Term Two Wrap Up
Dear Shore Boarding Community,
It is wonderful to be back to “almost-normal” and fantastic to see the boys around the school and in the boarding houses once again. In saying that, there is an air of difference that surrounds everything we do, and no matter how hard we try to shake it, it won’t go away. From “X marks the spot” in dining hall queues, to no more self-serving, signs of caution and hand sanitisers everywhere, school life is not what it used to be, no matter how many boys are on campus.
Nevertheless, we have enjoyed some great experiences since the boarders have returned on May 11, and done everything possible to make the best out of an awkward situation. When the Year 12s arrived back first, we enjoyed pizza on the new Boarders’ Terrace with the Headmaster before being taken on an exclusive tour of the new RAI Grant Sports Centre, the first boys to do so. Later that week, it was takeout Friday. The boys submitted their orders and Indian, Thai and Italian dishes from local restaurants kept them satisfied at the end of their first week back in.
On the Saturday evening in Week 3, each House enjoyed a brilliant night under the stars on the Graythwaite Lawn, sitting around fire pits and telling stories long into the evening – thank you to the Westons for the great firewood! Some boys mentioned it was one of the highlights of their whole boarding experience. Local walks around the neighbourhood have been wonderful as well, punctuated on occasions with stops for gelato or other treats. In the absence of sport for many, the oval and local running tracks have seen our boys getting some exercise, but the government’s decision to bring back sport is welcome news – both for the boys who are itching to play some contact sport, and for boarding staff who crave for more testosterone to be burned off and quieter boarding houses! The weights room is open for senior boys during the week and Years 9-12 on Sundays, and this will expand further in the near future.
This newsletter will give you a peek into what has been happening around the boarding traps since Week 3. Exams and assessments are back in full swing, boarding academic tutoring has returned, and the boarders have been doing a remarkable job staying on top of things. It has been so impressive wandering around and seeing the boarders working so hard on their school work on weekends and afternoons, both individually and collaboratively. We are almost at the half-way mark. We all wish you the very best for a tremendous holiday with your sons. Here’s to you having them home under more relaxed conditions this time.
Best wishes,
Brendan
