Life as a Boarder

Where Lifelong Friendships Begin

Life in the Boarding House is dynamic, supportive, and enriching. With five distinct zones arranged by year level, each girl receives the care and attention appropriate for her stage of development. Whether she’s just starting her journey in a shared room or preparing for independence in a single room in Year 12, our boarders grow with confidence.

The Boarding House is designed to feel like home. Girls enjoy modern living spaces, social lounges, breakout areas, and access to school facilities such as the fitness centre, pool, and sports courts. Weekend recreation ranges from beach walks and shopping trips to organised activities with other boarding schools.

 

Take a Tour of Our Boarding House

Our girls are like sisters. The bond they forge across their years in the Boarding House is lasting. A St Hilda’s Boarding experience gives you friends for life.

Rachel Stenslunde - Dean of Boarding

A Day in the Life

Every day at St Hilda’s offers your daughter a balance of structure, support, and independence. While each day brings new opportunities, here’s a glimpse into a typical weekday in the Boarding House:

  • 7.00am: Wake-up time. If your daughter has early morning sport or cocurricular commitments, she may start her day even earlier.
  • 7.00am – 8.15am: Breakfast is served in the Dining Room. Girls gather for a nutritious start to the day before preparing for school.
  • 8.20am: Boarders leave the Boarding House and head to class.
  • 8.25am – 3.25pm: The school day begins with Homeroom followed by timetabled classes. Recess  and lunch are provided in the Dining Room and enjoyed with friends in the Boarders’ Courtyard or Great Court.
  • 3.30pm – 5.00pm: After school, your daughter can take part in a wide range of cocurricular activities, from sport and music to art, drama and debating. Afternoon tea is available, with fruit bowls also stocked in common areas.
  • 6.00pm: Dinner is served for all year levels in the Dining Room. The menu is varied and nutritious, catering to dietary needs and preferences.
  • 6.30pm – 8.00pm: Prep time. This is a quiet, supervised period used for homework, assignments, and study, with support from tutors and boarding staff.
  • 8.00pm onwards: After prep, girls enjoy downtime. This may include socialising, baking in the kitchenette, watching a movie or enjoying a quiet moment to recharge.
  • Bedtime: Bedtimes are year-level dependent, with a quiet wind-down period between prep and lights out to help the girls prepare for rest.

Weekends are more relaxed. Activities range from beach walks, shopping and cultural events to social gatherings with other local boarding schools. Girls are encouraged to help plan weekend activities, with extended Saturday bedtimes and slower Sunday starts.

A Home Away From Home – A Boarder’s Perspective

Meet Neve, a Year 11 boarder at St Hilda’s, whose daily routine combines academic rigour and the unique camaraderie within the boarding house walls. In this individual profile, Neve shares insights into the life of a boarding student, from the early mornings filled with the hustle of breakfast and prep to the late-night study sessions and the friendships that become a second family. 

Join us as we delve into the world of boarding life through Neve’s eyes and discover the challenges and rewards of living and learning as a boarder at St Hilda’s.

Neve’s Story

“When I began as a boarder at St Hilda’s, I didn’t know what to expect. The idea of living away from home was both exciting and a little daunting. This quickly changed as I realised St Hilda’s has become more than just a school; it’s become my second home.

Being a boarder at St Hilda’s isn’t just about academics and routines; it’s also about the incredible experiences and opportunities we create together. One of my favourite parts of boarding life is the spontaneous adventures with friends. There’s never a dull moment, from movie nights in the common room, where we gather with blankets and snacks, to late-night Yochi runs.

Boarding also opens doors to opportunities that enhance personal growth and academic success. The structured environment provides a supportive framework for focusing on my studies, with dedicated study spaces and educational support available. Being surrounded by peers with similar goals creates a motivating atmosphere that encourages us to excel.

Additionally, boarding allows us to participate in various activities, whether ice-skating trips that bring out our competitive sides or beach outings where we relax and soak up the sun. These fun and laughter moments strengthen our bonds, making our boarding community feel more like a family.

Reflecting on my time as a boarder at St Hilda’s, I am deeply grateful. I know I’m privileged to be part of such an enriching environment, surrounded by supportive friends, dedicated staff, and endless growth opportunities. Boarding has been more than just a chapter in my life.

It’s been an experience that has shaped who I am and aspire to be.”

Your Home

Your room includes a large desk space and loads of storage, including a large cupboard with shelves and hanging space, perfect for clothes, belongings and memories of home.

The Boarding House is divided into five sections; Balla Balla, Durack, Molloy, Margaret and Capel; named after areas in regional Western Australia, with each having a designated weekday and weekend supervisor.

Each area has light-filled living and kitchen areas, with breakaway study nooks and cosy seating areas. We have a large recreation lounge area for all years, which is great for weekend cooking and watching movies or footy on the big screen.

Recreational and Cocurricular Activities 

Boarding students have access to over 80 clubs, committees and cocurricular including IGSSA sport.  A weekend Recreational Officer oversees activities and social events including movie nights, discos, cooking competitions, excursions as well as activities organised with other Boarding Schools across Perth.

In addition to planned recreational activities, the girls are free to take walks along the beautiful Swan River or go shopping at the local shopping strips including Mosman Park, Cottesloe and Claremont. As students progress through the year levels, they are granted more freedom for outings outside the boarding house, including shopping trips to Subiaco, Fremantle or the city, or dinner leave for students in Year 12.

Boarding Nutrition

Forget the stereotype of bland boarding food. At St Hilda’s, our award-winning catering team serves fresh, balanced meals every day to keep your daughter energised and thriving.

Recess and lunch are collected from the dining room and enjoyed around campus, while evening meals bring boarders together in the dining hall, fostering a strong sense of community. Flexible breakfast and lunch times mean she can take part in morning sport or lunchtime co-curriculars without missing out on a hearty meal.

And if she’s craving a taste of home, on-site kitchen and food storage facilities are there for her. To support baking with friends on weekends, or just enjoying a warm milo after prep.

Still Have Questions?

Why not book a tour of our Senior School and Boarding House to see how we spark extraordinary futures for our boarders? Or contact our Admissions team on +61 8 9285 4223 where they will be happy to answer any of your queries.

Book a Tour