The Boarding Family
The Boarding Family
Each boarding house is managed by live-in Heads of Boarding who are responsible for the wellbeing of the students in their care. Heads of Boarding are supported by trained, certified staff who assist with the daily running of the houses and ensure that each boarder is made to feel welcome, secure, included and very much part of the boarding family.
Our boarders become part of a wonderful community of fellow students who become lifelong friends.
From the Head of Boarding
Theunis Pieters, Head of Boarding
Head of Boarding, Theunis (TJ) Pieters.
Boarding provides wonderful opportunities for our students to develop their independence and leadership in a supportive environment, as well as the encouragement of lifelong friendships.
It is imperative that the academic abilities of our students are identified, and opportunities provided for each one of them to be successful in their chosen career pathway.
Close monitoring of each student’s academic and pastoral development through the Curriculum and Head of House Leadership team both in the day and boarding systems is extremely important.
Theunis (TJ) Pieters
Head of Boarding
Meet the Staff
Our dedicated team of staff live within an assigned house and are available to students for support, transportation needs and co-ordinating leave arrangements. Tutors also reside within each boarding house on a roster system caring for the boarders with four tutors to a house.
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Abby Rawlings
Head of Girls Boarding
Abby Rawlings
Head of Girls Boarding
What are you studying?
I am currently in my final year of a Bachelor of Nursing at UTAS.
What are your interests in life?
I love getting my hands dirty in the garden, getting creative with arts and crafts, love all types of music, and whipping up tasty dishes whenever I can sneak in a moment. Being a mum to an energetic little one keeps me on my toes, but these passions keep me grounded and add so much to our everyday adventures.
Why do you like working at Grammar Boarding?
I find it incredibly rewarding to care for the Boarders at Grammar Boarding, especially creating a supportive environment where they feel safe and valued. Knowing that I can make a positive difference in their lives, whether through lending an ear, offering guidance, or simply being there for them, is what I cherish most about my role.
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Jamie Laurence
Head of Boys Boarding
Jamie Laurence
Head of Boys Boarding
What are you studying?
I am in my final year studying for a Bachelor of Health and Physical Education.
What are your interests in life?
My passion for running extends to all sports, reflecting a love for movement, competition, and staying active. I find comfort and enjoyment in spending time outdoors, connecting with Tasmania’s natural beauty. I also indulge in board games, fostering camaraderie and strategic thinking while engaging in fun and interactive gameplay.
Why do you like working at Grammar Boarding?
For the past four years, I’ve been studying to become a Health and Physical Education (HPE) teacher and have found that my time at Grammar complements my studies and future career. It highlights the importance of a healthy and supportive environment for students’ well-being, optimising their full potential.
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Conner Bryant
Boy House Tutors
Conner Bryant
Boy House Tutors
What are you studying?
Bachelor of Health & Physical Education.
What are your interests in life?
I enjoy playing sports that challenge my experience and ability. This is one of the reasons that I am so interested in teaching youth about physical activity, making healthy choices, and all that is involved in health and physical education.
Why do you like working at Grammar Boarding?
It is a great opportunity to foster different teaching experiences. It also provides university students with a great work, social, and study balance.
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Kobe Mclaren
Boy House Tutors
Kobe Mclaren
Boy House Tutors
What are you studying?
I’m studying for a Bachelor of Health & Physical Education.
What are your interests in life?
My main interests include running, NBA, and AFL. I also enjoy catching up with friends and watching sports on Kayo.
Why do you like working at Grammar Boarding?
I enjoy working at Grammar Boarding because it allows me to support and care for the boarders. Witnessing the development of their lifelong friendships and seeing how these relationships positively impact their growth and experiences at school is incredibly rewarding.
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Logan Lowther
Boy House Tutors
Logan Lowther
Boy House Tutors
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Sebastian Gomez
Boy House Tutors
Sebastian Gomez
Boy House Tutors
What are you studying?
I’m currently studying Naval Architecture at the Australian Maritime College in Tasmania.
What are your interests in life?
I grew up around the ocean in WA, and have always been passionate about maritime pursuits. This connection led me to buy and refurbish my own boat at 16, sparking an interest in naval architecture. When I am not in the ocean, I enjoy soccer, camping, 4WD, and hitting the gym.
Why do you like working at Grammar Boarding?
Firstly, I feel privileged to be a part of the boarding house community. The relationship between the boarders and tutors is professional and harmonious. Secondly, working closely with the boarders in a residential setting allows me to positively impact their lives both academically and personally. Lastly, I enjoy the variety of roles that I have to fulfil while working at Grammer Boarding.
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Chelsea Clarke
Girl House Tutors
Chelsea Clarke
Girl House Tutors
What are you studying?
I am in my final year of studying for a Bachelor of Health and Physical Education.
What are your interests in life?
I am heavily involved in the gym and love being physically active. I enjoy spending quality time with my family and my two beautiful dogs.
Why do you like working at Grammar Boarding?
I really enjoy working in the Grammar Boarding House as it has given me great insight and preparation for my future career and the students are wonderful. They are willing to give anything a crack and have embraced me into their little community.
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Lilly Duthie
Boarding House Assistant - Girls House
Lilly Duthie
Boarding House Assistant - Girls House
What are you studying?
I am studying a Bachelor of Primary Education at UTAS.
What are your interests in life?
I really enjoy reading books whether that be fiction or non-fiction. I love spending time on the East Coast, going for walks and being at the beach.
Why do you like working at Grammar Boarding?
I enjoy working in the boarding house because I get to interact with the students. Each day there is something new and I get to be a part of their home away from home.
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Ashley Eckford
Girl House Tutors
Ashley Eckford
Girl House Tutors
What are you studying?
I am studying a Bachelor of Primary Education at UTAS.
What are your interests in life?
I am originally from the Northern Territory and moved to Tassie to study. I enjoy sports, mostly squash, trying new things, hanging out with my friends, and taking my beautiful dog for walkies.
Why do you like working at Grammar Boarding?
The aspect I enjoy the most working at Grammar Boarding is the students. It is incredibly rewarding to have the opportunity to have a positive impact on their lives and seeing them grow in so many ways.
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Jacinta Martelli
Girl House Tutors
Jacinta Martelli
Girl House Tutors
What are you studying?
I am studying for a Bachelor of Health and Physical Education.
What are your interests in life?
I greatly appreciate the great outdoors, finding joy and excitement in activities such as camping and four-wheel driving. I thrive on the sense of adventure and connection with nature that these experiences offer. I like the gym for both mental and physical health. To balance things out, I embrace the opportunity to unwind and escape into the world of Binge-watching Netflix series.
Why do you like working at Grammar Boarding?
I value the connections and relationships within the boarding community. Being part of this close-knit environment fosters a sense of belonging. As individuals navigating the complexities of teenage life, I take pride in supporting their journey witnessing their growth, resilience, and triumphs which is incredibly rewarding.
Care and Support
Boarding is an incredible opportunity. Our boarders experience new social situations, live with students from various backgrounds and ethnicities, and receive academic and pastoral support.
Our School is committed to offering a safe, secure and nurturing environment for boarders. The physical safety, mental health and overall wellbeing of boarders is of utmost importance.
Our study area and library called the Learning Hub at our Senior Campus is open before and after school on weekdays. Free tutoring is offered by highly specialised teaching staff, ensuring that your child can ask questions and seek advice as they progress through their academic journey. From Grades 5 to 9, students complete their weeknight homework under the direct supervision of boarding staff. In Grade 10, students transition to self-directed study. As part of this process boarding staff monitor student’s work in terms of submission of work, recent reports and teacher comments. Grade 11 and 12 students are responsible for organising their own study schedules but can continue to access the educational support of boarding staff as required.
The safety and wellbeing of your child is our primary concern while they are living away from home. Boarder’s leave is coordinated via an online leave system which allows leave requests to be viewed, entered and approved by parents or guardians and boarding staff. This means that the process for applying for and approving leave is easy and secure.
Weekend activities are varied with boarders able to visit local tourist attractions and sporting venues, as well as spending time cooking, or simply relaxing in the School’s stunning grounds.
Community
At Launceston Grammar you will discover a strong, supportive environment reflected in our genuine warmth and connection between students, families and staff. Our boarders become part of a nurturing community that ensures they are made to feel welcome, secure and included.
We believe that involvement in all aspects of School life increases a student’s sense of belonging, expands friendship groups and leads to higher levels of motivation and engagement. We encourage our boarders to become involved in co-curricular activities across sporting, visual arts and performance and music pursuits.
We have five families living on campus and along with a growing menagerie of boarding pets we are starting a Boarding House Kitchen Garden full of wonderful fresh produce for harvesting and sharing within and beyond our Boarding House family.