B oarding schools such as Brisbane’s St Joseph’s Nudgee College are experiencing a resurgence in popularity as they adapt to the ever-changing and diverse academic and emotional needs of boys. The private Catholic school is spearheading a charge to create a life for its boarders that not only provides them with guidance and nurturing from house mums, but with the skills they need to develop independence, positive relationships and a strong sense of self. Such is its reputation for giving young men a seamless boarding experience, boys from Townsville, Cairns, Western Queensland, Northern NSW, the Sunshine Coast, and even as far away at Papua New Guinea, now call Nudgee College their home away from home. “We believe that if boys are happy they are more likely to succeed in their academic, sporting, spiritual, cultural and social justice pursuits,” says Christian Oneto, Dean of Boarding at the college. “It’s our mission to work in partnership with parents to ensure Nudgee College provides the platform for boys to grow into positive, well-balanced and mature young men who are ready for life beyond school.” Mr Oneto says in addition to the holistic support the boys are provided by boarding staff and house mums; many teachers give their time during study sessions to support the boarders academically.

College Vice Captain Lawson Saurels, in Year 12, left his Northern NSW home to start boarding in Year 7 and says this experience helped him to successfully settle into life as a boarder before his all-important senior years. “That is truly where the friendships and bonds start to be created,” he says. “I felt I was helped and supported well as a younger boarder.” Year 11 student Izaac Fiorini was living in Dubai before he moved into Nudgee College boarding when he was in Year 7. His father had also boarded at the college, and Izaac says he felt privileged to continue that tradition. From fast-making friendships to getting the hang of community living by the end of his first year of high school, Izaac says there are many benefits to his early start in boarding. “From endless sleepovers with your mates, to waking up five minutes before morning training, boarding is also just such a convenience for everyday life and study,” he says. “Starting off in Year 7 has helped shape me, in good times and in bad, into a true Nudgee College man.”

Both boys admit that boarding school can be daunting but that the best way to adjust is to just get involved and have a go. “From academics to sport, and even supporting others through their sports and extracurricular activities, it is imperative that you get involved,” Izaac says. “You meet new people and time goes a lot faster when you’re having fun. There’s always a calling to something, so don’t be afraid to put your hand up and give it a go.” Head of Murphy Boarding House, Ben Ralston, spent years guiding and supporting boys as the Head of O’Brien Boarding House; the dormitory for boys from Years 5 to 9. Mr Ralston, also a teacher, says he worked with an assistant head of boarding, two senior supervisors, a house mum and four supervisors to ensure young boarders’ emotional, physical and health and wellbeing needs were met at all times. “When boys begin their high school boarding experience in Year 7, it allows them to form friendships and develop good habits around study and daily routine under the guidance of experienced staff who provide a caring and nurturing environment,” he says. “I have been able to see the transformation of several boarders I looked after in O’Brien who are now flourishing in a senior boarding house,” he said. “I think that being here from Year 7 has helped these young men really feel as though Nudgee College is a second home to them and has allowed them to mature at their own pace, supported by many great role models.”