Thorold Housemaster's Report

Term 1 of 2007 has been a very hot, long and enjoyable one. This year we welcomed 19 new boys into the House from diverse countries such as Qatar, Hong Kong , PNG and from country areas such as Airlie Beach, Garah, Roma and Moree. Ably led by Daniel O'Reilly the House Captain and his vice captain Sam Beard, all members of the House have forged friendships and have settled in to the routine of Thorold. A special mention must go to Brodie Cunningham. Brodie is the School Captain for 2007, the fourth Thoroldian to be placed in this distinguished position. The last being S.D. Hansen in 1993, conratulations Brodie (you have our full support).

At the end of last year the House said goodbye to Mr. Richard Dobrenov (Head of Turnock House), Mr Phil Ward (Head of Delpratt House), Mrs Elanora Mackie (Head of Kaiser House and Assistant Head of McKinley House), Mrs. Julie Watson-Hayworth (returned to Victoria) and Mr. Rhys Griffiths . Luckily for the House, Mr Matthew Taylor (Assistant Head of Thorold), Mr Vitori Buatava and Mr. Ben Dowell accepted a resident master position in Thorold . Mr Matthew Taylor is the current First XV coach. Mr Vitori Buatava returns to the House after a stint with the Western Force Super 14 franchise. Mr Ben Dowell works locally and is training to become a memeber of the new NBL franchise on the Gold Coast. The remainder of the staff remain the same with Mr Wulff and Mr Dylan Troyahn.

Sport and House Shield

As usual the keen spirit of competition for the House Shield has begun in earnest. Ross Buchan, the sport’s captain has done a great job in driving and organising the boys. With swimming first on the agenda Thorold was placed 4th. Fantastic swims on the day were recorded by all but special mention must be made of Brodie Cunningham, Xavier Crawford, Simon Morahan, Marlon Crawford, Oscar Millroy, Ollie Smith and Bradley Bruce. The most exciting event of the day was the 'Gloria Frail' - All Age Relay which was won for the first time by the Thorold boys (Brodie Cunningham, Xavier Crawford, Simon Morahan, Marlon Crawford and Oscar Millroy). The House Drama is coming up with Mark 'Tubby' Taylor doing a great job organising the play this year. The House Soccer team has been training since the second week of term. Ill Hoon Choi and Axiom Blackman are organising the boys' training and selection trials. Sam Beard and the Seniors have had the boys out cross country training.

I feel this year a sense of spirit among the boys to have a real shot at the House Shield. The best part for me as Housemaster is the willingness of the boys to participate and organise themselves.

WELL DONE THOROLD.

Ian Jones
Housemaster
Friday 23 February, 2007