From the Head of Boarding 

Dear Boarding Community,

Term 2 began with a Pupil Free day on Monday, 28 to provide Professional Learning for both Teaching and Boarding Staff. The Boarders returned on Tuesday, 29 - we celebrated ANZAC Day with a prayer and a minute's silence at Dinner. The Kildare Year 12 Boarders were involved with their overnight College Retreat on Thursday, 30 May. MEBS Boarders were involved in sports competitions, National Boarding Week, MEBS Touch Football Tournament, Boarders Mass, Football Finals, and our annual Trivia Tournament, to mention a few of the many happenings. 

MEBS Farewell to Principal of Kildare Catholic College/ Boarding

As the term is drawing to a close rapidly, I need to take this opportunity on behalf of the Mount Erin Boarding Community, Parents/Carers, Students, and Staff to farewell Principal of Kildare, Chris Browne.  Chris has supported Mount Erin and the Boarding Community, and we have valued his wisdom, insight, and guidance. We will miss Chris but wish him all the best as he begins a new journey.

National Boarding Week

As always, families are very welcome to visit. It was great to catch up with a relatively new member of one family recently - a baby puppy called Bessie and her older sibling, Ollie.

                      MEBS Trivia Tournament Winners  - Congratulations!!

Staff Farewell

MEBS farewelled long-time Staff member, Mrs Vicki Bradford, who retired at the end of Week 3 this term. We thanked Vicki for her service at MEBS and St Paul's and wished her well for the future.

Safeguarding 

As part of Mount Erin's Mission, it is committed to the safety, care, and dignity of all people, especially our Boarders and Boarding Staff. It is important to be aware of the following information and where to find further resources.

Bishop’s Commitment Statement

The Catholic Diocese of Wagga Wagga and its agencies are committed to the safety, care, and dignity of all people as an integral part of our mission.

This commitment is rooted in Catholic social teaching and our obligation to promote the common good and respect the human dignity of all. We extend this commitment to all members of our community, including clergy, employees, and volunteers, regardless of their role or level of responsibility.

Bishop Mark Edwards OMI Bishop of the Diocese of Wagga Wagga 

SAFEGUARDING

Did you know? 

Child Safety is everyone's responsibility.

Everyone has a right to privacy, especially in change rooms. You must have permission to take photos of children and publish. It is always right to raise a concern about child safety and adults at risk.

If you see something, you should say something to someone in authority 

Call the Police if you believe a child is at risk of abuse 

NSW Police: 000 

Child Protection Hotline: 132 111 

Diocese of Wagga Wagga  Office of Safeguarding: 0269 370 003 

https://wagga.catholic.org.au/safeguarding-children-vulnerable-people/

Emergency Evacuations

Each term, MEBS conducts an emergency evacuation trial. This assists our students' understanding with identification of alert sounds, understanding the need to move quickly and safely following routes identifiable by signage. All planned trial evacuations are conducted at a time that does not disrupt student study, planned activities/ appointments or sleep. 

National Boarding Week

As part of National Boarding Week, MEBS celebrated National Boarding Week with a number of activities, including a Mixed Touch Football Tournament. Congratulations to our winning teams, all of our participants and organisers.

Why Boarding?

Only a small percentage of young people have the opportunity to attend a Boarding School. The decision made by a family to send their child/ children to Boarding is both an emotional and a financial decision. The benefits of Boarding include the development of independent living skills, peer support for academic study, online tutoring, access to activities, sports, cultural events, shopping, and a general lifestyle. Weekly Boarding provides the benefit of two worlds - Boarding during the week and then family time on weekends.

Kildare and Mater Dei are both Catholic, Coeducational Day and Boarding Colleges. Families from outlying areas who want their child  to attend either of these two excellent schools can board weekly at the Colleges' Boarding House - Mount Erin (MEBS).

MEBS can also offer several options for any Kildare of Mater Dei students who usually travel to school daily.  

Our New MEBS Transport Officer.

Staffing Update

We take this opportunity to introduce and welcome our new Transport Officer, Claire Thomsen, to the MEBS Staff team at the beginning of Week 6, June 2. 

We have re-advertised the Nagle House Girls' Boarding Supervisor role to replace Ms Vicki Bradford, who retired at the end of Week 3 Term 2. Having completed interviews and decided on a preferred candidate, the selected person withdrew her application.

The position has been re-advertised and applications have now closed. We will advise parents as soon as details come to hand.

Boarders' Mass

Bishop Mark Edwards joins us regularly for Dinner - see below, attending following the Boarders' Mass celebrated in Week 6.

MDCC organised our Boarders' Mass this term. Leader of Faith and Mission, Rebecca Gill, prepared our Mater Dei Boarding students, and celebrating Mass for us was Father John Baptiste, whom Deacon Michael assisted. Leader of Faith and Mission at Kildare, Ondre Nejman, also assisted in setting up the Chapel for the Mass.  Our special guests included Sister Barbara Webber, Principals Val Thomas (Mater Dei) and Chris Browne (Kildare), Executive staff from both Colleges . Bishop Mark Edwards, OMI, joined our guests for dinner in the Dining Room after Mass.

Many thanks to all concerned.

Staff Spirituality Day

MEBS staff joined Kildare staff for Spirituality Day 2025, conducted by former Hawthorn Premiership Player and Presenter Mr. Stephen  Lawrence.

Parent Advisory 

The MEBS Parent Advisory Committee is led by Ms Heidi Gooden (Chair) and Mr. Stephen Hines ( Secretary). The agenda of the most recent meeting included reports from CEDWW and the Head of Boarding as well as discussion about transport costs and options.

MEBS is attending: 

• Griffith Expo - Pop Up: 19th June
• Boarding Expo - Wagga Wagga: 20/21 June

Please drop by to say hello.

Food Survey

MEBS is very keen to ensure that the meals provided to our Boarders. A food survey is about to be shared wth Boarders and their families. We appreciate your feedback.

My Absence

I will be travelling overseas during the last week of this term (Week 10) and during the two-week holiday to attend to family matters. I will be in contact via phone and computer during this time to check email and other communication. Our Boarding Coordinator, Mrs Jackie Tassell will be acting on my behalf during Week 10.

John Bussenschutt | Head of Boarding

Mount Erin Boarding is committed to the provision of a safe and supportive learning and working environment for Boarders and Staff. MEBS follows the Diocese of Wagga Safeguarding Policies and Procedures. Information, reporting processes and support are available Here.