Boarding

A changing of the guard

As we congratulate and welcome our 2026 Boarding Captains, we also reflect on the impactful work Henrietta Russell and Henry Russell have carried out this year. Highlights include the introduction of the House Cup, the continuation of the Boarding House Committee, and the energetic and uplifting House meetings held throughout the week. Furthermore, their kindness and care for our younger boarders as they begin their individual boarding journey have been greatly appreciated.

From the beginning, I was impressed by Henry and Henrietta’s openness, authenticity, kindness, gratitude, and honesty. They have worked to improve the Boarding House for the betterment of all boarders, which I am grateful for. They will depart their respective roles on Friday next week, and our 2026 Boarding House Captains will duly take the reins. I have included in this week’s newsletter a few words from our 2025 Captains, whilst I very much welcome our newly appointed Boarding House Captains, Pepper Bowes and Finn Dennis. 

"This year as Boarding Captain has been a truly special experience and one I will always look back on with gratitude. Watching the younger girls grow in confidence and independence has been so rewarding, and it has been wonderful to see the Boarding House come together as one caring and connected community. From our lively theme nights and shared laughter to the quieter everyday moments of support and friendship, the spirit within the house has been something really special.

I feel so grateful to have been part of a group that continually looks out for one another and finds joy in even the smallest moments. The warmth, kindness, and energy that fill Mac House make it feel like a true home away from home. It has been a privilege to lead such an inspiring group of girls, and I will always cherish the memories we’ve created together."

Henrietta Russell

Macdonald House Captain 2025

"The Boarding House has been running smoothly as we start fresh in Term Four, with everyone settling back into routine. As we move toward the end of the year, we’ve begun handing over the responsibilities of Boarding Captain to the new captains, Finn and Pepper, who have shown lots of excitement as they look forward to their new role in the Boarding House. 

This is an exciting time of the year for the Year 12 as we are looking forward to our end-of-year celebrations and the upcoming Boarding House dinner. This will be a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the year and farewell our Year 12 peers with our family and friends around. And don’t forget ... we have been hard at work painting for the end of year so look forward to the big reveal."

Henry Russell

Speirs House Captain 2025

Sport at the Boarding House

The start of summer sport is always a positive time, with glimpses of sunshine the warmer weather approaching, it is a great time to be challenging ourselves through sport. 

I am unashamedly biased as a PE teacher, but sport simply offers us so much. The stirring of the soul to do better, to overcome a challenge, to win a match, or to beat a personal best. I believe these are great experiences for all ages. These experiences teach us to have a go, be courageous, and put our best foot forward regardless of the outcome; positive or negative. And this is what I witness at the Boarding House. Students having a go at tennis for the first time, rowers running down to the sheds on a Tuesday and Thursday afternoons, golfers over the road frustrated at shots, and red and sweaty faces returning after a lap of the lake. I look forward to seeing more boarders take up the opportunity at College through sport or alternatively seek out a personal fitness challenge this term.