Boarder Wellbeing
Boarder Wellbeing At Downlands College
Leaving home for boarding school can feel like a big step—for both parents and children. At Downlands, we’re here to support you every step of the way. We understand how important it is to find the right boarding school where your child can truly grow, thrive, and feel at home.
Founded as a dedicated boarding school, care and understanding are at the heart of who we are. While we encourage students to build resilience and advocate for themselves, we also provide a strong network of support to help them thrive and embrace every opportunity.
During their time at Downlands, students have access to programs for not only academic wellbeing, but social and emotional as well, utilising the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart (MSC) ethos to foster a warm environment for growth and excellence.
view our Boarding Handbook
Within Boarding, pastoral care is coordinated by the Heads of House and grounded in the College’s overarching Pastoral Care Framework, which emphasises holistic development—academic, emotional, social, physical and spiritual—so that all students may grow “strong in mind, spirit and faith”.
Our structure enables each boarder to build meaningful and trusting relationships with the staff who care for them daily. House staff provide consistent routines, high-quality supervision and a welcoming presence, while the Head of Boarding, Heads of House, Boarding Staff, Academic Tutors, Counsellors and Health Centre nurses work in partnership to ensure student wellbeing is monitored, supported and strengthened.
At the heart of our boarding community is our dedicated Indigenous Liaison Officer, who plays a vital role in our pastoral care program. The Indigenous Liaison Officer serves as a cornerstone of support, walking alongside our Indigenous students and their families to ensure a smooth and enriching journey far from home.
Our pastoral care approach is also deeply informed by the College’s MSC spirituality, which fosters a spirit of family, gentle relationships and compassionate service to one another.
In this way, Downlands Boarding is not only a place to live but a community where students feel at home supported by caring adults and surrounded by peers who share the journey with them.
As part of the boarding experience, students are given dedicated time after school to engage meaningfully with their homework, revision, and personal study goals. During this time, they have access to our tutoring and mentoring program, where compassionate and knowledgeable staff offer guidance, encouragement, and tailored support in the areas they need it most.
Our commitment to academic excellence means we create an environment that minimises distractions and maximises opportunity.
Your child’s wellbeing is at the heart of everything we do. Our on-site Health Centre is staffed by qualified healthcare professionals, such as registered nurses and a nurse manager, who provide attentive, high quality care every day. From managing medication to responding to illness or unexpected injuries, our team ensures each student feels safe, supported, and genuinely cared for.
In addition to physical health support, Downlands College offers access to experienced counsellors who work closely with both boarding and day school staff. Whether a student needs someone to talk to, help navigating challenges, or ongoing emotional support, our counsellors ensure every child is seen, heard, and understood.
To further strengthen this safety net, medical staff are on-call after hours, ensuring that no matter when a need arises, your child has access to the best possible care.
Community is woven into the rhythm of life at Downlands. As a Catholic Missionaries of the Sacred Heart school, our liturgical life is rich, meaningful, and connected to our MSC identity. Boarders participate in weekly Sunday evening Mass and play an active role in whole school liturgical celebrations throughout the year.
Through this, students are encouraged to take part in outreach and community programs that extend compassion beyond the College gates. These experiences help boarders develop a profound sense of belonging, gratitude, and service values that shape them into grounded, generous, and socially aware young adults.
At the spiritual heart of Downlands College lies a unique and cherished blessing: the presence of an MSC priest serving as our School Chaplain, who lives on-site. This meaningful arrangement embodies our commitment to heart-centred education, ensuring that pastoral support is woven into the very fabric of daily life, extending far beyond standard school hours.
