From the Directors of Boarding

As the term continues to progress, events on the boarding calendar come and go with great momentum. This closed weekend welcomed the families of our Yalari students, who travelled from across the state to Albany on Friday. A morning tea was held in the day school, providing a valuable opportunity for teachers and Heads of Boarding Houses to connect with parents. It also allowed families to meet the staff teaching their children and those who live alongside them. The conversations were overwhelmingly positive, with a strong sense of unity around routines, support, and academic engagement—a truly fantastic outcome.

Following this, a lunch was hosted at Michaelmas House with members of the Boarding Committee and visiting parents. It was another brilliant opportunity for families to meet fellow boarding parents and discuss all things boarding, as well as life in the Lower Great Southern region. A huge thank you to Mrs Di Franzinelli, whose efforts made the entire event possible.

Friday also saw another meeting of the Boarding Parent Committee, again, a valuable chance to connect and share ideas. Much of the discussion centred around the upcoming school Kingfisher Fair & Open Day and boarding’s contribution to the event. We are thrilled to have the machinery returning to site, along with the ever-popular rocky road, which has become a boarding staple and will once again help raise funds for The Darcy Effect charity.

Driving to school was another key topic. From the beginning of Term Three, Year Eleven students will be permitted to drive to and from school, though their movements will be restricted to travel between their residence and school, primarily on weekends. This arrangement has worked well in the past, with students continuing to utilise the boarding bus service, which helps ease pressure on staff and supervisors, especially when many students hold a licence.

As students progress to Year Twelve, trust and consistency enable the extension of car use, but this is managed on a case-by-case basis, following completion of the driving permission form and a discussion with the student’s guardian and Head of Boarding House. At times, the number of licensed students can be quite high, and unrestricted access to vehicles during the week places too much responsibility on supervisors. We are always keen to support students, but consistent demonstration of Reach leave protocol and responsible behaviour is key to maintaining the privilege of car access.

Looking ahead, we are excited for two special events in Term Three, the Year Twelve Farewell Dinner, Thursday 11 September and in Term Four, the Year Twelve Boarding Valedictory Dinner, Thursday 23 October. Both occasions will be meaningful opportunities to honour our senior students and reflect on their journey through boarding.

In the coming weeks, we will continue preparations for the orientation of our new boarders, as well as the transition of our current students, in preparation for 2026 - exciting times! This will also lead into the final recreational activity of the year, a trip to the Bowling Alley on Friday 28 November, a wonderful way to celebrate the year’s achievements.

Thank you for your support, as always.

Mr Brodie Sarre | Director of Boarding (Senior)

Mrs Nyree Mackenzie | Director of Boarding (Junior)