Eclipse House News
The cold weather has arrived, the days have become shorter, early morning sporting commitments have become a bit tougher, and study more rigorous. Despite this, Eclipse boarders have demonstrated great discipline and commitment to their many pursuits and academic pathways. I commend all Year Twelves on their work ethic during Semester One exams. Many demonstrated balance and managed their time effectively to achieve their best. They all focused on their personal strengths and supported each other through the week. I wish the Year Elevens completing exams next week the best of luck.
This week in Eclipse all boarders and staff re-visited our character strengths. They do change and are a great tool to re-focus and guide us through each year. It is very interesting to note the many different strengths Eclipse boarding house is filled with and how well they match the individual. I would like to share with you my personal character strength and how I aim to utilise it into my role as House Parent.
My top character strength was Appreciation of Beauty and Excellence. This is defined as noticing and appreciating beauty, excellence, and/or skilled performance in various domains of life, from nature to art to mathematics to science to everyday experience. I utilise this character strength by developing a mindset and focused goal rooted in appreciation, beauty and excellence. In every single Eclipse boarder, there is a unique individual capable of achieving excellence, being kind, skillfully performing their given pursuits, and growing up into young adults who will have a positive impact in their society and families. Appreciating their hard work, discipline, resilience, friendships and celebrating all they do. I look forward to an enjoyable and positive next few weeks.
Bibblumun Track
Mr Wes Fokkema, a long-time volunteer, hiker and Albany local visited Eclipse on Wednesday night to speak to the boarders about the maintenance and involvement of our section. He has been volunteering for 20 years and shared many adventures, mishaps, celebrations, and achievements of his time on the track. He also demonstrated the use of equipment, safety, and record-keeping. It was a knowledge-filled evening with many great conversations. We aim to begin our volunteering early in Term Three.
Birthdays
Since our last Boarding Buzz, we have had two birthdays in Eclipse House. Happy birthday to Hamish Medway and Kayde Bessell-Browne.
As always please do not hesitate to make contact if you have any questions or concerns.
Mr Taylor Colton | Head of Eclipse House
Leaders Report
Recently we have completed the VIA strength test. It generates our character strengths and what they mean. Mine was perseverance. It means finishing what one starts; persevering in a course of action in spite of obstacles. For example, my goal for this year is to achieve my personal best in school.
Perseverance helps with this because it helps me stay focused despite the temptation to not complete any study. I also try to bring this trait into the House as student leader. With the many challenges the year brings, I aim to persevere, lead through action and ride out the school year achieving my best.
Exams
The Year Eleven students have been busy this week in preparation for exams. Studying hard but still finding enough time to relax and burn off that extra energy in their sporting commitments. The majority of the boys complete one or two exams on top of their TAFE or work placement. Others complete exams in preparation for ATAR next year. I wish all the boys the very best for exams and happy studying.
House Recreation
Recreation this term has unfortunately been interrupted with footy and hockey games. But for the boys who didn’t have sporting commitments it consisted of York Street trips, op shop runs and surfing at the beach, despite the cold weather. We have also been given the opportunity to volunteer to maintain a section of the Bibbulmun Track. We had Mr Wes Fokkema come to talk to us about how to look after the track and hope to camp out there in the warmer months.
Steven Wiech | Year Eleven