Boarding News

There is a particularly positive vibe in the Boarding House at the moment. It has been wonderful welcoming back all our boarders upon their return from holidays and the Year 9 and 10 camps. We have a new full-time staff member in the boys' boarding house – Andrew MacDougall – who has come to us from Wollongong, NSW. Andrew has hit the ground running and has taken no time at all to get to know the boys; he is a most valuable addition to the team and we feel lucky to have him.

With the close of the St Philip’s College ‘camp season’, I also need to acknowledge the extraordinary achievements of our boarders in terms of their willing engagement with the camps on offer, from Year 7 to Year 12. Across all year levels, the boarders have participated in the camps on offer in record numbers and have represented themselves, their families and their Boarding House with distinction. Many of the boarders were initially quite nervous about the prospect of going on camp; they have faced their fears and you can all be proud of what your children have achieved.

Last weekend, the boarders enjoyed a day out at the Alice Springs Reptile Centre. They were able to get up close and personal to many of the native reptiles found locally and across Australia. 

Rex, the Reptile Centre handler, first introduced our students to 'Terry' the saltwater crocodile. According to some students from the Top End, this 30-year-old male crocodile is quite a small one in comparison to other salties they have seen! Only a few screams were heard in the Gecko Cave, where our boarders mustered up all the bravery they could, holding Cleo the python and the collection of water dragons. Well done to the boarders for representing the school so well and for being incredibly brave.

Rob McArthur

Director of Boarding