Boarding

Well, what a busy term one we’ve had, with new faces and new challenges met with great spirit. At the forefront of the great start this year is the tremendous leadership of our Year 12 who have made all new boys welcomed to boarding. We have been blessed to have Hamish McNamara – Boarding Captain, Zac Evans and Linc Koliba Vice Captains serving the community here in the boarding house very well. In saying that, they have been well supported by all Year 12 boys. 

I am really excited about the future as we continue to work with the boys in our boarding house promoting a culture of care and respect that will bring opportunity for each boy to be their best. Such things as the impromptu games in the gym or on ovals that see all year levels mix and senior boys sharing meals with juniors simply chatting about the day. We stand together as community promoting respectful and responsible relationship with all who we work and play with. We are encouraged by the way in which boys have embraced a welcoming, kind and caring environment where success is celebrated.

Speaking of success, we have seen our senior Cricket team enjoy an undefeated season taking all before them with the BAS and ACC premierships. Seven boarders were a part of this team and the spirit they played and trained in was infectious. Well done to Max Bunworth, Linc Koliba, Hamish McNamara, Zac Evans, Albie Cheeseman, Harry Hoffman and Lachlan Rea. The boarding house has seen representation in various sports with football, basketball, tennis, swimming and cricket, this representation includes school, district and state level. An exceptional outcome and so good to see the boys take these opportunities St Patrick's has to offer and excel. Only last Friday night Trevor Wortley was awarded the Clontarf Art Prize at the Flanagan Art Show.

Student leadership has been at a high with our SPC College Captain Hugo Johnston leading so well. Throughout the term we have seen Hunter Vansomeren elected to Student Congress, Hugo Johston and Hamish Fanning as Tennis Captains and Lincoln Koliba as Cricket Captain, all great young men serving as good role models. These examples are supported by the many acts of kindness we see in our boarders daily where boys are simply good mates to each other.

Our new Saturday Vigil Mass at East Ballarat with Old Collegian Fr Driscoll has been well received and Father is so pleased to see the boarders from his old school. Justin hopes to join us for dinner from time to time as we continue to share the journey of our boys boarding experience. Chapel on the Monday evenings continues to provide opportunity for student-led service and a chance to pray together promoting grace in our community.

In other achievements this term, it is great to acknowledge the following:

• Most impressive to see our boys support the 21 Twenty Ones run challenge this term to promote men's mental health. Three-and-a-half laps around Lake Wendouree daily for 21 days gained support from boarders joining in – best time there was Mitch McAuliffe. 

   

• Head of the Lake saw Jasper Delaney victorious in the Year 10 Div 5 team.

   

• Archie Elliot was named Age Champion in Athletics after a very successful carnival.

   

• Our boys were tremendous in supporting the Easter egg donations, raising $250 dollars for those in need to enjoy some treats this Easter.

   

• Our boys are very grateful for the food we receive especially Korean Night and despite the best efforts of some keen fisherman among us, borrowing the kayaks to catch brown trout out of the lake, none were keepers for the pan. We will stay with Nyarth’s fish and chips for now!