Our school is the only Anglican girls’ boarding school in the wider Taranaki/King Country region and is the only secondary school in central Taranaki specialising in boarding for girls.
Local, rural, nationwide and overseas students form a ‘family’ community and we are able to offer weekly and part boarding. Over half of our students are boarders and our Boarding House, on secure school grounds, is their home away from home—our boarding tradition sets us apart.
We offer a boutique residential experience for our boarders. Our modern boarding facilities are impressive and our environment is welcoming, safe and secure. Modern and spacious, with Wi-Fi throughout, we provide twin bedrooms with en suite bathrooms and large lounge spaces to ensure a comfortable and relaxed environment.
To personalise the boarding experience, we encourage our girls to bring a piece of home with them, be that their favourite floor rug, cushions or photos. This is, after all, their home where she has ‘sisters’ to support her learning and growing journey.
Boarding is a safe, caring and supportive environment where girls can have privacy and room to grow, and, importantly, where girls have fun and feel at home.
Our boarding staff have been chosen for their caring approach and warm personalities. They bring a range of experiences and skills to the role. All are required to be police vetted as well as have current First Aid and CPR qualifications. Staff also hold a Certificate in Duty of Care or similar qualifications. They attend regular professional development around current teenage concerns and are undertaking informal counselling training.
The 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 prep and study time and send a nightly report to school teaching staff.
The Boarding House Manager and other boarding staff are always available to girls and parents throughout the day and evening.
Access to academic and pastoral support is a key factor in the success our boarders continue to celebrate in their results.
The Boarding House atmosphere is relaxed and friendly, with routines and structures in place to assist the girls to settle in and maintain a healthy balance between life and study. There is a very strong learning culture that supports our boarders; students spend time studying in groups, encouraging and supporting each other. Allocated prep times, off-device times, and appropriate bedtimes mean boarders are in a great position to make the most of their education.
Our extensive experience shows us that students thrive in environments where there are opportunities and challenges for personal growth and wellbeing. Our girls can spend their spare time using our wonderful facilities, including our gym and swimming pool, creative arts areas or lazing in our gardens.
Some of the most important things your daughter will learn as a boarder have nothing to do with her academic work. She will grow to be responsible for organising herself and managing her time at her home away from home. These responsibilities assist in the development of a range of independent life skills and prepare our girls for life beyond our gates.
Boarding is a fantastic experience where initial friendships grow to be Best Friends Forever.
Facilities within Roberton House include:
The girls enjoy a large and airy dining room and commercial kitchen overseen by our highly experienced chef. All food is prepared on site daily and caters specifically for the nutritional and dietary needs of teenage girls. We also are very happy to cater for girls who have specific medical and dietary needs (including vegetarian, vegan and allergy–free options) to ensure that every girl enjoys a deliciously healthy and balanced diet.
The school is nestled under the splendour of Mt Taranaki and boarders enjoy the spacious school grounds, pleasant outside seating areas and access to a swimming pool, tennis courts, gym, music rooms and much more.
Girls have access to a number of telephones as well as their own school email address and many girls have their own mobile phones.
Boarders also have after-hours access to academically focused school facilities including the Library where school teaching staff are always willing to develop their learning programmes further.
We understand that communication with your daughter is incredibly important whilst she is away from home and we actively encourage regular contact with families and friends.
Parents and boarding families are welcome to visit the Boarding House and to join their daughters for an evening meal.
Girls are encouraged to participate in as much school and boarding house life as possible, as well as the many sporting and co-curricular activities on offer.
Swimming sports and Athletics are an annual highlight. And by the time Our Taranaki Dio’s Got Talent concert comes around at the end of term one, all the boarding girls are feeling very much at home and amongst sisters.