Established in 2023, our boarding house is a place where learners find comfort, care, and a sense of belonging. Currently, we are home to 16 boys who experience the warmth and security of a home away from home.
We started small with the vision of creating a supportive and nurturing environment that mirrors the values of our day-learner community. Our dedicated staff are committed to the intentional care and development of each individual learner, ensuring their well-being, growth, and success during their time with us.
Weekly boarding offers learners an opportunity to thrive within a structured environment that caters to the academic, sporty, cultural or social child. Our boarding facilities are situated in what is currently the Retreat, and allow us to comfortably accommodate our weekly boarders in a safe and comfortable homely environment on campus.
The interiors of the boarding houses have been extensively modified in order to ensure we provide modern and well-designed accommodation to provide all necessary comforts and facilities for our boarders.
All meals during the week will be provided for by the Retreat catering team and our hope is to provide a nurturing environment where our boarders are happy, engaged and fully immersed in life at our school.
Regular, weekly meetings with the Executive of the College and the Houseparent’s, will ensure consistency and support in line with ensuring that boarding remains an integral component of HeronBridge College..
Resident On-Site Staff Supervision
Meet the Team
As a priority, we endeavour in our boarding environment to create a home away from home at HeronBridge College.
Resident on-site staff supervision and care is very much in place with five staff allocated to the residence of sixteen pupils.
Our Houseparents and Tutors provide for the best onsite ‘parenting’ that we can offer. They are responsible for the encouragement, well-being and pastoral care of each of our learners.
All our Houseparent’s are HeronBridge staff and are experienced in dealing with the joys and challenges that adolescents face and will intentionally guide and disciple each of the boarding learners..
Our boarding programme is designed to foster a well-rounded experience for every learner, balancing physical, academic, and spiritual growth. Alongside daily homework and study sessions, we do a variety of physical activities such as gym workouts, tennis, touch rugby, and basketball to promote healthy living and teamwork. Devotional sessions are also integrated into the routine, helping to nurture spiritual well-being. Through these activities, we aim to build a strong sense of community and create a supportive boarding family, where each learner can thrive in body, mind, and spirit.
House Parents
Rinaldi Stanton – Head of Boarding
I am a dedicated teacher with 8 years of experience, living out my passion as an Engineering Graphics and Design teacher. I take great pride in my role as a boarding parent. I see this responsibility as an opportunity to deeply influence the lives of young individuals, helping them grow into confident, capable, and well-rounded individuals.
I believe in creating a structured, disciplined environment where expectations are clear, and accountability is key, yet I approach this with a strong sense of care and compassion. My vision is for the boarders to thrive spiritually, emotionally, academically, and physically. I provide them with not just a safe space but one that encourages personal growth and excellence. While I set high standards and ensure consistency, I also foster an atmosphere where they feel supported, loved, and valued. My goal is to guide the boys toward living a balanced life, equipping them with the tools to succeed both inside and outside the classroom.
Tracey Carstens
What a wonderful adventure the last 2 years of boarding have been! We have all grown as a family and have developed what I believe to be life-long relationships. It has been a blessing welcoming new boarders into our family as well. I have had the honour of being part of the HeronBridge family since 2010, when both my children joined me here, as I started teaching in the Pre-prep.
I am currently the Head of Department for my grade. I find great fulfillment in working with both young children as well as with College learners. Having had 3 of my own teenagers, as well as counselling young people for a number of years through my church, have given me great experience and insight into nurturing and caring for our boys, helping them grow and mature in a holistic manner.
I am passionate about being used by God to guide and encourage young people. It is a great honour to be able to be a vessel to help draw them closer to Jesus. My desire is to see this generation of learners developing a relationship with their creator and Father and building their identity into who God created them to be. I believe this is the key to their future, as God guides them into the wonderful plans that He has for them.
Faith Chumbu
My name is Faith Chumbu, and I have been a Boarding Houseparent at HeronBridge College since 2023. It has been an incredible honour to be part of the HeronBridge boarding family from the very beginning. Applying for this position was one of the best decisions I have ever made.
Having worked with HeronBridge learners for over 13 years, stepping into this new role as a Boarding Houseparent has been both a privilege and a blessing. I am grateful to walk this journey with an amazing group of boys as they grow into responsible and mature young men. Being in loco parentis to them is an honour that I cherish deeply.
I treasure every moment—whether it’s guiding them through study sessions, cheering them on in sports, or simply being there when they need someone to talk to. I find great joy in creating opportunities for one-to-one conversations, where I can support and encourage each boy individually.
Now in my third year in boarding, I have never regretted my decision to take on this role. It is truly rewarding, and I feel blessed to serve these young men whom God has placed in my care.
Colossians 3:23-24 “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.”
Marcel van Niekerk
With a decade of teaching experience, I am a passionate educator dedicated to fostering a
love for learning. I specialize in teaching Afrikaans to Grade 8, 9, and 10 learners, striving to create an engaging and supportive classroom environment. In addition to my teaching responsibilities, I actively contribute to school sports as a basketball and rugby coach, promoting teamwork and discipline among students. Originally from KwaZulu-Natal, I embrace an active lifestyle and appreciate the joys of good food and music. As a Christian, my faith guides my approach to both teaching and life. I deeply love and cherish my family, valuing the time spent with them.
Beyond the classroom, I am committed to shaping the character and future of young men in the boarding house. My vision is to teach boys how to be independent, to believe in themselves, and to develop a strong work ethic. I strive to create a family atmosphere where everyone feels welcome, supported, and encouraged to grow into responsible and confident
individuals. At home, I share my space with my cat, who firmly believes she runs the
household—and to be fair, she might not be wrong.
Shaun Davidson
I am thrilled to take on the role of a boarding parent in Founders House at HeronBridge
College, embracing its strong Christian ethos. Guided by faith, I am committed to creating
an environment where biblical principles such as kindness, humility, and servant leadership
shape daily interactions.
As a sporty and energetic individual, I look forward to engaging with the boys through both physical activity and everyday life, fostering a sense of teamwork and discipline. Leadership, honesty, and integrity are values I hold dear, and I am eager to lead by example while also learning from those around me. More than just a role, this is an opportunity to build meaningful connections with the boys—relationships rooted in faith and mutual respect that will not only support them during their time at HeronBridge but hopefully last for years to come.
Facilities
HeronBridge College weekly boarding facilities are housed in the Retreat, near the high school and overlooking the Jukskei river.
Each room in the boarding residence is homely and a place of comfort, security and privacy, while still maintaining the necessary balance of community within our boarding programme.
Most rooms are single occupancy with a maximum of two boarders in select double rooms.
Rooms include an extra-length 3/4 bed, study cubicle, bookshelf and side table, and boarders are encouraged to decorate their rooms themselves.
Bathrooms are set at a generous ratio to ensure privacy and hygiene.
Our boarding residence has a well-equipped lounge area with television, DSTV, Xbox console, beanbags and is geared as an ideal “time out” space for the boarders. All boarders have access to free and controlled wireless internet.
Fantastic facilities available to boarders include a high-performance gym and heated swimming pool as well as bonfire boma for evening events.
HeronBridge College boarding staff are trained in first aid and the nearest private hospital, Fourways Life, is 7km away.
Example day programme (Tuesday/Thursday)
Our daily schedule is designed to provide structure, promote a healthy lifestyle, and encourage academic success while fostering a sense of community. Here’s a typical day at the boarding house:
This balanced routine helps our learners manage their academic and physical commitments while also building strong bonds with one another.
Fees and Structure
Boarding Fees – 2025
| Grades 8, 9, 10 | Standard Annual Fee | 12 Monthly Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Weekly Boarding | R100,320.00 | R8,360.00 |
Grades 8, 9, 10 – Weekly Boarding
Fees are inclusive of:
Four nights’ accommodation: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday nights
Meals as follows:
All cooked meals will be served in the Retreat dining hall or out at the boma.
Boarders are expected to keep their rooms neat and tidy. Basic cleaning is provided to all weekly boarding facilities on a daily basis, inclusive of bedrooms and bathrooms.
Access to school facilities is available to boarding residents. This includes the school facilities such as the swimming pool, high-performance centre, college hub, and sports grounds. Access and timing thereof to be managed between boarders and Houseparents, and/or during allocated time slots governed by the school.
HeronBridge College boarding staff are trained in first aid and a basic first aid box will be available to boarders.
Fees exclude services such as:
