representing the College for the first time. The Year 7 & 8 boys should be commended for their start to the academic year, as many boys have been recognised for their effort in the classroom and their study. Overall, I am humbled by the unique hearts that are in my care and I am excited about the year ahead.

Mr Tevita Halaifonua, Junior Boarding Coordinator 

Junior Boarding – Years 9 and 10

The Years 9 and 10 Boarders 2020 schooling year started last Wednesday on a hot Wednesday afternoon. We had our returning boarders joined by seven new Year 9 and four new Year 10 boys. 

The boys settled in well with a short school week and then a jam-packed weekend. On Saturday our ISA Sport continued with the Basketball boys heading away to play and our Cricket boys playing home games. It was good to see a few of the new boys play their first game in Greg’s colours.

Our other boys got to enjoy the pool in the morning and afternoon along with some trips down to the shops and movies. 

On Sunday the boys got to trek out to Gunnamatta Bay in Cronulla for the day which was a cracker weather wise. They enjoyed jumping off the wharf and wandering to the main beach throughout the day, enjoying the sun. 

Week 2 has started strong with the boys getting into their afternoon and night routines. Afternoons have been spent outside at fields and other facilities including the pool. Evenings have included scheduled study times getting into their schoolwork together and mastering the art of book covering. 

On a personal note, I have loved my transition to my new role as a Boarding Coordinator which has been made easier by the welcome extended by the boys and their families. I am also looking forward to the many events and hopefully achievements, the boys will experience throughout the year. 

Michael Bullock, Junior Boarding Coordinator 

Senior Boarding - Years 11 & 12

As always it’s been a fast start to the year in Senan House. We have twenty Year 11 boarders that have joined the nineteen Year 12 boarders in Senan house for 2020.

The Year 11 group includes; 7 new boarders from across NSW, seen below with their certificates for being welcomed into the College.

• James Sykes - Canberra
• Joshua Sykes - Wagga
• Marty McGrath - Boorowa
• Elliot Liddle - Tahmoor
• Jared Elphick - Gundagai
• Patrick Star - Griffith
• Tom Smith - Cootamundra

The boys have been busy from the outset with Year 12 tackling an English Assessment task and Year 11 their information evening. In addition to this we have had cricket training, basketball, already numerous gym visits, swimming, study, opening masses, a visit to the movies and the beach.

As coordinator I am excited for the year ahead with a wonderful group of young men under my care. I wish everyone well for 2020.

Luke Morrissey, Senior Boarding Coordinator (Years 11 & 12)