We recently asked a group of randomly selected students to comment on why they choose to be boarders and what being a boarder at Frensham means to them. The group consisted of a range of age groups, some who started in Year 7 as boarders, day boarders who have subsequently become full or weekly boarders, weekly boarders, full boarders and students who have joined the school in more senior years.

Independence, responsibility to self and others, appreciation of the needs of others, the depth of friendships and developing a
sound work ethic were overwhelmingly seen as the
major benefits of being part of the boarding community.

Having fun, meeting people
from different backgrounds,
having such open access to staff and resources and being part of a great community were also seen as great benefits. Here are some typical comments:

“You get to know everyone in
the school.”

“Because we are in the school all the time, we get to really know the staff. We are much more relaxed with them.”

“The traditions like the birthday wreath, singing 40 Years On, holting, being able to go to Sturt … they are really important.”

“We have all our resources around us…the library, internet, intranet… all available to us and we are not restricted to normal school hours. These are not available to me at home”

“24 hour access to the intranet is so valuable in studying.”

“Your friends become like your family. We are a really close-knit community.”

“Friendships are stronger because we live together all the time.”

“My friends at Frensham will always be my friends.”

“With day girls coming to all out-of-school activities, we are all one family….there is not the divide I had at my old school.”

“You make your own fun…you become more inventive.”

“There is always so much to do. You can never be bored. Sometimes I think I wouldn’t mind being a little bit bored …well, not really.”

“Year 11’s go to junior prep. It’s great. If you have a problem, they are there to help you. Or you can ask your friends.”

“Teachers are available at prep to help you with any problems.”

“Problem solving with friends …. We help each other.”

“You learn to drive yourself.”

“You are exposed to things to wouldn’t do at home. Visiting The Abbey Nursing Home is inspiring.”

“Sport is different. I feel I am more part of the team because I am close to everyone in it.”

“I am part of the team. I feel more motivated to do my best for the team.”

“Having older girls coach your team is great. They know how they were at our age and can relate to us.”

“I appreciate home and my family more. I feel much closer to them and I hope I don’t take them for granted.”

“Holidays are all the more special….and appreciated.”

“I’m from the city. I now go on holidays with my country friends.”

“Although I miss my parents, I feel I can grow and develop as an individual rather than just having to meet the expectations of the family.”

“My family live 12 hours away so I don’t see too much of them during the term. I am always being asked for weekends with friends who live closer to the school. It makes such a difference.”

“I have become more independent. If I don’t do it for myself, Mum isn’t there to do it for me.”

“Boarding makes you value what you have at home, your family and your private space.”

“As a day girl, I appreciate being able to stay in the boarding house until about 9.15 most nights because I enjoy the atmosphere and spending time with my friends. Also, I have commitments after dinner on most nights.”

“I have become much more flexible and more willing to take into account other people’s perspectives.”

“Living with other people means you have to learn group skills and relate to others you may not have otherwise related to.”

“You have a responsibility to any girl who comes to you for help or advice.”

“You become responsible for the school and how it’s presented.”

“For me, boarding has given a greater knowledge on other ways of life and friends for life. I have developed sporting skills and a good work ethic.”

“Peer pressure is positive … we are all in it together, so we are inspired to do our best.”

“When I was new, I enjoyed having my older “shadow” and the older girls to help me settle in. Later, I really enjoyed being a “shadow” to a younger girl.”

“When I was in Year 7, the older girls were very important. They showed us the ways and traditions of the school and were role models for us.”

“We always look after each other when we are homesick or sad…it’s like an unwritten rule.”

“As a boarder, you have the responsibility of looking after yourself (and your belongings). You need to look out for others and to be aware of the needs of others as well as your own. When you are older, you help to “run” the house and lead the younger years. You help the new girls to fit in… just like the older girls did when we were in Year 7.”

“Some girls find time management a challenge….to get everything done by a certain time. This is something they may not have to do at home but I believe that it’s good to learn to manage your time.”

“I love not having to think about what I need to bring to School, because I am living with everything I need.”

‘You don’t get bored and when you don’t get bored you don’t get up to mischief.’

“It’s like having heaps of siblings, except you get on with them better!’

“The boarding environment pushes everyone to achieve academic excellence.  Students have similar ideals and everyone wants to do well.”

“You develop huge pride in your school.”