Boarding 

This week we have celebrated National Boarding Week. Our week has been exciting for all boarders. We have had guest speakers, a boarder led school Assembly, bon fire night, dodgeball and boarder quiz competition, and a formal dinner to celebrate our boarders. A highlight has been Alexa and Henry presenting alongside Mr Neil MacLean at our Boarders’ Assembly this week. I have included their wonderful speech and a recording of the Assembly will also be made available for our community.

Boarder’s Assembly speech by Henry Haynes and Alexa Balog

Henry: Arriving at the Boarding House at the first can be overly daunting for many, as you are uncertain of your journey ahead, however you are also excited for the new opportunities you are presented with. Your emotions are slowly taking over as you unpack your room and say goodbye to your parents for the next few days, or weeks. The look of many new faces, and meeting new people excites you, and you are astonished by the care of the MOD’s as you make your way down to the Refectory for dinner.  

Alexa: The first few weeks of boarding are a time of adjustment and growth. Getting involved in school activities like sports and music make dealing with homesickness much easier, it also allows you to meet a wide variety of people and create lasting friendships. For me, getting involved in music and netball when I first came to College meant that I was able to meet like-minded people and develop my passions.  

Henry: Throughout my boarding experience, I have made numerous connections. These have even been with Old Collegians that went to school with my dad and my grandfather. The greatest connection I have made recently is having the honour of my name on the Speirs House Boarding Captains board, along with my father, grandfather and cousin in the Speirs house.  

Alexa: Our Boarding House is home to 78 full time boarders however, last term we hosted 180 casual boarder stays. The option of casual boarding allows day-students who may live further away to board when it is most convenient for them. It can also serve as a slow introduction to the boarding lifestyle for younger boarders who are getting used to living away from home, testing the waters in a comfortable and welcoming way.

Henry: If you would like to try boarding for the first time or want more information, please contact Mr Monk, or come and see either Alexa or myself around the school yard. We would love to chat to you about boarding.

Alexa and Henry – Boarding House Captains 2022

Andrew Monk

Director of Boarding