Phoebe Lamph and Lachlan Donnelly are two of the students who left their parents and homes behind to attend the private school, one of the largest co-educational boarding schools in western NSW.

Lachlan and his twin Hamish travelled four hours from Nyngan to attend the school.

While it was only early days with just three days of school under his belt, Lachlan said he was enjoying boarding life in Trathen House and his subjects, especially PE.

“School’s been pretty good so far. Partly because no one has their stuff, so the teachers have been pretty easy on everyone,” he said.

“We didn’t get any [homework] yesterday, but we were set some today.”

Lachlan said he was looking forward to trying out for the rugby union and cricket teams, and going home to see his parents in three weeks.

On what advice he would give to new Kinross boarders, the Nyngan boy drew on his first days’ experience.

“Be prepared. Have all your stuff and gear like school books. Be organised; when you’re going to classes, make sure you have your books.”

Boarders make up almost one third of the 108 students in year 7 at Kinross, and 39 per cent of the secondary school’s 773 students this year.

Phoebe, from Carinda near Walgett, said the transition to boarding school was easier because she had three older siblings already at Kinross.

“It’s been great so far. I’ve made lots of new friends. I know all of my siblings’ friends, and we have some really good friends from Walgett who go here too,” she said.

Phoebe said she was enjoying boarding in Stuart Douglas House, and added that everything was so new, she hadn’t had time to miss her parents yet, but said if she needed help, she knew who to turn to.

“If you’re ever in doubt, go to the seniors or teachers. They can help you out,” she said.