From the Director of Boarding

Dear Parents and Friends,

It is amazing to think that Term 1 is half over, with our Free Weekend upon us. The last few weeks of term have been very hectic with numerous events providing opportunities for your sons to engage in. Year 8 Camp, Year 9 ‘The Rite Journey’ launch, the College Swimming Carnival, Ash Wednesday liturgies, MCS Cricket and Basketball finals, ISA Sport, Open Day, and the commencement of Show Season for our Show Team, has ensured numerous opportunities for your sons to engage in this wonderful community. 

Show Team Success

Congratulations to Thomas Andersen (Yass) who placed first in the Sheep Paraders at the Rydal Show on the weekend. Tom Chell (Picton) was also a finalist. We wish our Show Team well this weekend as they compete in Canberra.

From an individual perspective Patrick Bird (Warroo) deserves congratulations. Over the Christmas break Patrick went to the Santa Gertrudis National Youth Camp in QLD. This was the first year he was in ‘Opens’, meaning he was up against any age group. He placed second in the commercial beef judging and he also won a “Heartland” award, which is for commitment and work ethic during the camp. Excellent work Patrick.

On the Road

It has been a pleasure to get back on the road again and visit our families – past, present, and future – after COVID-19 curtailed those plans in 2020. 

On Friday 12 February, at the conclusion of the College Swimming Carnival, I hit the Hume Highway with 7 young men eager to see their families for a brief period. After various stops for food and student pick up, I hosted an event in Harden with 30 members of the St Gregory’s family attending. Thank you to the Mineham, Davis, Stewart, Price, Weston, and Alcorn families for coming to spend some time with me and talk all things boarding. Thanks also to the Alcorn’s for hosting me for the evening. 

On Saturday 13 February I hit the road on the way to Hillston for the Hillston Hogs v Hay Cutters Rugby match. First stop was Temora where I caught up with Mark and Vanessa Stimson (William – Year 10) and picked up Patrick Star, Sipiliano Vaohea and James Sykes who would make the journey with me to Hillston, to represent the cottage. A quick stop in Griffith to see the Salvestro, Sergi and Villata families before our arrival in Hillston. The ‘Can Assist Charity Rugby Match’ was a wonderful day. Lots of ‘old boys’ played in the match with Hay defeating Hillston 12-7. Thanks to the Star, Shelton, Piromalli, Curran, Wilson, Elphick and McGuinness families for catching up with me, and huge congratulations to the Watkin Family – James, Monique, Lachlan, Michael, Daniel, and Bridgette for organising the event and raising over $30,000 for the local charity. It was wonderful that we could be a part of the event and Sipiliano and James could participate in the game. The 1600km trip was a very worthwhile experience for everyone involved.

On Friday 19 and Saturday 20 February, I also had the pleasure to showcase St Gregory’s at the Gundagai Show. The Gundagai region has such a strong affinity with St Gregory’s College with many young men from the region graduating from the College. It was fantastic to catch up with past, present, and future families. A huge thank you to the McDonnell family for hosting me at their home and the show, and the Kingwill, Elworthy, Quodling, Maher, Luff and Elphick families for your help throughout the day. A massive congratulations to Jared Elphick, Ben Elworthy, Alec McDonnell, and Jack Kingwill for making the effort to assist at the show. Alec also represented the College by competing in some junior horse events, which was wonderful to see. The show was very successful, and I look forward to our continued support for this wonderful St Gregory’s region in the future.

Communication and Social Media

We are currently in the process of creating blogs for each Stage of the Boarding Houses. The blogs will provide a quick and visual medium for the Boarding Coordinators and students to keep parents up to date with what is happening in the Boarding Houses. I will communicate with you when these are live and available for viewing. Thanks to Mr Halaifonua for pioneering this with our Stage 4 (Years 7 and 8 Boarders).

A reminder about our Facebook and Instagram accounts. These sites are live so please make sure you get onto them if you have accounts. If it is your first foray into social media, (I do not blame you) perhaps your sons can assist you!

I hope you enjoy time with your son this coming Free Weekend and I look forward to their return to the College on Monday 1 March. Please note that Boarding Houses will not open until 5pm on this day and the Dining Hall will not be available for meals.

Kind regards,

Mr Luke Morrissey

Director of Boarding