Families who send their children to boarding school have faced some devastating scenarios over the past years with droughts, fires, floods and now COVID-19. We spoke to some of those girls about how boarding at PLC Armidale has helped them build resilience and get through some very tough times.
Phoebe Imberger, Year 9
How has the drought impacted life at home?
On my property we found that there wasn’t enough produce to feed all of our animals. Even though we only had a hobby farm with very few animals we found it hard to sustain them. I can’t imagine how the larger properties dealt with the situation.
How has this made you feel living as a boarder away from home?
I have always loved boarding because I feel safe and secure there along with the fact that there is so much support. But being away from my home life and knowing that I couldn’t help with anything at home kind of weighed me down.
How have you overcome homesickness?
I talk to my friends and last year I would go and talk to the older students. If it was really bad I would go and speak with the boarding staff and I found that it always helped.
How has COVID-19 affected your schooling?
I have been working from home and honestly I enjoy it. Obviously I miss school and I miss my friends but I am enjoying having time to myself and enjoying time with my family.
What are some of the good things about being a boarder?
I love the convenience of living at school, having a scheduled time for studying and the structure of it all works really well for me. I also love how supportive everyone is of each other. It is like a second family and if I am struggling I know that someone will notice and help me out as well. Boarding has helped me develop my relationships with staff and girls so much more.
Georgie Swales, Year 10
How has the drought impacted life at home?
The drought has been a very influential part of my life over the past devastating three years. I felt that it was more important for me to be helping feed our livestock and help both Mum and Dad at home rather than attend school, although I knew it would not be an option.
How has this made you feel living as a boarder away from home?
Many of my peers and friends in the boarding house were able to relate to how difficult it was being away from home, with numerous families deeply affected by the drought.
How did you overcome homesickness?
I found comfort in my friends’ company and the boarding community allowed me to participate in after school activities which took my mind slightly away from the immense effects which the drought had made.
How has COVID-19 affected your schooling?
COVID-19 has made schooling life very interesting. Being away from friends is what affects me the most. Being housebound for this duration which is predicted to be for many weeks to come, has meant that I have had to restructure my routine and remain on top of my school work.
What are some of the good things about being a boarder?
I love being a boarder because it is like a permanent sleepover with all of your friends of varying ages. Our boarding girls are such a strong cohort and we are all able to support and offer advice to our friends not only in our year, but every year. Being close friends with older and younger girls is a wonderful thing, and being looked up to, and looking up to other girls is something I always cherish. The co-curricular opportunities means I can participate in every sport I choose knowing I will always be able to be taken to and from the game or training. Our tightly knit boarding community is something that is an automatic switch which ties friendships and sisterhood together.
Ella Moodie, Year 9
How has the drought impacted life at home?
The drought has had a big impact on our whole community. The hardest part is not knowing when the drought will end and trying to stay positive every day.
How has this made you feel living as a boarder away from home?
It can be difficult living away from home as you don’t really know what’s going on when you’re not there to help which can be stressful.
How did you overcome homesickness?
I overcome homesickness by trying to think positive as much as I can. I have made some great friends who have helped me along the way. The boarding staff are amazing and are always there to talk with and cheer me up.
What are some of the good things about being a boarder?
The best part about being a boarder is that you get to be with your friends all the time. Living away from home has made me independent and I now know how to use a washing machine.