Boarding

Boarding Assembly Celebrates the “Echoes of Home”

This week, College marked National Boarding Week with a special Boarding Assembly under the theme "Echoes of Home". 

Students reflected on the sounds, friendships, routines and support that make boarding feel like home.

Boarding Captain Finn Dennis spoke about the familiar sounds of home found in boarding life (minus the donkeys), including shared conversations and laughter, the rush in the mornings, and the comfort of daily routines. 

Finn also reflected on how life in the boarding house nurtures students, provides a safe environment and, importantly, includes delicious food from Josh and Joel.

A highlight of the assembly was a special performance by the Boardo Band.

Watch the performance here: https://vimeo.com/thaac/boardoband?share=copy

The Boarding Committee received their badges, recognising the important role of student voice and initiative within the boarding community.

Year 8 student Gus McCure talked about his experience of boarding starting in Year 7.

“At the start, I didn’t think I would make it through the first week. But as the weeks passed, I got to know more people, and more people got to know me. I started to enjoy and embrace it.”

 

“I have learnt a lot more independence, and life skills that you wouldn’t learn going home on the bus every day.”

For Gus, the "echoes of home" are found in afternoon activities and the simple comfort of “having a big Milo”.

Ava Cottle spoke about how boarding had changed her understanding of friendship and family. Having grown up in northern Australia, Ava reflected on the challenge of leaving family and familiar places behind.

“If you had told me back then that I wouldn’t just make friends here, but find people I would consider family, I probably wouldn’t have believed you.”

“Whether it’s hearing laughter echo down the hallways or the overwhelming smell of fake tan before a dinner dance, you have all made the beginning of my year unforgettable.”

Ed Mahar also reflected on the friendships formed in boarding, describing them as different from those made anywhere else.

“Living in the boarding house means you don’t just see each other for a few hours a day at school — you live life together. You grow up together.”

Ed spoke about the importance of small moments, from late-night conversations to lending shoes, chargers or toothpaste, and how those moments build trust.

“Over time, those small moments become something much bigger. They become trust, loyalty, and understanding.”

“Boarding gives you another kind of family. Not one connected by blood, but one connected by shared experiences, memories, and the support you give each other every day.”