Boarding 

Bring your Passions to Boarding

All of our boarders bring with them unique interests, passions and pursuits. One such passion is equestrian, and for me, this has been an eye-opening experience as I have had very little experience with horses other than the Melbourne Cup!

I have been taken, not only by the passion our equestrian boarders display, but by their dedication, care and love for their horses. Equestrian studies are led by Ms Amanda te Boekhorst who supports our boarders in maintaining a culture of fine horsemanship at The Hamilton and Alexandra College. It is though without question our equestrian boarders are truly dedicated to their passion. They are regularly up at 6am tending their horses’ needs, riding and training them in the afternoon, overseeing the preparations for competition, and keeping a watchful eye on their wellbeing. Boarding enhances the kinship between our boarders and their horses whilst providing opportunity for them to live out their passion. I commend our equestrian boarders on their dedication and look forward to seeing more of the following horses around the boarding grounds:

Tara Sullivan - “Wally”, Cassie Drummond - “Marcel”, Airlie Treloar - “Oscar”, Annabel Hetherington - “Gypsy”, Ally Gray - “Ray” and “Quiz”, Anna Spaull - “Bella”, Beccy Koch - “Toby”, Airlie Bowes -“Rosie”, Zara Smith - “Flower”, and our School horses “Lorrie” and “Markie”.

If you are interested in sharing this passion please contact Ms te Boekhorst for further information.

Recognising the efforts and achievements of our boarders in the past week was most notable during the Scholars’ Assembly on Monday afternoon. I commend you all on your passion and drive to achieve your best within your academic pursuits; you are a shining example to the boarding community. Namely, Hannah Russell, Eliza Jagger, Hugh Wettenhall, Grace Austin, Alyssa Hocking, Chloe Russell, Campbell Craig, Alexa Balog, Harrison Beal, Jonathan Lee, Jasmine Chan, Lauren Richards, Lachlan Armstrong, James Sutherland, Alannah Sander, Jerry Wu, Maddison Mutch and Euan Sutherland.

It is remiss of me not to mention our Boarder of the Week awardees. Olivia Biggs, who is one of our equestrian boarders, was recognised for her organisation, motivation in studies, and most of all her positivity around Macdonald House. Well done Olivia. We also recognise our Speirs’ Boarder of the week in Jackson Hodgetts. Jackson was recognised for his initiative and perseverance in creating the first College Boarders jumpers, supporting new boarders, and raising the spirit of Speirs House. Congratulations Jackson.

Each Wednesday evening our boarders are blessed with a super supper. Not only do our boarders enjoy the delights of the food, this is also a time where our Head of Speirs, Nick Palmer, and Head of Macdonald, Gabbi Bensch have time to bring their respective Houses together. As boys or as girls they gather to celebrate achievements, build closer relationships with each other and raise new initiatives for their House. I thank Java Palmer who went to great lengths last week to organise sushi making for super supper: there was not a crumb or rice grain left! It is greatly appreciated by all.

Lastly, with sport, music and academic commitments fully underway, can I encourage our day students who may travel some distance to and from College, to consider spending an evening in the Boarding House as a casual boarder or simply try out what boarding life can offer, in particular sharing some the passions of our wonderful boarders. Please contact myself or Susie Holcombe if you are interested.

Best wishes,

Andrew Monk

Director of Boarding