Boarding Report – February 18, 2016

I read once that -collaboration, networking and face-to-face interaction- are all critical components to a successful boarding experience. I spoke in our last newsletter about inviting our boarders to actively participate in shaping the future of boarding at St Patrick’s College and this past Monday evening they had the opportunity to make suggestions for a new initiative we are piloting this year that will see people from different and varied backgrounds join our boarding community for dinner on a Monday evening to see us offer a more formal experience once a week. Collaboration though must also be with our talented boarding staff and, with this in mind, I made the decision last week that these fortnightly newsletters should turn the spotlight on to our individual houses, the boarding staff that operate within, our boarders and the myriad of activities that fill our boarders’ College lives each day.

As you read this we will be celebrating our first Boarding Community Event for 2016, which this year will also see the commencement of an annual tradition our new boarders will be a part of. For all our new boarders to be welcomed to our boarding community with a traditional Indigenous -‘Smoking Ceremony’ is something most special and I thank all those who have made this happen. To theme this first boarding event as -‘New Beginnings’ I believe that this addition fits seamlessly with one of our core values of inclusivity. I hope that many of you were able to join us -“ this face-to-face interaction is so important for establishing the relationships between boarding staff and families to ensure our boarders receive the best possible care.

I am often asked why do I love boarding -“ our house contributions following would provide a wonderful starting point for any answer I could offer!!

Kenny Catch-up

Wow, what a hectic but wonderful first few weeks in boarding it has been!

This week has seen the return of all Kenny boarders and it certainly is pleasing to have a full house. The boys are slowly but surely finding their feet and establishing their own routines that see plenty of extra-curricular activities being undertaken which makes for quiet nights.

It’s also pleasing to see the individuality of our boys coming out and some of the boys growing in confidence with each passing day. I do believe that we have a wonderful group of boys that all seem to get along well, even though there have been a few heated table tennis matches! It was also a very proud moment to see Kenny House represented at the recent weekend activity of Go Karts, taking out 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd place in the final!

As I continue to emphasise to the students in Kenny, it is important that the lines of communication are continuously open. As staff, we can only help if we are aware of the problem. This may include day to day school issues, personal issues, or simple questions -“ our sole purpose is to be here for the boys.

The term has certainly started well and quickly, but I look forward to the many experiences, challenges and opportunities that will face the boarders of Kenny House in 2016.

Miss Tamara Westwood

Senior Housemaster, Kenny House

Our returning boarders and new boarders are settling in perfectly with a small amount of understandable home sickness to begin with.- However, our -rookie- boys are adopting their new school family very quickly. The weekends have been relaxing as well as filled with gym opening times giving the boys the opportunity to exercise and interact. A recent highlight was the Go Karting activity a week ago which is always very popular.- I am extremely pleased and proud of how well the boys have conducted themselves so far with all aspects of their boarding experience. I look forward to sharing highlights of their boarding journey in the coming weeks with you.

Mr Ewen Larsen

Kenny House Weekend Housemaster

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Introducing Sam White -“ 2016 Captain of Boarding

Year Level: – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – 12- – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

Home Town: – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Yaapeet, Victoria.

Interests:– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Football and Water-skiing.

Favourite Food: – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Roast Chicken.

How long have you been a Boarder at SPC: – – – Since Year 10, 2014.

What made you choose to board at SPC: – – – – – – – The subjects that SPC offered, as well as the football program.

Future Plans: – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – I hope to become a builder.

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Phyland/Farley Catch-up

For those that I have been unable to speak to directly let me introduce myself. My name is Daniel Willey, I have recently become the Weekend Housemaster at Phyland/Farley House. Previously I have worked in Japan as an English teacher and as a study tutor at St. Pats. As this is my first in-house experience of boarding, I began with a feeling of trepidation; as we do in any new situation. The feeling however, has now left me as I have begun to see what a great family-style boarding is at St Patrick’s. This past week I have had the pleasure of being the acting weekly housemaster, filling in for Mr. Murphy as he completed private studies. Seeing the students throughout the week, working with them and watching them find their own feet in this new academic year has been a great opportunity. -The boys-, as it seems is St Pats tradition to refer them to as, are truly great young men. I have been pleasantly surprised by their maturity and resilience. The most welcoming thing I have learnt this week however, is the sense of community in the houses. The inclusiveness in everyday activities is generally remarkable, a myriad of encounters spring to mind of older boys showing the newer ones how to deal with boarding life. Most notably the quiet talks about how to act during Sunday Mass, and stopping their own studies to help another student. I was also happy to find out that I am not outside of this, the boarders helping me also; suggesting ways that have worked before in the past and how to improve existing methods. As such I would like to say thank you to all who have helped me in my first few weeks, and to try and pass on how grateful and honoured I am to be part of the St Patrick’s boarding community.

Daniel Willey

Phyland/Farley House Weekend Housemaster

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Look after yourselves

Mike Silcock

Director of Boarding