SAINTS BOARDING 

Commencement of Term 4

 It has been a smooth start to Term 4 boarding as boarders arrived back from holidays on time and have started the term well. Thank you to our parents and carers for organising flights and travel to assist the school for the start of term. Special thanks as well to Mr Carswell and Ms See Kee for all the preparation and work with ABSTUDY in booking return flights for our students.

This term is relatively short, nine weeks, and our students at both colleges finish on Friday 29 November. As always, our boarders will be at school until the final day of term. If for a valid reason an earlier departure is warranted, please contact boarding and St Augustine’s or St Monica’s in advance of the leave request.

Free weekend

The first boarders free weekend this term is scheduled for the end of next week. Thank you to our families for working with the respective heads of residence to organise a plan for your son's and/or daughter’s movements on such weekends. Students who stay in boarding will enjoy another Saturday outing, along with recreation time and activities arranged in boarding.

A reminder to all boarders and families that students have until 8pm Sunday to return to their residences on free and exeat weekends, and we ask boarders to be consistent with this time. If they wish to return on Monday morning, please ensure they inform their head of residence well in advanced.

End of school for Year 12s

Year 12s will complete their regular classes at the end of next week and begin preparing for external exams which start on Monday 21 October. St Augustine’s will celebrate our Valedictory Day on Thursday 17 October. St Monica’s College will enjoy this celebration on Thursday November 14. Ms Vines and Mr Connell are working with our Year 12 boarders to record their movements during exams. If parents and carers have any information that may help this process please contact these staff members.

Year 12 boarders final Sunday night Mass

The boarding community will, fittingly, celebrate our Year 12s final Sunday night Mass this Sunday. At this Mass we will acknowledge the two students who will be presented with the Spirit of Chavoin and Francois awards, respectively. We congratulate all our Year 12 boarders, and we thank them for their positive contributions and involvement in the boarding community during their time with us.

Leave requests

Saints boarding always supports students submitting weekend leave, or special leave for a few hours during the week, to spend time with family. We ask, however, that this leave is submitted in advance and not on the day when the leave is needed. While we understand that situations can suddenly arise, our boarders know that at least 24 hours’ notice is needed for such leave.

Long weekend outings

Outings to Lake Eacham and Port Douglas last weekend were popular. They were relaxing and enjoyable days for the boarders who took advantage of the warmer weather and enjoyed swimming and relaxing. We look forward to an outing to Trinity Beach this weekend.