National Boarding Week, celebrated annually across Australia from 11–17 May, is a time to recognise and honour the incredible contribution of boarding schools and the unique experiences of boarding students, staff, and families. It is a celebration of community, culture, and resilience—an opportunity to share stories, deepen understanding, and express gratitude for a lifestyle that shapes character, fosters independence, and builds lifelong friendships.
At St Margaret’s, National Boarding Week is more than just a calendar event. It is a heartfelt celebration of the vibrant and diverse community that gives our boarding house its unique spirit and strength. With students from all walks of life and diverse areas our boarding house is a home of shared stories, cultures, and traditions. This week gives us the chance to acknowledge the strength, leadership, and spirit of our boarders and to involve the broader school community in better understanding and appreciating the boarding experience.
This year’s theme, Threads of Connection, captures the essence of what makes boarding life so meaningful. Much like the threads in a woven fabric, the relationships formed among students, staff, and families create a strong and colourful tapestry of support and belonging. Each boarder brings their own story, personality, and background, contributing to a community that thrives on diversity, shared experiences, and mutual care. These connections go beyond the boarding house—they shape a home where every individual feels valued, supported, and part of something greater. Our events this week are designed to celebrate and nurture these threads.
11 May – Threads of Connection (Bonfire Night)
We begin the week with a beautiful gathering under the stars. On Sunday evening, boarders will meet on the terraces for a bonfire evening designed to celebrate the cultural diversity within our community. Students are warmly encouraged to share a part of their heritage—through music, dance, or words of grace. S’mores, laughter, and stories around the fire will mark the start of a week grounded in connection and belonging.
12 May – National Boarders' Day
To shine a light on the everyday lives of our boarders, we’ll be launching a special video blog: A Day in the Life of a St Margaret’s Boarder. Students and staff will also enjoy a whip-cracking demonstration on Circular Drive at lunchtime, celebrating rural roots and the unique backgrounds of many of our boarders.
13 May – Social Justice Day
With a focus on belonging and inclusivity, our Year 12 students will gift each boarder a token and a handwritten note, reinforcing the message that everyone matters, everyone belongs, and everyone is loved. It’s a simple but powerful act that captures the essence of what it means to live in community.
14 May – Wellbeing Wednesday
We prioritise physical and mental wellbeing midweek. Boarders will begin the day with a calming yoga session led by Pip Moran, and in the afternoon, senior prefects will host a community walk, offering a relaxed time to connect, chat, and reset together.
15 May – Boarder Parent Day
A heartfelt video message compiled by our boarders will be sent to all boarding parents as a gesture of appreciation for their support, love, and the trust they place in our school community.
16 May – Boarding Staff Day
On Friday, teachers are invited to visit the dorms at lunchtime to see the living spaces and gain a deeper understanding of the day-to-day life of our boarders during the school term. In the evening, during prep time, students will take a quiet moment to present handwritten cards as tokens of appreciation to both our boarding staff and the teachers who support them each night.
17 May – Boarding Principal Day
We conclude the week by acknowledging our Principal, Ms Ros Curtis, with a special token of appreciation for her unwavering support and leadership of the 樱桃福利视频 community.
As we celebrate National Boarding Week at St Margaret’s, we are reminded that boarding is not just about living away from home—it’s about building another kind of home, where students are known, supported, and encouraged to grow into their full potential. Rooted in our school theme of community and connection, this week is a reflection of the strong bonds, shared values, and collective spirit that define life in our boarding house. We honour every boarders' journey, the support and commitment of their families, and the school community who guide them along the way.
Happy National Boarding Week!
Kelli Boucaut