Boarding News
Dear Parents,
Challenging times, extraordinary times, difficult times. These are just some of the expressions we seem to be using a lot of at present, certainly in my conversations with many of you these past few days. They are words which don’t seem adequate to capture how we all might be feeling in a world which has been so rapidly turned on its head. Such unprecedented change has increased our anxiety, heightened our fears and possibly led to some frustration or anger. We may not even be able to explain the anger, other than putting it down to perhaps being a little overwhelmed with our circumstances. Fortunately, there is a ‘flip side’ to this and there are certainly positives we should acknowledge. We can be thankful for the technology we have available these days to keep in touch and I know many are grateful for time with family. There is a sense that we have all been forced to re-evaluate priorities and focus on what truly matters. Even the planet seems to be enjoying a break from regular activity.
Another significant positive is that we are indeed blessed to be part of a remarkable community. Despite the immense pressures we are all facing, the sense of cooperation, understanding, patience and goodwill has been a constant. I would like to extend my sincere thanks and appreciation to all our boarding families.
Humans can certainly achieve extraordinary things in adversity. Rolling out nationwide online learning in a matter of weeks is an incredible feat. We are all aware of the challenges it presents but one thing has been evident to me when ringing around.
Most of you are surprised how well your sons have taken to it. I do believe that boarding can take some credit here. You are seeing firsthand that your sons have developed some self-discipline and independence. We often talk about them ‘taking ownership of their education’.
This experience is forcing them to do just that and whilst it is early days, your feedback so far seems to affirm that most have adopted a mature approach in these unique circumstances. Other feedback has been helpful for us to determine where we can improve what we are doing.
We will continue to keep in touch with you all but please do not hesitate to get in contact with us if we can assist in any way.
Most importantly, we continue to wish you good health. May St Marcellin watch even more closely over your sons, your family and your communities at this time.
Ad Jesum per Mariam.
Max Spencer
Director of Boarding
Senior Boarding Report
It has been challenging times for our Senior Boarders, but they have handled everything with maturity beyond their years. From the daily changes of information to the quick vacation of the boarding houses last weekend to the implementation of online learning this week, the boys have taken everything in their stride. The education landscape is very different for the boys at the moment, with online task submissions, online assessment tasks performed live from home and the challenge of managing rural services with daily online classes. The feedback has been largely positive from both students, parents and teachers alike.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank both the students and parents for their understanding in what has been a very difficult few weeks. Your support has been fantastic and has made my job far easier dealing with such a wonderful group.
Both Year 11 and 12 have a Google Classroom set up for me to communicate with them any necessary tasks that are outstanding, assessment reminders and various online resources that can be used while learning from home. I encourage the boys to make sure they engage in this ‘Online Boarding Common Room’ and to use the resources that are being made available to them.
As has been discussed in various phone calls with all of you please let me know if there is anything you are worried about with your son's online learning, any issues occurring at home or anything at all you would like assistance with. I am only a phone call away and here to support you as best I can.
I pray for all our families' good health, the speedy return of normality to our lives and for the boarding house to be full once again. It is lonely without your sons and very difficult to play ping pong against myself.
All the best everyone.
Luke Morrissey
Senior Boarding Coordinator
Junior Boarding Reports
Years 9 & 10
Our boys are facing a challenge no other boarder has ever faced in these unprecedented times. However, you wouldn’t know it with how they have taken this truly unique situation in their stride.
After talking with the boys and parents/carers one thing has become clear, the independence and confidence the boys have in these trying times is amazing. I believe this is due to the environment the boys already live in up on the hill. This isn’t to say everything has been easy, as the transition has tested many boys, teachers and families but the Years 9 and10 boys take pride in their work and this has really shone through, so I applaud them for that.
The boys have a couple of assessments to finish off the term, which will be a challenge with the way they are delivered and completed online. A reminder that the Boarding Coordinators, Max and the boy’s teachers are here for all families to assist with anything we can.
Thank you to all the parents and carers who have communicated how their sons are going and assisted in these unusual times.
Cheers,
Michael Bullock
Junior Boarding Coordinator (Year 9 and 10)
Years 7 & 8
The Coronavirus is rapidly changing the landscape of our world today, as the themes of isolation, social distancing, unemployment and anxiety impact the hearts and minds of many. As mentioned on previous occasions, the Year 7 and 8 boarders continue to teach and inspire me. Their calm and positive attitude toward the vacation of the boarding houses can only be admired. The boys responded in the true Marist way, that is, as brothers taking one step at a time.
A family spirit is needed more than ever in our boarding community and I endeavour to build on what we have started through online communication. I have established Google Classrooms for our boys with the hope to engage, motivate and guide them through their study and holistically during this crisis. A quality learning environment is essential to learning, therefore, their first task was to create a productive study space. The boys responded positively so I set another task, a physical Mr Halaifonua challenge with a creative element included. The boys can be seen completing the ‘push up challenge’ in their lounge room, in the spa, out on the farm and even on a forklift. Once again, I am inspired and will continue to work closely with our boys.
We are on this journey together as a family, therefore, if there is anything that I can do to help please contact me. I am grateful to be blessed with your sons and our community, and I endeavour to do my best to serve the boys in my care. May God deliver us from every danger and comfort us with His love and grace.
Pax tecum
Tevita Halaifonua
Junior Boarding Coordinator (Year 7 and 8)
Boarders of the Week
Our Boarders of the Week continue to impress and contribute to the College. Our winners this week are:
Senan - Sharon Elphick for sending through a photo of Jarod riding his horse. We’re not sure what subject this was for but he may have been reciting ‘The Man from Snowy River’ for English?
Edgar – Charlie Guymer- Building his own gym at home and smashing his academic work out.
Fingal – William Stimson - For handling the COVID-19 situation in boarding like a champ and continuing his great start to the year back home while impressing his mum with how well he is working.
Valens - Daniel Grundy - For his improved behaviour and attitude towards his study. Furthermore, Daniel has been assisting his peers during study time and the boys appreciate his presence in Valens.