What are the advantages of boarding?
The advantages of boarding are numerous…
- Boarding provides young people with the opportunity to develop independence and self-confidence in a safe, structured environment.
- Boarders learn to live with and be tolerant of others, some of whom come from very different backgrounds and other parts of the world.
- Boarders can take advantage of the large range of facilities after hours.
- Experienced boarding staff listen, ask the difficult questions, give good advice and support, deal calmly and constructively with problems, and handle potentially challenging situations with understanding and discipline. Good relationships with adult role models outside the family are a positive experience for young people.
- Communication with home is positively encouraged, and mobile phones and email have completely changed the nature and frequency of contact between parents and children.
- Unless they are overseas, parents are no longer separated from their children for months at a time: boarders see their parents regularly, and parents are welcome to visit their children.
- The time that boarders spend at home with family tends to be quality time.
- Boarding is a very rewarding experience for most young people. The teenage years are a preparation for adulthood, and spending time away from home as a boarder helps that process in a constructive way.
How is boarding structured?
St Paul’s operates a vertical boarding structure: this means there are students from all year levels in each House.
How many boarders are there?
St Paul’s currently has 230 boarders, which represents approximately 35% of the school roll.
Where do the boarders come from?
The majority of our boarders are drawn from throughout the Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Taupo and Auckland regions. However, a number are from further afield, including from overseas (the Pacific, Australia, Asia, South America and Europe).
How are the boarders accommodated?
St Paul’s has four boarding houses: three for boys (with up to 65 students in each) and one for girls (accommodating 38).
The accommodation in the boys’ houses is somewhat varied: currently, boys in Years 9 & 10 are accommodated in dormitories, Year 11 boys are in smaller groups, Year 12 boys are in pairs, and Year 13 boys have a single room. Recreation areas, bathrooms and toilets are shared. However, a major refurbishment of the boys’ boarding houses began in 2010, which will ultimately result in all boys in Years 9 & 10 being accommodated in small groups, Year 11 boys in pairs, and Year 12 & 13 boys in single rooms. Each group will have its own lounge area and bathroom facilities.
All our female boarders are accommodated in single rooms, with common rooms and kitchens throughout the House.
Who supervises the boarders?
Each boarding house is staffed by a Housemaster, Assistant Housemaster and up to three Tutors. Housemasters and Assistant Housemasters are members of the teaching staff, while the university-age Tutors assist with general supervision and other duties. All Housemasters live in accommodation adjacent to the boarding house, and at least two Tutors are accommodated within the environs of each House. A non-resident Matron in each House assists with domestic arrangements, keeps an eye on the younger boarders, and carries out minor repairs of clothing.
How much access do parents have?
Parents and guardians have right of reasonable access to their children, except where a court order prevents such access. Parents are welcome to visit and (for example) take their child out for a meal during the week, or out for the day at weekends. Parents are always welcome at sports fixtures and other school activities as advertised.
What are the leave arrangements?
The Housemaster is required to have knowledge of the whereabouts of all boarders at all times. For this reason boarders are not permitted to leave school grounds without permission from the Housemaster or Duty Staff. Boarders on leave must report out when leaving and report in on their return.
Boarders may apply to take leave most weekends subject to meeting any school commitments (such as sport) that they may have. In most terms two weekends are Exeats (either three day or four day), which means the boarding houses are closed. This provides an opportunity for those boarders who live further away from the school to spend time at home.
What time do boarders get up and go to bed?
Rising and bed times vary according to year level, and vary slightly in each house. The following is a guide:
Year 9: rise at 6:30am; lights out by 9:30pm.
Year 10: rise at 6:40am; lights out by 9:30pm.
Year 11: rise at 6:50am; lights out by 9:45pm.
Year 12: rise at 7:00am; lights out by 10:00pm.
Year 13: rise at 7:15am; lights out by 10:30pm.
What do boarders do after school and at weekends?
A wide range of recreational activities is available to boarders out of school hours. St Paul’s caters for most major sporting codes and has been well placed in many national sporting events. Sports practice is held between the end of lessons (3:30pm) and dinner (5:30pm). Most teams train two afternoons a week, although several senior teams train more often. At weekends, and on afternoons when they are not involved with sport, boarders may apply for leave to visit Chartwell Square (a Westfield shopping centre), ten minutes walk away. Students are also at liberty to make use of the school’s library and recreational facilities; some choose simply to watch television or relax in their boarding house.
Do boarders have Internet access? How is this monitored?
Each boarding house has several computers connected to the school’s computer network, which allows access to email and the Internet. All boarders can access the school's network by applying for a network logon. To obtain a network logon users are required to sign a "Computer Use Agreement". The school uses Web Marshall and Mail Marshall software to monitor the network.
Where do boarders do homework? How is this supervised?
Girls do prep (i.e. homework) in their bedrooms and are supervised by House staff. Boys do their prep in classrooms, where they are divided according to Year levels. Each classroom is supervised by several senior students. A Housemaster, assisted by staff and Tutors, oversees prep every night. Boarders in Years 9 & 10 do prep from 6:30-8:00pm and those in Years 11, 12 & 13 from 6:30-8:30pm. Assistance is available to boarders who may require extra help with their work. The Library is open from 6:30-8:30pm for those who need to undertake research or use a computer.
Where do boarders eat? What is the food like? What about special dietary requirements?
All boarders eat at the Dining Hall. Most meals are cafeteria style, although one night each week there is a formal dinner attended by the Headmaster; such formal occasions reinforce the sense of community and pride that the boarders share. Boarders with special dietary requirements (e.g. vegetarian; gluten free) are catered for. Meals are prepared by Alliance Catering, and are based on government dietary guidelines specific to adolescents. In 2010, for the fourth consecutive year, St Paul's Kitchen achieved a Hamilton City Council Excellence Award.
What is the school’s policy on bullying?
St Paul’s does not tolerate bullying. We believe that bullying is unacceptable and cannot be ignored. When bullying happens, as it does from time to time in every school, we deal with it promptly and effectively.
What are the laundry arrangements?
Boarders’ washing is sent to a central (onsite) laundry. Many of the girls prefer to do their own washing, and washing machines are provided in the girls’ boarding house for this purpose.
What are the health care arrangements?
The School Doctor visits the school each weekday morning. A qualified nurse lives onsite and is available to offer medical treatment for minor injury or illness. In more serious cases, external professional support is obtained from local Medical Clinics or the Emergency Department at Waikato Hospital.
Does the school offer counselling and support services?
St Paul’s has a full time Counsellor and a full time Chaplain. House staff, among others, are also available to provide support and guidance to boarders as and when necessary. We encourage our boarders to talk with whomever they feel comfortable if they are experiencing difficulties.
Do boarders have an opportunity to develop leadership skills?
Opportunities for leadership are many and varied and boarders develop excellent leadership and teamwork skills as part of the boarding experience. Opportunities for students to develop their leadership potential include: being responsible for a group of younger students within the House; organising individuals or groups to compete in the various school competitions; captaining sports teams; being a House or School Prefect.
How much communication is there between House staff and parents?
The Housemasters communicate regularly with parents via newsletters, reports, email and telephone. Parents who wish to visit are always welcome.