Our MGGS boarders will be easy to spot in their hot pink socks and ribbons this week as they celebrate National Boarding Week. At MGGS, we are so excited to celebrate our boarders and the richness they bring to our School community and culture. Throughout the week, the boarders will get involved in various special activities and are excited to host some Boarders v Day Girls sporting competitions at lunchtimes.  

Earlier today, the boarders hosted Assembly and shared their highly anticipated boarders’ revue video. For dinner this week, our boarders will also enjoy a range of different cuisines all hand-picked by them with matching decorations and treats! 

A big thank you to the Boarding House Captains, Annabelle and Mikayla, who have been brilliantly leading the Boarding House this year and who took some time to answer a few questions about their Boarding House experiences. 

1.  What is your favourite thing about boarding at MGGS?

   Annabelle: The people. Aside from making lifelong friends, living and learning with people from such diverse backgrounds has helped me grow, increased my capabilities, and taught me both independence and resilience.
   Mikayla: My favourite thing would be the weekend activities, both in the house and out in the big Melbourne city, that I can do with girls in my year and younger years, especially the Yo-chi trips!!

    

2. What are the top two things you’ve learned from being a boarder? 

   Annabelle: Firstly, say “yes” to every opportunity that comes your way, especially in your first year! With access to such great resources and constant encouragement to push beyond your comfort zone, you won’t know what you’re capable of otherwise. Secondly, creating a balanced routine for yourself can really help you achieve in terms of academics, sport, and socially, while still making time to have fun!
   Mikayla: I would say I have learned to be independent and how to create a routine in school and in my daily life, which I have built with the help of the Boarding Houses schedule. From school sports to organised study times to spending time with your friends, it has helped plenty, especially for Year 12.

    

3. What has surprised you during your time as a boarder?

   Annabelle: I was surprised by how quickly and unconsciously I became independent. Balancing school, friends, and sport can make for a very busy life, and along the way, you learn how to manage, plan, and organise yourself without actually trying to learn! The support from the Boarding House makes this really seamless as well.
   Mikayla: The wide range of different people you meet and their lives outside of boarding: from the farmers and their animals in Victoria, to the delicious foods and cultures in Taiwan, to the other side of the world in busy New York City.

    

4. What do you like about being the Boarding House Captains?

   Annabelle: Being able to give back to my community is really rewarding. Working with both staff and students, Mikayla and I are enjoying bringing our ideas to life, supporting others and creating a positive atmosphere for all our boarders.
   Mikayla: I love meeting, talking to and spending time with all the new girls each year and being able to help them with any issues they have, such as homework and homesickness to help them adjust to the Boarding House lifestyle.