The boarding experience

ANDREW SCHUYLER, ASSISTANT HEAD OF BOARDING (MACKIE)

Boarding at The Geelong College is a unique experience, one that fosters both academic and personal development.

Whilst being a boarder in Mackie and Mossgiel supports the academic, sporting and musical opportunities offered at our school, it is essential that boarding life is balanced with recreational outings and community events.

These activites not only promote a boarder’s wellbeing but also play a critical role in social interactions and building strong, lasting friendships that go beyond the Mackie and Mossgiel gates.

Our scheduled monthly outings provide an important platform for boarders to share experiences together while connecting with their peers and boarding staff, fostering a sense of community.

Outings are planned and organised to extend the diverse interests of many boarders ranging from surfing at Point Roadknight, go-carting in Melbourne, ‘& Juliet’ at the Regent Theatre and the popular Melbourne shopping trip.

By offering and exposing our boarders to cultural, sports, community service and musical outings it encourages students to explore their talents and interests beyond academics.

The Geelong College boarding community is a second home for our students living away from loved ones. Community events and celebrations are an integral part of this experience and play a vital role in shaping the holistic growth of our boarders.

Events such as Family Weekends, Boarders’ Formals, Boarders’ Valedictory Evening, Mossgiel Halloween, Run 4 Geelong, Year Level Cooking and the Annual Urbans vs Rurals Netball and Football matches promote a supportive environment.

These events provide an opportunity for our families and staff to connect in an informal setting, allowing all to build meaningful relationships. These interactions create a strong boarding community where everyone feels welcomed and valued, fostering a sense of belonging.

Go Carting

The indoor track had plenty of competition ranging from the speedy Year 7s to the veteran racers. There were some great performances from the girls and boys with Charlie Bowker and Sophie McLellan securing a spot in the final. All in all, it was a great day jam-packed with friendly competition.

- Max Johnson, Year 10

Tree Surfing

All who attended will remember hearing the screeches and screams of individuals testing their personal fears of heights and pushing themselves outside their comfort zones. Many boarders will look forward to this outing next year.

- Olivia Handbury, Year 11

Theatre

As the final notes resonated, we left the theatre with hearts full of joy and memories to cherish. Melbourne’s vibrant arts scene had truly enriched our boarding experience, and ‘& Juliet’ became an unforgettable highlight of our year.

- Phoebe Raeburn, Year 11

Surfing

While the weather in Anglesea wasn’t promising, the brave boarders fought hard to get to their feet with the help from the experts and some great examples by Mr Gilby. The coastal boarders led the show with some impressive ability and shared their knowledge with their friends.

- Isobel Nagle, Year 11

Halloween

This year at Mossgiel (Mossy), we invited some of the younger children from The Geelong College community to visit, and they all took part in an exciting and spooky experience. We all decorated our 7- unit doors with mysterious and ghostly designs. It was such an enjoyable night, spent running around from door to door collecting either some treats or even a few tricks.

- Ella Skehan, Year 11

Boarders’ Formal

We celebrated the time left of the year for fellow boarders and the next chapter for the departing Year 12s. The night included a delicious meal cooked by the Dining Hall staff, Year 11s addressed the departing year 12s with speeches, some comedylike performances by the Mackie boys evened out the tears from the Mossy girls and everyone busted out a dance move with the DJ box!

- Maddi Calvert, Year 11

Cooking

In Term 3 the Year 7 Mackie boys cooked our own meal with Mr Schuyler and his daughter Svea. We all decided on bangers and mash something that we all liked. The snags smelt amazing sizzling on the pan. Once everything was plated up, we took a seat around the dining table and enjoyed our meal together. Everyone loved the food, especially the mashed potato.

- Cooper Harvey, Year 7

Family Day

Mossgiel house started off with the netball, high talent shown with the Rurals coming out victorious. Everyone then moved to Mackie Oval for the football match. The game was held in great spirits and with great skill displayed, Rurals came out victorious getting the overall win in both sports on the day. Both Mossgiel and Mackie families enjoyed a wonderful barbeque on the edge of Mackie Oval and the day was an overall success.

- Will Paton and Charlie Leishman, Year 11

“Our events and outings continue to connect boarders, staff and families together, creating memories, building relationships and instilling a sense of pride and identity that lasts a lifetime.”