This week we have been celebrating National Boarding Week, with a range of activities and initiatives around the hostel. It has been a great opportunity to acknowledge our boarders, coming together with one another and our wider community.

A few of our students had Winter Quad this week, being billeted out in Christchurch for a few days of competition. It is always an action packed tournament, with new friendships made. The friendly competition throughout sports always has an element of rivalry, wanting to come out on top! We were up against St Margaret's, Craighead and Columba, placing second by 0.5 of a mark!! Well done to everyone involved in another successful 'Quad' interchange.

On Monday evening Dr Townsley visited, having a Night Prayers session open to all year levels. It is always a lovely chance to spend time together, reflecting and looking forward on what is to come 💕

Our Tuesday after school activity was jewellery making! We were lucky enough to have Harriet, Izzy and Fiona from Year 12 helping us out this week. The options of beads were endless, with smiley faces, flowers, hearts, letters and more! Our creations included, beaded phone charms, bracelets and even anklets. This was a highlight and great chance for everyone to make a personalised design to take away!

In the evening Rosie, Macie and Kaylee held 'story time' for the Year 9 girls. They made fairy bread and hot chocolates for everyone, before reading the story 'Grandmas Wooden Leg' and a segment of 'create your own story'. This was a relaxing way for the juniors to spend quiet time, bringing back memories of bed time stories in previous years ☕📚

We welcomed the Year 9 and 11 John McGlashan boys on Wednesday for our annual dinner swap. The Year 10 and 12 girls headed off to Johnnies, enjoying a night of activities and seeing what dinner time looks like for them! At Tolcarne we were treated to a meal of BBQ pork and scalloped potatoes, while at John McGlashan we had a delicious chicken cashew-nut pasta. This is always a great opportunity to mix with another boarding school and get to know some new faces. Thanks to the Head Boarders from JMC and Tolcarne for organising yet another successful 'dinner swap'!

The St Hilda's Careers evening on Thursday was a success. All Year 12s and some other students headed down to school to hear from 30 panelists across 5 industry panels. The girls were able to gain 'real life' knowledge from these individuals and further think about options they may like to consider when leaving school.

As I finish this article we are about to head up to Tolcarne for the St Hilda's staff lunch. As part of our boarding week we extended the celebrations to our St Hilda's support and teaching staff. They will have the chance to join members of the boarding team for a poke bowl lunch and tours of the hostel. This is a great opportunity for the staff to take a look around the place so many of their students call home, along with enjoying a delicious lunch together!

The students have also been voting in the 'staff baby photo competition'. We have placed a board of photos in the foyer, where the girls are able to vote for which staff member they think is which, based on childhood 'looks'. It has been very entertaining and we will share the results next week!

On Sunday we are welcoming Tolcarne grandparents to the hostel for a high tea. We're all excited to have some new faces join us, getting to enjoy a cup of tea and sweet treats with other families. I am sure lots of stories will be shared throughout the afternoon.

Have a lovely weekend everyone! There will be lots going on around the hostel, with the activity being hot yoga tomorrow afternoon. See you all back on Sunday evening 💕

Year 11 Digital Technologies Field Trip