McMeckan House, School House and Arthur Robinson House together are home to 140 boarders - quite a large boarding contingent in an era when dwindling numbers have led to the closure of some other schools' boarding houses. The boarding houses are as much a part of the School as the Memorial Hall, the Quadrangle or the Foundation Day Concert. But the winds of change are blowing around the boarders' hill, and innovations are in the air. The plan to offer weekly boarding was outlined in the October issue of Great Scot. Meanwhile, significant refurbishment work has almost been finished on McMeckan House, and work will be completed on the other two houses during 2001 - the biggest refurbishment project since the houses were built during the 1920s and '30s.
Senior boys have their own study area and Internet access point.
But just as important is that boarders quickly learn to act on their own initiative, becoming more independent and able to think for themselves. The workshop is always a hive of activity at weekends, and boys sometimes come up with inventive creations like billycarts and lantern stands,' he said. Then there are the visits to the boarders' own 'home away from home' - Gordon Owen Lodge at Mansfield, where the boys enjoy skiing, riding trailbikes, swimming and just having a good time. Challenges and rewards One of the School Prefects on the Hill is Sam Stringer, who hails from Foster in south Gippsland. There's a lot of challenges - you're encouraged to learn to become a leader.