What Is It About Those Boarders?

When I was a student at Shore in the day school from 2010-2015, I was always fascinated by the boarders. There was just something about them. They carried themselves a little differently to us day boys. In general, they were more self-assured, more prepared to look you in the eye during a conversation, less buffeted by the everyday stressors of life and schooling.

Being a slightly anxious kid myself, I was particularly drawn to these unflappable personalities. I couldn’t explain why, but I had a particular fondness for the boarders. I valued their presence in the classroom, in the playground and on the sporting field. I tried to spend as much time with them as I could. I suppose I hoped some of their calm confidence would rub off on me.

Since becoming an Assistant Boarding Housemaster in May, I have done some reading and thinking about the benefits of life in the boarding house for the moral development of Shore boys. Throughout this (ongoing) process, I have come to understand more clearly why our boarders – both now and during my own time at school – carry themselves with the self-assuredness that they do. Allow me to explain.

Lawrence Kohlberg was an American developmental psychologist who built upon the work of Jean Piaget in his contribution to our understanding of the stages of moral development in children and young adults. His work was complex and layered but at its core his theory was this: young people learn how to use moral reasoning by exploring how to function competently in social interactions.

Kohlberg’s theory of moral development works best when young people are provided with an environment that prioritises and exemplifies mutual care and respect. I believe that the boarding house is the perfect place for this.

In the boarding community at Shore, boys are immersed fully in the rhythms of life alongside each other. They share the successes and disappointments of life together. They experience the mundane and the extraordinary moments together. They play touch footy, share meals, study and miss the comforts of home together.

But all the while, they are encouraged to live lives of selflessness and brotherly love by the Boarding Masters. We aim to facilitate this environment in such a way that each and every boy experiences the full benefits of boarding for his own development. When our boarders need pastoral support, behavioural correction or anything in between, we won’t hesitate to give it.

I believe it is this combination that gives our boarders the calm confidence and strength of character which once mystified me. In the boarding house, they work out how to live alongside others and to cooperate with patience and respect. As Boarding Masters, it is our privilege to walk with them in this journey of moral development and character formation. I thank God for the opportunity to do it.

Mark Lovell – Assistant Housemaster, School House