Boarding life from the inside
Demand across all year levels, from both overseas and within New Zealand, keeps College’s boarding Houses pulsing with life. Boys in School, Flower’s and Richards Houses receive a standardised and consistent level of care, even while the three Houses maintain their distinctive characteristics. This year the Friends of Boarding was established, a community of parents which operates as a forum for communication and information. Director of Boarding Darrell Thatcher says the idea is to look at the boarding programme overall, talk about the journey the boys are taking, and discuss topical matters, such as social media. “We want to have outside presenters as well, to provide an opportunity for us all to come together and listen – and for parents to tell us what they’re thinking. It’s important, too, for parents to understand the processes and systems which operate in the boarding Houses.” Boarding staff are also supported, with planned future opportunities for professional development and the chance to be apprised of the changing world in which the boys operate. “Social media and vaping are just two of the issues all boarding House staff need to be aware of and informed about. Teenage trends change quickly and we need to be sure we are all informed about emerging new ones.” Darrell says encouragement of the development of College’s fundamental character strengths is ongoing across all Houses. “It’s so important that in terms of character and leadership we look at developing these strengths in all our boarders. The boarding Houses offer a lot of openings for boys to grow in these areas.”
College Issue 37 2019
13
Made with FlippingBook - Online Brochure Maker