Get off to a strong start with Churchie boarding

This is sponsored content for Anglican Church Grammar School

Starting at boarding school can be a challenging experience.

However, for boarders at Churchie, in Brisbane, the transition to boarding is nurtured through support and environments designed especially for Year 7- providing a strong start to boarding life, says director of boarding Jason Wynne-Markham.

"Since 1912, Churchie has held boarding at the heart of its community. Churchie's boarding precinct is located on an inner-city campus in East Brisbane providing access to all the services and opportunities of a thriving world city. Year 7 boarders have a purposefully designed residence that allows them to settle into boarding life with their peers, forming strong bonds that'll develop into lifelong friendships," Mr Wynne-Markham said.

He believes the Year 7 experience is a great success.

"When the boys first arrive, they're nervous - as you would expect as a 12-year-old boy to be. However, being in a separate area, the Year 7's become confident young boys, and that supports them when they join the main boarding houses when they begin Year 8."

Year 7 students are assigned a Year 12 buddy to help during their crucial first few weeks in boarding. They are a friendly face who can answer their questions about boarding and school life throughout the year.

Lochlan Fraser said his buddy helped him get ready and showed him around the school.

"It took me a day or two to feel settled into what was happening and to know the routine," Lochlan said.

Housemothers provide a vital additional level of support to the boys. They help the boys find their feet, providing for many of the day-to-day needs.

Roly Arnell loves having a housemother.

"For a lot of people, leaving home and leaving their parents is a really hard thing, so having another mother that takes care of you is very good," Roly said.

Housemothers also provide a lot of the home comforts that the boys miss while living away from their families, for which Riley Wondergem is thankful.

"On the weekends, the housemothers make toasties for us and we usually do some cooking with them, like making scones, which is good," Riley said.

Mr Wynne-Markham says that staff recognise the challenges that boarders face and enjoy caring for young men.

"With the right levels of support and guidance from staff, along with the positive relationships that our boys build with their peers, Churchie Boarders develop a strong sense of belonging.

"With belonging comes a strong sense of self and good self-esteem.

"It's only once we have this balance that a young man will fulfil his potential."

Staff are also available to assist the boys with their academic work, with teachers providing extra assistance during study time each evening.

"We go up to the library every night for prep. So you can get lots of help from teachers and you can read books and improve your academics," Roly said.

Weekends and afternoons offer plenty of opportunity for leisure and fun.

Louis Brown said they've been go-karting, visited trampoline and water parks, and played laser tag

"We've gone to watch footy games as well," Louis said.

Anson Qu said there are also many recreation activities available on campus.

"We can work out in the gym, fish in Norman Creek, play basketball, swim in the pool and play footy on the ovals," Anson said.

Roly has also been impressed by the opportunities at Churchie.

"There's a lot of sporting opportunities, academic, music...so you can do whatever you want really and try lots of new things."

Riley's advice for future students is to make the most of all opportunities.

"Come and don't make a waste of it. Take everything in, do everything you can."

This is sponsored content for Anglican Church Grammar School