Dear Parents and Guardians,

As we near the end of an eleven week Term 1 we are conscious that the boys have a tendency to become a little ragged. Their patience runs out and things that would normally not register a reaction have a tendency to be blown out of proportion (like myself many of you will remember the 3 term academic year and 13 week terms!!). Given the tragedies that we have witnessed in New Zealand and Japan in recent times I’m hopeful that it might be a reminder to some of the things that irritate us into perspective.

Our Year 11’s had their session with Julie Harris last Wednesday looking at study skills and the Year 12’s will do the same this Wednesday after school. I hope that each boy will be able to take something away from the session and put it to good use. There was an interesting article in the most recent boarding school’s association magazine ‘Lightsout’. It was talking about goal setting (something that CCGS does very well) and posed the question “How do you eat an elephant?” The answer “….one mouthful at a time”. Examinations, or in fact the prospect of Year 12 often seems insurmountable at times, but the ability to put things into perspective avoid catastophising situations is an important skill to have. I hope that Julie’s session will provide them with some skills that will enable them to prioritise their studies and avoid the greatest pitfall of procrastination.

It is perhaps timely that as we do draw closer to the end of the term that arrangements for travel are confirmed and communicated to us. Just a reminder that school finishes on Friday 15/4 at 12.45pm and all the boarders are expected to leave the residential community on that Friday. If travel arrangements are not until Saturday, then your son's guardian/family friend needs to take care of him on Friday night. The boarding house re-opens on Monday 2nd May from 4pm.

For those of you that responded to the ECU boarding survey and were willing to participate in the focus group, just a reminder that it will take place in Walters House on Friday 15th April from 11.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m immediately prior to the boys finishing for the term. For those who are not able to make it for the discussion, ECU have done some phone interviews already with some parents and are more than happy to do the same for others not able to be there. Please contact Ashley Fenner from ECU on 9370 6087 if you have any concerns. Having been part of the staff focus group I can honestly say that it was very positive indeed and the results of the completed survey will undoubtedly benefit all boarding environments.

I had the pleasure of going out to Champion Lakes on Saturday with some of the boarders to watch and support our competitors. All up there were 14 rowers in the boat club this year (3 in the firsts) and all of them spent a significant amount of time preparing themselves both physically and mentally for the challenge of an exhausting 6-7 minute race. I commend all of them for their contributions as well as thanking those boys who came along on the day to support. I have uploaded some photos of the regatta to the Mobile Me gallery.

As part of our regular food review, we are trying to implement an idea that came across Karina O’Meara’s desk (Director of Community Relations). In attempt to bring some of the boys favourite dishes into the boarding house next term, if your sons have a special dish that they like to eat please email the recipe to me and once a week we will have the kitchen include a dish from ‘home’.

Whilst on food, a number of the boys and I have been talking about cuisine and some have expressed an interest in cooking or learning to cook. As a result I am going to look into organizing some cooking lessons that the boys may wish to avail themselves of. With some luck we might be able to use MLC’s facilities and teach the boys a number of basic kitchen skills and recipes that will stand them in good stead.

A number of the Year 7 boys I have been speaking with have returned with many positive stories and experiences from their time on camp at Kooringal. It seems the boys were thoroughly occupied and have acquired a number of new skills and knowledge about camping, survival and the local environment. This has prompted a lot of talk amongst the Year 8’s about their adventure next term. This will be an incredible and challenging experience (I am actually quite envious!!). Early preparation for this big event is vital. If you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact the school.

Finally I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the parent community for your support this term. As a group of people who have children living away from home it seems that you have been a very acute awareness of the potential dislocating effect that a move such as the one my family has made can have. Your support and understanding has been greatly appreciated.

I look forward to seeing as many of you as possible on the chaotic last day of term when you pick up your son’s. As always please don’t hesitate to contact me if I can be of assistance.

Regards,

Geoff Guggenheimer
Director of Walters Residential Community