Boarding 

Embracing the long-awaited warm weather over the weekend, Gail and Janine organised a Sunday trip to Port Fairy. The boarders who attended braved the cold water and had a swim, and enjoyed lunch and ice cream in town. It was a lovely relaxing way to spend a Sunday so thanks to Gail and Janine for their efforts.

Friday and Monday nights saw lots of boarders competing in Junior Basketball Semi Finals and we saw plenty of spirit and passion from all players. We had mixed results but the Women’s Division 4 Sooty Owls had a great win in their grand final on Tuesday night to take out the Premiership. This team had four young boarders, Gracie Austin, Chloe Russell, Annabel Hetherington and Lucy Roberts, who were all outstanding. Best of luck to the Lodge boys who are playing in the Under 16s grand final this week. 

Five boarders departed early on Wednesday morning for Melton to compete in the Western Victorian Country and City Schools T20 cricket competition. Congratulations to Billie Smitheram, Hannah Russell, Lauren Richards, Chloe Andersen and Eliza Jagger on a great win and for progressing to the State Final, which will be held at the MCG. This is an amazing achievement, and an exciting opportunity to play in one of the best stadiums in the world.

Also congratulations to Tara Sullivan about the exciting news that she has been selected to attend the NASA Senior Space School in December. I’m already looking forward to hearing about her experiences there.

We have been lucky enough to have a delightful group of experience boarders with us throughout the week. I hope they enjoyed their stay and it’s been fantastic to see how our boarders accept, support and make new students feel welcome.

It is a very emotional time for us in the boarding house, as we are farewelling our Year 12s as they finish their last exams and head off for the last time. I hope they all know that they will never leave the boarding family and we will always be here for them to offer friendship and support. I hope they stay in touch in the future and pop in to say hello whenever they are in Hamilton.

Mr Alex Smith