Boarding News
Dear Parents,
My sincere thanks for your patience, understanding and spirit of cooperation over the last week. You can also be very proud of the way your sons have conducted themselves during this time as well. I’m also extremely grateful to staff for their recent efforts. The situation has been incredibly fluid, and we have seen rapid changes in advice as to which course of action to take. We will continue to adjust as information becomes available and further recommendations are made.
As much as is possible, we have tried to maintain a sense of normality for the boys and I have been impressed with how they have responded. Weekends will be a challenge, but we will certainly find ways to occupy the boys.
Last Friday at Assembly we presented the 1st Grade ISA Basketball team to the College. This is only the second 1st Grade team to win an ISA Premiership after our success in the 2015 competition. Congratulations to Lindsay Munro (Year 12) and Max Lawson (Year 12) who were part of this team.
For the moment our winter sport season is on hold and we will just have to wait to see how this will unfold in the coming weeks. We will look to find some unique ways that the boys can train, and we have reserved the use of the gym for boarders only at this point.
Please continue to contact me or the Boarding Coordinators as needed. I wish you and your families well.
Ad Jesum per Mariam.
Max Spencer
Director of Boarding
Boarders of the Week
Our boarders of the week continue to impress and contribute to the College. Our winners this week were:
- Senan – Darcy Maher
- Edgar – Fergus Shelton
- Fingal – Fergus Mullen and Jake Blackney
- Valens - Lamontae Banderson
Congratulations boys. Keep up the good work.
Senior Boarding Report
I would like to congratulate the Senior boarders on their focus in the last two weeks. The onset of the COVID-19 virus has brought with it lots of anxiety around boarding, study and school. Many activities the boys love and spend time on after school have been taken away and at no stage have I heard complaints. I congratulate the senior boarders on being positive role models for the junior boarders at this highly anxious time.
As always, I am checking in on every boy daily and I am available to discuss the individual needs of your sons at any time.
My thoughts and prayers are with all families at this difficult time.
Luke Morrissey
Senior Boarding Coordinator
Junior Boarding Report
Years 7 and 8
Last week the boys received a series of assessment notifications and spent much time working on the tasks. It has been a real challenge for all boys in terms of managing/organising their work. They have been working toward consistency in their effort during study time. A big thank you to Sue Santa Maria, Rebecca Burke and the tutors for their support and guidance of the boys with their study. It’s quite astounding the amount of study the boys undertake each week and so the team and I find every opportunity to highlight success stories (whether it be big or small). For example, the figurative language displayed in their narrative writing and the technical language used across all key learning areas.
The rugby clinic was a success. Despite the wet, cold and windy weather, the boys experienced much physical activity and developed their knowledge and understanding of the game. The boys were challenged with various drills and responded positively to the direction of the coaches. I’m excited and look forward to watching the boys compete in the future. On the other hand, Rugby League trials for the junior teams have concluded and it revealed quite the surprise. There is much talent in Year 7 and 8 on the footy field and being a Rugby Union fan, I look forward to converting these boys to the great game of Rugby Union.
Amid the fear and angst surrounding society at present, I am so proud of the boys. They continue to laugh and smile around the place which brings much joy. As a teacher and adult, the boys in my care continue to teach me and I am grateful for my current position.
God bless.
Tevita Halaifonua
Junior Boarding Coordinator (Years 7 and 8)
Year 9 and 10
This fortnight has been an eventful one with ISA Cricket and Basketball grand finals being contested and the Rugby clinic last weekend.
Clancy Nott and Harrison Quinn were part of the ISA cricket team which unfortunately, came a few runs short of taking the title on the run chase. Most of the boys gave the rugby clinic a good go in the cold weather. Our senior boys ran them through some drills for the morning and all enjoyed a BBQ after.
Our boys are in the middle of a high assessment load for Year 9 and 10. Their first assessments have been handed in or are due shortly. Most of our boys have been proactive, using study time to complete their assessments days in advance. Some have asked for feedback which is great to see.
Michael Bullock
Junior Boarding Coordinator (Years 9 and 10)