Residential Life
St Brendan's College has been specialising in the provision of Residential Care for young men since 1940. With such a wealth of experience, we understand the unique needs of our boarding students and their families. Our qualified and experienced staff aim to provide a level of care that resembles that of a family home.
Specifically, the Residential Community of St Brendan's College aims:
- To be a caring, nurturing community founded in the virtues of love, acceptance and tolerance.
- To reach out to all young people, engage them on their own terms, accept them as they are and yet challenge them at all times to be the best person they possibly can.
- To develop a strong sense of community built on the ideals of faith and service, where the young person has scope and support to develop physically, intellectually, socially, emotionally and spiritually.
- To provide an atmosphere of dignity and respect for all based on clear values of faith and personal spirituality.
- To encourage all members to grow in faith, love and respect by providing opportunities for community service and leadership.
The focus is strongly pastoral and is founded on sound educational and spiritual practices developed specifically for young men. The formation programs are responsive to the ever-changing needs of the modern teenager while respecting the necessity for strong moral and behavioural standards. New Year 8 students are welcomed to the school through the "Big Brother Programme". Throughout his first year, each Year 8 student is mentored by his Year 12 Big Brother through a series of formal and informal contacts.
The daily routine for each Residence is controlled and supervised by Heads of Residence and their Deputies. They are well supported by a trained team of supervisors to ensure comprehensive duty of care. Supervisors live on site, have "Working with Children" clearances and receive professional development regularly each year in the latest strategies and innovations in Residential Care.
Each Residence is serviced daily by a team of cleaners and maintenance personnel. The Waterford Dining Complex boasts the latest food services to satisfy the nutritional requirements of our boarders. Laundry is conducted once a week for each Residence and the boarders are also educated in basic home care skills like bed-making and room cleanliness.
The students' educational needs are well catered for with individual and group areas for study and lesson preparation. All Residences provide compulsory supervised study sessions six days a week and provide time and facilities for more study if required. The College's Learning Support Department assists residential staff in tailoring programs for students with special needs.
In addition to the sporting programs offered, the College employs a Recreation Officer to organise activities for students on weekends.
