Boarding News

Mr Ty Casey

It's hard to believe we have arrived in Week 4 of the term. A term to date filled with three consecutive four day weeks, due to back to back public holidays and student free days. The week ahead should be interesting as boys settle back into the normal routine of a full week. Routine very much plays an important role for boys and staff within a boarding context. I wrote in Term 1 about the importance of routine from an article I read by ‘Skilled at Life’. I would like to revisit this topic and highlight several great takeaways.

 

Reasons Why a Daily Routine Is So Important
All of us are aware that kids need a routine to provide structure and discipline in their lives. When we were younger, most of us were told to go to bed at a certain time, wake up at a certain time, do our homework after school, eat dinner at a regular hour, shower, even play with our friends at a specific time. But what about adults? Many grownups do not have a set daily routine and ‘wing’ their day. They have no idea what they are going to do when they wake up each morning because they have not thought about creating a schedule to adhere to. As a result, many people feel like they are stressed, anxious, overwhelmed and falling short of their goals and true potential. The answer lies in carefully designing a routine that works best for each of us, one which helps us be productive, in control, and be the best person we can possibly be.
 
Makes Us More Efficient
When we have a routine that we follow daily, it reduces the need to make decisions each day. It enables us to know exactly what tasks we need to do each day without having to contemplate, decide or think too much. When we are finished with one task, we know what comes next without much thought. Activities become standardized and we become more efficient as a result.
 
Reduces Our Need to Plan
When we carefully design a set routine to follow, it eliminates the need to plan our activities every morning and budget and allocate our precious time. It takes the guesswork out of our day and allows us to wake up and ‘do’ instead of wake up and ‘plan’.
 
Creates Structure in Our Lives
A daily routine provides structure and a logical sequence in our lives. It provides the framework within which we live our lives and conduct our daily activities. Soon we become familiar and comfortable with what we have to do each day. It allows us to experience a flow to our day.
 
Instils Good Habits
The secret to building good habits is repetition. When we design a personal routine that works for us, it facilitates developing good habits by encouraging us to repeat the same tasks over and over again. Just like brushing our teeth every morning, adhering to a routine allows us to foster habits that match our goals and aspirations.
 
Breaks Bad Habits
While our routine helps us develop good habits that are in line with exploiting our full potential, it also helps to eradicate bad habits that do not serve us well. We can slowly replace our bad habits with good ones through repetition.
 
Helps Us Get the Most Important Tasks Done
When we carefully design a personal routine and stick to it, it allows us get the most important things done first and out of the way. There is no room for forgetfulness or neglect. Because the most important tasks have been predetermined by us, as long as we follow our routine, we know that we will complete what is important and not spend time and effort on frivolous things.
 
Prioritisation
The beauty of designing a set routine is that it forces us to prioritize and decide what is important to us. Rather than make these decisions on a daily basis, we already know what we need to do and in what order because we have carefully planned it. For example, after some soul-searching and careful introspection, I decided that being mindful and healthy were goals that I wanted to attain, so I incorporate meditation and exercise into my daily routine.
 
Reduces Procrastination
When a set of tasks and activities become routine, it reduces the chance that we will procrastinate doing them. It becomes ingrained into our system and we almost do it subconsciously. For example, I do a few minutes of yoga every morning when I wake up. I do not have to think about it. I simply do it because it has become a habit. We all know that procrastination is a waste of time and having a routine is one way to combat it.
 
Builds Momentum
As we all know, when you do the same things repetitiously, it builds momentum, making it easier to persist. That is why going to the gym gets easier the more frequently you do it. Momentum is a huge factor when it comes to ensuring success and following a routine helps build that momentum.
 
Builds Self Confidence
When we adhere to a routine and stick with it, it helps build self-confidence and gives us a sense of tremendous satisfaction. That provides us with the ‘fuel’ to continue our routine and reap the benefits associated with it. And a lack of self-confidence is one of the main reasons people find it difficult to change their lives for the better.
 
Keeping Track of Our Success
When we slack off and fail to follow our predetermined routine, it is a clear sign that we are falling short. It is an excellent way to monitor our progress. We can subsequently make adjustments and get back to following our personal routines while having the confidence that we are on the right track again.

 

I challenge boys as we approach the midpoint of the term to ensure they are well planned, organised and proactive in all their endeavours. The opportunities that are presented to them are endless and it is vital that they are a key player in actioning these opportunities.

Boarding Country Visit

Beef Australia has a rich history dating back to Australia’s bicentennial celebrations in 1988. So successful was the inaugural event, that it was decided that another celebration should be held again in 1991. It has since been held every three years and has grown to become the cattle industry’s national exhibition, attracting more than 100,000 people from across Australia and around the world. It was wonderful to experience this first hand and we are very grateful for the support Michael and I received as we arrived early Thursday morning. Glorious weather welcomed us to Rockhampton as we met with a number of current families at The Boatshed as we sat sharing stories of boarding and industry enjoying the view of The Fitzroy river. Many thanks to Tim and Megan Ford, Doug Miller, Susan and Andy Shay, along with Nadene Manning who joined us throughout the morning. Upon arriving at the showgrounds, it was great to catch up with Michael and Michelle Lyons, along with Amelia and Andrew Sevil. Michael Lyons shared his knowledge of his family property in Charters Towers that has been in the family for 100 years. I was also fortunate on Friday to listen to a panel (including Andrew Sevil) discuss and identify the barriers and solutions to adopting AgTech in the beef industry. A very interesting and informative discussion. Interestingly the panel was hosted by 1999 OB Martin Cuddihy. A highlight of the visit without a doubt was spending valuable time in the Santa Gertrudis tent where the Mahony’s were showcasing cattle. This provided a great opportunity to meet with current and prospective families.

Beef Week Family Breakfast
Pete and Nikki Mahony
MCA boys
Beef Week Family Breakfast
Pete and Nikki Mahony
MCA boys

Around the Grounds

La Valla Residence

A couple of weeks ago, with the assistance of the Boarders' Support Group, we created some Mother's Day cards that hopefully made their way to homes across Australia in time for the special day. The boys loved the opportunity to do this and so many of them took such care with their words to make sure they got their message across. By the end, many boys were as covered in glitter, sparkle and stickers as their cards were! We will be looking at more creative outlets as many of the La Valla boys seem to have a talent.

 

On Wednesday morning, Mrs Sedgwick and Ms Earley were privileged enough to share breakfast with a group of boys from the Boarding School for the Mother's Day Breakfast, the boys were excited for plates of eggs benedict, and they agreed that it was worth the early morning wake up call. A special mention this week goes to Makenzie Bowen who has now been selected to represent MetNorth for Rugby Union. We are pleased to see improvements with each passing week of the AIC competition as the boys learn new skills and gain experience in sports that are new to so many of them.

 

Montagne Residence

Ignatius Hallman, Nate Hughes and Joachim Horgan all looked immaculate representing the residence at the Mother’s Day Breakfast on Wednesday. A really nice ‘high tea’ style breakfast with eggs benedict – what’s not to like! It was great to hear reports of Sean Green and Ignatius Hallman playing well with the La Valla residence last weekend when the dorms combined due to low numbers. Any time the boys are being good role models is a good time for supervisors.

 

An unlucky start to the Rugby season saw George Philp break his wrist (and require surgery) last weekend. Lucky his mum Felicity was down to take care of the young man. To his credit, there hasn’t been much complaining at all. Joachim Horgan has been honing his card tricks over the past few weeks – almost to the detriment of his homework. He has mastered a few really cool tricks, disappearing cards and the like which is very impressive! Unfortunately, due to the constant lack of cleaning up, the Montagne lads have lost their kitchen privileges for the next two weeks. Hopefully, it will get back on track by Week 5.

 

We farewelled a one-of-a-kind supervisor in Ms Caitie Humphrys last week. Ms Humphrys has been with the Montagne Residence for about 18 months now and the boys cannot speak more positively about anyone. She will be sorely missed, but could not say no to an amazing opportunity in North Queensland. We wish her all the best and hope she visits us when she is back in town.

 

A very Happy Mother’s Day to all the significant females in our boys’ lives. We hope that you have an amazing day (and find at least five minutes of solitude)!

 

Hermitage Residence

With Anzac Day last week, and the Labour Day public holiday this week, most of the boys have had the opportunity to spend some bonus time with family, whether it be returning home or remaining in Brisbane. Despite these bonus weekends, the ‘Boarder Free Weekend’ was scheduled for the end of Week 3 which coincided with Mother’s Day. We hope that all Mother’s, especially our Hermitage mum’s, had a great weekend and were deservedly spoilt! It was great to see a number of Hermitage mums attend the various MCA Mother’s Day breakfasts throughout the week!

 

As we are all aware, Term 2 is the busiest period for co-curricular activities, with the majority of the dorm participating in rugby and football. As mentioned last week, a number of boys are also showing an interest in developing their musical interest and this week we had another two boys sign up to commence guitar lessons. Marcus Paulsen and EJ Bowen were taken to collect their new instruments (guitars) during the week by Mr Johns (and Oli Boland!) and we look forward to seeing (and hearing!) these boys practising their new hobby! In addition to sport and music, it has also been great to see boys sign up for some of the other Recreation activities that are on offer including tennis and cooking club. This week boys made tasty chicken wraps, which is a welcome change to dorm noodles!

The boys continue to work hard in study with the majority appreciating the extra help from A Team tutoring or from the supervisors. The boys are continually challenged to apply themselves in the study sessions to not only stay on top of homework but to also develop study skills that will no doubt aid them with their future years of study. The boys are encouraged to seek help when required but also stay on task despite the various distractions that can shift their focus. 

 

After an extended period without any birthdays, we look forward to celebrating a number of boys who reach another milestone! I look forward to mentioning these over the coming weeks!

 

Fourviere Residence

We surge on into the first ‘five-day' week of the term with the public holidays now out of the way. The Year 10 boys continue enjoy their Tuesday night dancing lessons, learning the basic steps to the waltz and a few rumba moves. Rumour has it that Zeke Esler has been the stand-out performer, displaying wonderful poise, elegance, strength and grace.

 

The free weekend came as a welcome break for many as over half of the dorm took the opportunity to spend Mother’s Day with their families. For those who remained in residence (pictured), it was an opportunity to wind down and relax and hopefully send their love to mum’s over the phone. 

 

We have another busy week ahead with dancing on again and the Careers expo on this Tuesday afternoon and the Year 11’s beginning preparations for their exam block in ahead in week five.

 

Br Terence Residence

This week the boys turned their focus to their academic studies. Many Year 11 boys were seeking assistance from the tutors in the residence and there were a number of boys putting in some extra work of an evening to meet draft deadlines and to prepare for their upcoming exam block. The Year 12 boys spent Tuesday evening’s study session in the library as part of the study skills program to ensure that they are keeping up with all of their chosen subjects. Away from their studies, it has been pleasing to see the boys return to singing practice, war cry practice, sharing a laugh at Friday afternoon BBQ’s and being able to show their support on a Saturday afternoon at AIC sport. The Year 12 boarders were also excited to host another birthday party this week, this time to celebrate Dino Lopes’ 18th birthday. Over the boarders’ free weekend, it was great to see that a number of the boys had the opportunity to spend some valuable time with their families to celebrate Mother’s Day.

Boarding Recreation Report

Week 3 saw another busy week of recreation and academic work as the boys have settled into their new routines for the term. Some midweek rain aside, the club program is in full swing and the boys musical activities are gaining momentum with Thursday singing practices back on the weekly agenda. It’s been a slightly stop/start beginning to weekend recreation this term with so many boys taking leave and making the most of the Anzac and Labour Day weekends. Week 3 was no different with the Boarders Free Weekend taking place. Many boys headed out on leave after the Boarders Afternoon Tea on Friday. Later that evening we welcomed Stuartholme to MCA for our first combined activity of the term with a shared dinner and dodgeball in the gym.

 

AIC Round 2 kicked off on Saturday with our seniors playing home matches and the juniors travelling away to St Edmunds College. There were many convincing wins mentioned throughout the dorms and it’s great to hear so many boys enjoying their Term 2 sport so far. The days sport was rounded off with the 1st XV taking a 34-5 win over Eddie’s!

 

The rugby was far from over on Saturday with the Super Rugby AU Final taking place at Suncorp Stadium between the Reds and Brumbies. The boys have really enjoyed having live Rugby back this year after attending three Reds games during the round-robin. We were lucky enough to get 20+ tickets for the final and took a group of fired up boys down to Suncorp that evening. It was another cracking match and the Reds managed to edge ahead and take the win 19-16. A great moment for Queensland Rugby after many years of falling short. Now for the Kiwi teams...

 

Sunday was a very relaxed day with many tired bodies and boys out on leave. We headed up Mt Coot-tha for a morning hike before heading back to school to jump in the pool. With school assignments well underway, many boys used Sunday afternoon to get on the front foot with their academics which is great to see. The weekend rounded off with boys trickling back in from leave and settling back into their dorms for the evening. Another busy week in the books and another one around the corner!