Boarding News

Last weekend we had ten boys join our boarding community for another one of our organised ‘sleepover experiences’. Many current students would remember coming in for a sleepover at Marist the year before they started as a boarder. Last weekend was great, with plenty of activities to engage all the boys including our 2026 new boarders. Thanks especially to the staff in La Valla, Montagne and Hermitage Residences for assisting with this opportunity and also to our Recreation Officer, Blair Whitlock for putting on his usual great line up of activities for the boys to enjoy. The boys all finished the weekend having met lots of new friends and having a better understanding of how things work in Marist boarding.

Speaking of Blair Whitlock, I’d like to inform boarding parents and guardians that Blair has accepted a newly created Sports Coordinator position at Marist and starts in that role from this week. I’m sure most boarding families would be well aware of the fantastic recreation program that Blair has developed for the boarders over the last five years. He has excelled in this role and is much loved by the boys. Blair’s approachability, organisational skills and work ethic have ensured that our Marist boarders have benefited from a wide variety of activities, events and experiences. Whilst he will be missed in the boarding program, at least the boys will still get to see Blair around the school in his work with sport. I’d like to publicly acknowledge and thank Blair for all he has done to help boarding.

Last Friday night, we also had the annual ‘Night on the Green’ where our Years 11-12 boarders hosted the Stuartholme Years 11-12 boarders under the stars on McMahon Oval. This event proved to be a great success again with many musical performances on stage and it was a lovely social occasion for the boarders of both schools.

It is also pleasing to report that the community service activities run by our boarders have kicked off for Term 4. ‘Boarder Blitz’ is a great opportunity for boys in Years 10-12 to help those less fortunate in our local area by mowing lawns and doing general yard work. We head out every Tuesday and Wednesday after school and all are welcome to be part of this. We also have our visits to the Regis Aged Care Centre in The Gap every Wednesday and Thursday after school. Boarders in Years 6-9 go over to provide company for the elderly residents and join in with them in their lifestyle program. I believe there is so much for the boys to learn by giving of their time to help others in need who live in our community. Please encourage your son to volunteer or feel free to reach out to me directly if you have any questions.

This term is quickly flying by and I look forward to seeing many families at the end of year events as they come around.