Latest News

This connection came to light just weeks before Zoe and Elinor are set to graduate, as they were exploring the boarders’ names on the walls of Calrossy House. It was a moment of pure serendipity, as they stumbled upon the names of their late grandmothers, realising they had been stepping into their footprints over the past six years.

“We’ve always been so close, but we never knew about this,” says Zoe, still in awe of the discovery. “It feels like it was meant to be.”

Elinor adds, “Our friendship has always felt like we were family, and now it turns out we actually are family friends. It’s such a special connection.” Both girls, who come from similar farming backgrounds, weren’t surprised to learn that their grandmothers had shared such a strong bond. It only further cemented what they’ve always known—that their friendship is built on a foundation of shared values, experiences, and a deep connection to Calrossy.

While neither of their grandmothers went on to tertiary education, Zoe and Elinor are graduating into a very different world. Zoe has her sights set on studying Architecture, while Elinor plans to pursue Property Economics. Both girls credit their boarding experience for preparing them for the next chapter in their lives.

“Boarding has taught us so much more than just academics,” says Zoe. “I can’t imagine being a day girl—it’s a different way of life. You develop a deeper connection with the people around you, and that’s something I’ll always cherish.”

Elinor echoes the sentiment, saying, “There’s always something happening in boarding, and you learn a lot about how people work. You understand their boundaries and how to build strong relationships—skills that will definitely help us in the future.”

For both girls, their boarding years have been filled with lessons about resilience, community, and independence. From late-night study sessions to building lifelong friendships, Zoe and Elinor have experienced the full spectrum of boarding life at Calrossy.

(Zoe Chappel, left, and Elinor Brooks, a living legacy to friendship across the generations in Boarding at Calrossy.)

Head of Boarding, Courtney Coe, believes the strength of the boarding community is one of Calrossy’s greatest assets. “There’s something truly special about boarding at Calrossy. It’s a close-knit community where students not only grow academically but also emotionally and socially. The connections they make here often last a lifetime.”

The discovery of their grandmothers’ friendship has added an extra layer of meaning to Zoe and Elinor’s final days at Calrossy. What began more than 60 years ago has come full circle, with their own journey as boarders following in the footsteps of Janice and Daphne. “We’ve learned the same lessons they did,” says Elinor. “It’s amazing to think that we’ve carried on this legacy, even without knowing it.”

As they prepare to graduate, Zoe and Elinor are ready to step into the next phase of their lives, equipped not only with the academic knowledge and life skills they’ve gained but also with the enduring friendships that boarding at Calrossy has fostered.

The Calrossy boarding experience has always been about more than just school; it’s about building a strong community and nurturing relationships that stand the test of time. Zoe and Elinor’s story is a beautiful reminder of that legacy—a story of friendship that spans generations, rooted in the rich history of Calrossy and the enduring spirit of its boarding tradition.

We would love to share more stories like this from our Alumni. You can share yours here.