Frequently asked questions

Learn more about boarding at GSG

With so much on offer, it can be hard to know where to start! Our FAQ can point you in the right direction.

What if my child wants to visit friends, family or leave hosts?

We encourage weekend visits to leave hosts according to our leave host policy. Weekend leave should be completed by the boarder by 9.00pm Thursday evening. In many cases, parents will email the Head of the Boarding House to confirm these details. Details of the host and residence the boarder will attend must be provided.

When can I make an appointment to discuss concerns I have after Orientation Day?

Feel free to contact the Head of the Boarding House via phone, or the Heads of Boarding. You can also email boarding staff if you prefer. We appreciate open communication to assist your child’s smooth transition into boarding.

What should my child do if they are sick?

The School Nurse is available at the Health Centre from 8.00am and boarders are free to see her with any ailments. All boarding houses have over-the-counter medication on hand, if required. After school hours, students are to let their Boarding Supervisor know of any medical issues.

When should we make medical appointments?

All appointments must be made through the School Nurse, where possible. This includes physiotherapy, dentist, chiropractor and podiatry appointments. The School Nurse will arrange appointments in accordance with the availability of staff to transport boarders to their appointments.

How does my child arrange transport to sport off campus?

Boarders will be trained in the use of the online transport booking system. Buses regularly run to and from town for scheduled and unscheduled activities. This bus does not take students to private functions/parties.

When is the best time to call my child?

There are key times when we prefer boarders to be focused on the task at hand. For example, prep time and meal times. We encourage parents to contact their child during leisure time.

Where does my child do prep?

Currently, boarders attend prep in Michaelmas House on selected days, or in their boarding house. Occasionally, boarders attend prep in neighbouring boarding houses to complete specific assignments with their peers.

My child is having difficulties academically. What should we do?

Once you have identified that your child has an academic issue, please notify their Homeroom teacher and Head of Boarding House. The Head of Year will be informed and may encourage use of the after-school academic support system. In boarding, tutors are available to assist with homework and study. The Head of Boarding House will work with students to assist good study patterns. Parents should reinforce and reiterate good habits in a supportive manner.

Tips from boarders

• Remember that other new students are probably as shy as you are. If you don’t talk first and try to make friends, it may not happen.
• Make sure you get to know as many people as possible.
• Take and make the most of your opportunities.
• Don’t bottle things up inside you. The more you talk, the easier it gets. Talk to older boarders, as well as adults. They understand what you are feeling; they’ve been through it, too.
• Just be yourself. Trying to be super cool all the time is just too hard!
• Try to get involved in things and meet people right at the beginning. You don’t have to be great at everything, just give it a go.
• Get to know people and be friendly, as you are living with these people as if they are your siblings.
• Talk to your parents on the phone and write emails at regular times. Remember that being separated is hard on them, too, but they are giving you a great opportunity.
• Be respectful of others’ space and give them privacy. Having people around all the time means you don’t get much time to yourself.
• Decorate your room and get a really bright quilt cover so that it looks homely.
• Bring some little snacks with you to eat if you feel hungry.
• Get to know the school buildings before your first day of school so you won’t get lost and be late for your first lesson.
• Be ready to join the biggest family you’ll ever have, but still keep in touch with home. It will help you to deal with the change.
• Join sport and other after-school activities. You’ll find heaps of great friends, and keeping busy will help you get over feeling homesick.
• Try not to bring too many expensive or sentimental items. It is disappointing if they go missing or are broken.
• If you are a weekly boarder and go home most weekends, it can be harder to make friends, so see if you can organise to stay in for a weekend. It makes it a lot easier.
• Abide by the rules. They are there for a reason and if you fail to follow them the consequences could be serious.
• Don’t get carried away with having lots of social time. You need to be organised and work hard if you are going to make the most of this opportunity.
• Don’t expect it to be easy. If you have a bad day, think that the next day will be better and work towards it. There are always people who will listen, understand and help you.
• Make friends with non-boarders, too. Visiting your day mates may open up great opportunities.
• When I came here, I was really quiet and scared to talk to people. I wouldn’t go to the Common Room for days. Slowly, I began to make friends and started to fit in. Now I know most people’s names and everyone tends to get along. Living in a boarding house is like living in one big family. I miss home, but I know that I want to be back here next term.
• Being a boarder is a good way to get to know people from other year levels because living in a boarding house you don’t just hang out with people in your own year. It is not unusual for a Year Eight to be best friends with a Year Eleven student.
• Boarding has its ups and downs. You get homesick and sometimes the food is not what you may be used to, but most of the time it is like being in one big family. You make friends that you know you’ll keep for the rest of your life.
• Lots of kids go to boarding school. If the decision has been made for you to go to boarding school, then find out as much as possible before you go. Talking over your worries with adults, friends and older boarders will help you. With modern technology, it is easy to keep in touch so you can still feel part of the family even though you are away from them.
• If your friend has gone to boarding school, keep in touch regularly so that both of you can continue your friendship.