Weekly boarding is one of the best aspects of Dilworth for many students.
Asked what they like about it, most will tell you it is about their mates – the lifelong friendships that are often formed. But weekly boarding is also about providing young men with more opportunities to play sport after school, practise music, undertake Passion Projects or join clubs, and to get their prep done together – all without the challenges of Auckland traffic.
Plus, the food at Dilworth is legendary!
Most students go home on weekends, and when your young man is away from home for any length of time, it can be tough for both students and parents alike, especially at the start. So, it’s reassuring to know that there are House Coordinators, or ‘Matrons’ - as they are still fondly known - who are a key part of the Dilworth House staff, the epicentre of boarding house life, and who look out for each young man in their care.
We had a chat with two of our experienced Matrons to find out more about their roles:
Theresa Eteaki, Matron of Kete, Year 8 House
Erena Livingston, Matron of Wero, Year 10 House.
Tell us more about your essential roles as Dilworth Matrons?
Erena
“As a House Coordinator /Matron, I’m here to provide a safe, supportive and welcoming environment for students living in the boarding house, creating a positive culture where every boy feels respected, valued and cared for. Building trusting relationships and supporting the boys’ wellbeing is at the heart of what I do”.
It’s critical to let them know you're approachable and ready to listen. Boys don’t talk straight away, so you create opportunities for them to open up naturally. We play games, do puzzles, and involve them in everyday activities. This is when they begin to open up.
An important key is the liaison between school and boarding support so that you can understand the whole picture, everything going on for a student”.
Theresa
“ As a Dilworth Matron, a key part of my role is making sure every student feels valued, cared for, and has a true sense of belonging, a place they can call their home away from home. Creating a positive boarding experience for all students is at the heart of everything I do.
I oversee the boys’ daily well-being, support their emotional and physical needs, encourage positive behaviour and independence, and work closely with the boarding staff to ensure each student’s overall well-being and development - I am often described as the “mother” of the house!”
To me, it’s the small, thoughtful moments that can make a real difference.
Birthdays, for example, are especially important for our Year 8 boarders, as their families can’t always be there to celebrate with them. We make sure each birthday is recognised before school, with the whole house singing “Happy Birthday,” so every boy feels celebrated, valued, and reminded that he belongs.
What's it like starting the year and helping students settle in?
Erena
“The start of the year is one of the most important times in the boarding house, especially for the new boys who are away from home for the first time. My job is to make them feel safe and supported, and encourage them to build relationships.
Every boy is different and unique in their own way – the shy boys, the happy ones, the crazy ones! They are all unique young people.
I work closely with staff and families so we are all on the same page, about what’s happening in their young man’s boarding life”.
Theresa
“While many boys are excited to start the new year, others can feel nervous or homesick, so I focus on creating a warm, welcoming environment from day one.
Before the boys arrive, I take time to learn about each student’s background, so I have an understanding of who they are and what support they may need. I recognise that every child is different. I pay particular attention to boys who seem quiet or are sitting alone, making sure they feel included and know they have someone to talk to.
I also believe it's important to make the boarding house feel as familiar and comforting as possible. We encourage students to display family photos and pictures of their pets in their rooms, and for our younger boarders, we often encourage parents to send a favourite cuddly toy or another comfort item from home. These small touches can make a big difference in helping boys feel secure during those first few weeks”.
Seeing students grow in confidence, develop friendships, and truly feel at home in boarding is one of the most rewarding parts of being a Dilworth Matron”.
Homesickness is something that can inevitably come up, especially at the start of the year. How do you deal with it?
Theresa
” Homesickness is absolutely normal; we tell parents and students that from the start. I let the boys know that it’s okay to miss home and that they’re not alone in feeling that way.
I think the most important thing is building trust. When a boy feels comfortable talking to you, he’s more likely to share how he’s feeling. I spend time checking in with him, listening, and helping him stay connected with home. We work closely with the boarding staff and parents, encouraging regular phone calls and, when appropriate, a night at home to support the transition.
We encourage boys to personalise their rooms with photos of their whānau, pets, or other familiar items that bring them comfort”.
Erena
“When a boy is homesick, our priority is to ensure he feels heard and supported, listening without judgment. We encourage him to stay connected with his family through phone calls or messages, while also helping him get involved in boarding activities to build friendships and feel part of the community. Simply having a routine, joining sports, or playing games with other boys can often make a big difference.”
What I enjoy most is seeing the boys grow in confidence over the year, knowing I’ve helped make the boarding house feel like a home away from home”.
The final word, our Matrons give the following advice to parents:
Tell your young men it’s okay to feel homesick.
Bring in photos from home – whānau and pets
Help staff find ways to settle your young man in
Encourage them that you’ll see them at the weekend
Take them home for a night
Get them to call you, to ring home
Some good insight from two of our most experienced Matrons.
Thanks to Theresa and Erena!