BOARDING LIFE

“Boarding at Iona has been such an important part in shaping the people we have become…
​​​​​​​it is the most practical gift our parents could have given us” 

​​​​​​​Iona Old Girls, Gisborne

THE IONA BOARDING HOUSE IS A FLOURISHING COMMUNITY WHERE LEARNING, PERSONAL GROWTH
AND EXPLORATION ARE OUR TOP PRIORITIES.

MARIANNE MCKNIGHT

Director of Boarding Welcome

Iona College has an excellent reputation for pastoral care. We believe that girls perform best when they are happy and secure, and we have systems in place to ensure this.

The principle aim of boarding is to give the girls the confidence and skills to be the best they can be, in an environment which fosters achievement, acceptance, respect and individuality.

TUAKANA-TEINA PROGRAMME 

A senior girl is paired with a younger girl to be her buddy and to provide support.

This is a traditional Māori cultural philosophy referring to the relationship between an older and younger sibling.  In the Boarding House, the Tuakana-Teina programme ensures all Year 7 boarders have an older student or Tuakana, someone who is always there, a guiding hand, a friendly face, and a shoulder to lean on. The bond is strong and fosters many close relationships across the year groups. 

WEEKEND ACTIVITIES


Boarders have access to our extensive grounds and facilities after school and on weekends.

The Boarding House is an active environment with girls regularly enjoying outings to the markets, the beach, the cinema and the theatre as well as visits to the surrounding towns and local attractions.

Regular activities also occur with other boarding schools.

EXCEPTIONAL ROUND-THE-CLOCK CARE
​​​​​​​​​​​​​​We offer a warm, safe, happy, nurturing environment.

​​Pastoral care is provided by a team of highly professional and experienced staff who actively work with boarders to develop their empathy, compassion and resilience.

Boarding gives students an invaluable experience of communal living. Our girls learn to live and work together in a setting that encourages a practical concern for others, and promotes the development of skills in organisation, cooperation and independence. It also encourages a strong work ethic and a commitment to the pursuit of excellence in academic work.

NOURISHING MIND AND BODY 

Students learn better when they are eating healthy meals.

​​Students that are well-nourished have a strong correlation to higher grades, better memory and alertness, and faster information processing. ​​​​​For more than ten years Chef Carl has been leading our very special kitchen team who are committed to serving delicious, nutritious and freshly prepared meals in a truly friendly and family atmosphere. They understand the nutritional needs of adolescent girls and the importance of making healthy food choices.  Our boarders are offered a variety of fresh fruit with every meal, delicious seasonal salad choices accompany lunch and homemade soups are also available during the winter term.   ​​​​​​​

BOARDING AND DAY GIRLS ARE UNITED 
Their support for each other is generous and authentic.

Our girls work together, share meals together, and create and succeed as one. They make life-long friendships across territories that offer no barrier; whether from Gisborne or Bangkok.

The harmonious integration of day and boarding school life is a defining characteristic of Iona.


Iona boarders have a clearly defined routine that also accommodates personal pursuits.

​​​​​​​Boarders complete homework (Prep) at set times in the evenings, working in their own rooms or in our modern Information Resource Centre under the supervision of academic staff.

Junior and senior girls are mostly accommodated in private rooms, while our youngest boarders live in shared bedrooms. Rooms and room-mates are changed each term to build new social connections, resilience and tolerance, as well as to promote diversity.