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Boarding Handbook
Academic Year 2026-2027
Adjusting to Boarding Life
Transitioning to boarding life is a significant milestone. It nurtures independence, confidence, and resilience.
Yet, adapting to new routines, peers, and surroundings can naturally bring moments of homesickness or
emotional unease. In the early weeks, boys may miss their families, find sleep or appetite affected, or
experience occasional irritability, withdrawal, or sadness. These responses are normal and part of the process
of settling in.
At Aitchison College, this period is understood and supported with care. Students are encouraged not to face
these feelings alone but to reach out and talk to their Housemaster/mistress, a trusted teacher, a senior or
fellow student. Sharing experiences, seeking support, and getting involved in life at boarding helps ease
adjustment and builds emotional strength. A College Psychologist is also available for students.
House staff, teachers, and peers play an active role in helping new boarders understand routines, form
friendships, and feel included in school life. Special attention is given to maintaining open communication,
cultural comfort, and personal wellbeing. When needed, the College Psychologist and Medical Team provide
timely assistance for any emotional or health-related concerns.
Adjustment is viewed not as a difficulty to overcome, but as a natural stage of growth, best navigated through
connection, trust, and the supportive community that surrounds every boy.
Residential Life Committee
The Residential Life Committee (RLC) works to strengthen the wellbeing, care, and holistic development of
all boarders at Aitchison College while ensuring alignment and consistency in residential life across the Junior,
Prep, and Senior Schools. The Committee promotes a shared culture of care, clear communication, and
continuity of pastoral support as students transition between boarding houses and schools.
Meeting regularly, the RLC reviews matters relating to boarding culture, student welfare, discipline, and
emerging concerns, and works to promote coordinated practices across the three schools. The Committee also
supports the planning and coordination of cross-boarding initiatives and activities that foster community and
belonging. Operating under the direction of the Principal, it serves as a structured forum for alignment and
strategic development of residential life at the College.
Expectations of Parents
We respect parents’ role and rights, and encourage them to contact us with reasonable concerns, questions,
suggestions or feedback. We are always open to working together to find solutions. Parents are expected to
respect the College rules and regulations that govern the boarding experience, and to trust the boarding staff as
they function in loco parentis while the student is in their care.
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