Boarding News

Dear Parents and Friends,

What an encouraging and positive start to the year we had last Wednesday as we welcomed 19 new students into our Boarding Community. It is still early days; however, it is pleasing to see how quickly they have settled into life at the College. This year’s cohort comes from all over Australia including country New South Wales, Toowoomba in Queensland and Lord Howe Island. Despite the obvious challenge of familiarising themselves with a new school, living arrangements, routines and being away from family, these boys are doing a remarkable job. Sincere thanks to all parents, friends and Boarding staff for helping these boys adjust so well.

There has been plenty happening over the first week or so with; numerous onsite activities, shopping centre visits and a day at the beach last Sunday. It was a good opportunity for the boys to relax after a busy first week. There was plenty of eating, wrestling in the water and spending hours jumping off the pier.

On Thursday last week, I spoke to the boys about a number of areas I would like us to focus on as a community this year. This included:

Wellbeing (fostering a safe community where students feel valued and can thrive)

I outlined our policy regarding bullying and explained very clearly that behaviour of this nature will not be tolerated.

Commitment (to growing as a learning community and students achieving their best)

I put the challenge to all Boarders that they should be aiming to ensure maximum effort in all subjects at all times.

Contribution (to our College and Boarding Community through service and co-curricular)

We are a high expectations College, and our Boarding students should be setting the standard in this regard. I will be setting high expectations for the boys in relation to grooming and uniform and encouraging the boys to open their minds to new challenges and opportunities.

Playing Saturday Sport is a good start, however, there are so many other opportunities to contribute to the life of the College and beyond. The College Musical and Public speaking and Debating are just a few of the opportunities that will present themselves this term for the boys to actively engage with College life.

I have included a full list of staff contacts with this Newsletter. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have questions or concerns. We have already dealt with a few bouts of homesickness and some medical issues, so communication is key to getting these things sorted.

STAFF CHANGES 2021

It gives me great pleasure to welcome four new Boarding Supervisors to our team. Mr Craig Ashby, Mr Daniel Brennan, Mr Lindsay Munro and Mr Finn Hastie. Both Daniel and Lindsay have a connection with the College as old boys and Finn has joined us from Marist College Canberra. Craig Ashby is the College’s new Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Liaison. Craig is living onsite and working with our Year 7 to 9 students in Boarding. All of these gentlemen will be fine additions to our Boarding staff.

BOARDINGWARE

Apologies to our families for Boardingware not working at this time. The College has integrated a new system which has resulted in some syncing issues with Boardingware. This problem is continuing to be worked on and will be rectified in the coming days. In the short term if you could please submit any leave directly to your Stage Boarding Coordinator it would be appreciated.

ISA SPORT

The Summer Sports program will recommence as a new competition this term. Our Basketball and Cricket teams will compete in a five-week competition with the top two teams competing in a Grand Final.

The draw for the summer program is as follows: