Boarding 

ABSA Boarding Audit

The Australian Boarding Schools Association Chief Executive Officer, Richard Stokes, with administration assistant, Tom Dunsmore recently visited our College conducting a review and appraisal of our Boarding House. Richard and Tom specialise in reviewing most of the 200 Boarding Schools in Australia and have a depth of experience second to none. Over two days 20 staff, parents, and boarders were interviewed to gain an insight in the operations of the boarding house and focus upon our strengths. Although our full report will not be prepared and released for some time, very early in the process Richard and Tom were happy to share that it was clear our boarders are happy, healthy and very well supported. Further to this, and in conversation, our College possesses a clear strength in raising children and adolescents in a country atmosphere where the skills of communication, problem-solving, independence and resilience are apparent.

I look forward to receiving our report and further highlighting our strengths to the community in Terms 2 and 3.

A Visit to Wongaburra

During our long weekend, most boarders are privileged to go home and spend time with family or go and spend time with a friend’s family. For our some of our international boarders they were able to go out our Speirs House MOD Justin Corbidge’s horse ranch Wongaburra, located in Cavendish.

Justin’s home is surrounded by ancient red gums and native wildlife. There is no wi-fi or phone connection and a population of 2! When Justin received a request by our internationals boarders to visit Wongaburra, he was over the moon with excitement.

To share this truly Australian environment away from school and let boarders interact with nature was an opportunity not to be missed. From feeding the horses to throwing the stick for Shadow the blue heeler, our boarders enjoyed a country atmosphere. Walking through this landscape where no building can be seen is something locals can take for granted and with only kangaroos, emus and birds going about their day, it does make for a relaxing place to be. Lunch was an Aussie BBQ with hamburgers all prepared by the boys, and eaten with Shadow under the table sniffing out scraps. The travellers finished up with a camp fire, heating marshmallows with chocolate melting over it. It was truly a great afternoon made by the enthusiasm and joy that the lads brought with them.

A big thank you to Justin for hosting our boys at Wongaburra and we’re looking forward to the next trip out soon.

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, it is great. We have casual boarders who regularly stay with us each week for their sporting commitments, such as rowing and basketball, which makes life easier for the family and for the boarder. Our dedicated Troopy drops off and picks up our boarders to their games at any time of the evening, and is 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 House Mothers, Lise Lowe and Liz Anagnostou. 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.

Some of our wonderful Year 7 and 8 boarders.

If you would like to trial boarding, experience the benefits of casual boarding or simply ask about boarding in general please do not hesitate in contacting Susie Holcombe (holcombes@hamiltoncollege.vic.edu.au) or myself (amonk@hamiltoncollege.vic.edu.au or 0407 052 214).

Andrew Monk

Director of Boarding