Penrhos Boarding Week 2024: Fun, fundraising and friendship

The week following the long weekend in Term 2 is designated Penrhos Boarding Week. The aim of the week is for the boarders to have fun and to share some love with the school community. We know the boarders are amazing and we love to celebrate them. 

The week also provides an opportunity to raise funds for causes dear to rural communities. This year, all proceeds will support Ronald McDonald House, with nearly $2000 raised so far.

The week kicked off with a highly successful bake sale during morning tea and lunch on Tuesday. With the boarders home for the long weekend, it was the perfect opportunity for some baking. This year, we focused on cupcakes, slices, and brownies, all of which were delicious. Next year, we might even ask for the recipes to share with everyone.

On Tuesday night, Our Ruby Girl’s gelato cart came to the Boarding House, and each boarder enjoyed some gelato. This was a big thrill, as everyone loves an ice cream. On Wednesday everyone in the school community dressed in their footy colours. It added a more relaxed air to the school day and more money was raised.

Throughout the week, we ran the Secret Friend event, culminating in a big reveal on Thursday night. Rooms were decorated, heartfelt notes were written, and gifts and treats were exchanged, with each boarder ensuring their secret friend felt truly special. This week is all about giving and experiencing the joy of doing something kind for others. It was heartwarming to hear the squeals of delight when the secret friends were finally revealed, making it a truly special and memorable week.

The Prefect team of Taylor, Safie, Sophie and Lilli have been incredible. They organised a raffle of local produce, for the Penrhos staff – which the staff loved and was excitedly won by Junior School teacher Morag Ritchie. 

This year, the Year 12 boarders won a newly minted tug-of-war, against the Student Council. The team have continued to promote the events and were experts in sales at the bake stall. The boarding staff and boarders have all remarked on their enthusiasm and how it has made the week so much fun. 

On Saturday night the boarding community held the inaugural Op Shop Formal for the boarders in Years 10, 11 and 12.  It was amazing to see the quality of gowns that can be purchased from an Op Shop for less than $20. It was a great event and will become a permanent fixture on the boarding calendar. 

To finish off the week, our Years 7 and 8 boarders enjoyed Disney on Ice on Sunday evening and the Year 9 students a trip to Bounce. Nobody misses out on a special treat when it is Penrhos Boarding Week.

Thank you to the boarders, parents and staff who have helped make 2024, bigger and better than ever. Plans are already being made for Penrhos Boarding Week in 2025. Can we surpass the magnificence of this year? We will need to wait and see.