St Vincent’s College, Potts Point

One of joys of being the College Companion at St Vincent’s College is my connections and encounters with the boarders.
They are mainly students from the country and bring to the college community a sense of reality, not having things when you want them and how you want them, resilience and the ability to look out for and care for each other.
I endeavour to meet these students and their parents when they first arrive at the college and after welcomes and introductions giving parents my card and assure them I am a phone call away. There are phone calls for many and varied reasons, advice, reassurance or sometimes it is to support the parents who now maybe home alone. One night one simply said tell them ‘I love them’.
There are times of dealing with homesickness, how-to live-in community and various school issues. These can all be challenging
when you are only 11/12years old and are far from home. Sometimes there are chats about how a situation might be dealt with or a connection with someone who could offer friendship or support.
Just popping into the dining room at recess and lunch can give me an idea of how the boarders are travelling. Often a smile, a few words such as “how are you?” can help lift spirits. Having dinner with the boarders -sharing food and conversation is also enjoyable.
A trip up the street to a cafe for milkshakes and treats further connects relationships and is something they long remember.
I am most grateful for the life, energy and enthusiasm the boarders bring to my life.