Boarding News

Last Sunday, our boarding community hosted all the Stuartholme boarders for Mass in the late afternoon. We chose to have an outdoor Mass in the John Eales Grandstand which was really lovely overlooking the main oval. We are grateful to Father Alatini for saying Mass for us in this different setting and to the Mission Team for their work behind the scenes preparing this service. After Mass, the boarders from both our schools enjoyed a BBQ dinner together and some time to mix and catch up. We have a very strong connection with Stuartholme Boarding and it was great to catch up before the term gets really busy with exams.

This coming weekend all the Year 11 boarders are travelling to the Bunya Mountains for the Boarding Leadership Camp. This initiative was introduced last year and it aims to prepare the boys for their Senior year. A great deal is expected of the boys when they reach Year 12, especially in boarding, and the sessions at the camp are carefully planned to expose the boys to the qualities of effective leadership. I am grateful for the support of Ty Casey, Brad Winchester and Blair Whitlock who are joining me in providing this opportunity. The three main aims of this camp are:

1. For the Year 11 boarders to learn what positive leadership is and how to lead effectively
2. To build camaraderie and teamwork within this cohort as they prepare to lead, and
3. For the Year 11 boarders to develop a plan of what they aim to achieve next year

We hope all the boys throw themselves into this opportunity and it gives them a road map of what they need to do to ensure a successful 2025 in boarding.

Our Year 12 boarders continue with external examinations this week and the younger boys are making preparations for final assessments as the year draws to a close. Term 4 is always fast and the boys are being encouraged to get ahead with their study and also to access the various tutoring support available to them. Please contact your son’s Boarding Leader if you are concerned that he might be struggling with exam preparations.

Boarding Recreation - Mr Blair Whitlock

On Friday afternoon we welcomed a group of future Marist boarders for their sleepover experience, and it was great to see the boys get involved in the recreational activities throughout the weekend. The weekend kicked off with some spikeball and touch footy on the main oval before a BBQ dinner and an optional trip out to Eat Street. The boys that stayed behind at Marist made the most of the pool and weights room being open to close out Friday evening.

Saturday was a hot day as the young boarders went for a walk up to the Ashgrove shops in the morning to stock up on supplies before heading back to Marist for lunch, games in the gym and a swim to cool off. It was a quiet evening with most boys watching the League or a movie in the dorm before heading off for an early night.

The La Valla and Montagne boys were up early on Sunday morning to take part in the Ashgrove Junior Park Run for the fourth week in a row. It’s great to see many of the boys pushing themselves and hitting new PBs each week. Later that morning we headed up to Vic Park for a round of Spooky Putt Putt at the Halloween-themed course. There were plenty of hole-in-ones and friendly competition with Lachy Cobus coming out on top! Another afternoon swim and a quick game of OzTag at the Wests League Club was a great way to round out the weekend recreation before the Stuartholme boarders joined us for shared mass on the grandstand.