Breaksea House News
It is hard to believe that 2021 is quickly coming to a close and we are all entering the season of Christmas fun, family gatherings and festivities. In Breaksea, we took the opportunity to set up the Christmas tree, some lights and a few decorations over the Albany Show long weekend. Whilst a number of girls thought that it was too early, and Christmas should not go up until 1 December, the staff wanted a few weeks for the girls to enjoy the festive spirit.
Farewell Year Twelves
These last few weeks have seen us finally farewell the last of the Year Twelve students doing their exams. They all finished strongly, with Isabelle Plowman being the last Year Twelve student to leave the boarding house. I’ve heard from students and families that they are loving the freedom and fun of being free from school commitments. We wish each of these young people all the best.
End of Year Commitments for Seniors
Whilst Year Twelve have finished their examinations, the Year Eleven and Ten students have been just working their way through these tasks. It has been encouraging to see the study and camaraderie exhibited as students have worked together to prepare. We thank Mrs Linda Luff, Mrs Gayle Britten and Miss Alice Nixon for all tutoring and supporting the students as they prepare.
On Wednesday, the Year Eleven students left for their final camp of the year. It was an opportunity to climb Bluff Knoll and bond together as the new Year Twelve group for 2022. The Year Ten students had their examinations this week and finished with a big BBQ as a group on Friday.
Year Nine Boarders
Breaksea has been enjoying having the Year Nine Endeavour students spend more time with us over the last few weeks. There have been opportunities for movie nights, dinner, prep and this Thursday afternoon we combined for a gingerbread making afternoon. This is always a fun way to prepare for Christmas and enjoy chatting together.
Fundraising
Breaksea students decided that for their fundraiser for this year they wanted to support the Foodbank in Albany. Foodbank WA provides food and groceries to over 400 registered charities that provide emergency food assistance to people in need. The students decided to focus on Foodbank’s Festive Food Drive and try and provide celebratory foods to be shared amongst local charities this Christmas. On Friday 3 December, a group of Breaksea students went to Foodbank and delivered our collection.
Gratitude Challenge
During Weeks Six and Seven of this term the Breaksea students did a ten day gratitude challenge. Over ten days we focused on one area in which we could show more gratitude and express this to other people. Students were encouraged to be thankful for each item of food they ate in a day, to write a letter, email or text to someone they had not spoken to in a while, to consider what they were thankful about in themselves and to take a walk in nature and consider how this can increase gratitude. The Breaksea staff are grateful for each amazing young person we have in Breaksea House and put together a little gift for each of them as they finish this year. Each gift bag, decorated by one of our staff, has a Christmas tree ornament they can take home and hang as a Breaksea momento for this year.
Year Ten Reflections
As we come to the end of the year, I asked some Year Ten girls if they had a few words about their first year living in Breaksea.
I’ve found boarding to be more enjoyable in Breaksea House. Girls are given more responsibility and independence in the senior house which was a benefit for me. Making connections with the older girls has been great, since we haven’t shared a house since Endeavour.
Boarding in Breaksea has been a new and exciting experience. I have never been in a house with only girls and it’s such a warm and inviting atmosphere. Everyone is so nice and considerate of each other’s surroundings (except for maybe loading the dishwasher) and we all get along well. This year has been an amazing adventure.
Gingerbread
Christmas time and gingerbread are totally connected in Breaksea. This week we took the opportunity after school to bake gingerbread and attempt to decorate some. Rosie and Rhiannon led the way and baked an amazing array of yummy gingerbread, very gingery gingerbread and gluten free gingerbread. The girls all enjoyed eating these treats throughout the evening.
Birthdays
Happy birthday to Georgia Patterson and Holly Blechynden who both celebrated birthdays in November and to Kate Squibb, Ella Main and Isabelle Plowman who all celebrate in December.
May you all enjoy the Christmas season and see lots of Christmas lights, I know I will. Enjoy your holidays with family and contact me if you need anything across the holidays.
Ms Vanessa Bromhead | Head of Breaksea House