Boarding News
Dear Parents and Friends,
A colleague recently shared an article with me from the UK Telegraph, “A 21st century guide to boarding life”. The article draws upon the wisdom of a Headmaster from Cottesmore School in West Sussex, England, who is quoted a number of times. Despite being from the other side of the planet, from a very different cultural and socio-economic context and from a school for four to 13-year-olds, his observations resonated with me, and some of the benefits of boarding he highlights are certainly present here at St Greg’s.
"One of the most important lessons that boarding teaches you is that you exist as part of a whole and that the world does not exist solely to serve you," he says.
"You must contribute to the society of which you are a member. The fun you have will only match the effort you put in; you are part of a wider team and the success of that team relies on your contributions and your good character to thrive."
St Greg’s boys are well aware that they are a part of both a small (boarding) and larger (school) community here at the College, albeit as very unique members of those respective communities. The fact that we get the boys involved in so much community service is to reinforce the importance of making a contribution to the community. It is a proven formula that sees our young men’s character mature and thrive as they realise the world is not there to serve them. This is complimented so well by a country upbringing where service to the community is part of ones ‘DNA’.
The article goes on to highlight some other benefits of modern boarding life:
At day schools, parents will often leap in to solve their child's problems for them, but boarding-school pupils need to learn to be more independent.
"It is about the all-round experience they have and the opportunities and challenges which help them to develop into rounded, independent and confident young adults.
'They aid pupils' personal development ahead of university and work years, and invaluable skills are learnt along the way - including resilience, confidence and self-awareness. All of these skills are highly valued by universities."
St Greg’s does indeed turn out well rounded, independent, confident, resilient and self-aware young men. This is evident from the countless examples of feedback we receive from many sources in the wider community. These qualities are not just highly valued by universities but by every employer and by communities everywhere that St Greg’s old boys find themselves a part of.
All of this means little however, if we don’t produce young men of faith, hope, compassion and love. At this week’s Feast of the Assumption Mass we were reminded that Mary is our supreme example of all these qualities. In what is currently proving to be trying times for many in our community, we can be proud that we do have young men of faith, hope, compassion and love. Perhaps the greatest example of this recently was the generosity shown across our entire school community on our ‘Buy a Bale’ collection. Generosity that was reciprocated by our very own boarding parents’ collection. This is indeed a special place and we are fortunate to be part of a wonderful community.
We are looking forward to seeing many of you up here tomorrow for our final home game of rugby union against St Pius X College and for the Maroon and Blue Dinner Dance.
Regards,
Max Spencer
Director of Boarding
UPCOMING EVENTS
18th August
ISA Rugby Round 7: SGC v St Pius (home) Maroon & Blue Parents Dinner Dance
24th – 27th August
Free Weekend
29th August
Year 9 2019 Information Evening
30th August
AFL Semi-Final/Touch Football Grand Final
31st August
Year 7 Boys & Blokes Night