RESIDENTIAL

Bernie Murnane has been on leave this past week and I have been filling in as Head of Residence. It has been a busy week, learning the role and taking on the challenge. 

Thankfully the staff and students have been kind and supported me as I have tried to fill Bernie’s shoes (figuratively, I still wore my own physical shoes). I would like to say a big thank you to the office ladies, Jennie Stringer, Shaun Cantwell and Dean Pfitzner for all their help and support throughout the week.

Last Weekend

Heidi Armstrong and Bill Jones had the weekend sorted, starting Friday night on a quiet note.  Students relaxed at the College after a long week and enjoyed delicious steaks for dinner. 

Saturday morning was all go, with a trip into Bunbury for shopping and a picnic lunch. This was supposed to be enjoyed by sitting at Back Beach, but due to the weather lunch was eaten on the bus while watching the rain come down.

Students returned to the College to enjoy an amazing ‘Parmi burger’ and chocolate mouse filled croissant (Heidi wouldn’t stop sending me photo’s.  I very nearly had to make an appearance, they looked so good). 

The group then returned to Bunbury to engage in laser tag and arcade games at Time Zone. 

On Sunday morning Bill took five of the boys to the Leschenault Leisure Centre for a swim in the heated pool, unfortunately it was closed so they pivoted and turned it into a trip to Eaton Fair.

Sunday afternoon saw student numbers increase and the fire pit was the hot spot to catch up. Approximately 30 students gathered around to watch the flames, catch up on stories from the weekend and enjoy the last remnants of the day. 

Weekly Round-Up

Monday morning was time for school photos. Students put in a tremendous effort to look the part, many of them starting the process Sunday night or getting up early on Monday. They all did an incredible job and looked great. Those who were short on uniform items were able to obtain what they needed by begging, borrowing but not stealing from other students or the reserves kept in the office.

Master Chef has continued through the persistent efforts of both Nat and Mel. They have managed to get the majority of the Year 12’s cooking and have produced some delicious meals and soon will start working with the Year 11 groups. This has been a fun and rewarding experience for the students, helping them learn some practical skills and rewarding them with some mouth watering results. Nat and Mel are to be commended on the time and effort they put in to organise and run this.

Country Week trainings are well and truly underway and their sport shirts have been sent off this week to be embroidered. Staff and students are all looking forward to this exciting time as it approaches. 

Haircuts

There have been some recent instances of students cutting their hair in their dorms. The issues involved here are often these haircuts are not in line with College guidelines and it creates an unnecessary mess for our wonderful cleaning staff to have to deal with. I would like to remind everyone that hair clippers are a banned item in Residence and have attached the Hair Policy from the College Handbook below.

Hair is to be kept neat, tidy and worn with due regard for safety.  It must be washed frequently, groomed, and if shoulder length, must be tied back or in a net when working in areas that present a safety issue (Farm and Trades), or in line with safe food principles whilst in the dining room. Students wearing hair styles deemed unsuitable by the Principal will receive a request to address the issue and may not represent the College in public until compliant.  Hair extremes will not be tolerated, and a conservative view will be taken on styles such as undercuts, mohawks, dreadlocks, multi dyed hair. Clippered hair cannot be less than a number two.

Illness at the College

There has recently been another increase in students feeling unwell and displaying COVID like symptoms. I would like to remind students and parents that if a student is displaying COVID like symptoms, we will ask them to take a RAT test. However, no matter the outcome of the test, the student will be required to go home until they are feeling well and are symptom free. I understand that this can sometimes be frustrating and inconvenient.  I thank all students and parents for their understanding and cooperation.  

Weekly Positive Award

For Week 5 the lucky but well deserving student nominated by staff, was Josh Miller.   Josh has chosen the BCF gift card as his reward. Congratulations.