Boarding

Dinner Dance 

Boarder of the week

Our boarder of the week is Jaxon Leishman. He began his boarding journey last year and is now thriving. He has a clear interest in astronomy and enjoys gaming in his downtime. 

More recently Jaxon and Frank have been working out in the gym which is fantastic for Jaxon’s fitness; as Jaxon mentioned this week, his guns are becoming a little sore though! 

Congratulations Jaxon on a superb transition into boarding this year and I look forward to further success in the years to come.

Boarding Captains attend ABSA event

Last week our Boarding Captains attended an Australian Boarding Schools Association (ABSA) event for Victorian schools held at Wesley College. Henry and Henrietta were online due to the distance that was required to travel but they thoroughly enjoyed the presentation from ex-AFL footballer and coach Scott Watters. With over 40 Boarding Captains and Prefects from Independent schools across Victoria this was a fantastic event for boarders to listen, be inspired, and engage in thoughtful activities to bring into their own Boarding House. 

Scott now runs a successful wellbeing and leadership program for young adults and adolescents called lifechanger. His program is reaching an international stage with 140,000 students participating just last year. Scott is an engaging speaker who motivates young leaders to take responsibility, action, optimism, compassion, and build their resilience. All values we align with ours here at College. I hope we can get Scott to speak with all our Year 12 boarding students in the near future. If you'd like to learn more about Scott Watters and his wonderful program, please click on the link below.

https://www.lifechanger.org.au/about/our-story

Equestrian and Claire Rowett

Equestrian is one of the school-based activities our boarders are engaged in. Claire is one of many boarders from South Australia, who is passionate about equestrian. She is a new boarder at College this year and has certainly taken the reigns in both boarding and equestrian. Having her horse Halle onsite allows Claire to not only enjoy boarding life but also provides easy access to an interest she is passionate about. With major developments occurring at our Equestrian Centre soon, our program is only going to go from strength to strength. It will certainly be a hallmark we are proud of. It was great to walk about the boarding grounds last week and see Claire working her horse, and learning more about Halle and the style of riding Claire is interested in.

Outdoor cinema

The recent warm weather has been quite exhausting during the days, but there is one benefit from these warmer days and that is beautiful evenings. We enjoyed an outdoor cinema last Friday night as a restful break from the mid-term stress. This relaxed social gathering was well received. Sitting down under the stars in the early evening watching Ratatouille, eating popcorn and treats, whilst having a good laugh - perfect! It's these little events that our boarders love to so much, building stronger relationships with each other, whilst also feeling like the Boarding House is a very special home for them.

Meet our new boarder – Prince

Prince is from Shanghai and started boarding with College this year. I have been so impressed with Prince’s English proficiency, his independence and transition into Australian culture. Prince has a clear talent for music, in particular on the piano. Congratulations Prince on such a positive start to your boarding and College journey and we look forward to hearing you on stage during an assembly soon.

• Home: China Shanghai 
• Favourite food: Steak
• Hobbies: Sports like soccer, basketball, badminton, table tennis, tennis and billiards. And I like music, especially piano and saxophone.
• Boardings likes: It is cosy.
• Boarding dislike: Far from the city so transportation is not convenient.
• Future career: Not sure at the moment, maybe something in music. 

I have had a very good and special time here so far, and I have made a lot of new friends and studied some new things. Before the school time I stay in a language school for about six months for learning English.

Hosting international students for the long weekend 

We have two students who would love to join a College family for a homestay over the March Long weekend - Friday, 7 March, after school to Monday, 10 March (the Boarding House reopens at midday).

Susan and Sofiya are in Year 7. They would ideally like to stay together but if that doesn't work for you, that is ok.

If you would like to host an international student, please get in touch with Andrew Monk.

Casual Boarding

All families who would like to take up the opportunity of casual boarding may contact our Registrar, Susie Holcombe, at holcombes@hamiltoncollege.vic.edu.au. Susie can guide you through the steps of casual boarding and the appropriate paperwork. Many families take up this offering yearly and book their children in on a regular evening. Our girls' House, Macdonald House, is particularly busy, and a booking early in the year is advised. 

If you would like to know more about casual boarding, or if you would like to have a walk about the Boarding House, Susie and I would be more than happy to call or meet you face to face and show you around.