Boarding at Christ Church

Boarding students sitting on a bench having a conversation

Since 1910

Home Away from Home

Boarders have been a vital part of our school community for more than a century. Coming from regional, national and international backgrounds, boarders contribute to a diverse residential community supported by exceptional pastoral care. In this home away from home, boys form life-long friendships, develop independence and learn the importance of cooperation and empathy in a tight-knit community.

More than 90 students from Years 7 to 12 call Walters Boarding House their home. Overlooking the stunning Swan River, this purpose-built facility offers comfortable, modern living with dedicated dining and recreation areas. Boarders enjoy full access to school facilities, including the gymnasium, both after hours and on weekends.

Boarding students overlooking the Swan River having a discussion

Support and guidance

Residential Staff

At the heart of the boarding program is a dedicated team of qualified professionals who are committed to the holistic development of every student. These professionals provide personalised support to help each boy thrive – academically, socially, and personally.

The Director of Boarding and Year Group Co-ordinators are full-time, experienced teaching staff who oversee the wellbeing of boarders in each precinct. They are supported by Housemothers and Residential Assistants who offer daily care and supervision during the week and on weekends, creating a safe and nurturing environment for all.

Health and wellbeing are a top priority. A modern Health Centre, located right next to the Residential Community, is staffed by registered nurses and offers 24-hour medical support to boarders.

Beyond the classroom, boarding life is vibrant and full of opportunities. Recreational Officer organise a wide range of weekend activities, helping students stay active, build lasting friendships, and make the most of their time here.

Square of Care

Our Pastoral Care Program

Boarders thrive within the unique Square of Care – a dedicated support system that surrounds each boy with guidance, encouragement, and personalised attention.

During the school day, each student is supported by his Head of House and Tutor, who monitor his academic progress and co-curricular involvement. In the boarding house, wellbeing is overseen by a Housemother and Year Group Co-ordinator, who ensure he is safe, settled, and thriving in residential life.

The Director of Boarding and Year Group Co-ordinators play a vital role in every aspect of a boarder’s journey, working closely with parents and teaching staff to provide a seamless connection between school and boarding life.

Boarders are encouraged to participate in external clubs and activities. These experiences help students build friendships and confidence beyond the school gates. Year Group Co-ordinators actively facilitate these important opportunities, ensuring each boarder makes the most of life inside and outside the School.

Two boarders seated on a bed, one with a laptop on their lap

Structured Academic Support

Evening prep (homework) sessions are held on weeknights and supervised to support focused, productive study. Boarders can choose to complete prep within the boarding precinct or in the Academic Resource Centre (ARC), where they have access to a wide range of resources, research materials, and ICT facilities to assist with assignments and projects.

Three boarding students playing pool in Walters Boarding House

Walters Boarding House

Nestled on the banks of the Swan River and next to the School Chapel, Walters Residential Boarding House is a modern, spacious facility providing boarders with a welcoming environment. With clearly defined areas for living, sleeping, studying, and socialising, it offers everything boys need to feel at home.

The boarding house is also home to the Director of Boarding, his family, and four Year Group Co-ordinators and their families – creating a strong sense of connection, safety, and community within the boarding precinct.

Boarding House Virtual Tour

Spaces that grow with your son

  • Years 7 and 8

  • Years 9 and 10

  • Year 11

  • Year 12

When I first started at boarding, I was pretty nervous - everything felt so new. But I settled in really quickly, and now I honestly love it. There are always people around to support me, like the House Mothers and Year Group Co-ordinators. It's easy to make friends, and before long, it feels like home.

Noah Turton

Christ Church Boarder

Recreation Spaces

Recreation Spaces

  • Indoors

  • Outdoors

  • River Precinct

Students playing pool and reading in the Walters Boarding House common room
Students playing pool and reading in the Walters Boarding House common room
A drone shot of the Christ Church Grammar School campus
A drone shot of the Christ Church Grammar School River Precinct

Year 7 Transition Program

On Board Program

When families make the decision for their son to board, we understand this is a significant step. On Board is a transition program, designed specifically for Year 6 students preparing to join Christ Church as boarders in Year 7.

This year-long program provides both academic and pastoral support in the lead-up to the students beginning their residential experience. Strong relationships between the boys, their families, and the Christ Church On Board team are at the heart of its success.

To support learning and develop a connection to the School, incoming boarders receive a school-issued device, giving them access to the online elements of the program. They become familiar with the digital tools used at Christ Church, which builds confidence for them when entering into a new environment.

Throughout the program, students will get to know their future housemates and key staff, including their Year 7 Year Group Co-ordinator and the Director of Boarding, who lead the program. These connections help each student feel part of the boarding community well before they arrive on campus.

The On Board program is designed to help each boy:

  • Develop a sense of familiarity
  • Engage in academic work
  • Enjoy orientation activities

Regional Events and Field Days

Christ Church values every opportunity to meet families in regional locations. The School attends major events such as the Wagin Woolorama and Dowerin Field Days, and visits regions including the Southwest, Northwest, Gascoyne, and Wheatbelt.

Regional Events and Field Days

Christ Church values every opportunity to meet families in regional locations. The School attends major events such as the Wagin Woolorama and Dowerin Field Days, and visits regions including the Southwest, Northwest, Gascoyne, and Wheatbelt.

Boarding staff and students at a Field Days booth
Boarding staff and students at a Field Days booth
Boarding staff and students at a Field Days booth
Boarding staff and students at a Field Days booth
Boarding staff and students at a Field Days booth

Discover more

  • Book a Tour

    Book a Tour

  • Senior School

    Senior School

  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Program

    A Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Program student standing beside his artwork during the 2025 NAIDOC Week art exhibition

    Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Program