Principal 

Homestay Thanks

Sincere thanks to the ten or so families who generously offered to host one or two of our international students over the King’s Birthday long weekend. This homestay structure was one of the best-loved features of the international student experience at College prior to COVID, and I am keen to reestablish it as a regular element in our international program. Our International Student Coordinator, Penny Callinan, will walk interested families through the required checks and frameworks in place to ensure a smooth and rewarding experience on both sides, and will also assist with travel logistics. 

With growing numbers in this area, we have a fantastic opportunity to not only add to our international students’ experience, but also to add to our local students’ cultural understanding and perspectives. Even if you are unavailable to be involved this time, if you would like to register your interest, please contact Penny at pcallinan@hamiltoncollege.vic.edu.au.

National Boarding Week

This week is National Boarding Week, with the theme ‘Echoes of Home’. Having spent significant time in the boarding house this term, the theme is a good and appropriate one. In the shadow of the awful events of earlier this week, the boarding house has quietly resonated with echoes of care, mutual support, quiet conversation and, at times, complex grief. I am grateful to the boarding staff who, even in their own sadness, have given so much this week to support our students. 

If you feel that your child, boarder or day student, would benefit from speaking with a professional, we will have counsellors on site over the coming weeks, and can facilitate appointments as required. Please contact Kristen Waldron if you would like to discuss this or the other supports available.