Boarding 

English Masterclass

Our Year 12 boarders certainly have a lot on their plates with their final year of study. And, it can be a challenge to find the time to connect with teachers and clarify questions, seek assistance in understanding concepts or gain that valuable feedback on your progress. To help out with balancing this our Head of English, Mrs Belinda Nichols, and Mrs Susan Bradbeer conducted an English Masterclass in the Boarding House last week.

It was time where boarders were able to be in their own element, relaxed, and focused. I thank Belinda and Susan for their time and the extra effort they have gone to in assisting our Year 12 boarders.

ANZAC Day Parade

ANZAC Day is an important occasion for our College and our community. Our boarders were fortunate to onsite last weekend to attend the ANZAC Parade. 16 of our boarders wore their full College uniform with pride and respect for those who have and do serve our country. 

Our boarders marched together with College students from Prep to Year 12 down Gray street and then to the ANZAC Day service at the memorial site. It was a proud moment to not only have our boarders show the deep respect to those who have fallen, but also to proudly connect with our community.

Following the march, the boarders made ANZAC biscuits for each other, again, it was a touching moment to have Lise and Abbie connect with our boarders and chat about their relatives who have been involved with World Wars of the past. 

Year 7 boarding trial – Sunday 25and Monday 26 April

This week we welcomed two young boarders from our local rural area to try their hand at boarding. Chloe Laidlaw and Ruby Hausler, both in Year 6, enjoyed their night in the Boarding House this week. I thank Micaela Meyer (Year 11) who showed true leadership in looking after the girls and showing them around. Chloe and Ruby thought the best part of their night was the roast lamb for dinner and the morning hot chocolate. Well done girls on giving boarding a go, and we look forward to having you in the Macdonald House soon.

For any young boarder in Year 6 or Year 7 we will have another trial in week 8 of this term. Feel free make contact with myself (amonk@hamiltoncollege.vic.edu.au) or our Registrar, Susie Holcombe (holcombes@hamiltoncollege.vic.edu.au).

Lifeskills program update -Lise Lowe

Orientation, organisation and settling in to boarding life took up a lot of Term One. After a tumultuous 2020 all junior boarders required support to settle, whether returning or new to boarding. This year the Lifeskills program is being delivered to Year 8 and 9 boarders, predominately boys. Learning routines and finding their comfort zone has taken some time, but we have made significant progress.

As the House Mother I went along to watch sporting games for many young boarders. They didn’t say a lot, but they always noticed and acknowledged I was there supporting them. A bonus of this interaction was that I was able to send parents photos and updates of matches and keep them connected to their son or daughter during games.

As a group we have acknowledged leadership and celebrated William McKeller’s appointment as Middle School House Captain. Also, Liam, George and Tom stepped up to organise and run the football tipping competition for Speirs House.

The support of the younger boarders towards each other during prep and with homework is heartwarming. They celebrate their strengths and assist those who need it. It was noticeable that the focus on studying hard has been put into action by the students this year.

The Lifeskills program always has time for some fun and the purchase of a pack of Uno flip cards provided much entertainment and healthy competition. It encouraged teamwork, patience, and strategy.

It has been a busy but enjoyable start to the year.

Lise Lowe

*Term 2 Lifeskills program is currently on our website.

Andrew Monk

Director of Boarding