A journey of growth and opportunity at Boarding
We are currently in a time of great anticipation and transition at Boarding. As is usual at this time of the year, our community of students have differing priorities yet generally there is a shared focus directed towards exams, future schooling and vocational outcomes. We are in the middle of various types of studies and tasks prior to the changes which are just around the corner. It is very pleasing to note that overall, students are absorbing the pressures and challenges related to this time of the year very well.
The symbolism behind events at this stage of the year is quite powerful for our Year 12 students. They have shared in the ceremonies of their Boarding Graduation Dinner, the Graduation Breakfast with fellow Year 12s and the very moving Graduation Assembly. Some are now sitting exams, other senior students are tying off loose ends at school, whilst some of our remote Indigenous students are home with family before their final “rite of passage” in Haileybury Rendall School – the Year 12 Valedictory Dinner; a celebration of years of hard work, grit and determination to succeed when faced with challenges so far away from Country and family.
Term 1A begins next week and so a new year of learning begins, along with opportunities in Boarding. Madjirra House will be used for fee paying students and Year 11 and year 12 Indigenous students in 2025. This provides a different mix of students in this House with the chance to share knowledge, cultures and form strong friendships. It also provides different leadership opportunities both formally via Boarding Prefect positions and the role modelling of appropriate cultures within boarding.
We hope all of our students embrace this time of the year as one of change and opportunity to thrive in the next stage of their schooling or vocational pathways and importantly, their growth as a person.
Ian Smith
Acting Director of Boarding
