NAGLE HOUSE

Junior Girls (Years 7-9 )

Welcome back to the 2023 school year and the boarding house.

Whilst we always look forward to seeing familiar faces return to the boarding house, we are very excited to see the new group of year 7 girls join us. We know that the boarding experience and routine can take some time to get used to, but the new girls seem to have settled in very well, with lots of help and guidance from older boarders.

The girls have been keeping busy with afternoon activities, all enjoying the walk to the street on Wednesdays for some shopping.

Gem art has been very popular with the girls, spending time together before bed working on these.

I look forward to the remainder of 2023.

First Impressions of Boarding

Violet Gordon (MDCC): My first day of boarding at Mount t Erin, I was happy to see my friends that I met on orientation day. The food here is good. My favourite dinner of the week is burger night. The activities we have here are a lot of fun. Our activities we have in the afternoons are going to the courts, pool, hall, oval, and street leave. In the mornings my supervisor, Vicki wakes us up at 7 o'clock in the morning only if we were not awake. Then once we have got dressed and ready, we go down to breakfast. The bell to leave for MDCC students goes at 8 o’clock.

Maya Gooden (KCC):

When I first came to Mount Erin I was extremely excited, it is like having two homes. Here at Mount Erin, there are so many great things to do. In the afternoons there are activities like the pool, street leave, activities in the hall and the oval. The dinners are also good and my favourite of the week is definitely Roast Night. I am loving it here at MEBS and I look forward to the rest of my time here.

Vicki Bradford | Junior Girls' Supervisor

Senior Girls (Years 10 -12)

The new year has begun with excitement, laughter, and some trepidation for both returning and new Senior girls. The first few days were wonderful as the girls greeted each other and helped each other settle into their new spaces and routines. Even the year 12’s have a new routine…..they have taken on the responsibility of waking up in the morning by themselves. No more knocking on the door and ‘good morning’ from the supervisor at 7 am each morning. So far no one has slept in or been late for school!

Leaving home and entering a boarding community can be both daunting and fun. Meeting new people, living a community life, and being away from home can be both positive and tinged with negative attitudes. Being homesick is a natural occurrence and should be acknowledged. Even with going home every Friday, there are still home-life moments that are missed.

Dealing with homesickness is tough and even adults suffer from being away from their home environment and routines. The best way to cope is to be open about how you are feeling, acknowledge what you miss, talk about it with those around you, and even cry if that is what you need. But there is also the need to step outside that sadness and be involved with those around you and what they are doing, talking about, or listening/watching in quiet time.

The Senior girls are good at making their space a sanctuary and each year they add to the ‘stuff’ in their room that makes them happy. The downside is the enormous amount of ‘stuff’ that has to be transported home at the end of the year. But making a place of your own in the Boarding house helps with the adjustment.

So after a good start, here’s to a fabulous, productive, fun-filled year for the Senior girls.

Robin Bussenschutt | Senior Girls' Supervisor

RICE HOUSE

Junior Boys (Years 7-9)

Welcome back everyone, especially to our new junior boarders Year 7 Sam D, Sonny S and Year 8 Thomas G. I hope you all had a lovely break over the festive season. Lots happening at the boarding house this term. The Junior boys have now moved into the south wing of the seniors building. Most seem happy with their new lodgings with only a few complaints. We will be rotating rooms throughout the year to make it fair for everyone. The new accommodation is working out really well and everyone seems happy.

This term the boys have been down at the pool as much as possible and have enjoyed mixing with the junior girls

The junior and senior boys have enjoyed competing against each other playing pool and table tennis competitions during the evenings. These have become a regular event and it's great to see the boys mixing so well and enjoying each other's company.

Harry C and Sam T showing off their skills in knitting.

Naomi Barton | Junior Boys' Supervisor

Senior Boys (Years 10 - 12 )

Welcome to all new and returning students and families to MEBS for 2023. I hope everyone had a terrific Christmas and New Year's holiday.

This year we have 4 new students. Anthony Whelan, Campbell Crain, Hunter, and Daniel Stiles. The lads have settled into life at MEBS very well and will certainly be an asset to the senior boy’s group. We also welcome Isaac, Albert, and Mac from the junior boys.

Kildare College had its swimming carnival on Thursday night, with Daniel winning the 16 Year boys champion. Congratulations Daniel.

New students this year: Campbell, Hunter, Daniel and Anthony. A big welcome.

Good luck to Jed, Ewan and Isaac who have been representing KCC in the Byrnes Shield. KCC ended on top of the ladder and will play Mater Dei in the final on Monday afternoon.

Wayne Galvin | Senior Boys' Supervisor

Prayer/ Reflection