Boarding 

Gratitude

Demonstrating gratitude is certainly a gift given to others, and in the Boarding House this week we have been witness to this in spades.

The week marked the Chinese New Year represented by the Year of the Pig. This was celebrated by all of our international boarders and their invited guests at Dr Hirst’s residence on Sunday. The occasion was a time to give our thanks for friendships, family and for the hospitality of the Hirst family. Boarders enjoyed an afternoon to be with each other, eat familiar foods, speak their native language and after the afternoon, receive a traditional gift. Our Boys’ Boarding Captain, Jonathan Lee, respectfully thanked Dr Hirst and everybody who attended.

The theme of gratitude has certainly been evident in other areas of boarding life. I frequently hear of boarders thanking those who work in the boarding precinct; Rob our chef for his food, staff on Academic Assistance of an evening, MODs as they depart of an afternoon, the Troopy drivers, and our cleaners. Of course, as adults we understand gratitude is not always expected verbally but it is something we can notice through a handshake, a wave, a thumbs up, hi-five, an emoji of sorts, or as simple as a smile.

Our boarders live busy lives but when they take a moment and notice where they live they find gratitude naturally flows, as Nikita Cavill and Jonathan Lee say below:

“Boarding has always been an experience to me that has been so special. Being here since Year 7 and now experiencing my final year, I can honestly say I never would have thought I would be as lucky to have been surrounded by such genuine and beautiful people since my first day. I thoroughly enjoy leading the MacDonald house that is full of the best people I could imagine to be surrounded by to finish this journey with. The long chats, the movie nights, the endless love spread by everyone, it is something that makes the experience different for everyone while it still being a big family. While I call Naracoorte home, I have certainly done my growing up here and it goes without saying that the MODs have had the largest contribution to that and I can’t thank them enough.” Nikita Cavill

“Being a boarder for me is amazing. As a Hong Kong international student I have been boarding for around 3 years and a bit. I enjoy how friendly and professional the staff here treat you. Most importantly, I like how the boarders are treating each other like brothers and sisters, no matter where you come from. It really feels like this is your home away from home.” Jonathan Lee.

Thank you to the boarders for just being you and allowing us to be a part of your journey thus far.

Best wishes,

Andrew and the Boarding Team.

Andrew Monk

Director of Boarding