Boarding at Monivae has been an integral part of College life for 65 years. Over that time, the boarding experience has changed significantly. Today, it is best characterized as.
Founded in 1954, Monivae was initially established as an all-boys boarding school. The College welcomed girls in the mid 70’s, was fully coeducational by 1977. At the request of numerous parents, wishing to keep brothers and sisters together, living and growing up alongside each other, girls boarding commenced in 1979.
Our boarding community provides unique learning opportunities for many young men and women. Each Boarding House is considered ‘a second home’ and staff understand they operate ‘in loco parentis’.
There is a gentle daily rhythm to boarding life. Students are well supervised but in a relaxed and friendly family atmosphere that allows for the individual care of each student. The environment is supportive, promotes individual growth and independence. A Boarding experience can ‘value add’ to your child’s education by maximizing all that Monivae has to offer. Benefits of boarding include:
Our dedicated boarding team, College Counselor and teaching staff are trained to make significant positive contributions to the development of the young people in our care.
Small numbers in both the Girls and Boys Boarding ensure support for students is always close at hand. Many of our staff are specifically trained in Mental Health First Aid and Respectful Relationships and we are fortunate to have excellent access to first rate Health Services.
Our Positive Education Program and whole school focus on mindfulness, resilience and gratitude are now firmly embedded in our culture. As such, all students regularly participate in wellbeing programs. Students care for one another and are encouraged to help themselves through a variety of wellbeing strategies; regular exercise, healthy eating, meditation and technological quiet time.
With a long history of supporting country families, being part of the Monivae boarding community today also brings the added richness of living and learning about students from the city, overseas and remote regional areas such as Kiribati and Papua New Guinea.
Full boarding
Full boarding students stay at the College seven nights a week, except home weekends.
Full-time boarding caters for students who live remotely or board with us from overseas.
A range of enjoyable weekend activities are arranged for boarders, including movie viewings, trips to sporting events, shopping excursions and barbecues. Full-time boarders often enjoy the hospitality of day students’ families on the weekend.
Weekly boarding
Weekly boarders often live within a few hours of the College and have chosen the boarding school option because of the opportunities it provides. Weekly Boarders return home to the care of their parents on Friday afternoon and arrive back at the boarding house on Sunday evening or Monday morning.
Casual Boarding
Overnight boarding is available on request. This may occur when a student is required to stay late for a sports or cultural event, an appointment, or if a parent is absent from home for some reason. This option is only available at the discretion of the Director of Students (Day and Boarding). An overnight fee will be charged.
On weekday evenings, boarders have time allocated for homework. The sessions are supervised in the school’s study Hall adjacent to the Resource centre.
The amount of time allocated for study depends on each student’s year group. Students in year 7-10 are seated and ready for work at 5.00pm and conclude at 7.30pm.
Year 11 and 12 Boarders have the ‘Silent Study Room’ available to them and conclude their study at 9.30pm
Use of school facilities
Yes, the boarders can use the school facilities including the heated indoor pool, basketball and tennis courts, cricket nets, playing fields and gymnasium.
The day begins at 7.15am when students are woken by their House supervisor. Each student showers and dresses in their uniform, after which they make their bed and tidy their room. Once everything is in order, the whole house attends breakfast in the Dining Hall between 7.50am and 8.10am.
After breakfast, the students return to the house to collect their books and belongings and get ready for the day ahead at school.
Boarders go to the Dining Room at lunchtime to eat. Recess snacks are packed at breakfast. After eating they can join their day friends in the school grounds or attend lunchtime activities.
At the conclusion of the school day, students return to their boarding house where they are greeted by their House Supervisor. Afternoon tea is provided (in the dining room) for them. At this time students’ can change out of their uniform and enjoy some free time. Structured activities are provided throughout the week.
Some students have sports training or practices to attend during this time.
Dinner commences at 6 pm sharp in the Dining Room. Students are asked to wear closed shoes in the Dining Hall always and participate in the prayer roster and cleaning duties.
Year 7-10 boarders need to be in bed by 9.30 pm with lights out at 10 pm. Year 10, 11 & 12 students are to be in bed at 10 pm with lights out at 10.30 pm.
Weekends in the Monivae Boarding Houses are a bit more casual and relaxed. Students involved in sport need to rise and prepare for their commitment. Other students may choose to sleep in if not playing a sport. All boarders are to be awake by 9 am for breakfast at 10 am, lunch at 12 pm, Weekend Mass at St Mary's Parish or Monivae College Chapel, Saturday/Sunday and dinner at 6 pm.
The Girls Boarding House
Girls Boarding is situated in close proximity to the College, in a pleasant garden-like setting. The facilities are excellent. There is a range of room options, students may share in rooms of two or three or have their own room. Each has a study desk, pin board and ample storage. Students have access to kitchen facilities which include toasters, instant hot and cold filtered water, refrigerators and microwave ovens. There are two lounge/recreation areas, with large screen television, Foxtel and DVD players. There is an in-house gymnasium and a hair studio.
The Boys Boarding House
Boys boarding is situated on the top level of the College with panoramic views of the Grampians. Single rooms are available or some younger boys share rooms. Each has a study desk, pin board and ample storage. Students have access to kitchen facilities which include toasters, instant hot and cold filtered water, refrigerators and microwave ovens. There is a large recreation area, with large screen television, Foxtel and DVD players, and pool table.
Additional
Meals take place in the Boarders’ Dining Room during the week. On weekends some weekend meals are casually provided in the boarding houses. Our catering staff are employed by the College, we say proudly that we have a ‘beautiful country chef’. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are provided in the Dining Room. Morning and afternoon tea and supper are also provided for the students.
Who does the laundry for the students?
All students are responsible for their laundry. Washing machines and dryers are available. Our caring staff are happy to help students with their laundry needs when requested.
Who tidies the students rooms?
The students are responsible for ensuring their rooms are kept neat and tidy. Students also take care of day-to-day tasks such as making their beds. Professional cleaners visit the boarding houses several times a week to vacuum and undertake a more thorough clean of the student’ rooms and the rest of the boarding house.
|
Boarding Fees |
Per student |
|
Full Boarding |
$16,400 |
|
Weekly Boarding |
$14,200 |
|
Overnight (Casual Board) |
$80 per night |
|
Weekend Board – weekly boarders only |
$90 (for Friday and/or Saturday nights) |
|
Boarders Bus |
See Part 4 (Buses). |
|
2 or more Students |
10% off the youngest child’s boarding fee |
Boarding Scholarships
Monivae offers limited Boarding Scholarships. This scholarship is available for full or weekly boarding students who demonstrate ways in which they can positively contribute to Boarding life and the College in general. For further information, please contact the Registrar.
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