Boarding Life: Activities Program the Way to Go

Boarding Life

Activities Program the Way To Go!

By Gareth Gilby, Head of Boys’ Boarding, and Leigh Knight, Head of Girls’ Boarding

There’s no time to be bored when you’re a boarder! Whether whizzing down the Tornado or Aqua Racer at Adventure Park, “hanging ten” on a curling right-hander at Urquhart’s Bluff, or enjoying a home-made double scoop of strawberry ice cream and chocolate fudge at the Great Ocean Road Chocolate Factory, the Boarding Activities program offers something for everyone.

This program is designed to allow our boarding students an opportunity to get away from the school environment and socialise with their peers while enjoying fun, new experiences. Every second Sunday during term time, there is a boarders’ activity or outing planned. It is incredibly important as a vehicle for students to build relationships with others (including staff), as well as build self-confidence and resilience in themselves. Some of the activities require the students to take themselves out of their comfort zone and try things they may have never done before. The tree surfing and zip lining activities take some courage and it is often the encouragement from others that provides the extra motivation to step off. The yum cha outing to China Town in Term 2 is always a favourite, with students inspired to try foods that they may not have eaten before and enjoy the vibrant, colourful surrounds that China Town offers.

Every year we also participate in a cultural outing, usually to one of Melbourne’s beautiful theatre venues. Last year we enjoyed a mid-week sojourn to The School of Rock. We have an amazing array of talented musicians and thespians in our boarding houses and it is fabulous for them to have the opportunity to share their love of music and the arts with others in boarding. It is equally as important that others less familiar with musical theatre have the opportunity to appreciate the immense skills and talents of both local and international performers to broaden their minds and experiences.

As part of the program, the boarders also run a social service charity brunch to raise money for a chosen cause. Not only does this bring the wider boarding community together, but it also raises awareness around issues in our community. The students take responsibility for organising and running this event. It requires leadership, organisation and effective communication skills to motivate their peers and put this event together. Other activities enjoyed throughout the year have included, but are not limited to, go-carting, Christmas shopping in Melbourne, Bounce trampolining, a beach day in Lorne, indoor rock climbing, stand-up paddleboarding and ice skating. It is always pleasing to see students mingling with others whom they may not regularly socialise with. The more our students understand each other, know each other and interact with each other in a positive, safe environment, the more respectful and cohesive the boarding community will be. The Boarding Activities program certainly helps achieve this.