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Boarders Victoria, Hayley and Simone enjoying some quality time together in the Boarding House.
Boarders Victoria, Hayley and Simone enjoying some quality time together in the Boarding House.
Ready for Anything
Being a boarder at Melbourne Girls Grammar is not just about being able to have a ‘sleepover’ at school or somewhere to stay away from home. Boarding is about adopting the skills to be independent, learning to self manage and gaining the crucial skills that prepare our Grammarians for the future.
For many students, the abrupt shift from the controlled environment of home and secondary school to life after school, in which students are expected to accept personal responsibility for both academic and social aspects, can cause some apprehension and disruption. For boarders, this transition is often a lot smoother as they have had years to learn the skills of living independently and managing themselves. They can navigate challenges and solve problems. Boarding speeds up the process of being able to step out into the world more practiced, more prepared, and more confident.
I recently sat with a group of our senior students from around the globe and asked the question; 'What is the most beneficial skill you have learnt as a boarder to take into the future?'
Communication is Key
Victoria, Year 12, from Hong Kong did not hesitate to say, “Communication. I feel so confident talking to people from many different cultures. I know how to strike up conversations and how to approach people for help.
Being surrounded by people is now so natural for me, that I feel comfortable around others. Going out into the world doesn’t scare me.”
Responsibility
Other students reported skills such as independence and being responsible. Claudia, Year 11, said that she already has the life skills she needs to thrive when she leaves the Boarding House, “This year due to COVID-19 I haven’t seen my family since January, so I have learnt to be resilient.
I have to do my own laundry, clean up after myself and plan my daily schedule. At times it has been hard, but I pick myself up and keep going. These skills will definitely help me when I leave the comfort and familiarity of boarding.”
Communication is Key
Victoria, Year 12, from Hong Kong did not hesitate to say, “Communication. I feel so confident talking to people from many different cultures. I know how to strike up conversations and how to approach people for help.
Being surrounded by people is now so natural for me, that I feel comfortable around others. Going out into the world doesn’t scare me.”
Responsibility
Other students reported skills such as independence and being responsible. Claudia, Year 11, said that she already has the life skills she needs to thrive when she leaves the Boarding House, “This year due to COVID-19 I haven’t seen my family since January, so I have learnt to be resilient.
I have to do my own laundry, clean up after myself and plan my daily schedule. At times it has been hard, but I pick myself up and keep going. These skills will definitely help me when I leave the comfort and familiarity of boarding.”
Communication is Key
Victoria, Year 12, from Hong Kong did not hesitate to say, “Communication. I feel so confident talking to people from many different cultures. I know how to strike up conversations and how to approach people for help.
Being surrounded by people is now so natural for me, that I feel comfortable around others. Going out into the world doesn’t scare me.”
Responsibility
Other students reported skills such as independence and being responsible. Claudia, Year 11, said that she already has the life skills she needs to thrive when she leaves the Boarding House, “This year due to COVID-19 I haven’t seen my family since January, so I have learnt to be resilient.
I have to do my own laundry, clean up after myself and plan my daily schedule. At times it has been hard, but I pick myself up and keep going. These skills will definitely help me when I leave the comfort and familiarity of boarding.”
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Our 2020 Year 12 Boarders returning to School
Our 2020 Year 12 Boarders returning to School
Paying it Forward
In talking to these students, it was very clear that boarders are ready for anything that comes their way. They are bold and courageous. They each define their own path through the choices they make and the opportunities they embrace.
Many of our boarders also seek opportunities outside the Boarding House in the form of volunteering or giving back. This can be anything from tutoring younger students, to helping at the local Op Shop, or engaging in coastal clean up initiatives.
One of our Year 12 boarders, Sophie from country Victoria, has certainly embraced the concept of getting involved outside the Boarding House. I was able to Zoom Sophie to ask her what motivated her to look beyond the red brick walls.
“Personally, I feel that getting involved with community outside your academic program not only gives you balance, it is also a way to distract you from missing home, and helps to fill your schedule and learn new things.”
Sophie believes in a ‘pay it forward’ model. She describes that living as a boarder has taught her invaluable life lessons that she likes to pass on to others or give back to the community.
Paying it Forward
In talking to these students, it was very clear that boarders are ready for anything that comes their way. They are bold and courageous. They each define their own path through the choices they make and the opportunities they embrace.
Many of our boarders also seek opportunities outside the Boarding House in the form of volunteering or giving back. This can be anything from tutoring younger students, to helping at the local Op Shop, or engaging in coastal clean up initiatives.
One of our Year 12 boarders, Sophie from country Victoria, has certainly embraced the concept of getting involved outside the Boarding House. I was able to Zoom Sophie to ask her what motivated her to look beyond the red brick walls.
“Personally, I feel that getting involved with community outside your academic program not only gives you balance, it is also a way to distract you from missing home, and helps to fill your schedule and learn new things.”
Sophie believes in a ‘pay it forward’ model. She describes that living as a boarder has taught her invaluable life lessons that she likes to pass on to others or give back to the community.
Paying it Forward
In talking to these students, it was very clear that boarders are ready for anything that comes their way. They are bold and courageous. They each define their own path through the choices they make and the opportunities they embrace.
Many of our boarders also seek opportunities outside the Boarding House in the form of volunteering or giving back. This can be anything from tutoring younger students, to helping at the local Op Shop, or engaging in coastal clean up initiatives.
One of our Year 12 boarders, Sophie from country Victoria, has certainly embraced the concept of getting involved outside the Boarding House. I was able to Zoom Sophie to ask her what motivated her to look beyond the red brick walls.
“Personally, I feel that getting involved with community outside your academic program not only gives you balance, it is also a way to distract you from missing home, and helps to fill your schedule and learn new things.”
Sophie believes in a ‘pay it forward’ model. She describes that living as a boarder has taught her invaluable life lessons that she likes to pass on to others or give back to the community.
When asked about the rewards she has gained from being a boarder Sophie talked about how well prepared she felt for the future. “The attributes you acquire as a boarder push you into the world with a wider skill set, more confidence and a willingness to try new things and get out of your comfort zone.”
As Sophie nears the end of her time as a boarder, I was interested in finding out what her goals were for the future.
“I have so many. I want to work in human rights, maybe as a lawyer. I love speaking Spanish too. I’d like to move to Spain - so maybe a Barrister in Spain, or at least a Spanish speaking country. I’d then like to teach. I think teaching is my calling, to be able to impart knowledge onto the next generation.” Sophie has no doubt that her experience in boarding will help these goals become reality.
When asked about the rewards she has gained from being a boarder Sophie talked about how well prepared she felt for the future. “The attributes you acquire as a boarder push you into the world with a wider skill set, more confidence and a willingness to try new things and get out of your comfort zone.”
As Sophie nears the end of her time as a boarder, I was interested in finding out what her goals were for the future.
“I have so many. I want to work in human rights, maybe as a lawyer. I love speaking Spanish too. I’d like to move to Spain - so maybe a Barrister in Spain, or at least a Spanish speaking country. I’d then like to teach. I think teaching is my calling, to be able to impart knowledge onto the next generation.” Sophie has no doubt that her experience in boarding will help these goals become reality.
Although many of our boarders who have been living onsite have not been home since the start of the year, they've stayed positive and faced all challenges with optimism. They've come up with many different ways to stay entertained and connected as a group.
Although many of our boarders who have been living onsite have not been home since the start of the year, they've stayed positive and faced all challenges with optimism. They've come up with many different ways to stay entertained and connected as a group.
Although many of our boarders who have been living onsite have not been home since the start of the year, they've stayed positive and faced all challenges with optimism. They've come up with many different ways to stay entertained and connected as a group.
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Boarding at Melbourne Girls Grammar certainly provides an environment that fosters independence, confidence, and resilience. We know that our boarders have all the skills they need to achieve anything they set their minds to. With everything they've weathered this year, we have no doubt their futures will be bright and filled with opportunities the likes of which we haven't seen yet.
Boarding at Melbourne Girls Grammar certainly provides an environment that fosters independence, confidence, and resilience. We know that our boarders have all the skills they need to achieve anything they set their minds to. With everything they've weathered this year, we have no doubt their futures will be bright and filled with opportunities the likes of which we haven't seen yet.
Boarding at Melbourne Girls Grammar certainly provides an environment that fosters independence, confidence, and resilience. We know that our boarders have all the skills they need to achieve anything they set their minds to. With everything they've weathered this year, we have no doubt their futures will be bright and filled with opportunities the likes of which we haven't seen yet.