Iona Old Girls, Gisborne
Their support for each other is generous and authentic.
Our girls work together, share meals together, and create and succeed as one. They make life-long friendships across territories that offer no barrier; whether from Gisborne or Bangkok.
The harmonious integration of day and boarding school life is a defining characteristic of Iona.
An exceptional standard of round-the-clock care is provided by a team of highly professional and experienced staff who actively work with boarders to develop their empathy, compassion and resilience.
Boarding gives students an invaluable experience of communal living. Our girls learn to live and work together in a setting that encourages a practical concern for others, and promotes the development of skills in organisation, cooperation and independence. It also encourages a strong work ethic and a commitment to the pursuit of excellence in academic work.
Boarders’ complete homework (Prep) at set times in the evenings, working in their own rooms or in our modern Information Resource Centre under the supervision of academic staff.
Junior and senior girls are mostly accommodated in private rooms, while our youngest boarders live in shared bedrooms. Rooms and room-mates are changed each term to build new social connections, resilience and tolerance, as well as to promote diversity.
Iona College has an excellent reputation for pastoral care. We believe that girls perform best when they are happy and secure, and we have systems in place to ensure this.
Their psychological wellbeing is every bit as important to us as their physical health.
The Boarding House is an active environment with girls regularly enjoying outings to the markets, the beach, the cinema and the theatre as well as visits to the surrounding towns and local attractions.
Regular activities also occur with other boarding schools.