COMMUNITY
Boarders ’ Parents Association ( BPA )
The boarding community Welcome Back BBQ the day prior to school commencing provided a wonderful opportunity for all parents to reconnect with each other after our extended Christmas holidays . It also enabled everyone to meet those families who are new to Guildford Grammar School boarding this year . We hold many social gatherings such as this throughout the year as they present an excellent opportunity for parents , as well as students , to form close relationships during their journey at Guildford .
The first weekend of term is a closed weekend and a wonderful opportunity for students to get to know each other in a friendly and fun environment . On the first Friday evening an outdoor BBQ was held followed by a movie night at Junior Hall . Once sporting commitments were completed on Saturday morning , everyone went roller skating at Morley , which provided humorous entertainment watching some first-time skaters make their way around the arena . Sunday was the inaugural Prefects Cup Fun Day , where everyone participated in archery , laser tag , bubble soccer and group swimming races . The day finished with Red Rooster and a Chapel service . All students and staff got involved and had a fabulous weekend together .
Junior Hall participates in an initiative called “ Unplugged Thursday ” each week to enhance our students ’ social and emotional well-being . Students are not permitted to use screens , laptops or mobile phones from 6.00-8.00pm . Instead they focus on interacting with each other playing board games , Lego , painting , musical instruments or any other activity that helps develop their interpersonal skills .
The main activity for our Senior boarders was the Year 12 Prefects ’ Ball held , at Mandoon Estate in the Swan Valley . The boys suddenly transformed into men for their beautiful partners , looking very handsome and dapper for the occasion ! Whilst the gentlemen attended the ball , the boarding parents enjoyed an evening out together at the Rose and Crown .
Throughout the year , the boarders are very fortunate to have an excellent array of recreational activities to participate in , often with other boarding schools in Perth . Activities include fish and chips on the beach , Adventure World , AFL matches , ice skating , bounce , putt putt , movie nights , socials and dances , games and quiz nights , river cruises , lazer tag , barefoot bowls , supa golf , BBQ ’ s and much more .
Many of the boarding mums were fortunate enough to be able to attend the FOSS , FOPS , MOGS & BPA Mother ’ s Day Lunch at Pinelli Wines . This event provides a lovely opportunity to socialise with the larger Guildford community . The boarding mums will also have an opportunity to get together for lunch on the final day of this semester .
From 13-19 May the boarders participated in many activities associated with National Boarding Week , where boarding schools around the country celebrate our amazing communities in a variety of different ways . Guildford hosted 14 boarding schools from across WA on the Sunday and students competed in a series of fun events including archery , laser tag and the Amazing Race . This was a wonderfully collegial way to not only acknowledge our unique community at Guildford Grammar School but to celebrate the lifestyle that so many boarders enjoy across our state . On the Wednesday the doors to Burt Hall were opened at lunchtime so that day students could have a glimpse of a boarder ’ s home and the Prefects cooked a BBQ to raise money for the Royal Flying Doctors Service . On Thursday there was a ‘ grab and go ’ lunch so everyone could watch the annual Boarders vs Day Students Super 9 ’ s Football game at lunchtime , which the boarders were very pleased to win ! Boarders Week is an important time to reflect on everything that makes our community such an incredible place to live .
Tracy Jones BPA Chairperson
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