My Time in Boarding

AS THEY WRAPPED UP THEIR TIME IN LN BOARDING, TWO OF OUR YEAR 12 BOARDERS REFLECTED ON WHAT MADE THEIR EXPERIENCE SO SPECIAL.

Anna commenced boarding at Loreto Normanhurst in Year 10 and comes from a horse stud outside Scone, NSW.

Starting boarding in Year 10 was both daunting and exciting. Although I was worried about making new friends after being in a small school for a number of years, the community spirit and great group of girls soon calmed my nerves. I would say the top tip for starting boarding is to put yourself out there, even if you are shy. Joining clubs and groups in the day school – debating, strategic games club, choir, IGSSA sport, triathlons – helps to make new friends while also making the most of Loreto’s endless opportunities. Joining the boarding environment has provided me with both independence and great personal skills. Boarding life means that you need to be organised and have good time management, something that will undoubtedly help you in the future. Developing team-building and personal skills through community activities and living with friends is also one of the biggest takeaways from boarding life. My favourite boarding tradition is Main Event. It’s my favourite because of the high-spirited competition and a chance to bond as a year group. Coming together as a whole boarding cohort and sharing the performances with parents makes the weeks of dancing practice worth it. It is definitely something I will remember upon leaving Normo. GOLDMAN CLASS OF 2020 CHARLOTTE

ANNA WARD–THOMAS

CLASS OF 2020

Charlotte was an ex-pat boarder until her family moved from Hong Kong to northern NSW when she was in Year 11.

It was tough in the beginning to board while my family was overseas. However, going to boarding school made me appreciate home and my family more; I cherished the moments that I had with my parents and siblings as I would be away for long periods of time. I quickly became very independent, having to travel and to organise myself. I became less homesick the more time I spent in the boarding school with my mates. Moving from one of the most densely populated cities in the world to a macadamia farm in Northern NSW was again a big change, similar to moving to boarding school at age 12. It took a while to get used to living in Australia, but I slowly began to love the country and I now thrive at the farm. Boarding made the move easier.

Being part of the Boarding School meant that I could grow in a supportive environment into the person I am today. Joining the boarding community has given me a network so vast, and mates that I will forever cherish from across Australia and the globe. Boarding has challenged me immensely, building my independence and patience. It has taught me the importance of family. It has been my safety net, as I have always felt like I belonged through the relationships I made with other girls. I have made many fond memories at Normo, and I will cherish them all. That said, my favourite event is the Pink Lady Cruise. It is a great bonding time for every year group to get together, sing, dance and eat good food.

5MINS WITH...

SABINE, YEAR 7 BOARDER From: Sydney, NSW Fun fact about me: I have two older brothers.

Favourite meal in boarding: Pork buns, spring rolls and dim sims. What were you most looking forward to before you started boarding? I was really excited about living with lots of girls because I have two brothers who both board, so I never see them.

Why is being a boarder special to you? The special sense of community; we all have a strong connection and will be lifelong friends.

SOPHIE, YEAR 7 BOARDER From: Narrabri, North West NSW Fun fact about me: I am the eldest of five children.

Favourite meal in boarding: fried rice, stir fry or burgers. What were you most looking forward to before you started boarding? Before I came, I was really excited about living with heaps of other people and making friends I knew I would have forever.

Why is being a boarder special to you? I have access to amazing opportunities that I wouldn’t get at home.