Boarding memories to cherish
Boarding captains at Barker College, Cooper Evans and Rosie McNair are part of a tight-knit, coeducational boarding community. Both are in their third year of boarding, building memories that will take them beyond school.
With boarders from across Sydney and regions NSW, Cooper comes from Taree and Rosie is from Dubbo. Barker has a long history of supporting boarders from rural and regional areas.
Cooper and Rosie share their boarding experience.
Cooper Evans
What has been your most memorable experience as a boarder?
My most memorable experience as a boarder would have to be when I first started boarding and coming into a new school that was far bigger than my old school and home, three hours away. Since my first day, I’ve always felt welcome in the boarding community. Everyone gets along with each other so well.
What do the friendships you’ve made mean to you?
I’ve made many great friendships since I started at Barker, both in boarding and outside of boarding. The friendships mean a lot. As you start living with everyone, they become like family. These connections will last after I finish school.
What have you learnt most whilst boarding?
I think the most important thing that I would have to take away from boarding are the memories and experiences you have in boarding. Make sure to cherish them and keep connections with your fellow boarders, as they are like family. I want to be able to look back after school, 10 years down the track, and remember the great memories of Barker boarding.
How have you dealt with challenges whilst boarding?
I remember the first time I got homesick was halfway through Term 1 in Year 10. I was starting to get the build-up of assessments and was away from home for five weeks, which I had never done before. The staff and students helped me out and made me feel that nothing was different to the first four weeks. I’ve been fine since.
How has boarding enriched your education/experience while studying at Barker College?
Boarding has enriched my experience and education in many ways. Living on campus and having my mates around all the time, my experience of Barker has been made greater due to boarding. I find being in a positive environment really makes me feel at home.
My education has been enriched by boarding, as the staff in the afternoons are always willing to give a hand with my work and encourage us to go to teachers and ask for help if they can’t. Having the resources around you most of the time really helps make your education better.
Rosie McNair
What has been your most memorable experience as a boarder?
My most memorable experience as a boarder is the night of the Sydney black out – all the Boarders sat outside of Plume House playing games, eating junk food, laughing and chatting until it was too dark to see each other.
What do the friendships you’ve made mean to you?
The friendships I’ve made in boarding are some of the most important relationships I have. The Plume girls are like sisters to me and I know they’re some of the only people I could live with.
What have you learnt most whilst boarding?
Boarding has taught me how to live away from home.
How have you dealt with challenges whilst boarding?
By asking the staff members who work in boarding – they really are like mum and dad figures to us.
Has boarding enriched your education/experience while studying at Barker College? If so, how?
Boarding has allowed me to attend Barker College, giving me more opportunities my old school and home town couldn’t offer.