The Hamilton and Alexandra College Newsletter

Boarding

AN INCLUSIVE CULTURE

 

There are many proud moments in my role when I see our boarders think, act and behave in ways which are inclusive, kind and empathetic. The Boarding House is a safe and secure place that is welcoming for all. 

 

Here are a few comments from our Appreciation Poster the following comments:

  • I appreciate my sleep and Josh's food
  • I appreciate my friends and my room mate
  • I appreciate the homecooked meals every night and love my friends

Our Mac House demonstrates the inclusive culture in spades. Led by Boarding House Captain Sarah Andersen, during the weekly Boarding House meeting, all boarders were asked to write down something positive about each other and then fold their comment over for another boarder to add to their positive affirmation. The result demonstrated a Boarding House where we know each other, feel connected, safe and supported. This was a wonderful activity by Sarah - a great display of leadership.

 

For true inclusivity to work effectively we need to hold our judgement and accept all for who they are. Our boarders continue to reflect in a positive way that their home at the Boarding House is a safe and secure place, where they feel welcomed and accepted. Importantly, our College has policy which guides our inclusive culture however, it is the behaviours and actions of our boarders and boarding staff which goes beyond doctrine and genuinely makes our home feel as positive as it does. Part of this is the interactions between boarders and staff which continue to amaze me. With boarders regularly chatting away or even interviewing staff for assignments and being genuinely interested in their life - this is a positive and caring environment we can all be proud of.

 

Speaking of staff, Lise Lowe will be taking leave for a while. Amanda Archer has been welcomed into the Boarding House taking the reigns as Houseparent for the remainder of the term. Amanda has been working in the Learning Support faculty at College and is well known to our boarders. Further, we have welcome in recent times Narelle Pitts to the Macdonald House. Narelle works locally at a Primary School and has adult children of her own. Narelle has seamlessly walked into boarding and has made a significantly positive impact with our Mac House boarders in particular. 

 

 

 

 

 

Dates to remember:

 

EXEAT details

  • The Boarding House closes on Thursday 8 June at 6pm and re-opens on Monday 12 of June at midday.
  • The Naracoorte bus will depart at 4pm on Thursday and then run on Monday 12 June on the normal Sunday pick-up times.

Mid-year break

  • The Boarding House closes on Friday 23 June at 6pm and re-opens on Monday 17 July at midday. Term Three begins on Tuesday 18 July.
  • Travel to Melbourne (for homestay, Melbourne based boarders, and airport departures) will depart on Friday 23 June at 3pm and arrive at Tullamarine at approx. 7pm. Travel from Tullamarine and Melbourne to the Boarding House will occur at 10am on Monday 17 July.
  • For the mid-year break, boarders’ rooms must be left clean and tidy with very little belongings in rooms. All mountain bikes must be locked up during the three-week break or taken home for safe keeping.
  • All Orah leave is to be completed so meals can be accurate for boarders’ return on Monday the 17 July.

Regards,

 

MR ANDREW MONK

Director of Boarding 

 

 

Day in the Life of  Boarder

Thank you to our students who worked as a team to produce this wonderful video, and a special thanks to Daniel for applying his time to edit.