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The Middle School years are full of change — new routines, growing independence, increased academic expectations and deeper friendships. For our young boarders, these years also bring the unique experience of living away from home while navigating all that adolescence brings.
At Calrossy Anglican School, we believe these formative years deserve intentional care, structure and encouragement. That is why we have introduced a new program this year called Boarding PULSE — a dynamic mentoring and academic support program designed specifically for our Years 7–9 boarders.
Boarding PULSE provides energy, organisation and purposeful guidance during these important years, helping students adjust academically, socially and emotionally within our nurturing Christian boarding environment.
Head of Boarding, Courtney Coe, says the program is already making a meaningful impact.
“Boarding PULSE is about empowering our students with the tools and skills to thrive with their school work, while also providing an additional mentor and layer of support in those early boarding years. We want to ensure our boarders feel confident, organised and well supported as they grow in independence.”
What is Boarding PULSE?
Every boarder in Years 7–9 participates in a weekly small-group tutor session, working with a consistent teacher throughout the term. These sessions run for 30 minutes between 6.00pm and 8.30pm and operate from the second week of Terms 1–3 until the second last week of term. In Term 4, PULSE begins in the first week and continues until exam week.
Groups are intentionally small — usually five to six students — allowing for personalised support and genuine mentoring relationships.
The program runs:
- Girls: Daily sessions to accommodate co-curricular commitments
- Boys: Wednesday evenings, with catch-up sessions on Mondays
The staff guiding students through PULSE include Julie Stokes, Dianne Cameron and Carmel McKenzie and Eliza Nadin supporting both our boy and girl boarders in years 7-9.
A Focus on Organisation and Growth
PULSE sessions are structured around practical, achievable strategies that help students succeed in their learning. Areas of focus include:
- HUB check-ins
- Assessment tracking and planning
- Homework completion
- Diary monitoring
- Study and revision skills
- Communication between teachers and Boarding staff.
Students also explore specific learning skills such as note-taking and summarising, time management, interpreting questions, understanding marking criteria, proofreading, researching effectively, using technology such as Canva, and building confidence in starting tasks early.
Importantly, PULSE strengthens the communication pathway between academic staff and Boarding, ensuring any concerns are identified early and addressed with care and partnership.
How is PULSE Different to Prep?
Prep remains a key part of Boarding routine and continues each evening from 6.30pm–8.00pm.
- Boys complete Prep out of their bedrooms in the main dining area.
- Girls use classrooms and the library.
Prep is self-directed time for homework, assessments, music practice, reading and study.
PULSE, however, is distinct. It provides structured, targeted mentoring with explicit skill development and monitoring. In many ways, PULSE enhances Prep by equipping students with the organisation and study strategies needed to make their Prep time more effective.
As Mrs Coe explains:
“PULSE is helping us get the very best out of Prep times. By teaching organisation, monitoring homework regularly and creating a strong avenue for communication between teachers and Boarding, we are strengthening each student’s learning journey. It reflects our commitment to growing resilient, confident and capable young people.”
Boarding has been at the heart of Calrossy for more than a century, and initiatives like PULSE reflect our continued commitment to excellence in a Christian environment.
By intentionally supporting our younger boarders through structured mentoring, we are living out our core values of Resilience, Selflessness, Integrity and Inclusiveness. We are helping students develop independence while knowing they are never alone — supported by staff who care deeply about their academic progress, wellbeing and personal growth.
Boarding PULSE is more than a program. It is a reflection of who we are as a School community — partnering with families, nurturing character and empowering students to become confident learners and young people of hope.
