Boarding 

A warm welcome back

It was wonderful to welcome back almost 30 senior boarders back to their respective Houses this week. With practice exams and the GAT to complete, all boarders were certainly back into the swing of serious study. The feelings of positivity amongst our boarders has been palpable each evening in particular for dinner. Celebrating Justin Lee’s 18th birthday in the holidays’ was just another reason for us to enjoy each others’ company.

Given we have our Year 11 and 12 boarders back, we now await the return of our Year 8-10 boarders. This Sunday we have the Naracoorte bus running to pick up our South Australian boarders, whilst local boarders will return from Sunday and into Monday afternoon. Understandably the announcement of different year levels attending face-to-face classes on varying days does make life a little more challenging in boarding. Boarders will be able to attend their face-to-face classes at school and then during their remote learning days, be able to sit with each other in the refectory studying online. Previously, boarders have relished in an environment that supports their wellbeing. Importantly boarders find the socialisation something that lifts their spirits, whilst keeping to a regular exercise schedule is not only good for their fitness, but it is also a great way to relax and unwind. 

ABSA virtual conference (Alexa Balog)

Before the school holidays, the Boarding House presented us with the wonderful opportunity to attend a conference by the Australian Boarding School’s Association (ABSA).

The conference was held though zoom and was the first time a conference of its kind had been held. The turnout was impressive, with over 160 boarders from many different schools across the country attending, which is of course one of the advantages of the remote conference medium. The focus of the day was leadership, specifically leading in the unique environment of a boarding house. There were several different presenters who focused on a variety of engaging topics. My personal favourite was Sue Newton whose presentation focused on social communication and having early and honest conversations with the boarders around how you achieve a positive culture in your boarding house.

During the conference we were also able to connect with other boarders around the country and even find some familiar faces. It was amazing to talk to other like-minded boarding students and share ideas and connect. Overall, Henry Haynes, Lucy Calvert and I found that the conference inspired us to consider our own personal leadership within the boarding community, our personal goals and values, and also how our year level will collectively lead the Boarding House in 2022.

Alexa Balog.

Henry Haynes (above in green) contributing and listening to a BurnBright presenter during virtual ABSA conference.

Andrew Monk

Director of Boarding