Boarding 

Dear Parents and Boarders,

Congratulations to all of our boarders in finishing their year with confidence. As we draw a close on our year in the Boarding House there is much to reflect upon that has both challenged us, and yet also been rewarding. I often say with every challenge there lies opportunity, and this year in particular our boarders have certainly faced their fair number of challenges. They have often seized these as occasions as times of growth and accomplishment rather than lamenting the adversity. From unpredictable lockdowns, cross-border confusion, cancelled rites of passage, re-imagined sporting fixtures, and day-to-day COVID protocols, our boarders have experienced a lot. However, our little community has become stronger, closer and more supportive than before. I would describe our community as a large family rather than a cohort of boarders, and one that I couldn’t be prouder of.

To our Year 12s who departed this term, thank you and congratulations. It will not be long until you make some firm decisions on your future after receiving your results. I wish you all the very best with your next step and know that you are well-prepared to tackle any challenge. You were all exhausted at the finish line, which told me you had given your all. The staff couldn’t have asked anything more from you and your support for each other was palpable. You are a close year group of friends who will continue to be there for each other long into the future. I congratulate and thank Annabel Hetherington and Jake Andersen who led our boarders through these unique times with confidence. Their compassion, organisation and support was unwavering, and I can speak on behalf of boarders and staff in thanking them with the greatest of gratitude. I also congratulate our 2022 Boarding Captains, Alexa Balog and Henry Haynes, who have now started their leadership journey with boundless energy. They are and will be the most inspiring captains to lead our Macdonald and Speirs Houses into our Sesquicentenary year.

To our families, thank you. Your trust and support of all boarders and boarding staff this year has been invaluable. The responsibility of caring for your son or daughter is something we don’t take for granted, and we feel a sense of privilege to witness each boarder’s growth. To all of our boarders, I know you will be returning home for a summer with family, and that you have been looking forward to this moment for some time. This is a special time to reunite, re-energise, and take a moment to express gratitude to family and friends for their unwavering support and guidance in 2021. I look forward to your return in 2022 with a determination to achieve new feats in academics, the arts and the sporting arena. On behalf of the boarding staff, I wish to thank our cleaners, kitchen, maintenance, and medical staff for your care and attention in making the boarding environment a place that is welcoming, safe and supportive.

I wish the entire boarding community a safe and restful summer break with family and look forward to welcoming you all back to the College Boarding House in 2022 for an afternoon tea at 3pm, Monday 31 January, 2022.

Best wishes,

Andrew, Andrea and Olive.