Boarding Update
As we draw to a close this year, it’s been another busy and eventful period in our MITS boarding community. Our boarders have continued to thrive in a supportive, engaging, and vibrant environment, where cultural safety, personal growth and well-being are at the heart of what we do.
Term 4
Our boarders have been busy, both in and out of our MITS Year 7 & 8 classrooms and in our Pathway schools, none more busy than our graduating class of Year 12 boarders. I would like to thank the boarding house managers and pathways team for their incredible work in supporting our Year 12 boarders with their end of school commitments, and for organising their families to join them in Melbourne for the multitude of events. There is always such great energy in our all our boarding houses when family are in town, we hope to see even more families come visit us in 2025.
Other highlights this term include, all MITS boarders joining our community supporters at the MITS Gala Dinner where they presented proudly in their various school uniforms and behaved impeccably during the evening starting performances. The Year 7 boarders were also fortunate to head up the Samaria, where they enjoyed a few days of camping, biking, hiking, swimming and being tech free. Thanks to the Rick and Liz for hosting us on their property, Maree for organising our meals and Riley, Josh and Trish from the Lockington boarding team for their extra time and passion for camping.
With the weather warming up in Melbourne, it is wonderful to see more of our boarders heading out in the evenings and on weekends to unwind with some shared games of basketball and soccer amongst the houses, as well as more bike riding and exploring of Melbourne. Blaktavism is on in a week or so which will definitely be a highlight for all boarders and staff attending.
Engagement in our regular house activities program has been fantastic, where boarders have had the opportunity to learn more about healthy snacks from the team at Swisse, continue to utilise our art supplies and be creative and sign up for a variety of engaging weekend activities that the house managers are always researching for our boarders. These activities not only allow our boarders to relax and unwind but also help build important life skills.
Personal Growth and Development
One of our main focuses at MITS is fostering independence and responsibility. In readiness for heading home for the holiday break, boarders have been encouraged to assist with organising their personal items, as when they return in 2025, they will be required to keep their personal items at MITS to the contents of one suitcase and one large plastic tub. As always, we appreciate the support of family to ensure that our boarders are keeping their bedroom spaces neat and tidy at all times, including limiting the amount of clothing, shoes and personal grooming items they have at MITS.
Boarders managing their own schedules more effectively is also a focus in the MITS boarding program. Whether it is getting to school on time, packing a healthy lunch for themselves, doing their homework and school assignments or simply brushing their teeth regularly, MITS boarding staff, outside supports and volunteers will continue to facilitate learning, however we want to encourage our boarders to do what they can for themselves and feel confident and empowered.
There have been several MITS boarders who have shown exceptional leadership in supporting house activities and acting as role models for others. They’ve been instrumental in ensuring the smooth running of day-to-day life in the houses, and we couldn’t be prouder of their contributions. It will be great to acknowledge these students when we gather for our MITS Celebration Night in December.
Thank you to all the families and MITS supporters, we cannot do what we do within the MITS boarding program without you. We look forward to sharing 2025 with you and wish all our boarders a restful and rejuvenating break back home.
Lia Bartholomew
Head of Boarding and Wellbeing