Your child's academic, social, physical and emotional development is at the centre of everything we do.
From the day your child arrive at Merredin Residential College, they are part of our boarding family. We look after them as we would our own and ensure they have every opportunity to pursue their academic and personal interests and are well supported during their teen years.
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 within walking distance from the College and is very welcoming to regional students.
Your child’s education is a priority at the Merredin Residential College. Our supervisors work closely with teaching and support staff at Merredin College to ensure their academic needs are met and they are supported both at school and at the residential college. Merredin College offers homework classes Tuesday and Thursday weekly, where students can receive extra tuition.
At the College, we have specified study times each week day. Students are encouraged to study in their rooms, but they can also study in groups in common rooms when appropriate. WI FI is available for students to research any subject matter.
The College is your child’s home away from home while they attend secondary school. They are well supported by staff and fellow students 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 them 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 in Merredin. They are also actively involved in group activities and foster friendships between the 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 have access to any medical care they may need.
Merredin has a number of sporting teams, including football, netball, tennis, hockey, basketball, golf, bowling, swimming and cricket. There is also a recreation centre and community swimming pool. Students are encouraged 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.
The residential college provides a wide range of recreational activities. At the College, your child can enjoy swimming in our pool; watching movies in their lounge room or TV in the common room; playing pool, table tennis or X Box; hanging out with friends and participating 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.
Being in the Merredin, the College is near community facilities. Your child is able to access ovals; the recreation centre; and tennis, basketball and netball courts after school and at weekends. We encourage students to be active and use the community facilities to join local sporting teams.
Your child will also enjoy excursions to Perth and other locations. We visit the City at various times throughout the year to enjoy activities such as sporting events, shopping, restaurants, exhibitions or special events such as Adventure World, Bounce, Dark Light Laser, Ten Pin Bowling and the Zoo.
Sometimes students feel homesick when they board away from home. This usually happens when they first arrive and are settling in. Students are encouraged to speak with supervisors about their feelings or phone home for a chat. The 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 the matter is not resolved after you speak to the college manager, please phone the Department of Education’s Manager, Residential Colleges on 92645432.