Boarding Bulletin Board

by Director of Boarding, Mr Brendon Gilbert

The past two weeks have seen the highs and lows of boarding. Unfortunately, COVID struck, which resulted in many positive cases and close contacts. I am grateful to the students and boarding staff for managing this tricky situation. The efforts from everyone have seen our COVID positive numbers drop dramatically, meaning we can get back to providing enriching opportunities for our boarders.

Our senior students organised a ‘Free From Isolation’ football match, led by Jack James. The football match lifted the spirits of many boys and pulled them from their COVID shadow. The strength of our boarding community was on display as students from Years 7 – 12 played enthusiastically and relished the chance to share each other’s company on the field.

Our senior students have made an excellent start to their time as boarding house leaders. Acts such as organising football and cricket matches play a significant role in creating connection, belonging and enhancing culture. Furthermore, our senior students have entered a Seconds Cricket Team into the BAS competition. This leadership and act of mateship and unity bode well for a cohesive year ahead.

It was a delight to welcome Eric Hayes into our boarding house and listen to him present to the boarders. Eric is one of the College’s counsellors that plays a crucial role in supporting our young men through various challenges they face. Being a boarder can be excellent; conversely, it can also be highly challenging. Undoubtedly, Eric will spend time with our boarders on their journey at St Patrick’s and provide them with mentorship and wise counsel. It was wonderful to hear his story, and the messages around courage, care, teamwork, and responsibility were well received.

Student Achievements

Congratulations to Ben Gibcus (Year 12) and Eric Yang (Year 10) for receiving Chris Nolan awards at our recent academic assembly. This award is highly regarded and recognises a consistently high level of achievement across all subjects. Chris Nolan is an Old Collegian and was known for his commitment to striving for and achieving excellence in his studies and everything else he did at the College. Ben and Eric have shown diligence, responsibility, dedication and a thirst for learning. They are outstanding role models for our boarding community and should be proud of their achievements.

Congratulations to James Duxson (Year 9), who played cricket for the Western Waves All-Star team last weekend. This team comprises the best players in Country Week cricket. More affectionately known as Jimmy, James had a day out with the ball taking 6 for 30 and helping his team comfortably win.

Events

Wednesday, February 23, is the annual SPC Swimming Sports. All our boarders from Years 7 – 9 and our Year 12 cohort will be involved in activities all day, while the swimming participants in Years 10 and 11 will attend their events. This activity is a beautiful day of sportsmanship and colour that we strongly encourage all boarders to participate in.

Sunday, February 27, is the annual Head of the Lake rowing event here at Lake Wendouree. We wish all the boys from St Patrick’s College good luck on the day.

This year, the first Exeat weekend for all our boarders begins on Friday, March 11 (5 pm) until Monday, March 14 (5 pm). The boarding house will be closed during this time, meaning that boarders will need to stay with parents, family or local guardians.