A traditional school with a contemporary heart

Boarding at Coldstream Hostel

Coldstream Hostel has an illustrious history as Oldfield House – a grand house and former residence of Southland’s first Prime Minister, Sir Joseph Ward. 

Although Oldfield House no longer stands, tradition and values permeate the halls of the hostel. These are the foundational building blocks that ensure that your son is supported, encouraged, and nourished during his time at Southland Boys’ High School. 

Opening in 1954, Coldstream Hostel provides a supportive home environment for boarders, while encouraging independence, self-worth and tolerance. The Director of Boarding, Mr Cameron Davis, along with Matron Mrs Sue Mills, provide a welcoming and well-resourced weekday home for your son. 

A stable and encouraging hostel environment – combined with the boarders’ academic, sporting, and cultural activities – provides young men with a fulfilling and secure home away from home. 


Download the Coldstream Information booklet
Hostel life

The Hostel Manager, Sue Mills, ensures that the Hostel is the boys’ home away from home.

The school’s values of Compassion, Honesty, Perseverance, Respect, Responsibility and Service are the cornerstone stone on which hostel life is based. Relationships between pupils and staff are mutually respectful, and Sue and the staff develop a close relationship with each boy. The boys are encouraged to look after one another, and form a strong sense of belonging and brotherhood. Coldstream Hostel is heated throughout, and can accommodate up to 100 boarders.

Coldstream Hostel provides an environment that assists the boys’ personal development. Compulsory prep is held for one and a quarter hours each evening, Monday to Thursday. The boys will be expected to maintain standards of behaviour that reflects the expectations of the school. 

Coldstream Hostel is an integral part of the Southland Boys’ High School community where staff provide a caring, sensitive and supportive environment which encourages the personal development of our boarders.

Facilities

Coldstream Hostel is heated throughout and can accommodate up to 100 boarders.

Juniors live in dormitory style accommodation while Senior's accommodation varies. Prefects have the privilege of single/double rooms and there are rooms available to accommodate from 2 – 10 boys. Coldstream Hostel has:

  • 9 dormitories that can sleep 9 - 10 people
  • 3 dormitories that can sleep 4 - 6 people
  • 8 single rooms
  • 2 double rooms
  • Sick bay with 2 beds
Food

The Hostel Dining Room, better known as the “Stag and Boar Cafe”, is managed by Cater Plus. 

Our head chef, Linda, has a passion for food and knows exactly what it takes to satisfy young men’s hungry appetites. The food is absolutely amazing, nutritionally balanced and the menus are designed to meet the needs and likes of teenage boys.

The menu is based on the advice of a dietitian with input from both hostel management, chef and boarders. The menu is on a five week rotation, and all dietary requirements are catered for.