Weng In (Caris) Ho
2025 Boarding Captain

How long have you been a boarder at St Catherine’s?   

I’ve been a boarder at St Catherine’s since Year 10.  

What do you enjoy most about the boarding experience at St Catherine’s?   

The location and the size of the house. The location makes it so easy for me to get around Melbourne whilst still being tucked away in a quiet and safe neighbourhood. The house is not your conventional boarding house, it feels very much so a home and with our small and close group of boarders, it truly is home away from home.  

What are the biggest challenges you have faced during your time boarding at St Catherine’s?   

 Being homesick and unfamiliar the first year was probably my biggest challenge starting boarding. Not knowing how to get to and from and really having to figure out how to live in such an unfamiliar place. But once I opened myself up to explore Melbourne, I felt so much more confident boarding in a foreign place. 

What have been your highlights so far during your time at St Catherine’s?   

 Definitely the girls I have met boarding here. I have made so many bonds with girls my year, girls in other years and even the boarding staff. The people you board with really make up your experiences and I am so grateful to be surrounded by such great friends and staff. 

Would you recommend boarding to other students?   

 I would because it opens you up to so many new experiences, there is no sense of independency like knowing you have done boarding especially at a younger age. You are also surrounded by so many of your peers and it is a very positive and encouraging environment.  

What do you believe are the benefits you gain from a St Catherine’s education?   

 Being able to explore and nurture my options. There are so many subjects and co-curriculars that are available to us St Catherine girls and I am so grateful for those opportunities to learn and discover.  

What co-curricular activities are you involved in at St Catherine’s?   

 I was in debating this year and this activity allowed me to hone my public speaking skills and also help me improve to be a quick thinker. Debating also allows you to interact with students from other schools as we go to debate at Scotch College down the road.  

What are the benefits of participating in co-curricular programs at school?   

Participating in a Co-curricular program at school is a great way to introduce yourself to your peers and create new friendships. The program can be a great down time aside from all your schoolwork, it can help you explore your passions, and it’s also just a really fun time. 

In what ways has the Boarding House and staff supported you?   

 The boarding house staff is always there to give you a hand, give big sister advice and help support us whether it is in school or in the boarding house. Mrs. Van Boxel has also shown us girls immense support, and we know if we ever have a problem we can go to her and she helps guide us to a solution. 

In what ways do your teachers support you during your time at School?   

 The teachers at St Catherine’s are always there to give you a helping hand. They’re always ready to answer your questions or just help you with any challenges you have in your work. The teachers are very passionate about what they teach and the students really benefit from that.  

What do you plan to do following Year 12?   

I plan on continuing to debate, as well as trying to sign myself out for whatever opportunities present itself whether it’s public speaking or more debating competitions. I also want to immerse myself in more leadership roles whether it’s setting up a service volunteer to the community or applying for intern roles in fashion. 

How has St Catherine’s assisted you in making decisions about your future?   

The St Catherine school counsellor has really helped me understand the pathways and given us a lot of opportunities from research to educating us. I feel confident that I have the support needed to make decisions about my future.  

How has St Catherine’s wellbeing program supported you during your time at School?   

 The well-being program is quite unique. We do dancing, yoga, meditation. It’s great to have mindful activities every once in awhile to slow down from all the schoolwork and I’m really grateful to be at a school where that is provided. 

How has boarding assisted you in studying well, becoming more independent, developing friendships, developing empathy for others?   

Boarding has definitely helped me become more independent. I’ve learnt to do so many things myself for myself. I’ve also developed so many friendships and  close bonds and I’ve learnt to be more patient with myself and with my friends because sometimes because when you’re living in a house together and you see them at school all day, it’s easy to get annoyed but I learned to have a stronger patience and empathy for my peers.