Eclipse House News

It’s hard to believe we are already two thirds of the way through Term One. It doesn’t seem so long ago that we welcomed boarders back into our houses with the threat of another lockdown looming. I am very happy to say that things did not progress into a lock down and the term has been able to proceed as planned. There has been a range of awesome recreation activities on offer already this term, with boys from Eclipse getting involved in a number of them and plenty more great recreational opportunities planned for the remainder of term. 

Senior Beach Awareness Course

This year we again took our Year Eleven and Twelve boarders to the Albany Surf Life Saving Club at Middleton Beach for their Beach Awareness Course. Here they learned, or were refreshed on; beach safety, rip identification, treatment for cobbler, jellyfish and blue ring octopus stings and basic first aid tips including practising putting each other into the recovery position. Many of these simple skills are transferable to various life situations and can be the difference in saving someone’s life.

The afternoon was perfect, sunny and warm (for Albany’s standards) so once the course was completed we enjoyed a bit of time swimming and playing in the water before returning to boarding.

Surfing

A few weeks ago we offered a surfing lesson at Ocean Beach in Denmark. A few Eclipse boys jumped at this opportunity and thoroughly enjoyed the day. There were a number of boys who had cricket commitments on the day but are still very keen to go so we are offering another opportunity early next term.

We spent three hours on the beach, followed by a trip to the local bakery on the way back to boarding. This is always a big day but one of the highlights of the term.

Fishing

A couple of weeks ago Mrs Rice, Hazel and myself were joined by a group of five Eclipse boys for an afternoon of fishing at the river mouth, about 500 metres from the boarding house. Although we had no luck with the fish, only experiencing a few nibbles, the afternoon was very enjoyable.

Year Twelve Ball

Last weekend was a flurry of excitement as the Year Twelve group prepared for the School Ball. The lead up was filled with discussions about what kinds of cars they would be arriving in and making sure they had everything they needed. The boys all looked very dapper and seemed to really enjoy getting dressed up for the occasion. Upon returning to the boarding house they were all very tired but stories of the evening dominated conversation for the following days. 

Chess, Checkers and Pool

It has become an almost nightly event for the Year Twelve boys to challenge each other in a game of chess. This often produces a small group of spectators and some of the Year Ten group have been getting involved as well, enjoying the healthy competition. The pool table has also been receiving a daily work out and has proven to be a great communal gathering point. Boys will often squeeze a game into every spare moment they have.

Year Ten Camp

Six of the Year Ten boarders from Eclipse awoke early last Friday to get on a bus to Perth and then start their week long voyage back to Albany on the Leeuwin. The remaining cohort then left on Monday morning for their bush adventure with Outward Bound. This has left the house very quiet this week as we have nine out of 22 boys left in the house. The Year Ten group were all very excited about their respective adventures and I look forward to hearing all of their stories when they return at the end of this week.

Wagin Woolorama

Brendan Quick has shown great dedication and commitment, waking at 4.00am to get on a bus and represent Great Southern Grammar in sheep judging at the Wagin Woolorama. He was described by Miss Gunning as also being a great support and mentor for the younger students involved. He didn't return to boarding until after 7.00pm, a very big day and one to be proud of. It was impressive to witness him capably assessing various sheep and livestock in front of the crowd and judging panel.  

Some of you may have also seen Mrs Bairstow and Mrs Colgate representing GSG in the Education Pavilion and speaking to current and prospective parents.  Look out for our stand at upcoming shows.

I look forward to what the remainder of Term One brings and as always, feel free to call or email me to discuss your son or any upcoming events, on 0448 125 919 or via brenton.rice@gsg.wa.edu.au

Mr Brenton Rice | Head of Eclipse House