Boarder well-being a key focus

There’s no doubt a good night’s sleep can underpin student potential and success.

However, studies show that young people worldwide are having increasingly interrupted and reduced sleep, something which can be exacerbated in a boarding environment, says Director of Boarding, Matt Patt. “At a StACTalk session in Term 2, we enjoyed hearing from the guest speaker, sleep physiologist and sleep researcher, Dr Kelly Dale, who has a particular interest in young people’s sleep and well-being. The advice reinforced some good strategies we have in place to support healthy sleep in our boarders.”

A good routine is critical for teen’s circadian rhythms to ensure they are getting the required nine to eleven hours sleep each night, Matt explains. “Our different age groups of boarders have set bedtimes and no tech in their hands for half an hour before bed. Once they get to bed, the lights are dimmed for half an hour of reading before lights out. One of the big takeaways from Dr Dale’s talk was the importance of a hot shower an hour before sleep time to promote a good night’s rest.”

Boarder well-being has been a strong focus of the boarding management team this year, with food and physical activity also high on their radar. Two food surveys have been conducted in the boarding community, with boarders and parents consulted independently about the food provided to boarders and the way it is delivered, says Matt. “Some great action points came out of the surveys, including menu tweaks based on the feedback, and some changes to operational procedures like how late dinners are managed.”

In addition to boarders’ regular co-curricular activities, extra physical activity is also encouraged. Boarding house social basketball and cricket teams are growing in popularity, and Physical Education and Health teacher, Daniel O’Reilly, has taken over the mantle of former tutor, Jono Oxley, to run the popular early morning ‘BK Run’ and swim squad for boarders. “It’s been great to have Daniel onboard to reignite some of Jono’s initiatives. There are mostly boys in the swim squad, and it’s been great to see girls join the ‘BK Run’ for the first time.”

Well-being surveys also help to identify any concerns boarders might have. A standalone survey is held in Term 1 each year, and the Komodo well-being platform, trialled for some time in boarding, has now also been adopted by the Middle School, with boarders in Years 9–11 having an additional set of boarding specific well-being questions to answer on their fortnightly check in.

As a former Physical Education teacher, Matt values the Māori philosophy of health, Hauora, saying the Te Whare Tapa Whā model represents the importance and interdependence of all areas of well-being; physical, mental, social, and spiritual. “We are continually checking in with our young people and reviewing the ways we support them, to ensure our practice is best practice. It is all part of the holistic experience we offer boarders at St Andrew’s, which is fundamental to our boarding advantage.”