Boarding 

Term 2 and the holiday break

With the conclusion of Semester 1 upon us, I would like to say thank you to our families and our boarders. This term has been a challenging one for our boarders, and I am so pleased to see the perseverance and determination pay off. For many it was the first time they had to prepare for exams and create a study routine that would work for them. Others found challenges in friendships, living away from home, and learning to live with others in close proximity. The boarding environment certainly provides for challenges such as these, and it is because of these experiences our boarders can rise to the occasion with adversity, self-confidence and empathy. 

The growth our boarders has been outstanding. The way in which they are demonstrating independence, resilience, and compassion is exciting for me and our staff to see. I hope our families will see and enjoy the positive changes in their son or daughter when they return home. They will be of course exhausted; however, they have much to share about their life back at school, their friends, and their classes. Each and every boarder can be proud that they have an important place in Speirs and Mac House, and I look forward to welcoming all back in Term Three.

This term we thank MOD’s Abbie Cameron and Frances O’Brien for their contribution in caring for all our girls and boys. Both Abbie and Frances depart the Boarding House at the conclusion of Term Three. Abbie runs a very busy schedule teaching at the Senior School whilst also continuing her studies in education. Abbie has loved every minute of working in the Mac House and may well return as an MOD, however for now, we say goodbye and will see Abbie around at the Senior School in her role as our Psychology teacher. We also thank Frances who has been working as an MOD each Wednesday evening. Frances is our College Director of ELC and works a very busy schedule. Her commitment to our boarders has been very much appreciated and we will continue to see Frances around Myrniong.

Welcome Alice Lanyon

This week we welcomed Alice Lanyon to our boarding community. Alice is the older sibling of Anna who started earlier this year. Alice has made the transition easy with a little help from Anna. In Alice’ words, “the first 48 hours was tough but now it’s great”. The Macdonald House staff and boarders in Year 10 have been a huge help to Alice in making her step into both the Boarding House and the day-school. We look forward to Alice’ continued enthusiasm for boarding in Term Three. Well done Alice!

A word from Cooper Edmonds

I recently started full time boarding and it has been an incredible experience so far. I get to live with my mates, chat and have fun all day in school and after school. After school I go into the refectory and have afternoon tea, which usually consists of sandwiches, dim sims and spring rolls.

From then I go down to the oval and have a kick of the footy, have a game of pool or ping pong. At 6pm we have dinner and the food all week round is amazing, with a big all you can eat buffet. Some mornings we even have bacon, pancakes and eggs!

At 7pm, we have a study time called PREP which is a dedicated amount of time that we get to study and do our assessments. For me this has helped my grades go up a bit which has been fantastic, especially for mum and dad! All in all, it has been a really enjoyable experience so far and I am looking forward to continuing in Term Three. Happy holidays.

Andrew Monk

Director of Boarding