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“We think a really tailored approach
to this review process would be the
best one. Some schools will want a
special review,” says Stokes, “For ex-
ample, one school recently wanted us
to take a look at its staffing structure,
and how it might go about changing it.”
The theme for ABSA’s strategy is to
create a successful future for board-
ing schools through developing bet-
ter education for students, better
professional learning for staff and
through developing partnerships
with a range of companies that would
prove great connections for its mem-
bers - mattress companies and gap
year providers for example.
“I’m also working towards developing
positive relationships and connections
with the government and non-prof-
it organisations. Those organisations
that need to really be involved with
the boarding school side of things, ac-
ademic organisations whose actions
may have a knock on effect to what
we’re trying to achieve.”
Was it all worth it?
Stokes’ passion for boarding stand-
ards is nothing short of a blessing to
the world of Australian boarding. The
concept of boarding and the support it
requires has been largely forgotten by
the rest of the education industry, with
Stokes stating:
“They’re almost an unknown quantity
in Australian society; it’s been revolu-
tionary for them to have someone that
actually cares for their interests.
“It is a Herculean task, but I’ve got
a passion, I started it after all, it’s my
fault.”
With the numerous streams of sup-
port and guidance ABSA has and will
have in place, its growth is inevitable
and watching it spread its wings is all
the more exciting.