Anchorage House

Sam Tomlinson, Gap Assistant

The talk around Anchorage House at the moment is very much around the departure of our Gap Assistant, Sam Tomlinson. Sam has made the most of his Australian experience and travelled extensively whilst here. His time off has seen him travel as far as Buderim in Queensland, down through Melbourne to Adelaide and across to the red centre.  

Sam has been a great role model for the Anchorage House boys and often provides insights and advice to the group relating to his time as a boarder in England. This is very important for young men as they develop their own sense of who they are and what possibilities lie ahead of them. We wish Sam all the best as he travels back to England for two weeks of isolation with his Mum and Dad, before beginning a degree in History at the University of Dundee.

The Amazing Race

The Anchorage House boys have a reputation for getting involved in everything that’s on offer and last weekend’s Amazing Race was no exception. A large number of boys made sure they were up for this activity, running the course in the fastest time, earning them a pizza dinner on Monday night, which was enjoyed by all. I especially enjoyed seeing the contributions from each boy as they answered questions for the mental challenge and helped achieve the physical challenges.  It was a great team effort.

Positive Chats

This week, I began chatting one-on-one with each boy in the House to get their perspective on boarding and school and hearing the suggestions they might have that could enhance their experience. On the whole, the boys seem to have enjoyed the break and family connection as a result of isolation, but they were happy to be back with friends and felt that classroom learning was preferable to online learning. 

The Year Nine students are really enjoying their new loungeroom area with its Apple TV, while the Year Eight boys are happy hanging out in their wings during their down time. This has meant the main lounge room is rarely used.

Academics

I’ve been impressed by the dedication to school work from almost every Anchorage House boy. It’s especially nice to hear how proud they are when they report back on their good achievements. All the tutors have been well used, but this is not to say that every student has taken advantage of them. My advice is that assignments and investigations should be proof-read before submitting.

Birthdays

Term Two birthdays were celebrated in the usual way in Anchorage House – singing in full voice and sharing cake. This term, we sung happy birthday to Jake Cameron, Darcy Barrett, Liam Robinson, Hamish Medway and Mitchell Hawley. Brock Beeck also celebrated his birthday at home earlier this term, and we were very happy to welcome him back to boarding last week.

I hope everyone has a safe and productive end to the season and I look forward to seeing everyone back for Term Three.

Fun Activities

We had an unexpected visit from Senior Constable Franzinelli and his partner, Constable Baines. It quickly became a Q & A session with a difference with Hamish and Kaden ending up handcuffed together.  

Hamish and Kaden were also both selected to run in the annual Running of the Flags on Foundation Day.  Kaden (Camfield) wasn't so keen to run against Hamish (Wilson), but in the end Camfield were victorious. Well done, boys.

Mr Brendan Goggins | Head of Anchorage House

Farewell, Sam

It’s strange for me to think that I have been here at GSG for a whole year. In many ways, I feel like I only arrived a few months ago. 

The year has gone too fast and has definitely been one of the greatest experiences of my life so far. This hasn’t felt like a job; it feels like I’ve just been having fun the whole time.

I am so grateful to have been able to work and experience life here in Australia in this fantastic school, surrounded by some of the funniest and kindest kids I’ve ever met, along with extremely supportive staff members. I’ve made some lifelong friends with the other Gap Assistants, who have somehow managed to put up with my antics for the last year. 

Thank you to all the Anchorage House boys for keeping me entertained with their stories and excitement, and for never allowing me to become bored. Hopefully, when we meet again, you’ll be able to beat me at basketball. 

Thank you to all the other borders, Junior and Senior, for always being so friendly, kind and always wanting to talk. I will miss hearing people shout Big T, Sir Tomo or (at a push) Samantha, to get my attention.

I also want to say a big thank you to Mr Brendan Goggins for giving me the opportunity to work here and giving me endless help and support throughout the year. 

This year has been amazing and I still can't believe that I’m leaving. Australia and GSG will always be special to me and I know that I’ll be back here before I know it.

Mr Sam Tomlinson | Gap Assistant