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FOR STUDENT ABBEY BAILEY, BOARDING SCHOOL FEELS LIKE COMMON GROUND.

“I see boarding as a way of broadening my horizons.”

Abbey Bailey comes from Cootamundra in New South Wales, halfway between Melbourne and Sydney. Her family’s homestead is located 15 kilometres out of town and it’s another two kilometres from the farm gate to the front door. Set in a valley and surrounded by rolling green hills, Abbey’s life at home is vastly different from her life as a boarder at Methodist Ladies’ College (MLC) in inner-east Melbourne — but it was her decision to move away for school after Year 9 and one she welcomed wholeheartedly. “I was ready to leave,” says Abbey, who is now in Year 11. “It’s a huge thing in my town to go off to boarding school. Our year level went from 40 students to just 19; it’s a small town and I see boarding as a way of broadening my horizons.” For Abbey’s parents, boarding made perfect sense. Their eldest daughter was already living in the city, attending the University of Melbourne, while their son was at boarding school in New South Wales. “I’m really close to my sister,” says Abbey. “I see her every weekend.” Living in the city was new for Abbey. While it took a few weeks to adjust, today she speaks happily of her “home away from home”, including the cosy, shared bedroom in the boarding house that the girls are encouraged to decorate to make their own. Importantly, being a boarder in easy-to-reach Melbourne means that Abbey is able to stay connected to her family. “Family is at the centre of all that we do,” says Abbey’s mother, Cindy-lou, who last year drove down to Melbourne with her husband and Abbey’s grandfather to watch her hockey grand final. Visiting MLC, Cindy-lou recalls being incredibly impressed. “What I found was a sense of calm,” she explains. “I could see that the interactions between teachers and students were positive and I was gobsmacked by the facilities. The menu was fantastic, too.” While the warmth and support of the boarding house is paramount, Jane Shone, Head of Boarding at MLC, says students also value the convenience of MLC’S location, with Hawthorn’s vibrant urban centre on its doorstep as well as easy access to public transport and shops. “Most of our boarders are teenagers who appreciate being able to easily organise social activities outside MLC,” she says. “They also enjoy our on-site weekend activities. It’s the best of both worlds.” Today, boarding in Melbourne means that Abbey shares her days with students from all over Australia and the world. For Cindy-lou, this was particularly important: “We love the fact that Abbey is able to live with girls of all ages, abilities and cultures.” And this all makes for one enjoyable experience. “As soon as I walk into the boarding house, I feel relaxed,” says Abbey. Visit mlc.vic.edu.au