Endeavour House News
We’ve had a lovely start to the term, and it's been wonderful to see a variety of extracurricular activities being undertaken by the students at Endeavour House. Swimming, Soccer, Pottery, Netball, AFL, Gymnastics, Hockey, to name a few of the popular activities. Boarding recreation continues, however, Saturdays are now dominated with community sport, so Sunday has been the busiest day for trips out and about in Albany and various activities.
Students are fully embracing the new ‘pen time’ or ‘penalties’, with regards to late IT hand-ins. We’ve seen some mad dashes down corridors to get phones and devices into the cupboard on time, and I must admit, the scheme has been surprisingly effective! Well done to everyone at Endeavour for respecting the routines and for taking pride in managing personal responsibilities.
As we move towards the colder months in Albany, it's been great to see the boarders embracing the necessary adjustments needed. Turning on the radiant heaters in bedrooms and closing blinds and windows as the sun goes down, will help keep the heat in and cold air out. We have had a few students getting colds, so I encourage families to check in with their boarder, to make sure we are all encouraging healthy behaviours around eating, sleeping, warmth and exercise, so we can avoid being unwell this term (as much as possible!).
Isla Patterson, Year Eight, Endeavour House, was kind enough to share her first impressions of boarding, at the the special Boarders Assembly on Monday. Please see her thoughtful speech below.
Starting at a co-ed boarding school wasn’t something I expected. I’ll admit — boarding is crazy. I was sceptical at first. The idea of living and learning alongside both boys and girls, away from home, sounded like the worst possible thing I could do to myself. It was a bit overwhelming and at times I just wanted to go home.
Over time I realized that boarding isn't all about academics or simply just living away from home. It’s about learning how to live independently and be part of a community at the same time. I’ve learned so much in boarding. How to deal with different people being around me all the time – yes sometimes it’s annoying but often its entertaining.
Sure, the transition was tough. I missed home, my family, and the farm, and living with other students is challenging at times. I had to adjust to different routines, people, personalities, and shared spaces. But now, it has become a second home, and I’m learning how to live and build with what is basically now my secondly family. Families can drive you crazy – but they can also bring you comfort. Being in boarding has allowed me to make connections with people and form bonds with my friends that are now like my sisters.
So, to any new students who thought about giving boarding a go, my advice is this: take advantage of it. Get involved and have fun. Boarding school is what you make of it, and if you approach it with the right mindset, it’s an experience that prepares you for whatever comes next. I’m so grateful for what boarding has taught me so far – and even though at first, I thought it was a terrible mistake, it has been the best thing for me.
Hearing directly from students is very heart warming and insightful. I've mentioned to the students that I would love to see all of them have an opportunity to speak in front of others, during their time at GSG/Boarding. I encourage all students to be brave and put their hands up, when opportunities to speak publicly arise in the future. We should never underestimate how important it is to hear the unscripted voices of adolescents!
Thank you kindly and please contact me if you have any questions or concerns about your loved one at Endeavour House.
Mrs Nyree Mackenzie | Head of Endeavour House