Boarding House Life
At our Boarding House in Melbourne, we provide a relaxed and friendly atmosphere in which students can reach their full potential in all areas of school life.
Boarding House Activities
A boarding school experience at Melbourne Girls Grammar allows for opportunities that students would otherwise not necessarily have access to, including extensive variety in the disciplines of drama, music, sport, and social events.
Team sports are a great way to engage in the MGGS community, make new friends and to stay fit and healthy. Most boarders participate in a sport during their time in the Boarding House.
The school offers GSV sports in which many boarding school students compete. The Saturday netball competition in Terms 2 and 3 is a popular pastime, as is rowing in Terms 4 and 1.
Girls can also choose to play basketball and tennis, or compete in athletics and swimming – squad sports that run all year round. Many fond memories are made at the traditional annual snow and surf trips.
The Boarding House offers so many opportunities that I would not have if I was living in Darwin and many amazing life experiences.
There are drama opportunities at Melbourne Grammar School, a boarders’ play as well as choirs, orchestra, and music ensembles.
As a member of the Australian Boarding Schools Association (ABSA), MGGS joins other boarding schools in Melbourne including Melbourne Grammar, Scotch College and Xavier College, to host social events between boarders.
When I started boarding at the beginning of Year 10, I immediately felt a sense of belonging and inclusion, not only within my own year level but between all the year levels and the house mistresses.
Hannah Murphy, Young Old Grammarian
As the only girls school located within the City of Melbourne, our boarders are fortunate to organise their own trips to the theatre, concerts, exhibitions and sporting events, as well as fun activities such as visiting local markets, going rock climbing or ice skating.
Boarders also have the opportunity to pursue various volunteering opportunities and to participate in fundraising events.
Girls are supported to access all of the opportunities provided within the huge scope of co-curricular programs as well as their own interests outside MGGS.
our home away from home
Assistant Director of Boarding, Jane Carolan, interviews Melbourne Girls Grammar boarders and sisters Henni (Year 12) and Anna Roxburgh (Year 10) from Hexam Victoria, on finding their feet and independence in the Boarding House.
Life of a Boarding School Student
When you first start boarding, you’ll notice a lot of changes in your routine. Every boarder’s experience is different but each and every one of you has the power to create your own personal boarding journey.
Welcome girls and parents to the MGGS Boarding House. We are delighted to be your Boarding House captains, Grace and Annette, for 2019!
Every girl’s boarding journey is unique as she is able to explore her passions and achieve her best in whatever it is that she chooses to pursue. This independence and abundance of opportunities is what makes it such a rewarding and fulfilling adventure. In the house, girls are encouraged to develop their own routines, gaining confidence and independence in time management skills. We encourage that girls involve themselves in as many activities as they can. It is a great way to develop friendships with girls throughout the school and enables each girl to find her way, ensuring they are enriched by all the opportunities MGGS and the wider Melbourne community has to offer.
The boarding experience is truly unforgettable, however, you will endure many challenges along the way- that’s ok, even we still do. We believe that these hurdles will help shape you, as you grow into a strong and resilient young woman.
We all experience homesickness in one way or another and at different stages of our boarding journey. We also all cope with it in different ways such as running the Tan, chatting to a resi, or even going shopping with the other girls. As captains, we hope that all girls will feel comfortable to seek help and guidance from us, and we know that many of the other students will want to offer that support as well. We are here, with our doors open, ready to help and extend a hand. When you arrive at the boarding house, you will meet a buddy boarder who will help you settle in and be there for you whenever you need.
We know you will love the residential staff, a great range of young women who come from all walks of life. Lots of these staff are young university students and many are past boarders themselves. They are all super friendly and approachable and happy to help with anything.
On weekends, particularly at the start and end of each term, there are many activities for girls to involve themselves in; getting to know each other better and exploring the city of Melbourne. Our socials with other Melbourne boarding schools are many girls’ favourite events- involving lots of dancing and a good time. Just as fun are the weekly supermarket trips, weekend ice-cream adventures and other in-house activities such as Bounce, movies and heading across the river to the MCG.
In the Boarding House, you will be surrounded by girls from all around the world, some perhaps from your own hometown and others from places you have never been. You will slowly get to know everyone, but it’s up to you how much you invest in these relationships. We really encourage you to continue to develop these friendships and embrace the diversity as it will lead to lifelong memories and a greater global perspective.
We know you may be nervous (we know the feeling!) but we are hoping you are as excited as we are for this new chapter. Although it is a fresh beginning, we want you to maintain connections with your friends and families at home, because they will miss you as much as you do them! No matter what, stay true to yourself and you’ll fit right in. We cannot wait to meet you!
2019 Boarding House Co-Captain
2019 Boarding House Co-Captain