Boarding life

Boarding at Merredin Residential College gives your child the opportunity to attend a comprehensive school from Years 7 to 12. Merredin College offers a wide range of programs, pastoral care, specialist teachers, modern facilities and links to tertiary and industry organisations. It is conveniently located in walking distance from the residential college and is very welcoming to regional students.

Your child’s education is a priority at Merredin Residential College. Our supervisors work closely with teaching and support staff at Merredin College to ensure the academic needs of students are met. We make sure students are supported both at school and at the residential college. Merredin College offers homework classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays weekly, where students can receive extra tuition.

We have specified study times each weekday. Students are encouraged to study in their rooms, but they can also do group study in common rooms when appropriate. Wi-Fi is available for students to research and access information they need to complete school work.

The college is your child’s home away from home while they attend secondary school. Your child is supported by staff to ensure they have a positive and happy experience while they live away from their family. We understand their social and emotional development is just as important as their academic development, so we create a caring and nurturing environment.

Our supervisors are dedicated to meeting your child’s individual needs. They develop strong relationships with students and make themselves available at any time. They make time for one-on-one discussions so your child can talk about any concerns or share their positive experiences. Supervisors are also actively involved in group activities and help to foster friendships between students.

Your child is encouraged to live a healthy lifestyle while boarding at Merredin Residential College. We provide opportunities to be active, belong to clubs, eat and sleep well and access any medical care they may need.

Merredin has several sporting teams, including football, netball, tennis, hockey, basketball, golf, bowling, swimming and cricket. There is also a recreation centre and a community swimming pool. We encourage students to participate in community sport and we provide transport to venues. Students also stay active by swimming in our pool at the college or playing basketball at our indoor or outdoor courts.

When it comes to meals, we have a healthy choice policy at the college. Our experienced cook provides for all dietary requirements. On school days, students take a packed lunch. All other meals are provided in the dining room. Our meal plans are in line with the Fresh School Nutrition Advisory Program, FreshSNAP. 

For an idea of the meals we provide, refer to our Term 4 2024 dinner menu.

The residential college provides a wide range of recreational activities. Your child can enjoy swimming in our pool, watching movies in their lounge room or TV in the common room. The can also play pool, table tennis or X Box as well as hanging out with friends or participate in games or activities organised by the supervisors. Sporting activities include basketball, netball, indoor and outdoor cricket, football, soccer and working out in our gym.

Our college is close to community facilities. Your child can access ovals and the recreation centre as well as tennis, basketball and netball courts after school and on weekends. We encourage students to use the community facilities and join local sporting teams.

Your child can also go on excursions to Perth and other locations. We visit the city at various times during the year to enjoy sporting events, shopping, restaurants, exhibitions or special events such as Adventure World, Bounce trampoline parks, Darklight Laser Games, ten pin bowling and the Perth Zoo.

Check out all the fun we have planned for this term on our Term 4 activity planner.

Some students may feel homesick when they board away from home. This usually happens when they first arrive and are settling in. We encourage students to speak with supervisors about their feelings or phone home for a chat. Supervisors also try to help students make new friends and feel more at home. Friends from outside of the college are encouraged to visit and, with permission, boarders can also visit friends.

If your child has something on their mind and they would like to speak to someone other than a supervisor, parent or carer, they can seek support from the:

• Kids Helpline
• school/residential college psychologist
• school chaplain
• school nurse
• school youth worker.

If you or your child has any concerns about the residential college, please speak with the college manager. If a student has any concerns they feel they cannot raise with the college manager, they can email residentialstudentcomplaints@education.wa.edu.au.