SAINTS BOARDING
News from Brett Toombs
Director of Boarding
St Augustine's College Cairns
Champagnat Dinner
The boarders celebrated Champagnat Day with a traditional French menu last Thursday night. Invited guests included St Augustine’s and St Monica’s staff. In celebrating Founder's Day, it is always wonderful for the community to come together to acknowledge the importance of this occasion and unite in its spirit.
Free weekend
It's a free weekend in boarding. Those who have submitted leave requests, approved by parents and staff, are enjoying the weekend away but should return by 8pm on Sunday evening. Alternatively, they may return on Monday morning if this has been approved by their respective heads of residence. If boarders are staying with school friends, their families should have directly contacted host families to ensure all arrangements have been confirmed and communicated clearly.
End-of-term departures and arrivals for Term 3
As we approach the end of term, boarders who travel home by air or bus will soon begin planning for a smooth and timely departure. The final day of term for both colleges is Thursday 25 June, which is traditionally a travel day for boarders who live considerable distances from Cairns. We appreciate that some may have to leave earlier due to flight schedules. In such cases, families must submit a Request for Student Absence form to the day school. Weekly boarders are expected to remain at school until the final lesson on 25 June.
In preparation for Term 3, boarding residences will reopen on Monday 13 July from 3pm, and all boarders are expected to return by 8pm. Parent-teacher-student interviews for Saints students will take place on this day. Could families please send through travel itineraries for airport pickups to heads of residence or to me well in advance so that the transport schedule can be organised.
Weipa country visit
We enjoyed a most successful annual visit to Weipa at the end of May, catching up with boarding families while also visiting St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School to speak with Years 5 and 6 students. A highlight was the boarding dinner with our families and staff from St Joseph’s. Thank you to our wonderful families in Weipa for their warm hospitality. We are looking forward to our trip to Thursday Island next month.
ICPA Conference
Mr Seivers and I attended the annual Isolated Children’s Parents’ Association Conference last week in Atherton. Held annually in various rural locations, this conference aims to bring together members who support the education of isolated children and families. Attendees share their stories, raise concerns, seek the necessary support for students, receive advice and celebrate the positive achievements of the students in their care. The conference was attended by a wide range of parents, government representatives, heads of boarding, principals and officials.
Weekend outings
We look forward to several recreational activities this weekend, with boarders participating in ten-pin bowling before enjoying the afternoon on the Esplanade and soaking up the excitement of the Cairns Marathon.
Students have enjoyed some excellent outings this term, including visits to the Kuranda Markets, Port Douglas and the Boulders, the Kewarra Beach-to-Palm Cove walk, and a variety of optional activities.