Finding Home at Bruce House
The hundreds of students who have shared a part of their Saint Kentigern journey at Bruce House home will testify it is more than just a place to sleep. It is a home, a community, and a family brought together through shared experiences. This sentiment was at the heart of the first Bruce House Formal Dinner of the year, an evening that welcomed new boarders, celebrated student leadership, and reinforced the values that make boarding life so special.
The evening was marked by a ceremonial presentation of Bruce House badges to the newest members of the boarding community, a tradition that signifies their place in this family. It was also an opportunity to officially introduce the Bruce House Prefects, led by Head Boy Sam Macky and Head Girl Lisa Gu, alongside Tom Peters, Amelia Sinkinson, Natalie Mitchell, and Victor Triamchanchoochai. Each of these students has walked their own path at Saint Kentigern, bringing unique strengths, talents, and backgrounds to the table – yet all share a common thread of embracing every opportunity that Bruce House and College life have to offer.
A clear message echoed throughout the evening: you get out what you put in. Principal Damon Emtage shared a personal reflection from his time in an Australian boarding community before coming to Saint Kentigern. He spoke of two students – one who, despite doubt, thrived immediately, finding her place through various sports, and another who struggled with homesickness for over two years. Yet by the time both left, neither wanted to go. Their shared experience proved that finding belonging was not about who they were or where they came from, but about their willingness to engage, connect, and immerse themselves in school life.
“This is as close to a family as you can get,” Damon reflected, encouraging students to embrace every opportunity, value friendships, and build their own story at Bruce House.
Director of Boarding Mrs Bridget Anitelea reinforced this message, urging boarders to be active participants in their own experience, to take advantage of the incredible support network around them, and to foster the kind of community that Bruce House has long been known for.
The evening was a reminder that boarding is not just about where you stay – it’s about the relationships you build, the lessons you learn, and the memories you create. And for the students of Bruce House, the journey has only just begun.
