Welcome back to the term, albeit for most, as a virtual welcome to start. It was lovely to have the opportunity to touch base with some of the Year 12 girls and a few others who dropped in to collect some needed items before the lockdown curfew came into effect.

The Year 12 girls had already returned to the Boarding House for their week of scheduled trial exams which started on Monday. Other girls were already on inbound flights from the NT, in some instances requiring quick decisions as to what to do. If nothing else, COVID-19 has made us very adaptable.

I would like to sincerely thank those families who put themselves out on Tuesday to assist with getting other boarders back home, or to host girls who couldn't return home. The generosity of the boarding families was again a testament to the support that is willingly offered to each other.

Our international girls, Isabella Hawkins and Myarn Alden were in the Boarding House throughout lockdown.

For those of you waiting for more rain, I hope the widespread falls over these past weeks have brought the relief you were hoping for and set this year up to be a promising season.

Introducing Our New Tutoring Staff

In the final addition of Boarders Connect for Term 2, you were introduced to Lisa Savchuk. Jina Chen also joined us in the later part of Term 2 and we are pleased to welcome Amy Day to the staff team, commencing this term.

For the final two terms of 2021, we will return to all tutors being members of the boarding staff. The Junior boarders were consulted in the decision to move back to this model. The girls can now apply the principles of the program introduced by Ateam tutors to establish academic support from our Boarding House tutoring team and their personal study habits.

Meet Jina

I am a third-year student currently studying a Bachelor of Secondary Education combined with a Bachelor of Science at Flinders University. My areas of expertise are Mathematics, Chemistry, and General Science and I aim to teach these subjects up to Year 12 level. I have had a strong enthusiasm for science and technology since high school, and a personal passion for helping others. These were the factors that drove me to study education as soon as I graduated.

Aside from working as a tutor in the Boarding House and with private students, I work as a Chinese teacher on the weekends. As I become progressively more involved in the education sector, I am certain it is the career I want to pursue. I hope I can be a positive influence and provide appropriate guidance to the girls as a part of their life journey.

I am a self-taught pianist and practice the piano as a hobby. I also enjoy different forms of art. Drawing is one of the things that I enjoy doing. I am familiar with the use of watercolours, oil pastels and markers. I would be more than delighted to share my interests with the girls in the future.

Meet Amy

I come from a rural background, growing up in country New South Wales for the best part of 15 years. I know from my personal experience what boarding life is all about, having been a boarder myself at Scotch College in Adelaide for my senior high school years.

I have had a great love for animals since I was a little girl and have turned that passion into a career by undertaking a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. When it comes to tutoring, I am confident I will be able to help with a wide range of subjects including Biology, Chemistry, Maths, Geography and French.

I believe engaging with sport and the outdoors is a great way to stay healthy and happy. At school, being part of both the First VIII rowing side and the A Grade Netball Team was both rewarding and provided a great overall balance. I will endeavour to be there to give support and listen when the boarders need help. I am very excited to meet all of you as I settle into the Boarding House.

Boarders' Fashion Parade Postponed

Sadly, we are left with no alternative but to postpone the Boarders' Fashion Parade. Fortunately, the businesses that agreed to be involved have been more than understanding and we are optimistic that the event will go ahead. A new date will be circulated as soon as practical.

Boarders' Parents Consultative Committee

Committee Chair, Min Smulders, has set aside 2.30pm, Friday 6 August, for a Boarders' Parents Consultative Committee meeting. We are unsure if this will proceed, but if you intend to come please email any agenda items to Min by Monday 2 August and save the date in your diary. The meeting can run virtually if necessary, in which case a different time of day will be chosen.