Eclipse House News

End of Term Three

With the term’s end rapidly approaching, the students are finalising assessments, preparing for the Athletics carnival, booking their leave and eagerly awaiting the holidays. We have again completed a massive Winter sports programme within Eclipse House, with the majority of the boys attending trainings, games and presentation nights for the entirety of the term. I commend them all for their commitment and dedication to their respective sports; some competed in multiple teams, as well as coaching and umpiring throughout. Congratulations to Robert, Flynn, Blair and Taylor in being recognised for their efforts throughout the season at the GSG Winter sports presentations; very well deserved!

From the thrill of Radio Active, to the Kingfisher Fair and Concert, through to the assortment of in-house and off site activities, the term has certainly been a busy one. With our Year Twelves students only having a short time remaining in the House, I extend my best wishes and thanks to you all, as well as your families, for your support and encouragement throughout your time in Eclipse House. As always, you are welcome to return for a visit and to keep us updated with your journey beyond the walls of GSG!

Arrangements have been made for all Year Twelve students undertaking Mock exams. I have liaised with all of the boys and collated a list of who is staying in boarding for each exam, and the supervisory staff and kitchen have made accommodations to suit. If you require any clarification on this, please feel free to contact me to discuss.

As for the remainder of the year, we will continue to push and promote rigorous study and wellness routines. With the Year Twelve students departing, it will provide a good opportunity for the remaining lads to develop a closer bond and discuss the future direction that they would like to see Eclipse House take as they assume leadership roles within the House and Boarding community.

I wish you all a lovely time with your sons over the break, and look forward to their return for Term Four.

Mr Brett Tompkin | Head of Eclipse House

Year Twelve Reflections

Please enjoy the following reflections from some Year Twelve boys on their time in boarding.

John Bollands

I have been in boarding for two terms at GSG. Settling in was relatively smooth and all staff and students were extremely welcoming and nice. Due to my short time in boarding, I have not experienced many struggles or favourite moments, however, I have enjoyed my time here and will remember it for the rest of my life.

Boston Cavanagh

I have lived in boarding for three years, starting at Anchorage Hoiuse in Year Ten and proceeding to Eclipse House for the rest of my schooling. The other boarders I live with, especially the boys in my year, have had the biggest influence on me. From starting out somewhat shy and not being used to how things worked, the guys really brought out my personality and a routine was quickly set. Also, being my biggest supporting cast, my friends in boarding mean a lot. Being able to get on a deeper level with these guys has helped our friendships develop even more. There are so many great experiences with each other that’ll be kept as memories, like staying up a whole night for a science experiment with Dayle and trying to keep ourselves awake, or last year’s constant fire alarm drills. Winter is definitely the favourite time of the year in boarding; footy season.

I thank Mr Tompkin and Mr Colgate, my two house parents during my time, for all the lessons they have taught me along the way and, lastly, thank you to the boarders who have been in my House for making this place a good one.

Levi Cosh

This is my fourth year in boarding and in that time I have lived in both Anchorage and Eclipse Houses. My least favourite moment would have to have been that time in Year Ten when Robert dogged the boys and went to Eclipse House. I’d like to thank Mr Tompkin and his family for their commitment to us boys and shaping us into who we have become today, as well as the limitless support they provide us with.

Flynn Cristinelli

Boarding for me has been a very enjoyable experience, and one that I will remember forever. I have learnt many valuable lessons along the way and will now be more ready to tackle whatever awaits me once I leave school. Since entering boarding in Year Eight, I have stayed in Anchorage and Eclipse Houses and have enjoyed both aspects that each house brings. I have enjoyed playing cricket and footy in Albany, making new friends whilst doing so, and even winning a premiership or two along the way. I have enjoyed being able to spend time with my mates in boarding and all the banter that goes along with it.

I’d like to thank Mr Tompkin for all his help over the journey and all the things he has done for me to make me into the person I am today. I have learnt so many lessons in boarding and would like to think I am a more independent, resilient and caring person after this experience.   

Jacob Ford

I started boarding in 2018 in Year Eight at Grammar. In my first couple of years in boarding I was housed in Anchorage House with Mr Colgate. He was really good for the younger boys getting us all in line and preparing us to be more independent living away from home. I’ve got so many great memories from that house when we used to be rascals and be a bit cheeky.

For my Senior years, I have been in Eclipse House with Mr Tompkin and he has be great. He has really helped me come along way and has shaped me into the person I am now. He has been a great role model and has helped me become an adult. I have enjoyed my time at boarding and it has helped me in life, making me more prepared for the long run.

I would like to thank all my mates for the good times, Mr Colgate, and Mr Tompkin for your hard work in my last years. I appreciate it heaps.

Jack Hooper

I’ve been in boarding since 2015, and in my time here have made lasting friendships and memories that I will have after I have left. I have stayed in the Eclipse and Anchorage boarding houses over the past four and a half years, and loved nearly every minute of it. My greatest support has come from my House Parent in Eclipse, Mr Tompkin. He has always encouraged me to do my best and pull my head in when I needed to. I’d like to thank all the Supervisors, House Parents, and Gap Assistants we’ve had over the years for putting up with us all.

Taylor Pocock

I first started boarding in Year Eight at ASHS, then came to Great Southern Grammar in Year Nine, starting in Anchorage House with Mr Colgate, Head of House, and Mr Fee, Gap Assistant from South Africa. They were great role models. I then moved up to the big boys house, Eclipse, in Year Ten. It was also Mr Tompkins' first year there. He has made boarding in Eclipse House a memorable time of my life that I’ll never forget.

During my time living in boarding, I have been involved with lots of hockey, I learnt how to umpire, I coached a team in Year Eleven and Twelve, and won some grand finals. In Year Twelve, I ran for leadership and became the Support Prefect. This is also one of my many achievements during my time at GSG. Overall, boarding has been a very big positive influence on my life, and it has given me great friends and memories.

Blair Watson

I have been in boarding since I was in Year Eight (2015) and each year it feels more like home. For someone who has lived in boarding for about five years, you do find some nifty little tricks around some of the rules, but I do my best to stay well behaved, which has led to some wonderful memories, which I will cherish forever. I would thank the past and present Gap Students and the Tompkin family, especially, because without them as House Parents/family I feel that I would’ve had a rough time in my last few years in boarding, since my brother left. Thanks to them. Eclipse House isn’t just a community full of school kids. It’s a family.

Robert Winyard

I have been a boarder at GSG for five years now. I still remember my first day in boarding. I remember playing table tennis in the Anchorage rec room with Dayle and James — two people who have grown to be some of my best friends throughout my time in boarding. I remember that day like it was yesterday and it's scary now to think that very soon I will finish my time in a place which has made up most of my schooling life. I came into boarding shy and not really knowing who I was and I can safely say that, after five years of ups and downs, I am no longer the shy, timid and the annoying 12-year-old that I once was, and for that I have a couple people to thank.

Firstly to Mr and Mrs Colgate who, in my first years in Anchorage, were Head of House, thank you for all the work you did to keep us boys under control and make Anchorage an enjoyable first two years in boarding. Thank you also Mr Colgate for your excellent leadership as Head of Boarding. Next, I thank my parents who work tirelessly to keep me in the best possible school that I can be in. I know you both work so hard for me and I just hope that I have made you proud throughout the journey. Lastly to the person who has had the biggest effect on my boarding journey, Mr Tompkin, who  has been the Head of Eclipse for my three years in his Boarding House (however, I have also had him as Head of Year in Year Nine).

Mr Tompkin is the most genuine and caring person I have come across in my boarding journey. Without his constant support and his miraculous ability to make anybody feel better, I don’t believe I would have been able to thrive in boarding as much as I have. For his efforts with not only myself, but with all the boys in Eclipse House, thank you, Mr Tompkin. Thank you for every little thing that you do for the people around you and I hope that you know that it doesn’t go unnoticed, not by us, anyway.

My boarding journey hasn’t been a smooth ride, but I don’t believe that it was ever meant to be. Through the tough times I have faced, I have developed as a person and met new and amazing people who can help me achieve my goals. I wouldn’t have had my boarding experience any other way and I am so thankful to the people who made it so memorable.