Boarding News

In what has undoubtedly been a busy Term 1, it was rather timely that boys and families were provided with an opportunity to enjoy time away with the recent boarder's free weekend. Many boys made the most of this, whether it was for a day out, overnight or weekend. It was an excellent opportunity for many to take some much-needed family time and recharge themselves for the weeks ahead. I spoke with all boys last Thursday evening about the upcoming assessment period. For many, this can be a time of worry and stress as multiple assessments, exams and homework tasks continue to grow. The ability to be proactive, well organised and accountable for oneself will undoubtedly go a long way to ensuring boys are well prepared and successful. In this space, there are little excuses for the boys to ensure their own success as their support networks are widely varied:

• Before school tutoring
• Class teacher support
• Peer support within the residence
• Tutor support within the residence
• Day/Boarding staff support
• College Resource Centre - to name only a few

In my article last week, I mentioned the importance of courtesy and respect in life and here at the College. In the same notion, resilience also plays an integral role. In reading an article from Psychology Today recently, they describe resilience as the psychological quality that allows some people to be knocked down by the adversities of life and come back at least as strong as before. Rather than letting difficulties, traumatic events, or failure overcome them and drain their resolve, highly resilient people find a way to change course, emotionally heal, and continue moving toward their goals. Further to this, they explore some of the factors that appear to make a person more resilient, such as a positive attitude, optimism, the ability to regulate emotions, and the ability to see failure as a form of helpful feedback. For our young men here at MCA, they can build resilience by:

• knowing their strengths and keeping them in mind
• building their self-esteem — have confidence in their own abilities and the positive things in life
• building healthy relationships
• knowing when to ask for help
• managing stress and anxiety levels
• working on problem-solving skills and coping strategies

The greatest highlight from last week was the long-awaited return of singing at Sunday Mass. Albeit a little different being Sunday morning, it was wonderful to hear the boys, led by our Year 11 and Year 12's, in full voice. 

Looking ahead to this week, we wish our AIC Swimmers all the best on Friday at the AIC Swimming Championships. Finally, preparations are well and truly underway as our Year 12 boys prepare themselves for their Senior Formal on Saturday 6 March. A significant milestone and rite of passage during their senior year.

Deadly Choices Launch

With great excitement, we inform our boarding community that in 2021 we have forged a partnership with Deadly Choices. A great deal of preparation and planning has happened behind the scenes from our Health Centre under the direction of Sr Jane O'Shea, Sr Bobbi Mee and Sr Liz Dangerfield to ensure this initiative has been rolled out. Deadly Choices is a health promotion initiative of the Institute for Urban Indigenous Health (IUIH).

It aims to empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to make healthy choices for themselves and their families – to stop smoking, to eat good food and exercise daily. Deadly Choices also encourages Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to access their local Community Controlled Health Service and complete an annual 'Health Check'.

Deadly Choices is a social marketing campaign that is made up of:

• Tobacco cessation programs
• Community events
• Sport and recreation
• Education programs
• Cooking programs
• Leadership camps
• Social media.

In Aboriginal slang, if something is ‘deadly’ it is great. As such a Deadly Choice is a good choice! Ultimately, Deadly Choices wants to spread the concept of prevention being better than cure and supporting people to make healthy choices. 

We welcome aboard Mr Jangala Bennet, Program Officer ATSICHS Deadly Choices. Jangala is overseeing the program here at the College. 

Technology Use

As a boarding team, we often communicate with our boys around the smart and appropriate use of devices and screens. Screen time can be part of a healthy lifestyle for teenagers when balanced with other activities as it can assist with their development and wellbeing. Getting the right balance also includes making sure screen time doesn't interfere with sleep. Over the coming weeks, I'm going to highlight some tips courtesy of raisingchildren.net.au.

Tip 1. Use rules about screen use

You can help your child find a balance between screen use and other activities by working with your child on family rules or a family media plan.

Rules might cover:

• Where your child can use screens – for example, only in family rooms, not in the bedroom at night, or not in the car
• When your child can use screens – for example, mealtimes are free of TV, computers and phones, or no screen time until chores and homework are finished
• How your child can use screens – for example, for making a podcast or watching a TEDx talk, but not for watching epic fail videos
• How you handle screen time for children of different ages – for example, there might be some games that your older child can play only when their younger sibling is out or has gone to bed.
• It's OK if your rules include time limits to help your child balance screen time with other things like physical activity. For example, it might help to know that Australian guidelines for pre-teen and teenage physical activity say they should have at least one hour of moderate to vigorous activity every day.

Staffing

We welcome the following staff;

Blair Whitlock as the Boarding Recreation Officer. Blair has had exposure across both GPS and AIC schools and brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the role.

Erin Livingstone as our Evening Boarding Receptionist. Erin has previously worked at Shaftson College as part of their Homestay Team for International Families, managing the logistics both locally and abroad.

Callum Roberston as Supervisor for Hermitage. Callum is a former Rockhampton Grammar boarder and has worked as the Development Officer for the QRU in Mackay and was a boarding supervisor at Rockhampton Grammar School. 

Andy Bertram as Supervisor for Hermitage. Andy is a St Laurence's College OldBoy. He has worked as a boarding supervisor at Brisbane Grammar School and John Paul College.

Thank you to:

• Dave O'Connor, Tom Cole and Emrys Cowley have been wonderful supervisors during their time at MCA. All three gentlemen have recently resigned from their position. Dave finished up recently, Tom departs end of this month, and Emrys concludes at the end of the Term. Dave, Tom, and Emrys thank you for all that you have done during your time!
• Sue Hawley has been incredible over the last four weeks in stepping in to fill Donna's vacant seat. Sue has undoubtedly been a friendly face for the boys to see after hours and so much more. Sue has very much embodied that Marist charism of Family Spirt.

Erin Livingstone – After Hours Boarding Reception

Hi everyone,

My name is Erin Livingstone, and I have recently joined MCA as the After Hours Boarding Receptionist. I am delighted to be here and wanted to take this opportunity to introduce myself to you.

I have been working in the education industry for almost a decade in Australia and also in Japan. I have held numerous positions, from teaching English to study tour co-ordination, and I am incredibly passionate about languages, international education and studying abroad.

I love watching cricket or rugby in my free time, and I play Eightball and Blackball pool within a Brisbane league.

I hope to be a positive and friendly influence on all of the students at MCA, and look forward to meeting or corresponding with families over the coming weeks.

You can contact me directly at livingstone@marash.qld.edu.au with any specific questions, and of course, please continue to send your general enquiries to BoardingReception@marash.qld.edu.au

Hope to chat with you soon!

Erin

Around the Grounds

La Valla

This week in La Valla, the students noticed a real shift in their homework and assessment intensity as most subjects are now starting to focus on the first assessable item for the year. It has been great to see the boys utilising the academic support structures in place to help them with their studies. In addition to the time with the A team tutors, we have five students regularly attending the CLE in the mornings to get help with homework. This requires the boys to be very organised in the mornings to make sure they are ready for the school day. Whilst some students forget about homework on the weekend, a special mention this week goes to Toby Forbes and Joe Murphy, who were both working on their homework at 7:00 am on Sunday instead of having a sleep in! Hopefully, if we can continue with this level of focus, each student will be able to recognise their potential!

Of course, there is always time for a breakout and some fun!!

Montagne Residence

The boys felt blessed and were literally blessed this week by Fr. Alatini. On Tuesday afternoon, Fr. Alatini said some prayers with our boys and shared afternoon tea which the wonderful Kitchen team had provided. He then did an impromptu room inspection, and Ignatius Hallman won a pizza for having the best-maintained room. Fr. Alatini then lost three consecutive pool games to Mr Mulligan, Mr Devoy and Mr Bullock. Friday night saw boys go and watch the Reds demolish the hapless Waratahs. On Saturday, those left in the dorm headed to Stuartholme for a pool party and touch football. Our prayers are with the Kennedy family at the moment. 

Hermitage

During the week, the boys of Hermitage had the most productive study sessions of the Term. We are now familiar with the A Team tutors and are slowly relying on them more and more. The boys are also making the most of the additional support, with many attending extra sessions in the morning. Over the weekend, the boys went to Stuartholme College, where they shared a meal before a beach volleyball game and a swim. The week ahead is another crucial week of study and activities as we reach the midpoint of the Term.

Fourviere

The boys have been particularly grateful for the airconditioned residences throughout this Term with the passing of another hot and muggy February week. Despite heavy storms threatening the opportunity for outside play and, unfortunately, forcing a cancellation of the Year 10 portion of the swimming carnival, the boys have not been deterred from staying active. The Gymnasium has become the recreation of choice for many who are making the most of early morning starts or afternoons to get to the 'shred shed' to 'lift some tin'. The mighty Year 10 boarders cricket side have also 'flexed the muscle' on the field with another convincing victory, this time over a hapless St Laurence's team. Surely the Year 11's are rethinking their ideas of a re-match. 

Congratulations also to those who helped out at the Year 5 Parent function and the Fourviere lads who featured in the thrilling 1st XIII Australian Rules win over Padua. Looking forward to another busy week ahead.

Br Terence

With the halfway point of Term One fast approaching, the boys have focused on their academic commitments this week. On Thursday evening, the boys attended a study skills workshop delivered by A Team Tuition's Hayden McEvoy. Hopefully, the tips and strategies provided to the boys will be put to good use over the coming weeks as they prepare for their upcoming assessment items. With the Year 12 Formal fast approaching, the boys are also under the pump to choose their partners' corsages. The boys have done a great job choosing flower and ribbon colours so far, matching beautifully with their partner's dress. Just a reminder, these orders close on Thursday this week (25 February). Boys need to fill out a form at Boarding Reception and pay using their monitor cards.

Boarder of the Week

La Valla

The week four recipient of Boarder of the Week for La Valla has shown true grit and perseverance towards his academic success. He has implemented strategies to improve his organisation and communication skills and is looking forward to seeing the results of his hard work. His friendly and welcoming personality has been a real asset to the men of La Valla. Congratulations Oscar Tully.

Montagne

This young man has made a fantastic start to 2021. Patient, understanding, focussed, and kind is just a few traits that this young man possesses. He has worked diligently on homework and assessment tasks and is praised regularly in his supervisors' nightly reports. He has a positive demeanour and is continually looking for happiness in life. His room is tidy, and his peers have only positive sentiments towards him. A worthy winner of the Montagne Boarder of the Week – Joachim Horgan.

Hermitage

Hermitage's Boarder of The Week goes to a young man who well is liked amongst his peer for his caring and thoughtful personality. He is quiet in nature; however, this does not stop him from checking in with those who need a friend. He is always keen to spend time with the boys but is not shy to get stuck into the extra study. Whether it be extra study or extra laps around the ovals in the mornings, this gentleman has the potential to be a truly great Marist man. Congratulations to Hermitage's Boarder of the Week, Marley Chan

Fourviere

Boarder of the week in Fourviere goes to a friendly and enthusiastic young man who happens to be one of the newest members of the residence. Having arrived at the start of the year, he has made every effort to settle into the routine of regular boarding life, displaying a positive attitude and a willingness to be involved. He has quickly formed friendships and quietly gone about his day-to-day business in a respectful manner with a smile on his face. Congratulations are for the seamless ease with which you have managed to assimilate with your peers…. Josh King

Br Terence

The Br Terence Boarder of the Week goes to a residence member who consistently demonstrates a positive attitude. This young man is most reliable and goes about his work quietly while always cooperating with others. In addition to meeting his everyday commitments, this boarder has volunteered to assist at College functions and has found the time this week to compose and release a new song to add to his collection. This week's deserving winner is always willing to lend a hand around the residence and does so with a smile. Well done, Hugh Ferris.

Recreation Report - Week 4

Week four saw the beginning of the Boarders Clubs program, with clubs running for an hour after school from Monday - Thursday. With nine clubs on offer, it was interesting to see Cooking, Golf & Mountain Biking as the three most popular amongst the boy's choices! While each club has a limited capacity, there will be plenty of opportunities to participate in a wide range of clubs throughout the year.

This week was the first Boarders weekend of the year, with many boys heading off on leave for a couple of days. Despite the lower numbers, we still had plenty of Rec planned, and 24 boys headed down to Suncorp Stadium on Friday night for the Reds first game of the season against the NSW Waratahs. After an early setback, the QLD side put on a first-half clinic with several impressive backline tries leading to a 41-7 win. It was a good turnout with 12,000 fans, and it was some of our boys first time watching a game inside a stadium. The boys hung around after full time and were lucky enough to get a few photos with Reds stars Harry Wilson, Tate McDermott and the Tongan Thor, Taniela Tupou!

Saturday saw Round 5 of the AIC sports competition as MCA played host to Padua College. There was a fair bit of rain disruption, but most of the Boarders were out and about representing Marist in various sporting codes. Later that evening, we headed over to Stuartholme for dinner and a pool party. After hosting the girls at Marist in week two, it was great to head over to their school, which has some incredible city skyline views. The boys worked up a sweat playing Beach Volleyball, Touch Footy and Tiggy before jumping in the pools for an hour. Stuartholme were great hosts, and we look forward to having them back at Marist in a few weeks for Trivia night.

Sunday was scorching hot, and the boys relaxed in their dorms for a couple of hours after morning mass. After lunch, we had 50+ boys head up to the Chermside Westfield for a few hours of shopping. Once again, this visit dished up a broad range of purchases – some bulk bought 40 packs of two-minute noodles for $8, Joseph Murphy picked up a plastic golf set to work on his swing while several boys opted for some R&R in the massage chairs. After a busy few days of Rec, the boys had a relaxed Sunday evening getting ready for Week five of school.