Boarding Life
Celebrating Boarders Week
This week is Boarders Week, a week dedicated to celebrating the community that supports a Boarding House. As we are still very much in the thick of the celebrations, I will share our highlights from the week in our next newsletter.
Recently, I attended the ICPA State Conference in Burra. The Isolated Children’s and Parents’ Association (ICPA) is an advocacy organisation committed to ensuring equitable access to education for children living in rural and remote areas of Australia. The association works closely with governments, schools and communities to advocate for improved educational opportunities, services, travel assistance and support systems for regional families.
The conference provided insight into the realities currently being experienced by many rural and regional families, including those within our own Loreto community. A strong theme throughout the conference was the increasing financial and logistical pressure associated with educating children away from home. Rising travel costs, fuel prices, private tuition expenses and the challenges of accessing educational support services in remote locations were all discussed extensively.
There was also significant conversation surrounding the importance of boarders maintaining regular connection with home and family for their wellbeing. Several discussions highlighted that, due to rising fuel costs and broader cost-of-living pressures, some families are now needing to reduce the frequency of trips home throughout the term. Understandably, this can have an emotional impact on both boarders and their families.
The conference reinforced for me the importance of continuing to foster strong relationships and meaningful community within our Boarding House and across the wider College. Boarding life thrives because of the support not only of staff and boarding families, but also of the many day students and families who so generously support our girls throughout the year. Whether assisting with transport to trainings and games, welcoming boarders into homes for overnight leave, sharing meals, or simply helping girls feel connected and included, these acts of generosity and care make a profound difference to the boarding experience.
Boarding at Loreto is not simply a place where regional girls live whilst attending school. It is a community partnership built on connection and shared care for young people navigating life away from home.
Jane Grech
Senior Director of Boarding and Strategic Projects
Communication Channels for Boarding Parents and Families
