The Exciting Jigsaw That We Call Illawarra

When talking to prospective families about the Boarding House, I often use the analogy of a jigsaw puzzle – it takes many pieces to make a whole. At Illawarra, the jigsaw puzzle begins in the final weeks of January when our housekeepers clean the house from top to bottom, our maintenance staff complete needed repairs, our caterers create their menus and the boarding staff prepare for the return of the boarders.

Our Year 12 boarders are always the first to return at the beginning of the year. This year, their first day was dedicated to their Year 12 Conference and the highlight is always when they return home for the first time in their new ‘blue jumpers’. Despite the warm weather, these new jumpers are always worn on that first day. It is the presence of the Year 12 boarders together with the boarding house staff that form the protective border around the jigsaw.

The day before school commences, we welcome all our new boarders and their families as well as the returning boarders in Years 8 to 11. As everyone is settling into their bedrooms, both boarders and their families are meeting their new roommates or catching up with old friends. There is a real sense of community where everyone helps everyone else. The day concludes with an afternoon tea for the parents and girls with Mrs Carroll and St Catherine’s teachers. The girls then enjoy a barbeque dinner on the side lawn.

The boarders enjoy getting to know one another at the start of the new school year.

As each boarder settles into life at Illawarra, she finds her place in the puzzle. The older boarders teach the younger girls about our customs, and activities are held to help everyone feel a part of the Boarding House. A visit to the Wave Pool at MSAC on the first weekend, student led activities during the Closed Weekend and Chinese New Year celebrations are important events taking place in February. The girls have also enjoyed a cooking afternoon and full encouragement to participate in co-curricular activities both at school and beyond.

St Catherine’s boarders enjoyed the student led activities during the Closed Weekend.

During this term, boarders have volunteered for the Red Cross Doorknock Appeal, represented St Catherine’s at an International Women’s Day Breakfast at Parliament House, played Softball and Tennis, rowed at the Head of the Schoolgirls Rowing Regatta, joined the diving and swimming teams, performed at the Concerto Concert, joined many choirs and ensembles, had their first DAV debate at Scotch College, and joined many clubs at the School. Outside of St Catherine’s, they are also involved in netball and hockey competitions, dance classes, and badminton teams.

The boarders are committed to their studies and each weeknight have a set 90 minute homework session. Tutors assist and mentor our younger boarders and support is available to all the students.

Each term we have a large puzzle underway in the lobby of Illawarra. It is during discussions around the puzzle where all the boarders have the chance to talk, share, laugh and ultimately find their own place in the exciting jigsaw that we call Illawarra.

Mrs Sue Collister, Director of Boarding Services