Weekends at School With Friends
November 18, 2024 • 3 min read
Making Memories and Building Friendships
Head of Girls Boarding, Hannah Whittemore, provides a snapshot of weekends in boarding
Kinross Wolaroi’s engaging and fun weekend activity program means boarders have no time to be bored. One of the benefits of boarding is the privilege of spending every weekend with friends. Students foster deep and meaningful relationships with peers through mutual experiences that will last a lifetime.
Memorable Experiences
The Kinross Wolaroi weekend activity program for boarders creates memorable experiences, strengthens friendships, and develops essential life skills to serve our boarders well beyond their time at the school. We design our weekend activity program to create lasting memories, strengthen friendships, and instill a sense of responsibility and community involvement in our boarding girls.
Participation in the weekend activities at Kinross Wolaroi varies from optional to compulsory. While some activities are optional, others are mandatory for boarders. Our overarching guideline is that if a student is in the boarding house at the time of the activity, they must attend. This ensures that all boarders can engage with their peers, build relationships, and enjoy the benefits of our vibrant weekend program.
Something for Everyone
At PLC, our weekend activity program for the girls is diverse and engaging, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy. There’s never a dull moment. Activities range from community outings to local attractions such as going to the movies or berry picking at Huntley Berry Farm. Students can also participate in fun-filled activities right here on campus, such as our baking competitions using fresh produce or a lively game of bubble soccer.
Joint Activities
The most popular activities among our boarding students are the cross-site year group activities. These events provide a unique opportunity for boys and girls to socialise outside the school environment, fostering strong bonds and a sense of community. Year group activities and cultural experiences like visits to art galleries enrich our students’ perspectives, while recreational options like swimming in the PLC pool or slipping and sliding during warm weather keep spirits high.
Our outings to events such as NRL games in Bathurst also rank among the favourites. These experiences allow students to bond over shared interests and create lasting memories.
Additionally, activities organised during Boarding Week are highly anticipated. This student-led week features fantastic events like the girl boarder vs. boy boarder netball game, which not only promotes friendly competition but also raises funds for important causes. This year, we’re proud to support victims of domestic violence.
Community Outreach
Through our partnership with the Uniting Church, our boarders volunteer weekly at the Hot Meal Outreach program, cooking meals for those in need and doorknocking for the Salvation Army’s Red Shield Appeal.
Our girls’ response to these activities is overwhelmingly positive. They are incredibly active and enthusiastic, always eager to participate and engage fully in the experiences offered. The variety of activities allows girls to explore different interests and develop new skills, whether through sports, arts and culture, community service, or simply socialising with friends. This promotes personal growth and encourages girls to step out of their comfort zones and embrace new experiences.
Building Confidence and Belonging
The sense of camaraderie and belonging fostered by these activities is invaluable. The girls develop strong bonds with their fellow boarders, and these friendships provide crucial support networks, creating a sense of family away from home. The girls feel valued, included, and empowered to express themselves freely, fostering confidence and belonging.
The activities make weekends enjoyable and contribute to a holistic and enriching boarding school experience where girls can thrive academically, socially, and personally. Through shared experiences and meaningful connections, our weekend activity program strengthens the fabric of our boarding community, making PLC a home away from home for all our girls.