Boarding News
Mr Jim Noble, Head of Boarding
Thank you to so many people in the Marist College Ashgrove community who’ve made me feel welcome since I started in the Head of Boarding role earlier this month. I feel very lucky to be inheriting an excellent boarding program and I look forward to working with the boys, staff and families to further develop the opportunities for our boarders.
When meeting with key boarding staff at our first gathering of the year I presented the 2022 Marist College Ashgrove boarding theme of ‘community’. Our key goal is to ensure all boys feel welcome as boarders at Ashgrove and feel a strong sense of belonging and support. Our community should also be a place of tolerance and forgiveness where we accept everyone’s differences. Living in our vibrant community, we want the boys to get involved in a wide variety of activities so that they learn and grow, and ultimately develop their character. I am excited to lead a great team of boarding staff to ensure the very best experience for our boarders in a supportive community.
Over the last couple of weeks, a significant amount of time has been spent planning and refining programs in readiness for the boys’ return. The boarders’ recreation schedule is looking exciting and I have also been impressed by programs such as the study skills sessions run by the Library Staff and the tutoring program which will be available to support the boarders with their academic work. There is so much on offer for the boarders at Ashgrove and I’m looking forward to the boys making the best use of these programs.
Considerable planning is also occurring to prepare for the impact of COVID-19 cases in our boarding community. Please ensure you read all communications relating to COVID-19 management so that you are aware of the school’s plans. Our priority is the health and wellbeing of our boarders, staff and the wider community and we are planning accordingly at this uncertain time. All boarding parents are asked to develop an action plan for their son which dictates what you will do if he is diagnosed with COVID-19 or is deemed a close contact. Boys should ideally isolate in the care of family or friends, but the school will make contact with families in the event of a positive test result, to determine the best way of following the health protocols. It is certainly a challenging time for many and we ask for your understanding as we prepare for what lies ahead.
I am very much looking forward to welcoming the boys back on the weekend of 5-6 February. I also hope to meet many parents at the new boarders’ orientation or the return to boarding afternoon tea. Please enjoy the last couple of weeks with your sons at home.
