A safe, caring place to live, learn and enjoy

This is advertiser content from St Stanislaus' College.

For over 150 years St Stanislaus' College has been caring for boarders and their families.

The Bathurst school fondly known as Stannies, is not only the oldest Catholic Boys' Boarding School in Australia but it is also the only Vincentian school in the country.

While the school has a strong heritage, it is one with a focus very much on the future.

Geoff Melville, Deputy Head of College says a Stannies education is about preparing young men for a promising life after school.

The foundation for this is a focus on the four Cs.

Communication, collaboration, creativity and critical thinking.

Qualities essential for those joining the workforce of tomorrow.

The school achieves outstanding academic results, but there is more to learn here than just the ability to pass exams.

Pupils leave Stannies as successful yet caring members of the community. Many progress to university, while others take up apprenticeships or go back to the land.

The breadth of curriculum is outstanding and includes agriculture, a trade centre and automotive technology. As an all-boys school, the education is specifically crafted to suit the needs of boys.

There is also a varied co-curricular program, equestrian and agricultural program and involvement in the St Vincent de Paul Society and other social justice programs.

Stannies is now taking enrolments for years seven to 12 from 2021 and beyond and there are many compelling reasons to consider boarding here.

From the very start, Stannies staff work with the young men coming to boarding for the first time and their parents and families, to make the experience a rewarding and memorable one.

Stannies is part of the Vincentian community, a community which embodies the spirit of St Vincent de Paul and encourages students to do the same.

The Vincentian Philosophy of Education seeks to proclaim the Gospel in the spirit of St Vincent de Paul and in so doing, to form people that they may bring the Good News to the poor and stand with them in solidarity.

"The principles lived out at Stannies assists our young people to develop a personal integration of faith and life," says Mrs Marjory Shales, Head of Boarding.

"Stannies boarding staff strive to ensure the boarding environment is one which reflects a caring, family-like environment based on trust, cooperation and open communication.

"Each student will have the opportunity to enjoy a wide range of activities from academics to sports as well as social and cultural experiences, develop into mature young men, find their own independence and build life-long friendships.

"It is hoped that by the time your boarding journey has concluded at Stannies, your son will leave as a Stannies Man with a sense of belonging and will be a valued member of the St Stanislaus' College community," said Mrs Shales.

Year 9 boarder, Isaac Barrett says that his experience of boarding at the school has helped him grow into a respectful, young independent man who is more tolerant of others.

"With our parents not being around, they can't help you with every little problem so you need to learn to be more independent," says Isaac.

"Since being at Stannies my confidence in academic and sporting commitments have grown. I think the key to success is to believe in yourself and Stannies has certainly allowed me to trust myself a lot more."

Boarding provides life experience and teaches expectations in a safe and caring environment.

Stannies understands that boarding cannot be the same as living at home, as it is communal living. The aim is to instill life values like friendship, honesty and respect in ourselves and others.

Boarding House staff are available throughout boarding hours through a dedicated mobile phone service.

Parents and teaching staff regularly communicate through email and the College distributes a fortnightly Newsletter and regular updates via social media platforms to ensure parents are kept informed of current events both in the classroom and co-curricular pursuits.

Stannies staff visit boarding families in NSW country regions each year. These visits present opportunities to connect with current parents, meet new and prospective families, as well as connecting with the College Old Boys' community.

This is advertiser content from St Stanislaus' College.