Practical tips for preparing to start boarding at St Mary’s
POSTED January 8 2025 , Boarding
As the first day of boarding at St Mary’s approaches, there’s plenty to prepare to ensure your daughter’s transition into her new home away from home is smooth and exciting. From packing essentials to setting up a study routine, here’s everything you need to know to get ready for this exciting new adventure.
1. Essential packing checklist
Packing for boarding is about finding a balance between practicality and comfort. Here’s a checklist to ensure you’ve got everything covered:
- Personal items: Bring items that make her feel at home, like childhood toys, photos of family and friends, or her favourite mug. These small comforts will help create a sense of stability in a new environment.
- Bedding: Holly, St Mary’s 2025 Senior Boarder, recommends bringing sheets, doonas or blankets that either feel familiar or new and fresh. You can also include personal touches like photos or a lamp to make her room feel cosy.
- Organisers: Emmerson, a current Year 12 boarder, advises bringing organisers for clothes. Even though there’s a spacious wardrobe, organisers can help maximise space and keep things neat and accessible.
- Clothing and essentials: Pack school uniforms, casual wear, toiletries and any special items she may need for hobbies or cocurricular activities. Don’t overpack; as Emmerson notes, less clutter often creates a more relaxed environment.
2. Involve your daughter in shopping for supplies
Allowing your daughter to be part of the shopping process is a great way to make her feel involved and excited about the move. Go shopping together for bedding and even small decor items like plants or wall art. When she has a hand in choosing what goes into her space, it creates a sense of ownership and personal connection to her new room.
Holly suggests incorporating a mix of new and familiar items that remind her of home – whether it’s her favourite teddy or a calming plant – to strike the perfect balance. These thoughtful touches can make settling into one of the leading girls boarding schools in Perth feel like a natural and comforting step.
3. Get to know the campus
Before the term starts, try to visit the campus together to get a feel for the layout of the school and the boarding house. This will help reduce any anxiety about navigating the space once she arrives. It also gives her the opportunity to meet key staff members, such as the House Mothers, and other students, which can help ease any nerves about the first day.
Visiting beforehand provides a chance to explore the facilities and learn more about the boarding school preparation programs at St Mary’s, like the Perth Pal and Big Sister, Little Sister initiatives. These connections can help her feel more confident about joining the community.
4. Setting up a study routine
A study routine is an essential part of preparing for boarding life. Establishing a schedule early can help your daughter balance academic responsibilities with social and recreational activities.
Encourage her to plan time each day for homework or study sessions, which will help her stay on top of schoolwork and create a structured routine. Start by having her map out potential study hours on a weekly timetable before she arrives at St Mary’s, factoring in her interests and extracurricular commitments.
Programs like St Mary’s Boarding Academic Support Program will support your daughter’s academic ambitions.
5. Coping with homesickness and encouraging independence
Homesickness is a common challenge when starting boarding school, but it can be managed with the right coping strategies. Emmerson suggests bringing comforting personal items to help create a familiar, calming atmosphere in her room. Both Emmerson and Holly recommend setting up a space that feels like home, whether that’s with a photos of home or cherished items.
The Perth Pal Program helps new boarders feel connected by pairing them with day students before the school year begins, fostering friendships early on. Similarly, the Big Sister, Little Sister Program connects younger students with older mentors, creating a strong support system.
Encourage independence by gradually giving your daughter more responsibility, such as organizing her study time or keeping track of her belongings. These skills will help her feel empowered as she settles into her new environment.
Final thoughts
Preparing for boarding school at St Mary’s is not just about packing items – it’s about preparing your daughter for the exciting journey ahead. Involving her in the process, setting up her room to reflect her personality and fostering healthy routines will help her feel excited and supported as she starts this new chapter.
With the help of initiatives like the Big Sister, Little Sister Program and Perth Pal Program, as well as the guidance of our dedicated boarding team, we are confident your daughter will feel right at home.