St Mary’s Anglican Girls’ School
Space to pause and connect:
the role of Chapel for our boarders
At St Mary’s Anglican Girls’ School, the Chapel is far more than a beautiful building nestled at the front of our campus; it is a sanctuary, a source of strength and a vital part of our holistic approach to wellbeing, especially for those girls who live on campus in Anne Symington House.
Boarding life is rich with opportunity, growth and connection, but it also comes with moments of challenge and change. For many girls, especially those in their first year away from home, the transition can feel overwhelming. That’s why we place such importance on nurturing the emotional wellbeing of our boarders, and the Chapel plays a central role in this mission.
Regular Chapel services offer a quiet, reflective space where boarders can pause, breathe and reconnect with themselves, with each other and with something greater. These moments of stillness and shared reflection help foster resilience, gratitude and a sense of belonging. Whether through prayer, music or storytelling, Chapel provides an opportunity for our girls to ground themselves in community.
In the boarding house, our wellbeing programs are designed to support every aspect of a girl’s development. Initiatives like our Big Sister Little Sister program offer emotional and social support, and practical life skills are taught in our Beyond Boarding sessions. Dedicated academic support, including daily homework time with tutors and access to one-on-one assistance, ensures our boarders thrive both personally and academically. Chapel complements these efforts by encouraging introspection, compassion and hope. It’s a place where girls can bring their worries, celebrate their joys and feel seen and supported.
Importantly, Chapel is also a space where leadership and student voice are nurtured. Our Chapel Boarding Prefect plays a key role in shaping the spiritual life of our boarding community, leading services and offering peer support.
‘Attending the Chapel has become an important part of my time here at St Mary’s. It is a time for me to stop, reflect and connect with myself and my boarding family. Each boarder has their own connection with the Chapel that is special and sacred to them, and flourishes over time. Our Chapel at St Mary’s has become the centre piece of what strengthens our boarding community.’ - Emmerson, Chapel Boarding Prefect.
As our youngest boarders settle into life at St Mary’s, Chapel becomes a touchstone; a place where they can find comfort, courage and connection. It reminds them that they are never alone, and that their journey is shared with a caring and faith-filled community.
In a world that moves quickly, Chapel invites us to slow down, reflect and remember what truly matters. It is a quiet but powerful contributor to the wellbeing of our boarders, helping them grow not just in confidence and independence, but in spirit.
