Boarding Report – November 3, 2016

At the moment the College is undertaking an exploration into our statement of -Raising fine boys to the status of great men-. At its core it must surely refer to a journey and not one that we will necessarily see the conclusion to. We equip all those that walk through our gates with the skills to be the best they can be and through a myriad of relationships help them as they journey along. Challenges are faced, forks in the road encountered and decisions made that all shape the essence of each boy. Mistakes are made and must be made. Perfection is a dangerous goal to set as through failure we often learn our greatest lessons. As each boy graduates from the College they are not -great men-, however we wish for them to be on the pathway to that goal.

What resonates more prominently with me is the concept of -Raising-. As a boarding community this captures for the most part exactly the relationship we have with our boarders. Lessons learnt are not just those in a classroom, or on a sports field, however are critical in establishing the status of -great men-. Well-articulated, respectful to all, independent, refined sense of personal and community awareness, all are fostered within a boarding environment to prepare our boarders on their life journey.

Our Housemasters reflect in this article on recent events -“ highlighting the challenges that our boarders are meeting head on at present. My family and I spent time with those that were in this past EXEAT weekend and I reflected to all at a recent evening meal that I shall cherish the memory of the Saturday evening as all enjoyed each other’s company over a game of quick cricket and a dip in an icy cold paddling pool. I offer the gents my apologies -“ I don’t think a Boxer and a Great Dane offered much for the fielding side. Special times as always in boarding.-

Kenny Catch-up

It is crazy to think that I am writing this and it is already November!

I am writing with a sense of sadness and excitement -“ both in regards to our year 12’s! Sadness to be saying -see you later- to some wonderful young men, but also excitement for what is in store for the future. I have no doubt that the year 12 boys will depart SPC and go on to wonderful and exhilarating adventures and experiences. I have been so proud of all of the year 12 boys and how they have prepared for their final exams, how they have approached each and every one with effort and enthusiasm, I could not have asked for any more.

It is also an exciting time as I cannot wait to welcome our new 2017 boarders into the SPC community but to also watch our remaining boys step up and continue their own personal development into great men.

Our year 11 boys are gearing up for their exams, but are also preparing for their year 12 head start week. So much going on in what appears to be only a small amount of time!

The dynamics of Kenny House are already starting to change and I can’t wait to see what the next few weeks have in store for us all.

Miss Tamara Westwood

Senior Housemaster, Kenny House

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Term 4 is moving at such a pace, half way there and I can barely keep up! Our year 12’s have begun final exams and spend their spare time now studying or briefly relaxing. In two weeks they will complete all exams and Kenny House will feel very different given their absence. We will have one final opportunity to see them at the Valedictory Dinner where graduates after which are then considered ‘old boys’ of St Patricks’ College depart ceremoniously. Emotional times ahead for us all. Our other boarders are also preparing for the transition into the next year as well as changes to requested room allocations and student leadership roles, a big adjustment with a great deal of effort and organizing on behalf of the boarding staff leadership team. Weekend activities continue on as always with a Go Karting trip in recent weeks and a visit to Torquay next weekend. Our past weekend was our EXEAT weekend so all of our boarders either went home, stayed with friends and enjoyed the long weekend. Our diligent year 12’s remained to study and focus on the important task they are undertaking. However, the brain must rest and our year 12’s took full advantage of this when Ballarat turned on the sun. Chapel courtyard cricket and inflatable childrens’ pools brought the smiles and stress relief much needed for our boys.

Enough from me and -‘Game On’ for our final weeks of Term 4 .

Mr Ewen Larsen

Weekend Housemaster, Kenny House

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Phyland/Farley Catch-up

The EXEAT weekend in term four is always an interesting time for boarding and the emotional dynamics across each house. Many of the young men look forward to spending time with their families and the extra break from what is often a busy term. The young men studying for 3/4 exams however usually spend their time studying hard.

With a number of exams out of the way including Maths, English and Business Management our Yr. 12s are that little closer to their final exams. Only last night during study with the year 11’s I was talking to a boarder who only has less than a handful of days left of school once he takes into account exams. It is at this point that it is important that our boarders remember to finish well.-

Mr Michael Murphy

Housemaster, Phyland/Farley House

The past weekend being set aside for our boarders preparing for their final exams, allowed for a different feel in the house. While last weekend, those doing their final exams were stressed running on adrenaline, madly trying to remember everything; this weekend the boys were much more relaxed. Whereas the cynical side could conclude this was because they had realised there was nothing they could do anymore, I believe the boys had just accepted what stage they are at, to roll with the punches and to simply keep going. Having completed their English exam during the week allowing them to see what they are up against also knocking off one of the more stressful exams. Between large cricket matches hosted by Kenny House and frequent runs to the coffee shops around the lake; the boys seemed to have got the balance right. That all so hard balance between work and leisure that was perhaps missing last weekend.

Mr Daniel Willey

Weekend Housemaster, Phyland/Farley House

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Look after yourselves.

Mike Silcock

Director of Boarding