Year Twelve Reflections

As is tradition, each of the Year Twelve Boarders were asked to write a reflection of their time in boarding for the final Boarding Buzz of Term Three each year.  Please read below.

Reflections & Gratitude

I have been boarding at Great Southern Grammar since Year Ten, coming from Mount Barker I have found my boarding experience rewarding but also sometimes challenging (home sickness sucks). I have met and created multiple friendships with other boarders, while developing my own personal skills. I would like to thank everyone that has had an influence on my boarding experiences. To all my supervisors for all that you do for us and the many jokes that we have shared, Chef Nick and Chef James, for keeping us all fed, Mrs Marmion for the orthodontist trips, Mrs Spinks for the best brownies that magically appeared every shift, Ms Bromhead for putting up with us senior girls and to the boarding bus drivers for driving me to any place I needed to be. I have enjoyed my time at boarding, but I am now ready to venture onto the next chapter in my life. 

Rachel Henderson | Year Twelve

My boarding journey has been over a total of six years, and I must say that I am the last one standing from Year Seven, I think that makes me the winner of Big Brother in a way. Boarding has helped me to develop some strong independent, interpersonal and time management skills. Living in a boarding community for six years helped me improve my sense of responsibility and decision-making skills as well as learning to adapt to living with varying personalities. 

When I first started at Grammar in Year Seven I was in Endeavour House. I didn’t know many people, but after a week or so I learnt my way around. Caris Rae, Milly Wisewould, Elisa Crook, and I swapped rooms every term until we all got put in separate rooms because we were too loud, although being in separate rooms didn’t put a stop to this. Year Eight I was still in Endeavour House, and we had some people join and at first we were worried what they were going to be like as we had not long made some amazing friends, but we quickly learned that they would fit in just fine. 

In Year Nine Kira Pearce, Madi Smart and I even dressed up in tutus and sang with hair-brushes at the Boarders Got Talent. As I slowly reached my final years of boarding I began to look back onto what I have accomplished living in boarding and it helped me to realise what a great opportunity and adventure it has been developing many great friendships. 

I’m now in Year Twelve, it been a long journey, but am glad I’ve made it to the end, and look forward to the new adventures that lay ahead of me. Thank you to the Nurses, as it sometimes gets quite busy in there from the many visits I’ve made, the chefs for feeding me with bad dad jokes, Ms Bromhead for being there and supporting us through everything, all the staff members for looking after us even when it may be tough, and the washing machines for washing my clothes, and the dryers for drying them even when there was a queue.

Year Seven I was crying because I wanted to go home and now I'm crying because I don't want to leave.  I didn't know that I'd miss it so much until I left.  The next chapter is just beginning and this is a start.

Jasmine Bradshaw | Year Twelve

I came to boarding at Great Southern Grammar last year in Year Eleven. Coming to boarding was one of the best decisions I ever made and so thankful I was provided with the opportunity. I was very nervous as anyone would be, but had great support from my friends in boarding, Ms Bromhead and all the supervisors, so thank you to everyone, it made moving away from home a lot easier. Boarding has taught me so much, such as being more independent, coping with living with a lot of people and gave me the best memories to carry with me throughout my life. 

I thank everyone who is in my life at Grammar and appreciate everything you have done for me; I really appreciate it.

Holly Blechynden

It's safe to say the five years I spent in boarding was memorable. Early morning wake ups for breakfast to late night chats to all nighters. Starting boarding in Year Eight was terrifying until I found out I knew all four girls moving into Endeavour with me.  Life in Endeavour to say the least was a roller coaster, sleepovers on weekends after the supervisor went home, to finding myself lying in a hospital at bed at 11.00pm getting stitches after splitting my head open on a door frame, thanks for taking the stitches out Mrs Cosh and Ms Davies. Once the late-night episodes of Gossip Girl ended it was time to move to Breaksea. 

Before entering Breaksea I told myself I would sit and study for two hours a night, that didn’t even last a day. From being shown how to cook, to me giving life advice on what not to do from past experiences. Screaming at one another playing Super Smash Bros to smart talking one another playing spike ball. It's safe to say I'll miss these girls and wish them the best. A big thank you to everyone who helped me get to where I am today, although at points I made you wish you didn’t work the shift.

Kira Pearce | Year Twelve

I have been in boarding for five years this year, from Year Eight. As much as there are highs and lows in boarding, it has been by far one of the best experiences I have had in my life, even if that is only 17 and a half years old. I can honestly say that I have met lifelong friends even though sometimes, especially at the end of terms, we all start to get a bit snappy at each other. Some my best memories of boarding would have to be the many sleepovers we had and Kira losing a fight to a door frame and getting sent to the hospital in Year Eight. This was the first of many visits Kira made and by now she should have Frequent Flyer points at the hospital. There are so many more memories I could share but I think I would run out of room. I would not change this experience for the world, and I am so grateful for the many people who were involved in my boarding experience.

Madi Smart | Year Twelve

I only came to boarding at the end of 2021, but I'd like to thank boarding for providing me with the opportunity to be welcomed into a loving community, which turned into my family. A big thanks to Ms Bromhead for putting up with me. Thank you to all the supervisors for spending endless hours looking out for us and the nurses for looking out for me on my many visits over there. Boarding has done so much for me and I can't thank the people involved enough. If you knew me before I began in boarding and see me after a year in boarding, I am a completely different person. I have learnt a lot and matured into the person I am now. Thank you.

Paige Narkle

Boarding has given not only me, but all of us girls, the opportunity to grow and become the people we are today.  I'd like to thank everyone involved within the boarding community for making the experience as a boarder joyful and fun.  Also a massive shout out to Ms Bromhead who is such a selfless person and will drop anything to help any one of the girls in the house.  Thank you to everyone at boarding who has helped us.

Lahnee Reid-Harries

Throughout the three years I have been here at Grammar, I have faced many high and lows. When I first came, boarding was tough. After immense calls back home, tears and hugs, I can say that I made it. 

I have created many long lasting friendships, memories, experiences and unforgettable moments that I will cherish forever, such as the weekend town trips to IGA, the endless karaoke sessions or the surfing on the couches up the hallway. The friendships I have created with the girls have truly been a highlight of my time here in boarding. I have got to know everyone of them so well. Living with them has come with its difficult times, especially when we’ve had a busy week, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. 

For everyone that has helped me in some way, thank you! To the girls, to the supervisors, to Ms Bromhead, the chefs, the nurses, the bus drivers and my family, your support sure isn’t forgotten. 

Kate Squibb