Boarding

Perseverance

This week we heard reflections about perseverance during the Young House School Service this week. Such an appropriate topic with the Olympics, in addition to relating to boarding. Boarding offers so many areas for perseverance to be learnt, developed, and celebrated. There is no doubt during your boarding journey you will need to establish a solid routine, and also, adapt to new routines. Learning to stick to a routine helps the entire community to work together and emphases that we are all in this together as a tight knit group. Likewise, as you take up College opportunities, such as the production, equestrian, rowing, music, language studies, community work, all require a strong foundation of perseverance to stick with what your started. 

Perseverance is also shown amongst our senior boarders who turn up to prep each afternoon and/or evening, prepared and focused, every day. Regardless, if a boarder is aiming to grow their perseverance or not, it is implicit that this is a virtue all will develop, and the sooner we begin our boarding journey the greater our ability to stick with it becomes. And when we do stick with it, our accomplishments and progress are enhanced. Looking back and celebrating regardless of the result knowing that we stuck with it, persevered, and gave it our best effort.

Boarder of the Week

It is therefore appropriate that we celebrate our Boarder of the Week, Jennifer Haydon. Jennifer is a perfect example of perseverance. Quietly going about her business as a well-respected boarder, Jennifer has persevered with routine, setting goals, and achieving success. She is a boarder who has not only shown adaptability and courage, but is able to persevere with physical challenges such as a running program which brought success in the cross country this year. Well done, Jennifer!

Sticking with it by Pepper Bowes (Year 10)

I really enjoy boarding as I learn a lot. The environment helps me study with the help of teachers and make stronger connections.

One of the best parts of boarding school is the friendships that I have developed. Living together, studying together, experiencing highs and lows together and participating in daily routines together. This constant interaction with each other not only helps you learn about each other and yourself but also helps build lifelong relationships that, from personal experiences, are stronger than regular ones. Sharing experiences with each other helps bring unity and brings the realisation of other points of view and what truly matters. 

Boarding doesn’t come without its challenges, like adjusting to being away from the safety and comfort of your own home. When I first began boarding, I struggled with homesickness, but once I got into the routine of everything and felt the support from people who were experiencing the same thing, it slowly became my home away from home, and I settled.

Boarding teaches valuable life lessons like independence, resilience, and personal skills as you learn to navigate different social dynamics, resolve issues, and build stronger relationships. I have learnt that boarding provides exposure to a wide range of people, which has helped me learn empathy and have a broader understanding of different perspectives. These skills will help me better navigate life after school.

In Year 10, I have many friends who board, and I’ve made great, long-lasting relationships with people from both houses. This makes the school days so much more rewarding and the Boarding House comfortable and fun.

I will really miss going into boarder's rooms to talk and bond with people from different year levels who you wouldn’t usually speak to. I’ll also miss watching something in the common room on weekends and spending time with the staff who go out of their way to make sure the Boarding House in full of love and support.

Pepper Bowes