Reflections & Gratitude

Our Year Twelve boarders and their families wish to share some moments of gratitude and reflections on their time in boarding over the past six years.

Year Twelve Reflections

Walking through the doors of Breaksea House at the start of Year Ten, back in 2019, was probably one of the most petrifying things I had ever done. It was incredibly challenging to pack up and leave the comfort of my home, friends, and family to begin the journey of what was to become the best three years of my life. 

Boarding has no doubt had its challenges, but has also been filled with great accomplishments and success, hearty laughs, and deep conversations. When I look back at my boarding experience, I think of all the different memories that we shared as a group. Whether it be all dancing to Rhianna for Boarder’s Got Talent, or watching scary movies on a Saturday night, or even just the late-night chats in the office with staff. I am eternally grateful for my time.  

And now I walk back through those same Breaksea doors into a house filled with my favourite memories and closest friends. As I prepare myself to leave my home away from home, I can look back at all the laughs, tears, conversations, and friends that have made my boarding experience unforgettable. As I will leave Breaksea house through the same two doors that petrified me on my first day, I am grateful for the past few years and the priceless experiences, knowledge and maturity I will take with me into my next chapter. 

Jasmine Butterworth | Year Twelve

I arrived in boarding in Year Nine and it was intimidating. I knew no one except my older brother Levi, and Albany itself was completely different to Carnarvon. The weather, the people and town were so different to the life I’d lived up North. 

Living in a communal environment had never appealed to me, as I used to prefer my own company. However, to my surprise I never disliked this new boarding experience. I came into boarding quite young and had a lot to learn. This learning has continued over the past four years, becoming more mature and independent each year. The thing that has made boarding a positive experience for me has been the people living with me and the connections I have made along the way. The connections I have made with staff have been great, but the greatest connections I have made have been with the boys. Without them being as great as they are it would have been a lot harder than it has been. The opportunity to be Boarding Captain in 2021 is one I have appreciated and I have valued connecting with boarders in all years and working with staff.  

I am forever grateful for my time spent at Great Southern Boarding and will look back on it fondly. 

Daniel Cosh | Year Twelve

I don’t remember much about coming to boarding in Year Eight, it is crazy to think that that was five years ago now. Through my time here, boarding has become a part of my identity, many of my most memorable moments and closest friends have been made here. 

Boarding has given me the opportunity to grow as a person, it has helped me gain valuable life skills that will benefit me moving into the future. I would like to thank all the boarding staff who helped me out over my time here, I have been so lucky to have such great support network from my friends, family, and staff.

Isabelle Plowman | Year Twelve

My time in boarding has been full of fun memories over six years. Beginning boarding in Flinders House with Mrs Deveson was so much fun with bike rides and beach trips each afternoon. Then the middle years with Mrs Orr and Mr Goggins meant lots of hockey and farming simulator games. My clearest memory of Year Ten with Mr Tompkin was waking to the annoying Baby Shark song, this always got us out of bed. Year Eleven and Twelve with Mr Rice has been fun with cooking our own BBQ dinners. Having steak and sausages that we got to cook and eat in the house was the best. 

Quinten Robinson | Year Twelve

The last six years in boarding has had many ups and downs. Some of my fondest memories are of the bike rides we took with Ms Deveson in Year Seven and the weekend activities with Mr Tompkin, such as capture the flag. 

One aspect of boarding I will not miss is when the fire alarm goes off at 3.00am, causing everyone to go deaf and then evacuate down to the Dining Hall.

I would like to thank all the staff who have supported me throughout my six years of boarding. 

Mackenzie Smith | Year Twelve

I wasn't expecting very much of Grammar when I came halfway through Year Twelve. It was quite a big risk really. I came out of necessity and thought I would just put my head down and work. It wouldn't matter if I didn't make friends because I was here just for a short time, to get better academic support. 

I'm glad it didn't come to that! I arrived to join a fantastic boarding community with a lot of great people who made sure I fitted in right away. Living with this group of boys has been an absolute blast. Boarding has allowed me to make connections with a lot of great people and allowed me to make a lot of good friends.

My time here in Grammar Boarding has been brief, but I'm glad I came. 

Jakob Voss | Year Twelve

Boarding has allowed me to grow immensely as a person. Since beginning in Year Seven, I have grown, both in physical height (admittedly not by much), but also mentally. I have gained a new appreciation for my own ability to take care of myself, but also acquired the skill of being able to ask for help when things all get a little too overwhelming. 

Spending six years of my life at this school 24/7 has made me appreciate the little things and value the friendships that I hope will continue for a lifetime. We have been through so much together as a cohort of Year Twelves, all the laughs, all the tears, all the meltdowns, all the triumphs. These girls have seen my highest highs and my lowest lows. They hold the memories of boarding which will live forever in my memories. 

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the boarding staff who have supported my development. Mrs Button, Mrs Orr, Mrs Ferreira, Ms Bromhead and the multitude of Gap Assistants who have each taught me so much about myself and the world. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Lastly to the girls, love you all. To anyone reading, watch out for us. We will take the world by storm. You have been warned.

Abigail Winyard | Year Twelve

Gratitude from Families

To the Boarding house supervisors Rosie Deveson, Karen Orr, Brendan Goggins, Brett Tompkin, Jenny Colgate and Brenton Rice. Thank you for creating an environment where our kids felt at home and where learning and other fun activities happened. We really appreciate the care you provided for our kids and will always be thankful for the peace of mind and comfort it gave us while parenting from afar.

To Nyree Mackenzie, your willingness and dedication to make things “happen" in the Senior School is appreciated by us all. 

To Tristine Smargiassi,  Thank you for looking after our family’s uniform needs with such a big smile and enthusiasm. The Leavers Jackets and boarder Rugby jerseys are great.

To Emma Franklin, your kind words continue to warm my heart. 

To Emma Luxton and Emma Franklin, your dedication to see productions come to the stage is amazing and appreciated. Thank you for your care of boarders during this process. 

To Brett Tompkin, we thank you for your humour, guidance and care early on in the Middle School then in Boarding  and now in the Music Department. We will miss your smiling face. Take care.

To Sheryl Moncur, thank you for your time, your care and your support. It made a world of difference to us. You make a difference every day. 

To Nicole and Adam Scott, we are grateful for your care of our sons and daughters during their boarding journey.

To the Mokare Gods of Steve Mumme and Meredith Wright, may this be our YEAR!!

The GSG nursing staff of Elizabeth Cosh, Rebecca Davies and Mary-Jane Hillam

We just want to say, “thanks a bunch".

To Chef Nick Harvey and all the staff, the way you managed the impact of the COVID Pandemic in boarding was amazing and we appreciate all your effort.  We thank you for the care you all show our kids on a daily basis. 

To Claire St Jack, navigating our first years at GSG was made easier with your help, thank you.

To Atsuko Kagi and Peta Spinks, the care you took of the boarding kids on their Japan Experience in 2019 was amazing. A lifetime of memories. 

To Brenton Rice, thank you for sharing your lovely family with the boys. The care you take and the lengths you go, to help us make things happen for our sons, is appreciated.