110 Year celebration
Boarding at Christ Church
Grammar School
This year marks a remarkable milestone in Christ Church Grammar School’s history, the 110th anniversary of our boarding house and program.
For over a century, generations of students have called these walls their home, forging lifelong friendships, learning values that shape character, and becoming part of a proud tradition that still lives strong today.
Since its establishment in 1915, the boarding house has been far more than just a place to sleep. It has been a cornerstone of the school community, offering structure, support, and a second family to boys from across the country and around the world.
From the early days of bunks on the wide verandah of the federation building and handwritten letters home, to today’s modern facilities tailored for the year groups, the essence of boarding life has remained constant—camaraderie, resilience, and belonging.
Life in the boarding house teaches lessons that extend far beyond the classroom. Shared meals, evening study sessions, weekend sports, and quiet moments of reflection contribute to the holistic development of every boy. Whether it’s a younger student finding guidance from a senior student or Housemother, or a boarding house team sports competition followed by the celebration of a hard-earned victory, the bonds formed on campus last a lifetime.
Much of the boarding house’s enduring strength lies in its traditions. Each cohort contributes its own spirit while respecting the values and customs passed down through the decades. Dining in Sandover, sharing photos of home during National Boarding Week, and chapel services mark the rhythm of life, providing continuity, stability and connection. Former boarders often speak of their time at Christ Church with affection and pride, recalling the deep friendships that time and distance never diminish.
To mark the anniversary, the School is hosting a series of celebrations, including a commemorative service, a special boarding reunion, and the showcasing of photographs, uniforms, and stories from the past century. The boarding community, both past and present, is invited to take part in this historic moment—an opportunity to reconnect, reflect, and honour the legacy the School continues to build together.
The boarding house has seen wartime blackouts, post-war recoveries, educational revolutions, and digital transformations. Yet throughout, it has stood firm as a place where boys grow into men—guided by mentorship, challenged by responsibility, and uplifted by friendship.
When the celebrations for this milestone birthday conclude, the School will be looking ahead with confidence to the future generations of boarders, young men who will bring fresh energy, character and spirit to enrich the life of the School for years to come.