Eclipse House News
Eclipse boarding is beginning to look a little different over the last couple of weeks. Year Twelves are well into their exams, and some have finished for the year. We are also in the process of welcoming new boarders into the house in preparation for next year. Years Eight and Nine boarders from Anchorage joined us last Thursday evening for a transition meeting. They were introduced to their mentor and given a tour of the boarding house. They then were involved in some get to know you games and general activities like pool, table tennis, card games and basketball. It was followed by a Q & A session on all things Eclipse. It is an exciting time for Eclipse boarding, and I have no doubt that the new additions will settle in well and enjoy their time.
The weather has been wonderful in Albany recently which is allowing us to utilise our beautiful natural landscape. I have the pleasure of running recreation on Saturday afternoons and activities have included: snorkelling at Waterfall Beach, swimming and surfing at Nanarup and canoeing up the Kalgan River. We look forward to many more adventures and I encourage all boarders to get involved and experience the outdoors.
Our Year Twelves celebrated their Farewell Dinner in Week Two and it was an enjoyable evening. Below is my address to the Year Twelve community.
I wish all families an enjoyable remainder of the term and a successful summer period of harvest.
Birthdays
Happy birthday to Michael Watson who turned 18 on Friday of Week Two which also happened to be the same day as the Valedictory Assembly. A big day for Michael... best wishes!
Year Twelve Dinner Address
I would first like to begin by expressing my gratitude to number of people.
Thank you to Mr Mathew Irving, and Mrs Emma Franklin for the opportunity to stand here tonight and throughout the year in what is truly a rewarding role and remarkable place to live.
Thank you to my team, Mr Ashley Keatch, Ms Liz Stewart, Mrs Nyree McKenzie, Mrs Di Franzinelli, Ms Rebecca Davies and Mrs Liz Cosh. I am truly grateful for the support and fun we have had throughout the year. The best neighbours you could ever ask for.
To the Year Twelve families and parents of Eclipse. Thank you for providing a great deal of trust and support to myself and my team of supervisors. With your guidance and backing we have been able to support your child through an important time in their lives. Year Twelves, make sure in the coming days you express your gratitude and love to the ones who have given you this experience and opportunity. It is truly memorable, and you will look back on this time fondly.
Thank you to my fiancé’ Carter. Your investment and positive impact on the boarding community has been incredible. Thank you for your support and love.
To the Year Twelves of Eclipse.
Firstly, congratulations on coming to the end of your boarding journey. It is now the beginning of your next adventure. It is a great place to be.
Looking back across your time in Eclipse, I know it is filled with very fond memories and moments. Importantly there has been many friendships formed. As a cohort you have held yourselves in the highest regard. You have been role models to the younger boys in the house and stayed true to your individual strengths and values.
The most important thing that has occurred during your time in Eclipse is that you have created a Legacy. At the beginning of 2022 you may remember our theme for the year was, What’s your Legacy? Most of the boys in the house assumed it was directed at the then current Year Twelve’s. However, it was designed for you.
A Legacy is not created within a single year. It is created over many years through individual and collective actions. It is also passed down successfully to your younger peers.
Through your collective strengths you have developed a friendly, kind, calm and fun culture in Eclipse. This culture is also one of grit, independence, accountability and honesty. Please do not underestimate the positive impact you have had on those around you.
As you reflect on your time in boarding over the coming months or years. Be proud.
Your individual strengths are the foundations for this Legacy. Take these strengths with you on your next adventure, during the good and difficult times they are your secret weapons.
Before I share these strengths with you, I would also like to express my gratitude to each of you. You have made myself and Carters time in boarding as house parents an extremely rewarding one, as a city boy growing up, I now know a lot about farming which I am in awe of. You have challenged us, shared your success and failures with us, been kind and friendly, and you have celebrated important milestones with us. We have loved getting to know you and sharing your boarding journey with you. We wish you all the best and we look forward to crossing paths sometime again.
I would now like to share these strengths with you.
Daniel Barrett-Lennard
Daniel is a calm and composed individual who takes great pride in his organisation. I aspire to be as neat as you Daniel! Always up first in the house for the school day making his plunger coffee, he is a smooth operator! Daniel's greatest strength is his kindness. He is a gentle giant so to speak. Always willing to help and he is a great friend to many. I have enjoyed getting to know you Daniel and I wish you all the best on your next adventure. Good luck for the next hike!
Kayde Bessell-Browne
I have learnt a lot from you Kayde, your ability to stay composed and measured over the last three years is a great feat. You have been a great conversationalist; you are inquisitive and hold great perspective of things around you. I always enjoy our conversations. Kayde’s greatest strength is his kindness and empathetic nature. You look out for others and is always there to lend a helping hand. I have enjoyed listening to your newest guitar skills or fun facts on all things machinery. I wish you all the success you deserve on your next adventure with Kip!
Kaleb Germain
Kaleb’s greatest strengths are his humility and leadership. It is a powerful combination. He leads through his day-to-day actions and is always friendly and kind to those he runs into. He has been motivated across his many sporting and academic ventures achieving great success. I’ll be keeping my eye on the draft in the coming years! Kaleb has made many close friendships over the years that I’m sure will continue into the future. It has been a pleasure getting to know you Kaleb and I wish you the greatest success moving forward.
Koby Hams
Koby is a kind and compassionate young man who always looks out for others. He has developed close friendships over many years and continues to invest his time in them. Koby has been a role model to the younger boys in Eclipse and is humble by nature. His strengths of kindness, zest, and humour have always been on display. You are a team player and I have always enjoyed our recreation adventures. You have developed into a mature young man whose presence will be missed in house. Good luck on your next adventure and be sure to come back and say g’day.
Joe Hawke
Joe’s greatest strength is his love of learning. He is motivated to do his absolute best. Joe’s room is a mind map of study and notes and stack of books by his bed side table. I have enjoyed sharing book recommendations with you Joe. Keep learning! I will cherish the times running the Luke Penn early morning or rowing to Honeymoon Island and back. I wish you the greatest success on your next adventure in Sydney, I know you will give it your all and that’s the first and most important step. Good luck!
Michael Watson
Michael’s greatest strengths are his kindness and humility. You have always treated individuals with respect and go out of your way to make people feel welcome. I will always remember our recreation adventures over the years and your piano tunes in the mornings. You are a mature young adult that is a pleasure to be around. Thank you for being a role model and valued member of the house. Good luck on your flying pursuits and I wish you all the success on your next adventure. The runway is ready!
Steven Wiech
Steven’s greatest strengths have been his integrity and leadership. In other words he speaks the truth but, more broadly, presents himself in a genuine way and acts with sincerity. I have enjoyed our intense games of Ping Pong over the years but also how humble you are in victory! You have been a great leader for those around you and you have led with a great deal of fun and humour. You always express gratitude to those around and you are a great friend to many. I have enjoyed getting to know you Steven and I wish you all the best moving forward!
Mr Taylor Colton | Head of Eclipse House