What makes a boarding house feel like home? At Tara, it's the friendships formed over shared meals, the traditions that bring students together, the opportunities to grow in confidence, and the caring community that supports every girl to thrive.
These qualities were at the heart of National Boarding Week 2026, a nationwide celebration recognising the unique experiences and vibrant communities found within boarding schools across Australia. This year's theme, "Echoes of Home," encouraged students to reflect on the people, places and moments that make them feel connected.
Throughout the week, Eggleton House came alive with activities that celebrated the spirit of boarding. Led by Boarding Captains Amy and Suri, students enjoyed a range of fun events, received commemorative gifts featuring Tara's new Eggleton Eagle mascot, and proudly wore pink ribbons to celebrate being part of the Tara boarding community.
One of the week's highlights was a special assembly presentation, where boarders shared an "Expectations vs Reality" video with the wider school. Featuring students from across the year groups, the video challenged common misconceptions about boarding and gave day students an authentic glimpse into life in Eggleton House.
Service has always been an important part of boarding life at Tara, and National Boarding Week once again provided an opportunity for students to make a meaningful difference. The annual Sausage Sizzle and Bake Sale raised more than $2,000 for the Vanessa Grant Trust, a charity founded by former Tara boarder Vanessa Grant that supports education and school development projects in rural Kenya. From baking each evening to helping run the barbecue, students worked together to continue a tradition that has positively impacted the lives of young people for many years.
To celebrate this year's theme, boarders also collaborated on a special artwork featuring photographs that reminded them of home - from family and pets to favourite places and treasured memories. Now displayed in the Eggleton House dining room, the artwork is a daily reminder that while students come from communities across New South Wales and beyond, they create a second home together at Tara.
National Boarding Week is more than a celebration; it's a reflection of the values that shape boarding life every day. Through shared experiences, leadership opportunities, lifelong friendships and a strong culture of care, Eggleton House provides an environment where girls are known, supported and encouraged to become confident, independent young women.
Discover Boarding at Tara
If you're exploring boarding options for your daughter, we invite you to experience the warmth and community of Eggleton House firsthand. Visit our campus, meet our boarding staff and students, and see how Tara offers a genuine home away from home where every girl can flourish.