Genazzano FCJ College

Genazzano remains Victoria's only Catholic all-girls' boarding school. Boarding offers students a wide variety of positive and significant opportunities for personal growth and wellbeing.

Genazzano accepts students from Year 7 upwards at Hopetoun Hall, which is home for our boarders; a safe and welcoming place where all girls enjoy a friendly community life in an environment conducive to study. Dedicated and professional staff are committed to providing quality care for all boarders, while supporting them in all aspects of their educational journey. Hopetoun Hall boarders are well represented within the College in leadership roles and as recipients of academic honours, sports and performance awards.

The academic benefits of boarding include the strong and close support of teachers and peers. Within Hopetoun Hall, boarders are involved in social activities, study routines and specific educational programs, including tutoring support. There is a very strong learning culture that supports all boarders; students often spend time studying in groups, encouraging and championing each other.

Boarders are responsible for organising themselves and managing their time at their home away from home. These responsibilities assist in the development of a range of independent life skills and prepare the girls for life beyond the gates of the College. During their time as boarders, girls are provided with many opportunities to immerse themselves in co-curricular activities such as music, creative arts and sport, as well as College and broader community focuses. Boarders are encouraged to participate socially in personal and group events, including friend/family celebrations and group excursions.

Our Boarders enjoy many valuable experiences during their time at Genazzano, including the development of lifelong friendships. They leave as independent, confident and caring young women with an aspiration towards excellence and motivation to challenge their potential and strive for greatness.

A Day in the Life

Boarding has always been an important part of Genazzano FCJ College. Since the College began, boarding was managed by the Sisters Faithfull Companions of Jesus until the 1970s.

In the 1980s, a group of country parents formed Hopetoun Hall Inc. They obtained the Hopetoun Hall premises, organised staff and setup a boarding facility for their daughters and others so they could attend Genazzano FCJ College.

The original Hopetoun Hall premises has since been extended to incorporate the 40 bed residence that is in operation today.

Now managed and supported by the College, Hopetoun Hall is a thriving boarding community with most boarders coming from country Victoria and New South Wales, a small number of indigenous and International students.

We are very proud of our Boarding House and have certainly seen many young women pass through our doors. As we are the only Catholic Girls Boarding School in Victoria we hold a very privileged and responsible position within the boarding school industry.

Life in the Boarding House

Moving away for school is a significant milestone in your daughter’s life and your daughter may be feeling a mixture of excitement and trepidation. Most students adjust to boarding over time and most really enjoy their experiences and form lasting friendships.

Hopetoun Hall is made up of two buildings. The main original building consists of common rooms including multipurpose, dining, sitting, computer and exercise rooms. The kitchen, laundry and food servery are also within this area.

Tutors attend the house twice per week and boarders may reserve a time with them. Parents who would like their daughter to have a session with a privately arranged tutor may do so.

Performance Psychology for Boarders

The Genazzano Performance Psychology team includes a number of psychologists who support all Genazzano students in their learning and wellbeing. The staff work very closely with boarders and run a program supporting them throughout their time at Genazzano, either individually or in a group.

Your daughter will receive a Boarders’ Handbook from Performance Psychology staff, which we encourage all girls to read through as it has some very practical advice and strategies for new boarders.

Our psychologists also prepare practical advice for boarding parents/guardians to assist your family with preparation and transition.

Friends of Hopetoun Hall

Friends of Hopetoun Hall was established in 2013 to help provide a network of support for Genazzano Boarders. This parent led community is an important component in the life of a boarder, enabling families from across the country, and indeed the globe, to connect.

The highlight of the boarding calendar is the Friends of Hopetoun Hall Annual Mass and luncheon which is a wonderful opportunity to reflect and give thanks, and to celebrate the achievements of the Boarding students.This is an especially lovely occasion to welcome new families to the boarding community, providing them with a network of connections to ensure they feel welcome and supported.

Friends of Hopetoun Hall hold regular gatherings throughout the year, keep families up to date with activities and many other opportunities to share their experiences. Additionally, the College Development Team host events in rural Victoria and New South Wales which provide an opportunity for prospective families to meet current and past families and to obtain a valuable insight into the Genazzano boarding program.

The Genazzano boarders feel part of a wider network of supporters through Friends of Hopetoun Hall and this community is a natural extension of the welcoming and engaged environment at Gen.

We look forward to welcoming you as a boarding family and a Friend of Hopetoun Hall.