“My oldest daughter started boarding at CJ House and attending school at Nelson College for Girls in year 9. Sending her to Nelson from Westport for her education was the best decision we ever made – she thrived in this setting to the point where she became the Deputy Head Boarder in her year 13. She has now gone on to Victoria University to study Interior Architecture. With no hesitation her younger sister followed a year later We have now had 7 years involvement with the school and boarding.

Boarding teaches our kids so much more than a classroom alone. You must learn to manage yourself, take responsibility for managing many aspects of your life like your laundry, clean room, and having the right books/equipment for your school day. You learn that not everyone is the same as you and you must get on with others from different backgrounds, countries and cultures, all great life skills.

I cannot speak highly enough of Katrina and her team they have all been outstanding. They are very approachable and caring and have gone the extra mile to look after my girl’s day-to-day needs. The care my girls have/are receiving has been a huge comfort to me.”

“Our daughter is new to NCG and Clarice Johnson House this year.  From our first introductions, orientation and initial experiences we have found CJ House to be a welcoming, organised and comfortable home.  Our daughter has adjusted quickly and smoothly because of this.  The sleep-over opportunity provided at the end of last year to introduce the Year 9 girls to each other and to hostel life was a very valuable and successful experience.  Our daughter made friends at this event and so then looked forward to touching base with them again at the beginning of the new school year.  She felt much excitement with only had a few natural nerves which was very reassuring for us.  Our daughter is happy and enjoys the structured independence that the hostel provides her.  Initially, enrolled as a 5 day boarder we have recently changed to that of a 7 day boarder so that she can stay for the weekends that she wishes to. 

In addition, there is a very good level of communication and connection between the hostel and the College itself.  

Katrina Rowley and her team are very supportive, informative and skilled at guiding the girls with clear, positive expectations ensuring a home away from home feeling.  We are thrilled with the service, care and opportunity that our daughter is receiving.”

“I am deeply and gratefully thankful for your influence in my life.  It means more to me than words could ever explain.

You were incredible, calm, peaceful, passionate, understanding, nurturing, loving and non-judging.

The house and the school needs to understand how lucky we were to have you guiding us.”

“To my perfect roommate,  

I’m still adapting to New Zealand and the boarding house, but I don’t feel nervous or scared anymore about New Zealand because you helped me.

I like talking with you.  You are one of the nicest people that I have ever met.

Thank you again for helping me during term 1.”

“Just wanted to say a massive thank you for our stay at CJ house. We had such a wonderful weekend - largely thanks to you! Big thank you to the kitchen as well, we agreed that the food was better than we had in our university halls! ”