Letters From Home

What happens when a six-month adventure turns into a lifetime? In this episode, Amanda sits down with Prue Ritchie , General Manager of Bourke's Preschool and Long Day Care Centre, Barwon Woman of the Year and mother of three boarding school students. Prue shares the remarkable story of arriving in Bourke as a teenage governess, falling in love with both the community and the man she would marry, and building a life dedicated to improving outcomes for children and families living in remote Australia. Together they discuss: Growing up in Sydney before discovering a love of remote Australia. Choosing to raise children in Bourke despite the sacrifices that come with distance. Preparing children for boarding school. Parenting children with ADHD and learning differences. Why early intervention can change a child's future. Selecting a boarding school based on pastoral care and wellbeing. Navigating the emotional Year 12 "lasts." What Australia could do differently to improve opportunities for rural and remote children. This is a conversation about belonging, resilience, community and choosing a life you never expected—but would never change.

What happens when you take a sport traditionally associated with city rivers, school boat sheds and fiercely competitive regattas - and put it in the middle of the Australian outback? You get something that is about far more than rowing. In this episode of Letters from Home , Amanda speaks with farmer, former Brisbane Grammar boarder and President of Outback Rowing Australia, David Counsell. David shares how rowing first captured him during his final year at Brisbane Grammar, how the Vikings Rowing Club helped spark the idea of taking boats west, and how a recreational lake at Barcaldine became part of an ambitious movement to make rowing accessible across rural and remote Australia. They talk about the extraordinary benefits of rowing for physical and mental wellbeing, the friendships and sense of belonging that grow around a crew, and why rowing doesn't have to end when a country child leaves boarding school and comes home. David also puts out a challenge to boarding families: if you love rowing, bring your kids and their mates west during the school holidays and become part of the Australian Outback Rowing Regatta. And if your own country town has a suitable stretch of water, perhaps your community could be next. The 2026 Australian Outback Rowing Regatta and Convoy runs from 30 September to 5 October, combining the journey through regional Queensland with racing at Barcaldine and Longreach. Outback Rowing describes its mission as improving health, wellbeing and social connection in rural and remote communities by making rowing accessible, inclusive and community driven. LINKS Outback Rowing Australia — website, events and getting involved Churchie — Anglican Church Grammar School Brisbane Grammar School To find your nearest Outback Rowing community - or to put your hand up to help establish one - Outback Rowing also welcomes enquiries from first-time rowers, returning rowers, schools and supporters.

Kaitie Nash – The Life She Never Planned Most people know Kaitie Nash as ‘First Time Farmer’ - the funny, warm and wonderfully unfiltered woman sharing the realities of learning to farm alongside her husband Will. But farming wasn't part of Kaitie's original plan. A one-way ticket from Perth to Darwin was supposed to be a three-month adventure. Instead, shemet Will, stayed for eleven years and eventually found herself moving with two small children to his family's farm in NSW - right in the middle of drought. In this episode of Letters from Home, Kaitie and Amanda talk about finding your place in a rural community, raising country kids and learning to appreciate the little things. They also explore a new chapter for Kaitie's family: boarding school.As a mum who never boarded herself, Kaitie shares openly about her early reservations, why Sydney initially felt simply too far away, and how attending a Boarding School Collective Expo changed her perspective completely.She also talks about returning to an Expo with her eldest son and allowing him to begin exploringschools for himself - footy merch’ and all. Kaitie and Amanda discuss: * Kaitie's life before farming and meeting Will in Darwin * Moving to the family farm during drought * Finding friendship and belonging in a new rural community * Why she created ‘First Time Farmer’ * Raising two boys in the country * The impact of distance on opportunities for rural children * Beginning the boarding school research journey * Why meeting schools face-to-face changed her thinking * Giving children a voice in choosing their school * Her experience following her diagnosis with FND * The values she hopes her boys carry into adulthood Find Kaitie online Visit her online The First Time Farmer https://thefirsttimefarmer.com.au/ Follow Kaitie on Instagram: @kaitie_nash Australian Rural & Remote Boarding School Family Survey If you're considering boarding school, currently have children boarding, or have already completed the journey, we'd love to hear from you. The survey is designed to capture the real experiences of rural, regional and remote families - from researching schools and preparing children for boarding through to the challenges, opportunities and unexpected positives along the way. Coming up with The Boarding School Collective Our final two events for 2026 are the Charleville Pop-up on 18–19 October and Mount Isa Pop-up on 30 November. Explore upcoming events and real

What happens when a young woman from the Gold Coast discovers her purpose in the heart of rural Australia? In this episode of Letters from Home , Amanda Ferrari sits down with teacher, ICPA advocate and researcher Hannah Calcino , whose journey from city life to Winton has been shaped by one unwavering belief - that every child deserves equitable access to education, regardless of where they live. Together they discuss: Growing up on the Gold Coast before unexpectedly falling in love with rural Australia. Life as a governess and the lifelong relationships formed with one remote family. Supporting rural students through the transition to boarding school. Hannah's Masters research into the social and emotional experiences of rural boarders. Why belonging is one of the strongest predictors of a successful boarding transition. The extraordinary commitment of rural teachers and communities. The volunteer advocacy of ICPA Australia and why it continues to make such a difference for geographically isolated families. Useful Links • Queensland ICPA: https://qld.icpa.com.au/ • The Boarding School Collective Mount Isa Expo: https://boardingschoolco.com.au/events/ • The Boarding School Collective: https://boardingschoolco.com.au/

Kate Brow only spent one year boarding at school, but the lessons she learned during that experience continue to influence her life today. In this episode of Letters from Home, Kate shares how a unique boarding-style year helped build confidence, resilience and lifelong friendships before leading her on an unexpected journey from Geelong to life on a family farm in the Snowy Mountains. Kate also speaks candidly about the challenges she faced as a new mother in rural Australia, her involvement with the Gidget Foundation, and how finding connection through Motherland Village ultimately led her to become the program's manager. This is a conversation about belonging, friendship, motherhood, mental health and the power of community. In This Episode A unique Year 9 boarding experience that changed Kate's perspective Building resilience through challenge The friendships that endure long after school Falling in love with life on the land Motherhood and isolation in rural Australia The Gidget Foundation and supporting maternal mental health How Motherland Village is connecting rural mothers across Australia Why connection matters more than ever Links Motherland Australia: Motherland Australia Motherland Village Program: Motherland Village Kate Brow Instagram: @k8brow The Gidget Foundation: Gidget Foundation Australia

Can a rural school principal believe deeply in country education while also choosing boarding school for his own children? This week, Amanda sits down with Brett Wilkie, principal of a small rural primary school in Western Australia, to explore one of the most complex conversations facing rural Australia. As both an educator and a parent, Brett shares the emotional reality of weighing up educational opportunities, community commitment and family sacrifice. Together they discuss teacher shortages, access to specialist services, the pressure many families feel to justify their choices and why boarding school should never be viewed as disloyalty to a rural community. This is not a conversation about public versus private education. It's a conversation about access, equity and the freedom for every family to choose the pathway that's right for their child. In this episode • Why two passionate rural educators are considering boarding school for their own children. • The emotional burden of choosing differently in a small community. • Teacher shortages and the realities facing regional schools. • Why access—not loyalty—is at the heart of many educational decisions. • How boarding school can help families remain living and contributing to rural Australia. Further Reading Read Amanda's article: Are Rural Families Allowed to Choose? - The Boarding School Collective (The original Mamamia article that sparked this conversation is linked at the end of Amanda's article.) Connect Follow The Boarding School Collective for resources, events and conversations supporting rural, regional and remote families considering boarding school.

Growing up in the small Queensland community of Condamine, Maddie Morgan always knew boarding school would be part of her story. What she didn't know was how profoundly those years would shape her future. Today Maddie is an agribusiness lawyer specialising in succession planning, estate planning and tax structuring. She works closely with farming families across Australia and is passionate about helping agricultural businesses navigate important transitions. She's also the co-founder of Women in Ag, a thriving network connecting, supporting and inspiring women throughout the agricultural sector. In this episode Amanda and Maddie discuss: • Growing up in a tiny rural community • The transition from a one-teacher primary school to boarding school • Independence, discipline and confidence • Lifelong friendships formed through boarding • University and career pathways • Agribusiness law and succession planning • Why country kids often return home • The story behind Women in Ag • Advice for young rural women building their futures Connect with Maddie Hamilton Locke (Agribusiness Team) Hamilton Locke Women in Ag Instagram @womeninag.au Follow Letters from Home Hosted by Amanda Ferrari and proudly produced by The Boarding School Collective, supporting rural, regional and remote families navigating boarding school and educational opportunities across Australia.

We'reWatching You: A Coastal Family's Boarding School Journey When Katie and Dan Toney left careers in television journalism to run a holiday park in the tiny coastal community of Seal Rocks, boarding school wasn't part of the plan. In fact, it wasn't even on their radar. But as their children approached high school, long daily bus journeys, limited local options and a growing realisation that their children needed more than what was available locally forced them to ask some difficult questions. In this episode of Letters from Home, Katie shares how a series of conversations changed everything. From holidaymakers planting the first seeds of possibility to spending time west of the Great Dividing Range where boarding school was simply part of everyday life, Katie's story highlights the power of keeping an open mind and exploringopportunities you never imagined for your family. This conversation explores perceptions of boarding school, the realities of regional education, the emotional challenges of making big parenting decisions and the ripple effect one family can have on an entire community. In this episode we discuss: • Why living on the coast doesn't always mean easy access to education • The four-hour daily bus commute that prompted a rethink • Challenging perceptions around who boarding school is for • Finding the confidence to ask questions and explore options • The role conversations play in changing family decisions • Why boarding school allowed their family to stay living in the community they love • Watching children find their people, opportunities and confidence

You Just Make It Work - OneMum's Journey Through Loss, Boarding School and Bush Resilience What happens when the life you planned changesin an instant? For Sophie Elliott, the answer has been onestep at a time. Born and raised on a cattle station outsideWinton, Sophie grew up learning through the School of Distance Education beforeheading away to boarding school herself. Years later, she found herselfteaching her own children through distance education while living remotely withher young family. Then tragedy struck. When her daughter Peggy was just three yearsold and her son Kip only fifteen months, Sophie's partner died suddenly,leaving her to navigate life, motherhood and the future on her own. In this heartfelt conversation, Sophie reflectson rebuilding life in Winton, the challenges of educating children remotely,and the boarding school journey she is now experiencing as a parent. Together, Amanda and Sophie explore: • Growingup on a remote cattle station and learning through School of the Air • Therealities of being both mum and teacher in distance education • Howrural education has changed over the past two decades • Thegrief of sending children away to boarding school • Whycommunity matters when life takes an unexpected turn • Thefinancial realities of boarding school for rural families • Whatcommunities lose when families are forced to relocate for education • Whyconfidence, independence and opportunity matter just as much as academicsuccess Sophie's reflections on the future of ruralcommunities are particularly powerful. She shares why financial support forboarding school can help families remain living and working in regionalAustralia, strengthening the towns and industries that depend on them. This is a conversation about resilience,motherhood, opportunity and the enduring belief that sometimes the hardestchoices are also the most worthwhile. If you've ever wondered whether boarding schoolis worth the sacrifice, Sophie's story offers a deeply personal perspectivefrom someone who has lived both sides of the journey. Listen now on Letters from Home.

In Part Two, Amanda and Annabel continue their conversation, exploring academic struggles, learning support, friendships, confidence and the lessons boarding school taught that continue to shape Annabel's life today. Now a paediatric occupational therapist and business owner, Annabel shares practical advice for parents and new boarders, along with insights into how children process change, uncertainty and big emotions. A must-listen for families preparing for boarding school or supporting a child through those early years. Follow Annabel: Instagram: @theotcollective_tamworth

Over the years I've interviewed hundreds of parents, educators, boarding staff and former boarders. I've spent countless hours talking about homesickness, transition, resilience and what it means to send your child away from home. But today I'm sitting down with someone whose story I've never really explored. My daughter, Annabel. Now that sounds a bit ridiculous when you say it out loud. After all, Annabel is twenty-nine years old. She's a paediatric occupational therapist, she runs her own business, she's about to get married and we've shared a lifetime of conversations. And yet, as I prepared for this interview, I realised there are some conversations we've never actually had. We've never really talked about what boarding school felt like from her side. We've never talked about the uncertainty leading up to it. We've never talked about the fact that my mother was dying in the year before she left home. We've never talked about my last-minute decision to change schools. We've never talked about what she was feeling while I was so busy managing my own grief, my own fears and my own determination to somehow get everybody through. As parents, we often carry a version of these stories. We remember the drop-off. The tears. The phone calls. The holidays. The milestones. But what I've learned over the years is that our children often carry a completely different version of the same story. So today, we're going back. Back to twelve-year-old Annabel. A shy little country girl from Trangie who was excited to go to boarding school, terrified to leave home and about to face one of the biggest transitions of her life. And if you're a parent preparing to send a child away, if you're in the thick of it right now, or if you're like me and occasionally find yourself looking back wondering whether you got it right, I think you'll find something in this conversation. Because what unfolds over the next hour isn't just Annabel's story. It's the story of what happens when a mother and daughter sit down eighteen years later and compare memories. And some of what we discovered surprised both of us. This is Part One of my conversation with my daughter, Annabel.

As we continue travelling throughout regional New South Wales and Queensland for our Boarding Schools Expo events, we’re revisiting some of the conversations from the vault that continue to resonate deeply with families researching boarding school. This week’s episode with Amy Clark is one of those conversations. Amy is a rural mum of three boys living between Walcha and Bendemeer in northern NSW. But unlike many boarding school families, Amy did not grow up in the boarding world herself. She grew up in Sydney before agriculture, nursing and family life led her to rural Australia. What unfolds in this episode is such an honest reflection of the questions many rural and regional parents quietly wrestle with. What happens when there actually is a local high school nearby… but you still wonder whether your children might need broader opportunities? How do you weigh up community loyalty, logistics, sport, subject choices, friendships and future pathways? And how do you navigate a boarding school system when you have no lived experience of it yourself? Amy speaks openly about the research process, attending boarding school expos, touring schools, trying to find the right fit for three very different boys, and the importance of connection, belonging and community within a school environment. She also touches on something many rural families understand deeply - the juggle of parenting largely solo during busy farming seasons, the exhaustion of long-distance logistics, and the reality that sometimes boarding school becomes less about prestige and more about sustainability for the whole family. This is a warm, thoughtful and incredibly reassuring conversation for families currently exploring their options. Especially those wondering if it’s okay to consider boarding school even when a local option exists.

As we continue our From the Vault series while travelling for our face-to-face Boarding Schools Expo events, this week we’re revisiting a conversation that feels especially meaningful in the lead-up to our Wagga Boarding Schools Expo. Sarah Ryan lives with her family on a Merino stud at Quandialla, not too far from Wagga, where she also runs her much-loved creative business, Quandialla Candle Co. In this episode, Sarah brings such a warm, honest and practical perspective to the boarding school journey, shaped by her own experience as a boarder and now as a parent of boarding school children. This conversation is full of the kind of real-life reflections that families researching boarding school often need to hear. Sarah talks about growing up in a small rural community, the realities of limited secondary options, long bus runs, the importance of keeping an open mind when researching schools, and why first impressions matter, but should not be the only thing families rely on. We also talk about the emotional side of parenting from afar. The first drop-off. The quiet house. The change in family dynamics when one child leaves for school. The way children grow through challenge, discomfort and learning to live alongside others. And then there is Sarah’s now unforgettable piece of advice for parents when things feel a little bumpy - go floppy. Not give up. Not stop caring. Just soften, breathe, work with the school, and resist the urge to turn every wobble into a crisis. For families in the Wagga region and beyond who are currently researching boarding school, this is a beautiful, reassuring and very real listen. It reminds us that the journey is rarely perfect, but with the right support, it can help our children grow in ways we might not expect.

As we continue our From the Vault series while travelling for our face-to-face Boarding Schools Expo events, this week’s episode feels especially timely. We’re revisiting my conversation with Robert Bevern from Dubbo on the eve of our 2026 Dubbo Boarding Schools Expo - because Robert’s family story began at this very event. Boarding school had never really been on the radar for Robert, his wife Tracy, or their daughters. They were living happily in Dubbo, their eldest daughter Lily was enrolled locally for high school, and the idea of sending her away was certainly not part of any grand plan. Then came a rainy Saturday in Dubbo. With a bit of time on their hands, Robert and Tracy decided to walk through the doors of the Boarding Schools Expo, just to have a look. Lily was deeply reluctant, her younger sister was upset at the very thought of her going away, and as Robert shares so honestly, they had no idea what questions they were meant to ask. But that simple decision to stay open to possibility changed everything. In this conversation, Robert talks about moving from Sydney to Dubbo for what was meant to be a short country posting, falling in love with regional life, and then discovering that boarding school could offer Lily opportunities they had not expected, particularly through swimming, community and the right school fit. Since this episode was recorded, Lily has settled into her new boarding school and is thriving. This is a beautiful listen for families who are curious but unsure. It is a reminder that you do not need to have it all worked out before you arrive. Sometimes the first step is simply walking through the door and saying, “Tell us about your school.”

While we’re travelling across regional Australia for our face-to-face Boarding Schools Expo events, we’re opening the vault and revisiting some of our favourite past conversations - the ones that still offer reassurance, perspective and encouragement for families considering boarding school. This week’s episode with Lisa Green from Dubbo is one of those conversations. When Lisa first joined me on the podcast, she and her daughter Ellie were standing right at the beginning of their boarding school journey. Lisa could see clearly that Ellie was a curious learner, hungry for languages, the arts and wider opportunities. But as a single parent, boarding school was only possible if scholarships or bursaries could help make it work. So Lisa did something many families quietly wonder about but aren’t always sure how to do. She came along to the Boarding Schools Expo and asked the question. What followed was a thoughtful process of exploring schools, comparing options, sitting scholarship exams and ultimately finding a place that felt like the right fit for Ellie’s learning, wellbeing and future independence. Since this episode was recorded, Ellie has settled beautifully into her new school and is embracing every opportunity that comes her way. And we are absolutely delighted that Lisa is now joining our Dubbo Expo concierge team this year, welcoming families as they arrive and offering the same reassurance she once needed herself. This conversation is especially meaningful for single parents and families who are unsure whether boarding school is financially possible. It’s a reminder that sometimes the first step is simply walking through the door and starting the conversation. https://boardingschoolco.com.au/

As we hit the road again for our face-to-face Boarding Schools Expo events, we’re dipping into the vault over the next few weeks to share some of our favourite past episodes - the ones that still speak so clearly to why we do this work and why these conversations matter. This week’s episode is one of those. It features Angie Nisbet, who many of you will remember from our Mount Isa event in 2024. Angie was such a genuine and generous supporter of that event, and since this conversation was recorded (actually just a few weeks ago) she has deservedly been named Queensland’s Rural Woman of the Year . We are so proud of her and thrilled that she’ll be returning to Mount Isa this year to host our Live Q&A panel. I wanted to bring this episode back because it captures so much of the heart behind our Boarding Schools Expo events. In this conversation, Angie and I talk about distance, about what it really means for rural and remote families trying to access educational opportunity, and about why it matters that schools travel too - meeting families where they live rather than expecting them to navigate unfamiliar cities and systems on their own. That is such a big part of our why. This episode also reflects the themes we explored at our Mount Isa event last year - connection, access, equity and the importance of creating spaces where families can ask questions, gather information and feel seen. If you’ve ever wondered what sits behind this work, or why we care so deeply about taking these events into regional and remote Australia, this conversation explains it beautifully. It is thoughtful, encouraging and a very worthy listen. Links mentioned: Married To The Land Podcast FarmHer Hands Agrifutures Rural Women's Award ICPA Queensland

Over the next few weeks, while we’re out on the road for our face-to-face Boarding Schools Expo events, we’re opening up the vault and sharing some of our favourite past episodes with you - conversations that still hold so much value for families researching, preparing for, or living through the boarding school journey. This week’s past episode is a really special one. Many of you will remember the beautiful conversation I recorded with my friend Kirsty Wiggins early last year about the grief that can come with the boarding school drop-off. It struck such a chord with listeners because it gave language to feelings so many parents carry quietly - the sadness, the worry, the ache of sending a child away, even when you know it is the right thing to do. This follow-up conversation was recorded at the end of Term 1 last year, and that is exactly why it feels so timely to revisit now. By this point in the year, the dust has settled a little and the reality of boarding life has started to show itself. Kirsty speaks with such warmth, honesty and generosity about what that first term can really feel like for kids and parents alike. We talk about how exhausting that first term can be, the pressure of new routines and expectations, the challenge of living in a busy shared environment, and the way some children come home carrying more than they can easily express. There is so much gold here, especially for families who are new to boarding school and still making sense of what their child might be feeling. It is practical, reassuring and deeply real. If you are looking for a conversation that reminds you to go softly, stay connected, and be that soft place to land, this one is well worth your time.

Peter Debus is the Managing Director of PrincipleFocus , a financial management and advisory business based in Dubbo NSW with branches in Sydney and Warren, servicing clients all over Australia. We're bringing this one back from the archives because honestly, it's just that good! When we first sat down with Pete, I wanted to talk about the decision he and his wife Virginia made to send their three children to boarding school from a regional centre that already had plenty of educational options on offer. What unfolded was something much richer. Some of Pete's responses really speak to an invisible pressure that many families carry - that feeling of obligation to repeat the opportunities their own parents gave them. We also got into the financial side of choosing boarding school (of course we did - Pete's an accountant!), and the very real conversations you can have with schools about what's on offer. Pete is an engaging sort of guy. Full of relatable stories. We covered visions for your children, cultural diversity, a place to call home, boarding school communities, and practical options for financial management through the boarding years. If you haven't heard this one yet, you're in for a treat. And if you have, it's worth another listen.

Ruby Riethmuller grew up on a farm outside Wagga Wagga and like many country students, the path to opportunity eventually led her to boarding school. In this episode of Letters from Home, Ruby reflects on those years and how they helped shape the person she would become. From discovering new passions and leadership opportunities to building the confidence to step outside her comfort zone, boarding school played a powerful role in opening doors she never knew existed. But it was years later, in conversations with friends about the pressures and struggles they had faced as teenagers, that Ruby realised something important - so many young people were carrying the same worries but felt unable to speak about them. That realisation led her to start Womn-Kind , an organisation supporting girls and gender diverse young people through school workshops, mentoring and a growing digital community. Today Womn-Kind has supported more than 35,000 young people across Australia, with more than 65 percent of their work delivered in regional, rural and remote communities. In this conversation Ruby shares her boarding story, the inspiration behind Womn-Kind and the powerful role schools and communities can play in helping young people feel seen, supported and confident in who they are. If you are an educator, school leader or parent who would like to bring Womn-Kind workshops into your school community, you can find Ruby’s contact details and website below. You might also enjoy listening to our episodes in “Nailing Homesickness” , where students share their own experiences of navigating the emotional side of boarding school life. Womn-Kind : Phone: +61 402 345 484 Email: ruby@womn-kind.com.au Website: www.womn-kind.com.au

A Gunnedah mum’s honest story of school refusal, confidence, and why regional boarding became the circuit-breaker. Tina Clifton is a Gunnedah mum of two boys, raising them on the land with horses, cattle, sheep and mixed cropping at the centre of family life. She’s also a veterinary surgeon, whose career has evolved from mixed practice, to intensive poultry industry, and now into a government role focused on technical and policy work. In this episode of Letters from Home , Tina speaks candidly about the reality behind a schooling pivot: the social mismatch that can happen even in a great town, the quiet kid whose confidence takes a dive, and the pressure that builds into school refusal and daily conflict. What follows is a moment many parents will recognise - a turning point, made quickly and with love. At our boarding school expo event in Tamworth, Tina and her husband handed their son something powerful: choice. From there, regional boarding became a “not too far, but far enough” solution - close enough to maintain strong ties to home, horses and campdraft weekends, while giving the boys the structure, discipline and peer group where they could belong. Tina also shares the part people don’t always say out loud: the unexpected grief of becoming an empty nester early, the shift in a household when the boys - and the farm helpers - are suddenly gone, and the emotional weight of phone calls that come at the end of a long day. If this conversation resonates, we also recommend listening to our episode with Dr Lisa Fahey, where we explore the emotional side of boarding transitions and how families can support their children - and themselves - through the change. Listen here! It’s an honest, practical and quietly emotional conversation - and one that will resonate with families navigating big schooling decisions.