Stirling Clan – Week 5, Summer Term 2021
Dear Parents of Stirling Clan Boarders,
- I’d like to start by welcoming Ben Riggs and his family to the Clan. Ben is in Year 9 and from Esperance and started yesterday. I am very pleased with the way the Year 9s have been looking after him and ensuring he finds his way around.
- The last couple of weeks have been busy for the Year 12s with the ball two weekends ago, and the final leg of the Bibbulmun Track walk last weekend. The school ball was spectacular and I have included a photo of the Year 12 Stirling boys at the boarding house pre-ball function. Last weekend two boys completed the 1003km Bibbulmun track after chipping away at this challenge since Year 7 (see photo). Congratulations to George Purser, Ben Nixon (now a dayboy) and Mr Hildebrandt who completed the event and Haig Mactaggart who went along to support his peers.
- The Year 9s have the next leg of the Bibbulmun track coming up on March 21st and so I have attached the letter with the gear list in case it was lost. Boys new to Year 9 will be provided with some of the gear the boys received in earlier years. A special request from Mrs Grosse and Mrs Usher who work in the Scotch Boarding administration office, please can parents ensure that their medical forms are up to date.
- Last week the Year 9s went to Rottnest for their camp. This has been a regular camp for originally Year 8s and now Year 9s. This is an important time for boys in their new houses to bond together as a group. The reports I have had back from this camp have been very positive. Last night at our House meeting I asked George Stoney to speak to the rest of the clan about the camp and he did a good job, despite being put on the spot.
- It is my intention to give boys the opportunity to speak at House Meetings and develop their confidence speaking in front of about 40 other boys.
- After this week there are 4 more weeks of school. Usually during this time there will be at least one if not two assessments in most subjects. (Serious subjects like Geography have two assessments) Year 11s and 12s will have their mid-year exams in weeks 2+3 of next term and so I would imagine that revision should start in the last week of this term.
- The boys seem to be making better use of the tutors available to them Monday-Thursday during prep. Recently we have had a bit of a focus helping boys who have OLNA tests, whether it be for reading, writing or maths. The boys have responded positively to this challenge and we are committed to keeping on trying.
- Last night we had a fire alarm. This was not planned but it was important that we run a drill earlier in the year. The drill was done well with all boys gathering on the sacred turf (rugby field) with rolls taken and boys accounted for. Myself and two other resident mentors checked every room, common space, toilets etc to ensure all boys were out, and this was completed in very quick time as the room locks have been removed.
- Finally after the sports bye and the long weekend, we face Hale this weekend on the sport’s field.
Regards
Richard