Boarding

House RULES

“The boarding house structure provides me an independent life. I manage my studies within the allocated study time and do all my own washing,” shares Year 9 Boarding student, Harper Anderson.

Originally from North-East Victoria, for Harper, life in Illawarra, St Catherine’s heritage listed Boarding House, has improved her independence and organisation skills significantly. “Boarding gives me flexibility in my social life, such as meeting up with day-student friends or going places after school. These aspects provide me crucial skills for life after school.” “My personal management skills have also risen since moving to the Boarding House. I keep track of my personal belongings, manage my own time and money.” Head of Boarding Services, Mrs Sue Collister explains the daily program in Illawarra plays a key role in settling new boarders into life at St Catherine’s, and provides the routine and familiarity essential for academic success and wellbeing. “Within our daily program study times are allocated and appropriate bedtimes ensuring our boarders are in a great position to make the most of their education. Overseeing the daily program are our boarding staff who possess a collective wisdom across a diverse range of qualifications,” shares Collister. Within St Catherine’s, Boarding House staff are chosen for their caring approach and warm personalities. They possess a collective wisdom across a diverse range of qualifications, including Education, the Sciences, Arts, Law, Nursing, Social work and Medical Services, ensuring a breadth of academic support is available to assist students.

“Our Boarding staff are involved in the daily pastoral care of the boarders and play a key role in supporting their academic progress. During the school week, members of the Boarding staff oversee homework and study time.” The family atmosphere within Illawarra is fostered through the daily program of the Boarding House. During mealtimes, boarders enjoy time eating together and during allocated daily study time, boarders are encouraged to seek support from their peers, and senior boarders also mentor younger boarders, helping with both academic studies and social needs. “It is common to see a group of students comprised of Year 7s to Year 12s on the couches in the lobby of an afternoon. When the girls return to Illawarra after school, Year levels are forgotten and everyone is part of the boarding family,” explains Collister.