TAS welcomes boarders from more than 50 locations

After a difficult year for schools across the country, Toowoomba has once again proved a popular destination for boarders – including three siblings from Julia Creek.

This week, Toowoomba Anglican School welcomed back 105 boarding students, some of whom had travelled from New South Wales and the Northern Territory.

Among the group were Jedd and Mehar Fegan, who drove 17 hours from a property near Julia Creek.

“We normally wake up really early so we can get down here on the same day,” Year 9 student Mehar said.

“We moved because of the bad internet connection, it was a much better way to learn than at home.

“I’m looking forward to all of the sport and music opportunities that we get to do here.”

While navigating the first days of Year 7, Jedd was becoming acquainted with the students in his dorm.

“There’s a boy from NT in my dorm and also one from the border of Qld and NT – they have travelled quite far too,” Jedd said.

“They’ve been telling me about what it’s like at their places and the trip they had to go through.

BACK TO SCHOOL: Julia Creek residents Jedd and Mehar Fegan travelled to Toowoomba Anglican School with their younger sister for the start of term one. Picture: Nev Madsen

“It’s been good getting to meet a lot of new kids and making new friends.”

TAS Head of School Simon Lees said they had boarders from 50 locations across the country.

“We have a number of boarders attending our school from other states, and their main reason is the quality of education they receive in Toowoomba coupled with the accessible location,” Mr Lees said.

“We are very fortunate that our country is managing the pandemic in such a positive manner, which has allowed us to have far more stability and face-to-face learning.”

Mr Lees said he had been “delighted” to welcome the boarders back to school.

“We do have one international boarding student who is still unable to return to TAS due to the pandemic, and I am mindful that our school is not yet complete until his arrival,” he said.