BOARDING SCHOOLS GUIDE 2025
THE
LIST The Graziher Schools Directory
ALL IN THE FAMILY
“My
kids are the 5th generation to go boarding”
WISDOM BUSH
“I’m passionate about helping others”
AMANDA FERRARI on choosing the right school
Joe-Boys value family and community
For generations and spanning decades, families have sent their sons to St Joseph’s College. Our Marist ethos ensures our students grow up with a deep respect for and sense of family and community. These connections mean the world to our boys, and to the College. Scan to discover what else makes a Joe-Boy.
B Visit an Expo
Meet
Dubbo 16 – 17 May DRTCC
C Visit your Shortlist
Griffith Pop-up 19 June Griffith Leagues Club – Southside Wagga Wagga 20 – 21 June Bolton Park Stadium
Narrabri 25 – 26 July The Crossing Theatre
NSW/ACT SCHOOLS
Abbotsleigh
Ascham School
Barker College
Calrossy Anglican School Tamworth
Canberra Girls Grammar School
Canberra Grammar School
Cranbrook School
Farrer Memorial Agricultural H S Frensham
Hurlstone Agricultural H S Kambala
Kincoppal-Rose Bay School
Kinross Wolaroi School
Knox Grammar School
Loreto Normanhurst
Macquarie Anglican Grammar MAGS
Mount Erin Boarding, Wagga Wagga
NEGS
Newington College
PLC Armidale
PLC Sydney
Pymble Ladies’ College
Ravenswood School for Girls
Red Bend Catholic College
St Catherine’s School Sydney
St Francis De Sales Regional College
St Gregory’s College Campbelltown
St Ignatius’ College, Riverview
St Joseph’s College, Hunters Hill
St Paul’s International College
St Scholastica's College
St Stanislaus’ College
St Vincent’s College, Potts Point
Scots All Saints College Shore
Tara Anglican School for Girls
The King’s School
The McDonald College
The Scots College, Sydney
The Scots School Albury
Wenona
Yanco Agricultural H S QLD SCHOOLS
Anglican Church Grammar School
Blackheath & Thornburgh College
Brisbane Grammar School
Columba Catholic College
Downlands College
Ipswich Girls’ Grammar School
Ipswich Grammar School
John Paul College
Marist College Ashgrove
Rockhampton Girls Grammar School
St Hilda’s School, Gold Coast
St Margaret’s Anglican Girls School
St Peters Lutheran College
SCOTS PGC College
Stuartholme School
Tec-NQ
The Cathedral College, Rockhampton The Glennie School
The Rockhampton Grammar School
Toowoomba Grammar School
Whitsunday Anglican School
VIC SCHOOLS
Genazzano FCJ College
Melbourne Girls Grammar
Methodist Ladies’ College MLC
St Catherine’s School, Toorak
Scotch College, Melbourne Toorak College
TAS SCHOOLS
Scotch Oakburn College 2025 Expos
Wesley College Melbourne
The Armidale School TAS
EDITOR’S LETTER
PERCY WIGGINS JUST couldn’t believe it when his mum and dad dropped his older brother Ollie at boarding school in Sydney for the first time. “Are you leaving him there? Who is going to tie my shoelaces now?” he asked his mother, Kirsty. Percy is now a teenager and at boarding school himself, but that moment must have been pretty heartbreaking for Kirsty as she left her eldest child at boarding school.
The Narromine-based mum had been a boarder herself; in fact, Percy and his siblings are the fifth generation on both sides of the family to go away for school, but that didn’t make it any easier for her. “It affects the whole family,” Kirsty says on page 96. That impact is definitely something that isn’t spoken about enough.
If you are just setting out on this journey, the person to speak to is Amanda Ferrari, the driving force behind Boarding Schools Expo Australia. A mother of three children, Amanda has gone down this road herself and understands how difficult it is to know you’ve chosen the right school. She says, “It is never too early to begin the conversation.” I spent the day with her in Trangie for our story on page 8. Georgina Poole has sent two of her three children to boarding school, and recently welcomed three of her daughter Harriet’s friends from St Margaret’s Anglican Girls School in Brisbane to their farm in Moree for a four-day weekend. As she writes (from page 18), the family loved hosting the girls, who “can now ride motorbikes, drive a manual car, point out different crops and are becoming very comfortable outside the city limits”.
“[It’s an] opportunity to GIVE BACK to the generous surrogate families who STEP IN when our kids are far from home,” Georgie says.
And it works both ways, as Georgie points out. For her, it makes it easier to send Harriet to school, because she knows the daygirls’ families will care for her daughter in the same way: welcoming her into their homes, sending in special treats and driving her to sport when needed. Weekends on the farm are an “opportunity to give back to the generous surrogate families who step in when our kids are far from home,” she says.
We hope the Graziher 2025 Boarding Schools Guide will help to make your family’s road to boarding school life a little easier to navigate.
victoria@graziher.com.au
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VICTORIA CAREY
ALL SOULS ST GABRIELS A legacy of strength and a future of opportunity in Charters Towers, Queensland.
THE ROCKHAMPTON GRAMMAR SCHOOL
Generations of scholars build on a strong foundation at Queensland’s largest boarding school.
FRENSHAM Opportunities for girls in the Southern Highlands of New South Wales.
EDITOR’S LETTER
LEARNING CURVE Amanda Ferrari talks about why she started the Boarding Schools Expo Australia.
A PLACE TO CALL HOME Adventure is on the curriculum for young boarders at Tudor House.
A GOOD WEEKEND Day students from Brisbane visit their schoolmates’ farms to learn about rural life.
SUBSCRIBE TO GRAZIHER and receive an Antola Trading shirt of your choice, worth $89.95.
A HEAD START The Graziher boarding schools directory, with information you need to make your research easier.
LIFE’S LESSONS A mother of four talks about her experiences of boarding school — as student and parent.
HAILEYBURY PANGEA ONLINE SCHOOL A flexible and innovative academic program has much to offer.
PYMBLE LADIES’ COLLEGE This Sydney school offers girls a broad perspective on life.
HAILEYBURY RENDALL SCHOOL In tropical Darwin, this school sets its students up for success.
ANGLICAN CHURCH GRAMMAR SCHOOL At Churchie in East Brisbane, recently refurbished facilities offer a home away from home for young boarders.
SCOTS PGC COLLEGE Pathways to uni or work are forged at this school in Warwick, Queensland.
ST MARGARET’S Promoting academic excellence and co-curricular achievements in Brisbane.
All Souls St Gabriels, located in Charters Towers, Queensland, has a 45 hectare campus.
A FAMILY AFFAIR
Boarding school is a given for many remote students, and your choices can affect the whole family.
THE SCHOOLS continued
THE ARMIDALE SCHOOL Offering space to grow for students in the New England region of New South Wales.
STUARTHOLME This Brisbane school prepares girls to effectively engage with the world around them.
ST PETERS LUTHERAN COLLEGE A Brisbane co-ed school empowers boarders and encourages inclusivity.
THE CATHEDRAL COLLEGE This Rockhampton schools innovative Ag Connect program is promising.
THE GEELONG COLLEGE A welcoming and supportive community awaits at this Victorian boarding school.
WHITSUNDAY ANGLICAN SCHOOL Flexibility in boarding options works for students with different needs.
THE KING’S SCHOOL Helping develop the global thought leaders of tomorrow, in the heart of Sydney.
PEMBROKE The vibrant cultural hub of Adelaide offers much to boarders at Pembroke School.
PLC ARMIDALE Equipping young women for success since 1887, in regional New South Wales.
THE KING’S SCHOOL, TUDOR HOUSE With boarding from Year 3, students find adventure and friendship.
SCOTS ALL SAINTS COLLEGE Bathurst, New South Wales, is home to this co-ed school with a strong ag bent. CANBERRA GIRLS GRAMMAR SCHOOL 100 years of quality education is behind this historic girls’ school.
KNOX GRAMMAR SCHOOL Boarding at this Sydney school can really set boys up for future success.
COVER STORY
Amanda Ferrari was a city girl who fell in love with the bush, but she wasn’t quite prepared for the difficulty of choosing boarding schools for her three children. She established the Boarding Schools Expo Australia to help make the choices easier for other parents. Photography by Pip Farquharson.
LEARNING CURVE
Moving to the bush changed the course of Amanda Ferrari’s life — and it’s a decision she has never regretted.
Words Victoria Carey Photography Pip Farquharson
Amanda Ferrari relaxes at her home near Trangie, NSW, beneath an artwork by the late Aboriginal artist Barbara Weir. Bertie the dog is never too far away.
THE PHOTOGRAPHER AND I are running late. The mobile reception is bad on the road from Dubbo to Trangie, New South Wales, but Amanda Ferrari is completely unfazed by the regular, and changing, updates on our ETA.
Finally, we turn off the Mitchell Highway just before we reach Trangie and drive across a bridge to Karuna Bank, Amanda’s home perched high on the edge of the Macquarie River. I read a text pinging in on my mobile: “Just come across the deck to the door, walk through and holler.”
It’s been quite a journey, but nothing compared to the one taken by the woman who is finally in front of me. “How did a girl from Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs end up here?” asks the 58-year-old, guessing what my first question will be as she pours me a cold drink in the large open-plan kitchen.
“I’ve always had a hankering for the land. We had boarders at my school, so I was invited to country parties and I just loved it,” she says. “I can’t really explain it. I was a city girl literally off the beach at Bondi, then I got out into the country and I had the strongest, most urgent sense of belonging that’s unexplainable.”
A couple of years after leaving school, she says, “I put my money where my mouth was and went off to ag college in Orange. It was an experience that set me up for life.”
The city girl’s decision to enrol at an agricultural college in a country town was a very brave — and unusual — one at the time. “One hundred per cent it was,” she recalls as we sit at a timber dining table overlooked by a magnificent work by the
Aboriginal artist Barbara Weir, bought 20 years ago in Alice Springs. “I had no country background at all, no grandparents on the land, nothing. But I loved it so I decided to move. And 10 years down the track, I was marrying a cropping farmer.”
This dynamic woman had already packed a lot into her life by the time she met Ross Ferrari at Trangie’s Imperial Hotel (‘The Impy’ to locals). “Three mad farmers bought the pub a couple of years ago, and one of them is my husband,” she says, rolling her eyes. “But it has been fun.”
The Ferrari family are well known in the district; Ross’s dad Harry, who died last year, is recalled fondly by many. It’s clearly a close community and one Amanda loves being part of.
A young mum recently interviewed by Graziher attributed her success to the town’s great childcare service. It turns out that Amanda was a driving force behind the establishment of Tots on Temoin, one of the first long day care centres in rural New South Wales. She was also the founding president of the Macquarie Matrons, which raised approximately $900,000 for rural causes.
“When you come to a new community, it can be very difficult for young women. You’re thrown into the isolation of childbirth and child rearing on your own, living out of town. It’s that age-old story and it doesn’t change,” she says.
Amanda speaks from experience. Amy and Annabel, her twin daughters, were born at the busiest time of the year — harvest. Now 28, they were followed by Oliver, who has just turned 23. >
“I always knew it was HIGHLY LIKELY my kids would go to boarding school, but I’d never really confronted it. I thought it would BE EASY, but what was I thinking?”
Clockwise, from top left Home is a quiet escape from the family’s mixed-cropping operation outside Trangie in the Orana region; Amanda has always played an active role in the local community; son Oliver, in the wool shed with red cattle dog pup Max, attended The King’s School in Sydney; silos on the farm; from left, Oliver, Amy, Ross and Amanda. Absent is Amy’s twin Annabel. Both girls boarded at Abbotsleigh in Sydney. Opposite page Sorghum is one of the crops grown on Ross and Amanda’s farm.
“Our ag businesses are GROWING, our mining sector is growing and our renewable energy sector is growing. We are seeing more FIRST-GENERATION boarders than ever before.”
(His mother jokingly refers to him as ‘Baby Jesus’ as “he can do no wrong in my eyes”.)
The face of a much younger Oliver appears on the marketing materials for Boarding Schools Expo Australia, the organisation Amanda owns and oversees as director.
Years ago, she and Ross spent many hours at the dining table, carefully considering where their children would go to school.
“I always knew it was highly likely my kids would go to boarding school, but I’d never really confronted it,” she says. “I thought it would be easy, but what was I thinking? It just didn’t occur to me that these little people wouldn’t be at home anymore. People don’t talk about that and that’s why I love helping people now.”
Amanda has seen big changes in the boarding school world.
“Our ag businesses are growing, our mining sector is growing and our renewable energy sector is growing. We are seeing more first-generation boarders than ever before,” she says.
What words of wisdom does she have for these newcomers?
“Don’t give all the power to your children. Don’t let them choose the school on their own. You want them to have a say, but make it a collective decision with all the family.”
In a recent interview for Dubbo’s Daily Liberal, Amanda was asked about the best advice she has been given. Her reply?
“A Buddhist nun once said, ‘Worrying is like praying for something you don’t want to happen.’”
Wise, witty and very funny — I just wish that I could put in everything we spoke about during our afternoon together in Trangie — one thing is certain: Amanda Ferrari is someone you want on your team. g
For information about Boarding Schools Expo Australia, visit boardingexpo.com.au or go to graziher.com.au to read past stories of boarding families.
Having successfully guided her children through boarding school, Amanda is now sharing her hard-earned wisdom.
IN THIS ISSUE
Artist Lottie Rae tells us about her growing international fame, plus we visit a 100-year-old homestead opening its doors to visitors. Don’t miss the latest issue of Graziher!
A PLACE TO
Adventure is part of the curriculum for the young boarders at Tudor House in the Southern Highlands of New South Wales.
Words Emma Mulholland
CALL HOME
Tudor House students make the most of the 68 hectare campus in Moss Vale.
WITH DAMS FOR fishing, a mountain-bike track and a camping area for overnight stays, Tudor House’s 68 hectare campus is the stuff of country kids’ dreams. Tree-climbing is encouraged, and on Fridays the students cook lunch over an open fire. Plans are underway to add motorbiking to the roster of after-school activities, which will make Tudor House the first school to have a registered club with Motorcycling Australia.
Adam Larby, who joined The King’s School as the head of Tudor House in 2021, wants to lay claim to Australia’s most adventurous primary school. He explains: “We see ourselves as having a really healthy risk appetite. I look at kids who leave here to go into high school and they’re streets ahead of the others in Year 7 who’ve been so sheltered.”
Set in the Southern Highlands, about halfway between Sydney and Canberra, Tudor House blends the best of country life with a world-class education. For its 30 boarders that means spending weekends at local shows and rodeos, while benefiting from the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme.
Boarding is offered to boys and girls from Year 3, most of whom come from properties and regional towns in New South Wales. Many arrive with practical skills beyond their years, and these are encouraged at every opportunity. Last year, for example, the Construction Club helped the grounds and maintenance staff build a canoe shed and toilet blocks for the school’s campsite.
“They’re learning about putting together fabricated walls. They’re using drills, measuring, sawing and making sure things are level,” says Larby. “This is very much a school that’s about rolling up your sleeves; we take a very practical approach.”
Larby lives on the grounds with his wife, Lyndel, and their children Alexis, 11, Florence, nine, and James, six, who attend the school (Stella, the eldest at 13, is in high school). The family is one of five that live on campus and dine with boarders in the evening: one of the ways the school fosters a familial setting.
Tudor House is one of the few schools in Australia that offer boarding at a primary level, starting at age eight. For many parents, sending their kids away is a big decision. As the head of
“We see ourselves as having a really healthy RISK APPETITE. I look at kids who leave here and they’re STREETS AHEAD of the others in Year 7 who’ve been so sheltered.”
boarding, Anthony Philips, explains: “I’ve had lots of parents say to me, ‘You know, we really don’t want to send our kids to boarding school at this age, but we feel like we have to because they’re falling behind academically.’”
After six to 12 months, he says, “I’ll get comments like, ‘I wish we’d done it earlier’ or ‘I wish we’d done it with our other kids.’ Once they’re here and they’re part of our community, there’s a sense of relief for the parents.”
For some, the decision comes down to geography: the local school is simply too far away. For others, it’s the promise of a quality education. Tudor House is one of 20 primary schools in New South Wales that offer the International Baccalaureate program, which is highly regarded for its international approach, universal teaching methods and focus on student agency.
Some will board at Tudor House for the last 18 months of their primary education. For this cohort, it’s often about preparing for high school, whether that’s filling learning gaps or simply getting the hang of living away from home. On graduating, boys from Tudor House have preferred enrolment at The King’s School in Sydney, while girls typically board at nearby Frensham or at bigger Sydney schools.
“A lot of kids are coming from schools that might have less than 50 students,” says Larby. “If they’re going into high school boarding, one of the best ways to get them ready is to send them just a little bit early, when there’s less pressure and they’re not going through puberty in the same way.”
For parents who might be considering an earlier start to boarding than originally planned, Larby suggests contacting the school for information on financial support and bursaries. “We really want to focus our attention on country families,” he explains. “I want kids from the country, kids who really need this opportunity.”
Like Larby, Philips lives at the school with his young family. Having spent the best part of 20 years as a classroom teacher, he used to think primary boarding was a tough sell. “But having been here for a few years now, and having seen what these kids get to experience, I don’t feel like it is,” says Philips. “I’d say our boarders are enjoying the pinnacle of the primary school experience in Australia.”
Amid those hectares of rolling hills, there’s a particular vantage point at the school where, he says, “You’ve got the tennis courts in front of you, the dam to the right and kids riding bikes all over the place. You look at it and you think, ‘This is crazy. I think we’re building something quite special here.’” g
THE KING’S SCHOOL, TUDOR HOUSE
Co-educational primary school for boarders and day students, from Pre-Kindergarten to Year 6.
LOCATION: Moss Vale, New South Wales
NUMBER OF BOARDERS: 30 (Years 3 to 6, boys and girls)
Clockwise, from top left Dinnertime at the boarding house; the annual billycart derby; Year 6 children camp on the grounds; Tudor House students benefit from a co-ed environment. Opposite page Boys take part in the Kahiba outdoor education program.
A GOOD WEEKEND
An opportunity for Brisbane day students to immerse themselves in farm life with their boarder friends can help bridge the rural–urban divide.
Words and photography Georgina Poole
I WAS DRIVING down the main street of Moree, New South Wales, after dark with my car loaded up wide-eyed 14-year-old girls quietly weighing up the silent streetscape. I’d just collected my daughter and three of her friends after an eight-hour bus trip, but the adrenalin of the highly anticipated road trip had well and truly faded as they blinked at the unfamiliar surrounds.
It was a cheery exclamation from the back seat that took everyone off guard, and suggested we could be in for a weekend of culture shock.
“Wow! This looks just like Hastings Street!”
This unexpected first impression was perhaps a generous comparison: the gaudy tobacconists and ‘guns and ammo’ shopfronts were still hidden in the shadows of darkness. But, having rarely ventured further than Noosa, this enamoured Brisbane schoolgirl’s point of reference on regional Australia was limited.
There’s little doubt the connection between rural and urban Australia has frayed; however, at St Margaret’s Anglican Girls School in Brisbane, the Queensland Labour Day long weekend is dedicated to the annual Day/Boarder Weekend home visit program in an effort to help mend this disconnect. All students are given a four-day weekend, plus a half day on Friday for travel, with boarders encouraged to invite day students to their rural and regional homes.
Buses depart the school with much fanfare, destined for towns such as Moree, Goondiwindi and Roma, while an equal number of girls take to the air for outback adventures. Once they reach their destinations, it’s a saturated weekend schedule showcasing the best of bush living. >
From left, Maggie Bull, Annabelle Crowe, Harriet Poole and Josephine Coorey romp among the cotton plants on Harriet’s family’s farm near Moree.
My daughter Harriet had invited three of her daygirl friends to stay with us: Maggie Bull, Annabelle Crowe and Josephine Coorey. Maggie — whose parents grew up rurally and still have agricultural interests — was already capable on-farm, but for Josie and Annabelle it was one of their first farm experiences.
Cotton season is in full swing during May in Moree, and the cotton fields were the girls’ initial playground. Shiny boots became heavy with clumps of irrigation mud as they ran among the plants; their first time seeing a cotton crop.
Questions fired as they pulled at the fluffy bolls, and the dots begin to join in their minds about the relevance of this natural fibre in their own sartorial obsessions. Irrigation demonstrations, a snake sighting and round bale climbing were all part of the adventure. There was even a cotton-picker ride with a gruff driver who reluctantly agreed to give each girl a turn riding in the cabin — an experience underlined by an awkward bouncy silence.
From artesian hot pools to Lillyman’s soft drinks, local icons we take for granted were revered and, even under the honest glare of daylight, Moree’s main street didn’t seem to lose any of its shine for the beaming teens.
genuinely powerful impact. At the very least, these impressionable Gen Zs will be excited by rural Australia, and know where their food and fibre comes from.
It’s difficult the quantify the lasting impression of such an experience. These young women may be the policymakers, corporate CEOs and philanthropists of tomorrow, and the more they understand our rural and regional landscape, the stronger our communities futures will be.
This same group of girls visited us again over the recent Christmas holidays, and are planning their next Day/Boarder Weekend in May. They can now ride motorbikes, drive a manual car, point out different crops and are becoming very comfortable outside the city limits.
It’s a simple initiative with a genuinely POWERFUL impact. At the very least, these impressionable Gen Zs will be EXCITED by rural Australia, and know where their food and fibre COMES FROM.
A trip to Goondiwindi for the annual ag show united many of the various boarder/ daygirl households from across the region, with the sideshow alley dominated by groups of girls talking over each other with tales of their adventures. The weekend progressed with more farm tours, largely consisting of motorbike rides meticulously planned months in advance.
Somewhere in the mix we also managed a trip to the historic Nindigully Pub for its famous Road Train Burger (a 5.5kg whopper that feeds six people) and, despite having grown up in the region, I’m ashamed to say it was my first visit too.
An outback Queensland friend took country hospitality to another level during her daughter’s first Day/Boarder Weekend, organising scenic joy flights, outback bonfires, camping and horseriding along the river. She laughs that it’s more than she’s ever entertained her own children, and not at all reflective of an average weekend in the bush, but the delight the daygirls get from the experience is absolutely worth the effort — and first impressions count. The weekend is a simple initiative with a
For boarder parents, sending a child hundreds of kilometres away to live in the city can feel equally foreign, and the exchange weekend is valuable in ensuring a connected daygirl and boarder network. Daygirl families fall over each other to take our girls to sport, or on leave for the weekend; some even pack special lunch box treats for their boarder buddies.
It’s comforting; it’s a credit to St Margaret’s for building a strong culture; and it’s a wonderful opportunity to give back to the generous surrogate families who step in when our kids are far from home. To somehow scale this initiative so all students across our cities have an opportunity to spend time in regional and rural Australia would do wonders for demystifying life beyond the Great Dividing Range. In the meantime, St Margaret’s is playing a small but important role by promoting this platform.
The Day/Boarder Weekend is perhaps one of the busiest on our calendar, yet there’s nothing quite as heartwarming as seeing city kids embrace rural Australia with such joy. The enthusiasm from my carload of young girls suggests that — given the opportunity — the appetite for rural Australia is as strong as ever.
And now, every time I drive down Moree’s main street at night, its glimmering fairy lights illuminating the leafy tree canopy, I can see that it really does have an air of Hastings Street about it. g
To learn more about the St Margaret’s Anglican Girls School, visit stmargarets.qld.edu.au. For more stories about boarding schools and families, go to graziher.com.au
Climbing the round cotton bales is just one of the farm activities enjoyed by the 14-year-olds from St Margaret’s.
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THE LIST
From All Souls to Stuartholme, from Geelong to Darwin, Graziher brings you a list of schools to consider when making decisions about your children’s education.
The co-curricular program at The Rockhampton Grammar School offers agricultural pursuits as well as opportunities for dance and theatre.
A HEAD START
Research is key when it comes to making a decision about your child’s education. The Graziher directory is a good place to start.
CHOOSING A BOARDING
school is a complicated decision for both parents and children. Not only do you need to consider academic and co-curricular opportunities, school values, parental communication and involvement, but also logistics: location, boarding facilities, fees and more. The right boarding environment for your child is crucial to their long-term success, so it is important to weigh up the pros and cons and do your research. Graziher’s directory will help you explore what different schools have to offer as you search for your child’s home away from home.
ALL SOULS ST GABRIELS SCHOOL
With more than 100 years of experience, All Souls St Gabriels is a co-educational day and boarding school grounded in Christian faith, catering for students from Pre-prep to Year 12. Located in Charters Towers, 120 kilometres south-west of Townsville, the 45 hectare campus has wide, grassed ovals and playgrounds for outdoor pursuits and learning. It is a small school, with approximately 460 students, and yet it offers an impressive range of facilities, including a state-of-the-art design and technology centre and aquatic precinct. 30 Dr George Ellis Drive, Charters Towers Qld 4820; allsouls.qld.edu.au
ANGLICAN CHURCH GRAMMAR SCHOOL
Established in 1912, the Anglican Church Grammar School (known as ‘Churchie’) is for boys from Reception to Year 12, with boarding offered from Year 7. The school has the largest inner-city school campus in Brisbane, and students are fully supported in their development. Churchie’s mission is ‘the making of men’: to nurture and inspire
men of character through the four tenets of academic excellence, spiritual awareness, personal growth and service. In addition, Churchie is a member of the Great Public Schools’ Association of Queensland (GPS) and participates in a range of interschool academic, sporting and cultural competitions. Oaklands Parade, East Brisbane Qld 4169; churchie.com.au
BALLARAT GRAMMAR
Ballarat Grammar is one of regional Australia’s leading co-educational schools, with a proud history dating back to 1877 and a flourishing community of more than 1700 students
Students have every opportunity to REACH THEIR GOALS and prepare themselves for the world’s TOP UNIVERSITIES and beyond.
Haileybury Pangea
from Prep to Year 12, including around 250 boarders. The main campus is located near Lake Wendouree in Ballarat, with beautiful heritage buildings and state-of-the-art, purposebuilt learning spaces, sporting facilities and green spaces. The school also offers a farm campus set on 50 hectares, with sweeping rural views just 10 minutes from Ballarat, as well as an off-campus Year 9 experience, located in the vibrant heart of Melbourne’s CBD. 201 Forest Street, Wendouree Vic 3355; bgs.vic.edu.au
CANBERRA GIRLS GRAMMAR SCHOOL
Founded in 1926, Canberra Girls Grammar School is Canberra’s only exclusively female boarding option, and the school continues to promote fearless leadership, visionary thinking, unwavering resilience and rigorous learning for life. Nestled in the foothills of Red Hill, CGGS is just one kilometre from Parliament House and minutes to Australia’s national institutions, high-performance sport facilities, embassies, high commissions and government departments. Our boarders come from all corners of the globe, so naturally, diversity is celebrated. Respect and harmony is championed and each individual is known and valued. Beyond a world-class educational setting, we provide an extensive co-curricular program. Every effort is made to offer opportunities for boarders to explore their passions, discover new talents and find what appeals to them. Above all, we work in partnership with our boarding families, and always encourage visits and feedback.
Melbourne Ave, Deakin ACT 2600; cggs.act.edu.au
FRENSHAM SCHOOLS
Established in 1913, Frensham is an independent, non-denominational boarding and day school for girls, with more than 70 per cent of the total enrolment in residence. Located at Mittagong in the Southern Highlands region of New South Wales and set on 121 hectares, the surrounding bushland not only shapes the school’s character, but the character of the girls who call it home. Along with sport on weekends, boarders have study times, workshops, academic coaching and dedicated time for music practice. The school has an on-campus farm, where students grow
and harvest vegetables, raise and train show cattle and sheep and manage the daily operations of a working farm. Range Road, Mittagong NSW 2575; frensham.nsw.edu.au
HAILEYBURY PANGEA ONLINE SCHOOL
Haileybury Pangea is an online school for students in Years 5 to 12, located in Victoria and the Northern Territory, providing access to a world-class education wherever students are located. The school delivers the Australian Curriculum using the latest online learning technology, so students have every opportunity to reach their goals and prepare themselves for the world’s top universities and beyond. Students attend two to three live lessons per subject per week with the addition of self-paced learning, allowing for greater flexibility and time to pursue other interests or activities. haileyburypangea.com
HAILEYBURY RENDALL SCHOOL
Located in the breathtaking Northern Territory city of Darwin, Haileybury Rendall School offers a world-class education and boarding experience to domestic and international students from early learning to Year 12, with boarding offered from Year 7. The school has received Australian Education Awards including Regional School of the Year 2023 and 2022 Boarding School of the Year. Haileybury Rendall School offers three boarding houses, each with individual and twin shared rooms options, communal areas and state of the art facilities. Students have access to sports facilities including a swimming pool, basketball courts and ovals. The separate female and male residences are connected by common areas in which students can study or socialise with fellow boarders.
6057 Berrimah Road, Berrimah NT 0828; haileyburyrendall.com.au
KNOX GRAMMAR SCHOOL
Located in Wahroonga on Sydney’s North Shore, Knox Grammar School is a leading independent Uniting Church school. Knox was founded in 1924 and caters for boys from Kindergarten to Year 12, offering boarding places for boys from Year 7 across three boarding houses. There is a co-curricular activity for everyone, with more than 30 sports including rugby, basketball, tennis, and volleyball, and more than 70 activities including cadets, clubs and social justice, plus more than 90 music programs including instrumental and choral performance opportunities.
2 Borambil Street, Wahroonga NSW 2076; knox.nsw.edu.au
PEMBROKE SCHOOL
Pembroke School is an independent co-educational and non-denominational day and boarding school located in Kensington Park, a suburb six kilometres east of the centre of Adelaide. It was >
Scots PGC has an impressive equestrian program and students are encouraged to bring their own horses to school.
founded in 1974 as an amalgamation of King’s College, a boys’ school, and the Girton Girls’ School, and offers education from Early Learning to Year 12. The curriculum extends from child-centred, inquiry-based learning experiences in the junior school’s International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme; the Australian Curriculum in the middle school; and two programs in the senior school: the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE) and the International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB).
342 The Parade, Kensington Park SA 5068; pembroke.sa.edu.au
PRESBYTERIAN LADIES’ COLLEGE ARMIDALE
PLC caters for day and boarding students from Pre-kindergarten to Year 12, with boarding offered from Year 5. Since 1887, PLC has provided an inspirational culture, supporting girls as they develop into young women of substance and character. A signature feature of PLC is the international program, reflecting the school’s global approach to learning. Students engage in the global community with Chaplaincy tours, international exchanges and service learning.
15–57 Crest Rd, Armidale NSW 2350; plcarmidale.nsw.edu.au
PYMBLE LADIES’ COLLEGE
Situated on 20 hectares of beautiful park-like grounds on Sydney’s upper North Shore, Pymble Ladies’ College is a non-selective, independent school for girls from Kindergarten to Year 12, with boarding available from Year 7. The college has been leading the way in educating girls and young women since its inception in 1916, when it began with a vision to educate young women in science and maths at a time when female education was not considered important. Pymble is also proud to be the first independent school in Australia to be designated as an Australian Olympic Pathway School by the Australian Olympic Committee. This achievement demonstrates their dedication to providing students with
outstanding opportunities, resources and support to help them pursue their Olympic dreams.
Avon Road, Pymble NSW 2073; pymblelc.nsw.edu.au
SCOTS ALL SAINTS COLLEGE
Scots All Saints is an independent Presbyterian Church co-educational day and boarding college located in picturesque Bathurst, New South Wales. The college has a long and proud reputation of providing outstanding learning experiences for children from Preparatory to Year 12 in a safe, secure, idyllic country setting. The college encourages students from all backgrounds to get involved in the college farm, set on 40 hectares, and runs
The college has been leading the way... with a VISION to educate young women in science and maths at a time when FEMALE education was not considered important.
Pymble Ladies’ College
stud cattle as well as 30 first-cross ewes which produce prime lambs. It also has a small feedlot where steers are prepared annually for the Sydney Royal Easter Show and the Upper Hunter Beef Bonanza. The farm also allows students to be involved in a cropping program. 4173 O’Connell Road, Bathurst NSW 2795; scotsallsaints.nsw.edu.au
SCOTS PGC COLLEGE
Located on the outskirts of Warwick, Queensland, Scots PGC College is a Prep to Year 12 co-educational school for day and boarding families. One of its great strengths is the diverse pathways it provides, with exceptional academic results, school-based apprenticeships or traineeships and workplace-ready qualifications. Scots PGC also boasts
a prestigious equestrian program of dressage, jumping, eventing and polocrosse to campdrafting, with the opportunity for students to bring their own horses to school.
60 Oxenham Street, Warwick QLD 4370; scotspgc.com.au
ST JOSEPH’S COLLEGE HUNTERS HILL
St Joseph’s is an independent Catholic day and boarding school for boys, located on the lower North Shore of Sydney. St Joseph’s, affectionately known as Joeys, has been at the forefront of secondary education for 140 years. There is a strong city and country connection, with 25 per cent of students coming from country regions. Parents and family have the option of staying at the Country Club, across the road from the main campus, providing an Airbnb-style accommodation option, whether visiting to attend a sporting or co-curricular event, a parent information evening, or simply to enjoy a picnic on the front lawn as a family.
Mark St, Hunters Hill, NSW 2110; joeys.org
ST MARGARET’S ANGLICAN GIRLS SCHOOL
Situated in the leafy Brisbane suburb of Ascot, St Margaret’s is an independent day and boarding school for girls from Pre-prep to Year 12, offering boarding from Year 5. Educating girls since 1895, the school is known for its academic excellence and commitment to pastoral care, 21 sports, a thriving cultural program and a strong emphasis on social responsibility; and opportunities to participate in a global exchange program to countries including Canada, Japan, South Africa, New Zealand, USA, England, Germany and France.
11 Petrie Street, Ascot Qld 4007; stmargarets.qld.edu.au
ST PETERS LUTHERAN COLLEGE
Catering for boys and girls since 1945, St Peters college is Brisbane’s only co-educational boarding school, for students from Prep to Year 12, with boarding offered from Year 6. >
From above St Peters Lutheran College is a co-ed boarding school known for academic and co-curricular excellence; The Cathedral College’s AgConnect program is unique.
Renowned for its academic, sports, music and co-curricular programs, it also boasts an iconic outdoor education program for Year 9 students at the Ironbark Centre near Toowoomba, Queensland, where they spend five weeks completing outdoor challenges, maintaining a farm, and experiencing community living.
66 Harts Road, Indooroopilly Qld 4068; stpeters.qld.edu.au
STUARTHOLME SCHOOL
Locate on 21 hectares just six kilometres from the Brisbane CBD, Stuartholme is a Catholic day and boarding school for girls in Years 5 to 12 (and the only private Catholic girls boarding school in Brisbane). With just 750 students, the school is small enough for each student to be personally known, yet large enough to offer a dynamic range of opportunities, from playing rugby in France or an exchange program in Tokyo, to working on the award-winning urban farm. Boarding is at the heart of the school, with staff who genuinely care. 365 Birdwood Terrace, Toowong Qld 4066; stuartholme.com
THE ARMIDALE SCHOOL
Located on the New England Tableland of New South Wales, The Armidale School (TAS) is a co-educational Anglican day and boarding school with broad academic, co-curricular and pastoral programs, making it an ideal family education destination. The school has students from Pre-kindergarten to Year 12, with boarding offered from Year 6. TAS boasts a 10 hectare agricultural precinct, Meadowfield, only two blocks east of the main campus plus an additional 66 hectare block where the school’s stud Poll Hereford herd is based. 87 Douglas Street, Armidale NSW 2350; as.edu.au
THE CATHEDRAL COLLEGE
The Cathedral College (TCC) is a Catholic co-educational boarding school in Rockhampton, central Queensland. TCC offers a high quality, faith-based education from Years 7 to 12, with more than 1360 students currently enrolled,
including 200 boarders from across central Queensland and beyond. One of the many exciting opportunities is the co-curricular AgConnect program, designed to connect students with real-world agricultural industry leaders. 189 William Street, Rockhampton Qld 4700; tccr.com.au
THE GEELONG COLLEGE
With two campuses south-west of Melbourne, The Geelong College is a Uniting Church co-educational school with 1500 students from Early Learning to Year 12, boarding from Year 7. Founded in 1861, the school’s tight-knit boarding community comprises just
The school is small enough for each student to be PERSONALLY KNOWN , yet large enough to offer a dynamic range of OPPORTUNITIES
Stuartholme
50 boys and 50 girls. Co-curricular programs are available in music, drama, public speaking and sport, including an excellent aquatic facility designed to FINA standards.
20 Talbot Street, Newtown Vic 3220; tgc.vic.edu.au
THE KING’S SCHOOL
Specialising in boys’ education for almost 200 years, King’s aims to develop young men of good character and integrity. Located in North Parramatta, Sydney, King’s offers boarding from Year 7. Boys are encouraged to develop their talents and interests with first-class facilities including 17 sports fields, nine halls and the King’s Theatre, a 350-seat industry-standard performance space. The uniform — the oldest military uniform still worn in Australia — is symbolic of what it means to be a
Kingsman, willing to live a life of service for the good of society and others.
87–129 Pennant Hills Road, North Parramatta NSW 2151; kings.edu.au
THE KING’S SCHOOL, TUDOR HOUSE
The Southern Highlands campus of The King’s School, Tudor House, caters for girls and boys from Pre-kindergarten to Year 6, with boarding offered from Year 3. Set on 68 hectares, Tudor House offers exceptional indoor and outdoor learning facilities that provide space for children to learn through active investigation and exploration. Tudor House is committed to nurturing students to achieve their full potential. 6480 Illawarra Highway, Moss Vale NSW 2577; tudorhouse.nsw.edu.au
THE ROCKHAMPTON GRAMMAR SCHOOL
Queensland’s largest boarding school, The Rockhampton Grammar School (RGS) is an independent co-educational boarding and day school, established in 1881. Students from Early Learning to Year 12 are welcome, with boarding offered from Year 6. The co-curricular program is a complement to students’ academic pursuits, with a demonstration farm and access to a commercial cattle herd, as well as a dance and musical theatre academy, providing professional tuition as well as a performance space. Archer Street, Rockhampton Qld 4700; rgs.qld.edu.au
WHITSUNDAY ANGLICAN SCHOOL
In the tropical surrounds of Mackay and the Whitsundays, Queensland, this regional school offers co-educational classes for students from Kindergarten to Year 12, with boarding offered from Year 6. Whitsunday Anglican places great emphasis on helping boarders maintain connections with their lives and communities, providing a chartered bus service to surrounding areas each weekend. Full-time boarding is also offered for students who need it.
2–16 Celeber Drive, Beaconsfield Qld 4740; was.qld.edu.au g
Boarders at The Rockhampton Grammar School enjoy historic surroundings.
SPIRIT OF SUCCESS
All Souls St Gabriels teaches resilience to its students and the Charters Towers community.
TWENTY-FIVE YEARS AGO , the heart of Charters Towers skipped a beat. The sudden closure of All Souls St Gabriels School (ASSG) sent shockwaves through the hearts of families, staff and past students. A school with deep roots in the region’s history, its doors were set to close indefinitely.
But the community refused to let that happen. With grit and determination, a passionate group of parents, past students and local leaders came together, fuelled by an unshakable belief that the school’s story wasn’t over. The Save Our School committee rallied support, secured funding and, against the odds, reopened the school. What began as an act of resilience has flourished into a school that not only survived but now thrives.
Reviving a school isn’t just about reopening classrooms, it’s about doing what’s right, even when it’s difficult. It means restoring trust and integrity, ensuring students once again have a place where they are valued and encouraged to succeed. It is about honouring the traditions of the past while rebuilding a culture of respect: respect for education, for each other and for the school’s enduring legacy.
The early 2000s were tough. The school needed to repair its reputation, restore its facilities and instil a renewed sense of resilience in both staff and students, transforming obstacles into opportunities for growth. Through steadfast service and leadership, the school community — board members, staff, families,
and local supporters — collaborated, each contributing to ensure ASSG stands strong for years to come.
Today, ASSG is a beacon of opportunity for rural and regional families; a place where children grow into capable, confident young adults, ready to contribute to the world.
With a state-of-the-art heated swimming pool, a $3 million design and technology precinct, and a bold new 2025–2035 master plan, the school is stepping into the future with ambition. This plan isn’t just about bricks and mortar, it’s about catering to the evolving needs of students and ensuring they have access to cutting-edge resources while honouring the traditions that make ASSG unique.
For families living on cattle stations, remote farms or in regional towns, choosing the right school means finding a place to belong, a community where every student is valued and supported. All Souls St Gabriels is more than just a school; it’s a
home away from home, where students form lifelong friendships, discover their potential, and develop the confidence to take on the world.
Beyond the classroom, ASSG offers a world of opportunities, from elite sports training and creative arts to leadership programs, hands-on vocational pathways and service-based initiatives. Students leave the school not only with academic success but with the skills, character and resilience to lead with confidence and integrity.
“All Souls St Gabriels School is built on the strength of its people,” says headmaster Shannon Lee. “Every expansion, every initiative, every upgrade is about ensuring that the legacy of resilience, innovation and community continues for generations to come.” From the dusty roads of the outback to the school gates, this is a place where young hearts are shaped, futures are forged, and the spirit of the bush lives on.
“I’ve learned that if you WORK HARD, back yourself, and surround yourself with the right people, there’s NO LIMIT to what you can do,” says Year 12 student Jade Cowen.
Opposite page Students at All Souls St Gabriels participate in co-curricular activities that give them important skills for life on the land.
Chasing opportunities
A Year 12
student makes every moment count.
IN THE HEART of North Queensland, where the land stretches wide and resilience runs deep, students at All Souls St Gabriels School (ASSG) are forging paths as strong as the country they call home.
Jade Cowen, raised on Oakleigh station in Einasleigh, grew up with cattle at her heels and ambition in her heart. The daughter of a past student, her family’s connection to ASSG spans more than 30 years, making her transition to boarding school feel more like a continuing legacy than a step into the unknown.
Before coming to ASSG as a Year 7 boarder, Jade completed primary school through distance education, an experience that demanded discipline, independence, and resilience — qualities that would later define her success in both academics and sport. For Jade, sport is more than just winning: it’s about discipline, community and the quiet fire that drives her forward. She found that fire at ASSG, where the right support, encouragement, and opportunities gave her the confidence to dream big.
At ASSG, she balances early mornings on the rugby field and weekends filled with sport with a rigorous program of study, proving that determination shapes success. She has proudly
represented North Queensland in Rugby Sevens, Rugby League, and cross country, proving that her drive is as fierce as the cattle she’s worked with back home.
But it was in the dusty campdraft arena at Pittsworth, Queensland, that Jade claimed one of her biggest achievements: winning the 2024 High School Campdraft championship, cementing her place among the best young riders in the country. It was proof that dedication, passion, and the right support system can take you anywhere.
As House Captain and a prefect, Jade is embracing leadership, giving back to the community that shaped her while preparing for a future full of possibilities. With her Year 12 studies underway, she is already looking to the next challenges she’ll face: an apprenticeship, competitive CrossFit and trail running and, one day, owning her own cattle station. Her ambition isn’t just a dream; it’s a goal she’s been working toward her whole life.
“I’ve learned that if you work hard, back yourself, and surround yourself with the right people, there’s no limit to what you can do,” she says.
For Jade, the best is yet to come.
ASSG boarder Jade Cowen achieved stunning success at the 2024 High School Campdraft championship.
the present is celebrated, where history is respected, and the future is yours.
Spirit Success with All Souls St Gabriels School.
FOR MANY FAMILIES, choosing a school is about more than just education, it’s about continuing a legacy. At The Rockhampton Grammar School (RGS), this legacy runs deep, with generations of families returning to the school they once called home. As Queensland’s largest boarding school, RGS has provided a second home for boys and girls from Years 6 to 12 for more than 140 years. This strong sense of tradition and belonging was celebrated at a recent Generations Breakfast, where past and present students gathered to reflect on their shared experiences at RGS.
One of the highlights of the morning was a heartfelt speech given by President of the Boarder Parents’ Association and alumna, Toni Frame (’87), alongside her son Luke, a current Year 12 boarder. Luke is Toni and her husband Peter’s third child to attend RGS, with siblings Kasey (’20), Bob (’21) already graduated and Malcolm currently in Year 10. Their words beautifully encapsulated what it means to be part of the RGS family and why the school continues to be the first choice for so many generations.
Toni shared her personal connection to the school and the values that guided her family’s decision to continue the tradition. “When I think about why I send my kids to RGS, it comes down to three key things: tradition, opportunity and community,” she said. She reflected on the long-standing history of her family at RGS. “My dad attended RGS from 1952 to 1954. His mum saved the cream money from the dairy to send each of their four kids to boarding school for two years each. I know that by sending my kids here, they are part of something bigger: a school that has stood the test of time, producing leaders, thinkers and good people.”
Toni also highlighted the tremendous opportunities that RGS provides. “This school offers incredible academics, sports, arts and leadership programs, ensuring that every child finds their passion and reaches their full potential. Whether in the classroom, on the sports field or in the performing arts, my kids have been given every chance to grow, challenge themselves and excel.”
Finally, Toni spoke about the unique sense of community at RGS. “There’s something special about RGS: a spirit of belonging and support that extends beyond the school gates. The friendships formed here last a lifetime, and the values instilled — respect, responsibility and resilience — prepare our children for whatever lies ahead.”
Luke, reflecting on his own journey at RGS, spoke about the unique bond between past and present students. “I am incredibly grateful to be where I am today, not only as a student of >
“Growing up, I would hear my mum talk about her experiences here; THE LIFELONG FRIENDSHIPS she formed and the memories she made. Those stories were inspiring...”
Luke Frame, who hails from Barnett station, north of Blackwater, Queensland, keeps his connection to the land through the school’s Certificate III in Agriculture program.
NEW GENERATION
Passing the tradition from father to daughter, mother to son, the Frame family share their boarding history.
this wonderful school but also as the son of an alumna. For me, attending the school where my mum once roamed is more than just a privilege, it’s a connection to the past, a bridge between generations.” He continued, “Growing up, I would hear my mum talk about her experiences here; the lifelong friendships she formed and the memories she made. Those stories were inspiring, but what has made it truly special is getting to experience it all for myself. I’ve walked the same paths, sat in the same classrooms and felt the same sense of belonging she once felt.
“This school has shaped my mum, and now it’s shaping me.”
Director of Boarding Mike Silcock reflected on the significance of this strong alumni connection. “It is truly special to see past students so deeply connected to RGS that they want their own children to experience the same opportunities, friendships and traditions that shaped their lives. This enduring bond speaks volumes about the values and sense of belonging that our school fosters.”
For many families, like the Frames, RGS is more than a school; it is a place where values are instilled, friendships are forged and futures are shaped. As Luke prepares to graduate and step into the next chapter of his life, he does so knowing that he is part of a legacy that will continue for generations to come. Talk to us today about starting something special at The Rockhampton Grammar School: rgs.qld.edu.au
The Frame family at home. Back row, from left, Kasey, Toni, Peter and Bob; in front, Luke (Year 12) and Malcolm (Year 10).
PROUDLY QUEENSLAND’S LARGEST BOARDING SCHOOL
Frensham’s
have had success at state championships.
Livestock Teams
FORGING AHEAD
Building a community for day scholars and boarders is the key to giving every Frensham girl a great start in life.
From artistic pursuits and sporting achievements to leadership opportunities and renowned agricultural programs, every student finds their special place to BELONG AND THRIVE
AT FRENSHAM, BOARDING isn’t just accommodation, it is a vibrant community where students grow together around the clock. Frensham’s 24/7 approach seamlessly blends classroom learning with a rich extended day program, ensuring every student — regardless of whether they sleep over — fully experiences the warmth and connection of boarding life. Students discover passions, build practical and intellectual skills, and forge friendships that last a lifetime.
The heart of Frensham’s boarding culture beats through our diverse extracurricular offerings. From artistic pursuits and sporting achievements to leadership opportunities and renowned agricultural programs, every student finds their special place to belong and thrive. Just ask students like Tia Thomas and Alice Fergusson, whose stories illustrate the Frensham difference.
For Tia, a boarder from Coolah, New South Wales, the cattle program has become her second home, as Head of Livestock Teams. Twice weekly, you’ll find her working with her Simmental steer, Valentino, perfecting their partnership for competitions. Her dedication has blossomed into remarkable achievements, qualifying for two state finals at the Sydney Royal Easter Show in both the Paraders and Young Judges competitions. For rural boarders like Tia, these experiences provide not just practical skills in the beef industry, but a precious connection to their country roots.
Alice Fergusson’s Frensham journey celebrates Frensham’s deep commitment to the land. A boarder from Mudgee, New South Wales, Alice comes from a family passionate about environmental rehabilitation and finds comfort in our school’s dedication to sustainability. Our sprawling grounds offer daily connections with nature, from peaceful kangaroo sightings at dusk to hands-on work with livestock and environmental protection initiatives. For Alice, these experiences transform the campus into a true home, where familiar natural surroundings bring comfort and belonging.
The spirit of innovation thrives at Frensham in programs like the Da Vinci Decathlon and our student-driven Sustainability Working Group. This collaboration of students, staff and parents work together to create meaningful environmental change, developing tomorrow’s leaders and caring for our shared planet.
Central to everything is our extended day program, creating a nurturing environment where intellectual curiosity and personal growth flourish together. With thoughtfully structured time for academics, activities and community building, students develop within a supportive family atmosphere.
At Frensham, boarding creates connections that extend far beyond graduation. Whether showing cattle, championing sustainability, or embracing academic challenges, our students leave with the confidence, capabilities and friendships to succeed, wherever life takes them next.
Friendships are formed on campus. Above Year 9 girls enjoy camping and canoeing.
HOME SCHOOLING
This innovative online academic program allows flexibility for isolated students as well as people with diverse schedules.
Haileybury Pangea students study in online classes and at their own pace.
FOR MOST STUDENTS, the school day begins with a bus ride or a drop-off at the school gates. But the morning routine for Haileybury Pangea students looks a little different. They put on their uniforms, take a seat at desks in their bedrooms and log on to their first class — ushering in a new era of education that blends flexibility with academic excellence.
Haileybury Pangea Online School, developed by the prestigious Haileybury private school, took five years to meticulously design and launch. Initially introduced in Victoria, it quickly expanded to the Northern Territory, offering a world-class online education experience.
Unlike traditional schooling, Haileybury Pangea provides a carefully curated blend of live teacher-led instruction, engaging video lessons, assessment tasks and personalised small-group or one-on-one support. This hybrid approach ensures that students receive not just content delivery, but also interaction, mentorship, and engagement with their peers.
One of the key advantages of Haileybury Pangea is its ability to offer a broad spectrum of subjects, particularly in regions where schools may struggle to provide diverse curriculum choices. Students in remote and rural areas no longer have to compromise on the quality or variety of their education due to geographic limitations.
For students in isolated regions, pursuing a high-quality education often means moving away from home to attend a boarding
school. Haileybury Pangea changes that narrative. It allows young learners to stay with their families and within their communities while still accessing top-tier education from some of the country’s best educators.
While live classes in real time provide structure, Haileybury Pangea also embraces self-paced learning, giving students the autonomy to manage their own schedules. They are aware of their assignments and deadlines, but they have the freedom to decide when and how to complete their work. This flexibility is a game-changer for elite athletes, aspiring performers and students with unique personal commitments, who need an adaptable academic model.
Head of Campus Joanna Baker has witnessed firsthand how students thrive in this innovative learning environment.
“Our students come from diverse backgrounds — some are professional athletes, others are gifted performers — and many simply find that this personalised approach to education suits them best,” she says.
“For students in regional and remote communities, quality education should not be determined by location. Haileybury Pangea ensures that students, regardless of where they live, can learn from some of Australia’s best teachers without having to leave their home and community.”
Haileybury Pangea isn’t here to replace traditional schools: it’s here to provide choice.
More than an online school.
Where can you access a world-class education, along with a whole world of possibilities? Anywhere in Victoria and the Northern Territory, now that Haileybury Pangea has arrived. It’s a uniquely rewarding online learning experience – where brilliant teachers guide you through Years 5-12. Where bright young minds can learn just how they like – so they can take their futures anywhere they want.
The Boarding Sisterhood is part of the fabric of life at Pymble Ladies’ College.
A SPECIAL BOND
The keys to a broad perspective on life are embodied in the boarding program at Pymble.
OUR BOARDERS ARE the heart of Pymble Ladies’ College. We celebrate the unique gifts that each girl brings and provide a supportive, responsive and home-like environment in which they can flourish. With access to exceptional learning opportunities, caring and professional staff, an extensive co-curricular program, state-ofthe-art facilities and beautiful grounds, our boarders are empowered to embrace opportunities to develop a broad perspective on life and to make meaning of their world as confident and capable young women.
Our community of 147 boarding girls has a strong sense of pride and identity. Living across four beautiful homes on campus, including dedicated Year 7 and Year 12 houses, our boarders build lifelong friendships with girls from around Australia and beyond, and with our day students too.
for our boarders to create connections with their housemates and the local community in a safe and measured manner. Visits to the beach, museums, sporting matches and cultural activities are scheduled with our ‘build your own adventure’, a popular way for boarders to choose their favourite activities. ‘Learn It’ is designed to enhance life balance, achievement of academic potential and personal fulfilment. The program provides our boarders with key academic support staff to help them understand how to manage their daily routine and to get the best out of each day.
Integral to our success as a close-knit community is our boarding team, who are all highly experienced, nurturing and particularly attuned to the needs of young women. Our staff are deliberate in their efforts to know each girl and understand her hopes and dreams. They take the time to guide her by responding to her needs as a unique learner and as her own person.
We value our partnership with boarding families and actively encourage open communication. There are many ways in which families can engage with the boarding community and we welcome their involvement at Pymble.
Our staff are deliberate in their efforts to know each girl and understand her HOPES and DREAMS They take time to guide her by RESPONDING to her needs as a unique learner and as her own person.
From top Pymble boarders forge strong friendships during their school years.
The Boarding Sisterhood is the fabric of residential life at Pymble: our boarders are welcoming, caring, tenacious, courageous, diverse, inclusive, sporty and fun. Our Big Sister, Little Sister program shows how the Pymble Boarding Sisterhood shines through in our everyday interactions.
Spirit House Circles are another way in which we celebrate the special bonds that unite our boarders. Each Tuesday night, our girls come together in vertical house groups for contests, challenges and conversation. These groups are a mix of Year 7 through to Year 12 boarders, who stay as a family group throughout their time in boarding. The range of perspectives and fun activities build lasting and deep connections between the girls. Our Live It, Love It, Learn It program supports our boarders to maximise their time away from home and take advantage of all that is on offer at Pymble. The ‘Live It’ program aims to teach basic life skills such as how to pay bills, cook meals, change a tyre, write a thank you note, sew on a button and do their own laundry. The ‘Love It’ program provides a range of opportunities
We want the best for our boarders and it is our hope that they will graduate from the college with a belief in their own ability to create and engage in a life filled with love and joy, fun and laughter, hope and faith. Most of all, we want our boarders to know who they are and to value their own uniqueness. pymblelc.nsw.edu.au
“We are COMMITTED to serving families across Australia, offering YOUNG PEOPLE outstanding educational experiences that set them up for SUCCESS, academically, socially and personally.”
EVERY STUDENT MATTERS
A holistic approach to education helps to equip Haileybury students for the world they will find outside the school gates.
Deputy Principal Felicity Pearson says, “The school is truly unique.”
AT HAILEYBURY RENDALL School (HRS) in Darwin, every student’s education, health and wellbeing are at the heart of everything we do. Here, learning extends far beyond the classroom, creating a vibrant and enriching experience for all.
When the school day ends, HRS boarders dive into a world of opportunity. Some retreat to their boarding house for quiet study or personalised tuition, while others hit the sports fields, rehearse for a school play, volunteer with local charities or explore the diverse sights and sounds of Darwin. This dynamic mix of activities ensures that students are engaged, inspired, and constantly growing.
With almost 900 students from across the Top End of Australia, HRS is more than a school, it’s a thriving community that prides itself on delivering a top-tier education. This commitment to excellence was recognised when HRS was named Australian Boarding School of the Year, a prestigious accolade from the Australian Education Awards, celebrating the school’s academic success, cutting-edge boarding facilities, comprehensive health and wellbeing programs and an extensive extracurricular calendar that takes full advantage of its unique location.
While academics remain a core focus, HRS goes beyond traditional education, equipping students with essential life skills that prepare them for the world beyond the school gates. Health and
wellbeing are seamlessly woven into daily life, ensuring students feel supported, empowered, and ready to thrive.
“HRS believes in a holistic approach to education,” says Deputy Principal Felicity Pearson. “We understand that physical, emotional, spiritual, and cultural wellbeing are fundamental to a young person’s success. By fostering these elements, we help students connect deeply with their learning, build resilience, and develop into well-rounded individuals.”
Central to this approach is the HRS Health and Wellbeing Framework, built upon six key pillars: Maintain Health, Nurture Relationships, Strengthen Culture, Connect to Community, Build Character and Develop Leadership. Staff collaborate closely with students and their families to bring these principles to life, ensuring meaningful and lasting personal growth.
Every aspect of the program is meticulously designed to uphold the school’s vision: ‘Every student matters every day.’
“HRS is truly unique,” says Ms Pearson. “We are committed to serving families across Australia, offering young people outstanding educational experiences that set them up for success, academically, socially, and personally.”
At Haileybury Rendall School, students don’t just attend school, they become part of a nurturing, inspiring community that shapes them for life.
More than a boarding school.
Haileybury Rendall School Boarding isn’t just a place to stay, it’s a place to grow in your own way. To feel safe and supported to be yourself, while connecting to the people around you. That’s the experience we provide for our boarding students. It’s about giving every bright young mind a home base to be their best selves.
DARWIN BOARDING SCHOOL
HAILEYBURY
Building friendships
Young boarders enjoy the recently refurbished facilites at Churchie in East Brisbane.
YEAR 7 BOARDERS at Brisbane’s Anglican Church Grammar School (Churchie) are settling into a stunning new home-awayfrom-home thanks to a recently expanded Year 7 boarding residence. Designed to be warm and welcoming, the new spaces balance personal privacy with communal areas for socialising and study. This exciting development includes an additional nine beds for Year 7 boarders, as well as accommodation for residential staff in each building, ensuring that boarders receive dedicated day-to-day care and support within a well-supervised environment.
Individual bedrooms provide boys with a comfortable space for sleep and study, and modern bathroom facilities have been designed with privacy in mind. Each building also features a spacious common room, allowing boys to relax and socialise with their new boarding brothers. Additionally, modern kitchen facilities enable boys to prepare their own snacks, enjoy some weekend cooking or celebrate special occasions such as birthdays. Dedicated study zones are also included in each building to support collaborative learning.
A warm and inviting colour scheme has been selected, along with comfortable, homely furnishings to help boys feel ‘at home’ during their time in boarding. There is also space in each building for a Year 12 boarder who acts as a role model, a big brother and a friendly face to help boys settle into boarding life.
The residence is the latest in a series of new and refurbished facilities designed to provide Churchie boarders with the best possible accommodation and support services, in line with the school’s firm and continuing commitment to a thriving boarding culture and world-class program.
Churchie’s immersive seven-day boarding experience fosters a strong sense of community, helping boys form lifelong friendships with their peers. The school’s spacious 22 hectare campus houses all sporting, academic and residential facilities side by side, providing boys with easy access to the wealth of cocurricular programs available at Churchie.
The proximity of Churchie to Brisbane’s CBD further enriches the boarding experience, offering ample opportunities for weekend leisure and recreational activities. Families are warmly invited to visit the campus and tour Churchie’s exceptional boarding facilities to discover what makes Churchie a truly great Australian boarding school.
Find out how a Churchie education can benefit your son by attending Open Day at Churchie’s East Brisbane campus on Wednesday, May 7, 2025 or by visiting one of their ‘on the road’ locations throughout the year. For more information, visit churchie.com.au/boarding; contact Churchie’s friendly admissions team on (07) 3896 2200 or at admissions@churchie.com.au
“WORKING WITH HORSES teaches me something about them, and a lot about myself,” explains Mylie, who is a Year 11 boarder at SCOTS PGC College. “No two days are the same and you don’t always know what you’re going to get, but it’s all about building trust with the horse and confidence in yourself.”
These sentiments sit at the heart of the SCOTS PGC experience and speak to what matters to the school most: empowering students to pursue their passions and move from place to place with purpose.
Mylie is currently undertaking a Certificate III in Agriculture, specialising in Equine Studies; a pathway made possible thanks to the introduction of MyWay, a new program that is redefining the delivery of senior schooling at the college. Starting this year, students in Years 10 to 12 are participating in one of two clearly defined programs, UniWay or WorkWay.
According to SCOTS PGC Principal Kyle Thompson, the program enables students to access a more focused educational experience as they look to pursue further tertiary learning or a direct pathway into industry and the workforce.
“MyWay is about being intentional in our educational delivery,” explains Mr Thompson. “Neither pathway is new to us, nor to education, but the defined structure is what makes our program unique,” he says. “MyWay reflects our belief that all pathways are valuable and valued and regardless of the direction our students take, pursuing excellence remains the goal.
“Mylie’s story encapsulates what the program is all about; preparing students for the path ahead in a way that’s real, relevant and tailored to their needs.”
For Mylie, who is participating in the WorkWay program, MyWay not only enables her to pursue a love for horses, but to learn in a way that’s meaningful to her. “I really love doing practical things; I’ve always been hands-on, that’s just my style of learning,” she explains. “Of course, we still spend time in the classroom, but a lot of the learning is focused around solving practical problems and building real-world skills. >
RIDE OF HER LIFE
A Year 11 boarder and her horse are part of an innovative program offered at SCOTS PGC.
Mylie is able to have her own horse with her at school.
“Often we’re learning things like maths in classes like Tech, which I really love.” The introduction of MyWay means students can now either complete the qualification entirely at the college or in partnership with industry employers. Each Wednesday, Mylie heads to the college’s equestrian centre to complete certificate modules, under the guidance of Grace Buchholz, the Director of Equestrian.
“Wednesday is my favourite day, I look forward to it every week,” says Mylie. “Every time is different: last week, for example, we had a visiting vet completing vaccinations and I was able to help with the horses.
“We’ve also been learning practical workplace safety skills and how to transport chemicals and medicines like vaccines. Grace is very versatile in her knowledge; she knows a lot about horse health and is also really experienced in areas like showjumping,” says Mylie. “I’ve always just ridden when mustering cattle, but here I’m able to work directly with my own horse, which I’ve brought from my grandparents’ property in Thargomindah [south-west Queensland].”
MyWay brings Mylie’s plans for the future into closer view. “I’ve always loved horses, as has my mum, and I’m interested in a career that involves training and working with young horses,” she says. “My mum currently works on a remote property in the Northern Territory and I’d like to do similar contract work when I graduate.
“I love that I’m able to work so closely with horses at school and I’m really looking forward to completing my certificate and seeing what the future brings.”
Mylie enjoys Wednesdays at the school’s equestrian centre.
GREAT EXPECTATIONS
St Margaret’s Olivia Felthan on mentoring, rowing and travel inspired her.
THE OPPORTUNITIES Goondiwindi girl Olivia Feltham had at St Margaret’s Anglican Girls School in Brisbane have set her up for a bright future in medicine.
After four years in the boarding house, and with a string of academic and extracurricular honours to her name, Olivia gained entry into a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) at James Cook University.
Olivia is following in the path of another former St Margaret’s student — Dr Sally Magoffin, who currently works in obstetrics and gynaecology and is completing surgical training. “Sally did her MBBS at James Cook University and has been an inspiration to me, considering I also have interest in surgery.”
In making the decision to attend St Margaret’s, Olivia was struck by both the academic and personal opportunities that were not available in her Queensland hometown. Olivia credits the networking and mentoring opportunities, coupled with the support of incredible teachers and staff, with helping to set her up for the future.
“Being surrounded by a cohort of girls with such high expectations has inspired me to be the best version of myself and motivated me to achieve more than I ever thought I was capable of,” she explains. Olivia’s cohort included not just her year-level peers, but a sisterhood in the boarding house of some 190 or so girls for the four years she attended St Margaret’s.
“The aspect of boarding I loved most was meeting so many girls from different backgrounds who taught me things I will carry with me throughout my life.”
Also important for Olivia was the academic support available in the boarding house. “Teachers attend evening prep, tutors are available if needed, and girls in older year levels are always
reaching out to guide the younger girls. My own peers were my biggest help,” she says.
Academically, Olivia has graced the stage at every speech night presentation, winning honours awards, and she has had leadership opportunities as a boarder prefect and year-level leader.
“These positions helped me gain a new sense of responsibility that has made me more confident and willing to step up as a leader in the future,” Olivia reports.
Among the experiences which have guided Olivia on her future pathway were the USA science tour and the school’s award-winning mentoring program. Having never left Australia before, Olivia embarked on the science tour to have an overseas experience and explore international opportunities in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics).
“From visiting the Kennedy Space Centre to watching a Broadway show in New York, it was an eye-opening experience that inspired me to have a more global outlook and to travel as much as I can in the future,” Olivia says.
Olivia also valued the chance to row throughout her time at St Margaret’s. “The dedication and time management rowing required not only allowed me to become a better rower, but also a better student. Apart from physical fitness, the community and social aspects of it supported my mindset and mental health.
“I was thrilled to receive the St Margaret’s Spirit Award and Crew of the Year Award in 2023 and the Crew of the Year Award and Service to Rowing Award in 2024. We also won our division in Year 12.”
St Margaret’s offers boarding in Years 5 to 12. For enquiries, email admissions@stmargarets.qld.edu.au or call (07) 3862 0837.
2024 St Margaret’s graduate and 2025 student of medicine
Olivia Feltham receives an honours award at speech night.
SPACE TO GROW
A brand-new boarding house is just part of what TAS has to offer.
THE ARMIDALE SCHOOL in New South Wales (fondly known as TAS) has been a home for many boys in its 131-year history and, in the past nine years, many girls as well. Today, the school is fully co-ed from Pre-Kindergarten through to Year 12.
January 2025 saw the school celebrate another significant milestone with the opening of the second new state-of-the-art girls’ boarding house. Beautifully designed, these modern spaces provide the ideal living — and learning — environment.
Beyond being bricks and mortar, this impressive 64-bed boarding house is fast becoming a home away from home for the boarding girls, who are loving the new space and relishing the opportunity to create history and new traditions.
Cecilia Oppenheimer, head of the new girls’ boarding house, joined TAS at the start of this year, having taught at two other leading boarding schools. She says this was a chance to start afresh to make “a house a home” for students from Year 8 to Year 12 who travel from across the country and even overseas.
girls. Emma is proud of the new boarding house, and for her 2025 marks a significant year not only as Year 12, but also as her first year boarding alongside her younger sister Sophie. To be across the hallway from a sibling and share in this new building together has made this a year to remember for the pair.
Alice loves sharing conversations with Year 8 girls, while making a cup of tea in the kitchen — such a relaxed setting doesn’t happen during the busy school day. Her highlight of the day is sitting down and sharing meals to debrief after rowing.
This new boarding house is... a HOME away from home for the girls, who are loving the new space and relishing the opportunity to CREATE HISTORY and new traditions.
Cecilia calls upon the current house captains, Emma SlackSmith, from Burren Junction, and Alice Carter, from Gunnedah, for their experience of positive house culture. For Alice, it’s the little things: fostering girls to stand tall with strong self-esteem, while Emma encourages the fun and memories between the
What makes the boarding experience so special is that each student feels seen and is allowed space to grow. For Cecilia, it’s about making the most of the little moments in the girls’ day: asking about their weekends; making a girl smile as she walks out the door; looking for opportunities to break up the routine of boarding.
Cecilia leaves a jar in the house with some notepaper for the girls to write about something or someone they appreciate. The girls love it so much, it’s become a habit to read out the ‘warm and fuzzy’ jar every day, and it’s incredible how quickly the jar gets filled up.
Building culture starts with gratitude, highlighting the positive and supportive community and sparking confidence in the boarders to seek out meaningful challenges that ignite their passions.
Cecilia Oppenheimer, head of the new girls’ boarding house. Opposite page The new building has light and modern interiors.
ENGAGE WITH THE WORLD
Stuartholme boarders enjoy a peaceful educational environment close to Brisbane’s CBD.
STUARTHOLME IS A leading girls’ boarding school in Brisbane, welcoming students from Years 7 to 12. With 130 boarders living in the heart of the school, our boarding house offers a modern and supportive environment in a tranquil bush setting, a peaceful retreat just kilometres from the Brisbane CBD.
Since 1920, Stuartholme School — a Sacred Heart school — has been shaping young women into leaders, advocates and changemakers, fostering a deep commitment to social justice, a guiding force in our students’ education today.
For our boarding students, this commitment is woven into their daily experiences, shaping their values and actions. Living and learning within a close-knit community, Stuartholme boarders develop a strong sense of responsibility, resilience and compassion. Stuartholme’s young women are immersed in opportunities that challenge them to engage with the world around them, whether through leadership roles, service projects or cultural immersion experiences that extend their understanding of social justice beyond the Stuartholme school gates.
leadership opportunities and contribute to initiatives,” says Jane Morris, Dean of Boarding. “Our students come from diverse backgrounds and homes, bringing unique perspectives and experiences that enrich the boarding community.”
The supportive environment Stuartholme fosters allows students to EXPLORE their potential, take risks and step into roles and responsibilities with CONFIDENCE.
Within Stuartholme boarding, students cultivate a dynamic balance between academic excellence and purposeful engagement with the world around them. Throughout the year, boarders take part in initiatives that support rural and remote communities, raise awareness for local and global causes and build connections with Indigenous communities through programs like Red Earth Immersions. These experiences are not only enriching but also inspire a sense of responsibility and empowerment, ensuring that students leave Stuartholme with a strong desire to contribute to society in meaningful ways.
“Boarding at Stuartholme is more than just an education, it is a transformative journey. From the moment they arrive, boarders are encouraged to embrace new experiences, embrace
Service learning is a cornerstone of the Stuartholme boarding experience. Whether through fundraising efforts, volunteering, or hands-on community engagement, boarders are encouraged to take initiative and lead with purpose. From supporting local charities through bake sales to participating in environmental sustainability projects as part of the curriculum, our students develop a profound
understanding of how small actions can create significant change. These initiatives provide valuable opportunities for students to apply their knowledge and skills in real-world settings, reinforcing the values of empathy, integrity and perseverance.
At the heart of Stuartholme boarding is a spirit of connection: connection to each other, to the wider community and to the Sacred Heart ethos that guides every aspect of student life. The friendships formed in the boarding house are lifelong, built on trust, shared experiences and a mutual commitment to growth and excellence. The supportive environment Stuartholme fosters allows students to explore their potential, take risks and step into roles and responsibilities with confidence.
The Stuartholme boarding experience fosters independence and teamwork, equipping students with the skills and values to make a meaningful impact long after they graduate. Our alumnae are testament to this, with many going on to excel across various fields, continuing to lead with purpose and contribute to their communities with the same passion and dedication they cultivated at Stuartholme School.
As we celebrate 105 years of boarding at Stuartholme in 2025, we honour the generations of young women, past and present, who have shaped our school’s legacy through their leadership, service and commitment.
Stay connected with us and see Stuartholme boarding out and about in 2025. Please visit our website, stuartholme.com, for upcoming tour locations.
Boarders form lifelong friendships in a supportive environment.
LEADING THE WAY
Chloe Elbourne wants to empower her peers and encourage inclusivity at school.
LEADERSHIP IS MORE than just a word for boarding student
Chloe Elbourne, from Moree, New South Wales. Leadership is an opportunity to give back to the community that has shaped her. As a 2025 vice-captain at St Peters Lutheran College, Brisbane, Chloe is the first female boarder in 20 years to hold such a leadership position at the college.
“Being appointed vice-captain is deeply meaningful,” Chloe says. “Growing up in a small country town, I never imagined I’d one day stand in this role. The opportunity to lead and serve others is an honour and a responsibility I embrace wholeheartedly.”
Chloe joined St Peters as a Year 7 boarder, following in the footsteps of her older siblings Josh and Gabbie. Their experience helped ease her transition, but it was the college’s unique spirit that made her feel at home.
“Nowhere else had the energy or sense of community of St Peters boarding, so that was one of the main reasons we chose to come here,” she says. For Chloe, boarding has been more than just a home away from home: it has shaped her resilience, independence and leadership skills.
“In a leadership role, you need to be resilient and able to communicate with a lot of people and understand that everyone comes from a different walk of life. Boarding has really helped me understand that a lot more, because you learn to appreciate different perspectives,” she says.
Beyond the boarding house, Chloe has embraced every opportunity St Peters has to offer. She has competed in swimming,
water polo, track and field, cross-country running, netball and touch football.
“The best part about boarding is that everything is right on your doorstep. So, if you’ve got a 6am practice, you only have to wake five minutes before and you’re running out the door. It makes it so easy,” she laughs. “And in boarding, everyone encourages each other to go and watch different sports. It’s nice that your sisters will come down and watch a touch game on Friday afternoon or cheer you on at the swimming championships.”
With a strong belief in cultivating inclusivity, Chloe sees her vice-captaincy as an opportunity to uplift others. “I want to foster a culture where everyone feels empowered to take risks, try new things, and contribute to our community in their unique way.”
St Peters Director of Boarding Stuart Delaney has witnessed Chloe’s leadership qualities firsthand.
“Chloe has always been an authentic and questioning leader, wanting to understand the ‘why’ and going beyond to support those around her,” he says.
Looking ahead, Chloe hopes to inspire young country students to embrace new opportunities.
“I want to make everyone back home proud and show them that a small-town girl can not only succeed, but thrive, in a larger community,” she says.
From regional New South Wales to a leadership role at one of Brisbane’s top co-educational day and boarding schools, Chloe Elbourne is proving that when you step up, support others and embrace challenges, there are no limits to how far you can go.
Vice-captain Chloe Elbourne is breaking new ground in leadership.
GROWING AND LEARNING
An innovative program connecting students with agriculture is making a difference.
AT THE CATHEDRAL COLLEGE Rockhampton (TCC), we provide a holistic education that encourages students to pursue their passions, explore new opportunities, and build successful futures in a wide range of careers. As a leading Catholic co-educational boarding and day school in the Diocese of Rockhampton, we offer a strong academic foundation, outstanding pastoral care and a vibrant co-curricular program that helps students thrive.
Our boarding community is at the heart of the college, providing a welcoming, home-away-from-home environment where students form lifelong friendships and develop independence. With modern facilities, dedicated staff and a strong focus on student wellbeing, our boarders experience the best of both worlds: structured support during study times and plenty of opportunities for personal growth outside the classroom. One of the many exciting opportunities is our co-curricular AgConnect program, designed to connect students with real-world agricultural industry leaders.
For boarders, being part of TCC AgConnect means pulling on the boots with dust still clinging from home, donning the branded work shirts and caps and heading out on field trips for hands-on learning experiences that extend beyond textbooks,
offering insights into Central Queensland’s rich agricultural landscape and creating connections with the industry’s best.
AgConnect students have covered some territory, from bustling dusty saleyards, to large beef processing plants, exploring small scale and extensive farming operations, learning the secrets of the horse whisperers and dog trainers, to mention just a few, and all within the beef capital’s backyard.
The program was founded by Sarah Coombs, AgConnect Coordinator, with the assistance of her husband, Shannon. Sarah and Shannon own a property on the outskirts of Rockhampton, which has become an invaluable resource for students to gain practical, hands-on experience in agriculture.
“We wanted to create something that wasn’t just about learning in a classroom but about truly experiencing the industry,” says Sarah. “Giving students access to real-world agriculture, whether they come from the land or not, is an incredible opportunity,” she explains.
“Our boarders in the program love AgConnect, and they can’t wait to take what they’ve learned back home to the family farm, and that’s exciting for them and the future of agriculture. It looks very promising.”
IN IT TOGETHER
Boarding students say that The Geelong College offers support and a great education.
FOR MORE THAN 160 years, boarding has been at the heart of The Geelong College, offering students from rural and regional Australia an exceptional education in a supportive and dynamic residential environment. More than just a place to stay, the college’s boarding program fosters lifelong friendships, independence and academic success.
A WELCOMING AND SUPPORTIVE COMMUNITY
Joining a new school and moving away from home can be daunting, but for Year 10 boarder Hudson Smith from Lockhart, New South Wales, the transition has been smooth. “It’s such a nice place with kind people,” Hudson says, reflecting on his first year at the college. He quickly found like-minded friends and a strong sense of belonging, not only within the boarding house but also in the wider school community.
For many, The Geelong College stands out for its personalised approach. Denise McLellan, whose son Austin is currently in Year 8 and whose two daughters have completed their studies at the college, values the warmth and dedication of the staff. “The college’s understanding of our unique needs and their consideration for our children has been remarkable,” she said. “We’ve always felt the support of the college community.”
A FAMILY EXPERIENCE
For the Watson family from Warrnambool, Victoria, boarding was a family decision. Seeking the best education for their son
Sidney, they found The Geelong College to be the perfect fit. “Sidney has developed independence and confidence,” says his father, Jon. “He will walk into a room, introduce himself, shake hands and look people in the eye. That confidence is something Geelong College has instilled in him.”
As the Watsons’ time at the College comes to a close, they reflect on the friendships, experiences and growth Sidney has gained. “It’s been a big part of our lives,” Jon says. “I’d encourage families seeking a boutique boarding experience to visit an open day and see it for themselves.”
For families considering boarding, The Geelong College invites you to come for a tour or attend an Open Day to experience it firsthand. For more information, contact The Geelong College admissions team on (03) 5226 3156 or admissions@tgc.vic.edu.au
THE BENEFITS OF BOARDING AT TGC
Boarding provides a structured yet vibrant lifestyle that balances academics, co-curricular activities and social connections. Boarders benefit from:
• supervised study sessions with academic tutors
• limited screen time to
encourage good study and sleep habits
• a diverse and inclusive peer network
• access to top-tier sports facilities and extracurricular programs
• a sense of independence while still having strong pastoral care.
Boarding students thrive in the supportive environment of The Geelong College.
Best of both worlds
Isla and Joe Mifsud may go to the same school, but they enjoy different boarding options.
The Mifsud Family chose Booth House boarding at Whitsunday Anglican School for its community, flexible options, academic excellence and its focus on a balanced education with access to a wealth of co-curricular opportunities.
WHEN IT COMES to choosing the right environment for your child to grow, learn and thrive, Whitsunday Anglican School’s Booth House boarding stands out as a place where education meets community, and every child is valued as an individual.
For siblings Isla and Joe Mifsud from Clermont, Queensland, Booth House has provided two unique yet equally enriching experiences, designed to suit their interests and goals.
Offering both five- and seven-day boarding, Booth House allows families to balance school, academic, sporting and cocurricular opportunities with life at home.
For Year 9 student Isla, a passionate netballer, seven-day boarding is the perfect fit. Boarding full-time has allowed her to train and compete with the Whitsunday Anglican School netball team, giving her access to exceptional coaches and programs, while fully immersing herself in school life.
“Being part of the netball team has been incredible,” Isla says. “I love that I can practice and compete regularly, and the weekend activities organised by Booth House are fun and allow time to spend with friends. There’s always something happening, and I feel really supported here.”
Isla’s younger brother Joe, who is in Year 7, takes advantage of the five-day boarding option, enjoying the structure and support of Booth House during the school week, before heading home on weekends using the boarders’ dedicated bus service.
“The five-day option has been perfect for him at this stage,” says his mother Brooke. “He’s been able to develop independence
and strong friendships while still spending weekends at home. It’s the best of both worlds.”
Booth House’s intentionally small boarding school, capped at 84 students, fosters a strong sense of belonging. Dedicated staff prioritise academic success, wellbeing and pastoral care, ensuring that every student feels supported in a home-like environment.
“What initially drew us to Booth House was the warmth and community,” Brooke explains. “The staff took time to understand our children’s unique personalities, making the transition so much easier. The school not only focuses on academic excellence, but also on building strong character and values.”
Beyond the classroom, Booth House students engage in a wide range of co-curricular activities, from competitive sports and performing arts to leadership and service programs. These initiatives foster teamwork, resilience and a well-rounded education that prepares students for future success.
Looking ahead, Brooke is excited for the time when her younger children will follow in their siblings’ footsteps at Booth House.
“We’ve been so pleased with Isla and Joe’s experiences and look forward to our younger children joining the Booth House family. It truly feels like an extended family to us.”
For families considering boarding, Booth House offers a personalised experience that nurtures academic, social and personal growth, helping students thrive from all backgrounds and supporting their aspirations.
Making an impact
The King’s School prides itself on helping develop leaders of the future.
A vertical mentoring program assures that older boys support and encourage younger ones.
ALMOST 200 YEARS AGO, The King’s School was founded for the purpose of educating young men whose characters exemplify humility and excellence and who seek to make an outstanding impact for the good of society.
The 130 hectare campus in the heart of Sydney is the ideal living and learning environment for boys from Years 7 to 12. With a focus on the development of the whole student, this space is used to deliver an array of curricular and cocurricular offerings.
Whether a student is a day boy or a boarder, all Kingsmen are immersed in the residential community. All students and staff eat as a community in the dining hall each lunchtime, with students also able to access the school library and one-on-one tutoring outside of school hours. Boys can also use facilities such as the sports fields for additional co-curricular and sports training or to simply bond.
Boarding at The King’s School Senior School starts in Year 7 at the Gowan Brae boarding house, where the focus is on providing a smooth transition for those new to the boarding experience. For Years 8 to 12, King’s operates a vertical boarding mentor program, which sees students across the year groups sharing a boarding house. This program encourages mentorship and leadership, with younger students mixing with and learning from the older students.
Christian community is integral to a King’s education, and the school recognises that boys must have authentic and tangible experiences within their community and beyond to become young men of integrity.
“Our boys are taught to strive for EXCELLENCE for the sake of being excellent for others, and it is through this approach that Kingsmen grow to become GLOBAL thought leaders.”
Out-of-school-hours
tutoring and varied co-curricular activities ensure that Kingsmen get a well-rounded education.
Boarding is at the core of The King’s School. For boarders, the school is their second home: it is where they live, learn and grow alongside their mates and where they are supported by a highly qualified team of boarding professionals.
“The school’s extensive geographic footprint provides the perfect environment for our students to challenge their minds, bodies and souls. Our boys are taught to strive for excellence for the sake of being excellent for others, and it is through this approach that Kingsmen grow to become global thought leaders,” says The King’s School Headmaster, Mr Tony George. What makes a King’s education unique is that students are encouraged to develop a healthy risk appetite, embrace challenge and adventure and be engaged in the school community.
The King’s School is committed to making an impact for the good of society. “There is so much to learn inside and outside the classroom, and it is the unique educational recipe at King’s which teaches students to live out the School’s motto: fortiter et fideliter (bravely and faithfully),” says Mr George.
Find out more about The King’s School education and its boarding adventure by attending one of our upcoming campus tours or boarding webinars. To register, visit kings.edu.au
TAKING ON THE WORLD
Boarders at Pembroke School experience life amid the vibrant culture of Adelaide.
PEMBROKE IS A co-educational, non-denominational school set in leafy Kensington Park, east of Adelaide’s CBD. Recognised for academic excellence and a broad, inclusive program, we offer both the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE) and International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB DP).
Pembroke has a proud history of boarding, welcoming students from around Australia and the world to their home away from home. With accommodation for girls and boys from Years 7 to 12, we provide an opportunity for boarders to live in a strong and diverse community where we deliver outstanding education and care in an atmosphere of friendship and fun.
Adelaide is consistently ranked as one of the world’s most liveable cities. Internationally renowned for cultural festivals and sporting events, the city is a pulsating heart of energy and diversity complemented by globally acclaimed hospitality.
For boarders, Adelaide offers a safe and friendly environment, reliable public transport, recreational activities and wonderful places to visit, such as our beautiful beaches and the charming Adelaide Hills.
United by the spirit of ‘Two Houses — One Home’, we provide two residential facilities: the main Pembroke Boarding House situated next to Haslam Oval across the road from King’s Campus
“I’ve met so many people over the years and it’s basically our HOME AWAY FROM HOME, and we’re all like siblings here. Boarding means a lot to me. I started in Year 7, so it’s been a long ride. Coming from a really small town to a city, it was a BIG CHANGE, but it was for the good.”
–
Abbey, 2024 leaver
for middle school, and Turner House on nearby Girton Campus, specifically designed for senior boarders, complementing the senior school’s young adult pre-university environment.
Safety, security and wellbeing are our highest priority, with staff on duty 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Pembroke School’s learning and caring culture guides our way of life through residential, pastoral and academic support of the highest calibre.
Our remarkable facilities include a stunning al fresco area, a pool, the Haslam Oval sports precinct and a new dining room for boarders on King’s Campus. Common recreational areas provide opportunities for boarders to socialise. Professional caterers provide a weekly menu of healthy and varied meals created specifically for the nutritional needs of fast-growing teenagers.
All boarders are encouraged to make the most of the many and varied activities Pembroke has to offer and to play an active part in the life of the school, both in their studies and cocurricular pursuits.
Our students leave the Pembroke boarding experience with a lifetime of memories and connections: primed to take on the world.
Visit our website for boarding scholarship opportunities commencing in 2026: pembroke.sa.edu.au
Sporting activities are just some of the opportunities for boarders at Pembroke.
Reaching the heights
PLC Armidale has been equipping young women for lives of significance since 1887.
FOR MORE THAN 138 years, Presbyterian Ladies’ College (PLC) Armidale, New South Wales, has been an environment where young women are nurtured, challenged and empowered to reach their full potential. Set on a picturesque 17 hectare property with spacious grounds and bright, airy classrooms, the college offers a tranquil, Christian environment where students excel academically while developing into confident women.
PLC Armidale’s academic excellence speaks for itself. In 2024, the college achieved the highest proportion of students on the HSC Distinguished Achievers list of any school in New England. Scoring above the national average in all areas, the college also consistently delivers the strongest NAPLAN results in the region.
What sets PLC Armidale apart is its commitment to individualised education. With an average student-to-staff ratio of six to one, the college is resolute that one size does not fit all, and staff ensure each girl receives personalised attention and tailored learning experiences. This creates an environment of close connection in which teachers know each student’s strengths, challenges and aspirations.
“When girls become the focal point, there is greater opportunity for engagement and achievement,” says Principal Nicola Taylor. “Our students have higher occupational aspirations, which are fostered throughout their school career; they have higher participation rates in activities such as sport and PE, and they develop a greater sense of connectedness.”
Beyond academic activities, PLC Armidale offers rich co-curricular opportunities. For four consecutive years, PLC Armidale’s Livestock Team has been chosen to prepare and lead the Bell Shute Victor Chang charity steers at the Sydney Royal Show: the first school to achieve this distinction.
Students also explore the World Heritage listed national parks surrounding the school through our unique Explore Serve Journey (ESJ) program. This innovative approach integrates outdoor education, service learning and pastoral care into transformative rite-of-passage experiences.
“Our ESJ experiential learning program is included in your school fees and focuses on the growth and transformation of the individual in context with the community of learners around them,” Mrs Taylor says. “Fundamental to every stage of the program is the idea that each girl will leave slightly different to how they arrived: a shift in perspective, a new appreciation for others, a deeper sense of place or potentially a profound change in how they see themselves in the world.”
For many students, PLC Armidale is more than just a place of learning, it’s a second home. From Year 5, boarding options include full, weekly and casual arrangements to accommodate diverse family needs. Each boarder enjoys her own personal space, which she can decorate to her preference, creating balance between community living and individual expression.
At the heart of the nurturing boarding community are Sam and Amy Jacometti, a husband-and-wife team who live on campus with their two young daughters. Their presence brings a family atmosphere to the boarding houses, providing students with a home-like environment.
This blend of academic excellence, personalised attention, homely comfort and enriching opportunities makes PLC Armidale a truly special place where girls grow, learn and prepare for bright futures.
PLC Armidale is accepting applications for 2027, with tours available any time. Visit plcarmidale.nsw.edu.au or call (02) 6770 1700.
Duke of Edinburgh Gold hiking in New Zealand. The award-winning Duke of Edinburgh program is offered as an option to our girls alongside the Explore Serve Journey program.
Boys and girls from Years 3 to 6 are accepted as boarders at The
King’s School, Tudor House.
REACHING THE HEIGHTS
Boarding at Tudor House prepares regional and rural students for their senior years.
“Children quickly ADAPT to life in a boarding house and FRIENDSHIPS are forged.”
WHILE MANY FAMILIES choose to send their child into boarding from Year 7, Tudor House looks to develop primary students for a smooth transition into high school, ready both educationally and socially.
A co-educational primary boarding school in the Southern Highlands of New South Wales, The King’s School, Tudor House offers boarding for boys and girls from Years 3 to 6.
Set on 68 hectares, the geographic footprint of Tudor House facilitates a high-trust environment where students are taught with the educational philosophy of Tudor House: ‘Academic Excellence and Character Development within a Christian Community’. At the heart of the campus is Medley House, a large manor where boarders reside with all the comforts of home, extensive facilities and a dedicated, caring and professional staff.
Head of the school, Adam Larby, says there are many good reasons why you should start your child’s boarding adventure in their primary years.
“Developing independence and social skills is just one of the many reasons why parents are sending their children to board in primary school. The advantage of high-quality education and the opportunity to engage in a range of co-curricular programs means children from the country are more prepared for senior school,” says Adam.
Tudor House is an authorised International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme School delivering an inquiry-led framework. Students are challenged to think for themselves and take responsibility for their studies, taking control of their learning in collaboration with their teachers to deepen understanding and increase their confidence and self-motivation.
“While academics are always a key focus, in many ways it’s about the importance of developing a child’s social skills that makes primary boarding a successful choice for rural and regional families,” says Adam. “Children quickly adapt to life in a boarding house and friendships are forged. Many of our country boys and girls have never played sports with a full team. When they arrive at Tudor House, they can play with their mates, complete homework and play on the property after school hours. This important companionship helps children to develop their social skills, so they are well equipped by the time they reach secondary school.”
At The King’s School, Tudor House, the pastoral care program ensures every boarder feels as though Tudor is an extension of their family, with the separate dormitory accommodation allowing the students to create lifelong friendships.
Connection to families back home is essential, with students regularly in contact with their parents to update them on their exciting days either by phone or handwritten letters.
Boys at The King’s School, Tudor House have preferential enrolment for Year 7 at The King’s School, Senior School, in Sydney, and such students arrive with a strong friendship group and are well-accustomed to life in a boarding house.
“Learning is an adventure at The King’s School, Tudor House, and with adventure comes the opportunity to develop young people into leaders of the future,” says Adam.
Find out more about the Tudor House boarding adventure by attending one of our upcoming campus tours or boarding webinars. To register, visit tudorhouse.nsw.edu.au
The extensive grounds of Tudor House provide opportunities for many outdoor pursuits.
SPECIAL INTEREST
Rural and regional families find a nurturing atmosphere at Scots All Saints College.
IN THE EARLY MORNING light that falls across Scots All Saints College in Bathurst, New South Wales, students can be found riding horses, swimming laps, working out in the gym or walking with friends to the dining room for breakfast. Making the most of the more than 55 hectares of campus grounds, there are running groups, pop-up football games, pipes and drums practice sessions and places for quiet reading too. There really is something for everyone.
Scots All Saints College is a co-educational day and boarding school with two expansive campuses: the Junior School campus for Prep to Year 6 students and, a short distance away, the Senior School campus for students in Year 7 to 12. The senior campus is home to four well-appointed boarding houses and a wide range of sporting, academic and co-curricular facilities, including a farm and an equestrian centre.
As Head of College Richard Ford notes, “The location of all senior school living and learning facilities on one campus allows our boarding students to walk to class and easily access afterschool tutorial and homework programs, special interest clubs and sport and co-curricular activities.”
The college is well-known for its strong academic offering and extension co-curricular programs in agriculture, music, visual arts and performing arts, with dedicated teachers and professionals who encourage students to explore new challenges. The cattle, sheep and equestrian teams regularly achieve great results at competitions and students take great pride in representing
the college at regional and interstate events. More than the results, it is the life skills, the camaraderie and connection to the rhythms of life around them that engage the students in extension activities and find them helping out during lambing season and playing bagpipes at dawn services.
Boarding students have the opportunity to bring their own horse to school, with weekly lessons and regular training provided by professionals in showjumping and flat work, cross country and polocrosse. With the equestrian centre adjacent to the boarding houses, students enjoy the familiar sounds and easy proximity of their much-loved animals.
Boarders are supported to pursue interests in the local community, with a dedicated bus driving students to music, dance, sport and social activities around Bathurst.
The beautiful, spacious grounds and surrounding farmland make Scots All Saints College the perfect choice for rural and regional families looking for a boarding school with plenty of space and opportunities for siblings to live, learn and grow together, closer to home; thriving and nurturing interests and friendships alike.
Families are invited to discover the college firsthand through events including the Senior School Open Day, where they can explore the facilities and meet the staff and students who make the college such a special place. For those considering entry into Year 7, the ‘Try Year 7 for a Day’ activity offers a taste of what life at Scots All Saints College is really like.
A working farm is just one of the facilities available to boarders at Scots All Saints.
MAKING HISTORY
For a hundred years, this school has helped raise generations of resilient and visionary women.
“We seek to ensure your daughter will feel SAFE, understood and CARED FOR at the CGGS
boarding
house.”
CGGS girls rowing at dawn on Lake Burley Griffin, Canberra.
FOR A CENTURY, generations of students from across Australia and the globe have experienced Canberra Girls Grammar School (CGGS), where we are creating a world in which young people never stop believing that anything is possible. Founded in 1926, the school opened its doors with just 10 students, four of whom were boarders. Established by trailblazing women, CGGS continues to champion fearless leadership, visionary thinking, unwavering resilience and rigorous learning for life.
Canberra’s only exclusively female boarding option, CGGS has a proud tradition. Within its historic walls, generations of women have learned and led, navigated change and challenges and formed lifelong bonds.
Principal Terrie Jones describes boarding at CGGS as a supportive journey toward greater independence and agency: “Our boarders wake up to a community that feels connected. It’s a female-focused home where kindness and compassion shape every interaction, and one in which everyone belongs. From quality educational and co-curricular options to health and wellbeing needs, we seek to ensure your daughter will feel safe, understood and cared for at the CGGS boarding house.”
Centrally located in Canberra’s picturesque inner south, the boarding house is minutes from Australia’s national cultural institutions, high-performance sport facilities, embassies, high commissions and federal government departments. Boarders have access to 10 hectares of beautifully manicured gardens and outdoor grounds, state-of-the-art facilities including an indoor heated swimming pool, gymnasiums, strength and conditioning centre, sports courts, all-weather playing fields and purpose-built buildings for science, creative arts, design and information and communications technology.
Director of Boarding Robin Bussenschutt says that an academic focus is embedded in boarders’ daily routines, extending beyond traditional school hours.
“Not only do boarders receive the highest quality education during the day, they also benefit from professional academic support through access to tutors after hours,” she explains. “All facets of a boarder’s wellbeing are anticipated, too: our professional pastoral care team are interested, involved and well-versed in adolescent needs, homesickness, friendship dynamics and study considerations. We strive to make the boarding experience fun and hope-filled.”
Beyond a rigorous, engaging curriculum and a supportive pastoral care program, boarders have access to the school’s extensive co-curricular offering, Cygnus at CGGS, designed for a broad, holistic experience with more than 100 options. Every effort is made to ensure boarders have opportunities to explore their passions, discover new talents and find like-minded peers.
Prospective boarders also have the opportunity to apply for the school’s renowned Scholarship and Bursary Program, which has two streams: the scholarship stream, recognising student dedication and excellence in combination with high achievement in sport, music, artistic pursuits or across multiple disciplines; and the bursary stream, a means-tested option that provides a world-class education to those for whom it may otherwise not be possible. The bursary stream is open year-round to young women living in remote, regional and rural communities and looking for a boarding school experience.
Discover how CGGS creates an authentic culture of care through genuine home-and-school-life connections. Enquire today so your daughter can embrace independence and become resilient, capable and courageous to confidently navigate her path: cggs.act.edu.au
Whether you are boarding for the whole of secondary school or just your senior years, it’s a valuable academic and social boost.
SOLID FOUNDATIONS
We speak to a former boarder at Knox on how his experience has paved the way for future success.
FOR BLUE MOUNTAINS local Jack Laurie, who graduated last year, joining Knox Grammar School for his senior years of schooling put him on the path to studying commerce and law. Here, Jack shares his story.
Up until Year 10, I attended the local high school near where my family lives in the Blue Mountains of New South Wales. Although I was settled in the school, I found the environment increasingly restrictive, as limited resourcing and a lack of other ambitious students placed a sort of ceiling on what I felt I could achieve. We decided that Knox provided an impressive environment with sufficient resources and culture to allow me to push myself during the senior years.
Before arriving at Knox, I made efforts to contact and connect with the school’s cricket and performing arts programs. Before the year had even commenced, I had already played trial matches for cricket, and auditioned for the 2023 musical Catch Me If You Can. I would highly recommend such early efforts in order to hit the ground running and make the most of your opportunities.
“Boarding gave me access to incredible ACADEMIC RESOURCES and excellent teachers who helped me to pursue my AMBITIONS.”
Arriving at a large school is really challenging; however, a smaller cohort of around 45 other boarders in my year group provided a more supportive environment to settle in and make friends, allowing me to become more comfortable.
Boarding gave me access to incredible academic resources and excellent teachers who helped me to pursue my ambitions. Such academics partnered with sports and the performing arts allowed me to experience a more holistic student experience (living at school gives you so much more time to participate). These experiences informed my leadership journey, as I became the Stage 6 Boarding Prefect in Year 12.
All of these opportunities allowed me to achieve results that were well beyond where I was tracking before I arrived at Knox and which exceeded my goals. This was in large part due to the exceptional support provided both by teachers in the day school and in boarding. This year, I’m studying commerce and law at the University of Sydney and have been accepted to live at St Paul’s College.
I’m grateful for this position which Knox has placed me in for the future.
To learn more about boarding at Knox Grammar School, we encourage you to tour the boarding house when you’re next in Sydney. Alternatively, you can contact Martin Gooding, Head of Engagement, at (02) 9473 9768 or goodingm@knox.nsw.edu.au to discuss how Knox boarding could support your family.
Jack Laurie speaking at a boarders’ chapel service.
LIFE’S LESSONS
Kirsty Wiggins knows the highs and lows of boarding, both as a student and as a parent.
WHEN YOU ARE looking for someone to talk to about boarding school life, there would be few better qualified than 48-year-old Kirsty Wiggins, who runs her jewellery business, Dumble Collective, from a small property in Narromine, New South Wales. Her children — Ollie, 20, Minnie, 19, Fred, 17, and Percy, 14 — are the fifth generation of boarders in the family.
I WAS THE ELDEST and I had three younger brothers. We lived at Goodooga, New South Wales, which is 160 kilometres west of Walgett. I went to the local primary school, but high school was trickier to get to, so we were always going to go to boarding school. It is quite remote out there, so being at boarding school was a really foreign experience for me.
Mum and Dad had also gone away to school. Things were a bit more traditional then, so if your mum and dad went to a particular school, you went there too.
I did my first year of high school at home via School of the Air. I was only 11 years old and I was a really rural kid: lots of riding horses, mustering with Dad. Then I went to Frensham in the Southern Highlands, New South Wales.
It was a 10-hour drive from home and I hadn’t even been to Sydney very much before that. The most exciting thing was that we were going to have McDonald’s for the first time. I hadn’t properly thought about what it would be like to wave goodbye to my family. It wasn’t until the weeks went by and the cold set in (Mittagong is a lot colder than Goodooga) that it really hit me.
I started to think, “Okay, I don’t have any horses here. I don’t have my dogs here and I don’t have my kangaroo here.” And we didn’t have the communication that our kids have now. I would have to ring the exchange ladies and ask if I could be put through to Mum and Dad then explain to Mrs Taylor I didn’t have any money and that I’d just talk to Mum or Dad really quickly. The telephone exchange wasn’t always open, either, so then I couldn’t ring at all. Mum and Dad didn’t come down very often.
Going home was a big trip. Sometimes we would fly but other times we’d catch the train and bus. It was two hours to Sydney, then five or six hours to Dubbo and then another five hours on the bus to Lightning Ridge — where we would be picked up for another 50 minute car trip to get home.
Boarding school can be a really foreign place when you have grown up in such an isolated environment. My mum understood, because she had been a ‘little bushie’ too. She guided me into embracing sport, making friends and doing creative things like silversmithing.
Those high school years are so formative. You remember forever the people, the experiences and the connections you made on the journey. Living with people day in, day out, 24/7 for six years — there’s a big imprint.
I didn’t send my first two kids straight away. Minnie and Ollie started in Year 9. I wanted to keep them at home just a little bit longer. They were such innocent little people who I wasn’t ready to let go of. (I think they were probably ready, but I wasn’t!) Fred started in Year 8 and Percy started in Year 7; they’ve all been a bit different.
Ollie and Minnie probably gained a little bit of maturity in those first two years of high school before they went to boarding school. I don’t know if it made it easier or harder for them, as they were both homesick. Fred’s first year was a bit rough and tumble, and he’s also had his homesick bouts too. How does a mother cope? I find it incredibly hard when they are really crying on the phone.
Because I had gone to boarding school, I could talk to them about my own homesickness and what helped me: all the different things you can do to distract you from missing home.
I find the night-time at home after the kids go back to school is really hard. They get access to their phones at the same time, so everyone rings at the same time, between 8.30 and 9pm.
I can talk to them all I like when they are homesick. I can cry with them or not cry with them, go and see them or not go and see them. But at the end of the day, they are the only ones who can change their own mindset.
It’s all well and good to ask the school a million questions about schoolwork and boarding, but you also need to ask them how they cope with a kid who misses home. What can they do for country kids? What is there to do when there’s nobody else left in the boarding house? Open communication is so important. It’s not just a one-way street.
And people forget that it affects the whole family. I always remember Percy, who was about seven when we dropped off Ollie for the first time, saying to me: “Mum, are you leaving him there? Who is going to tie my shoelaces now?” g
IN THIS ISSUE
Artist Lottie Rae tells us about her growing international fame, plus we visit a 100-year-old homestead opening its doors to visitors. Don’t miss the latest issue of Graziher! ON SALE NOW
Meet
Emerald 1 – 2 May Emerald Town Hall
Dubbo 16 – 17 May DRTCC
Griffith Pop-up 19 June Griffith Leagues Club – Southside Wagga Wagga 20 – 21 June Bolton Park Stadium
Narrabri 25 – 26 July The Crossing Theatre
C Visit your Shortlist
NSW/ACT SCHOOLS
Abbotsleigh
Ascham School
Barker College
Calrossy Anglican School Tamworth
Canberra Girls Grammar School
Canberra Grammar School
Cranbrook School
Farrer Memorial Agricultural H S
Frensham
Hurlstone Agricultural H S Kambala
Kincoppal-Rose Bay School
Kinross Wolaroi School
Knox Grammar School
Loreto Normanhurst
Macquarie Anglican Grammar MAGS
Mount Erin Boarding, Wagga Wagga
NEGS
Newington College
PLC Armidale
PLC Sydney
Pymble Ladies’ College
Ravenswood School for Girls
Red Bend Catholic College
St Catherine’s School Sydney
St Francis De Sales Regional College
St Gregory’s College Campbelltown
St Ignatius’ College, Riverview
St Joseph’s College, Hunters Hill
St Paul’s International College
St Scholastica's College
St Stanislaus’ College
St Vincent’s College, Potts Point
Scots All Saints College Shore
Tara Anglican School for Girls
The Armidale School TAS
The King’s School
The McDonald College
The Scots College, Sydney
The Scots School Albury
Wenona
Yanco Agricultural H S QLD SCHOOLS
Anglican Church Grammar School
Blackheath & Thornburgh College
Brisbane Grammar School
Columba Catholic College
Downlands College
Ipswich Girls’ Grammar School
Ipswich Grammar School
John Paul College
Marist College Ashgrove
Rockhampton Girls Grammar School
St Hilda’s School, Gold Coast
St Margaret’s Anglican Girls School
St Peters Lutheran College
SCOTS PGC College
Stuartholme School
Tec-NQ
The Cathedral College, Rockhampton The Glennie School
The Rockhampton Grammar School
Toowoomba Grammar School
Whitsunday Anglican School
VIC SCHOOLS
Genazzano FCJ College
Melbourne Girls Grammar
Methodist Ladies’ College MLC
St Catherine’s School, Toorak
Scotch College, Melbourne Toorak College
Wesley College Melbourne
TAS SCHOOLS
Scotch Oakburn College