Embracing Boarding Life: A Parent’s Perspective

Boarders and sisters L to R: Bronagh, Alice and Orla

Meet a family from the heart of Esperance, who have embraced the boarding school journey with Santa Maria College. With three daughters currently boarding at the College, the Fowler family has navigated the challenges and celebrated the triumphs of boarding life, finding a second home in Santa Maria’s supportive community. Here, they share their experiences, insights, and the reasons behind choosing this path for their children’s education.

Family Background

Our family farms east of Esperance on the South coast of WA. We have four children, a son and three daughters, all currently boarding at Santa Maria. Andrew, my husband, boarded at Hale School and had many happy memories of his time there, so he was very keen that our children should have a similar experience. We were looking for a school that aligned with our family values, faith, and culture. Santa Maria ticked all the boxes. We also have friends whose children attend the school, so we had a good support network around the area as we live 800 km from Perth.

Reasons for Boarding

Living 100km from our nearest school, day schooling wasn’t an option for us. Initially, the thought of our children being so far away brought me to tears, but we knew the benefits of boarding and the educational opportunities in Perth were immense. Starting with our son at Hale School gave us a good introduction to boarding life. When our eldest daughter began at Santa Maria, we already had a solid foundation. The pastoral care and support offered by the staff at Santa Maria have been exemplary.

Marie Fowler with her daughters, Alice, Orla and Bronagh

Experience at Santa Maria College

Our daughters have shown remarkable resilience in adjusting to boarding life, managing homesickness and the challenges of living away from home admirably. Our eldest daughter, with no old girl links and knowing only two other girls, quickly formed friendships and thrived. When our twins started, we were more settled, though Covid posed additional challenges. The boarding community and staff have provided tremendous support, and the evolution in boarding practices has brought flexibility and enhanced interactions among the girls.

Impact on Daughters

Academically, the structured support in the boarding house has been invaluable. The girls have thrived in their studies and extracurricular pursuits, with opportunities in IGSSA and club sports that wouldn’t have been possible in Esperance. Boarding life has fostered their independence and interpersonal skills, crucial for personal growth.

Andrew Fowler (R), and the Fowler children

Staying in Touch

Maintaining daily contact through phone calls and WhatsApp helps us stay connected with our daughters, sharing moments and supporting them through ups and downs. We visit Perth at least twice a term, ensuring we see the girls every few weeks and spend quality time together.

Reflection and Advice

Reflecting on our decision to send our daughters to Santa Maria, we have no regrets. The school has exceeded our expectations, providing a nurturing environment where our girls have flourished. For parents considering boarding, getting to know the staff and being involved as much as possible can make the transition smoother and more comfortable.

Boarding at Santa Maria College has been a rewarding journey for our family, marked by growth, resilience, and cherished memories. The supportive community and excellent education have provided our daughters with a solid foundation for their future, making the distance from Esperance to Perth well worth it.

For families contemplating this path, our experience underscores the value of a strong support network and active parental involvement in making boarding a positive and enriching experience.

Scroll to Top