Tradition and Connection

Our first boarding Closed Weekend for 2025.

While most students and staff rush home on Friday afternoons, our boarders were just getting started last Friday, as they prepared for one of their favourite times of the year – their first Closed Weekend together.

These weekends, organised by the boarders themselves, help nurture the sense of family that characterises life in the Boarding House. They are especially important for our new boarders, who are still adjusting to being away from home. These girls quickly discovered that everyone in the House has their backs and are ready to enjoy simple pleasures together, just as families always have.

The weekend began with the traditional Community Dinner in the Undercroft, complete with white tablecloths and fresh wildflowers. The girls enjoyed a healthy meal of salads and fruit, topped off with everyone's favourite – ice cream sandwiches. Year 12 boarder, Carla, threw herself into making it special for everyone. "I love preparing the nibbles because you can be creative with how they look. The Community Dinner is my favourite tradition – it's such a good way to get to know our new boarders."

Old-fashioned games like Heads Down, Thumbs Up brought back happy memories of primary school, while laser skirmish in the playground added strategy and excitement. "Our teams hid behind trees and snuck up on each other," says Emily, from Year 9. "Carla, from Year 12, was the best!" For new boarder, Valerie, in Year 9, this was when she really began to feel at home. "Everyone worked together and was so excited to play. That helped me feel confident to join in. That's when I truly felt welcomed," she said.

Saturday evening featured karaoke, dancing and a birthday celebration for Gigi, Year 10. Sunday morning started with bacon and egg rolls on the Woodstock rooftop, followed by an energetic Zumba session. "High-energy activities like Zumba are my favourite because everyone gets involved and has fun," says Year 7 student, Aiko. "You really feel the community spirit during these games."