Frequently Asked Questions
BOARDING FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What year levels can board at St Hilda's?
Boarding is available for all girls from Years 7 to 12.
Can we visit the School and Boarding House before enrolling?
We encourage you to tour the School and Boarding House at a time that suits you. The Admissions team can be reached at 9285 4100 or by email at enrol@sthildas.wa.edu.au.
How can we aid our daughter's transition to boarding life?
Transitioning to boarding represents a significant adjustment that warrants a thorough family discussion. To gain insights, it can be beneficial to review the Boarding Handbook, have conversations with our Dean of Boarding or your daughter’s Head of Year, and engage with other families who have boarding experience.
Our Boarding House fosters an environment where girls can build enduring friendships, starting with mutual support as they adapt to boarding life. We support this transition by offering opportunities that help girls build self-esteem, skills, and independence. We encourage our boarders to take responsibility for their actions and to coexist peacefully with their peers. An engaging social and cocurricular program keeps the girls occupied and stimulated, aiding in a smooth adjustment to their new surroundings in a supportive atmosphere and encouraging parental participation.
What happens after school at the Boarding House?
After school, girls typically have time to participate in cocurricular activities, do homework and engage in social activities organised by the Boarding House.
What activities are available to boarding students during the school week?
Boarding students can access over 70 clubs, committees, and cocurricular activities, including IGSSA sports.
What activities are available to boarding students on the weekend?
A weekend recreation team manages weekend activities and social events, such as movie nights, discos, cooking competitions, excursions, and joint activities with other Boarding Schools in Perth. In addition to structured recreational activities, the girls can enjoy walks along the scenic Swan River or visit local shops in Mosman Park, Cottesloe, and Claremont.
As the girls advance through the Year levels, they are given increased independence for pre-approved outings beyond the boarding house, including trips to Subiaco, Fremantle, or the city.
Who supports the boarders academically and pastorally?
The Dean of Boarding, Rachel Stenslunde, and her team comprise a range of experienced supervisors, also called ‘house mums’ by the girls.
The boarding team serves as the primary point of contact for the girls, guiding them through their academic and personal development during adolescence. Additionally, academic tutors support the girls in various subjects and offer assistance as needed. The boarding team is dedicated to helping students develop strong learning habits through structured and supervised homework and study sessions on weeknights, with one staff member assigned to each year’s group. Additionally, students can access the library and school services in the mornings, afternoons, and evenings.
Additionally, St Hilda’s has onsite school psychologists and a chaplain available to support the girls with any challenges.
What about transport?
You never have to worry about who will pick up your daughter from the airport, train, bus station or even who will take her to an appointment, as we will always ensure your daughter is safely transported and appropriately accompanied when needed.
Is there a health centre?
Our Health Centre, situated within the Boarding House, is staffed by a team of registered nurses from early morning until night and is available on-call 24 hours a day. The Health Centre team handles medical appointments for all boarders and organises transportation to these appointments as required.
The Health Centre staff offer emergency nursing care, primary health assessments, referrals to appropriate health specialists, health education, and pastoral support. Our skilled Health Centre team assists students in adjusting to the boarding community and is always accessible.
Are girls allowed to have visitors / leave the Boarding House on weekends?
Visitors of the girls who have signed in are always welcome in our Boarding House. Girls can check out with approved hosts, enabling them to spend time with their day-school friends and family in Perth.
What is the communication like between the Boarding House and parents/caregivers?
In alignment with our duty of care practices, the Boarding House employs an electronic leave management system, enabling parents to receive immediate and current information about their daughter’s location and planned activities. By maintaining close communication among parents, guardians, day school and boarding staff, and the girls, we can support the success of our boarders.
We also recognise the importance of open communication between parents and the Boarding House. We aim to inform parents about their child’s progress through regular updates, parent-boarding House meetings, and various school events. We believe in fostering a partnership that allows us to collaborate in the best interest of each student’s success.
What are the dorm rooms like at a Boarding House?
The Boarding House has five sections. Each area has light-filled living and kitchen areas, breakaway study nooks, and cosy seating areas. We also have a large recreation lounge area for all ages, which is excellent for weekend cooking and watching movies or the footy on the big screen.
The girl’s rooms include ample desk space and storage, including a large cupboard with shelves and hanging space, perfect for clothes, belongings and memories of home.
What is the food like at our Boarding House?
Our onsite catering team are award-winning, winning silver in the 2024 Education Caterer category at the National Awards!
The Boarding House provides all snacks and meals in the school dining hall, with menus designed to meet students’ nutritional needs.
Throughout the school day (recess and lunch), boarding students collect their lunches and snacks from the dining area and can eat anywhere on campus, often joining their day-school peers. At night, boarders come together for shared meals in the dining room. The flexible breakfast and lunch schedules allow students to engage in extracurricular pursuits while ensuring they have time for nutritious and fulfilling meals.
Beyond the regular meal services offered at breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snack times, the boarding facility provides storage and cooking amenities that the students can utilise under supervision during weekends. This setup allows the girls to indulge in homemade treats, from preparing milo in the afternoon to baking muffins on weekends, fostering a sense of home away from home.
What if my daughter has dietary requirements?
Before your daughter’s arrival, it’s essential to inform the boarding staff about any specific allergies or dietary requirements they may have.
Who does the laundry?
All washing and laundry are included in the Boarding fees (*minimum 2-night stay).
Can you get financial aid for Boarding?
Boarding Scholarships are awarded to girls from rural, regional, or remote Western Australia entering Year 7 who display academic excellence and the ability to shine in an area of interest, such as music, sport, dance/drama, or community service.
The Boarding scholarship covers a reduction in boarding fees. It is tenable for a girl’s education at St Hilda’s (subject to satisfactory academic performance and contribution to school life).
You can read more here.
