Our Boarding Experience
Our Boarding Experience
Choosing to send your four boys to boarding school is big life decision. For the Nolan family from Naracoorte, this journey has been both transformative and deeply rewarding. Meg and Will generously share their experience to help other families understand what boarding at Prince Alfred College can offer.
Will, can you tell us a little about your family?
Meg and I have had two boys already attend PAC. Lachie finished in 2021 and Angus in 2022. Currently, Tom and Charlie are in Year 11 having started as Year 9's in 2024. We live in Naracoorte and I'm a livestock agent with a local firm, SAL.
I graduated from PAC in 1986 and prior to me, my uncle Robert Hunwick and grandfather Ernest Hunwick attended PAC.
What made you first consider Prince Alfred College for your sons’ education?
PAC was an obvious choice for us to send the boys to as boarders given my family’s history with the school. We certainly looked at other schools, however, PAC was always our preference.
Did your sons already know other boys from your region at PAC, and how did that help him settle in?
There has always been a strong contingent of SE boys boarding at PAC so settling in for all the kids was made a whole lot easier because of this.
I am pretty sure though that if there weren't many familiar faces, they still would have settled in well because of the care shown by all of the boarding staff to new boarders.
What was the transition to boarding like in the first few weeks?
The transition was pretty simple. We were probably the most apprehensive with Lachie as he was our first to go. As parents didn't actually know what to expect which made us all a little nervous. There was ultimately nothing to worry about.
What changes or growth have you noticed in your sons since becoming boarders?
Independence has been huge for all of our boys. To be in an environment which also requires a level of patience, compassion, understanding and respect, have also been important learning curves for them all to learn and understand.
What do your boys enjoy most about boarding life?
The best thing for all of them has been mateship. Lachie and Angus are still extremely close with their school mates and we can see that post PAC. Tom and Charlie will, no doubt, experience the same.
How do/did you stay connected as a family while the boys are away from home?
We communicate near daily with the boys while at school. Given there's six of us and we are all pretty spread out, we have a whole family chat page which we use very regularly to just show each other what we're up to, give a bit of cheek, boast about achievements, or just say g’day or goodnight.
How would you describe the boarding staff and the level of care provided?
We can't talk highly enough about the staff within the boarding house. They are amazing to have around our kids!
What would you say to another South East family considering PAC for their son?
PAC has been wonderful for us as a family. The actual school is amazing and provides an environment for all levels and interests to thrive in.
The boarding house is a home away from home. Very caring staff and a structure which ensures everyone is catered and cared for. We've had an incredible time being involved with the school.
What are Lachie and Angus doing now?
Lachie loves Agriculture and will make that his career. He is currently in his second season as a ringer on the Barkly Tableland in the NT.
Angus is studying a Bachelor of Business at Adelaide Uni. He also works part time as a landscape gardener.
