|
Without doubt the move upstairs to the new refurbished accommodation was a highlight for most, except the unlucky sixteen boys who had to stay downstairs in the old south
dormitory. The selection for the honour of staying downstairs was a tricky, highly sensitive, diplomatic feat, entailing selection by year and a large portion of bribery on my part ("the boys have been promised the pick of the single rooms in August").
The rest of the house settled into the accommodation and quickly transformed the place from a sterile, freshly painted environment to a homely, quieter house that adds a new dimension to the boys' quality of life. The appearance throughout the corridors of flowers, plants and pictures combined with new curtains did puzzle the boys a bit; do we really need them?' was the question. Boys eh!
This summer sees the refurbishment of the middle two dorms, which will complete the new set-up in Cunningham. I would like to thank Col. Sharp and Mr. BIyth for their constant liaison and support during the build-up to our move in January.
|
Our social calendar was as busy as usual encompassing discos, cinema/theatre and shopping trips and the highlight of 2000, our visit to Alton Towers Theme Park in June. This was on excellent run out for the boys and my thanks go to Mr. McLay and his wife Sarah for accompanying me and helping staff the visit. As the trip was such a success we intend to travel down to the park again this year in June.
In December Aaron Ross, our gap student from Brisbane, left us and was replaced in
January by Richard Wilson from Perth W.A. My thanks go to Aaron for all his contributions and our best wishes for the future. Richard has already settled in well and, hopefully, will have a happy and fulfilling year at Q.V.S.
My thanks ore also extended to all of the House Team who have offered me support throughout the year. I appreciate all their efforts and personal input as I hope do the boys. I would especially like to mention Mr. Duthie, my Assistant Housemaster, and Mrs McVey, Matron's assistant for their continuing commitment and encouragement over the year. A special thanks also go to the
|
many parents who not only support the House Team but also are sympathetic towards our collective aim of creating a happy and safe environment for their children. To achieve this collective aim I am supported daily by Mrs. Tomkins, the House Matron, who is not only responsible for my morale but because of her daily contact with the boys and staff is very perceptive in knowing when we all need a little encouragement and TLC!
To end I thought it might be of interest to readers if I published some of the requests I have received over the year during our House council meetings. These meetings provide a forum for the boys to express their views on any aspect of life in the House:
Can the girls visit the house? Can we have pot noodles in the tuck shop? Can we have a jelly bean machine? Could prep time be shortened? Can we have a trampoline in the TV. room?
B. Tomkins
Housemaster
Cunningham House
NEXT PAGE
|
