At The Cathedral School, we pride ourselves on the various levels of specifically designed structures we have in place to offer top-class academic, boarding and social support for your sons and daughters.
Boarding is a unique opportunity to live within and contribute to a strong community and provides, within a Christian environment, an opportunity for the development of character, self-discipline, leadership and initiative, whilst nurturing lifelong friendships.
We, the staff of the school, recognise that boarding is seldom, if ever, the same as living at home, but those children who come prepared to grasp the many and varied opportunities that boarding life offers, thoroughly enjoy the experience and often make friends for life.
Boarders live in modern, air-conditioned dormitories, complete with their own study desk, lockable storage and national broadband internet access. Year 11 and 12 students have private rooms whilst younger boarders share with 1 to 4 other students, but individual areas allow for privacy and individuality.
The Cathedral School is committed to providing the highest standards in boarding accommodation, with 8 million dollars being spent on extensions and refurbishments to both the boys’ dormitory (Akins) and the girls’ dormitory (Sister Frances) in recent years.
The catering staff at The Cathedral School provide boarding students with nutritious and satisfying home-cooked meals, three times a day. Morning and afternoon tea are also provided on school days, and fresh fruit is always available.
Laundry is done on the school premises. Uniforms, casual clothes and towels can be taken to the Laundry daily (Monday to Friday); bed linen is washed on a designated day, once a week.
Boarders pride themselves on their weekly routine which provides stability and a consistency in their work/life balance.
For more information, refer to the Boarding School Handbook or visit the Commencing School page.
Commencing School
There’s never a dull moment in boarding at The Cathedral School! Life outside the classroom is packed with fun, friendship, and plenty of adventure.
Our Activities Coordinator organises an exciting program of events and outings, giving students the chance to unwind, explore, and make the most of everything our region has to offer. Whether it’s heading out with friends, trying something new, or just enjoying time together, there’s always something happening.
Boarders are also encouraged to get involved in local sports teams and clubs. Many of our students take part in Rugby Union, Rugby League, AFL, Basketball, Netball, Hockey, Soccer, Archery, Ice Hockey, Athletics, Tennis, Table Tennis, and Defence Force Cadets.
Boarding life helps students build friendships, independence, and confidence—while learning how to balance school, sport, and social life.
It’s more than just where you live—it’s where you belong.
Choosing a secondary boarding school is a big decision, and we understand that cost can be a factor. To help make this opportunity more accessible, a range of Government support is available to eligible families. Programs such as the Living Away from Home Allowance (LAFHA), Assistance for Isolated Children (AIC), and other state or federal subsidies can offer valuable financial assistance.
For detailed information and how to apply, we recommend visiting the Isolated Children’s Parents’ Association (ICPA) Queensland website. The ICPA is a voluntary, non-profit group that supports equal education access for rural and remote students. Their website provides helpful resources and up-to-date guidance on financial support and application processes.
If Government support isn’t available to your family, you may wish to apply for a scholarship through The Cathedral School’s scholarship program. Scholarships are also occasionally offered by non-government organisations, and the ICPA website is a good place to explore these options.
The Are You Aware factsheet provides a summary of State and Federal allowances that are available to families in rural and remote areas of Queensland, as well as how to apply.
ICPA Queensland is a voluntary and apolitical not-for-profit organisation with 45 branches across the state and over 1200 member families. ICPA members encompass a broad range – those who are regional, rural, and remote, those with children pre-schooling, attending state schools, boarding schools, or Schools of Distance Education, as well as those in the tertiary phase of their education. ICPA membership also includes a variety of individuals and businesses who continue to offer their support to the organisation from the South-East corner and beyond.
The Cathedral School is proud to support ICPA QLD.
ICPA QLD FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE ARE YOU AWARE FACTSHEET
The Cathedral School’s Future Boarders Outreach Program is offered to small schools throughout rural and remote Queensland. Our focus is on engaging students from rural and remote locations as well as those from Indigenous backgrounds.
Find Out More
Cathedral boarders venture beyond our school gates, try new things, meet different people, see different environments, develop independence, and learn and grow from life’s experiences. So whether it be participating in a club sport or playing for a representative team, attending a Cowboys game, joining the cadets or holding down a part-time job; our borders are supported to pursue their interests.
Download your copy of ‘Boarding Life’ to discover how your child can live life to the full.
The Boarding Experience provides a great insight into boarding life and a chance to meet our wonderful staff and friendly boarders. Boarding Experience is scheduled to coincide with our School Open Day and students have the option to stay overnight and depart the following day.
Bookings for the Boarding Experience are essential.
FIND OUT MOREBoarders’ 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.
Holiday Homestay and Boarding Options.
Students applying to enrol at The Cathedral School may deal directly with the school registrar or may use the services of one of our approved education agents.
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