Anchorage House News
The rain has finally hit our area and the boys have migrated to indoor activities. This is causing the kitchen area and break out rooms to get more traffic than usual. The new toastie machine and kettle seem to be well used and the heaters in the main living rooms have boys huddled around them in the mornings before roll call. The boys are known in our boarding community to have a lot of energy and as we transfer to activities in house, I am looking for board games to assist in keeping them stimulated and engaged.
Having said that, our boys in Term Two and Three are involved in more structured play with the community sport in town, however it’s still important to make time for free play outside. As staff we see this all year round with our Year Nine group who encourage the boys to come out and play AFL football, soccer and cricket around the house. The latest phase to hit the house is riding bikes, scooters and skateboards. The boys are outdoors creating a bike track at the end of Eclipse house in the vacant paddock.
In an article on Playing Outside: Why It’s Important for Kids By: Danette Glassy, MD, FAAP & Pooja Tandon, MD, FAAP they state:
No matter what the weather brings, playing outside is good for kids in so many ways. There is scientific evidence that playing outside improves health, and children of all ages love it. We know that the more time a child spends in nature, the more likely they are to grow up to be good stewards of our planet—an environmental win!
In Anchorage House we know the benefits of getting outside provides more than a fun break for them out of the house. It is also good for their physical and mental health and development, so when they are spending time outdoors, we know they are:
- More engaged in learning. Playing outside promotes curiosity, creativity and critical thinking and focus. Studies have found that children who spent more time in nature exploration had improved learning outcomes.
- More positive in behaviour and mood. Research shows that when children spent time in natural settings they had less anger and aggression. Impulse control also improves. This might be especially important when normal routines change for children.
- Mentally healthier. Stress and depression are lower for all people who spend time in nature. Children show increased focus and reduced symptoms of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
Boarding Supervisors
We are fortunate to have both male and female staff working in Anchorage House who support the boarder's wellbeing, which includes reinforcing our values, engaging them in conversations, developing and working on relationships, and communication that occur each shift. This is becoming more important in boarding houses, especially for boarders who are far from their homes and/or cultures, like rural boarders and Indigenous boarders. We are fortunate to have Mrs Sally Mellows work in both Eclipse and Anchorage House as a boarding supervisor and she has written a short piece describing her experience on shift.
I have worked in Anchorage for just over a year. Each shift is different and brings new challenges and special memories. The group of boys is dynamic, each with their own unique, quirky personality, and it’s a pleasure getting to know each of them as the year goes by.
I love hearing their stories of making jumps, their many activities on the farm, what Landcruiser model is the best, and of course, football stories.
As I work across both Anchorage and Eclipse, I am able to watch the boys transition from being young boys just starting their boarding journey, to the tall, broad lads that tower over me! The stories remain the same, the Landcruiser's, the farm work etc, but with a much stronger focus on their future, schoolwork, and what lies ahead.
It is a privilege to work in both these houses, and I am blessed to be part of the boys' pastoral care.
Mrs Sally Mellows | Boarding Supervisor
Crazy Hair Day
Anchorage boys really got into the spirit of Crazy Hair Day. This day coincided with the World's Greatest Shave, which some of our Senior boarding students participated in.
Birthdays
Harrison Woithe is lucky enough that his birthday falls on the Closed Weekend. We wish Harrison a happy birthday on Sunday 2 June and fun weekend with his family.
Mr Ashley Keatch | Head of Anchorage House