Boarding forms rich bonds

It's given me new life skills and friendships. Having to live independently also means I have to do a lot more for myself.

Barker Boys Boarding Captain Cooper Evans

Now in his sixth year at Barker, Ben Christopherson's tall frame topped with an Akubra, has become a familiar site in the girls' and boys' boarding houses.

Whilst Ben has worked with the boarding community over the last six years, as its new Head of Boarding, he is looking forward to continuing to develop a family type of environment within boarding.

That family type of environment is based on respect and the rules that underpin any house structure.

"I really enjoy the interaction with the students," Ben explained.

"This year I'm hoping to connect the boys and girls in boarding a little more as I want them to come together and make decisions as one."

Openness and transparency are two of the key success factors that Ben sees in the Boarding House.

"Nothing is done without discussion between the students and with the parents," Ben said.

Ben is delighted with the way the new Year 10 boarders have settled in.

"They are a fantastic bunch and it's great to see friendships being formed so quickly," Ben said.

"They are learning to ask for help and seek assistance where needed."

Working alongside Ben and helping to run the boarding houses are the Boarding Captains, Rosie McNair from Dubbo and Cooper Evans from Dumaresq Island.

Both agree that the Barker boarding community is unique and diverse.

"The size and diversity is what makes boarding at Barker so unique," Rosie said.

"Boarders come from as far away as Hong Kong or Alice Springs, or live at the beaches."

Cooper is the first one in his family to come to Barker.

"I was looking for a coed school and I also really liked the fact that it was a small boarding community," Cooper said.

"It's given me new life skills and friendships. Having to live independently also means I have to do a lot more for myself."

Rosie believes that boarding has taught her to be a good leader and a good role model.

"There's a lot of questions when you first start boarding and the Big Sister/Brother program we have in the boarding house is great, because you have someone you can just go to and ask."