Boarding News

I congratulated the boys after Mass on Sunday night regarding their efforts in co-curricular life and the way in which they have started the year. There is a strong sense of community building and a real sense that boys are looking out for each other. I know our Year 12’s are very focused on making sure the boarding community continues to maintain a strong sense of belonging and mateship. I highlighted to them following Mass the significant contribution and leadership that falls upon them as our seniors. This is very much underpinned by their seniors’ pledge.

• To show respect for all in the school community
• To lead the College community wholeheartedly
• To bring the student body together as one, through encouraging students to participate in aspects of College life
• To act courageously and generously, and inspired by the spirit of St Marcellin, to lead by example

Respect is important because it shows that we value one another and that we honour the personal rights and dignity of the people around us as fellow human beings. Respect goes a long way in developing a harmonious home, work, boarding and social environment and if a person is respectful, it shows that he has a positive attitude. A person who is courteous, listens to others and treats people fairly is respectful and people who show respect for others often gain respect in return.

When addressing the boys, as a boarding team we continually encourage them to show respect for all that they do. This includes:

• How they present themselves
• How they look after both their own belongings and belongings of others
• How they communicate with each other, staff and family members
• Respecting themselves in relation to the decisions and choices they make
• How they interact with their families
• How they approach their school work

As we know if boys are respectful in all that they do then they are making the lives of themselves and people around them enjoyable. If they can learn to respect all things then they are definitely on the way to becoming good young Marist men.

Welcome & Thanks

We welcome aboard Blair Whitlock Boarding Recreation Officer. Blair has hit the ground running this week. Blair brings with him a wealth of experience and knowledge across, education, travel and event management. Blair has had great exposure across both GPS and AIC schools.

We welcome aboard Callum Roberston, Supervisor in Hermitage residence. Callum is a former Rockhampton Grammar boarder, recently he has worked as a Development Officer for the QRU in Mackay as well as being a boarding supervisor at RGS. 

We welcome Andrew Bertram, Supervisor in Hermitage Residence. Andrew is a former St Laurence's College Old Boy, who is studying education. He has a passion for cricket and rugby. Over the past 2 years, Andrew has worked as a Residential Supervisor at Brisbane Boys Grammar.

Thank you to Dave O’Connor, Tom Cole and Emrys Cowley who have been wonderful supervisors during their time at MCA. All 3 gentleman have recently resigned from their position as Boarding Supervisors. Dave finished up recently, Tom departs at the end of this month, and Emrys concludes at the end of the term. Dave, Tom and Emrys thank you for all that you have done during your time and the high duty of care you have shown our boarders!

Around the Grounds 

Br Terence

The past week was extremely busy for our Year 12 boarders as they attended the Year 12 Parent Information Evening and the Inaugural Mass where our College leaders, boarding captains, house leaders and all of the senior class of 2021 were acknowledged and made their pledge for the year ahead. The formal acknowledgement of our senior boarding cohort continued at our most recent boarders’ Mass where our 2021 Year 12 boarders were presented with their ‘Boarder’ badges for the year ahead. Meanwhile, in the residence, our Year 11 boarders continued to apply themselves to their studies as they continue to adjust to the demands of their senior school subjects.

Fourviere

Another week has raced by and the Fourviere lads have kept themselves busy with study, sports commitments and assisting at a range of events including; helping out as ushers at Inaugural mass and serving at the information evening for Year 5 parents. Sam Schmidhauser and Patrick Mahony were standouts, spending some time away as leaders on the Year 7 camp, well-done boys. 

A particular highlight came on Sunday afternoon with the Year 10 boys throwing down a challenge to the Year 11’s in a game of cricket. The toss was the only piece of good fortune for the Year 11 side as captain Isaac Gay elected to field first. The Wood brothers got the scoring going for the 10’s and they never looked back, posting a respectable 103 which proved more than enough as the 11’s capitulated to be all out for 72. Rumblings of a re-match are circulating the dorm with the 11’s hopeful to even the score.

Hermitage

As mentioned last week, with 7 new boarders having joined the dorm, this has led to a new dynamic within Hermitage residence which has also been affected by new study routines. Study out of the tower has meant that boys have to be more organised and be aware of those studying around them. This has been a challenge for some however it is great to see the majority of boys taking this in their stride. It was also pleasing to see boys from the dorm being prepared to chip in and help out the 9E boarders cricket team who were short a few players and got involved without hesitation – well-done to Braith Crossingham and Zek Anderson.  

Montagne

The Montagne gents are enjoying their tutoring with A Team – we’re sure that it has nothing to do with the lollies that they are handing out at the end of each session. With goals set, we’re hoping that each boy can sense a level of achievement in his academics to start the year. We welcome back Max James who has had to do two weeks of quarantine on his return to Australia. Good to see that he and his mum, Georgie still could laugh together at the end of the two weeks! We look forward to hosting Fr. Tini after school for an afternoon tea and blessing of the residence and boys. 

La Valla

The dorm was quiet for much of the week as the young men of La Valla participated in the Year 7 camp.  We were so proud to see how many of them supported the day boys who were struggling with the concept of being away from home.  There were many stories of their adventures and everyone said that they tried something they hadn't done before. Upon their return, it was so nice to see how they were genuinely pleased to be back in their own spaces within La Valla. A special mention this week goes to Les and Heather in the laundry, we always appreciate the work that they do but, in the days following camp, we are not sure how we will ever repay them!

Boarder Parent Network

Last week we had our first Boarder Parent Network meeting of 2021. Thank you to Nikki Macqueen and our Boarder Parent Representatives for your time, along with those boarding parents & guardians that joined the zoom meeting. It was great to touch base, great feedback was received and we look forward to working together this year.

In case you aren’t aware, your Boarder Parent Representatives are:

Boarders Free Weekend

The first boarder’s free weekend is upon us. Can I please ask that boys and parents start sending through information to their respective coordinators to advise of your intended leave. Please note this is not a long weekend, however, boarders are not due back into the College until 8:00pm on Sunday evening, February 21. Boys are expected to fulfil their College co-curricular commitments prior to leave. Although we encourage boys to spend and enjoy time with family this weekend, we understand that this may not be possible in all cases. Please note the boarding school we still be operating as per normal including recreation activities as planned by Mr Blair Whitlock. 

Whilst we continue to review our COVID19 agreement please note the current restrictions still remain in place:

• Leave will be limited to family, extended family and other boarding families
• Boarders will be able to visit Ashgrove on leave, but no city leave will be permitted
• These restrictions will be reviewed subject to government guidelines and COVID case numbers
• All leave will be subject to COVID safe practices as outlined in the Boarder Leave Agreement
• Boarding visitors will be required to register prior to visiting with Boarding Reception via email (boardingreception@marash.qld.edu.au). Stating: visitors name, contact number, employer, date of visit, time of arrival, time of departure

A Team Tutoring

We are excited to inform you about a new tutoring partnership that MCA has developed with A Team Tuition. A Team Tuition works with many of the Boarding schools across Australia and comes highly recommended by the Australian Boarding Schools Association.

A Team Tuition is completely unique in their tutoring approach and isn't a typical tutoring company. Alongside tutoring core subjects, their approach focuses on developing student confidence, motivation and grades. They have an impressive track record, helping over 10,000 students succeed at school across the past decade.

The A Team tutors are aligned with our assessments and curriculum and can tutor all subjects and year levels.  Marist has also partnered with A Team Tuition to support our nightly Boarder Prep study program on Tuesday’s and Thursdays with the Years 7-9’s. 

To provide you with a better understanding of the tutoring partnership and boarder prep program, Hayden McEvoy, the Founder and CEO of A Team Tuition, has recorded a short webinar for our Marist families.  Hayden and the team will also be visiting the school throughout the year to share study strategies with our students.

In addition, if you are interested in organising an A Team Tuition tutor or would like more details on tutoring for your child, please contact Karen McClear (Director of Student Success) at A Team Tuition on 07 3154 6180. or kmcclear@ateamtuition.com. 

You can also find more details on their website www.ateamtution.com.

Saturday Sport Transport

Each week, Boarding Reception organises a schedule to transport all boarders to off-campus Saturday sport to venues across Brisbane. As you can imagine, with over 160 boys, this is quite the task. Thank you to our staff and ‘day boy’ families who help us to pull these logistics together each week. Saturday sport is a very important part of the boys time at Marist, an invaluable opportunity it is a wonderful opportunity to make friends. 

January Birthdays

Happy January Birthday to:

• Chaelyn Bowen
• Marley Chan
• Charlie Cobb
• Max Cobb
• Jack Condon
• Cooper Fleischfresser
• Archie Forbes
• Aiden Lau
• Harry Miller
• Michael Nolan
• Marcus Paulsen
• Keegan Sutcliffe
• Dominic Winkels
• Daniel Witt

Boarder of the Week

La Valla

The boarder of the week for La Valla goes to a young man who has shown a true sense of family spirit. He always shows kindness and a willingness to help those within the dorm. He has been integral in creating a calm and family environment for men of La Valla. As a second-year veteran of the dorm he is truly developing into a leader. This week’s Boarder of the Week goes to Toby Forbes.

Montagne

Nothing is ever too much trouble for our Montagne Boarder of the Week. He is a happy young man who routinely follows rules and gets along with all members of the residence. When asked to tidy, clean, study, take laundry, assist others when they are ill or away the short answer from this young man is always a, “Yes Sir,” or, “Yes Miss.” His manners are impeccable and he has only received positive contributions in the nightly reports since his return to the College. Most recently he has taken down laundry for a sick mate who was in the Health Centre. He has even put his hand up this term to try cricket for the first time this year and took a couple of wickets in his first game rolling the arm over. A great reward for a deserving young man. Congratulations Cooper Seeto.

Hermitage

The Boarder of the Week in Hermitage goes to a young man who, like last week’s recipient, has set himself up for a big year ahead. He has made a conscious effort to ensure he has just the right balance of study, exercise and socialising. He is especially dedicated to his studies and in a bid to avoid being content with mediocre marks – has committed himself to attending CLE most mornings. He is the quiet achiever of the dorm and is well respected by all of his peers. Congratulations to Hermitage’s Boarder of the Week, Harry Doyle. 

Fourviere

Boarder of the week in Fourviere goes to a young man who has had a strong start to the year. He dedicates himself to his studies with diligence and determination and his consistent approach to boarding life is both mature and responsible. He is an excellent role model for his peers and this fact was particularly on display whilst volunteering to go along as a senior helper on the Year 7 camp this week. Congratulations on a great display of leadership in recent weeks Sam Schmidhauser.

Br Terence

This week's boarder of the Week for Br Terence Residence goes to a Year 11 student who is reliable, easy-going and dedicated to his studies. This student is committed to not only maximising his academic potential but he also maintains an active involvement across many facets of College life. In addition to his determined approach, this student regularly offers his assistance around the residence and does so with a good sense of humour. He is a great role model for other boarders and is a well-deserved recipient this week. Well done, Frank Baker.

Recreation Report – Term 1, Week 3

After a busy start to Term 1, the boys are settling into their academic and sporting routines. This week saw the arrival of our new Boarding Recreation Officer, Blair Whitlock. Blair is our resident Kiwi and joins us after working in the educational travel sector for five years at Student Horizons. The boys picked up on his accent pretty quickly and there have already been several debates around the merits of ‘chilly bins’ and the origin of Pavlova. After a downturn in global travel, Blair’s looking forward to applying his experience in school travel to the Marist Recreation Program.

Friday afternoon saw the first Boarders Support Group Afternoon Tea which will be happening every second Friday throughout the year. The boys loved the variety of food and it didn’t last long. Thanks very much to Dany Harris and the rest of the Support Group for their efforts!

The majority of the boys were out and about on Saturday morning playing a mixture of AFL, Cricket & Volleyball against Villanova College. It was a cracking day in Brisbane and there were some great performances across the teams. Later that evening we headed down to Southbank for a couple of hours with the Nudgee & Stuartholme Boarders. The pop-up markets were in full swing and there were some interesting purchases from the boys – a couple of noteworthy buys were a human-sized Pizza from Finlay Manning and a metre-long piece of chewing gum by Chaelyn Bowen.

After a relaxing Sunday morning, the Year 7-9’s jumped on the bus and headed over to the Enoggera Reservoir. The boys spent a couple of hours swimming, kayaking and throwing a footy around the reservoir. There were many new games invented, the most popular of which involved launching your mate as high as possible into the water! After various experiments, James Milasas proved to be the most aerodynamic. The older boys caught up on homework and ended up playing a full-size cricket match on one of the ovals!

Next week sees the beginning of the Boarding Clubs Programme. With art, basketball, tennis, golf, music, cooking, touch footy & mountain biking on offer – the boys will certainly be busy!