Working in Boarding at The Grove is an incredible privilege, being part of the close-knit community that spans both houses, encompassing staff and other on-site residents. However, the most rewarding aspect of my job lies within Miller and the remarkable girls who reside there.

Establishing strong connections with the girls in our care is crucial for boarding staff. We serve as their guardians while they’re away from home, ensuring they feel comfortable confiding in us so that we can provide the best possible support. The girls need to know that we are their advocates, whether we’re encouraging them during Prep, accompanying them to doctor’s appointments, attending parent’s evenings, or being available around the clock to address their needs.

To ensure that the girls feel comfortable and supported, we must dedicate time to spend with them. Sometimes, this entails accompanying them on outings and attending events together like school plays or sports fixtures. However, more often than not, it’s the simple moments spent lounging on the in-house sofas, discussing their daily lives, weekend plans, or their family at home. Even just being present in a space together while they scroll TikTok and we tend to admin can make such a difference.

Boarding is an extraordinary world to be a part of, particularly at The Grove where we have a remarkable mix of cultures. Currently, we have twelve different nationalities represented in our boarding community, including students from Georgia, Moldova, China, Vietnam, and several others. One of our primary goals is to create a home-from-home atmosphere for these diverse students, and we take great pride in our ability to achieve this. Before Half Term, I had a heartwarming conversation with a boarder who shared that when she expresses a desire to “go home” to her friends, they often assume she is experiencing homesickness and longing for her native country. In reality, she always has to clarify that her “home” is Miller.

Boarding at The Grove is such a unique part of our school community, and having the opportunity to contribute to this unique environment, no matter how small, is genuinely an honour.

Miss Winks, Senior Boarding Tutor