Melbourne Grammar School - Boarding

BOARDING AT MELBOURNE GRAMMAR SCHOOL

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Welcome to Melbourne Grammar School.

A place of excellence. A place of opportunity.

And a place where the lessons of integrity, responsibility, and respect are taught.

Young people flourish here. Hard work and dedication are expected, but the rewards speak for themselves.

A sense of community is central to our values – within the School, and in the commitment to public duty we instill.

And, while we are steeped in tradition, our eye is firmly on the future.

We invite you to consider an education at Melbourne Grammar School for your son.

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Melbourne Grammar School has been a boarding school since its inception and we believe that boarders add an enormous amount to life here and, equally, gain an enormous amount from being here. We aim to provide a boarding experience which blends our best traditions, with practices which reflect modern principles of residential care. However, our real success in boarding comes from what goes on within. It is the intangibles of tone, ethos and reflected values which combine to create a culture of care, warmth and acceptance which is truly significant in boarding.

Many things have changed in boarding at independent schools in recent times. There is a greater transparency and openness about what we do; there is greater communication with home; there is greater comfort and privacy and a friendlier environment to name but a few.

To fully enjoy boarding, a student should be involved in the activities of the School and their House, and understand what it means to live in a community. That is, to show respect for other people and their property, to make responsible choices, to learn appropriate social behaviours and to demonstrate kindness, fairness, honesty, and courage. In summary, to be a good citizen.

All good schools need to develop strong links between school and home. We aim to involve parents in the education of their sons and we firmly believe that such a link is a vital ingredient of a student’s success at Melbourne Grammar.

We understand and take seriously the commitment that families make in sending their sons here. Together, through our crucial relationship, we will experience the challenges of adolescence and the excitement of helping to mould young men.

Roy Kelley Headmaster

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A CLASS OF OUR OWN When your son joins Melbourne Grammar School, he’ll be given an enormous range of opportunities.

Here, we’re focused on developing young people who have the confidence and capability to make their mark on the world, who have a contemporary understanding of leadership and who intend to use their capabilities and strengths not just to better themselves, but to create a better and fairer future for everyone around them.

Academic success There’s no doubt pursuing academic ambitions at Melbourne Grammar School certainly has advantages but, in our opinion, success needs to be measured in more than numbers.

Integrity, determination, courage, creativity, and intellectual curiosity are just as important to us. The curriculum offerings at Melbourne Grammar are wide and varied. We provide an environment where your son can nurture his own natural and unique talents so he can find a place to shine.

Our students immerse themselves in all aspects of school life. From sporting teams to debating teams, musical ensembles to acting ensembles, inside the classroom or outside the school gate, there are many activities for students to explore. These co-curricular activities bring together boys who share common interests, often resulting in new-found friendships. They also inspire creativity and encourage new ways of thinking.

Values based education The School adheres to a set of values which represent the deepest beliefs and sentiments to which we aspire, and we seek for them to positively influence behaviours and relationships at the School. We aim to foster a commitment to service to the community, now and in the future, in each student. Every Senior School boy is expected to be involved in some form of service learning, whether it be through the local community, an international opportunity or charitable fundraising.

Global experiences and more At Melbourne Grammar School, learning opportunities extend well beyond the classroom walls. Our students are involved with international exchanges, sporting tours and service learning tours. People of note from across the community frequently visit the School, interacting with and inspiring students in a variety of ways. In addition, we have strong connections to industry leaders, tertiary education providers and major sporting bodies.

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Today’s classroom, tomorrow’s lifelong friends Camaraderie amongst students and alumni is a hallmark of Melbourne Grammar School. Students are encouraged to build strong connections with their peers to form friendships that will stay with them long after graduation.

Our alumni remain strongly engaged with the School and with each other. In fact, we frequently welcome second and third-generation boarders, and see this as a reflection of our students’ lifelong commitment to the School.

While Melbourne Grammar School offers all the benefits and opportunities that come with being a large school, the House system ensures pastoral care operates on a smaller scale and every student is given individual attention. Our culture is one that values diversity and promotes inclusiveness and empathy. Each boy is welcomed into a particular House throughout his time in the School. The Heads of House are then responsible for overseeing the wellbeing of each boy under their care.

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More to explore Melbourne Grammar School’s first-rate facilities and grounds are extensive and well maintained. Extending across six hectares, the main campus houses purposebuilt teaching, learning and sporting amenities. In addition, the School operates Edwin Flack Park in nearby Port Melbourne. This seven-hectare sporting complex is of such calibre it is frequently utilised by interstate teams in national competitions such as the AFL. Outside the city, the school also has three outdoor education camps spread across Victoria.

The boarding precinct is located next door to the main school campus.

Living in an urban environment provides boarding students with a multitude of new experiences. Carefully guided by staff, our boarders are encouraged to explore their surroundings. Over time, we often see boys grow in confidence and independence as a consequence of dealing positively with new situations.

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BOARDING HOUSES Creswick House, School House and Perry House make up the boarding precinct. These three Houses are both physical entities and also form the basis of pastoral care groupings.

Creswick House Boys in Year 7 and 8 are introduced to boarding school life at Creswick House. Limited to just 12 students, Creswick offers a friendly and relaxed atmosphere where students can live together in an extended family environment with the Head of House and other staff members.

Creswick is a self-contained Victorian terrace house within the boarding precinct. The boys share rooms, normally with three to four students per room. Students share common study areas and there are communal spaces for relaxing.

Life here is specially structured to meet the needs of students in early adolescence. The close-knit family feel of Creswick is also the ideal environment for boys fresh from primary school who may need particular support in their transition to living away from home.

School House and Perry House Boarders in Years 9 to 12 are allocated to either School House or Perry House. Built behind the original facades of a series of large Victorian terrace buildings, both Houses provide a warm and welcoming environment.

Spacious private verandahs overlook the Botanical Gardens providing a tranquil spot for a little rest and relaxation. Behind them lies modern extensions designed to provide a high-quality living environment.

Up to 53 students occupy each House. Boys in Years 9 and 10 share double rooms, while Year 11 and 12 students have single rooms, each one equipped with contemporary study facilities.

All boys have ready access to inviting communal spaces and fully equipped kitchenettes for those all-important snacks between meals.

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AN IDEAL LOCATION ST KILDA BEACH

23 minutes by tram

ALBERT PARK LAKE

10 minute walk

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It’s often voted as the world’s most liveable city and there’s no doubt our boarders make the most of their close proximity to the major sporting, leisure, and cultural venues of Melbourne. There always seems to be a group of students and staff heading off to a game, café, or event on the weekends.

In addition to the outdoor areas in the boarding precinct, the Royal Botanical Gardens located just across the road offer a leafy respite for those seeking a quiet place to relax, or a more energetic run around The Tan Track.

MELBOURNE CRICKET GROUND

ARTS PRECINCT

20 minutes walk

National Gallery of Victoria, Hamer Hall

MELBOURNE GRAMMAR SCHOOL

MELBOURNE GRAMMAR SCHOOL BOAT SHEDS

AAMI PARK

10 minutes walk

MELBOURNE GRAMMAR SCHOOL

BOARDING PRECINCT

ROYAL BOTANICAL GARDENS

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A HOME AWAY FROM HOME Melbourne Grammar School offers a modern, friendly, and caring boarding environment. We provide stability, security and structure within a setting that aims to be your son’s home away from home.

We want to give boarders a sense of connection and contentment throughout their time at Melbourne Grammar School so they can be happy and feel cared for.

All boarding staff members live on site with their families. They are active participants in the boarding programmes, which helps create a close-knit boarding community and enhances the family atmosphere within the boarding precinct.

Boarding staff are carefully chosen.

They need to have a strong understanding of the role they play in fostering the wellbeing of young men. Their role is not to be a parent, but to work with parents to ensure each individual boy has the appropriate care.

Weekend events and trips are important to the broader life experience of boarding students.

We take full advantage of our location with regular trips into Melbourne city centre and surrounds.

We organise trips to the beach, to the snow, and many places in between.

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A CARING PLACE

A happy and healthy home We want our boarding houses to be a home for all students. That’s why we extend the School’s holistic Pastoral Care programme to the boarding Houses. The programme aims to ensure all boys feel safe, content, and welcome at all times. It also nurtures personal growth and reinforces the importance of a balance between work and play.

The House System is a central part of our approach to pastoral care. Each boarding house is overseen by the Director of Boarding, a Head of House and a team of boarding assistants who are committed to making sure every boy in their care has individual guidance and support.

Sport is also viewed as an integral part of the school programme and boys are expected to play in at least one team sport per year.

Chapel is another important part of life at Melbourne Grammar School.

Boarders attend the Friday Eucharist each term, as well as occasional Sunday evening Chapel. Twice a year, the boarders from nearby Melbourne Girls Grammar join us for these services.

Our fully equipped Health Centre is staffed 24/7 by registered nurses who are important members of the pastoral care team. Boarders also have access to the School Doctor who attends a weekly clinic and is available out of hours for any accident or emergency. Up-to-date confidential medical records are maintained by the School Nurse for all boarders.

More broadly, at Melbourne Grammar School student support is also provided by: • Careers Guidance staff • Learning strategies staff • School Chaplains • Counselling Services staff

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Academic support and enrichment We encourage all our boarding students to work hard in order to achieve their academic goals. It’s not always about being the best, it’s about giving their best. To help them in their efforts we provide additional tutoring support.

Homework is supervised every evening by boarding staff. Specialist tutors in Mathematics, English and Languages are also available each week to help the boys.

Regular time is also allocated to music practice and sports training.

Food for thought Food fuels the body and the mind so our in-house catering team prepares healthy, nutritious, and high-quality meals that are both delicious and filling.

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are taken at the School’s Luxton Dining Hall.

This allows boarders to gather in one location and provides the perfect opportunity to catch up with friends over a relaxed, informal meal.

Students are also provided with morning and afternoon tea. Snack food such as fruit, bread and Milo are always available, and kettles, microwaves and toasters are located in the kitchenettes near bedrooms.

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A typical day

Work life balance

A boarder’s week day is like that of other boys get up and get ready for school, eat breakfast, then head off for a normal school day. After school, attend sports training or another co-curricular activity, or come home for afternoon tea. Spend some time relaxing with friends or get on with homework, followed by dinner. After dinner, finish homework.

Once that’s done, maybe a visit to the gym, relax, and then, after a busy day, it’s time for sleep.

The boarding precinct houses a diverse range of leisure amenities including large TV screen/lounge areas, table tennis and pool tables in the games rooms, all grouped around the courtyard. Staff are always in attendance and the central office is in this area.

On the weekend, we like to mix things up a little.

The first part of Saturday is usually dedicated to sporting and homework commitments. Once that’s done there are lots of leisure activities to be involved with in and around the boarding precinct. Everyone is encouraged to get outside the school walls and take advantage of their fabulous surrounds for some time over the weekend. After all, the world’s most liveable city is right on their doorstep.

Once weekend sport and School commitments have been fulfilled, flexible leave provisions in each boarding house enable students to have weekends away with families (provided approval has been given by their parent or guardian), day trips to many of Victoria’s popular attractions and free time with friends.

Boarders enjoy easy access to the MCG, AAMI Park and many other sporting venues.

Staff also organise weekend and overnight activities and excursions, to ensure a varied and active life is enjoyed by all boarders. Recent weekend activities have included trips to the beach, cycling, ice-skating, skiing, visits to the theatre and various sporting events. On Saturday nights, we might show a movie in the lounge area and organise a pizza supper.

Throughout the year students participate in a variety of House dinners, barbecues, chapel services and plays, as well as regular social activities with students from Melbourne Girls Grammar School and other neighbouring boarding schools. This full schedule means that life within the boarding houses is always busy and rewarding.

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Our key boarding staff Director of Boarding A senior position at the School, the Director of Boarding is a member of the teaching staff who lives on campus and is responsible for overseeing the boarding houses and wellbeing of its students, ensuring the environment is one in which the boarders can flourish.

Heads of House Each Head of House is a member of the teaching staff at Melbourne Grammar School. They are responsible for the welfare of each individual boy within their care. They provide consistent supervision of the House and can be contacted by parents at any time.

Boarding Assistants Boarding Assistants have direct responsibility for the pastoral care and supervision of a small, specific group of students within their House. Supporting Heads of House, they regularly check each student’s academic progress, and are available for help, friendship and advice.

Wellness Coordinator The Wellness Coordinator proactively provides guidance to boarders about fitness, nutrition, and mental health.

Activities Coordinator The Activities Coordinator regularly consults with boarders and staff to provide a wide range of fun activities after hours and on weekends.

Afternoon Assistant The Afternoon Assistant offers a friendly, welcoming face for the boys as they return to the boarding house after school. As well as overseeing afternoon tea, the Afternoon Assistant monitors all boarding movements until dinner time.

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A VIEW FROM THE INSIDE MEET YEAR 10 BOARDERS, DYLAN AND ANSON. DYLAN IS IN HIS FOURTH YEAR AT THE SCHOOL. ANSON JOINED THIS YEAR. HERE, THEY RESPOND TO TEN COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT BOARDING AT MELBOURNE GRAMMAR SCHOOL.

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2. What do you do on the weekend?

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1. What is a typical school day like?

D: In many ways, it’s the same as it is for every other Melbourne Grammar student. We wake up around 7.30am, get ready for school, have breakfast then head off to classes. If we don’t have after-school sports training we come home to afternoon tea and the smiling face of the Afternoon Assistant.

Sometimes we’ll go back into the school grounds next door to kick a footy around or use the gym until dinnertime at 6pm. Other times we’ll visit the shops down the road.

Homework is usually done after dinner.

I guess that might change in Year 11 when we have more study to do.

We all come together briefly after dinner to hear any announcements and to keep in touch.

A: Everyone plays inter-school sport on Saturday morning. We tend to do our weekend homework after that, then it’s free-time.

What we do in free-time varies a lot. In summer, we often head over to St Kilda beach. It’s just a quick tram ride away.

Lots of boys walk over to the MCG for a footy match, or AAMI Park for rugby. I like heading into the city with my mates from School.

When we leave the boarding precinct without a teacher we have to sign in and out. We need to go with another student and we can only be out for a certain period of time.

The School also organises something for us to do each weekend like going to the snow or having a pizza and movie night. We can choose whether we want to be involved or not.

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3. What is the food like?

D: It’s a pretty good standard. It’s filling, varied and they try to cater for everyone. It’s not Mum’s cooking, but it’s OK. We get breakfast, morning and afternoon tea, lunch, and dinner. Pasta night is pretty good. I also like Indian and Mexican nights a lot. My favourite afternoon tea is scones, jam, and cream. In summer terms, we have a barbeque about once a week. That makes it a bit more social as well.

All our meals except afternoon tea and barbeques are provided in the Dining Hall on campus. It’s great because it means we don’t have to go back next door to the boarding precinct during the school day. (We have a locker for our books just like all the day boys.)

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4. What is it like to share a room?

D: Actually, I quite enjoy it. You grow a closer bond with that person. It’s good to have someone that looks out for you, and for you to look out for as well. If you have any problems you can share them with each other. We get to have input on who we share with so typically, it’s a mate that you’re rooming with.

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5. What are the rooms like?

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A: We’re sharing at the moment. We both have our own area in the room which we normally respect pretty well.

It includes a bed, desk, and storage for my stuff. The room is comfortable and feels just like my bedroom at home.

7. Do you miss your family?

Next year in Year 11 we’ll have our own, single rooms. That will really help me focus on my study.

I speak to Mum and Dad most nights and I see them regularly through the term. They’ll often come to Melbourne for the weekend. They like to keep tabs on how I am going.

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6. Where do you spend time with your friends?

A: There are spaces between rooms where we can all get together. They’re good social areas where we can gather and talk without having to go too far from our rooms. It still feels like a home environment. Each of these areas has couches and a kitchenette so we can make some Milo or a toasted sandwich if we want to.

There’s also a House room which is a large lounge room. It’s for everyone to come together. It has a TV but we tend to just use it to watch sport on the weekend. The Games room is another pretty relaxed area, with foosball, table tennis, pool table and more. The Hub is a quieter area where you can come to do homework if you don’t want to do it in your room, or if you want to meet up with a boarding tutor. It’s good when you have to do group work because you don’t disturb everyone in the module and vice versa.

D: I did when I started but not so much anymore. I’m comfortable here. I appreciate both home and boarding now. I like being in both places equally.

Plus, the terms are only 10 weeks long and there are mid-term breaks. I go home each break so, overall, I am not really away from them for very long.

A: I didn’t really experience homesickness at all when I started boarding at Melbourne Grammar. My older brother lives in Melbourne, as do my grandparents. My parents come to Melbourne quite often as well, so I see my family nearly every weekend. I’m very fortunate.

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8. Was there anything you were worried about before you came to the School?

A: I was worried about fitting in. I’m definitely fitting in more than I thought.

My older brother came to the School.

He was sporty and found his feet very quickly. I am not as sporty so I wasn’t sure I would find friends, but I have found a lot of people who enjoy different things like me. It was a lot easier than I expected it to be.

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9. What is the best thing about being at Melbourne Grammar School?

D: Melbourne Grammar is a pretty academic school. It’s just expected that you will keep up with your studies and put your best effort into them. It’s noticed when you don’t. I quite like that as it keeps me on track but it’s good to have other interests as well. That’s one of the reasons I like it here – there are lots of opportunities on offer. For example, I’m involved in drama and debating. I play lots of sport and last year I went to Vietnam on a School trip.

I wouldn’t have been able to do a lot of these things if I wasn’t at Melbourne Grammar School.

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10. What has been unexpected?

A: I’ve been really surprised and pleased with how much there is to do here. I thought it would be all about sport, but it’s not. I’m also involved with theatre.

I also like that there is lots of interaction with students who have life experiences different to my own in the boarding house. You find out a lot about other people but you also learn a lot about yourself. I feel I have learnt to be much more independent and adaptable. I’ve really hit my stride.

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KEEPING IN TOUCH Successful boarding experiences rely on a positive partnership between the home and the school.

If you choose to send your son to board with us we’ll maintain regular contact with you to keep you informed about your son’s academic and social progress, as well as his overall wellbeing. We also encourage parents to engage with the School and invite them to become involved in a wide range of activities and programmes.

We’ll provide you with a handbook containing detailed information about boarding policies, programmes and activities. You can also keep abreast of activities within the boarding house via email and Twitter, which include updates and enables boarder families and staff to communicate readily with each other. You will also be emailed the School’s weekly parent bulletin.

The Boarder Parents’ Network is an informal organisation that holds regular meetings, dinners, and social gatherings to encourage communication between parents of both boarders and day students and staff. Everyone is welcome to become involved and each year a representative from the Boarder Parents’ Network is invited to join the Friends of Grammar committee, which is our parent group.

The boarding houses are fully equipped with telephones and Wi-Fi so you can keep close contact with your son on a day-to-day basis.

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For more information If you believe your son would benefit from being part of the Melbourne Grammar School community, we would be delighted to meet you.

To arrange a tour of the boarding precinct, to discuss financial support for boarding students, or to request more information on enrolling at Melbourne Grammar School please contact: Mr Alex Law Manager of Admissions Phone: +61 3 9865 7570 Email: enrol@mgs.vic.edu.au.

You can also read more about boarding on the School website www.mgs.vic.edu.au/boarding

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Grimwade House Co-ed Day Students Years Prep to 6

Wadhurst Boys Day & Boarding Years 7 to 8

Senior School Boys Day & Boarding Years 9 to 12

Melbourne Grammar School 355 St Kilda Road Melbourne Victoria 3004 Australia Phone +61 3 9865 7555 Email mgs@mgs.vic.edu.au www.mgs.vic.edu.au

CRICOS No. 00977J

ABN 61 004 453 829

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