Boarding News

Dear Parents and Carers,

Hopefully this week’s news about return to boarding for all students was a welcome relief and a positive sign of good things to come. I know you have all been swamped with information lately so I will keep this brief.

There is much work to be done in the coming weeks to manage the return process. Our Year 11 and 12 parents are already familiar with the risk process we have undertaken, and parents of Junior Boarders will be consulted in the coming days.

For your own planning, please now start to consider what your plans are for your son based on the following questions:

• Will my son/s return straight away in Week 5? 
• Perhaps worth considering if your son is in a risk category.
• How will my son/s return? (transport will be provided but family drop off is recommended where possible)
• For weekly boarders - will my son/s return to boarding or attend as a day student? The current advice recommends those that can stay at home should.
• How will we care for our son if diagnosed with COVID-19 or deemed a ‘close-contact’ and requiring isolation i.e. can your son return home with you? If not, where will he be able to stay?

The Boarding Coordinators and I will continue to communicate with you and please do not hesitate to contact us as needed.

I wish you and your families well.

Ad Jesum per Mariam.

Max Spencer

Director of Boarding

Senior Boarding

Years 11 & 12

It is with great excitement that the College announced the return of Senior Boarders from the 10th of May. This period has been difficult for students, parents and teachers alike and the knowledge that this period is coming to an end is a positive for all involved. As much as I have enjoyed talking to both parents and students regularly on the phone, nothing can replace the face to face contact with the students each day.

This period has had many impacts on our Senior Boarders in varying ways. Some have expressed a lack of motivation in relation to completing work, some have had access issues concerning the internet, some have excelled in assessment tasks and classwork, some have used this opportunity at home to pick up work and manage their classwork at other times. This may present some initial problems on the boys return in working out where each student is at in relation to their respective classwork.

To assist your son in his transition back to school we will ensure that normal routine is adhered to immediately. All students will be straight into the study routine, with tutors employed to assist in outstanding work, homework and assessment tasks. The workshops will be opened to ensure those completing major works can catch up on practical works that may be outstanding. Specific structures and activities will be put in place in relation to FREE time and physical fitness to encourage health and well-being at this difficult time.

As you would be aware we have put a significant amount of work into minimising risk for your sons on their return. There will be various changes to their boarding routines such as rooming, bathroom use, common room use, access to school facilities, dining hall procedures, study procedures etc. I am positive in the belief that your son will be willing to work with staff at this unique time to ensure that the opportunity for him to be at school can be maintained. Managing these risks is an important aspect of our plan to ensure a continuity of face to face education for your son. I am sure all parties will agree that this will be a small sacrifice to make far outweighed by the benefit of getting back to the Senior Boarding House and interacting once again with your mates (even if it is from a socially respectable distance).

I wish all Mother’s a Happy Mother’s Day for this coming Sunday and I look forward to seeing many parents with their boys on Sunday.

I wish everyone safe travels back to school.

Luke Morrissey

Senior Boarding Coordinator

Junior Boarding

Years 9 & 10

This would be the first time the boys have ever started a term at home. From a positive perspective, you could say they were well equipped to tackle the online format from experiencing it in the last two weeks of Term 1.

Talking to the boys throughout the first week and a half they have adapted well to online learning and are trying their best. In saying this, I know many of them are missing not just their mates but learning in a classroom setting. I am sure they will appreciate their teachers much more now that they realise how much they do for their learning in face to face lessons.

Whilst the boys experienced an unprecedented holiday break where they couldn’t visit each other or get around town, it was good to see so many of them have made the most of where they live by riding motorbikes, going camping, exercising at home and helping the family out with work. One boy has even built a new bull bar for their car (well done Thomas Sheldrick).

The overwhelming feeling from the boys has been how keen they are to come back, get into their routines, see their mates and enjoy life back at St Greg’s. With plans now in place to get the boys back on the hill sooner, we can look forward to offering them an important face to face education and a great boarding experience that they want and deserve.

Michael Bullock

Junior Boarding Coordinator (Years 9 and 10)

Junior Boarding

Years 7 & 8

Term 2 has commenced, and the Year 7 and 8 Boarders continue their remote online learning. It has been a challenge for most of our boys and families, however, I commend the students for persisting with their study and adapting to these strangest of times.

I enjoy receiving messages about how the boys are keeping themselves occupied, for instance, Ethan and Isaac Sykes spend much time on their quad bikes, while Ben Taylor and Archie Nott have developed their ‘push bike’ skills by mastering the wheelie manoeuvre. It’s pleasing to see the boys get active and creative. One student deserves a special mention for his civic duty in commemorating ANZAC Day. Charlie Fuller painted lanterns and baked some ANZAC biscuits for his ‘Pop’s’ neighbours, which was shared after the Dawn Service. Charlie wore his College uniform with pride, but more importantly, he wore his Great Grandfather’s medals. A moment that Charlie and his family will cherish.

Just like in the physical classroom, there is no ‘one size fits all’ approach to the online learning experience, therefore, I encourage the boys to contact me at any time if they need additional support with classwork or to simply have a conversation. I have established a ‘Profile’ task on Google Classroom and I will be completing this task with the boys. The ‘Profile’ task aims to enhance student motivation, by setting clear goals and seeking inspiration from others. I look forward to discussing these themes with the boys and once completed, the ‘Profile’ should be printed and displayed in their study space.

The month of May is celebrated as the month of the Blessed Virgin Mary and amid the crisis we are facing, I would like to share a Marian prayer, the Memorare.

Remember, most loving Virgin Mary, never was it heard that anyone who turned to you for help was left unaided.

Inspired by this confidence, though hardened by my sins, I run to your protection for you are my mother.

Mother of the Word of God, do not despise my prayer of pleading but be merciful and hear my prayer.

Amen.

Happy Mother’s Day to our Mothers’ and may peace be with you.

Mr Tevita Halaifonua

Junior Boarding Coordinator (Years 7 & 8)