The Geelong College is teaching boys to ‘stand sure’

What is boarding like at The Geelong College? Just ask the man in charge.

Head of boys’ boarding at The Geelong College, Greg Smith, said boarding may be like an extended footy trip or a long sleepover with your best mates, with some learning in-between.

However, getting to that point takes considerable effort.

“A positive culture in a boarding house is not something that just happens because you put 50 boys together,” Mr Smith said.

“Quite the opposite. It must be nurtured, fashioned and adapted constantly.

“In Mackie, the boys’ boarding house at Geelong College, I believe we have a positive culture among the boys because we work at it.

“We recently adopted a new motto: “Stand Sure”. This short phrase encapsulates much of what we are trying to achieve. To stand sure means knowing what we stand for in terms of a set of accepted values. It means standing up for each other and it means standing together.”

The values promoted and expected are simple: respect, kindness and inclusiveness.

“These encourage the boys to think outside themselves,” Mr Smith said. “Respect means respect yourself, respect for others and respect for the fabric of Mackie itself. We encourage the boys to think of themselves as caretakers, looking after and nurturing both the culture and the bricks and mortar of the House while they are there.

This advertising feature is supported by the following schools:

“Kindness means looking out for the well-being of others and taking the time to ‘get around’ anyone who is doing it tough.

“Inclusiveness means the boys thinking to include others and making the effort to include themselves in the life of the house. We encourage the boys to be involved as much as possible, from seeking leadership opportunities to participating in both formal and informal activities and outings. This builds a sense of belonging to something bigger than themselves. It helps to build a vital sense of sense of ownership and community.”

After 22 years in boarding, Mr Smith said that boys are affectionate or caring, despite what some people think, and that they just love hanging out with mates for a good chinwag anytime.

“I wouldn’t trade a moment of my time in boarding at the college, no matter how difficult,” he said. “Boarding is the ultimate learning experience. We all have to deal with the world out there sooner or later and what better way than living and learning with 50 mates.”

The Geelong College is a leading Victorian co-educational day and boarding school. Find out more at an open day on May 2, August 15 and October 24. Meet the principal and teaching staff, and experience the boarding houses, school, classes and activities guided by students.

Related