For many on the land or in smaller communities, boarding school is the only real option for your kids education. Decisions about sending your children to boarding school can be tough, but a local expo is back for its 20th year to help make things a little easier.
Boarding School Expo Australia Director Amanda Ferrari said families can have questions answered and explore options at the upcoming Narrabri Boarding School Expo on the last weekend in July.
“The Narrabri Expo is a great event, attracting more than 90 families mostly from the bush,” Ms Ferrari said.
“It’s a great vibe and people come along with open hearts and open minds.
“The schools involved recognise that country culture brings so much to our schools and their boarding houses help bridge the divide between city and country.”
All five local boarding schools – Farrer, NEGS, PLC Armidale, TAS and Calrossy – will be at the Expo in Narrabri.
Ms Ferrari said families are looking not only at academic performance when considering a boarding school, but also at culture. She said for some, location and logistics are important, and parents and their kids look also look at sporting opportunities, performing arts, technology and learning about social responsibility.
“These days many schools have volunteer programs in the local community or elsewhere so that kids understand the importance of giving and their own privilege.
“The programs may be large or small, ranging from communities in Fitzroy Crossing to running a breakfast at a local homeless shelter.”
The Expo is an opportunity for parents and students to speak to school representatives face to face and ask questions, while some former students visit as well.
Ms Ferrari said these days there is a lot of focus on mental health.
“Many schools have progressed from the old “sick bay” areas to wellness centres and in some cases smart phones are banned,” she said.
“Staff have noticed increased noise as a result – the sounds of children talking to each other, laughing and running around.
“This will be the 20th year of the Expo coming to Narrabri and we urge people to come and have a look.
“Boarding for kids is a real alternative to families contemplating leaving their beautiful country community to move for their kids’ education.”
Ms Ferrari said homesickness is also addressed, not only by school staff but also by existing students who have some advice for new kids.
Jack, from Dundee, boards at The Armidale School and said he was worried about getting lost when he first arrived at the boarding house.
“It’s a big change from primary school but a great opportunity to make long lasting friends and there’s lots of sport to keep me occupied.
“I wasn’t homesick for too long.”
Cait, from Nyngan, also boards in Armidale, and said she brought books to distract her from being away from home at first.
“Now I’m enjoying it here and enjoy skating and going to the pool with my new friends.”
Ms Ferrari said boarding school can sometimes start as a bumpy ride but turn out to be a glorious ride.
The Boarding Schools Expo runs from Friday July 25, 12.30-6pm to Saturday July 26, from 9.30am to 2.30pm at The Crossing Theatre, Narrabri. Admission is free.
More information is available on the Expo’s website.
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