THE BOARDING ADVANTAGE
Boarding is a unique experience, one that we know most find immensely rewarding and fun. It is a place where boarders can build significant friendships and develop self-discipline and maturity that allow them to fully participate in and contribute to all aspects of College life and beyond.
Whether full or weekly, boarding is a great way of taking the pressure off family life, where parents know that their boys are fully supported in a safe and secure environment and are encouraged to be the best that they can be.
Full Boarding
Just under half of our boarding community are full boarders who come from all over regional Hawke's Bay, Gisborne, Bay of Plenty, Taupo and beyond. We also have a growing international student roll who add significant value and diversity to the boarding community.
Full boarders can arrange their own exeats in addition to those on the calendar. When in residence the boys are kept exceptionally busy with weekend team sports and organised activities as well as downtime with their boarding friends. A massive brunch is served on Sundays.
At all times the boarders are supported by an exceptional team of staff, most of whom live on the College campus.
Weekly Boarding
Demand for weekly boarding where boys live at school Monday to Friday has significantly increased over the years. This is a reflection of parents' realisation of the benefits of what we call the ‘boarding advantage’.
It is convenient for many families: they do not have to do the evening pickups after sport or music lessons, or worry about dinner, washing and homework. For the boys it provides extra opportunities for wide involvement in sporting, cultural and House activities, extra supported academic study and access to all facilities.
At the end of the week, boys can look forward to enjoying quality weekend time at home. For many it provides the best of both worlds.
THE BOARDING ADVANTAGE
Boarders are advantaged:
they get an enhanced experience of the Lindisfarne education;
enriching their personal growth, as they learn to get on with others, developing resilience, independence, a sense of self and identity.
They get all the academic support they need to succeed:
with access to academic tutors every evening, routine evening prep classes and in-dorm study for seniors.
They are given every opportunity to be the best that they can be.
They are spiritually connected:
the College Christian Dimension plays a part in their journey through understanding the many facets of who they are.
They are culturally engaged:
on their door step they have access to music practice
studios, performing arts centre, instruments and tuition.
Boarders have anytime access to sporting facilities:
expansive playing fields, swimming pool, gym and fitness centre; timely access to sports practice. Many have the ability to play in multiple codes during a season and transport is provided to the many local competitions.
Their health and well-being is our priority:
we understand the need to eat well and sleep well plays a crucial role in their personal and physical development. Our boarders eat a healthy, balanced diet, they sleep well and play compulsory and co-curricular sport.
Jordan Hardie - Head of Boarding
One of Jordan’s earliest memories as a boarder is how prefects used to come and chat with the junior boarders just before lights out, a tradition he has revived since becoming Head of Boarding.
His towering yet genial presence (he’s a lock for the 1stXV) must be reassuring for youngsters away from home for the first time.
He also ensures he has time to join in some after-school sporting activities with the younger boys, be it a casual game of touch or a general kick around.
It’s all designed to make their boarding experience as enjoyable as his 5 years have been.
Although he doesn’t rule out a return to Dannevirke one day, next on Jordan’s agenda is studying Architecture at Canterbury.
Profile: Laurent Simutoga
Assistant Boarding Manager
They say that opportunity knocks but once, so when Laurent Simutoga, who was touring with the New Caledonia Under 15 rugby team in 2003, was offered a place at Lindisfarne, he jumped at it.
Sadly he was unable to persuade his father to agree: Laurent was just 2 years away from graduating with his International Baccalaureate, and dad wanted him to complete his studies.
But forewarned is forearmed, and when the approach was repeated the next year, Laurent had prepared an entirely more persuasive set of arguments. His father agreed, somewhat reluctantly, and so began a whirlwind journey which took him from New Zealand to France and back once again to New Zealand; back, ultimately, to Lindisfarne, somewhere he sees as a second home.
Fast forward to 2018 -
Laurent is a fixture at Lindisfarne. He coaches rugby, including the sevens team he takes to New Caledonia every year. He leads a College Pasifika performance group, and he keeps an eye out for the growing contingent of students from New Caledonia and other Pacific islands spending time at Lindisfarne. Laurent was actually the very first New Caledonian import, the pathfinder, and he is proud of being the beginning of an important tradition.
Laurent is a loyal Old Boy and a fine example and inspiration to boys regardless of their heritage. As a mentor to youngsters from the islands, Laurent tells each and every one of them to make the most of the many opportunities Lindisfarne creates for them. It was, he says, the biggest opportunity of his life, and he will always be glad he took it, even if it was at the second time of asking!
Boarding Managers
Management and Supporting Staff
Mr Matthew Ahern
Director of Boarding
2019
Mr Glen Petersen
Director of Boarding
027 479 7524
Mr Laurent Simutoga
Assistant Boarding Manager
Mr Jock Millar
Assistant Boarding Manager
Mr Brett Payne
Assistant Boarding Manager
Social Sciences Teacher
Prep Teacher/other Support Staff
Ms Bec Joll
Dr Flemming Kristensen
Mr Milarn Smith
Mr Greg Fall