At Sacred Heart College Hostel, our Mission is to provide a residential Catholic, Marist and Champagnat community that develops our students’ faith, academic potential, leadership, sporting and cultural excellence. Sacred Heart College Hostel delivers a safe and inclusive environment, supported in brotherhood, preparing students for the ever changing world.
Boarding is an integral part of Sacred Heart College. Catering for up to 155 boarders, our on-site Hostel provides a nurturing environment for them to settle into life away from home.
The foundation of college life is inspired by the Sacred Heart pillars of Diligence, Support, Simplicity, Family spirit, Loyalty and pride, Presence for others, and In the way of Mary. These pillars have a strong presence in our boarding community, where boarders are encouraged to live true to their Catholic values.
Everyday boarding life is inspired by our Marist Champagnat values. The Sacred Heart College Hostel routines and support systems teach our boarders how to put those values into practice. This leads to proud Hostel traditions - empowering them and inspiring others to live their lives as proud Marist men.
Sacred Heart College Hostel comprises of three boarding houses:
Boarders in Years 9 and 10 share low wall partitioned dormitories with built in furniture. Year 11 boarders have high wall and larger partitioned dormitories with free standing furniture. Year 12 and all Year 13 boarders have individual rooms, also with free standing furniture. Boarders have access to the College facilities, including the Chapel, sports fields, Aquatic Centre and gymnasium.
Boarders gather for full Hostel gatherings, meals and morning prayer in the spacious dining hall, with all meals provided by the Hostel Catering Manager. They all have dedicated and supervised study sessions, Monday - Thursday evenings. All boarders have access to dental and medical services, with our Matron and Hostel staff ensuring care or advice is available at any time of the day or night. The laundry service is also onsite.
During the term, families can organise home visits for their sons with the Deputy Headmaster Boarding. Boarders are welcome to visit the homes of other boarders or local relatives if prior permission has been received from their parents.
There is a strong focus on academic performance throughout the Hostel, which is reflected in our yearly NCEA results – where 90% of boarders acquired NCEA University Entrance in 2021. In addition, we also had two high Scholarship achievers.
Formal supervised study sessions are scheduled for all boarders. Years 9 and 10, boarders are required to study for an hour and a half, and in Years 11 to 13, a minimum of two hours each evening is required.
Study sessions are supervised by adults, some of whom are teachers and others who may be university students. They are there to assist and support the boarders. By Year 11, senior boarding students are encouraged to take responsibility for their own time management of study, preparing them for their future learning ventures in either NCEA, at a tertiary institute, a workplace and beyond.
The transition to living away from home can require a settling in period, particularly for boys who join us in Year 9. To support boarders during this time, each Year 9 boy is assigned a Year 13 buddy, who offers a big brother figure to make him feel welcomed and more at home. The Deputy Headmaster Boarding, House Masters and other Hostel staff are always available when additional support is needed.
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