Boarding News

Of Boxes and Buckets

Those boys who have been living with me in Wolaroi House for the past two- and a-bit years will know well my story called ‘PARTY’. It is the tale of two friends who go to a celebration at the king’s castle and are instructed to bring a gold box. One makes the biggest box he can, the other the smallest possible. At the conclusion of the festivities the guests are instructed to fill their boxes with gold and jewels from the king’s treasury and to take it home. You can imagine which of the friends was most pleased with himself. This story is told with the aim of encouraging the boys to understand that the more they put into life, relationships, and opportunities, then the more they will inevitably get out. During their time at Kinross Wolaroi School our boarders are the students provided with the greatest prospects for filling their box full of every treasure that life has to offer.

It is often at times when we least expect it that learning, and growth occurs. Living at school surrounded by friends and mentors, as our boarders are, allows them the best possible chance of being exposed to challenges, experiences and people that test them and encourage them to better themselves. Whether it is on the sporting field (or in a rowing boat), at a picnic in the park, welcoming a new boarder to our community as a buddy or helping to prepare supper for the rest of the house. Each of these moments, and many more, are invitations for the young people in our care to serve others, to strive for personal excellence or simply to belong to something bigger than themselves.

In the coming weeks, and beyond, all houses across our boarding community will be continuing to provide a plethora of weekend activities that, along with the school’s extensive co-curricular program, will present chances for your daughter or son to live, learn and grow into an individual who strives for personal excellence and contributes to a just, loving, and peaceful society.

In finishing, it is my honour to share with you a poem written by Kate Day, the mother of three of our boarders. I would like to thank the Day and Paton family for allowing me to share it with you. I hope that it reminds you, as it did me, to be grateful for what we have, to care for one another and to live life to the full.

When the world asks too much, it's time to take care,

your bucket's too empty.

You need some time out to refill it with care.

Softness and kindness and hugs and love, 

fill your bucket and make you feel better.

Some TLC is what you need to regain your strength.

Be grateful for all you do have through the pain,

enjoy simple pleasures till you’re you again.

Look after your bucket,

it’s yours to protect 

from all those who’d drain it and have you bereft.

Some do it for jealousy,

some do it for spite,

they’re the ones you should pity,

their brains aren’t quite right.