SAINTS BOARDING
News from Brett Toombs
Director of Boarding
St Augustine's College Cairns
Free weekend
Our boarders are enjoying their first free weekend of the term, and many have applied for leave to stay with host families. Those on leave are expected back in residence between 4pm and 8pm on Monday 4 May, unless prior arrangements have been made with the relevant head of residence. There will be one dinner at 6pm Monday night.
For planning purposes, please note the following dates:
- Exeat weekend: 23–25 May (Monday is a student-free day for all boarders).
- Free weekend: 13 and 14 June.
Thursday afternoon activities
Our activities program resumes next Thursday. It allows our Years 7–10 boarders to be involved in a variety of activities, including the following:
- Basketball
- Volleyball
- Art
- Futsal/European handball
- Gym and fitness
Touch football
Boarders have been reminded to sign up to ensure they participate in something they enjoy.
Weekend outings
Our boarders enjoyed the first of our outings for the term last weekend with a visit to the Babinda Boulders. This long weekend, boarders who've stayed in will have an outing to the Yellow and Red Arrow walking track before visiting the Esplanade in the afternoon. An outing to Port Douglas has been planned for Monday.
Tutoring
We have dedicated staff who are committed to assisting our boarders with their schoolwork in our daily homework and study program. Private and group tutoring is available during weeknights for all boarders.
Special leave with parents or carers
Students are always encouraged to have a meal with families or spend time with them whenever they visit Cairns. We do ask, however, that heads of residence are given at least 24 hours’ notice for such leave. They are the first point of contact for all leave requests and communication.
Labelling clothes – it's a must
I ask boarders and their families to clearly label all clothing brought into boarding. This is crucial as community living involves hundreds of items being washed, and correct labelling will ensure everything is returned promptly to its rightful owners.