Wellbeing and Engagement

Not Just for the Weekend: A Year 12 Boarding Reflection

There is something special about the final week of school for our Year 12 students. It invites us to quietly look back while looking forward with anticipation to all that lies ahead. 

This week, I asked our Year 12s what they were most looking forward to beyond Loreto. Their answers ranged from the wonderfully simple ‘more sleep and pyjama days’ to thoughts of international adventures and professional opportunities. When I asked what their parents might be looking forward to, the response was often “a little less stress!” But one boarding student’s answer stayed with me: “Probably having me home, and not just for the weekend.” 

Her words were a beautiful reminder of the unique experience of boarding and the sacrifices, love and commitment that underpin it. For boarding families, this milestone carries an extra layer of emotion. There is pride in watching your daughter grow in independence, resilience and confidence, alongside the many weekends, milestones and everyday moments spent apart. The prospect of having your child home, not simply for a weekend, but for the next chapter of life, is absolutely worth looking forward to. 

I sometimes joke with the girls that the boarders are secretly my favourite Loreto students.  Whether I’m dropping into the Boarding House for dinner or sharing a snack and a chat after school, I am always struck by the warmth of our Boarding House. The girls look out for one another, celebrate together and embrace each other like sisters. It is a privilege to witness the friendships and sense of belonging that make boarding such a distinctive part of Loreto. 

To our boarding parents and families, I take my hat off to you. Thank you for the trust you place in us and for the love and encouragement you give your daughters, often from a distance.  

Suzie Crowe 

Assistant Principal: Wellbeing and Engagement