Melbourne Girls Grammar was highlighted in the Boarding Feature in The Australian on 15 – 16 September. Read about how the Mullins sisters Eleanor and Evangeline have found boarding at MGGS horizon-broadening and ‘amazing’.
Sisters Evangeline and Eleanor Mullins, who are from Albury, NSW, each commenced boarding at Melbourne Girls Grammar (MGGS) in Year 9.
They have learnt to thrive in life away from home, developing independence and resilience while being supported by Boarding House staff, their peers and one another. “Boarding at MGGS was a choice that I jumped at,” says Evangeline, now in Year 12 and captain of the Boarding House.
“I felt it was an opportunity to broaden my horizons by being able to engage with both like-minded and very different people who would challenge and inspire me,’’ Evangeline says.
“I have developed resilience, leadership, compassion, grit and an appreciation for both solidarity and comradery — all things I believe will hold me in good stead for my life beyond the classroom.’’
Eleanor, in Year 10, adds: “I get to live with girls from all over the world who each bring something different, and everyone has different and intriguing experiences. I feel incredibly lucky to live on campus, immersed in this amazing community.”
I get to live with girls from all over the world who each bring something different, and everyone has different and intriguing experiences.
Eleanor, Year 10
Evangeline and Eleanor are two of 85 boarders at MGGS. The Director of Boarding, Laura Daley, says the Boarding House brings a wonderful diversity to the school’s community with girls from regional areas, Melbourne suburbs, international students from around the world and indigenous students.
“Students come to the school to experience the unique opportunity the Boarding House provides and the full range of programs and choice the school offers,’’ Daley says. “Boarding also provides a powerful experience as the girls learn to share and live in a respectful environment together. Here, they build lifelong connections and ultimately learn more about themselves,” she says.
Whilst MGGS aims to extend students academically, wellbeing is at the heart of every decision which is made. “The wellbeing of our boarders is an integral part of the experience in the Boarding House and the school,” Daley says. “When girls feel settled and comfortable in a trusting and supportive environment, their learning flourishes.”
For Evangeline, about to finish Year 12, the friendships she has gained at MGGS are what she holds most dear. “We all support and look out for each other. We’re like sisters; always there for when someone is down, but also to lift each other up.”