Boarding at St Catherine’s offers many advantages. Families who choose to send their daughters to Illawarra do so for various reasons:  

• Nurture social skills and independence 
• Provide routine and structure 
• Open doors to a wider range of sporting and academic opportunities 

However, the most profound benefit of boarding is the chance for our girls to forge friendships with their peers from diverse backgrounds. Our boarders come from Melbourne, rural Victoria, New South Wales, Southeast Asia, China, and beyond. This diversity enriches their experience and embodies the true essence of boarding. 

From the very first weekend of the school year, our ‘Closed Weekend’ tradition, Illawarra House becomes a close-knit community. New and returning boarders mingle, creating bonds that often last a lifetime. This year, our Closed Weekend had a special Taylor Swift theme, with the girls spending hours making friendship bracelets and assembling a polaroid board that captures moments throughout the year. 

In 2024, we have focused on fostering positive relationships and creating lasting memories. Our boarders have enjoyed various activities, including trips to the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, Queen Victoria Night Market, Bounce, and O’Brien Icehouse for ice-skating. Weekend outings for gelato and bubble tea provided enjoyable breaks from studying, while social events with other boarding schools in Victoria were always eagerly attended. A highlight was the pizza and karaoke party celebrating end of Semester One exams. The entire Boarding House united for over three hours of nonstop singing. Dinner theme nights, complete with themed decorations, have also been a hit. 

What stands out through all these activities and daily interactions is the care, empathy, and kindness the boarders show one another. Their enthusiasm for the ‘Illawarra Spirit’ Award—given to recognise acts of kindness or achievement—and their enthusiastic applause each week for the Award winners reflect this spirit beautifully. 

As we approach the end of the year and prepare to celebrate our graduating Year 12s, our incoming Boarding Captains are brimming with exciting ideas to nurture and expand the Illawarra spirit in 2025 and beyond.