Message from the

Director of Boarding

Boarding News

It feels only a few short weeks ago that the start of term was just behind us and the rest of Term 1 lay ahead. As I write to report on Boarding matters for the first time, I cannot believe how much time has passed and how much the boarders have been up to.

As the new Director of Boarding, it has been an eye-opening first term and I feel very privileged to have oversight of such a vibrant and dynamic community. For the first few weeks, the focus was generally on helping the new students settle into boarding life. The Year 7 boys and girls have adapted very well to their new surroundings and have responded wonderfully well to the challenges that boarding life throws up. There has been, and will continue to be, the odd bout of homesickness but this is perfectly natural in a boarding school and is a good indicator of a loving family home! The boarding staff in Years 7, Jason Smith and Deb Orrock, continue to work with their staff in ensuring that the boys and girls feel at home and are kept busy. So far this term, the Trathen boys have enjoyed a multitude of outings and activities; a trip to Lake Canobolas and Gosling Creek, the Parents Vs Boys Annual cricket match, and a Chess and Table Tennis competition to name just a few. The Stuart-Douglas girls have enjoyed Ten Pin Bowling, a Friday night trip to the Circus, a day at the KWS Fair and of course the Stuart-Douglas House breakfast with parents which was a huge success.

There is a real push this year for a dynamic and engaging weekend program for our boarders. As a boarding community we recognize that it can be difficult living away from home and the opportunity to socialize with friends and to be engaged in something different is one of the many advantages of living in a boarding community. For all the boarding houses, Heads of House have been central to organizing a wide range of activities and outings including but not limited to; yoga, ten pin bowling, flip out trampolining, movie night at the cinema, fitness challenges, bake-offs, mini golf and milkshakes, an outing to the circus, pool parties, barefoot bowls, BBQs, sushi making, night markets, farmers’ markets, ultimate Frisbee and many, many more! I would like to thank the boarding staff for all their efforts in putting together such a vibrant program.

For me personally, my first few weeks as Director of Boarding have been very rewarding. It has been a delight getting to meet many of the parents and the boarders themselves. My first impressions of the community here at KWS are very positive indeed; the welcome I have received is a testament to the character of your sons and daughters and the values they hold dear.

I hope the Easter weekend provides a welcome break and time for you to spend as a family once again.

Matt Curran

Director of Boarding