Boarding News

I have had the privilege over the last week to travel to Cairns, Darwin and Katherine where I caught up with many boarders who are now Old Boys, as well as past, present and future boarding parents. It was a reminder of how well known the College is across Australia and the fondness that so many have for our school and in particular boarding.

Past and present boarders and their families spoke of the positive relationships they had with key staff during their time at Marist. They were asking after staff members with whom they’d formed great connections, rather than the facilities or the programs. At a time when almost every service we are provided is delivered in a transactional way, it was clear through these conversations that Marist boarding prioritises building relationships with families. It was lovely to hear people say that our point of difference is having genuine staff who get to know each boarder and are fully invested in providing great care.

I’d like to take this opportunity to acknowledge a few members of our boarding team who were mentioned to me in conversations I’ve had on the road over the last week.

• Our Boarding Leaders – for being so accessible and so committed to every boy in their care. They are admired for never tiring of being that ‘one stop shop’ for questions (from both parents and boys) and also for the times they go over and above to make sure that every boy’s needs are being met. The leadership they display has had, and is having a very positive impact on the young men in their care.
• Our Nurses – several Marist people told stories of injuries, illnesses and hard times that were managed with such compassion by our nursing team in the Health Centre. It was a great comfort to many that these times of adversity were overcome through the help of this wonderful team.
• Our Recreation Officer – it is without doubt a feature of a Marist boarding experience that you get the opportunity to experience so many great activities on the weekends. Parents and boys spoke with gratitude for the work of Blair Whitlock and those recreation officers before him. Keeping the boarders busy and giving them fun things to look forward to is an integral part of our offering. 
• Our Boarding Reception staff – parents commented about how Belinda and Erin are so friendly, responsive and helpful. They are always there on the other end of the phone to assist with a problem or a last minute request.

I’m sure there are other staff or school departments who may be overlooked here, but I hope they all know the gratitude of our boarding community for what they do to help create wonderful opportunities and genuine care for our boys. It truly takes a village to help our young boarding men to learn, grow and thrive at Marist College Ashgrove.