A BOARDING SCHOOL IN TIMARU, SOUTH CANTERBURY
Boarding enables girls who do not live in our local area to benefit from the high-quality education available at Timaru Girls’ High School.
The House
Welcoming, supportive and nurturing
All needs met in well equipped & provisioned facility
Helpful staff on-hand to assist with study
Keeping fit and healthy at ‘The House’
Recreation facilities include the hostel recreation room, school tennis courts, gymnasium, music practice rooms and access to sports and cultural activities.
We are dedicated to offering our boarders a nutritious and varied menu from our Hostel Kitchen which is an "In House" catering operation. This allows us greater control over our menu options for both hostel meals and our day school canteen. We no longer offer the options of sugary fizzy drinks, lollies and chocolates, and instead, offer home baked sweets and low calorie drink alternatives.
Our boarders are kept fuelled with with a hot protein breakfast every day, along with morning tea, hot lunch, afternoon tea and dinner. We alternate our dessert night with a supper night throughout the week.
It is our goal to provide a variety of tasty and nutritious meals that fuel and energise the growing teenager.
Our hostel parents are encouraged to be a part of our Whanau Foodie Group and we welcome their contribution towards catering ideas. They, along with our Hostel representatives provide us with welcome feedback and suggestions on our meal options and choices.
Responsibility & leadership opportunities
Boarding fees for 2025
$15,508.50 per annum (GST inclusive). (Subject to review).
Deposit $1000 (this is payable to confirm the offer of a place and is non-refundable).
Incidentals $300 paid in advance to cover the costs of small incidental expenses. (e.g. school socials, mufti days, hostel outings etc ).
Building Levy is $500 per family for year 9 to year 12, and $250 for year 13 families.
Boarding Allowances
The Ministry of Education administers a boarding allowance scheme for students who live in remote areas or who face other barriers to achieving at school. Boarding is one of the options to help these students stay in education and achieve a qualification.
If eligible students enrol at a school with a boarding hostel, they stay in the school’s hostel.
If a student in your family needs extra help to succeed at school you can find out about the different options available on the Ministry of Education Parents website.
The boarding allowance scheme is administered by the Ministry of Education. It is not administered by the school.
For further information on the criteria for eligibility and how to apply, please click on this link https://parents.education.govt.nz/secondary-school/your-child-at-school/boarding-allowances/
If you have any questions about the application process, send an email to boarding.allowances@education.govt.nz, or call 04 439 5425 or 04 463 8085.
Accommodation and hiring
The House is available for hire during the school holidays, and may be available at other times by negotiation with the Director of Boarding. A deposit of $250 is required one month prior to hiring of facilities. The hostel premises will be inspected immediately following the hiring, and in the event of damage or misuse of the hostel, the deposit will be retained and full costs of any damage or misuse will be sought.
The House can provide bedding and towels for you at cost, or hirers may supply their own bedding or sleeping bags, and towels. Pillows are supplied. Domestic laundry facilities are available to the hirer at a small charge. Laundering staff can be supplied under separate negotiation at an additional cost. Common rooms and TV are available. Persons wishing to hire additional facilities such as the gymnasium, hall or classrooms must negotiate these with the Director of Boarding.
The Director of Boarding reserves the right to revise prices. Any necessary increases will be advised prior to confirmation of booking.
If a confirmed booking is cancelled within 21 days prior to the commencement of hiring, the deposit will be retained to cover costs.
Confirmation of numbers is required 14 days prior to the end of the school term. This is particularly necessary over the Christmas holiday break. Hirers must confirm numbers before the school closes in December as staff are not on site and often cannot be contacted over the holiday.
Contact for further information:
Deborah Bayliss – Director of Boarding, 03 6881122 / 027 684 4368 dbayliss@timarugirls.school.nz
The House Postal Address: PO Box 558, Timaru 7940
Street Address: 8A Hassall Street, Timaru
Our hostel staff
Deborah Bayliss
Director of Boarding
Support, happiness, and the feeling of a sense of achievement is my goal for all the girls we have boarding in “The House”. I like to think they can feel confident to “shine” and stand out from the crowd, as well as encourage those around them to do the same.
With more than 20 years’ experience leading Boarders and Staff, I am still loving the role, especially in ‘The House” at Timaru Girls’ High School. I am surrounded by caring, friendly and motivated staff and girls. Our grounds are beautiful with lots of trees and greenery, making for a very peaceful atmosphere and the perfect place to attend school and spend the important teenage years with friends.
Mary Ainsworth
Deputy Director of Boarding
Kia ora my name is Mary Ainsworth and I have the absolute honor of being the Deputy Director of Boarding at Timaru Girls' High School. I grew up in rural South Canterbury (Waimate) and I am a primary school teacher by trade. I have recent experience teaching a variety of students and abilities. I am passionate about youth well-being and absolutely love my job. I like to ensure all borders feel safe and secure, after all it is their second home! I feel extremely privileged that I get to watch our boarders grow and find their place in the world. When I am not at work you are likely to find me spending time with whanau and friends or traveling around beautiful Aotearoa.
Sandra Curragh
Afternoon Supervisor
Hi, My name is Sandra Curragh and I am loving my job with the Timaru Girls High School Hostel, it’s a great place to be. I’m Mum to 3 adult children and Nan to 5 grandchildren. I have a Diploma in Professional Counselling which is useful in everyday life. I’m a seasoned traveller visiting about 35 countries. Hiking to Machu Picchu was my toughest trip but what you think you can’t do, you can. Best aspect of this job is to be there to support and nurture the girls on their journey, how lucky am I!
Davina Spring
Overnight Supervisor
Kia ora my name is Davina Spring. Timaru Girls' High School holds special memories for me with my mum and her sisters going to the school. Further, in my sixth form (Year 12) I attended Mrs Tiscenko's class learning German.
I have a background in nursing, predominantly maternity and aged care. Whilst in London, I worked as a nanny gaining experience with the joys of teenagers.
Recently, I have shared the ups and downs of raising a teenager. My niece taught me many things like knowing what to say at the right time, the importance of patience and encouragement and how to guide with life's strategies.
It has been a pleasure to get to know the boarders', I am slowly learning names. 60 names is quite a feat! I enjoy the chats with the girls, though some would like it to be after 10pm. I am known for my sense of humour and being there for boarders' who need a little TLC.
I look forward to seeing all the boarders reach their full potential and life skills for their future.
Diane Clarke-Charteris
Overnight Supervisor
My name is Diane and I am very privileged to be a supervisor and the van driver at The House. I have previously worked in boarding, spending three years at Timaru Boys' High Hostel. I love working with all ages. I have two amazing adult children, and lots of fur babies. When I am not working at the hostel, I am busy running my own side hustle Deedi's Crafty Creations. I look forward to working with you and your daughter!
