Episode #3
Kylie Wallis - Head of Boarding - Fairholme College, Toowoomba
Boarding schools are changing fast - and the old “drop-and-run” model is gone. Kylie shows how Fairholme is building something different: a house where girls feel known, families stay connected, and leadership grows from belonging, not just badges. As a former boarder who became Head of Boarding, Kylie brings a rare perspective to what actually helps young people settle, thrive, and carry confidence into life after school. Her approach blends warmth, structure, and high expectations, with practical systems like student voice, parent mentors, peer mentoring, and restorative practices that turn boarding into a real community. You’ll discover: Why “parent engagement” is now central to modern boarding, and how Fairholme has reshaped orientation to reflect that How “middle sisters” created by a Year 12 student became one of the house’s most effective mentoring systems Why visiting girls in their homes and schools before they arrive changes everything How restorative practice and Collaborative Proactive Solutions help girls repair relationships and build resilience What boarding schools can do to support homesickness, confidence, and mental health without losing standards Kylie also explains how expectations have shifted, from student voice and family involvement to the need for flexible, responsive staff who genuinely like kids and understand the pressure families carry. She shares what she looks for in boarders, what she wants them to leave with, and why the best boarding environments are built around courage, kindness, and connection. If you care about girls’ education, rural families, or the future of boarding, this conversation offers a clear look at what works now - and what no longer does. Essential listening for parents, educators, and anyone shaping residential school communities.
