Hi, I am Violet Dawes, the Head boarder for 2022! I am from Wickepin, a small town in the Wheatbelt.

I grew up a sheep and crop based farm about 15 minutes away from the town. I moved to  BCGS halfway through Year 7, and was instantly taken in by the seniors and the girls my age in my unit. After a few nervous nights, I settled straight into boarding. Living away from home was definitely hard at first, but the staff, seniors and girls my age quickly became like family, and Boarding became a second home.

Weekday mornings surprisingly was a highlight of going to Bunbury Grammar. Having never lived by the coast, getting the chance to wake up and watch the sunrise while going for a swim or a walk by the beach was definitely a highlight when I first moved here – even if I was not always thrilled to see my roommate waking me up at ten-past-five in the morning! Beach buses also happen on the weekends, usually in the afternoon so I still got my fair share of sleeping in without missing out on any of the fun.

Another highlight of Bunbury Grammar is the environment we live in. It has something for everyone! Boarders can use the tennis, netball and basketball courts,  cricket nets or our huge ovals after school – another benefit of living at the school. The school’s 3.5km cross-country track is also great for runners like myself, and while not being the longest run, the hills and sand will test anyone’s endurance and mindset as you are running through the bushland of the campus. There are also amazing common rooms with pool, ping pong, computers and televisions. There is always the option to just sit in your own unit kitchenette and relax as well playing cards or Uno with friends.

Boarding has so many highlights. Quiz nights, AFL games, socials, beach buses, Mandurah trips, gym and many other fun activities – activities that I never would have never had the chance to do if I had stayed out in my rural town.

Living with people your age is a pretty cool adventure as well, as you all grow and change in your years through Boarding, and learn so many life lessons. On the same note, as a senior, it is great to be given leadership opportunities, knowing how these people influenced me when I was younger, and what they taught me. I love being able to help out from showing someone younger the way to the café, to the first day of winter uniform and teaching them how to tie a tie. (I have seen some very interesting attempts!)

It is so hard to imagine leaving Boarding. Although through the years I have had my fair share of getting annoyed at handing my phone in or prep, I know that these things had a good effect on me and I cannot imagine not having the amazing support, lifestyle and opportunities that Boarding grants and I will definitely miss the staff and students next year.

Violet Dawes
Head Boarder 2022

Violet will be talking to Triple M Rural Focus on Tuesday, 8 March – so tune in to hear as she talks to host Troy about her journey in Boarding ( https://www.triplem.com.au/shows/rural-focus/catch-up/a5b2fff1-d315-4a6e-94b7-ae520041bc77 ).