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St Catherine’s News Autumn 2020
B OA R D I N G | I L L AWA R R A
B U I L D I N G S T RO N G E R COMMUNITY TIES Many adults have formed their impressions of boarding schools through their exposure to both literature and movies. Joan Lindsay’s novel, Picnic at Hanging Rock and its 1970’s movie adaption, the 1980’s movie Dead Poet’s Society, Enid Blyton’s exploits at Mallory Towers and St Claire’s; and in recent years the books and movies have all created an interest and aura around boarding schools. The positive effect has been an increase in boarding numbers with now over 25,000 boarders attending nearly 200 boarding schools throughout Australia. Prospective boarding parents often ask what are the benefits of boarding. There are the obvious advantages such as access to academic opportunities, the chance to participate in a range of Cocurricular activities, exposure to cultural diversity, and the encouragement to develop resilience and self-management.
Boarders discover organisational skills and independence from an earlier age than most students. And boarding structure delivers boundaries for students, concerning leave arrangements, study times and responsible use of devices. From Year 7, boarders have established and set study times for each school night. By their VCE years they have developed significant study skills and time management techniques to monitor their own study periods. Boarding staff are always available to assist with their homework and preparation for assessment tasks. The boarders themselves often form their own study groups to work together in the evening. With the introduction of round study tables this has certainly encouraged and facilitated more group study sessions. Many of our boarders compete in outside school sporting teams, including netball, hockey, cricket, equestrian and basketball. Dance
classes have always been popular and each afternoon our musicians can be found practising in the Music School. Community Service is an important part of living in a communal environment. Over the recent summer some of our families have been impacted by the ongoing drought, bushfires and more recently the hail storm. Keeping in touch and offering support is an important aspect of our boarding culture. Late last year many of the boarders donated toiletries which were assembled in pre-loved handbags and donated to the Share the Dignity Campaign to support female victims of domestic violence and homelessness. This year St Catherine’s is establishing a relationship with the local branch of the Country Women’s Association in Lansell Road, Toorak to assist with their fundraising initiatives. Participation and involvement in community activities is a key strength of the Illawarra Boarding House. It is with this spirit of contribution that boarders engage with the wider community, develop friendships and strengthen existing ones, facilitating a stronger and connected school community. Mrs Sue Collister Director of Boarding Services
