Dixon

MR MARK HOPPE

Dixon Housemaster

One of my most admired characteristics of The Southport School is the strong commitment to the holistic development of our young boys. In my opinion, schools that fail to provide the guidance, moral compass and sense of belonging that our House system cultivates do a huge disservice to their young people. It was because of this passion for the pastoral care of our boys that I was delighted to take over the reins of Dixon House for 2015. In my previous two years as a staff member of Dixon House I was energised by the spirit and comradery of the boys, the willingness to step outside their comfort zone in the name of the House and the creative (often sparkly) leadership of Mrs Megan Thomas. Squashing my naturally competitive urge, my goal for the year was a simple one – to understand each Dixon boy’s strengths and passions from Years 3 to 6 and make him feel acknowledged and respected as a member of the mighty Dixon Dragons. There was little time to ease into the role of Housemaster this year with Dixon nominated for fundraising for Term One. On the back of such a successful initiative in previous years, the aim was to continue to grow both the Dixon Dog Day and Easter Raffle into iconic Dixon fundraisers for the extremely worthy local charity, Anglicare Southern Queensland’s Foster Care program. I am always overwhelmed by the generosity of local businesses and individuals who, so willingly, support school fundraising drives, and this year was no different. On the Dixon Dog Day more than 500 orders were taken and an army of parent helpers – aided by a fantastic group of Year 6 delivery boys – met the challenge to make it such a success. Equally, the Easter Raffle generated over 800 ticket sales with students and families keen to share in a bounty of donated prizes. In total, $4,835 went to our very grateful charity, allowing them to brighten the lives of some deserving local kids. Interhouse carnivals and events are wonderful occasions in the school calendar. More important than providing opportunity for friendly rivalry and bragging rights for the following 12 months, these competitions give a whole host of boys the chance to shine or toil away, keen to give their best. Congratulations to all the Dixon boys who have committed so well to running, jumping, throwing, shooting, bowling, arguing, swimming, and checkmating – all in the name of the mighty Dragons. House leadership is often something many boys aspire to in the Preparatory School and I have been blessed with a whole team of Year 6 leaders keen to develop their leadership skills, whether through coordinating groups of boys at carnivals, fundraising, writing assembly scripts, representing our House and School at various events, welcoming guests to the school, the list goes on. At the helm of this team have been four fine young men, Tommy Condon, Tae Yoon, Victor Wu and Kyle Price, whose willingness to go that extra yard, often sacrificing recreational time of their own, has just been a delight to witness. Gentlemen, you have been exemplary leaders and I wholeheartedly thank you for your amazing contribution to Dixon in 2015.

The House could not operate so smoothly without the support of the Dixon House staff either. Mr McLennan, Mr Newton, Mrs Poeszus and Mrs Hurd in the Upper Years of the Prep School have been a fantastic support to a novice Housemaster. In addition to Mrs Stevens, Mrs Thomas, Mrs Capper, Mrs Wilson and Mrs Bramwell have all assisted Dixon boys throughout the year. On behalf of the boys I truly appreciate your efforts and support. As we draw closer to the end of the year, success of a House can often be simplified as to whether the Howard Smith Cup is engraved with your House’s name or not. While striving for excellence is an important lesson for our boys and I would love to celebrate the boy’s efforts with a trophy for them, winning should never be a measure of one’s success. I thank all Dixon boys for the manners, good humour, enthusiasm, willingness to challenge themselves and respect for one another that make me the proudest Housemaster in the Preparatory School. So farewell to the departing Year 6 cohort of Dixon boys,

thank you for your immense contribution to the House and I hope that you look back on your time as a Dragon in the years to come with fond memories.

Roll on 2016 and another opportunity for Dixon boys to shine. “Go you mighty Dragons!”

CAPTAINS’ REPORTS Tommy Condon – House Captain I have been at TSS for six years and proudly became Dixon Captain in my final year of Prep. I would like to thank all my fellow Dragon brothers for their support and work throughout the year as it is you who make this great house, Dixon. On behalf of the Dragons, I would like to thank the fantastic Dixon coordinators, most notably our Housemaster, Mr Hoppe. Their structure and support keep the mighty Dragons in the forefront of most activities! Last, a big thank you to the parents of Dixon boys, unashamed support in getting us up for challenges, getting us to school and washing those dirty blue shirts after trying hard in House activities.

Tae Yoon – House Vice-captain I have attended TSS for the past two years. I enjoyed every second of my time at this amazing school. TSS is a wonderful school with the presence of many talented boys. The school also provides opportunities and advanced learning for our future. Dixon House is made up of sporty, intelligent and musically talented boys and I am very proud to have been a part of this incredible team. Kyle Price – House Vice-captain The experience of being a Dixon House Vice-captain has helped me be more interactive with the younger boys of Dixon. The thing that makes being a Dragon so special is no-one puts anyone down and there is always teamwork. As a captain, I’ve loved the opportunity to start war cries and speak at Assembly. At carnivals, Dixon stands out because no-one gives up until the very end and the cheering gives the boys an extra push. At the end of my year as Vice-captain, I’m most proud of the leadership and confidence that I have built within myself. Mateship is one thing that makes Dixon the best House in the Prep School.

Victor Wu – House Vice-captain Being in Dixon was the best thing that happened to me at TSS. From Day One, Dixon was such a welcoming House and there was never a boring moment. They are a great House and I was honoured to be appointed Vice-captain this year. Dixon shows such great sportsmanship and it was a great experience. Thank you to all the Dixon staff, students and Mr Hoppe for putting in so much effort this year. I won’t forget Dixon in the Senior School and the important lessons it has taught me. Thank you.