Dear Boarding Community,

As we are about to attend the Boarding Expo in Wagga beginning Friday, 29 May, it is with pride that I begin to think about the many positive aspects that MEBS provides for its Boarders.

Commonly called a Boarding School, MEBS provides that “home away from home” to students from both Mater Dei and Kildare. Effectively, MEBS is the College’s Boarding House that cares for and supports students in living away from home during the week to attend the College of their choice.

MEBS provides structure, academic support, transport to sports and other leisure activities, medical and dental appointments, and College/TAFE activities. As a weekly Boarding Programme, Mount Erin Boarding punches way above its weight. Centrally located in Wagga, despite the current bridge works by Inland Rail, MEBS is a convenient, supportive, and caring environment for any student, worthy of consideration for any family looking at Boarding as an option for their son or daughter. Please visit us if you are in Wagga on Friday or Saturday. We are located at Booth No.11at Bolton Park:

12.30 pm to 6.00 pm on Friday 29 May

9.30 pm to 2.30 pm on Saturday 30 May

Farewell to MEBS Transport Officer

It was with mixed feelings that we farewelled Claire Thomson at the end of Week 2 this term. We were sad to see Claire leave us, but very happy to see her successfully apply for the role of Executive Assistant to the Bishop’s office. Claire has been a valued member of the Boarding team - we wish her all the best for the future.

Claire's farewell with Boarding Leaders, Samuel (Left), Jett and Scarlett.

Learning in Residence

Our Learning in Residence programme provides face-to-face tutoring for Senior and Junior Boarders. There are two academic tutors each night supporting boarders with their academic studies in two locations - senior boarders study in Nagle House ground floor study area, and the junior boarders study in the Rice House ground floor study area (Meeting Space 2).

Our tutors consist of teachers and university graduates/undergraduates. Student participation and engagement will be tracked. The College’s learning and teaching programme is the basis of the study programme each night.

Boarding student, Laura, with Tutors Bec and Gerard

Supporting Young People in the Digital Age.

Adults/school/organisations often focus on rules and restrictions around the use of technology. These actions allow us to intervene, manage and assist. While this can be helpful, it may not be enough on its own. Communication, awareness raising, boundaries and education are vital.

Understanding digital literacy, including privacy settings, recognising and reporting harmful behaviour, recognising misinformation, and the legal implications of misuse of cyber technology, is so important. In Boarding, as in many homes, device-free times such as dinner/bedtime help create balance. As adults, we can support young people in their use of technology by acknowledging the benefits and risks of technology and modelling positive and appropriate use of it.

National Boarding Week

MEBS recently celebrated National Boarding Week. It was a great opportunity to highlight Mount Erin during this Australian Boarding Schools Association initiative. The week culminated in our National Boarding Week-themed Mass, celebrated by Father Neil in the Mount Erin Chapel, and the unveiling of our Cultural Respect Mural located in the Nagle Courtyard.

I congratulate all of our students, staff and College Principals for their work and support in making our celebration so successful. We have much to be proud of as a Boarding House, first formed in 1890 by the Sisters of Presentation.

Expression of Interest - Sunday Return

We are looking at a number of options regarding the MEBS Boarding programme. One such option is returning to Boarding on Sunday in readiness to begin school the next day.

This may be a useful option for families who have limited transport options or are looking for convenience related to time and distance issues.

The potential benefits of moving the return time to Sunday night include:

Optimised Preparation: Providing dedicated, supervised time on Sunday evening for academic organisation, including subject preparation, packing bags, and settling into the academic mindset.
Reduced Monday Morning Stress: Eliminating the rush of a Monday morning commute and subsequent transition directly into the school day, allowing students to start the week calm and ready.
Community Building: Enabling the community to share a Sunday evening meal together, strengthening peer relationships and support networks.
Structured Start: Allowing for a brief, structured Sunday evening check-in or activity to set the tone and expectations for the week ahead.

An Expression of Interest form has been shared with families via REACH email. May I ask that families do complete the form even if they are not interested in orders to form a more accurate picture? Thank you.

See link : HERE

Many thanks to the KCC Maintenance Team for fixing our new Cultural Respect Mural in place. It looks great.

June Long Weekend

The Staff Spirituality Day (5 June) and the King's Birthday (8 June) form a long weekend for Kildare/ Mater Dei and MEBS Boarders. Please be aware of the weekend leave and travel arrangements around these dates.

Have a fantastic weekend ahead.

John Bussenschutt

Head of Boarding

From Rice House