The Graziher Boarding School Guide

graziher 2019 BOARDING SCHOOL GUIDE

welcome

2019 BOARDING SCHOOL GUIDE

Welcome to Graziher's first Boarding School Guide!!

Boarding school is something that many children from rural, regional and remote areas experience in their lives. It can be one of the greatest experiences – making life long friends; getting a great education; and being offered amazing extra-curricular activities such as sports and cultural activities.

We've featured some amazing schools in our guide, as well as some great reads from the ICPA who do fantastic work for our rural and remote families.

Please enjoy this guide – it's a digital guide, each page has a direct click through link to each school.

Have a great Summer and a fantastic country Christmas,

Claire Claire Dunne Graziher Editor

graziher 20 SUMMER 20

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17

DALBY CHRISTIAN COLLEGE Kindergarten to Year 12 with Secondary Boarding

Boarding at Dalby Christian College is an invaluable investment in your child’s future.

With modern facilites and a caring, family environment, our Boarding House is a great place for your child to call home.

We invite you to make an appointment to meet with our College Principal and to tour our wonderful school and boarding facilities.

For more information visit: www.dalbycc.qld.edu.au Phone: 46724222 Email: office@dalbycc.qld.edu.au

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photo

CLANCY JOB.

FROM HOME World class facilities, a dedicated Activities Coordinator and on-site accommodation for when families come to visit.

The Cathedral School is your home away from home.

O P E N D AY & B OA R D E R S EXPERIENCE S AT U R D AY 1 6 M AY 2 0 2 0

Tel. 4722 2000 | 154 R oss River R oad, Munding burra . Towns ville | Reg ister at cathedral.qld .edu.au

St Margaret’s PRE-PREP - YEAR 12

BOARDING YEARS 5-12

What does it take to be Australia’s Boarding School of the Year?

• Experience counts: We’ve been educating the minds and caring for the hearts of Australia’s rural and regional daughters for 125 years • Specialist boarding staff led by a highly qualified and experienced Head of Boarding • Close partnerships between home and school • A school community that wholeheartedly embraces and supports the boarders

Visit us to find out why we are Australia’s Boarding School of the Year.

Call Judy Robinson on (07) 3862 0762 or email admissions@stmargarets.qld.edu.au

A local school with a global outlook 11 Petrie Street Ascot QLD 4007 • www.stmargarets.qld.edu.au T: (07) 3862 0777 • E: admissions@stmargarets.qld.edu.au St Margaret’s School Council Ltd ABN: 69069684019 CRICOS Code: 00511K

C L AY F I E L D C O L L E G E

A reflection

On Boarding MEG NEWMAN: CLAYFIELD COLLEGE 2019 BOARDER CAPTAIN

I

n the year Clayfield College celebrates 80 years of boarding, Meghan Newman from Alice Downs, Kumbia, near Kingaroy, together with Yui Sato of Japan, were announced as the 2019 Boarder Captains. Meg is the daughter of 1984 Old Collegian Annette Newman (Wagner), who played a vital part in this year’s boarding celebrations in February and attended the celebratory luncheon in May. As Meg’s time at Clayfield College comes to an end, she reflects below on life as a boarder from the beginning.

MEG "Boarding is the better alternative for many country families. This is something my parents knew and despite the financial struggles experienced with sending three kids away to boarding, they could always justify it when considering the wealth of opportunities offered to us.

"I started attending Clayfield College as a Year 8 student in 2015. Coming from a primary school of less than 100 kids, even the smaller close-knit Clayfield family was dauntingly large. The easiest and most natural connections were made in boarding, and these helped anchor me to this new and completely foreign place. The extensive academic and sporting

opportunities, as well as the wealth of exchanges and trips offered by the college, are things that I could only dream of at home and will be forever grateful for being able to experience.

"On my very first day at Clayfield College. I sat down in the dining room next to a girl I’d never met before.

We had a good old chat, and then all Year 8 girls were called to attend a meeting. This is when I realised that there was an age gap between myself and the other girl I had been talking to of three years, as she was going into Year 11. From then on, she was the older sister I never had, and we remain good friends to this day. Our friendship, much like all those forged in a boarding school, was strengthened by shared experiences that only boarding offers. For this reason, these friendships, which are not reliant on similarities in age, place of origin, or culture, are fuelled by the sharing of hardships and achievements and the ups and downs of life away from home.

"After I’d managed to memorise the path back to my room after dinner and the designated time for showers, I felt like I could achieve anything. So, I immersed myself in what I really enjoyed - sport. Clayfield has an extensive music programme but unfortunately, I don’t have a musical bone in my body and therefore signed up for all the sports that I’d heard of but never had the opportunity to play at home. Softball was by far my favourite new sport, and the position of catcher was apparently my calling. Our 8A team came second in the QGSSSA competition, and the memories I have from those games are some of the best. My mum was

playing in the same Year 8 Clayfield College softball team back in 1980 when she attended boarding here.

Although there have been numerous changes between her time here at Clayfield and mine (she’s still astounded by how lenient boarding rules are nowadays), the spirit and life of the college still remains much the same.

"Clayfield Boarding also has some of the best food out.

Not only that, but its location ensures easy access to just about anything.

"My time at Clayfield College has been full of great memories and experiences, and I know that this is not unique to just me. It’s a beautiful school with the biggest heart; I love it."

She will BE A CHANGEMAKER. 2020 Rural Scholarships still available, contact the Enrolments Office on 3262 0220 or enrol@clayfield.qld.edu.au.

PASSION + OPPORTUNITY + CONNECTION

www.clayfield.qld.edu.au

Let her light shine

ST MARGARET'S

St Margaret’s named Australia’s boarding school

of the year

St Margaret’s was named 2019 Boarding School of the Year in the prestigious Australian Education Awards. Winners were announced at a glittering ceremony at Dockside in Sydney on Friday 16 August.

S

t Margaret’s was one of only eight schools chosen nationwide and the only Brisbane school finalist.

It shares the win with Wesley College, Perth.

The Australian Education Awards celebrate the outstanding achievements of the country’s top performing schools, principals, department heads and teachers, defining excellence in the K - 12 education sector. This year’s awards attracted over 640 nominations across the nation, and St Margaret’s was honoured to have been named as finalist in two additional categories: Ms Ros Curtis, Principal of the Year (non-government) and Head of Primary School, Ms Angela Drysdale, Primary School Principal of the Year (non-government).

Head of Boarding Ms Lesa Fowler was on hand to accept the award, saying it was a great recognition of all the hard work of everyone associated with St Margaret’s boarding.

“It starts right from the top with our School Council and Principal Ms Curtis, who are committed to the boarding tradition at St Margaret’s.

“Ms Curtis understands the importance of boarding in our school community and how it enriches the diversity of the school; our Senior Leadership Team support and work closely with the boarding community, to ensure boarding is important in all aspects of decision making, and our teachers support and understand where the girls

come from and assist with boarders' prep, to improve academic outcomes.”

Ms Fowler said it was the girls themselves who also contributed to make the boarding school a great place to live and learn.

“Their ability to live amongst 170 other students in harmony is commendable. It is wonderful to watch each student growing in confidence and independence as they navigate living away from home and learn to truly thrive in the boarding environment. Importantly, the leadership of the Year 12 girls is vital to the success of the boarding house - our senior boarders are excellent role models for all of the girls.”

Boarding is at the heart of St Margaret’s - both figuratively and literally - with the boarding house centrally located within the school campus and an entire school community who appreciate, understand and support our boarders.

“We have been a boarding school since our very beginnings almost 125 years ago, and we remain steadfast in our commitment to educating boarders from rural and regional centres across QLD, NSW and the Northern Territory, as well as overseas,” said Ms Fowler.

Principal Ros Curtis said St Margaret’s combined solid leadership with a deep sense of nurturing and care for its boarders.

“Our Head of Boarding Lesa Fowler (pictured above) has over 23 years’ experience in boarding and oversees a specialist boarding team, which includes Heads of Senior and Junior Houses, a pastoral care coordinator and housemothers.

“Our boarding staff hold the wellbeing of each student close to their hearts and implement a number of strategies and activities to help each student seize the opportunity to be happy, healthy and nurtured,” said Ms Curtis.

The Closing Chapter Bella Gray (pictured left) grew up in the quiet country town of Texas on the Darling Downs with her parents, fifth generation graziers, and as the youngest of four siblings.

She attended the small local primary school, Texas State School, before moving to Brisbane to commence Year 7 at boarding school.

Now in her final year, the Year 12 student recalls her first night in the boarding house at St Margaret’s Anglican Girls School: “I remember I was just so excited”.

Coming from a school that didn’t really offer competition

sports, Bella jumped right into the sports on offer at St Margaret’s, participating in basketball, touch football, swimming, softball, netball and athletics.

boarding house family and participating in the school’s annual Ponytail Project, a fundraiser for Queenslanders affected by cancer.

“I put my name down for everything, which I think really helped in my first year, because it kept me busy and I really enjoyed it. It was also a great way to meet new friends,” Bella said.

“I chopped my ponytail both in 2017 and 2019 to be donated to make wigs for those who have lost their hair due to a medical condition. It was amazing to be a part of something that was making a real difference to the lives of others,” Bella said.

The sport lover has also enjoyed her participation in water polo, lifesaving, cross country and rowing during her years at St Margaret’s.

However, it is her boarding experience that Bella says has made her time at St Margaret’s special.

“I am so grateful for this experience. It has made me more independent, and living within the culturally diverse community has taught me acceptance and understanding, as well as helped to expand my global outlook,” Bella said.

The Prefect and Boarder Captain has relished the opportunity to be a school leader this year and says her fondest memories include living among her 170 strong

As she embarks on her final weeks at boarding school, Bella says she has mixed feelings about closing this chapter in her life.

She is excited about the future, which includes plans to study occupational therapy at university, but knows she will deeply miss the connections she has made friendships she hopes will last a lifetime.

For Bella, her dream is to one day return to a property in her hometown, run cattle and work locally as an occupational therapist. The saying goes, you can take the girl out of the country, but you can’t take the country out of the girl - and it seems this certainly rings true for Bella Gray.

Q U E E N S L A N D I C PA

The prospect of

Boarding School Words by Wendy Sheenan.

THE PROSPECT OF boarding school can be both spectre and beacon for the whole family. We miss them fiercely from a distance and worry about how they’re getting on without us, but that’s balanced by the knowledge that they are becoming more independent (doing their own washing, taking responsibility for their homework/time management and pocket money, etc.) while having many new experiences, making new friends and learning how to co-exist with people they aren’t friends with (a handy skill for anyone!)

I think they worry (a little) about how we’re managing without them, and they miss the quiet, the space, the pets and the freedom of bush living, but they like having access to things like gymnastics, cadets, a year round swimming pool and they love the company of their friends and the sudden access to shops! The sudden, inexplicable disappearance of the term’s pocket money over one outing is a valuable learning experience for everyone. Perhaps splitting the pocket money into two deposits a term is a better option initially, until the sudden rush of blood as a result of the readily available junk food and knickknacks subsides.

Our kids are enrolled 1,000 km away. Obviously not every school is going to suit every child, and this one is not quite the closest boarding school, but it is in a town that we

only have to drive two hours to have direct airline access to; so instead of an eight hour round trip for us to put them on the bus for a 10 hour trip, we can do a four hour round trip, pick up groceries, and by the time we get home, they’ve already landed. You just have to get in very early to get the cheap seats! And they’ve had a few bus trips, which makes sure they really appreciate the plane trips.

Boarding school has always been the reality for our family, so even though we’ve all felt some unease over the changes before us, the kids have known that will be the next step after primary school through distance education, because as wonderful as our distance ed school is (and it is!) we felt that the positives associated with going to "the big smoke" and attending a school with more kids in the boarding house than in the whole of our school of distance education (where the kids might only see the rest of their cohort two or three times a year) far outweighed the negatives.

We had talked about boarding school positively over the years, but it was always going to be tough when D-day arrived, and I think second and third term in the first year are probably the worst; the novelty has worn off, and the reality of spending so much of the year away from home has had time to set in. But, it does get better, and it’s amazing how fast the years go by.

Technology has made keeping in touch much easier, although some are more inclined to use this than others, and we’ve had to brush up on our own time management here on the property. Now stockwork is carefully planned weeks or even months in advance (where possible) to allow for full family participation over the holidays. The unfortunate but necessary short notice jobs done outside holiday time are always greeted by noises of indignation and disgust, and while normally the prospect of rain over the holidays would gladden all hearts, now their practical, bush loving selves have to war with the part that hates to miss out on the fun and comradery of mustering. And on that note, we have cattle work planned and possible rain on the horizon!

ROCKHAMPTON GIRLS GRAMMAR

How boarding broadened

Erin’s horizons

Moving from Alpha to Rockhampton as a Year 10 student was a "culture shock", to say the least, but Erin wouldn’t change her experience for anything.

Erin Goodwin began life in the boarding dorms of Rockhampton Girls Grammar as a Year 10 student in 2017. The third generation Girls Grammar girl was excited to experience life in a new town; however, she didn’t realise just how big of a culture shock it would be.

Not knowing anyone at school and being so far away from home (Alpha) was difficult at first but through friendships and support, her home sickness and loneliness quickly disappeared.

“My earliest memory of boarding school was receiving a friendly phone call from Kaylee, my school assigned 'big sister', introducing herself and giving me the opportunity to answer any questions I had about boarding,” Erin said. “I remember Kaylee meeting me on the boarder’s orientation weekend at the top of the stairs of McKeague Hall with a box of chocolates and making me feel welcome.”

Erin has come a long way from her orientation days and shy Year 10 self, having secured the role of Boarding Prefect in her final year of schooling. Erin said the role had given her the opportunity to be a school leader and to work with students and executive staff to implement goals to enhance everyone’s boarding experience.

With graduation looming, Erin’s job is nearly done, and she feels prepared to step into the world, knowing that her time as a boarder has prepared her for the road ahead.

Erin said being a boarding student broadened her horizons and helped her realise that there is a bigger world out there waiting.

“As a boarder, we learn to live with others, become independent and get to experience and participate in many things that we would never get the opportunity to do at home or as a day student,” she said. “I have formed friendships and bonds that will last a life-time, with not only with the students whom I shared a dorm with, but with boarding students across the school from diverse backgrounds, day students, teachers and school staff.

Boarding fosters a sense of community and inclusiveness.”

While boarding opened her eyes up to the many opportunities on offer, Erin said the most valuable lessons she learnt were those of independence and organisation.

“As a boarder, I quickly learnt time management skills and how to become independent. I learnt how to manage homework and assignments with sporting and club commitments, doing laundry for the first time and making travel arrangements to attend sport and appointments, while taking care of myself,” she said.

“Boarding school has been my second home for the past three years - a place where I grew and a place that inspired me to be who I am today as a person. When I leave, I will miss daily chats with the girls and having friends around all the time.”

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF ERIN • Wake-up call is at 6:45 am, and we must be at the dining hall for breakfast in school uniform by 7am.

• After breakfast, we continue to get ready to start school at 8:20 am.

• At the end of the school day we have afternoon tea and return to the dorms for free time, attend clubs, or do sports training. The school transports us to and from sporting fixtures held on week nights.

• Depending on your year level, prep starts at 4:45pm. Dinner is at 5:45pm followed, by showers and more prep. Students from Year 10 to Year 12 do quiet study in their rooms, while younger boarders attend supervised prep.

• Lights out at 8:30, or 9:30 for older students.

• On the weekend, boarders can go shopping and participate in a variety of planned weekend activities, sporting fixtures or training.

• To keep busy, I attend cricket and netball training after school. At night fixtures I referee and play netball. I also play interschool cricket. Being interested in the rural industry, I attend Cattle Club one afternoon a week.

FOR MORE STORIES LIKE ERIN’S, HEAD TO: www.rggs.qld.edu.au/media-hub

Est 1892

ST PETERS LUTHERAN COLLEGE

Outdoor education provides invaluable

learning experience

“What is normal to us is not normal to most other people.�

- Jemima and Matilda Penfold.

T

he St Peters Lutheran College outdoor education programme began as a pilot in 1974 and since then has seen approximately 10,000 teenagers embrace the challenges of farming life. The programme, seen as one of Australia’s leading outdoor education experiences, has been refined to a five-week programme for Year 9 students, with activities covering outdoor pursuits, farm skills, environmental awareness and community living.

Since it began, the programme has created an incredible impact where, even today, old scholars look back fondly over their time at Ironbark, with colourful stories of

adventures and bonding with friends through challenges.

Ironbark is a "paddock to plate" farm, where students experience the opportunity to be challenged physically, spiritually, intellectually, emotionally and socially in the context of the outdoors. Students are taught agricultural skills such as feeding and handling livestock, horse riding, chopping firewood, gardening and manual labouring tasks.

The Outdoor Adventure Programme covers navigation/ orienteering, hiking, abseiling and rock climbing, sporting

games, initiative challenges, camping and unaccompanied camping (survival and 24-hour solo).

Students also become familiar with community living tasks, such as dormitory living, preparing and cooking meals, cleaning rooms and washing clothes, while the Cronins Pioneering Programme teaches whip cracking, blacksmithing or leatherwork and bushcraft. Under the watchful eye of the Director of Ironbark, Matt Sullivan, students experience the whole gamut of farm activities plus more.

For two teenage sisters from St Peters Lutheran College Boarding, their time at Ironbark provided a different learning experience. Sisters Jemima and Matilda were born and raised in the outback, with the strength and maturity which comes from a farming lifestyle. The fourth-generation family business, DK AG CO is 200 km south of Roma. The family business breeds, trades and raises cattle on their properties "Old Bombine", "Mamaree", Meandarra and "Bellevue", Yaraka. The girls have been working with their family since they were little and have been involved in all aspects of living life on the land. With their grazing and farming background, Jemima and Matilda see the obvious benefits of outdoor education for teenagers.

“Ironbark is very important,” says Matilda. “I believe every school should have some kind of rural and/or agriculture education. Nobody gets taught what agriculture is in a classroom anymore … How does your meal get to your plate?”

Jemima agrees, “At Ironbark, you understand how it happens. You don’t see it happen, but they teach you part of the journey. It’s an eye-opener, and it’s just what happens; it’s just life. It’s not all softened down and made to look nice, like it’s usually shown.”

“I believe every school should have some kind of rural and/or agriculture education.

Nobody gets taught what agriculture is in a classroom anymore… How does your meal get to your plate?”

The sisters are equally enthused about their Ironbark experience. “I really enjoyed Ironbark,” says Matilda.

“We did abseiling, rock climbing, milked cows. It’s a lot of fun - you get to learn a lot, and you interact with different people.”

Jemima agrees: “I feel like you learn a lot about living with people; even though we live in boarding, it’s different living that way. At Ironbark we were doing everything with everyone every single day.”

Matilda says Ironbark helped her to work in a team: “I’d rather do things by myself. I don’t really like listening to people telling me what to do,” she laughs. “I’d rather say, ‘No, I want to do it this way’. But I had to learn to work as a team.”

Jemima and Matilda believe five weeks is plenty of time at Ironbark to “fit in all the experiences” like hiking, survival, working on the farm and doing chores, although both girls agree they would have preferred longer. Jemima says, “I love the staff at Ironbark; they were so good!”

Matilda agrees, “The staff there make the experience!”

Matilda says outdoor education, like Ironbark, helps teenagers understand the work and people “involved behind the scenes” before the meal ends up on the menu or supermarket shelf. “People don’t really grasp who’s working behind the scenes.” Jemima continues, “Farming is a massive part of Australia. There are so many thousands of people still producing food for the country. People don’t really understand it and all the hard work they have to go through.”

Learn more about St Peters Lutheran College Indooroopilly here: www.stpeters.qld.edu.au Two Typical Teenagers Run Circles Around McLeod’s Daughters Jemima and Matilda grew up on the land and have a passion for helping the family business. Along with their mum, dad and two older sisters, Bonnie and Molly, the family’s core business is feedlotting cattle to sell MSA beef direct to a large domestic supermarket chain. This year they have expanded their business by exporting their own branded beef, "Four Daughters", into China.

“There’s cattle coming in and out of our place all the time,” says Jemima. “In both feedlots there are probably about 2,000 head on feed at one time.” Matilda adds, “Then there are about 3,500 in the paddocks on all places.”

Eventually both Jemima and Matilda want to go back home and continue to work in and build the business and the "Four Daughters" brand - named after the four sisters.

“We will take it on,” says Jemima. “After I have a gap year or two, I want to go to university and do something that will help me grow our business.”

Matilda wants to leave Brisbane and go “further out west” before heading home: “I want to go back to the family business and improve it and make it bigger. We’re just starting off, so it will be pretty cool to see it grow.”

Every day on the property is different for the girls.

“We don’t get up ridiculously early,” says Jemima, “but we’re always on the go by 7am, unless we have a project on - like Christmas holidays, we went fencing at our place and we were up at 4am, or earlier every morning for one week to get the fencing done.”

Feeding the cattle in the feedlots takes a few hours in the morning and is their usual start to the day. Feed bunks are meticulously monitored each morning for intake and cleaned daily, and cattle are fed a nutritionally balanced ration, with minerals included, which the girls are responsible for. Their dad buys cattle at least once a week at the Roma Sale Yards. The cattle gets trucked home, “so that’s one day in the yards inducting them-so putting our eartag in them and giving them a drench to stop the flies and lice and stuff,” says Matilda. Even with the thousands of cattle, “our property isn’t even that big compared to some places. We are tiny compared to many people.”

Jemima discusses the drought and how wheat and grain is getting harder to find. “There’s no wheat anywhere near home, so we have to get it all the way from Western Australia. It’s crazy. The reality is, people on the land are passionate about what they do and are the best problem solvers ever. We have to keep finding ways to make sure we can get our beef to people’s dinner tables. Oh, and it will rain again one day. I just hope it is soon.”

Boarding places available in 2020 & 2021

WHERE IT'S YOUR HOME AWAY FROM HOME.

P - 12 Co-Education | Boarding Years 6 - 12 For more information contact enrolments@stpeters.qld.edu.au

www.stpeters.qld.edu.au

THE ROCKHAMPTON GRAMMAR SCHOOL

Closer to home

at RGS

One of the toughest decisions that a country mum has to make is where to send her children to school. Lynise Conaghan from "Barmount Station", outside Clarke Creek in Central Queensland, remembers agonising over this decision when her eldest was set to start boarding school over 12 years ago.

“There is no high school where we live. We had to find a boarding school that catered to the individual needs of each of our children and one that was reflective of our own core values,” she said.

Her youngest, Tessa (now 16), began boarding at The Rockhampton Grammar School (RGS) when she was only 11 years old.

“Even though Tess was our last child to attend boarding school at RGS, it was still a challenging and difficult time. Handing over the job of looking after your child to someone else is really hard,” she admits.

Reminiscing about her daughter’s send-off, Lynise jokes that “sometimes the cow feels worse than the calf,” but her feelings of anxiety were eased by the fact that Tessa loved her second home.

Grammar School understands the challenges that regional and remote families face, and they work with parents to ensure that the students are supported.

“We make sure our students maintain their connections with home, because that is very important. We make sure if they have any concerns that we are there to support them and ensure that they can shine in both their school work and their life,” says Dr. Phillip Moulds, Headmaster at RGS. The school’s close ties to the country and community also helped Tessa’s parents embrace the transition. They knew their children would be surrounded by staff and students with similar backgrounds and values to their own.

“Tess loves boarding. She is happy, she has lots of friends, and she is supported by a great team of boarding staff.

Knowing that she is settled and well cared for is reassuring to me as her mum.”

“What I like the most about Rockhampton Grammar is that it has clearly demonstrated an interest and compassion for families from geographically isolated areas. They just get it,” remarked Lynise. “Agriculture is a key part of our lives, and the kids have been actively involved in our farm business. While we wanted a school that could offer a diverse range of subjects, we also wanted to ensure there was a clear pathway to pursue opportunities in agriculture.”

As a school of boarders since 1881, The Rockhampton

The school’s agricultural facilities including a demonstration

farm and working cattle station, enable students from rural backgrounds to maintain their connection to the land and thrive in an interactive learning environment.

RGS believes their students are tomorrow’s leaders and job-makers and that by investing in them and their education, they will go on to enrich regional communities with fresh solutions to emerging challenges.

“As Grammarians, agriculture runs thick in our blood.

It is fundamental to our core business,” says Head of Agriculture, Hardy Manser. “Agriculture is embedded across the curriculum, from primary all the way through to the Certificate III in Agriculture and accelerated tertiary courses in senior school. I feel we have a growing reputation as the best agricultural school around, and that is a feature that helps draw so many boarders to RGS - they are able to maintain their connection to the land.”

Founded in 1881, Queensland’s largest boarding school is located in the middle of the state, making it feel closer to home for more than 300 boarders who mostly come from properties across Queensland and the Northern Territory.

Learn more about The Rockhampton Grammar School here: www.rgs.qld.edu.au

N AT I O N A L I C PA

Wise words from

Alana Moller

The Isolated Children’s Parents’ Association (ICPA) aims to achieve equity of educational opportunity for all geographically isolated children ensuring they have access to a continuing and appropriate education determined by their aspirations and abilities rather than the location of their home. ICPA advocates on behalf of all geographically isolated families and their children at a local, state and national level.

Photo by Alysha Sparks photography.

Alana Moller (photo of Alana and her family), was recently elected as the Federal President of the Isolated Children’s Parents’ Association of Australia (ICPA Aust). She lives on a cattle station an hour and a half west of Clermont in Central Queensland with her husband and they have three daughters.

This is a story on boarding from her.

WHERE WE LIVE, we are not spoilt for choice on the education front. Of course I knew this when I married my husband. However the reality of a situation is far different to the preconceived theoretical scenarios we often have running through our heads, especially when we’re in love.

Fast forward to now and I am preparing to send my second daughter off to boarding school. She’s keen as mustard, me not so much. Her orientation information arrived last week.

Including her laundry number. It took me a week to decide to open the envelope because I knew once I opened it that it made the situation real. It would mean the harsh reality of becoming a Mum of one come term one 2020, with my eldest two daughters now at boarding school. Thinking about it makes my heart start to burn and my stomach begin to churn.

Why then, you may ask would I (and others) send our children away for boarding school if it is so hard?

For primary school my girls do distance education (DE).

Our nearest school is around 100 kilometres away, the nearest high school even further. So it’s DE with me as their home tutor for the first 7-8 years of their education, if you include kindy. Now as a trained secondary school teacher you would think that I could pretty much have it covered.

Even more so, you would think that tutoring them for high school would be a walk in the park. You would think we could just keep them at home for high school and keep doing DE. Few people truly understand what it is like to be a geographically isolated distance education student, home tutor and family, through no one’s fault, just because it is such a unique and exclusive role limited to only a mere 10002000 families currently in Australia. Educating children in geographically isolated locations is a massive responsibility and you do this living miles from friends, neighbours, towns and the school, sometimes even your mailbox.

You are given the curriculum papers, a pastoral care teacher at a school and the rest is up to you. There are limited extra-curricular activities, no team sport, cultural activities or social life without travelling considerable distances to do so. And because of doing school at home this is often impossible. We just don’t have the time to spare for the extensive travel required to access these things. The

kids have no friends to play with other than their siblings.

On our property there is not a single other person other than the kids, my husband and I. We go weeks, sometimes months between going anywhere or seeing anyone else.

Now there is a saying that goes “it takes a village to raise a child” and I am going to slip this one in right here because I think it succinctly summarises exactly why our kids need to go to boarding school. We don’t have a village. Where we live there is no village. And that is not a good thing.

Being educated is so much more than just learning the curriculum. It is about learning how to interact with other people. It is about learning how to fit in to society.

It is about hanging out with your friends and having experiences that mould you into the global citizen one needs to be to live in the 21st Century. And it would be a terrible disservice to my girls and other geographically isolated children if they weren’t given every opportunity to do all this learning.

So as I sit in our home schoolroom with my two younger girls, one heading off to boarding school next year and craving to do so to see her friends every day and participate in experiences she would otherwise not have, I know that boarding school is not a choice but a necessity for my girls.

For more information on the Isolated Children’s Parents’ Association, view our website at icpa.com.au or contact Alana: fedpresident@icpafc.org.au.

Membership information can be found on our website, or contact our Federal Membership Officer Jane O’Brien FedMembership@icpafc.org.au

CAULFIELD GRAMMAR SCHOOL

A PROUD HISTORY MEETS

a bright future

Boarding has been offered to students at Caulfield Grammar School since it first opened its doors in 1881. We have always valued the benefits of a residential community, providing an inclusive "home away from home" for thousands of students over the years.

While we have a long history, our attitudes and facilities are contemporary, providing a comfortable environment where our care extends to students’ wellbeing, as well as their education.

Our family orientation program helps with the transition to life as a boarding family. We place great importance on students achieving their academic potential and in fostering a strong sense of personal responsibility.

T

he Enhanced Learning Experience The school believes the senior years are integral to cultivating sound character, connection and interests. A holistic approach to growth and nurturing builds students’ self-worth and sense of wellbeing.

Caulfield Grammar School offers a learning environment that empowers, engages and encourages students to become people of sound character and meaningful contribution. The school believes in developing a mind for life, so that learners are equipped with the mental, emotional and academic capabilities they need to follow whatever path they choose.

Few schools can match the range of learning experiences on offer at Caulfield Grammar School.

Boarders are in an ideal position to take advantage of the wide range of co-curricular activities available at Caulfield Grammar School. The depth and breadth of the offering are extraordinary, with opportunities to be involved in many sports, music, drama, dance and outdoor activities, that are in addition to all the sports and arts offered within the curriculum.This enables students to discover their talents and hone their skills in their chosen fields.

The school’s small boarding community of up to 100 students is guided by staff responsible for monitoring and responding to each student’s social, emotional and academic needs. Boarding students are assisted in their studies by resident staff and also by a team of specialist teachers, who provide tutoring.

A Co-Educational Boarding House in Metropolitan Melbourne Just eight kilometres from Melbourne’s CBD, Caulfield Grammar School provides boys and girls with an exceptional education in an environment where they can thrive. Boarders have the best of both worlds here an outstanding school, along with all the benefits of living in one of the world’s most liveable cities. The beach, parks, cafés and shops are all within walking distance, and the city is just 15 minutes away by public transport.

For rural and overseas students, it’s a great way to make the most of living in Melbourne.

The Boarding Experience Students may begin their boarding lives with mixed feelings, but when it’s time to leave, it’s clear that boarding at Caulfield Grammar School is a truly unique and enriching experience.

Our family orientation programme helps with the transition to life as a boarding family. We place great importance on students achieving their academic potential and in fostering a strong sense of personal responsibility.

The Internationalism Programme conducted at the school’s Nanjing campus provides Year 9 students with the experience of living and learning in another country.

Year 10 students are able to study VCE units suited to their interests and abilities. This means that the VCE can be spread over three years, rather than two, enabling students to tailor their learning for these three critical senior years.

Facilities Boarders have access to world-class recreational facilities: fully equipped gym, tennis courts, indoor basketball and netball courts, an indoor heated swimming pool and a performing arts studio with a 650-seat auditorium.

Accommodation The boarding house is spread across two buildings within Caulfield Campus and one building across the road.

Girls and boys share common recreation and dining facilities, but are accommodated in separate boarding

houses. Rooms are designed to complement the demands of the learning programme, with a variety of room configurations available in the form of single-bed rooms to three-bed rooms. All Year 12 students are given individual rooms.

A Family Atmosphere It’s often said that boarding students at Caulfield Grammar School are like one big family. In the school’s house system, all boarders are members of Morcom House, and it has the proudest sense of house spirit in the school. But it’s not just within the boarding house that friendships are forged. We strongly encourage boarders to mix with non-boarders, ensuring that boarders have a wider network of friends within the school community.

The Perfect Balance Between Rules and Selfresponsibility We believe in providing an environment that helps boarders develop the skills required for life. We have rules and we make sure they’re followed, but we also believe that children need to learn independence to stand them in good stead for life, so our rules allow for a degree of independence.

The result is an environment where boarders are safe,

accountable for their behaviour, and given the flexibility to leave the grounds - but only with permission. Our online system also allows parents to see on their devices when their children request this leave, allowing for open communication.

A Dedicated 24/7 Health Centre It’s not just our staff who look after the boarders.

We also have a health centre with a supervising registered nurse on-site during the week and qualified first aid practitioners on weekends. So, if your child does fall ill, they can most often be looked after on campus, without the need for external assistance.

The added benefit of this is that our nurses also provide a maternal presence in the boarding house, often acting as a stand-in mum for boarders who need someone to show them how to mend a button or just remind them to open a window every now and again!

Take a Personal Tour The best way to understand life as a Caulfield Grammar School boarder is to take a personal tour.

The school is accepting 2020 and 2021 enrolments for boarders in all years from Year 9 to 12. Boarding is available at Caulfield Campus only.

For information, or to arrange a visit, please email admissions@caulfieldgs.vic.edu.au or call (03) 9524 6333 caulfiedgs.vic.edu.au

GENAZZANO FCJ COLLEGE

Victoria’s only Catholic girls'

boarding school

With a long and proud history stretching back more than a century, Genazzano’s Boarding House provides a wonderful sense of "coming home" for the girls.

GENAZZANO ACCEPTS students from Year 7 upwards at their boarding house called Hopetoun Hall a safe and welcoming place, where all girls enjoy a friendly community life in an environment conducive to study. Just three kilometres from the college, the off-campus location provides boarders with a sense of "going home" at the end of each school day.

The sense of kinship at Hopetoun Hall is established in the girls' diverse array of backgrounds and experiences, which makes coming together as a boarding community highly enjoyable. Many of the house routines provide opportunities for strengthening a unified spirit through daily life and learning about one another. Unlike school, when girls return "home" to Hopetoun Hall, the concept of year levels are forgotten, and the boarders are drawn together.

Older boarders provide a great amount of support for the younger boarders, which enhances the respectful and nurturing culture within the house.

Dedicated and professional staff are committed to providing quality care for all boarders, while supporting them in all aspects of their educational journey. Within Hopetoun Hall, boarders are involved in social activities, study routines and specific educational programmes, including tutoring support.

Many college alumnae return to Hopetoun Hall to tutor the students, such as Kate Mani, who is currently studying Arts/Law at Monash University.

“I approach my role at Hopetoun Hall as that of a mentor, as well as a tutor. As humanities tutor, I have aimed to build the girls' confidence and writing skills across a

range of subjects and to share tips and advice I learnt along the way at school.”

Kate tries to instil in the students the importance of time management and liaises with the boarding house staff to devise ways to make the evening study period as productive as possible.

Michaela, a Year 11 student from Mulwala, loves having Kate on site for tutoring.

“In addition to Kate’s experience with Genazzano, she also understands the values and expectations of being a Gen girl. Kate was a great help for me in my first year of boarding.”

With this dedication and support, Genazzano boarders leave as independent, confident young women with an aspiration towards excellence and motivation to challenge their potential and strive for greatness.

GEN GIRLS ARE THE NEXT GEN

Genazzano FCJ College strives to provide girls with plenty of opportunity to grow, develop, and excel.

The college believes that learning should be engaging, challenging, interesting and, above all, fun. Students are encouraged to dream large, be confident in all that they do and, most importantly, allow their passion for learning to grow and develop at every opportunity.

One such learning opportunity is a unique entrepreneurial programme called "Girls Invent" for Year 9 students.

Students decide on either a business or social enterprise and utilise 21st Century skills to bring their idea to life.

Erin, a Year 9 boarding student from Moyhu, near Wangaratta, has embraced the programme with enthusiasm and a desire to create something of benefit to her community. Erin invented the "Bebida Bowl", to alert owners when their pet's water bowl is empty.

By connecting the bowl to an app, owners can avoid the risk of dehydration or even death for their animal. Erin has spent many weeks researching animal health issues and possible solutions, before coming up with the idea of the Bebida Bowl.

Georgia, also a Year 9 boarding student from Cobden, decided to participate in the Personal Project programme in partnership with Deakin University. The personal project involves selecting and researching an area of study that both interests and challenges the girls. They explore their chosen interest in depth, while collaborating with Deakin University and college library staff.

Georgia researched the Great Ocean Road region and its local businesses, to create a "Great Ocean Road Cookbook", showcasing local businesses and including recipes that involve local produce from these businesses.

Georgia has also delved into the history of the region and discovered many local produce owners she knows would benefit from further promotion.

Both students have learnt a great deal from the programme, particularly time management and research skills.

“I didn’t realise how much work was involved when inventing a product,” says Erin. “There are the legal

aspects, including patents, as well as understanding your market - and will this invention be something people want to use!”

Being a boarder at Genazzano has also provided Erin and Georgia with the opportunity to educate their peers about their home towns. Both girls arrived at the college this year, unsure of what to expect, and both have been overwhelmed with how friendly and supportive the boarding house staff and other students have been.

“Everyone is like a sister to me,” says Georgia. “I just love the opportunities that are available to me to explore at school and then the wonderful environment back at the boarding house at the end of the day. I just love it 110%!"

To find out more, visit www.genazzano.vic.edu.au or contact our Registrar: (03) 8862 1207.

Book a personal tour with our Registrar to see our boarding house and school.

Students are encouraged to dream large, be confident in all that they do and, most importantly, allow their passion for learning to grow and develop at every opportunity.

Boarding at Genazzano

Genazzano is Victoria’s only Catholic girls’ boarding school, where young women learn to lead and inspire others, embrace life and go confidently into the world.

Our Boarding House is a supportive environment, providing access to over 130 co-curricular opportunities, a variety of digital technology projects, with a focus on connectedness to the College community, and individual study support.

We invite you to contact our Registrar for a personal tour of Genazzano and Hopetoun Hall.

For more information, book a tour here or phone 03 8862 1207.

301 Cotham Road, Kew Victoria

SCOTCH COLLEGE

e from home a Homaway FOR 100 YEARS

FOR 100 YEARS, Scotch College Adelaide has hosted boarders from regional and rural Australia. What this century of experience has taught us is that each family is unique and that a personal approach enables each child to be happy and supported to pursue their passions and achieve their potential. We provide a safe and supportive living environment, underpinned by respect.

Guided by this overarching ethos, Scotch College has been a home away from home for hundreds of boarders across multiple generations and one of the world’s best boarding experiences.

Rosevear Boarding is an extended home for families from across Australia and the world, and for the last 43 years has embraced scores of young women who contribute to our unique coeducational boarding environment. Located in the Adelaide foothills, the extensive grounds and open spaces form a bridge between the city and the bush.

While each family is unique, there are aspects of the boarding that all families need and expect as part of their schooling experience. The underpinning principles we use to shape our Rosevear boarding programme begin with cultivating a family environment that is safe and where each child is known and nurtured.

Scotch offers an educational journey that is incomparable, where effort is valued, and passions discovered. Boarders enter into a home where strong values of respect, inclusion and wellbeing are lived among a diverse community, created with international families, that reflect a normal cultural, society.

Scotch is a place where students find their voice, independence and unrealised potential in readiness for their future, facilitated by a wellbeing framework that supports emotional intelligence, confidence and decision making.

Boarding families can expect a staffing philosophy that is exemplary - great ratios, cross generational, diverse, and all equipped to work with teenagers and their daily challenges.

GREAT RELATIONSHIPS STRENGTHEN GREAT LEARNING We believe it’s all about belonging. We understand that the growth and development experienced by adolescents is enhanced and more positive when accompanied by meaningful relationships. Our comprehensive wellbeing and academic staffing model allows both aspects of our communal learning environment to be well supported, with any matters arising managed in an inclusive and thoughtful manner. Great relationships strengthen great learning. We believe it’s a simple recipe for success in boarding and life.

We challenge students to be their best selves. We understand our boarding parents want their child to be exposed to experiences and opportunities where they are challenged to prosper and grow, so we work with parents

in a partnership to provide the highest level of support for each student’s journey through secondary education.

We foster life skills needed for future success through our extensive offering. Students may grow their personal wellbeing, experience a broad range of social, sporting and cultural activities, and are supported to give their best effort and achieve in their studies.

Academically, our personalised, individual approach supports learning inside and outside the classroom, with a focus on teaching the whole child; the aim of a Scotch education is not simply to get students across the line to a university place, but to offer whole of life preparation.

Students are offered an extensive co-curricular programme and access to friendly staff who know their subject and how your child learns best. This holistic focus creates a learning environment that facilitates exceptional academic achievement. In 2018, 46% of the Year 12 cohort achieved an ATAR of 90 or above and 31.4% achieved a score greater than 95. Scotch has earned an excellent reputation academically - Scotch graduates have the power to make an impact in the world.

A TRUE CONNECTION WITH REGIONAL AUSTRALIA One of our key connections with our rural families is through the Scotch Farm and Agriculture programme.

Whilst many of our students understand the nature of farms and the agricultural industry, our programme is designed to further develop student knowledge around the latest developments in agri-technology and business.

We utilise a strong scientific research and enquiry model, partnering with external industries and universities to ensure

our programme is contemporary and enables students to consider the wide range of careers beyond the farm gate, that are evolving as the industry does. The farm itself is a great space for our students to hang out and when feeling a little overwhelmed by city life, it's a place of comfort and reassurance.

"Over the years, the Scotch boarding house has become my home away from home, except now it is with over one hundred other people under the one roof. My mum heard good things about the school when I was younger and put my name down for enrolment. Being in the boarding house is a different and new experience; being in a dorm with others is one of the big things - it’s like we are brothers in arms who share and get along as mates (with the occasional difference of opinion). Scotch offers too many opportunities to count, and any student can most likely find something that suits them. The boarders aren’t separated from the day school, and boarders and 'day bugs' get along very well. Scotch is an amazing school with amazing people, and it’s a whole new experience."

Hugh Rackham, Year 10 Boarder, Red Hill, Mornington Peninsula.

We extend a warm invitation to meet with us either through our rural visits programme, at field days, or when you are next in town on business. Our family is your family, and we welcome you to join us as we step confidently into our next 100 years of being South Australia’s premier coeducational boarding school. We welcome you to be part of our Scotch family … it’s a great journey.

Our Home at Scotch

At Scotch, we strive to offer one of the world’s best boarding experiences.

Apply now for a Boarding Scholarship at Scotch College, commencing in 2020 or 2021.

scotch.sa.edu.au/boarding

WENONA SCHOOL

ALL ABOARD Professionalising the boarding school experience at Wenona

T

he days of cold communal showers, lumpy mattresses and inedible food are long gone, along with the "stiff upper lip" reputation. Modern-day boarding schools are warm, vibrant and inclusive communities, underpinned by comprehensive and effective pastoral care.

As Head of Boarding, Mrs Nonie Ayling takes enormous pride in the quality of the small interactions that happen all the time in the boarding house, making it such a special place for Wenona boarders and their families.

This is a warm, caring environment, built around enriching and long-lasting relationships that stretch across the entire Wenona community.

Supporting Family Ties A family’s decision to board their child is an intensely personal one. But regardless of what drives their choice, the reality is that it can be tough to live apart from your child. At Wenona, we feel enormously privileged that parents allow us to share in their daughters’ formative years. We recognise that home will always be the most important place for our boarders and that their parents are the most important people. Our approach is to work in close partnership with parents, so that together we can help each and every girl to be the very best she can be.

Our approach is to work in close partnership with parents, so that we can help each and every girl to be the very best she can be.

Forging Lifelong Friendships One of the benefits of the Wenona Boarding House is its size. With space for only 50 boarders, there’s no room for anonymity here. We get to know each girl and her family extremely well. Surrounded by a community who knows them, cares about them and encourages them, gives each girl the confidence to forge her own path.

Enjoying Home Comforts Ostensibly, the primary function of the Wenona Boarding House is to provide a "home from home" for our boarders during term time - a place for them to unwind, do their homework, eat, wash, sleep and socialise. Girls are encouraged to bring in their own bedding and decorate their rooms with photographs and posters. It’s very much their home for the term, so it’s important they have a space where they can express themselves.

The dining room is perhaps the symbolic heart of the house. It’s where our boarders catch up with their friends at the start and the end of the day. We are responsible for the health and wellbeing of our boarders, so using

fresh, nutritious food is not only a question of preference; it’s a matter of principle.

We also cater to a range of dietary requirements, preferences and tastes and organise special dinners to celebrate the different nationalities and cultures of our boarding house.

Academic Support Homework is primarily done in the new study centre, which opened last year in the library, supervised by a team of passionate and dedicated academic staff and prep supervisors. It enables us to assist our boarders in a variety of ways, helping them to plan and organise their homework and exam revision and supporting them through any ups and downs.

Getting Involved Boarders are encouraged to participate in everything that the school has to offer. As the boarding house is based on campus, it’s much easier for boarders to attend any sports, artistic and music practice

scheduled outside the normal school days. Weekends are full and varied, and cater to the interests of the girls. There are trips to art galleries and museums in the city, and the families of day girls will often invite boarders to lunch or dinner, or will help out with lifts to and from sport.

For further enquiries, please contact: Belinda Stoneham, Director of Enrolments and Community Relations, Wenona School.

176 Walker Street, North Sydney, NSW 2060 Phone: +61 2 9409 4440 enrolments@wenona.nsw.edu.au

Wenona Boarding Live in a close-knit community of 50 girls, largely from rural and regional NSW. Wenona’s on-site Boarding House enables our boarders to access the Evening Study Centre and make the most of the broad range of extra-curricular opportunities that take place early morning and after school.

Boarding at Wenona offers a personalised community of care within walking distance of the city.

Contact the Director of Enrolments to arrange a tour at a time that suits you on (02) 9409 4440 or enrolments@wenona.nsw.edu.au.

Visit www.wenona.nsw.edu.au for more details.

Wenona School CRICOS 02275A

176 Walker Street, North Sydney NSW 2060 @WenonaSchool | Wenona School

Q U E E N S L A N D I C PA

The

Miller Family

Like many isolated families, boarding school is a topic often discussed around the kitchen table, during school and at social occasions. We’re the Miller Family and we live at Warbreccan near Stonehenge in Western Queensland. Having spent most of their primary years at Stonehenge State School, our two sons, Jarrod and Rory have watched on as their older peers graduated and headed off on the next chapter of life as boarder.

Photo by Jessica Howard Photography.

FOR MY HUSBAND Jason and I, having those early conversations with our kids about the reality of going to boarding school seemed to help prepare us all for when our time came. Fortunately, it felt like finding the right school was quite simple for us because in the end, having family and friends close by for support was the deciding factor.

We considered numerous schools around Queensland but were drawn to the boarding program at Bunya Campus, part of Dalby State High School, for the outstanding boarding facilities, focus on agriculture and their dedicated, knowledgeable staff. Boarders live at Bunya Campus and travel by bus daily to attend school at DSHS. As one of only a few State Boarding Facilities in Queensland, we really like the curriculum and have found the school ethos to be very focused on behaviour, work ethic and anti-bullying. Formerly known as the Dalby Agricultural College, Bunya Campus is located just out of town and is set amongst spacious grounds including expansive living and learning facilities and large individual rooms for each student. The rural setting felt ideal for our children who are very much used to wide-open spaces. The moment you drive into the Campus grounds, it gives you a sense of homeliness and comfort. As a final bonus, we have family residing in Dalby so that provided peace of mind that Jarrod would have relatives on hand if need be.

In reality, our boarding school journey is just beginning.

Jarrod commenced Year 7 last year and is now into the final stages of year 8. His younger brother, Rory, year 6, is about to finish primary at Stonehenge State School and is looking forward to joining his brother in 2020. We are fortunate to say that the boarding adjustment in our household has so far been a positive experience and whilst it was difficult for everyone at first, boarding school has offered opportunities that Jarrod would never have dreamed of at home.

When asked now about what he enjoys most about

boarding school, Jarrod says it’s always having other kids around, being able to play team sports and trying new subjects at school. The Parent to Boarding Staff communication at Bunya Campus is excellent and from all reports, Jarrod settled in well from the start, made new friends and adjusted to the routine. That’s not to say there haven’t been tough times! Sometimes because everything was going so well, the occasional bad days actually caught us off guard a few times. We found that explaining what’s beneficial about boarding school in the long term (ie. lifetime opportunities, making friends for life) and offering ideas to keep busy worked a treat to distract from being homesick.

As a relative newcomer to the boarding parent world, two simple things I’ve learnt so far are: 1. Be there for the men around your life who’ve recently sent children to school – it’s a difficult adjustment on husbands, uncles and grandfathers too although they might not say that out loud.

2. Consider regional schools as they usually offer spacious rural settings which is ideal for bush kids who are most comfortable in wide open spaces.

Someone once said to me that not every kid is a capital city boarder.

It’s no secret that sending your child off to boarding school is a massive adjustment on the family dynamic, but in our experience so far, it’s a decision that is totally worth the effort. We are excited for the experiences and opportunities that our boys will have exposure to in the years to come and as truly great as outback life is, it’s a big world out there and we don’t want to hold our kids back from chasing new horizons if they so choose.

FRENSHAM Boarding & Day School for Girls

frensham1913

MITTAGONG NSW

Outward-looking & forward-thinking

Introduce your daughter to Frensham

OPEN DAY 2020

Saturday 29 February STUDENT-LED TOURS Visit our website to book a tour

Scholarships & Educational Grants for Rural and Regional students Contact: +61 2 4860 2000 registrar@frensham.nsw.edu.au

www.frensham.nsw.edu.au GIB GATE Preschool - Year 6 FRENSHAM Boarding & Day School for Girls STURT School of Excellence in Arts, Design & Fabrication

FRENSHAM

Reaching out...

Character education at Frensham is not an extra. Core to school life are the expectations inspired by the school’s motto,"In love, serve one another", defining Frensham’s purpose as a school.

F

rensham, a leading boarding school for girls for more than a century, has held fast to its founding principles to develop student independence, leadership skills and the essential willingness to serve - to contribute.

Head of Frensham, Julie Gillick notes, "Character is considered by education experts to be an essential, unifying competency for global citizens of the 21st Century. More than ever, we need our students to be robust in their self-management, and all that builds capacity for contribution is key to student wellbeing and optimism."

The annual Global Forum, a residential programme for Year 9, is an example of core curriculum supporting the goals of the school. Global Forum is always considered

by the girls to be "inspirational and life-changing".

Designed this year around the theme "Making a Difference - Understanding my Place in the World", students were highly engaged in the presentations and workshops aimed at increasing their awareness of global issues. This year, one of the girls summarised the outcomes for her by saying, "I just can’t wait to get started - to do something more than I have up 'til now." Another girl noted, "It is about every one of us making a difference by taking just one step … and then another."

Julie Gillick noted, "Our ultimate success at Frensham is measured by the way our girls carry themselves beyond school, with the kind of courage and commitment they are challenged to practice at school."

Q U E E N S L A N D I C PA

Wise Words from

Jessie Persse

Three years ago, when my eldest started at Boarding School, I had every man and his dog ask me if I was okay. I was fine. I’d had twelve years to wrap my head around my children leaving. I had never been a Boarder, but my husband and his entire family had all experienced it. I felt fine doing the drop-off. To be honest, the day I drove out of Brisbane and headed west, alone, was pretty ordinary however.

I’d had a full car only days earlier, and a full heart; brimming with excitement.

And then, completely unexpectedly (or maybe it was to be expected), I felt empty.

I WASN’T WORKING much at the time. The drought was taking its toll financially and emotionally. On the outside I was smiling, but on the inside I was struggling. I don’t think I even really fully comprehended the magnitude of what was going on. Things were slowly, without me realising it, snowballing. It wasn’t until Term 2, when our family dog died tragically, that things fell apart in epic fashion. The cracks became canyons, and it all culminated in a depressive ‘episode’ that saw me having to seek professional help. No one was more surprised than me.

Depression is a long and steady road, but I’m finally feeling like myself again right now.

Here are a few things you can do to help make this transition period easier for you and your child.

1. Crying is perfectly normal, and missing your child is to be expected. That’s okay!

2. Don’t burden your children with your problems. If it’s a drought or a flood, financial, personal or social issues, protect your child from it as best you can. Kids are clever. They know what’s going on, and sometimes you will need to be honest about things that are unpleasant. I try to soothe any potential blow with a positive. “It’s all good. We have it under control.”

3. Don’t take on your children’s problems. Teenagers need you to listen and be a sympathetic ear. Tell them you are listening and feel their concerns, but don’t feed the monster. If they start speaking in circles, catastrophizing, and becoming overly emotional, try picking the conversation up again at another time.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

Most of the time, teenagers hang up the phone and move on immediately, leaving you in a world of parental turmoil, so don’t dwell on the negative.

Trust your school. You chose it for a reason. Let them do their jobs. If you have a major concern, do it in the kindest way possible, and offer your support where necessary.

Get to know your child’s friends, and get involved where you can. Making connections is good for you as well.

Look after yourself. Exercise, stay social and keep busy where possible.

Surround yourself with your tribe. My tribe is made up of friends and family who encourage and support me and my family. It’s about bringing in the positive and not dwelling on the negative.

Make quality time with your children, because quantity time becomes so much harder when they leave you.

This year we sent our second child off to school.

This time I was genuinely ready. I had made plans to keep busy, but not so busy that I couldn’t find time for my children when they needed me. I was working part time.

I had my support networks in place. I am honest about when I am not feeling great. Sharing the load has been the key. Other parents understand. It’s not going to be perfect all of the time, and that’s okay, but being able to talk about it has been what has gotten me through.

THE GEELONG COLLEGE

Sparks the best of friends S

ophie Dudley from Deniliquin and Sophia Francis from Hamilton began as boarders at The Geelong College in Year 9 in 2019. The girls met at the scholarship exam and during the break in the exam, became friends. They kept in touch after the exam and when both girls received a scholarship, they were delighted to have at least one friend to start boarding school with.

“We kept in touch throughout the year,” said Sophie.

“I definitely felt more confident knowing someone when I started; also, having Sophie as my roommate has

really helped me settle in,” Sophia continued.

Both Sophie and Sophia are country girls and love where they live, but the lure of broader opportunities in their study, sport and general experiences encouraged the girls and their families to look further afield for their senior years.

“The Geelong College stood out to us because it was within three hours’ drive of home, and the boarding house felt like a home away from home,” explained Sophia.

“I’m so glad I came to Geelong College. It’s a welcoming school; the teachers are all so supportive and always trying to help whenever they can. They are flexible with things such as subject selections and sport selections. I honestly believe the college doesn’t just care about their students' success, but how each student feel. The staff always try to help to make things work, and I think as a school that’s really valuable,” Sophie continued.

But without a scholarship, these girls might not have been able to take these opportunities, or have met!

“Receiving a scholarship was a massive help to my family; it gave me the chance to get a better education.

To me, it meant that I could do things I couldn’t do back home, like rowing and the textiles, which is my favourite thing at college, because it’s so much more advanced - I love it. I still remember when my parents told me I got

The Geelong College stood out to us because it was within three hours' drive of home and the boarding house felt like a home away from home. a scholarship; I think my mum even cried, because she was so happy and proud of me. Receiving a scholarship was also a relief, as without it I probably wouldn’t be at Geelong College with all these new opportunities,” Sophie said.

Applications for rural and regional boarding scholarships for 2022 will open in May 2020. Find out more at our website: www.geelongcollege.vic.edu.au

The Geelong College A leading Victorian day and boarding school.

Photo credit Nicole Roache.

Boarders at The Geelong College challenge themselves, develop independence, excel academically, and make lifelong friends.

Consider the difference this could make for your child.

Discover boarding at our OPEN DAY Wednesday 11 March 2020.

Scholarships for regional and rural boarders for entry into 2021 now open.

Find out more at www.geelongcollege.vic.edu.au or phone (03) 5226 3156.

Be of

COURAGE

AGRIFUTURES X EVOKEAG

Carbon neutral meat, coming to a

supermarket near you

With a millennial mindset, James Madden is determined to evolve the red meat industry to ensure the produce remains in the shopping trolleys of his generational peers. Together with his father, David Madden, the duo are rolling out a number of sustainable and ethical projects within their meat distribution company. James will share his thoughts on traditional and non-traditional proteins, and whether there is room for both on the plate at evokeAG. 2020.

In December 2018, Flinders + Co. became the first meat company in the world to fully offset all carbon emissions from not only their business but every kilogram of meat they sell. This allows their customers, predominately high-end restaurant chefs, to list their produce as being ‘Carbon neutral’ on their menus.

The project forms part of the Flinders + Co. vision which is to ‘cultivate a better food world’.

“When you put into place a company vision, you need to back it up. We are targeting a millennial market and they have a fairly decent ‘BS detector’. We wanted to back our statements up with real actions,” James Madden, Managing Director of Flinders + Co. said.

Along with their completed carbon neutral project, James and his father have a number of other projects in the pipeline including going chemical-free which will see them installing a unique ‘E-Water’ system to remove the need to chemically sanitize and sterilise.

“I’m going to be working in this industry for another 30 years and I wanted to make a difference and make a mark.

We also want our staff to leave with a sense of fulfilment.

We have a big vision, but we understand that it’s the little details that really matter. Consistency, reliability, and a “get it done” attitude. These projects help make it happen.”

In due course, you will see James and David’s “guilt free” carbon neutral meat in a supermarket near you, for the first time in Australia.

“We’ll be breaking into the retail market, firstly with Harris Farm in Sydney. It’s exciting to be entering into the retail space. We hope our meat products turn the table and

shift people’s perception that ‘meat is evil’.

“I’m a millennial and I have a strong understanding of the food trends and I saw a gap in the meat industry to respond to these trends. Not many competitors are selling to this market.”

Melbourne based Flinders + Co. distribute their meat to a number of high-end restaurants and gastro pubs within the region. James said they are a B2B wholesaler but always need to keep in mind where their produce is going.

“Chefs are selling to millennials and they are a group who demand and expect ethical, sustainable, local and healthy products. They are conscious consumers and the chefs we sell to are responding to these demands.”

James Madden will be speaking at evokeAG. 2020 and while the program is to be released at the end of October, we can reveal that his session will explore the traditional and plant-based meat divide.

“The session I’m speaking at evokeAG. will be very interesting. I am proud to be representing the meat industry and I want to take the opportunity to share my views. It will be interesting to hear the views of the other speakers.”

Don’t miss James Madden speak at evokeAG. 2020 at the Royal Exhibition Building, Melbourne at 18 & 19 February next year. Tickets are available online, with Student, Primary Producer and Group tickets available. evokeag.com/#tickets

“Boarding is much more than just rolling out your swag. It is an opportunity - a special opportunity - to be a part of something bigger than yourself ... to belong.�

Kinross Wolaroi School Director of Boarding, Matt Curran.

journey matters

KINROSS WOLAROI SCHOOL

Every "

I stood in the middle of the main drive, watching as a familiar canary yellow Ford Falcon disappeared out of the gates on the long journey home to the small country town of Tumbarumba in the Snowy Mountains. For a few brief moments I stood there, willing them to turn around and reappear for one last hurrah, but then I grabbed my bags, turned, and set forth on what was to become a well-trodden path to the Year 7 dorms.

It was my very first day as a boarder and although I was nervous, I was also excited about the unknown adventure that lay ahead and the wonderful opportunities on offer,” says Head of Boarding at Kinross Wolaroi School, Matt Curran, of his first experience of boarding.

Matt says he sees the same look of excitement on the faces of new boarders at Kinross Wolaroi School each time he welcomes them through the door.

“I remember my own experience and how difficult but also exciting that challenge can be. If you take the time to read any boarding school’s glossy brochure, it will most likely say that a boarding experience helps foster independence, develop resilience and make friends for life … and this is all true. Yet, it means so much more.

Boarding offers you the opportunity to belong to something special, and here at Kinross Wolaroi School you become part of a community and a history that stretches back to 1886. It’s a community where you can

be yourself and where you are encouraged to stretch yourself. Boarding is much more than just rolling out your swag. It is an opportunity - a special opportunity to be a part of something bigger than yourself ... to belong.”

VISIT US Bowral Regional Tour - 28 February School Open Day - 30 March Dubbo Boarding Expo & Regional Tour - 15 & 16 May Griffith Boarding Expo - 11 June Wagga Boarding Expo - 12 & 13 June Phone (02) 6392 0300 Email admissions@kws.nsw.edu.au Website www.kws.nsw.edu.au

Q U E E N S L A N D I C PA

Wise Words from

Kylie Camp

Photo supplied by Sunpork.

LIFE IS A JOURNEY, so they say. Most people desire one filled with golden sunsets, cool drinks overlooking glorious scenery, one without bumps and unexpected turns. One of the paths on my life journey has not been so smooth, but ultimately has been one of the most rewarding.

Our second child was quiet, introverted and insular.

He struggled with speech, was clumsy with his feet and actions and demanded little. Born seven weeks early, perhaps, I thought, it was delayed development. For many of his developmental milestones he never did “catch up”. Doubts, misgivings, concerns filled my mind, but I was fiercely reluctant to put a label on our son and have him determined to be “different”. By the end of Grade 4, I knew. I knew we could not continue as we were: struggling, grasping, adapting, trying, trying to create success. Boarding school loomed, and we needed to start taking steps to have our son best placed to navigate successfully through - to be on a firm foundation, rather than the quicksand I felt we were often standing on.

Quite plainly, the number of doors he might open once he reached adulthood would be less than his siblings.

Regardless, we wanted him to have skills, self-belief and confidence to be able to open those doors and succeed on his own merits.

Visits to a paediatrician and an audiologist gave us a diagnosis on the Autism Spectrum, as well one of Central Auditory Processing Disorder. Later, ADD was added to the list. Doors of support opened, adaption and adoption of changed curriculum began. It became even more intense in the classroom - with three other children at school as well. With the increased intervention and support, we went from around ten phone lessons a week to over thirty, necessitating two phone lines. We became adept jugglers of timetables.

At the end of Year Five, we took stock and realised that while better supported, our son needed more than we could provide in the home schoolroom. Another journey looking for a school to accept and embrace our son not just scholastically but, more vitally, in his boarding home. In our journey together, this was one of the most disheartening times. Frustratingly, rejection after rejection, the added responsibility for someone needing more support and adjustment was not one willingly embraced. I rang every boarding school in Queensland that took primary boarders - only one said, “Welcome”. From frustration to elation!

What a warm welcome it was: in the classroom and boarding, making our son feel included, supported and successful; adapting and adopting individualised processes and procedures and working with professional agencies to maximise positive outcomes.

Given we lived about 1,800 kilometres from the school, we were blessed to find kind boarding families willing to help if needed.

Seven years and two boarding schools later, our son was set to graduate from Year Twelve with his QCE, as well as a Cert 3 from TAFE. Woohoo!

A new challenge arose: getting into the workforce.

Ringing potential employers and training organisations that matched his interest areas, all conversations went well until I mentioned that one little word ... Autistic and then ... sorry ... too hard, too challenging, too … too ... lots of things! History repeating. We despaired.

Working at home was an option and as a mother, my heart sang at the thought of having him back after seven years away at school. But, I knew this wasn’t what was best for him. What to do?

Then, another blessing. About a month before he was due to graduate, a company decided to employ young people on the Spectrum - seeing this as an ability, not a disability. The inherent traits of focus, attention to detail, singlemindedness, a fondness for repetition were traits desired in their employees. Excitedly, we applied.

Our son graduated on Friday and on the Monday after, started a job trial. Within a week of finishing, he was offered a job! Just into the new year, he started work!

His parents did quite a jig!

The company transitioned these young ASD folk into a working environment - working up to longer, consecutive workdays, employing an occupational therapist to support them into work and independent living, matching their role to their sensitivities, developing a mentorship with an experienced staff member. Existing staff learnt about the convoluted and individualised beast that is Autism and how that might present in the workplace. We cannot thank this open minded, accepting and progressive thinking company enough. He has undertaken upskilling and moved up the work ladder. While there are still challenges, mostly of the social kind, nearly three years later our son works full-time and lives an independent and fulfilling life. He stepped up to the doors he saw before him, took the brave step through and found the success we all hoped.

To those who face challenges with their children because they are “different”, I say: when we have despaired, we have found schools, teachers, community, employers who embraced and welcomed our son and saw the talent, skills and capabilities behind the Autistic veneer. We learnt to fight the good fight, to stand our ground and not let our son and our wishes for his future be diminished because the path was harder one to travel and many didn’t want to work harder with us.

We persevered, and we have all been rewarded and blessed. Have faith and hope.

The path we found ourselves on all those years ago has finally taken us to that fruity drink on a golden beach.

My mother’s heart does sing with joy.

ALL SOULS ST GABRIELS SCHOOL

Celebrating 100 YEARS A

t All Souls St Gabriels School, boarders have been a vital part of the Souls community for 100 years. Located in Charters Towers, North West Queensland, on a spacious 120 acre campus, our school is an independent co-educational day and boarding school from Pre-Prep to Year 12, with boarding from Year 6.

Boarding life at Souls offers students an opportunity to grow into confident learners, build self-confidence and develop lifelong friendships in a safe and inclusive environment. Souls has a proud history and traditions dating back to the 1920s, but is also forward thinking, with an innovative approach to education. We provide students with a firm grounding in the Anglican traditions of tolerance, respect and dignity, with a true sense of reverence and care for ourselves and each other. Every day, our school community lives out its motto, “Servire Regnare”, to serve is to reign - this is something we take great pride in.

Souls provides an all-round tailored education for its students, and prides itself on the exceptional opportunities that our students participate in and are passionate about. We are a diverse school, with a blend of local students and students from all over Northern Australia. We have a residential community of over 200 students, staff and their families on campus, with three girls' and three boys' boarding houses. We offer a strong pastoral and support programme, which is integrated across the day and boarding school.

Our staff aim to create a friendly, “home away from home” atmosphere, in which our boarding students can live happily and develop the necessary social skills and confidence to contribute to, and become, future leaders in their communities. Our dedicated teaching staff assist our boarders not only with their prep (homework), but are also coaches for their sporting teams and other extracurricular activities in the Charters Towers community. Our staff are a great mix of enthusiastic

young teachers and experienced teachers, who work together co-operatively and are passionate about education.

Souls offers a wide range of subjects that provide pathways to tertiary study, but also options in vocational training and apprenticeships, via our partnership with the Dalrymple Trade Training Centre. We encourage our students to engage in a wide range of activities, embrace new challenges and at times, to step outside of their comfort zone. Students are also offered cattle and equestrian club on campus, opportunities to play club and representative sport, participate in speciality programmes, including SHEP and STEM, join our school service clubs - Z Club or Leos Club and to attend the our Europe trip or New Zealand ski trip.

2021 SCHOLARSHIPS ARE NOW OPEN In 2021, All Souls St Gabriels School will offer selected academic scholarships to students entering Year 7 and Year 11, as well as music scholarships, which are open to secondary students. Scholarship application forms are available on the school website.

To find out more or to discuss your child’s educational options, contact our Head of Enrolments, Mr Jon Teichmann: Ph (07) 4787 1433 or go to our website at www.allsouls.qld.edu.au

STUARTHOLME SCHOOL

Stuartholme’s

centenary

In 2020, Stuartholme School celebrates its centenary.

Today, Stuartholme is home to over 120 boarders and 580 day girls; in contrast, in 1920 the school opened as a boarding school with just five students.

Nestled at the foothills of Mt Coot-tha in the suburb of Toowong, Stuartholme is only six kilometres from the Brisbane CBD and with its bush surroundings, is a sanctuary for girls to live and learn.

“This setting, with spectacular views of the city on one side and bushland on the other, contributes to the spirit of the school. Staff, students, alumnae and parents genuinely treasure how the peaceful setting makes them feel: in awe of nature, with a sense of belonging and safety,” said Stuartholme Principal, Kristen Sharpe.

With a reputation for academic and co-curricular success, Stuartholme encourages students to discover, grow and value their talents, which is achieved through a balanced, well-rounded education, offering opportunities inside and outside of the classroom.

“Our co-curricular programme offers a broad range of sporting and enrichment activities to our students.

Along with traditional sports such as netball, water polo, rowing and equestrian, to name a few, students have the opportunity to participate in cultural activities such as music, art, drama and debating and academic problem solving competitions and challenges.

“Our Academic Enrichment Programme develops the potential of each student by stimulating and challenging their individual talents. Students grow their leadership potential by collaborating and facilitating significant events and/or taking part in the many social justice initiatives and hands-on experiences,” said Kristen.

Hayley Bowden from Longreach has been a boarder at Stuartholme since she was 11 years old. Now in Year 11, Hayley is fully engaged in the opportunities the school provides and enjoys the tight bonds she has made with the boarders and day girls.

“I may not love assignments or exams, but I love the Stuartholme community and how it empowers and inspires us to use our education for the better and become future leaders in our fields of interest, whatever they may be.”

As a school of the Sacred Heart, Stuartholme encourages each girl to work hard to fulfil her potential, yet values the wellbeing of the students. The strong support systems consisting of counsellors, leaders of student wellbeing, nurses and teacher mentors help students deal with any problems, no matter how big or small.

Find out how your daughter can grow, lead and discover opportunities at Stuartholme: www.stuartholme.com

CRICOS No. 00524E

Opportunities to discover Stuartholme Boarding Applications are now being accepted for Year 7 students starting in 2023.

For more information please contact the Registrar on 07 3510 6419 or Book a Tour online.

Brisbane’s only Catholic Girls’ Boarding School

Stuartholme.com

LORETO NORMANHURST

The very heart

OF OUR SCHOOL COMMUNITY Loreto Normanhurst is a leading Sydney, catholic, independent day and boarding school for girls from Years 5-12, with boarding for girls from Years 7-12, mainly from country NSW and the Sydney basin.

“Loreto Normanhurst has been a boarding school since we opened in 1897,” says principal Ms Marina Ugonotti.

“Parents have told us there is a sense of friendliness, of home; that there’s something really special here.”

Boarder Captain, Ella, agrees and says the boarding community offers breadth and richness in its relationships and provides opportunities to prepare a young woman to take her place and make a difference in the world.

“The thing I love most about being a boarder at Loreto is the strong sense of community that it brings. It is a homely and close environment where I am able to reach my full potential while being surrounded by the support of my closest friends and boarding staff. Boarding at Loreto has provided me with countless opportunities that I otherwise would not have access to.”

In 2018, Loreto opened its boarding model to Sydneymetropolitan-based students, which Ms Ugonotti believes has enriched the student experience. “When our school opened, Normanhurst was considered country so we’ve always had that strong history of country boarders,” she explains. “We are a diverse community and the introduction of boarders from the Sydney basin has added to that diversity.”

Jayda is from Sydney and boards with Loreto Normanhurst for the convenience and flexibility. “I save more than two hours a day in travel time, which has allowed me to be more involved at school and I have been able to get more work done than ever before. I have made so many

friendships, which I will treasure forever. The support and genuine care the boarders have for each other is so special.”

Further to this diversity, a new Boarding School will open in 2022 that Ms Ugonotti says will suit contemporary expectations and support the education of our young women today, and for future generations to come.

“Boarders provide a unique dimension and add to the richness of diversity at Loreto Normanhurst. Tradition will meet innovation in our new boarding school, ensuring that boarding will always remain at the very heart of our school community,” she says.

Contact the Enrolments Team for details at enquiries@ loretonh.nsw.edu.au or on (02) 9487 Learn more about Loreto Normanhurst here:

A home away from home...

For over 120 years, boarding has been at the heart of Loreto Normanhurst. Boarders are encouraged to participate to the fullest extent of school life, discovering their gifts and building life-long friendships.

The girls I live with are like sisters to me and I have formed friendships I will cherish for a lifetime.

- Bella, Year 10 Boarder

A leading Sydney, independent, catholic boarding and day school for girls from Years 5-12.

Boarding families are welcome to tour the school at any time. Contact the Enrolments Office for details.

Visit us on Open Day - Saturday 7 March 2020 www.loretonh.nsw.edu.au

enquiries@loretonh.nsw.edu.au

1800-LORETO

ST HILDA'S SCHOOL

Boarder Jane Henning continues a family tradition Boarder Jane Henning’s family has a long history with St Hilda’s School, dating back to 1933. Coming from a cattle property in Glenmorgan, Jane, the youngest of four girls, started at St Hilda’s this year in Year 7.

Jane has two older sisters, Kate in Year 11 and Peggy in Year 9, who currently attend St Hilda’s and her oldest sister, Annabelle, graduated in 2017. It doesn’t end there.

Jane’s mother, Wendy Henning graduated from St Hilda’s in 1991 and is still involved at the school as President of the Boarder Parents Support Group.

Jane’s grandmother, Susan Bamford-Fuller graduated in 1958 and recently attended her 60th school reunion, whilst Jane’s great aunt, Cecily Douglas graduated in 1935.

“It is nice to know what to expect; they all have so many stories about St Hilda’s,” said Jane. “I grew up learning about the school.”

Despite being raised in the dusty landscape of her family property, Jane has grown up with a love of the water.

An aspiring swimmer, Jane would wake up at 5am and have a 180 km round trip three times a week to the nearest pool at Surat for swimming training. Now she can just wake up and walk down to St Hilda’s pool.

A country girl at heart, Jane looks forward to regular updates on the animals she has left behind.

“I do miss my animals, especially my dog, Pete we also have 1,000 head of cattle and some sheep.

However, I love boarding at St Hilda’s! I’ve met a lot of new girls, and we’ve become good friends.

"We enjoy weekend activities, including going to the beach, painting and the Wet’n’Wild water park. I recently turned 12 and had the best birthday ever - the other girls in the boarding house really spoilt me.”

Care, connection and community All-girls’ Boarding on the Gold Coast For more than a century, St Hilda’s School has provided an outstanding education and a caring, community life for Boarders. We invite you to explore our Boarding Program and campus firsthand, and learn about our curriculum, extra-curricular activities and the benefits of an all-girls’ education.

To register for an upcoming Boarding Experience Day, contact Admissions on 07 5577 7232 or email enrolments@sthildas.qld.edu.au St Hilda’s School Gold Coast 52 High Street, Southport QLD

www.sthildas.qld.edu.au

space to thrive

living and learning at school inspired learning, specialist facilities, caring community Building on strong foundations of more than 218 years combined heritage and educational excellence, Scots All Saints College motivates students to be the best they can be.

2021 Scholarships now open Call us on 02 6331 3911

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Over 120 acres of picturesque rural landscape in Bathurst, with a working farm and equestrian centre, offering idyllic rural charm and a comforting sense of home.

Diverse opportunities in a nurturing co-educational environment, with Christian values, students can grow into young adults, confident of their own self-worth.

Our student well-being and pastoral care program equips students with skills for life.

scotsallsaints.nsw.edu.au 3 campuses Bathurst and Lithgow, NSW A Presbyterian Day and Boarding College for students Pre-Kindergarten to Year 12

SCOTS ALL SAINTS COLLEGE

Start fresh

finish strong N

ow in its Foundation Year, Scots All Saints College, Bathurst is emerging as the leading co-educational day and boarding college of excellence for PreKindergarten to Year 12 students in regional NSW. The newly merged college has consistently outperformed all other schools in the Central West and is one of the top three in regional NSW in academic excellence in HSC results (All Saints’ College in 2018) and ranked number one and two in NAPLAN results for all Years from 3, 5, 7, 9 in 2018 (All Saints College and The Scots School).

Many families and students from regional and rural areas are choosing to attend Scots All Saints College conveniently located in Bathurst, which offers a quality, independent education, with diverse opportunities in music, agriculture, sport, equestrian and opportunities to lead.

Newly appointed Head of College, Mr John Weeks, who brings a wealth of educational leadership experience establishing NSW regional and city-based schools, including 15 years with Knox Grammar School, said: “Scots All Saints is a modern and progressive college, focusing on student wellbeing through a programme based on positive psychology; this is our number one priority.

“Students who have a positive outlook thrive socially, emotionally and academically, and that’s what we all want! Research shows that the best predictor of success is not IQ, or even EQ. It’s actually GRIT ... where hard work and a positive “can do/will do” attitude leads to success and happiness in life.”

Scots All Saints College has a strong co-educational boarding family tradition, with more than 130 boarders enjoying the "space to be" in our recently renovated facilities at the picturesque Scots Campus in Bathurst.

Boarders enjoy the picturesque, wide open spaces,

with working farm and one of the only NSW schools to offer horse agistment on campus as part of the college equestrian program.

To celebrate the Scots All Saints College vision of developing well-rounded, community-minded young men and women of purpose, who strive for excellence in all their pursuits, new Head of College, All-Rounder Scholarships have been launched as part of the 2021 scholarship programme. Students are valued for their commitment to do the best they can do in diverse activities, including music, sport, agriculture, academics, citizenship and how they live the Christian values of the college. Scholarships for 2021 are now open, and students are invited to apply and tell us why they would like to join our college community.

We understand that choosing a boarding school can be a challenging decision, so the college is offering students to come for a visit to "try us". Visit out website to find our dates for our 2020 "Try Boarding Sleepover" and Orientation Day's new students.

The dedicated senior school environment for Years 9 12 is providing a fresh start to learning, so students can be motivated to be the best they can be to finish strong.

These fun, friendship and familiarisation events allow students to experience the facilities that are available on our senior campus, talk with teachers and discover a day in the life of a boarder.

Scholarships for 2021 are now open. Students entering Years 5 to 11 in 2021 may be eligible to apply for a scholarship in the following five categories: All-Rounder, Academic, Agriculture, Music, Pipe Band and Highland Dancing. Please visit scotsallsaints.nsw. edu.au or contact (02) 6331 3911 for further details.

The Boarding School

Business Directory THE ROCKHAMPTON GRAMMAR SCHOOL Established in 1881, The Rockhampton Grammar School offers an independent, co-educational Early Learning to Year 12 journey. We are proudly Queensland’s largest boarding school. registrar@rgs.qld.edu.au 1300 GRAMMAR www.rgs.qld.edu.au

KINROSS WOLAROI SCHOOL Kinross Wolaroi School is a co-educational K-12 boarding school of the Uniting Church located in Orange, NSW. Proudly nonselective, the School has around 1,100 students. admissions@kws.nsw.edu.au kws.nsw.edu.au 59-67 Bathurst Road, Orange NSW 2800 02 6392 0300 GEELONG COLLEGE The Geelong College is a leading Independent coeducational school from Early Learning to VCE, with boarding from Year 7. Our tight knit community of boarders welcomes students from across country Victoria and New South Wales, in addition Melbourne, the towns surrounding Geelong and from overseas. admissions@geelongcollege.vic.edu.au geelongcollege.vic.edu.au (03) 5226 3156

WENONA SCHOOL For further inquiries, please contact: Belinda Stoneham | Director of Enrolments and Community Relations 176 Walker Street, North Sydney NSW 2060 +61 2 9409 4440 enrolments@wenona.nsw.edu.au

ALL SOULS ST GABRIELS SCHOOL All Souls St Gabriels School is located in Charters Towers, North West Queensland. Our School is an Independent Co-educational Day and Boarding School from Pre-Prep to Year 12, with boarding from Year 6. allsouls.qld.edu.au enrolments@allsouls.qld.edu.au Facebook @AllSoulsStGabrielsSchool Instagram @allsoulsstgabrielsschool

SCOTCH COLLEGE Scotch College has been a home away from home for hundreds of boarders across multiple generations and is one of the world’s best boarding experiences. scotch.sa.edu.au enrolments@scotch.sa.edu.au 08 8274 4333 Facebook @scotchcollegeadelaide Instagram @scotchcollege GENAZZANO COLLEGE Genazzano FCJ College is a Catholic day and boarding school, located in Kew, catering to almost 1000 students from co-educational ELC to all girls Prep to Year 12. genazzano.vic.edu.au registrar@genazzano.vic.edu.au Facebook/Instagram/Twitter @genfcj 301 Cotham Road, Kew 3101 03 8862 1000

FRENSHAM Frensham is an outward-looking and forward-thinking boarding school, located in Mittagong NSW, that provides a rigorous and personalised academic programme and meaningful, lifelong and valued connections. frensham.nsw.edu.au registrar@frensham.nsw.edu.au +61 2 4860 2000 Instagram @frensham1913 CLAYFIELD COLLEGE At a small school with a big heart, we ignite passion, create opportunities, and nurture connections to carry with her for life.

She will shine. enrol@clayfield.qld.edu.au clayfield.qld.edu.au Facebook @ClayfieldCollege Instagram @clayfield.college

ST MARGARET’S ANGLICAN GIRLS SCHOOL In 2019, St Margaret’s was named Australia’s Boarding School of the Year and in 2020 celebrates 125 years of educating girls. A local school with a global outlook, it is known for providing a personalised learning journey and holistic education within a warm and welcoming community. admissions@stmargarets.qld.edu.au www.stmargaraets.qld.edu.au ROCKHAMPTON GIRLS GRAMMAR Regarded as a leading centre of education for girls, Girls Grammar is an independent non-denominational school offering day and boarding facilities for continuous education from Prep to Year 12. Boarding is available from Year 6.

(07) 4930 0900 enrolments@rggs.qld.edu.au rggs.qld.edu.au

STUARTHOLME SCHOOL Stuartholme School is a Catholic, independent day and boarding school for girls in Years 7 to 12 and has been a landmark Brisbane school for 100 years.

A: 365 Birdwood Terrace, Toowong QLD 4066 P: 07 3369 5466 E: enrolments@stuartholme.com W: www.stuartholme.com

SCOTS ALL SAINTS SCHOOLS Scholarships for 2021 are now open. Students entering Years 5 to 11 in 2021 may be eligible to apply for a scholarship in the following 5 categories: All-Rounder, Academic, Agriculture, Music, Pipe Band and Highland Dancing. scotsallsaints.nsw.edu.au 02 6331 3911

LORETO NORMANHURST Loreto Normanhurst is a leading Sydney, independent, catholic, day and boarding school for girls from Years 5-12, with boarding from Years 7-12, mainly from country NSW and the Sydney basin.

(02) 9487 3488 loretonh.nsw.edu.au 91-93 Pennant Hills Road, Normanhurst NSW 2076 enquiries@loretonh.nsw.edu.au Facebook/Twitter/Instagram @loretonh

CAULFIELD GRAMMAR SCHOOL A place where a proud history meets the best of the future. admissions@caulfieldgs.vic.edu.au (03) 9524 6300 caulfiedgs.vic.edu.au

WHERE IT'S YOUR HOME AWAY FROM HOME. ST PETERS LUTHERAN COLLEGE St Peters Lutheran College is a leading Brisbane, independent, Prep – Year 12 coeducational, day and boarding school, with boarding from Years 6 – 12.

66 Harts Road, Indooroopilly WLD 4068 07 3377 6236 enrolments@stpeters.qld.edu.au www.stpeters.qld.edu.au P - 12 Co-Education | Boarding Years 6 - 12 For more information contact enrolments@stpeters.qld.edu.au

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DALBY CHRISTIAN COLLEGE Boarding at Dalby Christian College is an invaluable investment in your child’s future.

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ST HILDA'S SCHOOL For more than 100 years, St Hilda’s School has provided an outstanding environment for girls’ education and a caring, community life for boarders from Years 6 to 12. sthildas.qld.edu.au Facebook @StHildasSchoolGoldCoast (07) 5577 7232 enrolments@sthildas.qld.edu.au

THE CATHEDRAL SCHOOL OF ST ANNE AND ST JAMES The Cathedral School of St Anne & St James - a dynamic, coeducational Anglican School for both boarding and day students from early childhood to Year 12. cathedral.qld.edu.au Facebook @thecathedralschooltownsville 07 4722 2000 registrar@cathedral.qld.edu.

The podcast of the Isolated Children's Parents A s s o c i a t i o n o f Q l d . P a n e l o f I C PA m e m b e r s and host Fleur Anderson catch up on all things education and life in the bush for rural families.

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AGRIFUTURES

Mental health advocate wins

inaugural award

Mental health advocate wins inaugural 2019 Agricultural Student of the Year Award The winner of the Kondinin Group, 2019 Agricultural Student of the Year Sally Downie is passionate about advocating for mental health, especially for young women in regional and rural Australia.

The inaugural Award category was sponsored by AgriFutures Australia with twenty-one year old Sally Downie taking out the top honour in Canberra as part of the Australian Farmer of the Year Awards. Sally knows first-hand the devastating impact mental health can have if it’s left untreated.

Belinda Allitt, General Manager, Communications & Capacity Building at AgriFutures Australia said Sally’s story was an inspiring one and highlighted her resilience and courage.

“Sally is a bright young women tackling a major societal health issue in a positive and empathetic manner,” said Ms Allitt.

“Her studies will give her a great foundation to continue her important work and give her more confidence and inspiration to create further impact across rural industries and rural communities.”

Sally grew up on a dairy property in Forbes, in Central Western NSW and was surprised to receive the award, as she was unaware of her nomination from her mum, Cheryl.

“The award has given me a real confidence boost and it’s also helped me reflect on my achievements,” said Sally.

“I think the combination of full-time study, working as a Drought Coordinator for Forbes Shire Council and my involvement in the community also helped me take out this prestigious award.” ‘‘I don’t believe there’s enough help targeting women as I’m a strong advocate for mental health having struggled with it myself.”

Sally spent five months in hospital facing her own mental health concerns and that experience led her to “Grassroots Blueprint”, a networking association that helps rural communities connect through barbeques, and workshops.

Sally’s passion for agriculture has been lifelong. At school she was known as being a bit of a ‘cow nerd’. She studied agriculture and primary industries and also helped form the Forbes High School Show Team.

After finishing school in 2016 as Dux of Year 12, she took on a full-time role on the family farm and role of “Young Dairy Network Coordinator” for Dairy NSW,

bringing the first network for young dairy farmers to the Central West, giving young dairy farmers an opportunity to learn and engage with others in the industry.

Sally is currently studying a Bachelor of Agriculture (distance) through Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga. Since winning the award in October 2019, Sally intends to change gear with her degree and now move into ag science in 2020.

Grassroots Blueprint gives rural communities a chance to reconnect and talk about mental health by providing a safe space for these conversations.

“As suicide rates continue to climb, I would like to see mental health as part of the school curriculum and a mandatory component for all university students,” she said.

“University students are going directly into workforces so they’re in the driver’s seat to male real change when it comes to mental health awareness and direct contact with rural communities.’

“My advice for others struggling with mental illness is don’t be embarrassed by it and get help sooner rather than later before it escalates.”

In 2019, Sally was part of the ABC Trailblazer Program which has helped her continue to run various workshops locally and she’s determined to improve mental health services in regional Australia.

“Studying has definitely helped my wellness journey,” she said.

“Once I complete my degree, I am looking forward to reaching out to more regions with Grassroots Blueprint,” said Sally.

If you are struggling or know someone struggling with mental illness contact: In an emergency: 000 Lifeline: 13 11 14 (24/7 service) // lifeline.org.au Beyond Blue:1300 22 4636 (24/7 service) beyondblue.org.au Black Dog Institute: blackdoginstitute.org.au

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