Written by Anna Gall, Moree, mother of Clemmie, Year 7, Charlotte (graduated 2022) and Ali (graduated 2020).
• What made you decide to choose Wenona boarding for your daughters?
Our first contact with Wenona was at a Boarding Expo in Narrabri. The Wenona staff were amazing, and we walked away from our discussions feeling that Wenona was a strong possibility.
We also had the chance to speak to a Wenona alumna who had graduated only a few years prior which made a significant impact on us. A few weeks later we toured the school, and we were so impressed with the facilities and all it had to offer our country kids, but what stood out the most was just how happy all the girls were. Everywhere we went the girls were smiling and they looked happy to be at school.
Wenona boarding suited us because we had three very different girls, who all needed different things. The smaller boarding community meant that our daughters could get the one-on-one attention that they needed. We love how the girls interact in the house. Girls from Year 7 to Year 12 all get to know each other – lots and lots of big sisters. We love that our country girls can learn to live in the inner city and appreciate all it has to offer. The boarding house itself also feels like home, not a serviced apartment.
• What aspects of Wenona boarding do you as a parent appreciate the most?
The care and support that Wenona offers boarders and boarding parents is unparalleled. In our nine years at Wenona, we have never felt let down or disappointed. The staff really know our children and can guide, discipline and care for them. This was a major factor in our decision-making. This has been the case for all our girls in almost every aspect of not only their education, but also sports, cadets, further education choices; even down to boyfriends and friendship dramas! The challenges faced by a Year 7 girl compared to a Year 12 girl are different, but Wenona Boarding has guided our girls (and us) through these years. There is also a significant amount of care for parents which I didn’t know I would need, but have gratefully received over the years.
• Has sending your daughters to Wenona as boarders opened up more opportunities for them? If so, what opportunities?
Being a boarder opens you up to the world and encourages you to not fear change. Wenona Boarding has created so many opportunities for our girls; I can say that they are fearless – they genuinely take every opportunity that comes their way and are so independent.
• What are your thoughts on Wenona’s location in North Sydney?
We were adamant that we were going to give our girls the experience and confidence to live in the city and Wenona’s location was central to that. The girls learnt to navigate all forms of public transport and to be independent in making their way around the city.
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