Hello to you all,
Here’s what’s on my bulletin board for you this month:
- Wagga Wagga Boarding Schools Expo this weekend 29-30 May
- Listen to my conversation with a Mum from Quandialla
- I wrote a Letter to my Children….and shared it with everyone
- And a few of the things we’re loving right now…. a bathhouse in Wagga, Coolamon Hotel, and an update on my gardening era
Over the past years, I’ve had thousands of conversations with families at our Expo events. Some excited. Some overwhelmed. Some completely certain (or uncertain) of the path ahead. And some from beautiful multi-generational boarding school families who have always imagined their children following a familiar path too.
One thing I’ve noticed time and time again is this: the smartest families aren’t necessarily the ones who walk in knowing exactly which school they want.
They’re often the ones willing to stay curious a little longer.
I think sometimes (well, I don’t think, I know) in rural and regional Australia we can feel enormous pressure around boarding school decisions. There can be strong ties to certain schools, family history, district traditions and the natural tendency to look where everyone else around us is looking. And goodness me, there’s comfort in that too. I understand it completely.
But I also think there’s something powerful in pausing long enough to ask a few fresh questions.
Not because tradition doesn’t matter. It absolutely does.
Some of the most beautiful school communities in Australia are built on generations of loyalty and connection. But schools evolve too. Leadership changes. Boarding staff move on. Expectations around wellbeing and pastoral care continue to grow and change. Cultures shift.
And perhaps, super importantly… children are actually different from one another, aren’t they? And they are NOT us….even though we can see ourselves in them often enough.
You’ll see it, within the same family, one child may thrive in a big, energetic environment while another may need something quieter, gentler or more nurturing. One may chase opportunities in sport or agriculture while another simply needs to feel known and supported.
I suppose that’s why I’m believer in research and conversation (and because it keeps our events alive obviously). Genuinely though, asking questions is one of the most generous things a parent can do for their child/ren when it comes to choosing a boarding school.
Research is not disloyalty.
Curiosity is not a lack of confidence.
In fact, I think some of the strongest decisions are made by families willing to look carefully, listen with an open mind, and remain focused on the child in front of them, rather than the stories of the past.
This week’s Backfence Bulletin touches on the five things I know the smartest families understand when choosing a boarding school. It’s been an observation from years of meeting families and having honest conversation around their process.
With our Wagga Wagga Boarding School Expo just around the corner, this is exactly the kind of opportunity I encourage families to take – to step into a room full of schools, ask questions, compare approaches and discover what feels right for your child.
Every family who attends can vote in our School of the Expo Award, and in doing so goes into the draw to win a $10,000 Education Investment Account – something that can grow towards helping you educate your kids.
You’ll also receive a gift bag on arrival, including something I am incredibly proud of – the very first edition of The Next Step – A Guide to Boarding School. It’s designed to be a practical, reassuring companion as you begin your boarding school journey together.
Until next month, take care, and for those of you in the Riverina, South West slopes and Snowy Mountains regions of NSW (and everywhere in between!) I look forward to meeting you this weekend in Wagga.
FOUR STATES. ONE EXPO. ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES
Why Riverina, South West Slopes & Snowy Mountains families start their search in Wagga.
Our Wagga Wagga Boarding Schools Expo is a wonderful opportunity for Riverina & South-west Slopes families to explore schools both north and south of the border, with strong representation from NSW, ACT, Victoria and our Tasmanian option. We know families appreciate being able to compare options in one place rather than travelling long distances to multiple campuses.
I encourage you to pre-register so you can plan your visit, collect your gift bag on arrival and go into the draw for the $10,000 Boarding School Gift.
I WROTE A LETTER TO MY CHILDREN
Then shared it for every family that has lain awake at night wondering if they’ve made the right decision.
While this letter is written to my children, it is really shaped by the shared experience of parenting through big decisions and unfamiliar territory. Every family’s circumstances are different, every child is different and every pathway unfolds differently, but after all these years and all these conversations, I remain deeply convinced of one thing: when decisions are led with love, even the hardest ones become easier to make.
A QUANDIALLA MUM’S STORY
Sarah Ryan’s very real guide to boarding school.
As we continue our From the Vault series while travelling for our face-to-face Boarding Schools Expo events, this week we’re revisiting a conversation that feels especially meaningful in the lead-up to our Wagga Boarding Schools Expo.
This conversation is full of the kind of real-life reflections that families researching boarding school often need to hear.
Here are the things we’re loving right now…
WE’RE HAVING SOME TIME OUT TEAM TOGETHERNESS
Wagga’s very own slice of heaven…Epizo The Bathhouse
We have ‘taken the waters’ here in Wagga as we chill out before our event this weekend.
Only opened for a month now, the team at Epizo gave us the guided tour and we’ve done a few sessions in the bathhouse, some of the team have had facials, massages and we did a pilates session together.
Team work makes the dream work and we’re looking after ourselves this week. If you’re lucky enough to live in Wagga or the Riverina then you’ve got a haven on your doorstep.
THE COOLAMON HOTEL
I think we might be travel influencers now..
This is an example of a stunning restoration of an historic country pub, sitting proudly on the corner of Coolamon’s Main Street. The renovation is absolutely stunning. It honours the heritage and character of the old country pub so respectfully while still feeling fresh, and very bougie. Country pubs are the heart of regional towns and this one has been brought back to life beautifully. To top it off, the meals were delicious. A real credit to everyone involved.
THE WEDDING GARDEN PROJECT
Let’s have a moment for the gardens at Coolamon Hotel – while we’re in the deep south
I’m having a few days in the Riverina away from my wedding garden project, but inspiration is never far away when one is obsessed and basically a garden guru now.
The award winning restoration of the Coolamon Hotel did not forget to share the love with the external features and landscaping getting a big five stars from me.
Put this on your list of must visits. It’s worth it.
Have you finished your boarding school journey ? Do you know a family that is unsure how to begin their research into boarding schools? Share our news…. tell your friends and family who might be on their way. Our website provides 21 years of resources and experience to families and students considering their options and beginning their days at boarding school.
