From the Principal 

Boarding is part of our DNA

This week, 200 boarding schools across Australia will celebrate National Boarders’ Week.   We are the eighteenth oldest boarding school in the country and ever since our doors opened in 1872, The Hamilton and Alexandra College has proudly welcomed boarders from across Australia and beyond Of course, in the early years boarding numbers fluctuated and today we accommodate eighty boarders from across Victoria, south-east South Australia, the Northern Territory, China and Cambodia. What makes College different from other boarding schools is that we offer ‘the best of both worlds’.  At our school, boarders can embrace the opportunity to share in an inclusive, contemporary learning community during the week and return home on weekends, to see family, play sport with friends and maybe even help on the farm. Our extensive bus network that travels to Warrnambool, Portland, Wimmera, Penola and Naracoorte each weekend makes this possible.   The staff and I value every boarder’s contribution as we remain an authentic, aspirational and connected community.

Changing focus, may I congratulate our U/13 Girls’ Glenelg Hockey team who won the Country Week State Championships last weekend in Melbourne. College had dozens of players representing the district across three age groups and I was thrilled to learn so many students excelled. I also highly commend Poppy Austin, Charlie Keiller and our senior Cross Country team who not only won the Glenelg District Schools’ Championship but ensured our second ‘Triple Crown’ in as many years.  Only three times since 1959 has the College defeated Monivae and other schools in swimming, athletics, and cross country.  

Finally, I eagerly await this weekend’s sesquicentennial celebrations after years of planning.  Our Defying the Odds Book Launch, the Musical Showcase and our Community Golf Day are all booked out and we have over three hundred guests attending the Gala Ball.  The sense of expectation is palpable!  Happy 150th College - I look forward to celebrating with you!

Dr Andrew Hirst