Boarding Assistant Melissa Gilloughley plays a key role in the day-to-day running of things in the Boarding School. As part of National Boarding Week, we asked Melissa about her role.

Where are you from?
I’m from Glasgow in Scotland. Glasgow is located in central Scotland and it’s about an hour from the capital city Edinburgh.

How long have you lived in Australia?
At the end of this month, I will have been living in Perth for 6 years.

What is your role in boarding?
My role in Boarding is to assist the Head of Boarding and also deal with the day-to-day organisation of Boarding.

What does your role entail?
My role entails a little bit of everything really! I answer the phones and emails, organise all the recreation activities for the girls on the weekend, organise what the girls are doing every night after school, coordinate transport and drivers for boarders sport and appointments, help out the Boarding Supervisors and assist the Head of Boarding in anything she needs help with. I’m also here for the girls if they need to come and have a chat about anything. It’s a very fun and varied role.

What is the best part of your job?
The best part of my job is getting to know all the boarders. I’ve learnt so much about Australia and where everyone is from. I would never have learned about life on a farm etc if it wasn’t for the boarders. I had my first taste of Milo from the boarders as some of the girls made me try it. I like getting to see them all and being able to help them when I can. And they always make me laugh with their stories when they come for a chat.

What do you like to do in your spare time?
In my spare time, I really love travelling (I’m always planning on where I can go next!) skiing, movies, spending time with friends and family and catching up on my favourite tv shows.