Introducing Alice Gosper Head Boarder 2023
This week, we introduce you to Alice Gosper who has been elected as Head Boarder for 2023.
What do you hope to bring to the College community in your role as Head Boarder in 2023?
As a leader in the college community for 2023, it’s really important to me that everyone sees me as someone they can come and talk to about anything, both in boarding and in the wider community. I would love to be seen as a friend to every girl at the College. Whether this means being someone to come to for advice, a personal issue, or just for a chat and a laugh.
In my position as Head Boarder, I hope to advocate for those who are seldom heard. I believe it is important that every girl in the College feels they have a valued and welcome voice. I hope to encourage everyone to put themselves out there to ensure they are heard.
I hope to bring enthusiasm and our boarding spirit into the wider College community. I believe the fun and bold personalities of the boarders are such a positive aspect of Santa Maria College.
I look forward to getting to know every member of the Santa Maria community better as Head Boarder. I’m so grateful to lead this amazing community in 2023.
What do you love about boarding?
My favourite thing about boarding is definitely the social aspect of it. I grew up with one brother, so coming into boarding with 150 girls was a huge change. But this is what makes boarding so much fun. There’s always someone to talk to or laugh with.
Going to school every day creates a bond, but the bond formed by the boarders is unbreakable. There are so many highs and lows in boarding school, but everyone is in it together, which creates strong friendships between the year groups.
I love that whichever boarding house you are in or visiting, there is always someone to chat to, creating a strong family feel within the community.
Where are you from?
I spent my whole life living in Busselton, but my dad got a job in Broome, so now my family goes between the two. Usually, it’s summer in Busselton and winter in Broome, so basically, wherever the weather is best.
I’m so lucky to live in such amazing towns. The Kimberly and the southwest are some of the best regions in Australia, with many stunning destinations to choose from.
Living in Busselton has its advantages. Unlike other boarders, it’s only a 2.5-hour drive home meaning it’s not too far for my parents to come if I need. However, Broome is more challenging. Obviously, my parents can’t just speed to Perth for anything. Being a boarder has many challenges. One big one is being away from home, but the positives outweigh the negatives a thousand times.
If you could sit down and have a conversation with anyone, dead or alive, who would it be and why?
I would love to sit down and have a conversation with David Attenborough. I’ve been a big fan of his since I was young, and I think his work is incredible. Climate change and caring for the environment are more important than ever. I believe everyone can learn a lot by listening to what he says about protecting the earth.Â
While David Attenborough’s documentaries are great to watch, I’m inspired by his conservation work, support of biodiversity and climate change initiatives, and his genuine passion and enthusiasm for the environment and earth.
Congratulations, Alice! We look forward to working with you as Head Boarder.
- Featured, leadership
Author: Santa Maria College
Santa Maria College is a vibrant girls school with a growing local presence and reputation. Our Mission is to educate young Mercy women who act with courage and compassion to enrich our world. Santa Maria College is located in Attadale in Western Australia, 16 km from the Perth CBD. We offer a Catholic education for girls in Years 5 – 12 and have 1300 students, including 152 boarders.