Boarding Life

A Taste of Boarding 

Boarding Beginnings 

The beginning of a new Boarding year is always marked by energy, emotion, and connection, and 2026 has been no exception. With over a third of our boarders new to boarding this year, the opening weeks have been full as we welcomed many new girls, families, and staff into our community and shared the many ins and outs of boarding life at Loreto.

Our returning girls have played an invaluable role in this transition, offering guidance, reassurance, and friendship to those finding their feet. I extend heartfelt thanks to their parents as well, who so generously opened their own circles to welcome new boarding families, including a lovely lunch organised by our Boarding Parent Representatives on move-in day.

As expected, week one was intense. Excitement sat alongside homesickness, and emotions rose and fell as the girls adjusted to new routines, expectations, and relationships. These experiences were very much at the heart of our 'Community and Commitment Weekend', a ‘lock-in’ designed to strengthen connections and set the tone for the year ahead. Across the weekend, girls sang, danced, filmed movies, painted house banners, and shared countless slushies, popcorn, and what may well have been our biggest pizza order ever.

The girls also enjoyed time at Norwood Pool, attended Mass on Sunday morning, explored Burnside and surrounding shops, and worked collaboratively on their student-led Boarders Agreement, defining how they will care for and support one another throughout the year. Our House teams, Poyntz and Wigmore, proudly established their themes, beautifully reflected in their banners. Sincere thanks to our House Captains: Sienna Cameron (Wigmore), Daisy Jarrett and Marisa Clark (Poyntz), for their leadership and enthusiasm.

It has been a busy, joyful, and meaningful start to the year, and we look forward to all that lies ahead.

Jane Grech

Senior Director of Boarding and Strategic Projects