As a School community we warmly welcome Ms Claire van Boxel to St Catherine’s as our Head of Boarding Services. Commencing in January 2024, Claire shares some of her background in teaching and boarding as well as her initial insights into life at St Catherine’s below.

What is your current role (2024) at St Catherine’s?  

I am the current Head of Boarding at St Catherine’s. I am also a Humanities teacher. 

Tell us a little bit about your role?  

As the Head of Boarding, I am responsible for the management and operation of St Catherine’s Boarding House, Illawarra. My primary focus is to oversee the pastoral care of our boarders. I communicate with parents and families as well as facilitating activities and programs to ensure the wellbeing of our boarders. 

I am also responsible for the administrative and organisational tasks that ensure the smooth running of Illawarra. This includes managing leave requests and liaising with caterers, laundry services and other external providers where necessary.  

What is your career background including qualifications?   

I gained a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) from the University of Auckland and a Graduate Diploma in Teaching from the New Zealand School of Education in Christchurch before commencing my teaching career.  

I have taught for over 17 years in both co-ed and single sex schools in both New Zealand and Australia. I have been involved in boarding for over eight years in various roles before commencing as the Head of Boarding at St Catherine’s in 2024.  

What influenced your decision to pursue the career you have?  

I came from a family of teachers so it seemed almost like a foregone conclusion that I would follow the same career path! I was fascinated by history and most specifically the ancient world, which really solidified my decision to become a Humanities teacher.  

My career in boarding happened quite by chance. I was asked to fill in for a staff member on long service leave and I thought it would be an interesting short-term opportunity. It did not take long before I was ready to commit to boarding for the long haul. It has been the most rewarding aspect of my career to date.  

What does a typical day look like for you?  

A successful boarding house is one built around routine and consistency. Nevertheless, no two days in boarding are ever the same!  

The first priority of the day is ensuring all boarders are awake, fed and off to School on time. After the school day ends, there are opportunities to touch base with each boarder, finding out how her day was and ensuring she is feeling supported in the House. Of course, there are always leave requests to approve, outings to plan and laundry and room tidiness to follow up on.  

Some boarders need more support than others, especially when they first begin their boarding journey. It is important as the Head of Boarding to ensure I know when to provide each boarder with that extra care and support.  

What do you believe are the biggest rewards from your role?  

In boarding, you get to know students in a different context. Our Boarding House really is a home away from home. Boarding staff are entrusted with a crucial role in providing a caring and stable residential environment. As such, we get to share in the triumphs and challenges of our boarders and their educational journey. It is a privilege and hugely rewarding to observe the growth in our boarders.   

What do you believe the benefits of boarding are for students?  

Being part of a boarding house builds life skills and resilience in students. With the support of caring staff, boarders develop their independence and confidence. They learn how to problem solve, resolve conflicts, and live cooperatively with others.  

The relationships built in boarding are special. As a boarder you get to know students in other Year levels and from very different backgrounds. You have a special bond and form lifelong friendships.  

The benefits of living on campus and the proximity to, and accessibility of resources on campus also cannot be underestimated. For students particularly from isolated and remote communities, this is hugely significant.  

What do you hope to achieve in the Boarding House at St Catherine’s?  

I hope that I can continue to build upon the strong tradition of boarding at St Catherine’s by maintaining the warm and welcoming character of Illawarra as well as introduce and implement new and innovative ideas.  

I firmly believe in the importance of fostering and encouraging student voice in the Boarding House. This can take many forms – it is not solely about providing leadership opportunities for senior students. I am keen to develop different initiatives that allow for all students to contribute to our boarding community in a meaningful way.  

What strengths do you believe St Catherine’s has as a school?  

St Catherine’s focuses on the wellbeing of each student that walks through the Heyington Gates. It has a future focus and aims to prepare students for life beyond the classroom by empowering and inspiring them. Its commitment to fostering the Values of Integrity, Curiosity, Perseverance, Gratitude, and Empathy combined with implementing an innovative curriculum establishes it as a leading school.  

What strengths does St Catherine’s Boarding House currently have for you to build upon?  

When I first started spending time in the Boarding House last year I was immediately struck by the genuinely sincere and respectful relationships both amongst the girls and between the boarding assistants and girls. Our boarding assistants are empathetic and energetic. I was warmly welcomed by all members of the boarding community.  

There is also a clear focus on the importance of academic endeavour and achievement. Prep time runs very smoothly, and the girls are engaged in their homework. The prep room has a busy and purposeful energy.