Boarding News
Dear Parents and Friends,
As Term 2 draws to a close next week, it is interesting to look back on what has been an extraordinary few months for the College, our country and our world. There have been the obvious challenges we have all faced and there are some who have come up against additional hurdles.
At our Sunday liturgy each weekend we have been focussing on the theme of ‘Gratitude’. We have been reminding the boys (and ourselves) that we have much for which to be thankful. Nurturing a grateful heart is important at the best of times, let alone when we face adversity. We have been trying to impress this message upon the boys and whilst we have missed our usual celebration of Mass, it has been good to get back into the Chapel and to see the boys taking the opportunity to reflect each Sunday.
Looking ahead to next term, I can confirm that there will be two trial rounds of Rugby followed by a 5 round ISA Competition. Games will start on Saturday 25th July and finish on Saturday 5th September.
One catch will be that this includes our free weekend. We will therefore only be playing the 1st and 2nd XV fixtures on the 22 August. Year 12 will be staying in that weekend due to their HSC Trial examinations taking place during the week either side of this weekend. Years 7 – 11 will head home for their free weekend as usual. Please see the draw included in this Newsletter.
Ad Jesum per Mariam.
Mr Max Spencer
Director of Boarding
Condolences
We keep the Nixon family (Jack Nixon 2017) in our prayers following the recent death of Jack’s Father, Adam Nixon. May he rest in peace.
Senior Boarding Report
(Years 11 & 12)
It has been 6 weeks since the Senior boys returned to boarding and they are ready for some time at home, especially those that didn’t get the opportunity to get home on the long weekend. The last fortnight has been a busy one for the students. The boys have continued with study, assessment tasks, major works, ‘bulking’ in the gym and fitness. We have seen the return of training for Rugby and Rugby League (still no contact) but there is a lot more positivity in the Senior Boarding House. Mr Spencer has indicated that a Rugby draw for the commencement of Term 3 is almost finalised and with the possible lifting of restrictions I am hopeful the boys will have lots to look forward to from a social and co-curricular perspective in Term 3. Mr Malaesilia is excited too!
I would like to wish all the boys the very best for these upcoming holidays. I spoke to Year 12 in relation to their remaining time at the College. It is scary to think that it is only 43 school days until graduation! I have encouraged all of these boys to have a good break with family these holidays but to keep in mind that their HSC Trials are in Week 5 of next term – so study should be a priority for these holidays.
I hope you enjoy spending time with your son during this break. I look forward to seeing most of you when Rugby resumes next term.
Footy Tipping
Matt Canellis is the new leader in the Senan House Footy Tipping competition with various chasers hot on his tail. Congratulations to Joe Ward who was the first winner in the footy tipping comp winning the ‘Last Man Stands’ leg of the competition.
Mr Luke Morrissey - Senior Boarding Coordinator
Junior Boarding Report
(Years 9 & 10)
The boys enjoyed a half Boarders free weekend where some were fortunate enough to head home, others were equally fortunate to stay at the College for the weekend. I took the boys down the coast on Saturday where they did some community service (laying some turf and gardening), then they got to enjoy some time at Thirroul beach and a big lunch before we came back. They enjoyed getting off the hill for a little day trip and get some fresh air at the beach with a few braving the cold and going for a swim.
The boys then tackled Week 7 where they faced some important assessment tasks. They have received their results for this, with plenty of pleasing marks and some boys that know where they dropped the ball and will need to pick it up for the rest of the year. Overall, between both year groups, there was plenty of boasting as to how well they did and I’m sure they informed their parents/carers too.
The past week they have enjoyed some time after exams, including a relaxing weekend. They all gathered in the Hall with all Boarders for hot chocolate Fridays and to play some sports with all years. They were then occupied Saturday with sport in the morning and some footy games in the afternoon. The boys loved being on the field playing partner touch and full-field touch. They were also fortunate enough to go for a stroll down to Gregory Hills to grab some essentials and snacks from Woolworths, some boys also indulged in some Noodle Paradise!
Only 1 week to go until they enjoy a much deserved 3-week break away from schooling, so they can be back for the second half of the year which is hopefully uninterrupted!
Mr Michael Bullock - Junior Boarding Coordinator
Junior Boarding Report
(Years 7 & 8)
According to the Marist tradition, ‘the term brother is used in a very rich way … a brother is one who is approachable, unassuming, authentic, attentive and respectful … brothering are ways of relating that affirm others and inspire in them confidence and hope’ (Marist Brothers, 2010).
The Year 7 and 8 Boarders are brothers and as we approach the halfway mark for this year, new relationships have been formed and existing relationships have been strengthened. The long weekend saw some of our Boarders open their home and inviting their ‘mates’, which brings me much joy. A family spirit and a sense of brotherhood is the Marist way and is a constant reminder in the House.
The boys who remained onsite experienced a 10 km coastal walk from Spit Bridge to Manly. The boys were accompanied by some of their brothers from the other Boarding Houses and it was pleasing to see the boys embrace the beauty of the surrounds. The coastal walk unravels a mix of bushland and harbourside trails, and a series of short tracks crossing between stunning beaches, bays and inlets in North Sydney. The boys got to share and listen to each other, their stories and their perspective on a series of matters. I too got to know some boys on a deeper level, which I am grateful for and will continue to work on these relationships moving forward. The walk concluded with the boys sharing a meal at Manly Wharf and an entertaining drive home to the sweet tunes of Mr Spencer’s playlist.
A sense of gratitude continues to be the underlying theme this term and there is much to celebrate. The simple things were highlighted this week, that is, talking to each other, inviting a mate home, praying with your brothers and sharing a meal together. I am hoping that these experiences will inspire our boys to ‘finish the term strong with their mates’.
Mr Tevita Halaifonua - Junior Boarding Coordinator