Boarding at TGC: then & now

HELENA METZKE, MARKETING COORDINATOR

The Geelong College has been home to boarders since its foundation. While the facilities and routines have evolved over the years, the core of the boarding experience remains remarkably similar.

Any time a past boarder shares memories of their time at College, similar themes emerge - tales of camaraderie, community, and personal growth.

It appears that the core experience has not changed significantly over time.

In this edition, as we celebrate 50 years of co-education, we asked four students to share their experiences— two from either end of the timeline.

Representing the 1970s cohort were Suzanne Mockridge (OGC 1977)one of the first girl boarders - and Rod Slattery (OGC 1977). Current Year 12 students, Hugh Mason and Tessa Bahen, spoke about life at the College today.

They may have come from different backgrounds, with decades separating their time in boarding, but the shared experiences of Suzanne, Rod, Hugh, and Tessa highlight how much has remained the same, despite the passage of time.

A tight-knit community

Suzanne recalled her arrival in 1976 as a pivotal moment in her experience, recalling she soon felt at home.

“There were only thirteen of us girls initially, and we were warmly welcomed by the boys. It created a close-knit, supportive community.”

Rod, who started boarding in 1972, shares a similar sense of belonging, and recalls the strength of the relationships he built.

“Boarding at the College was a great experience. We shared dorms and followed a strict routine, but it fostered deep friendships.”

Current students Tessa and Hugh also spoke fondly of their connections.

“The friendships you build are unique and lasting. The sense of community Suzanne and Rod mentioned is something that hasn’t changed,” Tessa said.

Meet the boarders

“Going through the year levels with a tight-knit group creates lifelong bonds,” agreed Hugh.

Rod Slattery (OGC 1977)

Hometown: Willaura, a farming community near Hamilton.

Rod comes from a family of Old Collegians, with his father Murray (OGC 1937) and three older brothers John (OGC 1966), Bill (OGC 1969), and Doug (OGC 1970) also having attended.

His sons, Andy and Jock (OGC 2015), and daughter, Edwina (OGC 2012) continued his legacy.

Suzanne Mockridge (OGC 1977)

Hometown: Redcliffe, near Mildura

Suzanne followed in her father Graham’s (OGC 1941) footsteps by attending the College. She became one of the first female boarders in 1976. Her sister, Niccy (OGC 1988) followed after her.

Hugh Mason (Year 12)

Hometown: Just outside Camperdown in Southwest Victoria.

His father, Andrew, (OGC 1990) and uncle, Richard (OGC 1996) also attended the College, with the familial connection influencing Hugh’s decision to board.

Hugh’s brother, Lucas, is in Year 9.

Tessa Bahen (Year 12)

Hometown: Melbourne

Living in a city with numerous educational opportunities, Tessa and her parents liked the independence and structure offered by the College, leading her to start in 2021. She is the first of her family to attend TGC.

A day in the life

Daily routines at The Geelong College have always been a blend of structure and activity. Our four boarders compared their lives as students.

“In the 70s, we started with a House meeting, followed by classes, sports, or drama in the evenings. There was always something happening,” recalled Suzanne.

Things were less scheduled on weekends, however.

“Weekends were more flexible, often filled with sports or trips to Melbourne. It was a good mix of structure and freedom,” said Rod.

A similar routine continues today.

“Now, we have two hours of set study every night in addition to our daily classes, but there’s also plenty of time for sports and other activities,” said Tessa.

Hugh agrees, finding the balance enjoyable.

“Between rowing, football, and other activities, our days are full but fun.”

Enduring friendships

As our students have already mentioned, one of the most important aspects of their time at The Geelong College is the sense of community. With just a few girls in the first cohort, Suzanne recalls feeling a very strong bond.

“We were very close and supportive of each other.”

Rod also recalls his interactions with the girls.

“I was very fortunate in getting to know the first girls — even if I was a bit intimidated by them at first,” he laughed.

Suzanne Mockridge (OGC 1977), Tessa Bahen (Year12), Hugh Mason (Year12) and Rod Slattery (OGC 1977).

Meeting new people or leaving home for the first time can be daunting experiences. But the support of the boarding community means nerves soon disappear—and sometimes it’s the smallest things that become the fondest memories.

“One of my favourite things was at supper time with the girls. Grabbing some white toast and slathering it with butter and cinnamon while we sat around the dining tables talking. You could just eat and eat and eat, and no one would stop you!” Suzanne said.

Organised activities, such as sports and trips were also popular.

“We did activities like water skiing and snow skiing together - the boys and girls. These shared experiences created strong bonds.” Rod recalled.

“The friendships you make in the boarding house stick with you beyond school,” agreed Tessa

“Things like indoor soccer and weekend footy matches are always good fun and make us even closer,” Hugh added.

Communication and connection While technology has transformed communication, the importance of staying connected with family and friends at home remains unchanged.

Compared to today’s students, though, Suzanne and Rod’s options were much more limited.

“We had one telephone in the house and wrote letters home,” Suzanne remembered.

Rod added, “Writing letters home was a common activity on our Sunday evenings.”

In contrast, Tessa and Hugh benefit from modern technology, with each having access to their own phones.

“The internet really helps us stay in touch,” Tessa said.

“It’s much easier to communicate with everyone back home these days,” agreed Hugh.

A timeless experience

Our 1970s boarders, Suzanne and Rod, had never met current students, Tessa and Hugh, prior to this interview.

However, despite the decades between their times at the school, the four immediately bonded over their shared experience - finding common ground in the traditions and values that define boarding life. This connection highlights the timeless nature and lasting impact of the College’s environment, showing that while times may change, the essence of boarding at The Geelong College remains the same.

Family connections are strong in College boarding, with 35 siblings and cousins currently making up 42% of our boarding cohort.

Back Row: Sophie Paton, Angus Paton, William Paton, Oliver Nagle, Isobel Nagle, Daniel Rogers, Sam Robinson, Oscar Robinson, Lucas Mason, Hugh Mason, Charlie Leishman, Sam Leishman, Fred Peat, Archie Peat, Indi O’Connor, Shelby O’Sullivan.

Front Row: Sophie Lau, Max Lau, Austin McLellan, Sophie McLellan, Emily Rogers, Cameron Mickan, Patrick Mickan, Sophie Robson, Cate Robson, Lucy Handbury, Olivia Handbury, Tom Handbury, Archie Leishman.