To assist our busy families with managing their student’s academic and co-curricular schedules, families may wish to consider Casual Boarding or our Extended Day Student program. 

Many families find casual boarding (four nights or fewer per week on an irregular basis) helps ease the time constraints many of us face every day while providing students time to meet their commitments within a safe, secure and structured environment.

Casual overnight boarding includes an overnight stay, meals, organised study routines, secure computer network access and opportunity to participate in various sporting and cultural pursuits.

Extended Day Program

The Extended Day Student program allows parents to select one of three options:

1. Students can stay at the College under the care of the boarding house from 7am until the conclusion of the study at 8:10 pm.
2. Students may sleep-over at the College for one or two nights. This would be especially useful for students who have early morning commitments to sport, drama, music, Cattle Show team etc. 
3. Extended Day (After School) service runs from 3:10 pm until 8:10 pm only, however parents can elect to collect their child earlier.

The Extended Day Program is subject to availability. A minimum of three school days’ notice is required before using the program. 

Boarding students enjoy the use of the dining room, which is also available to Day students for a small fee. Both hot and cold menus are available for every meal. When students are Instagramming their meals, you know that dining at Downlands has been taken to the next level!

Partnering with Chartwells, the College kitchen and dining areas have been completely refurbished, creating an exciting culinary adventure for students and staff alike.

Chartwells have earned high praise from Downlands Senior students, Ellie, Albert and Mike, “Everything is fresh,” “Every meal is excellent .” “Meals are healthy, and I like it.” Junior students, Kiama and Billy, eagerly look forward to mealtimes, “hot meals on a cold day are the best” says Billy; while Becky says, “It is healthy and colourful and inviting .”

Year 11 student, Abbey, points out that the physical changes to the kitchen, servery and dining areas have had a beneficial effect on students and staff, “Everyone likes coming into the Dining room to eat together. It is nice to eat meals with our Houseparents; it’s like we are at home. The community experience is great, and everyone seems very happy with the great food and relaxed ambience.”

Downlands Principal, Mr Stephen Koch, and Head of Boarding, Mr Ian Bulkin, are delighted with the partnership, “Providing fresh, appealing and nutritionally balanced meals which meet the diverse dietary needs of growing young people is important. Creating an atmosphere where healthy bodies and healthy minds can be nurtured and sustained certainly makes a big difference in building the best learning environment. The smart food program is intended to develop healthy eating habits, and our students are pleased with the fresh, tasty food.”

Manor Canteen Boarder Dining is also available to Day students who may pre-order meals.