The Boarding Family

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The Boarding Family

Each boarding house is managed by live-in Heads of Boarding who are responsible for the wellbeing of the students in their care. Heads of Boarding are supported by trained, certified staff who assist with the daily running of the houses and ensure that each boarder is made to feel welcome, secure, included and very much part of the boarding family.

Our boarders become part of a wonderful community of fellow students who become lifelong friends.

From the Head of Boarding

Ash Keatch, Head of Boarding

Head of Boarding, Ash Keatch believes that a student’s boarding experience should be rich and rewarding. With 16 years’ experience in boarding at one of Western Australia’s leading independent schools and 17 years in education, Ash says the School’s boarding house will not replace home, however we will look to create an environment where students feel happy, safe, valued and understood as we undertake a co-parenting role.

Boarding provides wonderful opportunities for our students to develop their independence and leadership in a supportive environment, as well as the encouragement of lifelong friendships.

It is imperative that the academic abilities of our students are identified, and opportunities provided for each one of them to be successful in their chosen career pathway.

Close monitoring of each student’s academic and pastoral development thought the Curriculum and Head of House Leadership team both in the day and boarding systems is extremely important.

Providing excellent role models as they grow and develop are a number of families who reside within the grounds of the School. This ensures that there are many people on hand within the community to nurture and inspire boarders.

Ash Keatch

Head of Boarding

Meet the Boarders

It is always great to hear first-hand from our boarders what boarding is like at Launceston Grammar. Here are some boarders providing an insight into their boarding journey so far.
Meet Sarah
What is the one thing you enjoy most about boarding at Launceston Grammar?

One element of boarding I enjoy is the convenience of living on campus and the additional facilities that are available for boarders. Being a boarder allows you to see the School through a different perspective that day students aren’t able to see. 

Has boarding provided you with additional opportunities to make friends and be part of a community? If so, in what way?

Being a boarder has enabled friendships to develop across all age levels and is an aspect of boarding I have appreciated as both a junior and senior student. This is unique to the boarding community as most of these friendships otherwise would not have been so closely formed in the day school. 

What are some of the lessons you have learnt so far as a boarder?

Boarding has helped develop my independence and ability to respectfully live with others. 

What advice would you give to someone who is looking to become a boarder?

Make the most of the environment and helpful staff. 

Meet Warrick
What is the one thing you enjoy most about boarding at Launceston Grammar?

Spending time with my mates; there is a far bigger connection between boarders than any other person in the day school.

Has boarding provided you with additional opportunities to make friends and be part of a community? If so, in what way?

Yes, I was the only person from my primary school to come to Launceston Grammar, so I didn’t know anyone. Being a boarder gave me a far better opportunity to meet the mates that I have today. The fact that we spend so much time together helps us better understand each other becoming closer friends.

Do you have any special memories of boarding at Launceston Grammar that you will take with you when you leave?

Being a younger student running around the school after hours climbing trees and kicking the footy on the oval.

What are some of the lessons you have learnt so far as a boarder?

How to interact with people and also how to do my own washing!

What advice would you give to someone who is looking to become a boarder?

Put your hand up to do activities and don’t be shy as we are all in the same boat as one another.

Meet Julia
What is the one thing you enjoy most about boarding at Launceston Grammar?

I really enjoy the atmosphere in the boarding house. We always have lots of fun with the things we do together after school.

Has boarding provided you with additional opportunities to make friends and be part of a community? If so, in what way?

Yes, I get along very well with the boarders I have been introduced to. I am areally happy about that.

Do you have any special memories of boarding at Launceston Grammar that you will take with you when you leave?

Because this is my first year at Launceston Grammar, I haven’t spent a lot of time with everyone however I hope to do so in the near future.

What are some of the lessons you have learnt so far as a boarder?

As a border I have learnt to deal with problems on my own and have become more independent.

What advice would you give to someone who is looking to become a boarder?

Don’t worry too much, because if you have any problems, the staff are always be happy to help you.

Boarding Prospectus and Boarding Handbook

Boarding Prospectus

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Boarding Handbook

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Meet the Staff

Our dedicated team of staff live within an assigned house and are available to students for support, transportation needs and co-ordinating leave arrangements. They include Ms Zoe Vandervelde who is Deputy Head of Boarding Boys House – Activities and Mr Theunis Pieters, Deputy Head of Boarding Boys House – Academic.

Tutors also reside within each boarding house on a roster system caring for the boarders with four tutors to a house.

Ash Keatch

Head of Boarding

Ash Keatch

Head of Boarding

P: 03 6336 6000

Ashley Keatch starting in 2021 is the Head of Boarding Launceston Church Grammar School

My vision for a healthy boarding community is to promote open, transparent and honest relationships between staff, students and parents where ultimately every person who lives, works or visits the boarding community feels like they belong to a special community within Launceston Church Grammar School.

Ash has more than 17 years’ experience in education, teaching boys and girls from Grades 6 – 12 in Design and Technology. He has been a Curriculum Leader – Technology and a Project Leader Round Square in South Africa and Nepal where he led 50 international students and staff in building 5 classrooms.

He has 16 years’ experience in boarding at one of Western Australia’s leading independent schools, his roles in boarding have included Assistant Residential Head of Year 6 – 8, Residential Head of Student Wellbeing and Recreation Grades 6 – 12 and Residential Head of Grades 10, 11 and 12.

This is Ash and Lisa’s first time living in wonderful Tasmania. They are parents to two beautiful children Katherine 20 years old in her final year of nursing at Notre Dame University in Fremantle WA and Joshua 18 years old, just finished at Scotch College with 2 Honours, 12 Colours and Captain of Keys House. Josh is studying Sport Science and Exercise and Health at UWA.

Theunis Pieters

Deputy Head of Boarding - Academic

Theunis Pieters

Deputy Head of Boarding - Academic

P: 03 6336 6000

What you are studying?

PhD – Sport and Exercise Science

What are your interests in life? 

Helping aspiring young athletes to reach the highest levels possible in their chosen sport by being the best strength and conditioning coach to them that I can be. I love working with students that are motivated and want to be the best version of themselves in their chosen sport. Personally, I love playing sports and am still involved in competitive track running and I play rugby for Launceston’s Premier rugby team, The Tigers.

Why do you like working at Grammar Boarding?

I love the boarding community at Grammar as it has provided me with a sense of belonging and has been my family away from family for the last 3 and half years that I have been at Grammar.

Zoe Vandervelde

Deputy Head of Boarding Boys House - Recreational

Zoe Vandervelde

Deputy Head of Boarding Boys House - Recreational

E: ZVandervelde@lcgs.tas.edu.au
P: 03 6336 6000

What you are studying?

Zoe joined the Launceston Grammar community in 2019 and became a member of the Boarding House team at the beginning of 2021. During the day Zoe works for Cancer Council Tasmania to organise with Women’s 5K Walk/Run and Relay For Life.

What are your interests in life?

Zoe has completed a Duty of Care Certificate in Residential Care and will undertake further training in 2022 to support her role as Deputy Head of Boarding Boys House – Recreational.”

Why do you like working at Grammar Boarding?

During her time in the girls’ boarding house, Zoe has sought to create a home away from home for our students, collaborating with staff, students, and parents to reach this goal. This is supported by the cosy boutique environment that has been brought to life by our students and staff. Our Boarding staff provide a safe and caring environment balanced with fun and routine.

Will Robertson

Boarding House Assistant - Boys House

Will Robertson

Boarding House Assistant - Boys House

P: 03 6336 6000

What you are studying?

Will is an alumnus of Launceston Grammar, having attended the school from 2006 to 2018. Post-schooling, he began a Bachelor of Education at the University of Tasmania, looking to graduate with a specialisation in the performing arts.

What are your interests in life?

In 2020, Will found himself back at the school in a staff capacity, co-ordinating the male singing program, while also managing the Second XI

cricket team. He started working in the boarding house in 2021 and has loved getting to know students across both the boys’ and girls’ houses.

Outside of school, Will is an avid fan of sports and is currently on the AFL Women’s umpire panel. He also loves singing and musical theatre, having recently been involved in Encore Theatre Company’s production of Mamma Mia!

Why do you like working at Grammar Boarding?

Will hopes he can be a positive role model for the boarding students through their time at Launceston Grammar.

Gus Tomlinson Smith

Boarding House Assistant - Boys House

Gus Tomlinson Smith

Boarding House Assistant - Boys House

P: 03 6336 6000

What you are studying?

I am currently in my 4th and final year of health and physical education

What are your interests in life?

My interests in life are running, sports, camping, outdoors, and being with friends.

Why do you like working at Grammar Boarding?

I like working at Grammar because it provides me with good experience for my teaching degree and I continue to learn all the time.

Jamie Laurence

Boarding House Assistant - Boys House

Jamie Laurence

Boarding House Assistant - Boys House

P: 03 6336 6000

What you are studying?

I’m currently studying at University for my Bachelor’s in Health and Physical Education.

What are your interests in life?

My main interests are running, watching sports, music and board games.

Why do you like working at Grammar Boarding?

I’ve enjoyed working at the boarding house as it’s given me an opportunity to engage and interact with students and a school community which will go towards experience for my teaching career.

Will Harris

Boarding House Assistant - Boys House

Will Harris

Boarding House Assistant - Boys House

P: 03 6336 6000

What you are studying?

I am studying a Bachelor of Maritime Engineering specializing in Ocean Engineering with a career goal of working in the design of Offshore Structures in the Renewable Energy Industry.

What are your interests in life?

My interests include sports, fishing and camping.

Why do you like working at Grammar Boarding?

I enjoy working in the boarding house at LCGS as it is a fast-paced and fun environment. The students in the boarding house make the job extremely rewarding and ever-changing.

Halyna Pavlyshyn

Boarding House Assistant - Girls House

Halyna Pavlyshyn

Boarding House Assistant - Girls House

P: 03 6336 6000

What you are studying?

I have studied Art, English and Education.

What are your interests in life?

My hobbies include yoga, cooking, and reading.

Why do you like working at Grammar Boarding?

I am working in the Boarding House because I enjoy encouraging children to read books and teaching them critical thinking skills.

Lilly Duthie

Boarding House Assistant - Girls House

Lilly Duthie

Boarding House Assistant - Girls House

P: 03 6336 6000

What you are studying?

I am studying a Bachelor of Primary Education and am in my 2nd year at UTAS.

What are your interests in life?

I really enjoy reading books that are fiction and non-fiction. I love spending time on the East Coast, going for walks and being at the beach.

Why do you like working at Grammar Boarding?

I enjoy working in the boarding house because I get to interact with the students each day. Each day there is something new and I get to be a part of their home away from home.

Ella Marshall

Boarding House Assistant - Girls House

Ella Marshall

Boarding House Assistant - Girls House

P: 03 6336 6000

What you are studying?

I am currently studying for a Bachelor of Early Childhood Education at UTAS.

What are your interests in life?

When I’m not working or studying you’ll find me out on the water rowing. I love to go away on weekends, hiking and camping with my friends.

Why do you like working at Grammar Boarding?

As a past boarder myself, I enjoy being able to foster healthy and positive relationships with the girls. While helping them create a memorable boarding experience.

Chelsea Clarke

Boarding House Assistant - Girls House

Chelsea Clarke

Boarding House Assistant - Girls House

P: 03 6336 6000

What you are studying?

I am studying for a Bachelor of Health and Physical Education and am in my 2nd Year of study.

What are your interests in life?

I am heavily involved in the gym and love being physically active. I enjoy spending quality time with my family and my two beautiful dogs.

Why do you like working at Grammar Boarding?

I really enjoy working in the Grammar Boarding House as it has given me great insight and preparation for my future career and the students are wonderful. They are willing to give anything a crack and have embraced me into their little community.

Care and Support

Boarding is an incredible opportunity. Our boarders experience new social situations, live with students from various backgrounds and ethnicities, and receive academic and pastoral support.

Our School is committed to offering a safe, secure and nurturing environment for boarders. The physical safety, mental health and overall wellbeing of boarders is of utmost importance.

Our study area and library called the Learning Hub at our Senior Campus is open before and after school on weekdays. Free tutoring is offered by highly specialised teaching staff, ensuring that your child can ask questions and seek advice as they progress through their academic journey. From Grades 5 to 9, students complete their weeknight homework under the direct supervision of boarding staff. In Grade 10, students transition to self-directed study. As part of this process boarding staff monitor student’s work in terms of submission of work, recent reports and teacher comments. Grade 11 and 12 students are responsible for organising their own study schedules but can continue to access the educational support of boarding staff as required.

The safety and wellbeing of your child is our primary concern while they are living away from home. Boarder’s leave is coordinated via an online leave system which allows leave requests to be viewed, entered and approved by parents or guardians and boarding staff. This means that the process for applying for and approving leave is easy and secure.

Weekend activities are varied with boarders able to visit local tourist attractions and sporting venues, as well as spending time cooking, or simply relaxing in the School’s stunning grounds.
Boys Boarding
Boarders Dining Hall
After School Tutoring in Learning Hub
After School Tutoring in Learning Hub
Boarding Recreational Facilities

Community

At Launceston Grammar you will discover a strong, supportive environment reflected in our genuine warmth and connection between students, families and staff. Our boarders become part of a nurturing community that ensures they are made to feel welcome, secure and included.

We believe that involvement in all aspects of School life increases a student’s sense of belonging, expands friendship groups and leads to higher levels of motivation and engagement. We encourage our boarders to become involved in co-curricular activities across sporting, visual arts and performance and music pursuits.

We have five families living on campus and along with a growing menagerie of boarding pets we are starting a Boarding House Kitchen Garden full of wonderful fresh produce for harvesting and sharing within and beyond our Boarding House family.
Where Next?

Campuses

Day in the Life

Facilities