Boarding News

It has been a particularly rewarding period for Marist Boarding, with recent opportunities allowing us to further strengthen our connections with families and communities across regional and remote Australia.

A highlight was our recent trip to Katherine and Darwin, which proved to be both successful and enjoyable. During this visit, the College was proud to support the Katherine ASHS Campdraft as a sponsor of this popular community event. The campdraft attracted hundreds of competitors and spectators, providing a wonderful platform to engage with a wide cross-section of the community. Alongside Meagan Loane, Director of Boarding Enrolments, and Lewis Reardon, Boarding Recreation Officer, I had the privilege of promoting the College and connecting with many past, current and prospective Marist families. 

In addition to our presence at the campdraft, we hosted functions in both Katherine and Darwin, creating valuable opportunities to gather with families in more personal settings. These occasions enabled us to share stories, listen to feedback, and strengthen the relationships that underpin our boarding community. We also took the time to visit future families in their homes, which is always a meaningful way to understand the environments and backgrounds of our boarders. These regional visits are an essential aspect of our commitment to building trust, fostering belonging, and ensuring that our boys feel supported both at school and at home. 

Looking ahead, our engagement with regional communities continues this week with representation at the annual state conference of the Isolated Children’s Parents Association (ICPA) in Atherton. The Head of College, together with our Boarding Senior Supervisor (Academic), will attend this important gathering. The ICPA plays a critical role as a volunteer organisation advocating for equitable educational opportunities for children from rural and remote areas—many of whom are part of our boarding community. Our presence at this conference reflects our ongoing commitment to listening, learning and advocating alongside the families we serve. 

These experiences reinforce the importance of maintaining strong, authentic connections with the regions from which our boarders come. By travelling to these communities, supporting local events, and participating in key forums, we continue to strengthen the partnership between home and school that is so vital to the success and wellbeing of our boys.

In conclusion, the past fortnight has been a powerful reminder of the strength of the Marist Boarding community and the value of investing time in meaningful relationships. Whether through community events, home visits or sector engagement, our focus remains firmly on supporting our families and ensuring every boarder feels connected, known and valued. We look forward to continuing this important work throughout the year and to building even stronger ties with our extended boarding family.