Anchorage House News

Welcome back to Term Three Boarding in Anchorage. Everyone has made a great start to the term. They have a good routine that they have developed this year and I have enjoyed seeing the interactions and conversations about the holidays as we come together for another full term. The boys are busy getting back into school, sport and life around boarding, it's pleasing to see them transition from their world at home to our world back here at GSG. 

Having said that, we have had some homesick boys this term who have taken some time to settle back in. This is a tough space for them, but I am glad to see we have a great bunch of boys who, through mateship, get around each other and assist with making one another feel valued and provide a sense of belonging for everyone here in Anchorage. This term has already brought an AFL carnival for our Year Nine boys selected to compete, Crazy Hair Day which saw Jack Lange let the girls go to town with his hair, NAIDOC celebrations and Billy's birthday celebration in the house.  Ahead we have the Kingfisher Fair and the boys are racking their brains for ideas of what to do. 

Last weekend some of our boys hit the beach.  Yes, that's right, we went in for a swim at Nanarup beach with some senior boys and Mr Samuel Forward. I have been told on several occasions here in Albany when the weather turns it on you must capitalise on it. The conditions were perfect, no wind, 1 ft waves and the sun at our backs as we had a late afternoon body surf without wetsuits. I am amazed that we can still do this. A big shout out to Corinthian Calwyn all the way from Halls Creek, Bert Williams, Leo Cunningham, Billy Hams, Nicholas Hams who braved the time of year and committed. While the boys were ducking under waves and body surfing on party waves, Taj Carruthers and Matt Cant our resident anglers fished in the cove. They landed a bream and were chuffed with themselves.  

We also made a trip into Bunnings which saw me walking around gathering supplies for Mr Rose's Digital Technology class only to turn around and see our boys with mini trolleys following behind giggling. Mischievous is the best word to describe them! Even out and about our boys get on great and I can see that lifelong bond develop from their boarding experience.

Finally, Mrs Lisa Keatch and I have a new addition to the Anchorage House, Buddy, our 20-week-old Border (or, maybe it's 'boarder'!) Collie. He is an instant hit with our boys. It's the best place to introduce a dog with all the boys knowing exactly what to do. Buddy is a very timid dog and Mrs Keatch and I have enjoyed how each of them go about trying to bring Buddy into the boarding space. Every day we are seeing gains and its credit to your sons' kindness and gentle approach. Great news is he is already toilet trained!!

Mr Ashley Keatch | Head of Endeavour House