Boarding
Overlooking the iconic and picturesque Sydney harbour, Kambala’s boarding homes provide a nurturing and supportive boarding experience for up to 100 girls.
Boarding holds a special place in our community; a proud Kambala tradition.
FROM THE DIRECTOR
Our boarding community is made up of young women from across Australia and overseas, adding vibrance and diversity to our school community.
Years 7 to 9 boarders occupy the beautiful heritage-listed Tivoli building in the heart of the campus, which boasts uninterrupted views of Sydney Harbour and a sense of old world charm.
Years 10 to 12 boarders enjoy greater privacy, independence and social privileges at the purpose-built Fernbank building to help them develop the skills necessary for life after school. All girls have extended access to school facilities such as libraries and the swimming pool.
BOARDING LIFE Q+A
Monday to Thursday | Friday | |
7.00am to 8.15am | Wake-up Breakfast Order lunch Prepare for school | Wake-up Breakfast Order lunch Prepare for school |
8.15am | Leave for school | Leave for school |
8.20am | Boarding house closed for school hours | Boarding house closed for school hours |
3.20pm to 4.00pm | Afternoon tea | Afternoon tea |
4.00pm to 5.30pm | Leisure time, if no extra-curricular activity | Leisure time if no extra-curricular activity May depart for weekend leave |
5.30pm to 6.10pm | Dinner | Dinner |
6.10pm to 6.30pm | Prepare books for Prep (homework/revision) Tuesdays evening Prayer Service | Recreation activity or leisure time in house |
6.30pm to 10.30pm | Prep (homework/revision) and bedtimes depending on age (see Prep and Bedtimes sections of our Boarding Handbook) | Weekday bedtimes |
The Director of Boarding and her team of resident staff, counsellors and nurses ensure that every girl feels safe and happy and has the structure she needs to manage her academic and personal life away from home. Each girl is paired with a mentor who acts as a guide and friend in the early stages of the boarding experience.
To help boarders structure their time in a positive way and to develop and maintain productive study habits, Kambala employs in-house tutors who support girls with homework every evening. Technology enables boarding parents to have greater personal involvement with their daughter’s learning, including group Skype sessions with the student and her teachers.
The Boarding House shuts down and boarders travel home or stay with friends or family during school holiday periods and long weekends. There are a number of major community events such as the annual Festival of Music, as well as boarding parent social events, providing parents with additional opportunities to be with their daughter and to connect with other Kambala families.
Boarders and their families can communicate with one another via a range of approved mediums, including phone and video calls and email. Unnecessary phone communication with parents during the school day is discouraged but there are no restrictions on communication outside of school hours.
Some Boarders choose to apply for weekend leave to go home or stay with friends/relatives. There are no restrictions on weekend leave. All students are discouraged from missing school during term time.
Boarders meet in the ambient Tivoli Dining Hall for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Catering staff provide the girls with nutritious and varied options for each meal and snack.
Breakfast always includes a continental spread with staples as well as fresh fruit and vegetable juices, muesli and yoghurt. A different dish is cooked daily for lunch and is accompanied by a salad bar. Dinners focus on providing girls with comforting, home-cooked meals packed with nutrients.
The Boarding staff ensure that caterers receive feedback about meals and menus so that they can keep the girls feeling happy and healthy about their eating habits. Senior boarders also have the option to occasionally cook for themselves.
Why Kambala
SMALL BOARDING COMMUNITY
This means that every boarder is known and cared for, and close-knit friendships can be formed.LOCATION
Our boarders benefit from some of the most spectacular views of the Sydney Harbour and are surrounded by tranquil waters just a short distance to the beach. The city, shops and amenities are easily accessible.WELLBEING & ACADEMIC SUPPORT
We think of our boarding community as an extension of the family home. Students are supported by a pastoral care support team that consists of boarding staff, academic tutors, medical professionals and counsellors. This team is overseen by the Director of Boarding and Director of Wellbeing. In addition, every new boarder is paired with a buddy to help them settle in.LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
The Year 12 prefect positions of Head and Deputy Boarder play a vital role in leading the boarding community. Two representatives from each year group are elected as members of the Boarding Advisory Team that meets regularly to discuss ideas and issues raised by boarders. Additional boarding leadership opportunities include: buddies, Prep mentors and the Big Sister Program.FACILITIES
Boarders can access many of the School’s facilities including the Music Centre, swimming pool, tennis courts and the Senior School Library.CLICK OR SLIDE