Boarding News
Mr Jim Noble, Assistant Head of College - Boarding
Marist College Ashgrove
One of our key priorities in Boarding is providing opportunities for our boys to build positive social connections and develop healthy relationships with boarders from other schools. Last weekend, our boarders enjoyed two excellent social events:
- Movie Night at Stuartholme on Friday evening
- BBQ, Games and Trivia Social with Fairholme College hosted by Marist on Sunday
These occasions are valuable opportunities for our boys to meet others, strengthen their social confidence, and develop positive friendships. It was wonderful to see the boys embracing both events and representing the College so well.
As we move into the latter part of the term, our Year 12 students are entering a particularly busy period as they begin their Mock Examinations in preparation for the end-of-year external assessments. We wish them every success as they continue their preparation and encourage them to maintain a balanced approach to study, wellbeing, and rest.
At the same time, many of our Year 11 students have recently applied for senior leadership positions for 2027. I am particularly pleased that a large number of boarders (almost 20) put themselves forward for these opportunities. I congratulate all students who chose to participate in the leadership selection process. Regardless of the outcome, the experience of reflecting on personal values, communicating leadership aspirations, and stepping outside one's comfort zone is an important part of personal growth.
This week, students shortlisted for the position of 2027 Boarding Captain are participating in interviews and addressing the entire boarding community. It has been lovely to hear these young men speak so positively about boarding and articulate their desire to lead through humility, service, and care for others. Their pride in our boarding community is something of which they should be very proud.
All families will have received communication from the Head of College regarding a recent number of Influenza A cases among boarders. We are taking a range of preventative measures to help minimise the spread of illness within the boarding community. As always, good hygiene remains one of the most effective protections against infection. We have been reinforcing these practices with the boys and would appreciate your support in encouraging these messages when speaking with your son.
Finally, I would like to remind all boarding families about the importance of submitting leave requests in advance when your son will be leaving boarding and entering the care of a host. Our duty of care responsibilities require us to know the whereabouts of every boarder at all times, and this becomes increasingly challenging when leave requests are submitted late. We ask families to please use the REACH system to submit leave requests at least 24 hours prior to departure. If you require any assistance with the process, please contact Boarding Reception.
Thank you for your ongoing support of our Boarding community.