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Boarding News

A Boarding Week Letter from Fr Andrew Chen

Dear Parents and Guardians

National Boarding Week, celebrated Australia-wide this week by over 30,000 young people who call boarding schools home, has been the focus in Cebula Boarding. It has been a fantastic celebration of community, connection and the unique spirit of boarding life within Cebula Boarding House.

This year’s theme, ‘Echoes of Home’, has been brought to life through a range of activities that have highlighted friendship, brotherhood and the strong sense of belonging that exists within our boarding family.

The week began with the welcoming of the Cebula Day Boys into the Boarding House for a special lunch. As the only House at Mazenod made up of both boarders and day boys, Cebula enjoys a unique culture where boys from diverse backgrounds come together to form one united community. Sharing lunch together was a great opportunity to strengthen these connections and celebrate the inclusive spirit that makes Cebula so special.

One of the highlights of the week was the highly anticipated MasterChef Cook-Off. In a display of friendly rivalry, the boys showcased some impressive cooking skills, producing a range of dishes that were expertly judged by our very own Chef Tim and Chef Alyssa. The creativity, teamwork and enthusiasm on display made for an entertaining evening for all involved.

The boys also embraced the opportunity to give back to the wider community through a sausage sizzle fundraiser supporting the Royal Flying Doctor Service and Ronald McDonald House.

Adding to the celebrations was a visit from a local ice cream van, as well as National Boarding Week-themed cupcakes for afternoon tea, which both proved extremely popular.

Having school staff join the boys at the Invite a Teacher to Dinner Night on Tuesday was a wonderful opportunity for the boys to host the staff and challenge them to some pool and table tennis.

A fiercely contested interhouse pool and table tennis competition, where House pride and competitive spirit were on full display, attracted numerous participants on Thursday evening. The boys thoroughly enjoyed the chance to compete against one another in a fun and spirited atmosphere.

As the weekend approaches, we still have two events for the boys to enjoy. On Saturday, several day boys have been invited to spend time in Boarding, and on Sunday, we will join with St Brigid’s Boarding for a special joint Mass and supper to end the National Boarding Week celebrations for 2026. The evening will provide a valuable opportunity for strengthening connections between our boarding communities.

National Boarding Week has once again highlighted the many positive aspects of boarding life at Cebula. Our boarders are at the centre of everything we do. They are young people who show remarkable courage in stepping away from home, embracing new environments and building lives within our boarding houses. Each day, they demonstrate resilience, independence and a willingness to grow - often navigating challenges that quietly shape them into confident and capable individuals.

What makes boarding so special is the sense of belonging that our boarders create together. Friendships become family, shared experiences become lifelong memories, and the Boarding House becomes a place where young people are supported, celebrated and truly known.

National Boarding Week has been about celebrating them, including their stories, their achievements, their laughter and the way they contribute to the richness of our community. It is also a moment to acknowledge the trust placed in boarding schools by families, and the privilege we have in walking alongside these young people during such an important chapter of their lives.

Annamaria Cream

Director of Boarding