Concerns about getting students to their interstate or overseas homes with quarantine measures, and being able to get them back again to Victoria when face to face learning resumes, and internet and social connectivity issues, are among the reasons for them staying.

St Patrick's College director of boarding Mike Silcock said about 20 boys, mostly from interstate, remained in the boarding house.

And Ballarat Grammar's international students, which number fewer then 10, are staying with school or staff families, or their own registered homestay provider.

"Last time we got the boys back home, this time is more problematic," Mr Silcock said. "But when the boys came back last time it was with the expectation they would most likely be with us until at least the September holidays."

With many of the boarders in VCE, although they range from year seven to year 12, it was decided that their academic, support and wellbeing needs would be best met by staying in the boarding house.

"They were heavily disconnected when they were back home with their community and family (during the first remote learning) - there was limited connection with friends, with the college and with study."

The two periods of remote learning add up to more than 11 weeks - longer than a full term out of their studies and critical for year 12 students in particular.

"We are very careful and follow all governance around movement of people in and out. We've almost created our own little biodome and even though were are permitted to allow students to come on site if vulnerable, boarders won't join that cohort."

IN OTHER NEWS

When not studying the boarders still have access to most of the recreational and leisure activities normally available to them.

"The nature of our boarding precinct is there are activity spaces, pool space, basketball court, quiet zones, a theatrette and in many ways much of what the boys would do within boarding they will continue to do. Their lives are not going to be vastly different beyond the obvious change to the learning platform."

At Ballarat Clarendon College, the boarding houses are closed and all boarders have returned home to their parents or guardians.

Have you signed up to The Courier's variety of news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in Ballarat.