School friends become family
IMOGEN Gilbert, from Moranbah, commenced this year at Clayfield College in Brisbane in Year 7.
Imogen is the eldest of three girls and leaving home was difficult, being the first to go to boarding school in her family, but she was well prepared.
Imogen attended the ‘sleepover weekend’ at the boarding house as part of the orientation for new students at the end of last year, and felt energised and excited about her new beginnings.
From that weekend, Imogen quickly made new friends and was more familiar with what would quickly become her ‘new home.’ On the sleepover weekend, day students joined boarders visiting Southbank and participating in ‘getting to know you’ activities in the school grounds.
“It was a wonderful opportunity to experience our sleeping arrangements, explore our new environment and put some nerves to bed,” Imogen said.
When asked what she missed most about home, Imogen said it was seeing her family and friends.
“Although I have new friends that are my family now,” she said.
Imogen loves the new experiences and opportunities boarding gives her and looks forward to her sisters joining her in the future. Located on the northern side of Brisbane and a short drive from the airport, Clayfield College is convenient to the city centre and major transport routes.