As term 2 comes to a close, reflections of this term and the impacts on our boarding students have been nothing short of positive.
Some highlights of this term include the HRS Athletics Carnival, where students excelled in several areas and had an enjoyable time while doing so. A special mention goes out to year 12 student, Mazlan Patrick, who succeeded in breaking the school record for high jump. This event also produced the highest number of participation from boarding students, which was fantastic to see.
In week 5, HRS Boarding welcomed 28 students from China, involved in the 2026 Wuhan Study Tour. Over ten days, these students stayed in boarding and participated in various activities encouraging sharing of culture and developing friendships. We were fortunate to have Shannon Motlop visit and cook up an incredible bush tucker dinner with all students consisting of kangaroo tail, buffalo sausages and a crowd favourite, barramundi. This evening promoted and demonstrated inclusivity, diversity and togetherness.
Each week in boarding, the teams facilitate in-dorm evening cook ups, where students have been making damper, cooking fish and other delicious meals to share together. Weekly fishing activities have been another highlight this term, facilitated both after school and on weekends allowing students opportunities to participate in activities of enjoyment, connection and to be amongst nature.
Community visits have commenced this term with our Community Engagement Officer, Natasha O’Keefe and Deputy Director of Boarding, Tahlia Bray visiting families and schools in Ngukkar, Urapunga, Minyerri, Katherine and Kalano throughout Week 5. This offered an opportunity to meet families and gather feedback, provide updates on students’ successes and progress at HRS and fostered a point of connection with community schools, building positive relationships and avenues for students seeking further education. Community visits will continue throughout the year with the next trip scheduled for week one of term 3, to the Tiwi Islands.
External providers play a huge role in the engagement and development of our boarding students, and in term 2 we welcomed Hoops 4 Health, who facilitated a 6-week program focusing on building social and emotional wellbeing skills through basketball. This was a huge success and many of our students were involved in this program each Monday afternoon.
To close what has been a busy and impactful term, our Year 12 students had a wonderful time at their formal. We finished the year off with our end of term party, where students and staff shared a BBQ dinner at Howard Springs Nature Reserve.
Tahlia Bray
Deputy Head of Boarding
