At St. Peter’s, the Year 9 Morris House Boarding Experience gives students a unique chance to dive into boarding life while taking part in exciting activities, like a trip to Tongariro National Park. This two-week adventure helps students step out of their comfort zones and develop valuable skills like teamwork, self-discipline, and independence.
Johnny, one of the students who recently participated in the first camp, shared some highlights from his time during the experience. For him, the best part of boarding was the immediate access to food after school. "Usually, I have to take the bus home late and get food once I get home, but here, you get food straight away after school!" he said, appreciating the convenience of snacks right on campus.
The trip to Tongariro was another big highlight. Students started work towards their Duke of Edinburgh Award, with hiking through the park being a fan favourite. "The hiking was amazing, seeing wildlife and learning about nature was really interesting, I’d love to do a longer hike," Johnny said.
Johnny also appreciated the structured environment, especially when it came to homework. "Having dedicated prep time every night with the other boarders really helps me focus," he said.
The senior student prefects were another bonus. Johnny compared them to older brothers keeping things fun with challenges like push-ups. They’re always there to check if the younger boarders need a hand with anything, provide mentorship and help them adjust to boarding.
Living in the boarding house also meant spending more time with friends. "It’s cool living with your mates. You get to hang out all the time, not just at school," Johnny said.
Of course, there are duties foreach dorm, like cleaning and doing laundry. For Johnny, this was a new experience. "It’s the first time I’ve done laundry. I’ve never done it at home.”
A massive focus during the two weeks is wellbeing. Bringing self-care practices into everyday life such as exercise, adequate sleep and food that fuels growing bodies and minds. Part of this focus was showing gratitude by each student handwriting letters to their parents, expressing their gratitude and then presenting their letters as part of their end of experience graduation ceremony. During the ceremony, everyone involved receives a Morris badge and certificate of completion.
The Year 9 Morris House Boarding Experience at St. Peter’s goes beyond just showing students what boarding life is like. It helps them grow, form bonds, and develop life skills that will stay with them for years to come. Johnny’s experience shows how impactful this unique program is in shaping students' journeys to help them to be the best they can be.