MLC head of boarding keeps girls connected

Methodist Ladies’ College boarding students hope they can return to campus for the final term of this year.

Methodist Ladies' College boarding students on campus in normal times. Picture: Supplied

’KEEPING it as normal as possible.”

That’s the approach taken by Methodist Ladies’ College head of boarding Jane Shone during the 2020 school year.

Ms Shone’s job this year has come with plenty of challenges; face-to-face contact has been replaced with virtual “dorm chats”, the annual Boarders’ Play replaced with an upcoming Boarders Have Talent video.

But she said the city school’s 80 boarding students had risen to the occasion.

“They’ve still continued to run their virtual meetings for activities such as their Sustainability Squad and holding trivia nights,” she said.

A focus has been on maintaining connections and wellbeing.

“We’ve been keeping in touch with the girls on a one-to-one basis, so they have that one constant member of staff that they catch up with, and that’s been invaluable,” she said. “Our students have really picked up on having these conversations. It’s not just about school work but about life in general.”

Ms Shone said the school had also maintained strong connections with parents. “They really value the boarding experience and they know how keen their daughters are to come back.”

MLC’s return to Term 4 will be in line with government guidelines. “Boarding houses and schools are running with such strict procedures, they’re in the safest bubble possible,” she said.

MORE

HOW SCHOOL LIFE WILL CHANGE FOR REGIONAL VICTORIAN STUDENTS

SCHOOL CAMPS RECEIVE GREEN LIGHT IN REGIONAL VICTORIA

MLC STUDENTS RAISE FUNDS FOR MALLACOOTA