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Student Support

Boarding House staff are accessible at all times to meet the physical, social, emotional and cultural needs of Boarders.

A strong school support structure is provided in the form of pastoral care. There is a staff member available during prep to assist with homework queries.

Homesickness

We recognise that in most cases the Boarding House experience is the first time that students have lived away from home.

This can cause anxiety for both students and their families.

It is natural for the girls to feel homesick and this can last for a few days to a few weeks. These feelings usually subside as girls develop new friendships and become familiar with new surroundings and routines. Our staff are sensitive to the emotions and needs of girls especially when they first arrive. We liaise closely with parents at all times, especially if we have any concerns.

Parental Involvement

Parents and Boarding House Staff share responsibility for girls while they are living in the Boarding House.

It is important that parents and Boarding House staff work together to ensure consistency of expectations in student behaviour.

Catering

Our caterers provide a broad range of interesting food every day, including Irish, international and vegetarian fare.

There is always a good selection of full and light meals available. At weekends we make a special effort to give our Boarders the food they enjoy most– with some special treats and a different menu appropriate to their leisure time.

Boarders also have access to cooking facilities in their wing of the residence house so they can prepare snacks and light food when they need to and so that they may begin to think independently about their own care.

Guardians

Each international student has a local guardian who takes an interest in her student’s work, progress and welfare and who reports back to her parents.

It provides great peace of mind to have someone locally who can stand in for parents when needed, and who can help and advise the student as an experienced guardian. The College can provide a list of experienced guardians on request.

Visitors

Boarders may receive visitors at the following times:

Monday to Friday – 4:00 pm to 5:30 pm

Saturday and Sunday – 10:00 am to 5:30 pm

This is dependent on public health restrictions. On arrival and departure, all visitors must report to the Boarding House staff on duty. Visitors must enter and depart through the main foyer. Written parental permission is required for a student to go on outings alone.

A 3D rendering of a long white brick building with a grassy lawn in front.
The sun rises over two brick school buildings, with a tree in the foreground, autumn leaves on the ground, and bikes outside.