At St Mary’s DSG, we regard the spiritual well-being of all the boarders to be of the utmost importance. The director of boarding, nursing sisters, counsellors and chaplain, as well as all the boarding staff, are available if a boarder or her parents need advice, support or encouragement, and boarders are encouraged to contact any of them in times of personal need.

The counsellors, chaplain and nursing sisters are directly accessible to students during the day and through the boarding staff at night and on weekends.

If parents have any concern about their daughters, they may contact any of these staff members at any time to discuss the issue. Counselling is available through the director of boarding, the nursing sisters or the counselling centre.

For girls to develop a sense of belonging, it is important for them to share experiences with others in the boarding house.

Such experiences occur in a structured environment but, more importantly, in the course of everyday boarding life. For this reason, it is important for the girls to spend time with others in the boarding house, rather than isolated in a cubicle playing on a computer or their cellphone.

We do not expect all boarders to be the best of friends, but we expect everyone to show respect for others in all they do and say. Rules are necessary to ensure that the boarding house runs smoothly and the girls are happy and comfortable.

Dormitory and boarder leaders, house mothers and the director of boarding are committed to addressing and resolving any challenges within the dormitory or boarding environment. If necessary, the director of boarding and the deputy head of school will engage with individuals requiring additional support to adhere to the boarding and school expectations outlined above.