Boarding News

Dear Parents,

A short walk from the College into the suburb of Gregory Hills soon brings you to a small park named after the French village of La Valla-on-Gier. La Valla is a small hillside town where Marcellin Champagnat took up his first posting as a priest. Just down the hill from La Valla and along the Gier river sits Marcellin’s Hermitage which he built as his newly formed Brothers community expanded. La Valla park in Gregory Hills does little justice to its namesake, however, I took note recently of a sign placed at the entrance. An inscription on the sign reads:

“…a single drop of water has the capacity to begin a journey through the landscape…”

I am not entirely sure of the intended message, but one interpretation is that the single drop of water is a metaphor for Marcellin. His mission to educate young people began as a journey in the landscape of the French countryside and has remarkably made its way across the world.  It is a privilege for all of us to still be part of that same journey that began over 200 years ago. Our landscape here in Australia is quite unique and brings many challenges. The vast expanse of land, the potential for drought, fire, storms and flooding has been all too obvious to us in recent times. Our spiritual landscape is also changing and being challenged. Sometimes it is reassuring to look back in our history and realise that similar challenges have been there in the past. We take hope from people such as Marcellin and Saint Mary MacKillop. Both of these courageous people placed a firm trust in God that what they were doing would eventually bear fruit. It is no different for us today as parents, teachers or students. We are all like single drops of water, coming together to form a life-giving stream. We journey through many landscapes and our destination is not always clear, but we trust it will be worth it in the end.

My trip out to Hillston last weekend was certainly most enjoyable. It was good to catch up with students and parents both past and present at the annual Hillston Hogs v Hay Cutters Rugby Union Charity match. The Hogs were victorious on the day and it was special to see nine Old Boys and two current students having a run together. It was especially pleasing to hear how well these young men were going running farms, taking on trades or studying at university. The overwhelming message they had for me to take back to the boarders was to enjoy every moment of their schooling and make the most of the opportunities they were given. Cliched lines from a teacher or parent perhaps, but words that carry greater weight when spoken from the direct experience of a former boarder. 

Ad Jesum per Mariam.

Max Spencer

Director of Boarding

Boarder of the Week

In 2020 we have introduced a weekly ‘Boarder of the Week’. This is awarded to a student from each boarding house that may have excelled during the week for things such as academics, sport, community service, assisting in the boarding community or simply being a good bloke.

The nominated boys win various prizes and go in a draw for a larger prize at the end of the year.

The inaugural winners for this year were:

Senan House - Dugald Mullen (Week 1), Sam Corkhill (Week 2)

Edgar House - Brock Freeburn (Week 1), Thomas Sheldrick (Week 2)

Fingal House - Hamish Minehan (Week 1), Nicholas Platts (Week 2)

Valens House - Oliver Brennan (Week 1), Malachai Jarrett (Week 2)

We congratulate these boys for contributing to the community through their efforts.

Luke Morrissey

Senior Boarding Coordinator

Year 7 & 8 Boarding

The Year 7 and 8 boys experienced another busy week. The boys are well into their study, completing many tasks and ensuring that they are organised for each lesson. They should be commended for their effort and application, as many boys achieved ‘green stamps’ and the positive feedback I am receiving from their teachers is pleasing to hear.

Mason, Oliver, Daniel, Archie, Gene, Ethan and Jack are to be congratulated for their creative artwork displayed in the ‘Art Attack’ exhibition. Nicholas participated in the Gordon Fetterplace public speaking competition and presented a heartfelt speech - ‘Time is running out’, which was about the summer holidays and the devastating bushfires. Archie has achieved first place in the Under 13 Regional Carnival, recording impressive times in the 1500m and 800m race. We also recently celebrated the birthdays of Ms Sue Santa Maria and Malachai Jarrett. Last Sunday the boys contributed to the College Open Day by welcoming families and answering questions regarding the boarding experience at St Gregory’s College.

I am so proud of these boys and their effort in the classroom, in the sporting arena and at home. They are maximising their time so far and are constantly challenged to better themselves in all that they do. Today, the boys participated in the Senior School Swimming Carnival and there will be more birthdays to celebrate this month as a family.

Mr Tevita Halaifonua

Year 7 and 8 Boarding Coordinator