SPC Boarding News
The St Philip's Boarding team gave a presentation updating staff on the program this year.
This year we have fifty-four boarders, most from remote communities scattered throughout the Northern Territory. Our 2021 ‘family’ includes students from Atitjere, Boroloola, Santa Teresa, Ntaria, Wallace Rockhole, Orritipa Thurra (Bonya) and Titjikala. People have noted how ‘happy’ they are. The sense of togetherness and support for each other is very special. Being a long way from home is difficult for anyone – especially in the first year of separation. The fact that virtually everyone who started is still with us, is an indication of how welcoming the older boarders have been to the 2021 intake.
Last Friday, the boarders excelled for their Houses in the Winter Carnival, particularly showing the skills they have developed in OzTag during the Ex Activity this semester. Other sports the boarders were involved in were: volleyball, tennis, soccer, netball, lawn bowls, badminton and engineering.
The interest in the night skies continued this week with a group sitting out in the cold watching the eclipse and blood moon. It would have been particularly spectacular for our Year 7 campers out bush.
Tonight all the boarders are participating in the Round Square 6 Hour Sports in the stadium.
Girls' Boarding News
After shopping in town and partaking in reverse tie-dying some black shirts, the girls were spoilt rotten Saturday night with an impromptu trip to the cinemas. The girls watched the critically acclaimed Australian film, June Again which gave an insight into the hardships of dementia−even bringing a tear to some of the girls' eyes. After the movie, the wonderful Karen Fleming took the girls to the hot cinnamon doughnut van where they received their sugar fix for the night.
Sunday’s little adventure saw the girls hitting the town pool. With some hesitation it was not long until most of the girls jumped into the pool to practice their swimming. It was a great weekend and I am looking forward to what this coming weekend has in store.
Good job ladies. This week has been great, keep up the awesome work.
~ Imarnie Fatnowna
Acting Head of Girls' Boarding
Boys' Boarding News
On Saturday night, the boys were hosted by staff member Emma Impey and friends. The boys greatly appreciated the effort Emma had gone to entertain them with games and a firepit. Special thanks again to Marea Moulton for organizing this social outing.
The boys got involved again in a range of new activities this week, from seeking tertiary advice, adding soccer to the list of sports they are involved in, and heading out on the Year 7 Discovery Expedition. Keneifa set off to Western Australia for a skateboarding tour and we're looking forward to hearing about his adventure when he returns next week.
Well done boys on another positive week of learning and living.
~ Ernie Fleming
Director of Boarding