Stories of Purpose & Joy
Sarah Aynsley
Sarah Aynsley: Current Boarding Parent, Relief Teacher, Community Voice
When Sarah and Deane Aynsley waved goodbye to their son, Oliver (Ollie), at the gates of Guildford Grammar School, it marked the beginning of a new family rhythm. One shaped by distance, trust and a shared belief in the power of opportunity.
“We knew it was the right thing for Ollie,” Sarah says. “But letting him go was probably one of the hardest things we’ve ever done.”
From their farming property northeast of Beverley, the Aynsleys are deeply connected to their local community. They’ve raised their three children on the farm, surrounded by sporting opportunities and a strong sense of community. So when it came time to choose a secondary school, Guildford Grammar felt familiar. Deane had boarded in Freeth House from 1985 to 1991. The School’s values still aligned with what they wanted for their children.
“We’d seen what Guildford Grammar had meant to Deane. We hoped it would mean something just as powerful for Ollie.”
The Secret Life of Ollie
Ollie started Boarding in Year 7 in 2020. He was just twelve. That first year came with its own challenges, including COVID disruptions that sent all boarders home. The family temporarily relocated to Perth so Ollie could stay enrolled as a day student.
“It was a hard year. But the School’s support, especially in boarding and pastoral care, has been incredible. They saw what he needed. They wrapped around him.”
Over time, they watched him quietly grow. Confidence. Independence. Curiosity. He signed up for things he never would have tried at home – public speaking, debating, rowing, rugby, playing the guitar.
“We called it the secret life of Ollie. We’d visit and think, when did you learn to do all this? He’s made the most of it. We’re proud of everything he’s taken on.”
Ollie now manages his own study, routines and responsibilities.
“If he doesn’t wake up for rowing” Sarah says. “That’s on him. That’s on the team. And that’s part of what this experience teaches them.”
A Family Reshape
Boarding reshapes family life, not by pulling it apart, but by helping it grow in new directions. For Sarah and Deane, it meant learning to stay deeply connected, even across the distance between Beverley and Perth.
“It’s bittersweet. You know the dynamic is going to shift. We had a golden patch with all three in primary school, playing sport at the same time, all together. Then one by one, they left.”
When Ollie was the only one at home and later when all three were away, it took some adjusting, but something unexpected emerged.
“The house felt quiet. We didn’t know how we’d go.”
But the bonds didn’t fade. If anything, they deepened. Each return home became something to look forward to. Full of shared meals, laughter and reconnection.
“When they’re home, the kitchen is alive with noise and food. We watch movies. Cook on the bonfire. Ollie builds tracks and visits his granny for tea. It resets all of us. You realise the strength of your family isn’t in being together every day, it’s in how you come back together.”
Shared Experiences
Rowing has become one of the most meaningful parts of the Guildford experience for the Aynsleys. Deane and Sarah both rowed at school and when Ollie joined in, it brought a sense of connection across generations.
“Deane and Ollie were coached by the same person, Tony Lovrich. Same seat in the First VIII. Same crew position in Head of the River. It’s been really special.”
Sarah now serves as Treasurer on the Guildford Rowing Association and regularly volunteers at training camps and events.
“Rowing is one of the hardest sports they can choose. Early mornings. No shortcuts. But it’s such a team sport. They rely on each other. The parents and coaches get around them. The culture is strong.”
Last season, Ollie’s crew started to win regattas. The momentum was felt across the whole school.
“Winning wasn’t the goal, but it was the reward for everything they’d put in. It lifted the rowing shed. It lifted the School. I was at the assembly where they were recognised. You could feel it. Everyone got behind them.”