Going to a boarding school is a unique experience. You may have heard the phrase "boarding school is an education in and of itself." While a little corny, the phrase is true - living in a boarding school community leads to learning that is just as (or more) valuable than the education you get strictly in a classroom.

In addition to academic development, boarding helps girls build their confidence, independence, social skills, cultural awareness, community spirit, respect of others, self motivation, responsibility and a wide range of interests, in a way that no other experience can.

At Rangi Ruru our aim is to provide a caring, structured and supportive environment in which girls can feel happy and supported in all that they do.

Rangi Ruru has had a boarding community since it opened its doors as a school for young women in 1889 with 18 enrolled students. In 1923 the school moved to its present site and became a Boarding and Day School for girls. Boarding continues to be an important part of the Rangi Ruru experience for around a third of our students. Currently Rangi Ruru's Boarding House is 'home' to 120 girls from Years 9 to 13. Short term or ‘flexi-boarding’ for daygirls is also available.

The House offers Rangi Ruru students a safe, secure and caring environment. This environment will help students focus on learning, discovering and exploring new opportunities and to have fun while they’re doing it! Our boarders come from many different areas of New Zealand and the world, yet they do find a home in our Boarding House, forming a unique community

Our caring staff develop close relationships with the girls and are paramount in helping make boarding at Rangi Ruru a warm, rewarding and enjoyable experience.

Our intention is that every girl should leave our boarding community with:

• a confidence in herself and her abilities
• a good self-image and an awareness of the benefits of a healthy lifestyle
• a love of learning
• an understanding of other cultures and viewpoints and a consideration towards the needs of others
• good work habits, the ability to work in a team and to set and achieve her own goals
• a strong sense of community values
• the social skills and etiquette to get by in any situation
• good leadership skills
• lifelong friendships

Although the conditions of boarding and the needs of boarders have improved substantially over the years, the boarding camaraderie and close friendship developed through shared experience remains unchanged.
 

Boarding Activities
Most Rangi Ruru boarders are involved in either co-curricular sport, cultural or creative activities. There is always something going on in the boarding community.

The Boarding House, offers support for girls to pursue their personal interests and organise many interesting activities throughout the year. Girls are encouraged and supported in extending themselves academically, culturally and physically.

Boarders also have access (by arrangement) to the library, gymnasium, fitness centre, swimming pool and other school facilities after school hours.

There are a number of boarding events through the school year, which help the boarding community to get to know each other better. Parents are encouraged to join our boarding community for special events throughout the year.

During weekends, boarders can take part in a range of activities including trips to the city centre, films, theatre, ski trips, games and outings or regular competitive sporting pursuits.


Health and Wellbeing
One of the key considerations of parents sending their daughters boarding is the emotional and physical wellbeing of their children.

Boarding is a close community. As a community we all contribute to the wellbeing of each other and an ethos of mutual care and concern.

House Managers and Tutors are available 24 hours a day. They have close relationships with the girls and manage to balance the individual's need for a caring, homely environment with the systems and processes needed to manage a home of 120 teenage girls. Seniors and individual students also play an important role in the care of their peers and younger girls.

Girls from each year group are represented on the House Council which enables girls to have both formal input into the decision making process and to plan many events and activities.

Rangi students lead very active lives with their studies and co-curricular activities, so food is an issue close to the heart of the boarding community. Formal dinners are held regularly and girls have an opportunity to celebrate happenings in the House, birthdays and to catch up with each other's news over dinner.

Our qualified chef and catering staff prepare balanced meals with a focus on giving girls all the energy and nutrition they require for their busy lifestyle.

And for the bouts of illness, the House has a three-bed sickbay and a medical room. The House Doctors are readily available and hold surgeries three mornings a week.

Members of the House staff are always available if parents have any concerns or issues regarding their daughter's health or wellbeing.

The House offers Rangi Ruru students a safe and secure environment, in which to focus on their studies, discover and explore new opportunities, and have fun while they're doing it! Our caring staff develop close relationships with the girls and are paramount in making boarding at Rangi Ruru a rewarding, productive and enjoyable experience.