5 minute read
From the breakwater to Boarding life
NICOLE ROACHE, MARKETING AND ADVANCEMENT MANAGER
For the Watson family, life has almost always revolved around the ocean. From their bustling café on the Warrnambool coastline to their son Sidney’s love of surfing, the sea has been a constant source of joy and connection. But when it came to education, they found themselves charting a course inland—towards The Geelong College, a school they describe as “a perfect fit for Sidney.”
Life for the Watson family took a leap of faith 16 years ago when Mary-Ellen and Jon made the move from Melbourne to Warrnambool, embracing a “seachanger” lifestyle before it became trendy. With their children by their side, they built a family business, The Pavilion Café and Bar, where the rhythm of waves often mirrored their busy days.
Yet, as their children grew, they realised that while their seaside life was idyllic, it couldn’t offer the educational opportunities they dreamed of for their family.
“We were looking for the beach lifestyle, it was more affordable, and I was much closer to my ageing parents,” Mary-Ellen explained.
“The one thing that was missing, though, was good schools. We wanted the best for our children, and so we knew we had to go further afield for education,” Jon continued.
Their eldest son, Arthur, had thrived at Ballarat Grammar, following a recommendation from friends, but the Watsons weren’t sure it would be the right fit for Sidney.
After speaking with other families and attending a Community Cocktail Party in Warrnambool, they discovered The Geelong College – a school they knew well through mutual connections.
“I think the school has to fit the individual, rather than the individual fitting the school,” Jon said.
“That’s why we looked at The Geelong College. We knew of other families who had been through the school and had great things to say about the boarding experience there.”
For Sidney, the decision to attend Geelong College was strongly influenced by his love for the ocean.
“His number one love is the ocean,” Mary-Ellen shared. “He has competed for his school in surfing, which was something he was very pleased to do. It’s part of his identity, so being able to do that in his school life has been really important.”
Since joining the College, Sidney has made wonderful friends, enhanced his independence, and further developed into a confident and respectful young man. His parents attribute much of this growth to the strong, supportive relationships Sidney has with his teachers and the boarding house staff.
“Mr. Gilby is fantastic at knowing the boys and he’s very gentle,” Jon said. “I think he speaks to the boys on a very respectful level. He expects a lot, and they rise to the challenge. The boys do not want to disappoint Mr Gilby!”
Jon also shared how Sidney approaches new situations with maturity, saying,
“Sid will walk into a room where he doesn’t know anyone and introduce himself. He shakes hands and looks people in the eye. He is respectful of them and proud of himself. I think that’s a big part of what Geelong College has instilled in him.”
“Sid’s had some wonderful teachers,” Mary-Ellen added. “They’ve obviously talked to the Sidney that we know. We can tell by the parent-teacher interviews and the reports that they know the true person, which is great.
“That’s why you send your kids to schools like Geelong College – to help them learn to know and respect who they are.”
The Watsons have also developed strong connections with the parents of other boarders. They value the camaraderie and understanding of those who, like them, have children living far from home.
“The school has fostered an amazing community amongst the boarding house,” Jon said.
“That sense of community extends beyond the boarding house to include day students and their families. It’s something we will miss.”
Mary-Ellen fondly recalled a message from another mother, a reminder of the small but meaningful ways Sidney had positively impacted others.
“A mother of a Year 9 boy messaged me to let me know that Sidney had helped her son when he spilled soy sauce on his new white t-shirt. He didn’t know what to do, so Sid took him aside and showed him how to soak it out. She also told me that when her son was feeling homesick, he went to Sid.
“As a parent, that’s the kind of thing that really touches you.”
As their time as College parents nears its end, Jon and Mary-Ellen are grateful for the lasting connections they’ve made and the role The Geelong College has played in Sidney’s development. They plan to stay connected to the school community through social media and look forward to continuing to host the College’s community events in Warrnambool.
“It’s been a big part of our lives,” Jon said. “Everyone at the school has been such a pleasure to deal with –teachers, support staff, admin staff, and even the lady who opens their beer at every school function. I don’t say that lightly because I come from a hospitality background, and I look for service in everything.”
