A DAY IN THE LIFE OF AN MLC BOARDER
FLORA’S STORY – Year 11, Albany
Moving from a small coastal town to Perth was a big leap for Flora, but the moment she arrived at the MLC Boarding House, she felt instantly welcomed. “I come from a place where everyone knows everyone,” she says. “So, joining the MLC Boarding House, I was nervous about making friends and fitting in. But as soon as I got here, I realised I had nothing to worry about — everyone made me feel so welcome.”
Weekdays start early for Flora. On rowing mornings, she’s out on the Swan River at dawn; on other days, she begins around 7.00am, gets ready and heads to the Dining Hall for breakfast with friends. After classes, she grabs afternoon tea and unwinds in the Boarding House before heading to co-curriculars — IGSSA Volleyball training, club netball or guitar practice in the Music Department.
Evenings follow a comforting rhythm: family-style dinner, study in the Library with tutors on hand and tech-free time to relax with friends. Weekends bring choice and freedom — movie nights, Ninja Creami creations, beach trips, markets, paddle boarding, ice skating and more. Sundays are slower, giving her space to reset, tidy, do laundry and call home.
Reflecting on her journey, Flora says moving away from home has shaped her in powerful ways. “I’ve become so independent and learnt things about myself I never would’ve without being pushed outside my comfort zone.”
REAGAN’S STORY – YEAR 12, DERBY
For Reagan, who comes from Derby in Western Australia’s Kimberley region, joining the MLC Boarding House in Year 9 meant stepping into a new world — one that quickly became home. A proud Wajarri Yamatji woman, her family and community shape who she is, and she credits the warmth of the Boarding House for helping her transition to Perth life with confidence.
“I feel so comfortable around the House Mums and often just go into their office to talk to them,” she says. “My year group is also really close, and we spend a lot of time hanging out in each other’s rooms.”
Reagan’s days at MLC are full and familiar. Mornings begin with breakfast — she’s a big fan of the ‘make your own smoothie’ station — before she joins the Day girls for classes. Living on campus makes everything easy: the Great Court is her front yard, and school is just a short walk away.
After school, afternoons are spent with friends, completing homework, heading to the gym or joining co-curricular activities. On weekends, she loves the freedom of choice: baking, walks to Claremont Quarter, rec activities with boarders from other schools and trips to the beach or Adventure World.
Over time, Reagan has grown not only in confidence but in independence. “I’ve become so much more independent and learnt to put myself out there more,” she says. “I would normally never do anything on my own at home, but I’ve learnt to branch out and try new things here.”
Ready to Explore Boarding at MLC?
Discover how the MLC Boarding House can become a second home for your daughter — a place where she will be supported, challenged, encouraged and celebrated every day.
