Boarding life takes centre stage for National Boarding Week
POSTED May 14 2025 , Boarding, News, Parents & Community, Senior School, Sports
National Boarding Week is our chance to spotlight everything that makes our boarding community so special, and this year, the week-long festivities brought the fun in full force.
The week began with special permission for our Boarders to wear their boarding jumpers to school every day for the week, followed by a hearty breakfast for the boarders and their parents. The Boarding Captains were thrilled to make morning announcements over the School’s PA system, detailing each day’s activities. They included a Link quiz on all things boarding life, a lunch-time netball game, a tug of war against the day girls and a sausage sizzle to raise money for the Royal Flying Doctor Service.
The lively netball match between Boarders and Day Girls had students raucously cheering from the sidelines as they watched the nail-biting game unfold. The Day Girls were ultimately victorious by just one point, but it was undoubtedly one for the history books. The Boarders were sure to get their revenge later in the week, winning the annual tug-of-war competition.
Year 12 Day Students Sara and Gen spent the week living in Anne Symington House to get a sense of what boarding life entails. They were thrilled to receive a boarding jumper from Head Boarder Holly at the end of the week, who said it was only fitting because when you’re a boarder, you’re a boarder for life.
The jumpers were presented at the Boarders’ Assembly, a vibrant occasion that honoured the outstanding contributions our boarders make to our School. The girls shared videos that offered a glimpse into the sometimes stark differences between their lives in the Boarding House and their lives at home.
The Boarders also got everyone moving when they led the entire Senior School student and staff cohort in an energetic dance session. The assembly was a wonderful reminder of the fantastic character and enthusiasm our boarders bring to St Mary’s.
