Keeping the Faith

MAKING SPACE FOR CONNECTION AND REFLECTION IN THE BUSY LIFE OF A BOARDER

From School Chaplain, Rev. Sally Yabsley-Bell

Navigating boarding school can often present challenges that test a student's emotional resilience and mental fortitude. The demands of study and the absence of family can weigh heavily on an individual's spirit. Faith can provide an anchor across diverse religious and spiritual traditions, offering comfort and fostering a sense of belonging. Kinross Wolaroi's Chaplain, Reverend Sally Yabsley-Bell, explains how embracing faith contributes to emotional well-being and spiritual fulfilment while living away from home.

Faith and Community

Faith is all about building a community through positive contributions. The message of Jesus and God's love for the world and its people is at the centre of all faith teachings at Kinross Wolaroi. As a boarder, you can create a new community and establish a family-like support system for yourself and those around you.

We hope each of our boarders will let faith guide them through this process and begin to view life as a unified community rather than seeing school life as isolated and distinct. Faith can inform our staff as they care for boarders, knowing that love and care will improve every student's boarding experience.

Caring for Each Other

This care extends to students as well, encouraging them to support one another. In my short time at school, I have seen students support other students who might be struggling. They focus on being good leaders and positively influencing each other, which is inspiring to see.

Embracing Diversity

As a Uniting Church School, we work ecumenically and interculturally. We encourage students to explore and express their beliefs in a supportive environment, and our students are always interested in learning from each other. The Uniting Church embraces people in all their diversity because we believe we are called to love all people just as God loves us.

Sunday Services and Community Connection

On Sunday, our boarders can join the local Uniting Church community twice a term for church, morning tea, and any activities the church might be running. Boarders are also welcome to attend church weekly and participate in the boarder-specific services at Orange Uniting Church. Students are invited to join in communion with the congregation to build connections with the local community and the school.

Let's Talk About Faith

‍Boarders are always encouraged to ask questions and discuss their faith. In addition to attending the school chapel services every fortnight and religious education classes, students are encouraged to ask the house parents and staff for support in understanding.

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