Boarding House News
Poorneet
From Melbourne, we are in the season of Waring, the Cold and Wet Season in the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung seasonal calendar. During Waring, wombats emerge from their burrows, mushrooms push through the earth, and mist settles softly across the land. It is a season that reminds us to be strong, brave, and connected to Country.
In the first week of Term 2 back at Poorneet, our Year 7 and Year 8 mob travelled to Camp Licola in the beautiful mountains of Victoria. We saw wombat burrows, woke to misty mornings, and spotted mushrooms growing in the forest. Being on Country gave our students time to connect with nature, and learn more about themselves and each other.
Throughout camp, our mob showed great courage and kindness. Students helped their tent buddies when things were tough, encouraged one another on hikes, and shared stories around the campfire. Frederick and Dermilie were excited to return from their hike and tell us about the beautiful wildflowers they discovered at the top.
A big thank you to Liz, Rick, and Lia, who led students on a challenging six-hour hike to the summit of one of the mountains. This group returned accelerated and proud. Well done!
Since returning to school, we have continued to see courage in action. Wade showed leadership on the football field, students challenged themselves on the Burnley bouldering wall, and several students spoke confidently to RJCF coaches and peeps about Melbourne Indigenous Transition School and what they hope to contribute.
Like the wombat emerging from its burrow, our mob continues to step forward with courage, strength, and pride.
By Trish Apiti
Buarth Gurru
We began the term with a camp in the beautiful Victorian mountains at a little place called Licola. The camp offered misty mornings, sunny days, and freezing nights. One of the highlights was a challenging six-hour hike led by Rick, Liz and Lia. The fellas showed great courage, determination and inspiration as they supported one another to reach the summit.
Back at Buarth Gurru, the fellas have settled well into the routine of boarding and school life. It has been wonderful to welcome Jarlan back to the house, and everyone is finding their rhythm again.
Sport has been a big focus this term. The fellas have returned to football training and are already two games into the season. We are also excited to have three fellas playing soccer this year. In the coming weeks, the students will begin boxing, which will provide another opportunity to build fitness, discipline and confidence.
Alex and Jordan have been House Captains so far and have been leading by example. Tobias recently demonstrated great courage by speaking at RJFC to coaches and players about (MITS). He also impressed everyone by showcasing his excellent skills on the Yidaki.
In Year 8, we are continuing to focus on building independence and helping the fellas understand what this looks like in everyday life -taking responsibility, making good choices and supporting each other.
Overall, the fellas are doing a fantastic job of looking after one another and adjusting well to being back at school here in Naarm.
By Trish Apiti
Garrawang
The beginning of Term 2 at Garrawang Boarding House (Senior Fellas) has been characterised by growth, courage and the continued strengthening of boarding routines. Students have shown increasing confidence as they navigate daily boarding life, demonstrating a willingness to step up, try new responsibilities and support one another within the house.
Throughout the term, students have displayed courage through developing greater independence and accountability in their boarding routines. Morning and evening expectations, participation in study time and shared household responsibilities have been a main focus point. Students are increasing their communication and needs with staff, passing on extra curriculum details and advocating for themselves when they need some quiet time.
Garrawang students have also shown courage in engaging with wellbeing and social activities within the boarding setting. Regular walk and talks, and one‑on‑one check‑ins have provided safe opportunities for students to speak openly and reflect on challenges. These moments have strengthened trust, respect and relationships between students and staff, and have reinforced the boarding house as a safe and supportive environment.
Weekend boarding life has kicked off this term with domestic football starting back up, as well as for some, continuing with basketball and school sports teams. Students continue to work on demonstrating respectful behaviour, increased social independence and an ability to make positive choices when enjoying their free time in Naarm. So far this term, Garrawang Boarding House students have enjoyed a range of shared experiences, including attending NRL and AFL games, iceskating, spending an evening bonding with the Year 8 fellas from Buarth Gurru, and enjoying relaxed downtime together. Students have also spent time watching family members on screen during Wolfram and engaging with the documentary Michael.
Academic routines within the boarding house remain a priority. Supervised study sessions and individual support have returned. Several students have shown courage by asking for help during study, managing frustration and advocating for the support they need—which we couldn’t do without our amazing community of volunteers!
The Garrawang Boarding House team is extremely proud of the courage, resilience and growth demonstrated by students throughout the term. We look forward to continuing to support each young person as they strengthen their independence and continue their boarding journey with courage. Finally – Garrawang would like to send our love to our long-standing team member, Learning and Careers Mentor, Reihana Haggie, who finished up with MITS this term. You will be greatly missed!
By Chloe Lane
Biderap
The girls have made a wonderful start to the year, settling in confidently and embracing all aspects of school life. Attendance has been outstanding, with multiple 100% attendance days, and it has been fantastic to hear the girls returning home with such positive and enthusiastic stories about their experiences at school. Within the boarding program, they have thrown themselves into the many activities offered at Biderap House, from creative craft days and fun no-bake sessions to spending time together kicking the ball around at their favourite parks.
There have been many highlights this term, including an exciting trip to the Broncos NRL game, where the girls cheered loudly through a thrilling, close match. Another major highlight has been the strong addition of sport to their routines, with almost every girl in boarding participating in team sports such as netball, basketball, and AFL with RJFC. Their excitement for weekends—whether playing or supporting their friends and teammates—has been wonderful to see, and we are incredibly proud of their enthusiasm, commitment, and sense of community. For the rest of the term, the girls are really looking forward to the Dreamtime at the ’G activities, finals for their sports, and even more events that Melbourne has to offer.
By Rebecca Romero