SAINTS BOARDING
News from Brett Toombs
Director of Boarding
St Augustine's College Cairns
Weekend expectations
Each term, our boarders are offered three opportunities to submit leave requests to spend time with approved families and friends, as is happening this weekend. On other weekends all boarders are expected to stay in. Heads of residence and I understand there may be family situations that require boarders to be out during these weekends at specific times. However, apart from such circumstances, all boarders are required to stay in residence outside of free and exeat weekends.
Academic Effort Awards in boarding
Last Sunday, we presented Academic Effort certificates to our boarders. These awards are based on the work habits from Semester 1 day-school reports. Students who earned five or more "Excellent" achievements for their application to study received a certificate. Congratulations to the 25 girls and 37 boys recognised. This is an outstanding effort that we hope continues in boarding.
Boarders' free weekend camp
At the end of Week 8, St Augustine’s and St Monica’s will have a long free weekend as the Friday is a student-free day for both colleges. Boarders who stay in on that weekend will travel to Genazzano, on the Atherton Tablelands, for a two-night camp. It promises to be an enjoyable and relaxing experience and a highlight for most boarders.
Sunday night boarders' Mass
Sunday night chapel is compulsory for all boarders who should be back in residence by 5:45pm. I ask families to ensure that their children are back in time on these weekends for community dinner, followed by chapel.
Boarding visits
We recently visited Thursday Island. It was a wonderful opportunity to see our current families and to talk to students from the local primary school. It was a privilege for Saints boarding, along with other staff from both colleges, to spend time on Thursday Island catching up with families.
Saturday outings
There has been a lot of variety and options in our Saturday outings this term. In the past few weeks we have enjoyed playing mini-golf; visiting Earl Hill, Trinity Beach and, for the first time, boarding had its very own Saints Amazing Race, held along the beautiful Cairns Esplanade last weekend. This was organised and implemented by our Saturday Coordinator Mr Pat Connell. It was a popular activity, and the boarders had a lot of fun.
Census night
Last Tuesday, all Australian households were asked to take part in the census. Boarding is classified as a “non-private dwelling”, and all boarders and live-in staff completed an individual census booklet. The Australian Government uses census data to understand how Australia’s population is changing and where services and infrastructure are needed. It helps inform decisions about spending for schools, hospitals, transport, housing and community services.