Meet our Boarding Captains
Ashika Lathif and Monique Watson, Boarding Captains for 2010
When did you first join the St Catherine's Boarding Community?
Ashika: I came in Year 11 from Wagga Wagga, New South Wales because I really wanted the opportunities that a big city could provide. Naomi Pinto, a past St Catherine's boarder, lived around the corner from my family in Wagga Wagga and she was always telling me wonderful stories about St Catherine's boarding life.
Monique: This is my third year as a boarder. I moved from my hometown in Mansfield because I decided I wanted to have a different School experience at a Boarding House.
What does your leadership role entail?
Ashika: The biggest role is to always be a friendly face and play a supportive role to the girls in the Boarding House. It can be a huge change leaving home, especially as we have many students from the country and other parts of the world. We just try to ensure that everybody feels comfortable.
Monique: We are involved in organising the orientation weekend at the start of the year for all the new boarders and the Closed Weekend which involves the whole Boarding House. These activities are a great way for boarders to get to know each other and everyone really enjoys themselves!
What do you enjoy about being a St Catherine's boarder?
Ashika: There are so many things! Living so close to School is great advantage. You have easy access to everything and I especially enjoy the extra sleep-in!
Monique: I love the independence that it brings - looking after myself, doing my own washing and being in a different environment to home. Meeting people from all over the world and the close relationships you form is also a great part of the boarding experience.
What do you get up to on the weekends?
Ashika: I go home occasionally but I love spending the weekends at the Boarding House because it's really well located. I often go to Chapel Street to shop or go to the movies and venture into the city.
Monique: I go home most weekends so I never really get homesick! I really like the freedom of the Boarding House which allows you to either visit your family or spend time in Melbourne.