Edited by Amanda Ferrari Boarding Schools Expo Australia
Heading off to boarding school is a huge milestone for a young person and their family.
It can be lovely to farewell a sibling for their first night in the boarding house with a gift for good luck.
When my sister was starting at boarding school – following in my footsteps – I created a book for her with photos and pieces of advice I felt she would benefit from. You can easily create these on platforms such as Canva or at Officeworks.
Here are 18 pieces of advice that were included in that book.
- You might find yourself sharing some of them with your own child before they start as a boarder.
- Your years at boarding school will mark the end of 13 years of schooling. Nothing less or more than an opportunity depending on how you look at it. Maybe your first opportunity – it certainly was mine – but definitely not your last.
- You’ve already made, and continue to make, so many people proud so give it everything you’ve got. Don’t leave anything in the tank. You’ve got nothing to lose.
- Surround yourself with people who bring out your best qualities and distance yourself from the people who do the opposite.
- Don’t wait for opportunities to fall at your feet and don’t be scared of rejection. Go after what you want, set goals, try new things and ask lots of questions.
- Being ‘cool’ or ‘pretty’ or ‘popular’ is only a matter of opinion. Always stay true to yourself and don’t let anyone or anything stand in the way of the person you’re becoming.
- Remember that the most valuable things you’ll walk out of school with will be your friends. Don’t ever let them go easily.
- Stand by your opinion, know when to follow the crowd and when to walk alone. Don’t be afraid to challenge yourself, others and what you know.
- Wear sunscreen, drink a lot of water and remember that sleep fixes most things.
- Whatever you set your mind to, never underestimate yourself or your capacity to be better or do better.
- Have substance, don’t fear being different and try not to be critical of others or of what you don’t understand.
Walk with your shoulders back and search for confidence from the people who inspire you – one of whom should always be yourself. - You may not always feel strong but you can always be brave and the best thing about bravery is that even a little is enough.
- Always let your words pass through three gates – Is it true? Is it kind? Is it necessary?
- Don’t underestimate your ability to have a positive impact on someone and pride yourself on kindness and respect.
- Whatever is going to happen will happen, whether you worry about it or not.
- Balance is key. Have a lot of fun (like a lot). Don’t do anything I wouldn’t.
- Ultimately it’s not what you get or even what you give, it’s what you become.
- You are loved, you are strong, you are brave and you are enough as you are.
More information
Visit The ultimate packing list for great advice on packing for boarding school and listen to our podcast on the same topic Destination Boarding – The ultimate packing list podcast.
Listen to our Nailing Homesickness podcast series.
Check out Australian Boarding Schools Summit 2022 at Boarding Expo 365 to see Student Interviews with Ruby Riethmuller, now available on-demand. Ruby talks to Boarding Schools Students from Wenona, Loreto Normanhurst, Haileybury Rendall School, The King’s School, Abbotsleigh, PLC Sydney and Farrer Memorial Agricultural High School.