Being sent to the Headmaster’s office is an event which, from our own experiences, may lead to some bad memories. However, several of our Year 7 boys have helped make this experience all the more enjoyable for all those who step into Ross Tarlinton’s office. While Ross was on his long service leave last term, the opportunity was taken to re-decorate his office with his own personal choice of student artwork. Before he left for the term, Ross specifically requested that the older artwork in his office be replaced with current student work. With the help of Michelle Tinta (Head of Art and Year 7 Boarding Supervisor), fifteen artworks were chosen, of which thirteen were the work of Year 7 boys. This artwork decorates Ross’ office, his waiting room and also his PA’s office.

It goes without saying that having one’s artwork specifically chosen from over 400 art students in the school is a huge achievement and each of the boys selected deserve great commendation on their wonderful works.

Tim Hallion (Summer Hill), Tarkan Gursel (Henley), Leon Corely (Glebe), Joe McCarthy (Fiji) and Fraser Edwards (Killara) all have their artwork hung in Ross’ office. Oliver Hearne (Killara), James Hill (Denistone), Archie Tait (Maroubra) and Ben Smith (Putney) have their work on show in Ross’ waiting room while Tim O’Farrell (Woolwich), Patrick Hogan (Eastwood), Lachlan Brennan (Warriewod) and Charles Daley (Roseville) have their work on the walls of Ross’ PA’s office.

It is fantastic to see such quality work being created by our boys and is a true testament to the very diverse abilities of the young men we have in our Year 7 group. Congratulations to all these boys!

Photo 1: James Hill in front of his art work in Ross Tarlinton’s waiting room.

Photo 2: Leon Corley and Joe McCarthy with their artworks in Mr Tarlinton’s office.

Photo 3: Tim O’Farrell, Leon Corely, Joe McCarthy, Oliver McCarthy, Lachlan Brennan, James Hill and Fraser Edwards are some of the 13 Year 7 boys whose artwork has been chosen.

I still remember speaking to the boys at the pre-commencement nights last year and seeing many of their Year 6 faces go pale when I spoke of the opportunity for their parents to come and join them at school for lunch. How times change so quickly!

Lunch Leave is something that definitely unique to Joeys and something that I know both the parents and boys enjoy. It has been wonderful to see many parents over the last few weeks joining their son and sometimes a few of his friends on the lawn for lunch. In particular, the Year 7 mass on Friday provided this opportunity for many parents and extended family to spend some quality time with their sons.

Having seen some of the food that was on the rugs, it is no-wonder the boys have taken to the idea so easily! As I wandered around the grounds I couldn’t help but notice the wide ranging cuisines that seem to tickle the taste buds of the boys. While ham and salad rolls are hard to find the origins of, it certainly appeared that we had all corners of the globe covered whether it be the Japanese taste of Sushi, the American influence of KFC, the British tradition of Fish and Chips, Italy’s favourite … Pizza or our own Aussie tradition, named after Queensland Governor Sir Lamington.

Many parents have asked about the protocol of having lunch on the lawn. Since the boys are remaining on the school property, there is no need for permission to be sort. The boys simply log themselves in on their computer and that’s it. Parents need do nothing except bring some lunch!

Lunch leave is not something that all parents can get to due to work or where they live and certainly there is no need to worry about that either as the boys are well and truly fed well at each lunch. If you do, however, have time off you are always very welcome to drop in and say g’day to your son.

Photo 1: Ben Corrigan (Roseville Chase), Charlie McCann (West Pymble), Nick Porter (Hong Kong), Angus Dodd (West Pymble) and Will Nicholls (West Pymble) enjoy lunch with some of their parents.

Photo 2: Kevin Law (West Ryde), Luke Castaldi (Putney), Tim Wang (Sefton) and Odysseas Stavrou (Hunters Hill)