6 minute read
FOCUS ON STUDENTS
FOCUS ON STUDENTS Boarders
Getting to know our Boarders
Advertisement
Our Boarding Community has undergone significant change over the history of the College, but at its core is our regional and agricultural heart. We interviewed some of our current College Boarding Leaders asking about their experiences during their time at the College.
This is what they had to say…
Tell us about yourself. Who are you, where are you from and what do your family do?
Jack Rule - from Cronulla, Dad’s a teacher, Mum works for a water company and delivery. Benjamin Elworthy - from Gundagai NSW and I have one brother and one sister. We have a farm with my Dad David working as an agronomist at Elders and Mum Sharon working at Valmar. Lachlan McGufficke - I am a Year 12 boarder at St Gregory’s College. I am from a sheep farm outside of Cooma which is located in the Snowy Mountains. My Mum works for the Snowy Hydro in the HR Department and my Dad is a Farmer.
Sipiliano Vaohea - I am a Year 12 student from Groote Eylandt and my Mum works at a Land Council and Dad is a Tyre Fitter in the mines in Groote.
When did you start Boarding at St Gregory’s College?
Jack Rule - 2016 in Year 7 Benjamin Elworthy - 2019 in Year 10 Lachlan McGufficke - I started Boarding at St Gregory’s in Year 9, 2018 Sipiliano Vaohea - In 2016 in Year 7
Why did you choose to become a Boarder at St Gregory’s?
Jack Rule - My parents thought that it would suit me and I would be able to experience a lot more things, more than I would if I stayed at home. Benjamin Elworthy - To experience the opportunities through education and sport and develop skills and habits that would benefit me when I leave school and enter the working world. Lachlan McGufficke - I chose to become a Boarder at St Gregory’s as I knew many people who came to St Gregory’s and they spoke very highly of the College and of the opportunities they were provided. Sipiliano Vaohea - My three older brothers came before me and I also wanted to come to St Greg’s too.
Whilst Boarding at St Gregory’s how have you contributed to College life?
Jack Rule - I am a Boarding leader and a member of First Grade teams in Basketball, Rugby Union and Rugby League. Benjamin Elworthy - I have contributed to the College through sporting commitments such as rugby union, league and cricket.
Lachlan McGufficke - Whilst at St Gregory’s, I’ve contributed to the College life through academics, sporting and co-curricular activities. I have been a part of many sporting teams including rugby league, rugby union, cricket, AFL, touch football and basketball. I have also been a part of the Show Team and I took part in the Toastmaster’s Program. I am currently in the 2021 Year 12 leadership team and I have introduced many initiatives throughout the year to hopefully better the College now and into the future. Sipiliano Vaohea - Sport & Community service. I am part of the Rugby League team here at St Gregory’s.
How has Boarding at St Gregory’s influenced you?
Jack Rule - It has given me new experiences, travelling to different places, a sense of brotherhood, a strong mind and gentle heart, pride in my mates and my school. Benjamin Elworthy - Boarding at St Greg’s has influenced me to develop many positive qualities in my everyday life. These include things such as self-control, healthy study habits and routines and organisation. These skills, I believe, have influenced me to become a better person both here at school and when I leave.
Lachlan McGufficke - Boarding at St Gregory’s has led me to become a more independent, respectful, and hard-working person. This is largely due to the people I have encountered throughout my time at St Gregory’s including my mates, teachers, boarding staff, and my sporting coaches who have all been role models for me.
Sipiliano Vaohea - It has influenced me by teaching me the values of mateship and brotherhood. Also, that family isn’t just about being blood related, its about the strong relationships built with each other.
Jack Rule Benjamin Elworthy Lachlan McGufficke Sipiliano Vaohea
What challenges have you overcome during Boarding?
Jack Rule - Not knowing anyone before coming to school.
Benjamin Elworthy - Challenges I have overcome during my time Boarding at St Greg’s are; being away from the everyday life at home and not seeing my parents every day. Also, I have overcome not being able to see my mates from home regularly and doing the everyday activities like fishing and riding motorbikes. Lachlan McGufficke - Challenges I have had to overcome during Boarding include being away from home and my family, and most recently the impact of COVID-19 which affected my schooling as well as sport and social life throughout 2020. Sipiliano Vaohea - The big move from such a small school and island was a challenge for me. Coming to a new school not knowing anyone and being very shy to introduce myself to others.
What advice would you give to families thinking about Boarding at St Gregory’s for their son?
Jack Rule - Have trust in the Collegel, and think of the experiences they might have at a Boarding College. Benjamin Elworthy - I would advise all families to send their boys to St Greg’s as it will allow them to seek new education and sporting opportunities. This experience will allow them to meet boys from all over Australia and from different backgrounds, allowing them to make lifelong friends. Lachlan McGufficke - Advice I would give to families when considering Boarding for their son is to have trust in the College. When you come here you feel welcomed and a part of something special. The advice I would give to future St Gregory’s Boarding students is to get involved and take advantage of the opportunities provided to them. Sipiliano Vaohea - Make the most of your time here and enjoy it.
What will be your favourite memories of Boarding at St Gregory’s?
Jack Rule - Being with my mates, singing, playing sport and the Boarding House environment. Benjamin Elworthy - My favourites memories of Boarding at St Greg’s would be playing footy with my mates on weekends. Lachlan McGufficke - My favourite memories of St Gregory’s Boarding will be the time spent with mates on the sporting field, singing together in Mass and just being with each other in the House and in the Dining Hall. Sipiliano Vaohea - Hanging with mates - Playing School Boy Cup (Rugby League) with my teammates and surrounded by the whole
College. Winning against St Stanislaus College first grade at home - The first day of Boarding - Year 10 Murrumbidgee paddle - Our Boarding House
