Boarding House
General Information:
'Argyle House' is a residential hostel (new in 1965) accommodating one hundred and thirty-eight boarding students and is situated in the school grounds. The latest renovations to our dorm block (completed 2005) make Argyle House one of the most modern and comfortable school hostels in the country.
For information regarding hostel applications click on the link below.
NZBSA National Conference 2009
Facilities:
Years 9 - 11 (Forms 3, 4 and 5)
The Dorm Block includes four dormitories (two-storeyed) which accommodate all Years 9 - 11 boarders, in rooms of two or three. There are two ablution blocks which include single shower units, locker bay, laundry and Year 11 Dorm, all part of a re-model which was completed in 2005. Other facilities include a Junior lounge, TV room with SKY TV, Recreation room with pool and table tennis tables, a 'Preparation' room for Years 9 and 10 boarders to complete their homework/study in, seminar room for tutoring, computer room with six computers networked to a laser printer, music room for boys to practise in, drying room and a large dining room.
Years 12 and 13 (Forms 6 and 7)
For Year 13 senior students we have five, three bed motel-type units, each with its own shower, toilet and double vanity unit, one six bed unit with its own showers and toilet, and a Domestic Wing which accommodates six students in their own rooms.
For Year 12 students, two eight-bed units have been completed in 2009. Each unit has individual work spaces and its own shower and toilet facilities.
There is a large lounge with tea/coffee making facilities, oven, TV with SKY TV, relaxation area and a pool table. All seniors have facilities to complete their homework/study ('Prep') in their units. A separate laundry is available for Years 12 and 13 boarders to do their own washing.
The spacious school grounds provide ample facilities for games and the school pool is available for daily use in the summer.
Staff:
The daily life of the boarders is under the direct personal supervision of the Director of Boarding (Mr Tim Aughton), the Hostel Manager (Mr Sean Botherway), the four Masters, two Assistant Masters, the Senior Matron (Mrs Cecilia Lake) and the Assistant Matron (Ms Wendy Paragreen), all of whom reside on site. We also have a Catering Manager, Mrs Joan Fagan, who is responsible for the provision of all meals.
The health, feeding, comfort and welfare of the boys receive the utmost care and consideration. Parents may consult the Headmaster or the Director of Boarding or the Hostel Manager at any time as to the welfare and progress of their son/s.
Study, Homework, Revision (Prep.):
Evening studies and preparation are supervised under strict conditions. There are three Masters on every night during the week to supervise the boarders as they complete their homework/study. The Major Master supervises all Year 9 and 10 boys in the Prep. Room, with the Minor Master supervising the Years 12 and 13 boys in the Senior Units. The Assistant Master supervises all Year 11 boys in the dining room. Our external examination results are well above the national average and compare closely to the achievement of the day boys.
Arrival and Induction:
The new boarders come into residence on the day before the remainder of the Hostel return, to give them time to adjust and participate in a wide variety of activities under the guidance of the Prefects, Dorm Leaders and Hostel staff. The first week is full of activities throughout the day and evenings with House competitions, letter writing, orientation through Hamilton city, enrolment at the city library, day trips, competing against a local boarding school in a variety of activities and learning the school Haka.
School Clubs and Activities:
The opportunity is provided for students to join a large number of sports, clubs and activities on offer both within the school and out. The Hostel has its own mini-van to transport boarders to venues around Hamilton to attend music lessons, sports practices/games etc. Clubs and activities the boys can choose from at school are Orchestra, Chess, Christian Fellowship, Computers, Debating, Drama, Duke of Edinburgh, Fishing, International, Library, Magazine, Music, Kapa Haka, Public Speaking, Scuba, Shooting, Young Enterprise. For the orchestra, the school has a number of instruments and some free tuition is available.
School Sports:
The Hostel encourages every boarder to participate in a club, sport or activity, believing that participation creates a well-rounded student and it occupies the boys during the week after school. HBHS provides excellent facilities and coaching.
There are many sports to choose from. They are Athletics, Basketball, Badminton, Cricket, Cycling, Equestrian, Football, Golf, Hockey, Multi-sport (duathlon/triathlon), Rowing, Rugby, Sailing, Skiing, Swimming, Squash, Surfing, Table Tennis, Tennis, Touch, Underwater Hockey, Volleyball, Waterpolo.
House Competitions:
There is a strong House competition at HBHS which is closely contested amongst the six Houses. Argyle House has its own House which generates tremendous pride and spirit both within the school and Hostel. The Hostel has its own House competition - the Matthew Allen Cup - with the boarders divided evenly into two Houses named after the two longest serving staff, 'Bennett' and 'Sutherland'.
Enquires
For all enquiries about Boarding please contact:
Mr Tim Aughton
Director of Boarding
Tel: (07) 853 0437
e-mail: taughton@hbhs.school.nz