Midway through Term 3, boarding families feel the strain—tired kids, long travel, rising costs and behaviour challenges. Here’s how parents can work with schools, know when to rest a boarder, and keep family bonds strong, while bracing for the sprint to Term 4 and year-end commitments.
Now, today I wanted to shine a light on the happenings at Kambala in Rose Bay (Sydney). Over the past few years, Kambala has undergone a significant transformation, shifting from a larger boarding cohort to a smaller, more intimate group of around 50 boarders. This change, while not without its challenges, has allowed them to create a truly unique, “boutique” boarding experience that feels like family.
With just a couple of weeks to go, I received word that the Crossing Theatre in Narrabri could no longer host our Boarding Schools Expo – through no fault of ours obviously. Faced with this sudden venue loss, I had a choice to make. Cancel, or adapt.
When The McDonald College joined us for our Boarding Schools Expo events for the very first time this year, it triggered a response in so many families that walked through our doors. There was this collective moment of realisation among country families: “Hang on… my kid might actually be able to do this.”
To the quiet achievers of agricultural advocacy. Our boarders and their families. Wherever you call home.
It’s school holidays again. They roll around quickly. Right across rural and remote Australia there are families reunited. Together again for the ordinary. For the joy. For the day to day of life at home.
For generations, families from across Australia have entrusted us with their child’s education and wellbeing. Located in the vibrant heart of Launceston, Tasmania, our boarding community is warm, inclusive, and deeply connected — where care is personal, friendships are lifelong, and every student is known and valued.
Gosh it’s a worthy question isn’t it? When the educational outcomes for rural, regional and remote (RRR) children are compromised (as they are) by a variety of challenges, isn’t it ‘ok’ to seek more for your kids?
We’ve created a live and interactive panel discussion format that gives rural, regional and remote (RRR) families the chance to listen, learn and connect with others navigating the same journey.
We are celebrating our 21st birthday by hosting LIVE Q&A sessions at many of our Expo events this year, kicking off with Emerald on 1-2 May. BRING YOUR QUESTIONS!
We are celebrating our 21st birthday by hosting LIVE Q&A sessions at many of our Expo events this year, kicking off with Emerald on 1-2 May.
Boarding School isn’t just about the kids. As parents we are often gifted with lifelong friendships along the way and it’s so so worth it. Make the effort – you’ll be in the winner’s seat for life.
Boarding School isn’t just about the kids. As parents we are often gifted with lifelong friendships along the way and it’s so so worth it. Make the effort – you’ll be in the winner’s seat for life.
Boarding School isn’t just about the kids. As parents we are often gifted with lifelong friendships along the way and it’s so so worth it. Make the effort – you’ll be in the winner’s seat for life.
The time has finally arrived – 2024’s Australian Boarding Schools Summit will go LIVE tomorrow FRIDAY 11th October at 2.30pm. This year’s content continues to probe the issues that are important to families with children at Australian boarding schools, or those families that are exploring their options. Hosted by renowned regional journalist and author Jennifer Cowley OAM, discussions begin with a financial theme where we investigate the myriad of options when it comes to bursaries and scholarships and continue through to academics (country kids playing ‘catch up’) and whether size really matters when it comes to big and small boarding cohorts. Our students are back again with schools represented from Victoria, Queensland, NSW and the Northern Territory and facilitated by founding director of Womn-Kind, Ruby Riethmuller. We are in our third year of producing content that is just so relevant to families with kids at boarding school. We ask the questions you want answers to, and explore in depth the responses from leading industry specialists, boarding school staff, parents and of course the kids themselves. Our previous Summits (2022 and 2023) are still available to watch on demand, but today it’s all about 2024. You can pop your headphones on and listen as you go
Boarding School isn’t just about the kids. As parents we are often gifted with lifelong friendships along the way and it’s so so worth it. Make the effort – you’ll be in the winner’s seat for life.
Happy ‘slide-into-winter’ time for our southern states, while our Queenslanders up north watch on in awe (or bewilderment). Toe socks, woollen gloves, gentle washing of the ice off the windscreen, industrial strength felt lined rubber gloves to clean the troughs…. I’m getting colder just writing the list. Well I’m off to sunny Townsville for the Queensland Isolated Children’s Parents’ Association (ICPA) State Conference and watching the weather on the nightly news has me pulling out the summer frocks from their recent relegation to the back of the wardrobe. (insert small happy dance). Queensland must be exhausted from its hosting duties. Unless you’ve been living under a winter weighted feather doona you may have noticed Beef Week just wrapped up and honestly this celebration of beef gets better and better every time Rockhampton opens its gates! I loved watching along at home via the socials. A bit further up the coast, Townsville is bracing itself for the arrival of hundreds of delegates – members, schools, stakeholders and sponsors – for the annual State Conference of ICPA. I’ve written an article this month about the vital role the ICPA plays in ensuring equity of access to education for rural, regional and remote
Boarding School isn’t just about the kids. As parents we are often gifted with lifelong friendships along the way and it’s so so worth it. Make the effort – you’ll be in the winner’s seat for life.
Boarding School isn’t just about the kids. As parents we are often gifted with lifelong friendships along the way and it’s so so worth it. Make the effort – you’ll be in the winner’s seat for life.
We’re off to a great start for 2024! Holy moly the humidity out where I live has knocked us off our feet for the best part of summer – we’re just not used to it. On the bright side, our regular falls of rain have been welcomed and summer crops are looking the goods. February has been a busy month for the team here as we get ready for our in-person events, and begin to put together the agenda for our Australian Boarding Schools Summit. Did you know that we host an online event each October where we discuss the matters that matter to you, families at boarding school and families looking for the best option for their children? 24 Australian Boarding Schools partnered with us last year to ensure that you have access to this event, wherever you call home. This year will be our third year of hosting and with over 550 families registered from across Australia and overseas we’re proud to know that it provides an avenue for nuanced conversations between parents, staff at boarding schools, industry experts and of course, the boarders themselves. Do you have topics that you would like to see us dive into at our Summit ?
We’re off to a great start for 2024! How has your year begun ? Hopefully gently, and maybe even a get away to the coast ? Thinking of any of you affected by flooding and storms which have cast a big shadow over the new year for some of our Victorian and Queensland families. We’re back ‘on air’ with Destination Boarding and launched 2024 with Humans of Agriculture head honcho and champion of rural Australia, Oli Le Lievre. Link below – it’s a great chat. The Summer Series, ‘Nailing Homesickness’is still rolling out and there’s some really heartwarming tips and tricks from boarders who have managed to overcome the struggles of settling in to boarding school. Speaking of heading off, many of you (or your friends) will be beginning to plan the farewell for your new boarder and with that we’ve got a few links below that may help you over the next couple of weeks. Wishing you and your boarders all the very best for the coming year and we really hope that our resources continue to provide support to our new families, and our families that have been with us for a while. Do you know of a super duper kid with personality plus ? We’re
Peter Debus is the Managing Director of PrincipleFocus, a financial management and advisory business based in Dubbo NSW with branches in Sydney and Warren and
In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Lisa Fahey, a psychologist specialising in trauma recovery and behavioral interventions for young people. As a mother of five former boarders, Dr. Lisa brings both professional expertise and personal experience to the table—making her insights invaluable for families navigating the board.
For more than two decades, Boarding Schools Expo has been part of the fabric of rural, regional and remote Australia. Over 65 events, through droughts,
Frensham is home to a boarding tradition that is as unique as it is heartfelt. With more than 70% of students living in residence (and most of them from regional and rural Australia), boarding is the heartbeat of the school.
Gosh it’s a worthy question isn’t it? When the educational outcomes for rural, regional and remote (RRR) children are compromised (as they are) by a variety of challenges, isn’t it ‘ok’ to seek more for your kids?
Beginning with Mount Isa at the end of 2024 we launched our Live Q&A panel discussions at many of our events. Here’s the recording at our Dubbo event, hosted by Kaitie Nash, alongside Kirsty Wiggins, Justine Campbell and Lottie Rae. Real parents, real lived experience, real conversations.
Since 1901, Ravenswood has embraced a strong tradition of educational excellence, developing young women of purpose who are empowered and inspired by the highest quality of teaching and learning experiences.
Welcome back to another episode of Destination Boarding! This one is part of our special Summit Series, where we delve deeper into the topics from
We’re speaking with Sally Sweeney, CEO of Dolly’s Dream, an organisation that holds deep significance for so many rural and remote families across Australia. Dolly’s Dream has become a national movement advocating for kindness, safety, and mental wellbeing—particularly in rural communities.
Welcome back and thanks for putting us in your ears. The best thing you can do for our little podcast is follow it and share
Welcome back to another week of Destination Boarding, where we continue to deep dive into the big conversations around our Australian Boarding Schools Summit topics. In
For generations, boys have arrived from across Australia and overseas to live, learn and grow together on 110 acres of heritage-rich grounds nestled beside Sydney’s Lane Cove River. They come for the education, stay for the mateship, and leave with memories that last a lifetime.
Leading the charge with warmth and determination for ICPA Queensland. In this episode I chat with Wendy Henning from Glenmorgan in the ‘middle of everywhere’
Hello to you all it’s lovely to have you back here at Destination Boarding. We’re popping into your podcast feed with a few BONUS episodes
Welcome back to Destination Boarding, where we dive into the big conversations that matter to families, students, and boarding school communities. Whether you’re a parent—current
As a parent sending your child off to boarding school, it can be overwhelming to navigate this transition. Not only do you want your child
NEGS has a long history of educating daughters from our most remote regions. Their equine program is definitely an attraction for many families from our northern states…
In this episode, I sit down with Kate Kennedy, a mother, farmer, and dedicated community member from Trangie in central western NSW. Kate is the
In this episode, I sit down with Phillip Heath, Head of Barker College, to discuss a key topic from this year’s Australian Boarding Schools Summit—Academics,
In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Lisa Fahey, a psychologist specialising in trauma recovery and behavioral interventions for young people. As a mother of five
Since 1887, generations of boarders have excelled at our unique school. Hailing from country NSW, Sydney suburbs, interstate and overseas, our diverse cohort of around 120 boarders is filled with students who are secure and happy in their surroundings.
Today I’m throwing the questions to Anna Clark and Will Ryrie from Tudor House, Moss Vale, NSW. Anna and Will are in Year 6 at the moment.
Today I’m throwing the questions to Luke Bartolo from The Cathedral School, Townsville, QLD. Luke is in Year 12 and hails from Mount Isa, QLD.
It’s that time of the year when families begin getting ready for the ‘drop off’…for some, they’ve been at it for years but for so
Today I’m throwing the questions to Thomas Rutledge from Assumption College, Kilmore, VIC. Thomas is in Year 12 and hails from Kyneton, NSW.
Today I’m throwing the questions to Sophie Laing from Pymble Ladies’ College. Sophie is in Year 11 and hails from Tullamore, NSW.
Today I’m throwing the questions to Jasper Brooker from Haileybury Rendall School, Darwin, NT. Jasper is in Year 8 and hails from Singapore!
Today I’m throwing the questions to Ned Kennedy from The King’s School. Ned is in Year 12 and hails from Trangie, NSW.
Today I’m throwing the questions to Sarah Bertollo from Loreto Normanhurst. Sarah is in Year 12 and hails from Griffith, NSW.
Hello again, thanks for tuning in to Destination Boarding. Today, I sat down with Angie Nisbet from Married to the Land podcast. Let me tell
You would be hard pressed to find a person (particularly a country person) who has not heard of The King’s School. It is the oldest
We’ve put together a “Festive Gift Guide for Boarding Staff” to give you and your boarder some ideas as we hurtle towards the end of term and holiday season.
This year’s list has been inspired by our chats with the boarders themselves as part of our Summer Series of Destination Boarding (the podcast).
Kambala offers a family-style Boarding experience from Years 7-12, in our purpose-built Boarding House, Fernbank. Fernbank accommodates girls in twin rooms from Years 7-11 and boarders have their own accommodation room in Year 12, which is ideal to support their learning and commitments during those important 12 months.
Welcome back to our series ‘A ROAD TO MOUNT ISA’. This week we are having the most authentic real time chat with Genevieve McDonald. Gen is from
We welcome back NEGS Armidale this month – with a spotlight on their extensive opportunities to develop your child’s passions. Whether it’s athletics, equestrian, agriculture
Welcome to Destination Boarding – the little podcast that tells the big story about Australian boarding schools. I’m your host Amanda Ferrari from Boarding Schools
No-one likes talking about the financial side of things, but it’s one of the most important investments a family can make so it’s a vital conversation. Today, we’re going to take a deeper dive into scholarships and bursaries – the options, as well as who and importantly, how to approach.
Ruby Riethmuller hosts a panel discussion with students from The King’s School and Kincoppal – Rose Bay School, both in Sydney
here is often a concern, particularly when a student is coming from a remote school situation where perhaps academic exercise isn’t as rigorous – will they be able to keep up? Will they be able to cope? What are the expectations?
Ruby Riethmuller hosts a panel discussion with students from Abbotsleigh (Sydney), Haileybury Rendall School (Darwin) and Calrossy Anglican School, (Tamworth)
We’re exploring whether size actually matters when it comes to boarding schools – and we’re including this topic because we so often hear perceptions of whether big is better, or whether good things come in small packages in terms of boarding cohorts.
Ruby Riethmuller hosts a panel discussion with students from SCOTS PGC College, (Warwick QLD), Wenona School (Sydney NSW) and Pymble Ladies’ College (Sydney, NSW)
A little late off the starting blocks this week though we’re very happy to ‘introduce’ you to Presbyterian Ladies College (PLC) Armidale located on the
Welcome to Destination Boarding – the little podcast that tells the big story about Australian boarding schools. I’m your host Amanda Ferrari from Boarding Schools
We know that accessing a diverse education for children in rural and remote areas of Australia can be a significant challenge for families. Australian Boarding
Late last year I interviewed Adam Larby, Head of The King’s School, Tudor House for our podcast Destination Boarding, I was utterly transfixed by stories
This past week we have, as a Nation, celebrated National Volunteers Day and it goes without saying that the thousands of volunteers from across Australia
We’ve got a busy week this week. It’s our first Expo of the season in Dubbo tomorrow and Saturday and it’s promising to be a
Our mighty patriarch, my husband’s father died peacefully of old age at 94. None the less, it was avery sad and distressing day for all
Well we’re a bit late this week with Takeover Thursday coming to you on Friday – a few things got in the way of bringing
Let’s chat about something close to my heart – the beautiful friendships that find us when our kids venture into the world of boarding school.
We’re approaching our live Expo season and this year we’ve over 70 schools exhibiting with us at our events in NSW, Queensland and Victoria. It’s
Here at Boarding Schools Expo Australia, we have first hand experience of the ‘empty nest blues’ and although Term 1 is coming to an end,
Gemma Turkington, a boarder at Wenona School, shares her tips about coping with homesickness and settling in at your new boarding school.
We’re proud to present our first Takeover Thursday for 2024 with Ascham School, Sydney. If you know you know… Ascham is renown not only for
Annabelle Williamson, a boarder at Melbourne Girls Grammar School, shares tips about coping with homesickness and settling in at your new boarding school.
Daniel Canellis, a boarder at St Gregory’s College, shares tips about coping with homesickness and settling in at your new boarding school.
Rose Fisher, a boarder at Methodist Ladies’ College (MLC), shares tips about coping with homesickness and settling in at your new boarding school.
Annie Triggs, a boarder at Scots All Saints College, shares tips about coping with homesickness and settling in at your new boarding school.
Today we hear from Quenton Brooking a boarder at Haileybury Rendall School, Darwin. Quenton is from Derby, WA and headed off to boarding school in Year 11.
This is the 2022 revised edition. Compiled from the real-life experiences of families who have gone before.
You may have heard of Oli through his wildly successful podcast Humans of Agriculture where he shares the stories of agriculture with the aim of connecting, engaging and inspiring people towards a happier, healthier and more prosperous planet.
Today we hear from Sophia Slater a boarder at Loreto Normanhurst in Sydney, NSW. Sophia is from Singleton and headed off to boarding school in Year 7.
Sarah reflects on her time at Kincoppal in Sydney’s eastern suburbs as a full time boarder and shareshttps://open.spotify.com/episode/5KaC6sakWALeO475wL6w9S her struggles with homesickness during the first couple of years.
Today we hear from Sophia Slater a boarder at Loreto Normanhurst in Sydney, NSW. Sophia is from Singleton and headed off to boarding school in Year 7.
This week we sit down with Adam Larby, Head of The King’s School, Tudor House. Adam Larby is the son of immigrants – a mother
It’s here… Our Summer Series of Destination Boarding the podcast. Each week right through the summer school holidays, we’ll be having short chats with the boarders themselves.
Boarding schools, with their structured environments and often stringent social media use policies, offer a much sought after solution to address these concerns and in doing so, provide a host of benefits for teenage development.
How well are boarding staff equipped to support boarding students? The questions you should ask any school you’re considering what will help you decide if your expectations align.
How to plan financially for your child’s education, manage through the years at boarding school and find out where you can get support.
We discuss the influence rural, remote and regional kids have on boarding schools and how country culture impacts the broader school community.
Ruby Riethmuller talks to boarding students from NSW, QLD and NT schools about the unique experiences and bonds formed in boarding school.
Ruby Riethmuller talks to boarding students from rural and regional areas about the wide variety of activities and opportunities available when you live on campus.
For Yvette it was the added realisation that her own schooling in a smaller country town had not given her everything she needed to step confidently into the world.
In today’s rapidly evolving world, the prevalence of disconnected teenagers has become a concerning issue for many families.
Have you been at the receiving end of an emotional ‘distance dump’?
I take a look at an interview piece in The New Yorker, that went viral recently.
Buy From The Bush caught up with Amanda Ferrari to get her take on all things Boarding.
‘Get comfortable being uncomfortable’…. Meet life as a boarder head on and just you wait and see…. Boarding school life will be simply the best. Tips from a die hard ‘yes girl’.
Welcome to Episode 9, where we chat to Quintin, an inspiring student from Haileybury Rendall School in Darwin, NT
Welcome to Episode 8 of our Summer Series: Nailing Homesickness where we chat to Sylvia, a wonderful student from Wenona School in Sydney, NSW! In
Welcome to Episode 7 of our Summer Series: Nailing Homesickness where we chat to both Mandy & Lara, students from Ipswich Girls’ Grammar School in
In the lead-up to becoming a new boarding family at a school, you consider it a real privilege that your child has been given a spot and you’re often immersed in completing a myriad of forms and getting ready for all the opportunities.
For many families, the financial commitment of boarding school can put a grey cloud above the whole situation, but it doesn’t necessarily need to.
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. Here are 18 pieces of advice that were included in that book.
Welcome to Episode 5 of our Summer Series: Nailing Homesickness where we chat to Sophie, a student from Kincoppal-Rose Bay School in Sydney, NSW! In
Welcome to Episode 4 of our Summer Series: Nailing Homesickness where we chat to a two students Jack & Caite from The Armidale School in
Welcome to Episode 3 of our Summer Series: Nailing Homesickness where we chat to an insightful student named Tess from Tara Anglican School for Girls
Welcome to Episode 2 of our Summer Series: Nailing Homesickness where we chat to an insightful student named Jasper from Newington College in Sydney, NSW! In
Ben Kelly from Calrossy Anglican School in Tamworth, NSW shares tips on dealing with homesickness.
We often talk about the differing needs of children, their interests, their strengths, challenges, maturity. And when we’re considering boarding schools for our children sometimes those differences come into play.
Sam Bailey is a farmer, pilot, husband and best-selling author. He has achieved all of those things from a wheelchair… and has an incredible ability to take an audience on the journey of his life.
Jen Cowley OAM and a panel of parents and boarding school staff explore how to get the most out of your boarding school journey – as a family.
Representatives from boarding schools, education foundations, Indigenous scholarship providers and investment companies discuss how to pay for boarding school.
Join Jen Cowley OAM and key industry professionals as they discuss the professional capabilities of staff; mental health management; nutrition and physical health.
Jen Cowley OAM talks to Peter Gibbs, James Cleaver and Fiona Nash about the value of educational opportunities for rural and remote students.
Ruby Riethmuller 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
We chat with Bec Austin about her early years growing up and being part of the largest classroom in the world, School of the Air and talk about her parent’s decision to send their four children to boarding school in Sydney.
The emotions that come with being a boarder – and equally, a boarding family – are a bit like learning how to dance the tango….. lots of dips and turns. As a boarder living away from home, you’re thrown in the deep end of learning how to understand, voice and overcome challenging emotions.
I imagine that as a parent, it’s with a heavy heart that you worry for your child’s wellbeing, it’s with angst that you wonder if
Whether your child has just begun their boarding journey or is soon to graduate, you can feel confident that they will walk away from school with an understanding far more valuable than algebra or knowledge of the battles of modern history.