From the Director of Boarding

Congratulations to all of our boarders for finishing their year off so well. It is so pleasing to see each and every boarder finish how they started, that is, with pride, grace and of course energy! Yes, they still have plenty of energy after four terms!

Thank you to all families for entrusting us with the responsibility of caring for your son or daughter this year. We have truly enjoyed each moment. Why? Because each staff member sincerely cares for each boarder, from what their passions are to what their opinion is. With up to 95 boarders this year in the House, it is always a place that is alive; this summer we will miss their company but we also know they do need to return home as well.

At the beginning of the year, I mentioned our boarders were particularly fortunate to have such a wonderful place to live. I also mentioned the year was not all about the spoils a boarding house can bring, but it was also about the toils. Well, our boarders can hold their heads up high as they certainly demonstrated a hard-working attitude. This hard work does indeed pay off. Each boarder has put in immense effort for their own personal success in sport, drama, music, community service, adventurous journeys, and of course their academics. But, we have also been witness to many, if not all, boarders working hard at making the House a place that is caring, kind, thoughtful and respectful. Understandably our boarders are accepting of a guiding hand at times, and it is also this hard work at making it ‘right’ that I have discovered is one of our guiding values. Our boarders are grounded, they are compassionate, and they are loving toward each other. And as the saying goes, ‘apples don’t fall far from the tree’- I wish to thank you, the parents for teaching such wonderful values in your children.

In conclusion of the year, I would like to wish our 34 Year 12 boarders all the very best in receiving their ATAR grades, our Borneo travellers a safe return home and, most of all, I wish all families the happiest of times with their sons and daughters this holiday period. Take care back on the farms, travelling overseas, sunning on the beach, or simply kicking back possibly watching some Test Cricket! Have a restful and enjoyable break.

On behalf of the boarding staff, we look forward to welcoming our boarders back in 2020, and seeing our families for afternoon tea on Tuesday the 28th of January from midday to 5:30pm in the Boarders’ Dining Hall.

ANDREW MONK

Director of Boarding

From the Head of Macdonald House

As we come to the end of another school year, we fondly reflect on the students who have called Macdonald House their home in 2019 , and how their boarding experience has broadened and enriched their lives. The year’s end always brings with it a wonderful opportunity to look back on the tremendous ways in which our Mac House girls have grown and the many ways they have matured, throughout this school year, into strong, independent and kind young women.

It is with gratitude, we acknowledge the outgoing senior boarders and commend them on their efforts in leading the house and the school. It is always an emotional time of year when our Year Twelve girls finish their boarding experience with us and we, their boarding family, will certainly miss them!

This culture of gratitude is what we strive for in Macdonald House and our focus is for our boarders to recognise the truth of the statement that ‘in success we stand on one another’s shoulders.’ When we boost each other up we all succeed and, when we promote this value in our girls, we are striving to help shift their perspective towards a greater positive environment with others and with life!

The boarders of Macdonald House 2019 extend their appreciation to these amazing members of our boarding family who all positively contribute to the boarding experience:

School nurses (Elizabeth and Rachel) – for their wonderful medical care and attention when needed and transporting the girls to various appointments.

Drivers (Jim, Justin, Gavan, Brian) – who transport the girls to all co curricular and sporting activities.

Cleaners (Debbie and Melissa) – for keeping the house in immaculate condition .

Chef (Alfonso & kitchen crew) –who create and serve fresh, tasty and nutritious meals each day.

Maintenance crew (Nick D ,Shane & Craig)- always on hand to fix a problem!!

MODS – the dedicated and professional staff of Macdonald house 2019– Liz Anagnostou, Lise Lowe, Julie Burger, Leonie Hand, Patty See, Abbie Cameron and Helen Crawford – who always offer a welcoming friendly face at the end of the school day, along with exceptional pastoral care.

Gap Students – (Georgia and Izzy)-for their MOD assistance and mentoring the girls.

Gail McGregor – the girls fondly appreciate your wisdom, kindness and guidance in all boarding matters!

To the girls of Mac House 2019, I applaud you all! It has been a huge year – for some it marked the beginning of their boarding journey, whilst for others it was the final stage. Whatever the case, the girls all lived, studied and worked together in a most positive and productive way! It is an absolute privilege to be a part of this wonderful stage in their lives. I wish all of our boarding family a safe and festive summer holiday with their families and friends, and look forward to their return in 2020.

GABBI BENSCH

From the Head of Speirs House

As we close out the school year, we look back on all our activities in Speirs House as being thoroughly rewarding and enjoyable. From the sporting field to academic success and the building of lasting relationships we have seen a great deal of commitment and enjoyment from the boys. I am especially impressed with the boys’ adherence to routines and the older students setting an example for the younger boys. We are very happy for our Year 12s as they move onto a new life; we will miss their sense of humour and leadership. We look forward to ushering our new Year 11s into the Year 12 wing and entering into a new phase of example and focus in Speirs. In the new year we hope to have many activities set up for the boys but also allow students the independence and freedom to form their own identities and pathways. I’d like to thank Andrew Monk for his leadership and support throughout the year. I’d also like to thank my co-Head of House, Gabbi Bensch, for her wisdom and caring approach as she has mentored me as I have developed my understanding of our boarders’ needs. Finally, I’d like to thank the Speirs staff including Gail MacGregor, Justin Corbidge, Gavan O’Donnell, Brian Parfrey and Jim Whitehead for their tireless support of the boys and their wonderful approach to supervision. Without our team operating as it has, Speirs House wouldn’t be the congenial community it has become.

NICK PALMER

The Hamilton and Alexandra College Newsletter

Issue 38 · 20 Dec 2019

In this issue