Perth College News

Cultivating Connections through National Boarding Week

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Perth College

17 May 2024

Community, Senior School

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This week is National Boarding Week and Perth College proudly joined in the nationwide celebration early, highlighting the important role boarding life plays in shaping the education and experiences of young people. Our Boarding House provides a nurturing home away from home for more than 100 Year 7 to 12 students, who are tolerant, appreciative and respectful of each other in a fun and inclusive atmosphere, often making lifelong friends.

Perth College’s 2024 Boarders’ Council, Hazel, Kayla, Ella, and Jorjah gave students a greater insight into boarding life during Week 3. Boarders Week provided an opportunity to highlight the Boarders’ hometowns through personal videos shown at assembly, and engaged in a friendly competition between Boarders and day girls in a lunchtime netball comp. The Boarders’ Council offered tours of the Boarding House for curious Junior School students. A highlight of the week was undoubtedly the Boarders’ Market. From homemade jams and chutneys to student artwork and potted plants, the market showcased local produce from the Boarding Community. A heartfelt thank you to the families whose support and generosity made this market extra special.

For their annual fundraiser, the Boarders’ Council created a Recipe Book filled with cherished family recipes from the Boarding Community to raise funds for BlazeAid, a volunteer-based organisation supporting rural communities in the aftermath of natural disasters. BlazeAid helps to rebuild fences and other structures that have been damaged or destroyed, and they have helped many families, including some of our Boarders’.

Year 12 Boarders’ Council Member, Kayla said “Their presence and empathy help uplift spirits, reduce feelings of isolation and promote positive mental health and wellbeing. This is why BlazeAid is so important to many of us, and it feels good to give back knowing that they have helped my family and other families in the Boarding House. Without BlazeAid my family wouldn’t have been able to reestablish the farm so quickly.”

Through innovative fundraisers like the market, a meat raffle, and the Recipe Book sales, the Boarders raised an impressive $6071 for BlazeAid.

Year 12 Boarding Captain, Hazel said ” Boarders Week is always a fun, action packed week that opens boarding up to the School Community, giving insight into boarding life, and giving recognition to the Boarders for all that they do whilst living away from home.” 

At Perth College, we are proud to have a Boarding House where students learn valuable life skills whilst also being encouraged to grow and develop into confident learners, independent thinkers, caring individuals and remarkable young women.