Orientation is a vital process for new students at Cathedral. Students will receive relevant information from the Head of School regarding orientation tours for Junior, Middle, and Senior School students. Orientation is compulsory for International Students.
The Cathedral School welcomes all new International Students to an informative tour of the school after settling into your accommodation.
When you arrive, please report to the Registrar (International Student Coordinator). After you settle into your accommodation, we’ll start your orientation as soon as possible. This includes a school tour and introductions to key staff. You’ll also get your course orientation, which covers your subjects, timetable, and student diary.
Campus Tour:
Meet Relevant School Leaders:
Understanding Your Schedule:
Student Essentials:
You’ll be paired with one or two student buddies to help you get comfortable with the school routines. Additionally, a designated staff member (your Tutor) will oversee your orientation. Remember, orientation for international students is compulsory.
Welcome to our school! We’re here to help you every step of the way.
The Cathedral School is delighted to welcome a number of international boarding students to our school. As they settle into life in Townsville, we invite our school community to extend a warm welcome and support them where possible.
Unlike other students, our international students arrive without family or friends nearby and often don’t know anyone in Townsville before they arrive. Everything is new and different including our way of life, language, weather, culture, food…! This is where our incredible school community can make a real difference, offering friendship, guidance, and enriching experiences.
If you have the time and willingness to support our international students, we would love to hear from you!
Homestay During School Holidays – When the boarding dorms close for the holidays, some students remain in Townsville. Could you open your home to a student for part or all of the break? Hosting simply means welcoming them as part of your family—providing a comfortable room and meals. In the past, students have cherished experiences like visiting rural properties or traveling with families to explore Australia.
To express your interest, please contact our Registrar: registrar@cathedral.qld.edu.au or call (07) 4722 2000.
Supervised Driving – Many of our international students are of age to hold a learner’s permit but struggle to accumulate their required 100 driving hours without family support. If you’re able to supervise a student for an hour of driving on the weekend, this would be a huge help.
Home Visits & Social Outings – A home-cooked meal, a weekend visit, or an invitation to a family gathering (like a birthday or barbecue) can mean the world to an international student. This is a great way for them to experience Australian family life, improve their English, and build confidence in a warm and friendly environment.
To express interest as a weekend Boarding Host, please contact boarding@cathedral.qld.edu.au
Please note that some activities require a valid Blue Card.
I am doing very well at The Cathedral School, and am being well looked after. The school is great fun and the first six weeks have flown by. My host family is super nice and we have already done a lot together. I feel very much at home here in Australia. And I could easily get used to the sea in front of the house! There are very nice people at school and I’ve already made a group of friends. They are all great and fun. Townsville is fantastic because it has beautiful weather, a great beach, delicious restaurants, and much more.
Lilian W.
International Student from Switzerland
All uniforms and stationery items required by students are available at The School Locker Garbutt store, Shop 6/161 Duckworth Street, Domain Central (near Bunnings). For international and boarding students, it is recommended to order uniforms and stationery through The School Locker, and have it delivered directly to the school campus for collection upon arrival. For more information, visit the Uniforms and Booklist pages below.
UNIFORMS BOOKLISTSBoarders’ Travel Day occurs eight times yearly, on the day before and after each term. This day ensures that Boarding and International students arrive or depart on the same day, allowing time for transfer to or from their chosen accommodation.
Depending on flight availability, students travelling through Townsville Airport should book their flights in advance and schedule them for mid-morning on Boarders’ Travel Day. The school offers complimentary airport-to-campus transfers for students who send their travel itineraries in advance.
Early or late arrivals and departures are not permitted.
For international arrivals and departures, Brisbane Airport is recommended as the transfer destination in Australia. A direct flight from Brisbane to Townsville takes approximately two hours.
Please ensure you have read and understood the below policies.
We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land on which we gather, walk, teach, learn and live. We acknowledge the Elders past and present and the care they have given this country.
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