Experienced and caring boarding staff
Our senior Boarding House staff are qualified teachers with demonstrated histories of working with young people in residential and boarding school settings, both here in Melbourne and abroad, bringing a wealth of experience and expertise to your daughter’s schooling and care.
Our team includes the Head of Boarding, Deputy Head of Boarding, Senior Boarding Coordinator, Boarding House Administrator, Boarding House Nurses and our Year Level Supervisors, who work together to help each student manage their learning alongside their vibrant life as a boarding student. Year Level Supervisors regularly liaise with our day school teaching staff and parents, ensuring progress and wellbeing is being monitored, and students feel supported.
Additionally, the student leadership team of Prefects and Leaders are there to provide extra support and a friendly face, especially to the younger students or those who are new.
Our staff
Meet some of the dedicated and experienced teachers and boarding school professionals who bring the exceptional culture of care in our Boarding House to life.
Jane Shone, Head of Boarding
Jane Shone started her career as an English and Drama teacher in the UK, working in a wide variety of government and independent schools before discovering the sense of fulfillment that comes from working in Boarding. Jane and her young family migrated to Australia nearly 20 years ago. With a keen interest in student wellbeing, Jane returned from teaching to working in boarding when she joined MLC in 2016.
In her time at MLC, Jane has re-developed the boarding program at MLC and overseen the renovation of the historic Tiddeman House building to create an inviting and invigorating space where students can thrive and make the most of the opportunities MLC provides. A keen voice for boarding nationwide, Jane is currently the State Chair of ABSA (Australian Boarding Schools Association) and a Director on the National Board, a regular presenter at conferences and webinar series, as well as a mentor to emerging boarding leaders.
Esher Boles, Deputy Head of Boarding - Programs
Esther Boles is an experienced professional in the field of Boarding, with a strong commitment to rural education. She spent six years working as a manager in the largest girls' boarding school in Australia, overseeing a boarding house of 210 girls.
Originally from rural South Australia, Esther herself spent four years in boarding school in Adelaide, which gave her a unique, firsthand understanding of the boarding experience. She holds a Bachelor of Social Science, majoring in Psychology and Behaviour Management, as well as a Master’s in Education, specialising in Learning Enhancement and English. Passionate about enhancing educational opportunities in rural communities, Esther currently serves on the board of the Australian Boarding Schools Association, where she continues to influence the future of boarding education across the country.
Mary Bourke, Deputy Head of Boarding - Operations
Mary Bourke brings a wealth of experience and expertise in education, with a career spanning across Australia and internationally. Her career includes serving as Deputy Head of Middle School at Geelong Grammar, Australia's largest co-educational boarding school. There, she oversaw the three boarding and two day houses, and served as a tutor in the Girls' Boarding House, in addition to overseeing curriculum development and teaching for Years 5-8, providing pastoral care, and coaching APS athletics, cross-country, and girls' soccer.
Internationally, Mary has held roles such as Head of Primary and member of the Executive Team at the German Swiss International School in Hong Kong and as Head of Primary PE, Year 7 English teacher, and Homeroom teacher at Sacred Heart Girls’ School in Tokyo. Mary has a strong background in curriculum innovation, including developing and implementing Positive Education programs at Geelong Grammar.