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MGGS Boarders at the annual Boarders Family BBQ
MGGS Boarders at the annual Boarders Family BBQ
The World Within Our Walls
Imagine a place where the world comes together under one roof.
At Melbourne Girls Grammar, boarders from the Western District of Victoria, the Riverina region of NSW, the ‘tropicana’ of the Northern Territory and across the globe create a vibrant tapestry of cultures, perspectives and friendships.
Here, social awareness, empathy and global understanding are lived each and every day.
Living with peers from around the world opens up a new dimension of learning. Through everyday conversations and shared experiences, students gain a deep appreciation for diverse cultures. These moments shape how students see the world, and their own place within it.
"Our international students bring so much to our community. Their presence helps all our students learn about the world beyond their own borders... gain invaluable insights into different cultures, countries and customs [and] learn firsthand about global issues and perspectives..." — Kerry Bacon
“I’ve realised that regardless of where and the way you live, you can find commonalities and get along well with others,” says Year 11 boarder Amelie from Tatura, Victoria. Before MGGS, she had limited exposure to people from Melbourne and other parts of the world. “I have met people from Indigenous communities and learned about their traditions and stories; I’ve learned about Vietnamese culture, their strong family values and cultural emphasis on respecting elders.” This kind of cultural exchange is at the heart of the MGGS boarding experience. “Our goal is to create a nurturing environment where students feel valued and safe, and where they learn to appreciate and respect others,” says Director of Boarding, Amanda Haggie.
During National Boarding Week, the energy is electric. Boarders proudly wear special pink socks and ribbons, host assemblies, and share their stories through the much-loved boarders’ revue video. “The people are what make boarding at MGGS so special,” says Boarding House Captain, Annabelle. “Living and learning with girls from all walks of life has helped me grow, taught me resilience, and shown me the power of saying ‘yes’ to every opportunity.”
Living with peers from around the world opens up a new dimension of learning. Through everyday conversations and shared experiences, students gain a deep appreciation for diverse cultures. These moments shape how students see the world, and their own place within it.
"Our international students bring so much to our community. Their presence helps all our students learn about the world beyond their own borders... gain invaluable insights into different cultures, countries and customs [and] learn firsthand about global issues and perspectives..." — Kerry Bacon
“I’ve realised that regardless of where and the way you live, you can find commonalities and get along well with others,” says Year 11 boarder Amelie from Tatura, Victoria. Before MGGS, she had limited exposure to people from Melbourne and other parts of the world. “I have met people from Indigenous communities and learned about their traditions and stories; I’ve learned about Vietnamese culture, their strong family values and cultural emphasis on respecting elders.” This kind of cultural exchange is at the heart of the MGGS boarding experience. “Our goal is to create a nurturing environment where students feel valued and safe, and where they learn to appreciate and respect others,” says Director of Boarding, Amanda Haggie.
During National Boarding Week, the energy is electric. Boarders proudly wear special pink socks and ribbons, host assemblies, and share their stories through the much-loved boarders’ revue video. “The people are what make boarding at MGGS so special,” says Boarding House Captain, Annabelle. “Living and learning with girls from all walks of life has helped me grow, taught me resilience, and shown me the power of saying ‘yes’ to every opportunity.”
Living with peers from around the world opens up a new dimension of learning. Through everyday conversations and shared experiences, students gain a deep appreciation for diverse cultures. These moments shape how students see the world, and their own place within it.
"Our international students bring so much to our community. Their presence helps all our students learn about the world beyond their own borders... gain invaluable insights into different cultures, countries and customs [and] learn firsthand about global issues and perspectives..." — Kerry Bacon
“I’ve realised that regardless of where and the way you live, you can find commonalities and get along well with others,” says Year 11 boarder Amelie from Tatura, Victoria. Before MGGS, she had limited exposure to people from Melbourne and other parts of the world. “I have met people from Indigenous communities and learned about their traditions and stories; I’ve learned about Vietnamese culture, their strong family values and cultural emphasis on respecting elders.” This kind of cultural exchange is at the heart of the MGGS boarding experience. “Our goal is to create a nurturing environment where students feel valued and safe, and where they learn to appreciate and respect others,” says Director of Boarding, Amanda Haggie.
During National Boarding Week, the energy is electric. Boarders proudly wear special pink socks and ribbons, host assemblies, and share their stories through the much-loved boarders’ revue video. “The people are what make boarding at MGGS so special,” says Boarding House Captain, Annabelle. “Living and learning with girls from all walks of life has helped me grow, taught me resilience, and shown me the power of saying ‘yes’ to every opportunity.”
Boarders in their special pink socks and ribbons during National Boarding Week
Boarders in their special pink socks and ribbons during National Boarding Week
Boarding House Captain, Mikayla, reflects on the diversity she’s encountered: “From the farmers and their animals in country Victoria, to the delicious food and culture of Taiwan, to busy New York City on the other side of the world.” These interactions prepare students to thrive in a globalised world; they’re open-minded, adaptable and ready for anything. Kimberly, who’s from Malaysia and currently in Year 10, says, “My perspective has broadened since I’ve been here. My boarding experience has taught me a lot about independence. I like how your friends are like neighbours and you can go and visit them at any time for support or help. There is always someone to help you because the Boarding House is never empty ... I love that!”
“Our international students bring so much to our community,” says Assistant Director of Boarding, Kerry Bacon. “Their presence helps all our students learn about the world beyond their own borders." Local students gain invaluable insights into different cultures, countries and customs. They learn firsthand about global issues and perspectives, broadening their understanding. Meanwhile, international students build a strong foundation for their education, a home and lifelong connections in Melbourne, creating a support network that will benefit them always.
Empathy is the cornerstone of the MGGS community. Whether it’s family dinners in the Dining Hall, collaborative craft nights, or visits to Ronald McDonald House ... boarders learn to support others.
Boarding House Captain, Mikayla, reflects on the diversity she’s encountered: “From the farmers and their animals in country Victoria, to the delicious food and culture of Taiwan, to busy New York City on the other side of the world.” These interactions prepare students to thrive in a globalised world; they’re open-minded, adaptable and ready for anything. Kimberly, who’s from Malaysia and currently in Year 10, says, “My perspective has broadened since I’ve been here. My boarding experience has taught me a lot about independence. I like how your friends are like neighbours and you can go and visit them at any time for support or help. There is always someone to help you because the Boarding House is never empty ... I love that!”
“Our international students bring so much to our community,” says Assistant Director of Boarding, Kerry Bacon. “Their presence helps all our students learn about the world beyond their own borders." Local students gain invaluable insights into different cultures, countries and customs. They learn firsthand about global issues and perspectives, broadening their understanding. Meanwhile, international students build a strong foundation for their education, a home and lifelong connections in Melbourne, creating a support network that will benefit them always.
Empathy is the cornerstone of the MGGS community. Whether it’s family dinners in the Dining Hall, collaborative craft nights, or visits to Ronald McDonald House ... boarders learn to support others.
Boarding House Captain, Mikayla, reflects on the diversity she’s encountered: “From the farmers and their animals in country Victoria, to the delicious food and culture of Taiwan, to busy New York City on the other side of the world.” These interactions prepare students to thrive in a globalised world; they’re open-minded, adaptable and ready for anything. Kimberly, who’s from Malaysia and currently in Year 10, says, “My perspective has broadened since I’ve been here. My boarding experience has taught me a lot about independence. I like how your friends are like neighbours and you can go and visit them at any time for support or help. There is always someone to help you because the Boarding House is never empty ... I love that!”
“Our international students bring so much to our community,” says Assistant Director of Boarding, Kerry Bacon. “Their presence helps all our students learn about the world beyond their own borders." Local students gain invaluable insights into different cultures, countries and customs. They learn firsthand about global issues and perspectives, broadening their understanding. Meanwhile, international students build a strong foundation for their education, a home and lifelong connections in Melbourne, creating a support network that will benefit them always.
Empathy is the cornerstone of the MGGS community. Whether it’s family dinners in the Dining Hall, collaborative craft nights, or visits to Ronald McDonald House ... boarders learn to support others.
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Year 10 Grammarians Grace and Agnes with OG and Boarding House staff member, Ella
Year 10 Grammarians Grace and Agnes with OG and Boarding House staff member, Ella
Boarders Jenny, Eliza, Leah and Fiona enjoying the annual BBQ
Boarding families mingling at the Boarders BBQ
Ivy in Year 11 speaks about her Boarding experience at assembly
Year 9 Boarder from Shanghai, Olivia, reflects on her arrival at MGGS; "the moment I stepped off the plane in Australia, I felt a mix of fear and excitement thumping in my chest – a sense of diving into the unknown, so far from the life I knew." Initially Olivia struggled to adjust – creating a new home is not a challenge for the faint of heart! While adapting to life in the Boarding House, Olivia was learning to navigate our campus and the city of Melbourne, trying to make friends, completing schoolwork, all while learning English. “Noticing my struggle,” she says, “the residential staff helped me to feel comfortable, slowing down their speech and offering encouragement. This patience helped me build confidence.”
Empathy is one of the cornerstones of the MGGS community. Whether it’s family dinners in the Dining Hall, collaborative craft nights, or visits to Ronald McDonald House to volunteer, boarders learn to support others. “I love meeting, talking to and spending time with all the new girls each year,” says Mikayla, "and being able to help them with any issues they have, such as homework and homesickness, to help them adjust to the Boarding House lifestyle.” This deep sense of empathy creates a supportive and compassionate environment where everyone feels valued.
Year 9 Boarder from Shanghai, Olivia, reflects on her arrival at MGGS; "the moment I stepped off the plane in Australia, I felt a mix of fear and excitement thumping in my chest – a sense of diving into the unknown, so far from the life I knew." Initially Olivia struggled to adjust – creating a new home is not a challenge for the faint of heart! While adapting to life in the Boarding House, Olivia was learning to navigate our campus and the city of Melbourne, trying to make friends, completing schoolwork, all while learning English. “Noticing my struggle,” she says, “the residential staff helped me to feel comfortable, slowing down their speech and offering encouragement. This patience helped me build confidence.”
Empathy is one of the cornerstones of the MGGS community. Whether it’s family dinners in the Dining Hall, collaborative craft nights, or visits to Ronald McDonald House to volunteer, boarders learn to support others. “I love meeting, talking to and spending time with all the new girls each year,” says Mikayla, "and being able to help them with any issues they have, such as homework and homesickness, to help them adjust to the Boarding House lifestyle.” This deep sense of empathy creates a supportive and compassionate environment where everyone feels valued.
Olivia competing for Clarke House in House Cross Country
Olivia competing for Clarke House in House Cross Country
Olivia on the Year 9 cohort's recent trip to Northeast Arnhem Land
Olivia competing for Clarke House in House Cross Country
Olivia on the Year 9 cohort's recent trip to Northeast Arnhem Land
For Sofia, a recent graduate who was a boarder from Colombia, the journey has been one of courage and connection. “We’ve come from all over – Bendigo, the Northern Territory, New York, Colombia, China, Vietnam. We’ve left our families and started anew. But in doing so, we’ve found a new family,” she says. “The love and laughter in the Boarding House makes it easy to come back each term.”
Ivy, a Year 11 boarder from Victoria’s Western District, recently spoke at assembly during National Boarding Week. She shared that “boarding holds a very special place in [her] heart. [She loves] the endless nights of chatter and laughter, everyone gathered in one room on makeshift seats wherever there is room; window sills, laundry baskets or under desks.”
At MGGS, boarding is not just about where you live; it’s about who you become. "The experiences and relationships forged here help to shape our students into compassionate and globally minded young women," concludes Amanda. It’s a place where students from every corner of the world come together, discover their voice, embrace their independence and build special connections that last a lifetime.
For Sofia, a recent graduate who was a boarder from Colombia, the journey has been one of courage and connection. “We’ve come from all over – Bendigo, the Northern Territory, New York, Colombia, China, Vietnam. We’ve left our families and started anew. But in doing so, we’ve found a new family,” she says. “The love and laughter in the Boarding House makes it easy to come back each term.”
Ivy, a Year 11 boarder from Victoria’s Western District, recently spoke at assembly during National Boarding Week. She shared that “boarding holds a very special place in [her] heart. [She loves] the endless nights of chatter and laughter, everyone gathered in one room on makeshift seats wherever there is room; window sills, laundry baskets or under desks.”
At MGGS, boarding is not just about where you live; it’s about who you become. "The experiences and relationships forged here help to shape our students into compassionate and globally minded young women," concludes Amanda. It’s a place where students from every corner of the world come together, discover their voice, embrace their independence and build special connections that last a lifetime.
For Sofia, a recent graduate who was a boarder from Colombia, the journey has been one of courage and connection. “We’ve come from all over – Bendigo, the Northern Territory, New York, Colombia, China, Vietnam. We’ve left our families and started anew. But in doing so, we’ve found a new family,” she says. “The love and laughter in the Boarding House makes it easy to come back each term.”
Ivy, a Year 11 boarder from Victoria’s Western District, recently spoke at assembly during National Boarding Week. She shared that “boarding holds a very special place in [her] heart. [She loves] the endless nights of chatter and laughter, everyone gathered in one room on makeshift seats wherever there is room; window sills, laundry baskets or under desks.”
At MGGS, boarding is not just about where you live; it’s about who you become. "The experiences and relationships forged here help to shape our students into compassionate and globally minded young women," concludes Amanda. It’s a place where students from every corner of the world come together, discover their voice, embrace their independence and build special connections that last a lifetime.