Welcome to boarding
Since day one, St Catherine’s has been a school for boarders. Now, almost 170 years later, we are still a place where boarders from across Australia make themselves at home and come together to learn, bond and thrive.
Our boarders live in a modern, welcoming and custom-designed home at the heart of our campus. Our Boarding House is a place of belonging, a home away from home and a community where all our girls bring out the best in each other.
Our dedicated boarding staff work hard in close partnership with teachers to foster strong senses of connection and contentment in our boarders, helping them to develop independence, resilience and self-confidence.
We look forward to sharing with you and your daughter everything that St Catherine’s boarding has to offer.
A close-knit, happy family
Life in the St Catherine’s Boarding House is described by our girls as a “sleepover every night,” with boarders living alongside their friends from across Australia and the world. Our boarders become part of a lifelong sisterhood from the moment they arrive. Across year groups, the girls learn from each other and form lasting friendships that they lean on for support throughout their lives.
This is also true of the parents of our boarders. We make sure they are included in our boarding family through regular newsletters, catch-ups, lunches and barbecues. This helps our parents develop strong, lasting bonds that continue long after their time at St Cath’s comes to an end, just like their daughters.
The fact that our parents have entrusted us to care for their daughters is always close to our hearts. This is why the wellbeing and happiness of our students are central to all that we do. Each day, we strive to maintain our nurturing, warm and welcoming environment where every girl feels safe, supported and among friends. We know that students thrive when they feel known, valued and understood, with our caring staff working in partnership with families to ensure that every girl’s experience is positive and enriching.
Caring for
your girls
We have five dedicated boarding staff who live on-site to ensure each girl is well cared for and nurtured throughout her time with us. Our boarders know that staff are available around the clock for support— even if they just want to chat.
We work hard to ensure that our girls feel at home in our Boarding House, with buddy programs, weekend activities and special traditions helping them feel a deep sense of connection to boarding and each other. Although life at St Cath’s can be busy, we ensure our boarders have clear balance between study, rest and play. This structure gives boarders an idea of what to expect each day, helping to reduce anxiety and build emotional stability.
We also maintain strong communication between our teaching and boarding staff to ensure each girl is well supported. Through thoughtful tracking and regular check-ins, we celebrate successes and step in early if extra support is needed. We work together to nurture each boarder’s academic progress, personal growth and overall wellbeing.
A home away from home
As a St Cath’s boarder, your daughter will enjoy full access to everything our campus—and the wider city—has to offer. From floating movie nights in the Aquatic Centre to relaxed strolls through nearby parklands, our Boarding House is ideally situated to give students the opportunity to enjoy a rich variety of cultural, artistic and sporting experiences across our wonderful city.
Most importantly, our Boarding House is a warm and welcoming home away from home for our girls. With comfortable living areas, custom-built bedrooms and a family-style dining room, we have created a space where they feel safe, supported and connected.
Meanwhile, our talented chefs prepare five nutritious and delicious meals each day—almost as good as mum’s cooking. Breakfast and dinner are shared in the dining room, while recess, lunch and afternoon tea are available to take away, allowing boarders to spend time with day school friends and participate in a wide range of cocurricular activities.
A safe and supportive environment
- Comfortable and modern living areas, custom-built bedrooms and a family-style dining room,
- Single rooms for senior students and private double rooms for juniors,
- Round-the-clock support from live-in boarding staff,
- Prep centre with after hours assistance, support and mentorship from teaching staff,
- Guided access to Netflix, smart TVs and WiFi,
- Access to all school facilities including the swimming pool, sports centre, music practice rooms and the gymnasium.
The perfect location
- Two minutes to the lush escape of Centennial Parklands and Queens Park,
- Five minutes to the sand at Bronte Beach,
- 10 minutes to the buzz of Bondi Beach,
- 15 minutes to the heart of the Sydney CBD,
- 20 minutes to the world at Sydney Domestic and International Airports,
Find out more.
We look forward to meeting you and talking more about what St Catherine’s boarding has to offer. Join us at an Open Morning, connect with on the road or contact us directly to organise a visit.
