Boarding 

Robinson Crusoe!

Ok, it may not be a true case of being stranded on an island with marauding cannibals but the story of Robinson Crusoe does have some meaning for us all at the moment. Robinson unexpectedly found himself deserted on an island with no company other than his cats and dog. He made use of the land and a nearby cave to live in and reflect upon the good in the situation rather than the bad. Interesting Robinson also found altruism in helping others, namely freeing the servant Friday.

Our boarding community acknowledges the challenge in their situation at the moment, however, from the words of our boarders they are seeing the positive in their situation. Many boarders and their families are highlighting the fact they have more time with each other during meal times, boarders have been able to help out on farms, and the time spent with pets and animals has been relaxing for them. When our Heads of House, Nick Palmer and Gabbi Bensch, have checked in on our boarders, they naturally miss all their mates, especially their roommates and those late-night chats. But our boarders are also well prepared for times of self-reliance, getting on with it, and finding new opportunities in challenging times. We miss our "Robinson Crusoes" and cannot wait to have them back in the House but we also know they will flourish in these times, reflecting on the good and finding time to be altruistic to others.

Now is the time! A message from our Head of Speirs House, Nick Palmer.

As a father of two boys and our Head of Speirs House, Nick has some simple and effective tips in understanding boys and using this time.

• Allow the boys to have some group chats with their boarding friends. Many of the boys have relished their time in Spiers House connecting and chatting. Online chat is an excellent way of keeping these connections going, for example our Wednesday 8 pm House meeting.
• Another piece of advice is to keep the boys project-focused. Perhaps jobs in the garden, some building or painting. With a project, they will have a finite beginning and completion point. Further, such activities take them away from their screen and accentuate the feeling of purpose and achievement.
• Consider Malcolm Gladwell's idea of 10000 hrs needed to master a skill, craft or capability. Decide with your son what they might like to work on – mastery of an instrument, speaking a new language or developing an artistic skill, not to mention advanced sporting skills (think of Don Bradman and his cricket stump, golf ball and water tank: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9o6vTXgYdqA ).

Now is the time to work on these skills and perfect ability and then for showing these skills with family. It may be a time to also challenge a family member.

Best wishes,

Andrew Monk