Sunday’s activity for the boarders staying in was Ice Skating at Macquarie Ice Rink. This activity was chose by popular demand after the boys had seen it earlier in the year while going to the movies at Macquarie.

As the boys planned their departure, it was obvious that many had never been ice skating as some thought that shorts and shirt would be the appropriate attire!

Once there though … the fun began. Luke Hanigan (Coonamble) gives his account of the experience below:

On the 6^th of March year 7 and 8 went to the ice rink for the Sunday activity. When we arrived we wacked on our skates, waited a while until the gates opened  then we headed for the ice. Blokes were already falling over before we even got to the ice. Just walking in those skates was hard work! Everyone scrambled on to the rink and straight away went butt-over-head. People were falling all over the place left right and centre.

The biggest and best stacks of the day were definitely by  Ben Spencer (Barraba). The stacks he did were just outstanding but he was doing them every 10 seconds. I reckon after the activity his behind would of been a bit sore.

The best of Year 7 and 8 was the famous Luke Hanigan. He was like a professional and it was his first go of ice skating how did he do it? We tried to get Brother Anthony Boyd out on the ice rink but he couldn’t as there was something wrong with his knee.

Over all the ice skating was an awesome Sunday activity and I’m sure that we would love to do it again.

Thanks to Luke for his nice little report – clearly there was no bias in who he thought was the best skater of the day.

Photo 1: Chase Teague (Scone) holds on for his life as he learns how to Ice Skate.

Photo 2: Luke Hanigan (Coonamble) and Jack O’Brien (Walgett) enjoy a day on the ice.

Photo 3: Some of the Joeys boys before heading onto the ice including Ben Spencer (Barraba), Mitch Davis (Cobar), Luke Hanigan (Coonamble), Lachlan Day (Wagga Wagga), Stuart McLean (Hay) and Chase Teague (Scone).

Each Sunday, the boarders who remain at the College participate in the Sunday Activity. This activity changes each week and already this year, the boys have been to the movies (at Macquarie Centre) and Laser Skirmish (at Darling Harbour). Last week, the full boarders who stayed in were treated to an afternoon of indoor rock-climbing.

For active boys, this is always a popular activity as it keeps them busy and challenges them, no matter what experience or skills they already have. There are climbs for beginners and also climbs for the more advanced which ensures that everyone can get in and enjoy themselves.

Br Anthony Boyd took the boys on this activity and when I spoke to him the next morning he was most impressed with the boys that he took. He commented that they “just went for it”. Like all physical pursuits, some are good at it and others struggle, however Br Anthony was quick to point out that all the boys gave it a good go and as a result enjoyed themselves thoroughly.

It is usually about Wednesday of each week that I am being pestered by the boys for them to find out what the activity is for the weekend ahead. This is a great sign that they are enjoying getting around Sydney and making the most of the opportunities that they are given.

Photo 1: Stuart McLean (Hay) makes his way up the ladder.

Photo 2: Ben Spencer (Barraba) takes the challenge of the great wall.