Growing Up in the Boarding House: Then and Now - A Reflection from Deputy Principal - Students (Acting)

Reflections on Boarding – Then and Now

Last week, as we celebrated National Boarding Week at Girls Grammar, I find myself reflecting on my own boarding school days, which now feel like a lifetime ago. I was a boarder from 1985 to 1989 - a time of cassette tapes, handwritten letters and shoulder pads. While much has changed since then, the essence of the boarding experience remains remarkably familiar.

Boarding - weekend games on the oval 1989

Looking back, I now see how profoundly those years shaped me. Boarding school was more than just a place to study - it was a place where I grew up, found my voice, and learned lessons that have stayed with me throughout my life.

Learning Independence Early

Boarding school taught me to stand on my own two feet. In an era before mobile phones and instant messaging, we learned to solve problems ourselves, manage our time, and take responsibility for our choices. That early independence gave me a quiet confidence that carried me through university, living overseas, and life’s inevitable curveballs. It was a gift I didn’t fully appreciate at the time, but one I now value deeply.

A Supportive Environment for Growth

The structure and support of boarding life provided a strong foundation. Our teachers were more than educators - they were mentors who knew us well and encouraged us to aim high. The routine of shared meals, prep and cocurricular activities created a rhythm that balanced academic focus with personal growth. We were encouraged to try new things, to contribute, and to care for one another. It was a holistic education in every sense.

Friendships that Endure

Boarding - Special Lunch 1988

There’s something unique about the friendships formed in a boarding house. Living together, day in and day out, through the triumphs and the tears, created bonds that were deep and lasting. We supported each other through homesickness, exam stress, and the everyday ups and downs of teenage life. Many of those friendships have stood the test of time, and even now, decades later, we still share a laugh over memories that feel as vivid as yesterday.

As I talk to the boarders at Girls Grammar today, I see echoes of my own experience - though the technology and facilities have certainly evolved! What hasn’t changed is the spirit of community, the resilience of our students, and the lifelong impact of a boarding education.

To all our boarders - past and present - and to our day students who balance this vibrant community: you are part of a proud tradition. One that equips you not only with knowledge, but with confidence and connection.

Kathy King

Deputy Principal - Students (Acting)