Going to boarding school can be exciting for some and daunting for others. How we are represented in movies is not accurate, particularly at Girls Grammar. Parents can also have mixed feelings about sending their daughters to boarding school. Here at Girls Grammar we are mindful of these feelings and we endeavour to help both the girls and their families feel at ease. We do this through this newsletter, updates on our activities, and phone calls home from time to time. We are constantly checking in with the girls to make sure they feel on top of all of their responsibilities. The academic support Girls Grammar girls receive from their teachers, the boarding staff, and our hard-working transition teacher, Mrs Miller-Waugh ensures the girls are not overwhelmed by the move to boarding school.
At Girls Grammar we are strong believers in the girls’ right to advocate for themselves. We support them constantly about how to go about this in the right way. For example we have a boarding food committee meeting each fortnight that any of the girls may attend. The chef and his staff are present and we get to discuss all things food and dining related. The girls have asked for activities such as socials with other schools and we are looking forward to having that happen later in the term thanks to the tenacity of our boarding prefect, Georgia.
Another positive to come from attending boarding school is independence. Independence might be the greatest gift that parents can give to their children. As tough as it is to drop your daughter off and drive home, the independence that boarders gain that their day-school counterparts aren’t often afforded is tricky to measure. But when I have a 12 year old approaching me at breakfast asking if there is a bus available to take them to a touch football clinic in two weeks’ time, and I ask them to email me the request and we will make it happen is an example that occurs on a daily basis. The girls at Girls Grammar are masters at organising transport, checking the bus schedule to see when they are departing and coordinating all of their activities around their studies. They are responsible to make sure their uniforms and clothes are sent to the laundry. Making sure they have their hat, tie and badges ready for the next day is also their responsibility. Our young ladies are settling in well to the start of the year and parents can be assured that we are always here if they, or their daughter, have any questions or requests. Have a wonderful week ahead.
Stacey McCarthy
Head of Boarding
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