Boarding 

Last Thursday evening, I was fortunate enough to make the beautiful drive west to Penola, in the Getz (Red Rocket), to attend the South Australian Family Function at the Katnook Estate. It was so lovely to catch up with the families of that region and we welcomed past and current parents as well as one past student. Beatrice Nesbit came along and even shared her sentiments and thoughts about her time in boarding and College. We highly value the families from South Australia and I thank all the parents who travelled and made the night such a worthwhile and wonderful event. A huge thank you to Susie Holcombe and Jen Hutton for all of their organisation and Michelle Stehbens for once again hosting us at such a beautiful location.

The following day, I headed to Lucindale Field Days and spent the day speaking to prospective families and lots of past students and families. A couple of these highlights included seeing the Cleggett family and Daniel, Josh Cavill and the Schultzes including both Joe and Sarah. We had plenty of interest throughout the day with many people clearly hearing good things about the College and what we do here. It was a great day topped off with a near perfect lamb and gravy roll.

Unfortunately, being at the Field Days meant that I missed out on seeing our athletes compete at the GD Athletics in Casterton. From all the reports, the boarders performed magnificently and contributed to College gaining the overall win on the day. A special mention to Alannah Sander who broke the 100m, 200m, long jump and triple jump records and Harry ‘The Rocket’ Robertson who also broke the long jump record and won the 100m and 200m.

There was lots of cricket action over the last week with Grand Finals being played and GD Cricket this week. The Under 16s won their Grand Final last Thursday and this team was made up of plenty of boarders. There was an awesome photo on the back page of the Spectator showing the boys celebrating after the last wicket (bowled Lachie Craig). Campbell ‘Bullet’ Craig and Eliza Jagger were unlucky to lose their Grand Final after rain delayed the game and saved the opposition from what would have been a crushing defeat. Lachie Craig was luckier on Saturday and won his D Grade Grand Final playing alongside his Dad for Pigeon Ponds. Lachie took a wicket on the day and Mick took an amazing reflex catch at gully.

Ben McCure and Toby Hawthorne played for College in the GD Cricket Tournament on Tuesday. The team played some great cricket and won the day against a strong opposition. The shorter format of the game suited Toby ‘The Big Show’ who notched up a 50 against Baimbridge in an innings that included 6 sixes.

Congratulations to Alec Jagger and Tara Sullivan who were nominated for Community Involvement Awards at Balmoral Show on the weekend. This is a perfect example of boarders who make the most of all the school has to offer during the week and head home on weekends to give back to their local communities.

It’s been a massive week of birthday celebrations for the following students: Fergus Roberts (Sunday), Jerry Guo (Monday), Jackson Hodgetts (Tuesday) & Siena Ma (Wednesday). We wish all the boarders a Happy Birthday and hope they had a great day.

We farewell Year 9 this Sunday as they head off to China. They are a resilient group who I know will enjoy the experience and will look out for each other. Downstairs Speirs and Macdonald will be very subdued compared to usual next week. Bon Voyage Year 9!!

Mr Alex Smith