09 September 2025
It was a privilege to attend the recent Federal Isolated Children’s Parents’ Association (ICPA) Conference in Adelaide with several of our boarding parents, including Amber Driver, Bek Rasheed as well as Kirsty Williams, who will join our school community next year.
Amber, from Elkedra Station in the NT, now serves on the ICPA Federal Council leading the Boarding Portfolio and is the mother of current boarder Ruben. Bek, from Minburra Station near Orroroo, is the mother of current boarder Dan, and we look forward to welcoming Kirsty and her family from The Peake Station on the Oodnadatta Track in 2026.
The conference theme, “Education for the Heart and Mind”, emphasised the importance of supporting both the emotional wellbeing and academic growth of students living in rural and remote communities.
Key issues raised included the ongoing disparity between rural and urban students in terms of access and opportunity, the rising costs of boarding education, and the challenges created by unreliable or limited digital connectivity. These factors continue to place strain on families striving to provide their children with the same educational opportunities as their city-based peers.
For me, the conference was also a valuable opportunity to connect with many of our current and future boarding families and to hear first-hand about the challenges they face in their communities. These conversations are vital in shaping how we continue to support all our boarding students and their families.
Tim Angus
Director of Boarding
