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Australian Boarding Schools Association

Featuring Industry Insights through Interviews, Boarding Journeys, Highlights, How Boarding has changed over the years, what the future of Boarding looks like, Boarding Stories and so much more!

  1. 4d ago ·  Video

    Callum Ball - Head of Boarding - Launceston Grammar School

    ABSA General Manager Stuart Delaney tours Launceston Grammar School whilst in Launceston for the Tasmanian Symposium, with Callum Ball, the school’s Head of Boarding, before discussing Ball’s career and vision for boarding in Tasmania. Callum describes a residential community designed around connection, flexibility and practical care. The girls’ and boys’ houses offer communal lounges, kitchens, study areas, games spaces, staff accommodation and varied room configurations. He explains that room allocation considers students’ ages, routines and how often they stay, with particular attention given to full-time and international boarders. During the tour, Callum highlights everyday life: shared meals, community nights, sport, pool access, music, baking, chores and activities that encourage students to spend time together beyond their bedrooms. He also outlines evolving technology rules, including staggered evening device collection, and discusses the need to balance independence with clear boundaries. The school’s relatively small cohorts help staff know students well, while resident tutors and teachers strengthen academic support, wellbeing and communication with families. Callum reflects on a life shaped by boarding: growing up on campus, boarding as a student, studying and practising law, then returning to residential education. After years on Queensland’s Gold Coast, he was drawn to Launceston by the opportunity to build something new in a distinctive school with deep history. He contrasts Tasmania with larger mainland boarding communities: many local families remain close enough for regular contact, while island, interstate and international students bring additional perspectives. Looking ahead, Callum sees growth in flexible arrangements, particularly for rural families seeking relief from long daily travel and greater access to sport, study and school life. He believes boarding succeeds when leaders, staff and older students model the standards they expect, creating a culture of responsibility, belonging and care. His advice to prospective boarding staff is simple: experience the environment firsthand, because a boarding house remains the heart of a school.

  2. Sep 28 ·  Video

    Kyle Langman - Head of Boarding - Toowoomba Anglican School PART 2

    What makes this interview work is its authenticity: Kyle Langman’s answers feel grounded, practical, and personal, which builds trust and keeps the listener engaged. This podcast interview with Kyle Langman from Toowoomba Anglican School offers a thoughtful and engaging look into the philosophy of modern boarding education. Kyle speaks with clear passion about his journey from South Africa to the UK and then Australia, showing how each chapter shaped his understanding of care, leadership, and community. That personal backstory gives the interview emotional depth and helps explain why he approaches boarding with such purpose. One of the strongest themes is his belief that boarding should be personal, not generic. He repeatedly returns to the idea of seeing each student as an individual, which makes the conversation feel student-centred and compassionate. His examples — from handwritten notes to toasty bars and family-style boarding culture — are simple but effective illustrations of what genuine care looks like in practice. The interview also stands out because it balances heart with strategy. Kyle is not just speaking about values; he is describing systems, staffing models, leadership development, family engagement, and the realities of risk, technology, and academic pressure. That makes the conversation credible and useful, especially for parents, educators, and anyone interested in the future of boarding schools. His language is direct and energetic, sometimes informal, which adds personality and makes the interview feel conversational rather than polished to the point of sounding scripted. That accessibility is a strength. It gives listeners a sense that they are hearing from someone who is deeply involved in the day-to-day life of the students, not just talking theory. Overall, the interview is compelling because it combines vision with lived experience. Kyle comes across as reflective, committed, and highly student-focused, and the conversation paints Toowoomba Anglican School as a place trying to build belonging, resilience, and leadership in meaningful ways. It is an interview that feels warm, practical, and full of conviction.

  3. Sep 28 ·  Video

    Kyle Langman - Head of Boarding - Toowoomba Anglican School - PART 1

    The podcast centred on the boarding experience at Toowoomba Anglican School, with a strong focus on how the school creates a genuine home-like environment for students. The conversation walked through the girls’ and boys’ boarding houses, describing the different year groups, room setups, shared spaces, and the effort that goes into making each area feel comfortable and practical. The speakers highlighted how important it is for boarding to feel authentic, not staged, so parents and families can understand what life there is really like. A big part of the discussion was about community and culture. They talked about the idea that boarding is more than just accommodation — it is a “family within a family.” Staff were described as central to that culture, with the school making a deliberate effort to support them, include their families when appropriate, and create a workplace that people can stay in long term. This was presented as essential, because if the environment doesn’t work for staff, it won’t work for the students either. The podcast also explored the school’s plans for building student experiences beyond the classroom. There was discussion of outdoor education, a paddock area, tree houses, a workshop, and upcycling projects where students can repair, build, and eventually sell items. The school wants boarding to be self-sufficient and enriching, offering opportunities like woodworking, mechanical projects, themed dinners, and special events that create lasting memories. Overall, the conversation was about more than just facilities. It was about boarding as a living community built on responsibility, care, authenticity, and memorable experiences for both students and staff.

  4. Aug 20 ·  Video

    Kylie Wallis - Head of Boarding - Fairholme College, Toowoomba

    Boarding schools are changing fast - and the old “drop-and-run” model is gone. Kylie shows how Fairholme is building something different: a house where girls feel known, families stay connected, and leadership grows from belonging, not just badges. As a former boarder who became Head of Boarding, Kylie brings a rare perspective to what actually helps young people settle, thrive, and carry confidence into life after school. Her approach blends warmth, structure, and high expectations, with practical systems like student voice, parent mentors, peer mentoring, and restorative practices that turn boarding into a real community. You’ll discover: Why “parent engagement” is now central to modern boarding, and how Fairholme has reshaped orientation to reflect thatHow “middle sisters” created by a Year 12 student became one of the house’s most effective mentoring systemsWhy visiting girls in their homes and schools before they arrive changes everythingHow restorative practice and Collaborative Proactive Solutions help girls repair relationships and build resilienceWhat boarding schools can do to support homesickness, confidence, and mental health without losing standardsKylie also explains how expectations have shifted, from student voice and family involvement to the need for flexible, responsive staff who genuinely like kids and understand the pressure families carry. She shares what she looks for in boarders, what she wants them to leave with, and why the best boarding environments are built around courage, kindness, and connection. If you care about girls’ education, rural families, or the future of boarding, this conversation offers a clear look at what works now - and what no longer does. Essential listening for parents, educators, and anyone shaping residential school communities.

  5. Aug 3 ·  Video

    Mike Symons - Director of Boarding - Anglican Church Grammar School, Brisbane

    Key Themes 1. Boarding as a "Home Away From Home" Mike repeatedly emphasizes that boarding is not simply accommodation; it is a community where students live, learn, eat, develop friendships, and grow into young adults. His focus is on creating a warm, supportive environment where boys feel safe, valued, and connected.  2. Strong Pastoral Care A central message is that successful boarding is built on relationships and pastoral care. Mike describes the most rewarding aspect of his career as helping students gain confidence, resilience, and a sense of belonging. He speaks about supporting boys through challenges and seeing them mature into capable young men.  3. Supporting Rural and Remote Families The discussion highlights the importance of boarding for students from rural and remote Australia, many of whom must leave home to access secondary education. Churchie deliberately celebrates its country roots and seeks to make rural families feel welcomed and included in the school community.  4. Family and Community Engagement One of Mike's strongest themes is that boarding works best when parents remain actively involved. He wants families to spend time in the boarding precinct, attend events, share meals, and feel part of the community rather than simply dropping off and collecting their sons each term.  5. Facilities Matter—but People Matter More The tour showcases significant investment in boarding facilities: Refurbished dining and common areasDedicated Year 7 boarding spacesOutdoor recreation and family gathering areasStaff accommodation integrated into the boarding precinctTechnology management and study support systemsHowever, Mike argues that facilities alone are not enough. Success comes from combining: Good staffGood foodGood sleep habitsSafe environmentsStrong relationshipsHe describes these as the fundamental ingredients of a successful boarding program.  6. A Dedicated Transition Program for Younger Boarders Churchie's Year 7 boarders are housed separately in what Mike calls the "Longship," providing what he describes as "training wheels" for new boarders. The goal is to give younger students additional support before they move into the senior boarding environment.  7. Preserving Tradition While Modernising Throughout the tour, Mike points out historical features, stories of former boarders, and the school's heritage. He sees value in helping students understand the history of the boarding community while simultaneously investing in modern facilities and contemporary approaches to student wellbeing.  8. Leadership Through Service Mike describes his own pathway into boarding, beginning at The King's School and eventually moving into leadership. His philosophy centres on service, gratitude, humility, and helping young people develop confidence without arrogance. He views boarding leadership as a long-term investment in young people's lives.  The Core Message If distilled into a single sentence, the podcast's message is: Great boarding is not primarily about buildings or rules—it is about creating a safe, caring community where students, staff, and families work together to help young people thrive. The overall tone is highly relational and community-focused, with Mike presenting Churchie as a medium-sized, family-oriented boarding school that aims to combine strong pastoral care, modern facilities, deep traditions, and close engagement with rural families.

  6. Jul 10 ·  Video

    Will Mercer - Assistant Director of Boarding - Prince Alfred College, Adelaide

    The Visit Stuart returns to Prince Alfred College (PAC) in Adelaide — a school he last visited in 2019 when the boarding house had just opened. The episode combines a campus walkthrough with a sit-down interview with Will Mercer. Campus & Facilities The tour covers an impressive set of facilities: a 25-metre pool, multiple basketball courts, a gym, a brand-new golf simulator, rowing equipment, and a main oval reportedly rivalled only by Adelaide Oval. The boarding house itself is a five-storey, 150-bed building with 13 wings — more hostel than traditional boarding house — featuring kitchenettes, study rooms, ice baths, a coffee machine, and even a resident chicken coop. Will Mercer's Journey Will boarded at Churchie in Brisbane during high school, went on to a career in elite beach and indoor volleyball (including the world tour), had a brief stint at the Royal Military College, and eventually found his way into teaching in 2017. He returned to Churchie as an English teacher and housemaster before landing the Deputy Director role at PAC in 2022. Running the Boarding House Will overhauled PAC's academic support model — restructuring homework into two focused one-hour blocks around dinner, and introducing small-group tutoring through a program called A-Team, initially for Year 10s and later expanded to Years 11 and 12. He also introduced graduated technology restrictions (device lockboxes for younger students, more autonomy for older ones) and year-level transitions designed to build independence. Challenges Two main pressures: enrolment — rising costs are squeezing rural and farming families, with more scholarship applications coming in; and wellbeing — cohorts whose middle schooling was disrupted by COVID show gaps in resilience and social skills that require ongoing support. Life in Adelaide Will previously lived in Adelaide as a beach volleyball player, so the city wasn't unfamiliar. He and his family enjoy cycling, the beaches, and the hills — and were expecting their third child imminently at the time of filming.

  7. 11/27/2025

    Annalese Smith, Deputy Head of Boarding, Snowy Mountains Grammar School

    Join us this week as we chat with Deputy Head of Boarding from Snowy Mountains Grammar School, Annalese Smith.

  8. 11/14/2025

    Phil Noble, Director of Boarding, Prince Alfred College

    Join us this week as we chat with Director of Boarding from Prince Alfred College, Phil Noble.

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Featuring Industry Insights through Interviews, Boarding Journeys, Highlights, How Boarding has changed over the years, what the future of Boarding looks like, Boarding Stories and so much more!

Information

  • Creator
    Australian Boarding Schools Association
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    149
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 On Duty
  • Show Website
    On Duty