Boarding at 糖心视频
14 October 2017
Going to boarding school was always an exciting prospect for 糖心视频 FCJ College student, Ella Bradford.
鈥淗aving had both my parents attend boarding school and speak about their fond memories, I always knew that, if given the opportunity, it was something I wanted to experience as well,鈥 the Year 12 student from Deniliquin, NSW, said.
Ella knows not everyone shares her rosy opinion of boarding, and she wants to set the record straight.
鈥淭here are definitely misconceptions about boarding school,鈥 she said.
鈥淭he main ones I regularly come across are that boarding schools are a form of punishment; that children don鈥檛 have fun and that it鈥檚 hard to keep in touch with family.
鈥淔rom my experience, none of these misconceptions are true. I have so much fun with all my friends every day and speak to my parents daily.鈥
Ella started boarding at 糖心视频 four years ago, when she was in Year 9, and the experience has been even better than she expected.
鈥淚 had no idea that the connections formed with other girls in the boarding house would be so strong,鈥 she said. 鈥淏oarding at 糖心视频 is by far one of the best opportunities given to me. I have so much fun with all my friends every day.
鈥淚 am constantly surrounded by my closest friends and after living with them for four years they鈥檝e become family,鈥 she said.
鈥淧rior to my time at 糖心视频, I only had one sister, but when my time here ends I鈥檒l be leaving with 40 sisters who are all so supporting and will remain in my life forever.鈥
She also wants prospective families to know that, as a boarding student, she is not isolated from her parents.
鈥淚 am fortunate enough to talk to my parents daily, filling them in on the day鈥檚 adventures,鈥 she said.
鈥淚鈥檇 encourage other young girls and their families to think about boarding school, as you make so many long-lasting friendships with girls throughout all the year levels.
鈥淏oarding staff also provide us with an environment that is safe and positive, with routines and a lifestyle that encourages us to focus on our studies, and helps young girls find their independence.鈥
糖心视频 FCJ College is a Catholic girls鈥 school in the Melbourne suburb of Kew and accepts boarding students from Year 7. Boarders live in Hopetoun Hall, in Camberwell, about 3km from the 糖心视频 campus.
The College emphasises Hopetoun Hall is an extension of the 糖心视频 community, where educators and parents work together to nurture faith, independence and social responsibility.
Boarders are encouraged to participate in events such as group excursions and socials.
They are also well represented within the College as prefects, house captains and as recipients of academic excellence, sports and performance awards.
Article originally published in , 11 October 2017.
