Boarding

As we approach the end of our first term for 2025, it is a great time to reflect on the incredible progress our boarders have made. Over 20 boarders have begun their boarding and College journey this year, and their smiles this week say it all. Yes, it may be a sign of relief that the term is coming to a close; however, I prefer to see it as a sign of happiness—joy in the friends they have made, the community they have contributed to, and the satisfaction of their achievements.

Completing a first term may not seem particularly significant to us as adults, but when viewed from the perspective of a child or young adult, it is immeasurable. Our Year 12 students have grown in confidence, facing the challenges of their schoolwork while balancing their social lives and still committing to their personal goals. Our younger boarders have formed new friendships, adapted to new routines, and are continually exploring their own boundaries all the while navigating a new environment. Meanwhile, our middle and lower senior boarders are working through ideas of their future paths—considering career options, gaining work experience, committing to their passions, taking healthy risks, and tackling challenging subject content. All of our boarders can look back upon their term and clearly celebrate success.

The boarding house has been a very busy place indeed, and our Boarding Captains, Henry and Henrietta Russell, have capped off a wonderful term this week. A well-deserved congratulations to both! Some of the highlights this term have included theme nights, formal dinners, Run Club, House challenges, Boarder of the Week, trick trivia, jam and slice making, Valentine’s events, surfing trips, birthday celebrations, art hobbies, and international holiday festivities. Our Houses have truly engaged boarders in a variety of ways.

In total, almost 120 boarders have benefited from their experiences as full-time or casual boarders this term, well supported by the 15 pastoral staff and six academic tutors week by week.

Next term we have seven more boarders joining us, indicating our boarding house is going from strength to strength. Of course, there are always areas for improvement, and we will have a focus providing greater individualised support in academic preparation, educating students on wellbeing, nutrition, and technology, and expanding our activities program. It is this commitment to continuous reflection and improvement that makes our boarding house one built on strong values, ensuring the safety and success of all.

With great pride, I say thank you and well done to our boarders and staff for their dedication throughout this term! There will be much to talk about when your child/ren arrives home this weekend and I encourage you to grab a cuppa, sit down and take it all in.

Best wishes,

Andrew, Andrea, Olive and the Boarding Team.

Annual Easter Egg Hunt and Dress-Up Night

The annual Easter Egg Hunt is always a highlight of the year! However, before the hunt began, boarders and staff dressed up for our celebrity-themed night. Congratulations go to Will Legoe for winning Best Dressed as Ali G. Speirs House also deserves recognition for having the most boarders participate in the event, which helped them secure a win in the House competition for Term One.

I must admit I get a little nervous each year for the Easter Egg Hunt—on two fronts. First, witnessing over 80 boarders racing to find Easter eggs as if their lives depend on it, and second, for the poor Year 12 Easter Bunny who has to be found! Well done to Jack O’Loughlin (Year 12) for being such a great sport in hiding as this year’s Easter Bunny.

Boarding Community Meeting – Zoom

Thank you to all our families who were able to join us on Tuesday evening. Our termly boarding community Zoom meetings provide a wonderful opportunity for boarding families to connect, listen, and contribute to our community. It is a space to hear directly from our Principal, Dr. Horne, gain important updates about boarding and the College at large, and ask questions.

Additionally, these meetings allow parents to share ideas and experiences related to raising a boarding child—a unique and often challenging journey. Our close-knit community understands both the challenges and joys of boarding, and their shared experiences foster a sense of togetherness.

Thank you to all parents who participated, contributed, and shared their personal stories and experiences. I was particularly struck by the openness of our parents, which makes the boarding parent community such a trusted, transparent, and supportive space.

I look forward to our next meeting online next term.