Boarding 

Sportsperson dinner

It was with delight our Boarding House was able to acknowledge and celebrate all of the sporting effort and hard work shown in Term One from our boarders. The Sportsperson’s dinner was held this week, with guest speaker Damian Logan acknowledging the importance of both individual and team sport for the development of lifeskills. Damian is a well-known sportsman in the local area of Hamilton. He is a lifetime sportsman who champions hard work, perseverance, humility, and altruism. Through the sports of football, cricket and cycling, Damian reflected on the rollercoaster of sport from a young age, and, how the ups and downs of winning and losing can be translated into the development of resilience, patience, and tireless hard work. Director of Sport, Leigh Alexander, recognized the high achievements of individuals, such as Hayden Parker (Equestrian) and team sports, including the girls’ and boys’ Cricket Teams (Premiers and Champions), Womens’ Rowing Crews, and all those involved in the winning the GD Athletics and Swimming Shields. Overall, the evening was a success and a wonderful opportunity to applaud all boarders and their sporting endeavors, whilst encouraging future involvement in both team and individual sport.

Happy Easter and well done on Term One

Term One has been without doubt a very busy time in our Boarding House. With almost a third of boarders new to the Boarding House, we can be proud of the success of getting back into the swing of fully operational boarding school once again after a tumultuous 2020. With over 60 boarders making new connections and building as a family, I can confidently say that this term has been an outstanding success. There are many highlights, including our Orientation Games, Hamilton Scavenger Hunt, Chinese New Year Dinner, Port Fairy Surfing, trip’s to Justin’s Ranch, Valentine’s Dinner, Girls Night In, and Girls Can Week, morning Pilates, GoKarting, LaserTag, and Sportsperson’s Dinner. We have certainly been busy this term, and as we know, busy boarders are happy boarders. From all of the boarders, boarding staff, kitchen and cleaning staff, we wish all boarding families a safe and enjoyable break over Easter and look forward to seeing you all return with the energy and enthusiasm we love to see. 

Casual boarding - what to do if you are interested in casual boarding.

I am delighted to report to the community our Boarding House is becoming a hive of activity with casual boarders. Casual boarders have been enrolling for one or two evenings this Term and for the Boarding House, this is fantastic. We have casual boarders who regularly stay with for their sporting commitments, such as rowing, cricket and basketball, which makes life easier for the family and for the boarder. Our dedicated Troopy drops off and picks up our boarders for their training or games at any time of the evening (continually driving up to 9:45pm). This has made such a difference to some of our families who drive in and out of town two to three times a day. 

Whilst this provides some respite for the family and gives back some valuable prep time to their son or daughter, boarding also helps students learn the art of independence, organisation, and team-work. In particular, we have been welcoming many Year 7 and 8 casual boarders who not only are being transformed in stepping up to the challenge of learning these skills, but, are also receiving the specialised care and guidance from our MOD’s. A perfect mix of support and gentle encouragement. Casual boarding seems to be a very good stepping stone for our future full-time boarders as well. Having to spend a night or two each week in Year 7 or 8 and then dedicate to full-time boarding in Year 9 or 10 makes for a smooth and confident transition into boarding life. 

If you would like to trial boarding please make contact with myself (amonk@hamiltoncollege.vic.edu.au) or our registrar, Susie Holcombe (holcombes@hamiltoncollege.vic.edu.au).

Andrew Monk

Director of Boarding