A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
A Guide for Boarders and their Parents Handbook
An Anglican community inspiring every learner every experience every day
To be a leader in Christian education that is characterised by a global vision that inspires hope
Values
Commitment
Compassion
Courage
Integrity
Respect
We acknowledge the Dharug, Darkinjung, Wonnarua and Yolŋu peoples who are the traditional custodians of the land on which Barker College, Darkinjung Barker, Ngarralingayil Barker and Dhupuma Barker stand. We pay respect to the Elders past, present and emerging of the Dharug, Darkinjung, Wonnarua and Yolŋu nations and extend that respect to other Indigenous people within the Barker College community.
Welcome to the Barker Boarding Community.
The Barker Boarding Community holds a special place in our School. With a future increasingly calling on us to be collaborative in finding solutions, to be community-minded in sharing resources, and to be enriched by challenging experiences that offer opportunities for critical thinking - the Senior Boarding experience at Barker College is a supreme fit.
This booklet sets out to cover many of the frequently asked questions, from homesickness to medical care, from telephones to lost property, from sport to study.
Every Boarder is unique in their needs, aspirations and home upbringing. Our Head of Boarding, Mr Jared Scoines encourages families to make contact with him whenever you have questions or wish to discuss your child’s day-to-day living in the Boarding Community.
Head
of Barker College
Boarding at Barker College prepares young people for active and responsible participation in the community. Barker is a place where each member of the community is affirmed, valued and challenged. Members of the boarding community should adhere to the core Barker values at all times.
• Commitment
• Compassion
• Courage
• Integrity
• Respect
• Boarding
Barker Boarding is about:
• shaping the whole person aligned with Barker College values.
• providing a variety of experiences to encourage spiritual, physical, social, emotional, and intellectual growth.
• teaching students how to live with others respectfully.
• encouraging students to acknowledge their gifts and talents and share them with others.
• developing self-motivation and self-discipline.
Barker Boarding aims to achieve ths through:
• Providing a safe and secure environment where boarders can flourish and prepare for life beyond school.
• Encouraging personal responsibility for learning.
• Creating an environment where each boarder learns to value truth and respect for others.
• Establishing high standards of organisation, good routines, punctuality, participation, and care for property and personal etiquette.
• Developing leadership skills and team related skills.
• Fostering community among students, parents, staff, and the wider Barker community.
The Barker boarding community, comprising of boarding students, parents and staff, are expected to treat others with integrity and respect. As a diverse boarding community, we must understand the importance of supporting one another’s backgrounds, cultures and traditions.
Each student boarding at Barker is responsible for their personal development by preparing for and participating in all classes and activities. Respect involves an awareness for and acknowledgment of the needs of others, understanding how individual actions can be impactful.
Boarders and boarding staff operate on a foundation of trust. All boarders and staff members are expected to act in a manner that reflects the values and standards of the School. Everyone must adhere to the expectations of boarding in order for the community to thrive.
Students must respect the property of others and that of Barker College. If a boarder deliberately damages property in the Boarding House, the costs for repair, restoration, or replacement will be charged to their parents. Additionally, if a boarder intentionally breaks the rules, breaches trust of peers or staff, or damages property through carelessness or disregard, the Head of Boarding, in consultation with the Head of Barker College, Deputy Head Student Experience or Head of Senior School, will determine the appropriate sanctions.
Boarding aims to provide a safe, supportive, and caring environment that fosters selfregulation, and mutual respect among boarders. We work closely with the Day School to implement and support policies and procedures related to student behaviour in the Boarding House.
These policies, procedures, and guidelines apply to all boarders, whether they are on site or on leave. The only exception being when under the direct care of their parents. Inappropriate behaviour that violates school policies or disregards the rights of others will result in consequences.
Challenging or anti-social behaviours by a boarder can negatively impact the wellbeing of other boarders and staff. The Head of Boarding is responsible for balancing the rights, responsibilities, needs, and wellbeing of everyone in the community fairly and reasonably.
Consequences will generally be applied for a short duration and will be used only as a last resort. We are committed to a just system/ process, ensuring that every boarder has the right to be heard.
If a pattern of behaviour requiring further, or ongoing or more serios consequences emerges, further investigation and support from parents and staff may be necessary.
Consequences may include one or more of the following, depending upon the nature of the behaviours which have occurred:
• Confiscation of mobile phones/computers
• Gating - Withdrawal of weekend leave, day leave or other leave
• Exclusion from boarding activities
• Suspension from boarding for a period of time
• Parents may be informed and if required asked to attend a meeting onsite
• An interview with the House Supervisor, Head of Boarding, Deputy Head or Head of Barker College.
• Other sanctions in consultation with and at the discretion of the Head of Barker College.
Restorative practices will be in place to repair and grow relationships that may have been impacted by behaviours.
Barker Boarding is available to senior students in Years 10, 11, and 12, accommodating up to 60 students—30 girls and 30 boys, with twenty students per year group. Our boarders come from rural NSW, the Sydney metropolitan area, interstate, and overseas.
We have three Boarding Houses located on the College grounds: Plume, West Wing, and the Boarding Clinic.
Plume is the female boarding house, with a capacity of 30 students and one Supervisor. It features a variety of room types, including dorm-style rooms, twin rooms, and single rooms. Male students are not permitted to enter Plume House.
West Wing houses the Year 10 and 11 male boarders. It can accommodate up to 23 students and one Supervisor, with rooms configured as twin sleeper rooms.
The lower level of West Wing serves as a communal space for all boarders, featuring a large lounge with TV facilities, a games room, kitchen, breakout spaces, and the office of the Head of Boarding. Female students are welcome on the lower level but are not permitted to go upstairs in West Wing.
Clinic is the residence for Year 12 male boarders. It has a capacity of 10 students and one Supervisor, with all rooms being single sleeper rooms. The building is two stories, with the upper level designated for boarding and the lower level housing the Health Centre. Female students, as well as Year 10 and 11 male students, are not permitted to enter the Boarding Clinic.
The Head of Boarding is supported by the House Supervisors and Boarding Supervisors. Together, they handle a range of responsibilities, including pastoral care, health concerns, academic support, social activities, and supervision. They are also a friendly ear for boarders, listening to updates from home, discussing social relationships, addressing classroom issues, and celebrating achievements. Our staff work closely with the Health Centre to manage any health-related issues that may arise.
Time
- Thursday
7:00 - 8:20am Wake up Breakfast Prepare for School
Wake up Breakfast Prepare for School Quiet check on students
8:20am Leave for School Boarding house locked during School hours Leave for School Boarding house locked during School hours Breakfast 8:30 - 10:00 am
3:00 - 4:00pm Afternoon tea
3:30 - 5:30pm Leisure time &/or extracurricular activity
Afternoon tea
May depart for weekend leave
Afternoon tea
Leisure time
Leisure time
5:45 - 6:15pm Dinner Dinner5:30pm Dinner5:30pm
6:30 - 8:30pm Prep (homework/revision) Monday - Chapel
Recreation activity or leisure time in house
Leisure time Students to spend time resetting room
8:30 - 9:00pm Supper Supper Supper
8:30 - 9:30pm Leisure time
All students must be in their own Boarding house by 9:30pm
9:30 - 9:45pm Year 10 and 11Tech hand in
10:00pm Showers cease Students are to be in their own rooms
Leisure time
All students must be in their own Boarding house by 10:00pm
Students are permitted to keep their tech Friday and Saturday evening
Showers cease Students are to be in their own houses
10:30 - 11:00pm Lights out Friday-Saturdaylights out at Supervisor’s discretion
All students must be returned from weekend leave by 9:00pm Sunday night
Year 10 and 11Tech hand in Sunday evenings
Showers cease Students are to be in their own rooms
Lights out - Sunday
• Prep for Year 10 and 11 is fully supervised and takes place Monday to Thursday from 6:30pm to 8:30pm within the library.
• Prep for Year 12 can be conducted either in the Library or the Senior School Hub.
• Year 12 boarders who require additional support to stay focused or tend to disrupt others during study time will be asked to study under supervision.
• Boarders have access to support from tutors and teaching staff.
• Year 12 students also benefit from additional support provided by student mentors.
• Mobile phone use is not permitted during Prep. Please refrain from calling your child while they are studying.
• It is expected that boarders will work quietly and diligently on their schoolwork during Prep.
• Tutoring must take place outside of regular boarding activities such as dinner, chapel, and prep.
• Tutors must have a verified Working with Children Check (WWCC) before working with students and is subject to approval by the House Supervisor and Head of Boarding, following legislative guidelines.
• Tutoring can occur in the Senior School Hub during the week or the West Wing study room on weekends. Tutors must follow all boarding procedures, whether sessions are held onsite or via Zoom.
• Parents should liaise with the relevant House Supervisor before hiring a tutor to ensure compliance with child protection protocols.
Boarding staff will do everything possible to encourage boarders to use their study and work time effectively; however, the responsibility for studying ultimately rests with the student. On focus days and during exam periods, boarders are encouraged to seek support from their teachers, student mentors, and, when appropriate, the learning support team. Supervision on these days is based on trust.
To help boarders make effective use of these days, the following will apply:
• Students are to wake up as they would on a regular school day.
• All boarders must work at their desk or in approved areas within school grounds.
• Boarders are not permitted to invite day students into their dorms. However, they may use the group study room on the lower floor of the West Wing.
• All leave during this time is at the discretion of the House Supervisor.
If a boarder has a suitable break between exams, they may be granted overnight leave. The usual leave process applies.
It is important for our Boarders to bring items to school that assist in making their personal space comfortable and homelike. (photos and small mementos) Having too much in one’s space, however, makes room care difficult and time consuming. Please assist your child by monitoring the amount of belongings and luggage brought into School. Students may be asked to return some belongings if management is not maintained.
Full details of the uniform and optional items are outlined in the Senior School Handbook.
The following list is a checklist of clothing and associated items required for new Boarders. It is a requirement that all items be labelled
Please note: All students are provided with a new pillow, mattress protector, bed linen, towels and a laundry tub.
Plume Store 9053 2876
• 1 School blazer
• 2 navy school skirts (knee-length)
• 6 white short-sleeved shirts
• 7 pairs white socks + several pairs of regulation navy stockings
• 2 School ties
• 1 School jumper (red)
• 1 vest/cardigan (optional)
• 1 raincoat or navy/black fold-up umbrella
• 15 sets of underwear
• 2 pairs pyjamas
• 1 regulation swimming costume
• 1 pair black School shoes and spare laces
• 1 doona
• 2 doona covers
• 1 set of toiletries
• 1 weekend suitcase or overnight bag
• 1 pair thongs
• 1 School tracksuit
• 2 Sports uniforms per season
• 1 pair of sports shoes
• 5 casual outfits/weekend attire and appropriate footwear
• 4 laundry bags - Barker-style (only from Plume Store)
• Only plain earrings (studs/sleepers) are permitted
• 1 School blazer
• 2 pairs School trousers
• 6 white short-sleeved shirts
• 7 pairs School socks
• 2 School ties
• 1 School jumper (red)
• 1 raincoat or navy blue/black fold-up umbrella
• 15 underpants
• 2 pairs pyjamas
• 1 School jumper (navy)
• 1 regulation swimming costume
• 1 pair black School shoes and spare laces
• 1 doona
• 2 donna covers
• 1 set of toiletries
• 1 weekend suitcase or overnight bag
• 2 sports uniform per season
• 1 pair thongs
• 1 School tracksuit
• 2 Sports uniforms per season
• 1 pair of sports shoes
• 5 casual outfits/weekend attire and appropriate footwear
• 4 laundry bags - Barker-style (only from Plume Store)
All clothing items are to be named with SEW ON tags, which can be ordered from the Plume Store when purchasing uniforms. They are to be placed on collars or on waistbands. Extra sew on name tags are to be given to Barker Laundry to allow the seamstress to sew on tags to Boarders new clothing items.
All clothing must be named in all capital letters BEFORE students commence.
Sample Name Tags*
Boys = B1
NAME SURNAME B1
Girls = B2
NAME SURNAME B2
*Names to be all in capital letters
Due to the busy nature of the school, staff members may be difficult to reach by telephone as they might be in class, coaching sports, or attending to boarding duties. For non-urgent queries, it is often more effective to email the House Supervisor or teachers and request a response at their convenience.
House Supervisors are not on duty from 8:30am – 2:30pm Monday to Friday. All boarding houses during these hours are locked.
• Boarders are allowed only one mobile phone and one SIM card. Any additional phones or SIM cards found will be confiscated and returned at the end of the term to be taken home.
• Boarders will lose phone privileges if found with more than one phone.
• Phones may not be used during study time, in the dining room at mealtimes, or after lights out.
• Year 10 boarders must hand in all electronic devices by 9:30pm
• Year 11 boarders must hand in all electronic devices by 9:45pm
• Year 12 boarders are expected to demonstrate personal discipline and
self-manage their technology. If they cannot, phones will be handed in at bedtime.
• Boarders must provide their mobile phone number to the House Supervisor and notify them of any changes.
• Phones may not be used as alarms for Year 10 and 11 boarders, as they are collected at bedtime.
Parents and boarders are invited to join the Boarders’ private Instagram page while their child is boarding. This will help keep you updated with photos and activities.
There is to be no use of social media, taking photos of or filming other students while on campus unless directed by the Supervisor on Duty.
Year 10 and 11 boarders must hand in their computers, iPads, tablets, or any other electronic devices to be charged overnight.
Letters to your child should be addressed:
(Boarder’s Name)
(Name of Boarding House) Barker College 91 Pacific Hwy Hornsby NSW 2077
Barker College recognises that drug use impairs students’ learning potential and wellbeing and has a negative impact on the entire school community.
Barker College therefore does not permit any student to:
• Be under the influence of alcohol, illicit drugs, or prescription/non-prescription drugs used for non-medical purposes.
• Smoke, vape, procure, possess, distribute, or sell tobacco or vaping products.
• Consume, procure, possess or distribute alcohol.
• Supply alcohol to another student.
• Possess, procure, use, or distribute prescription or non-prescription drugs for non-medical purposes.
• Supply prescription or non-prescription drugs to another student.
• Possess, procure, use, or distribute illegal drugs.
• Supply illegal drugs to another student.
• Possess, procure, use, or distribute drugrelated equipment.
• Deliberately inhale solvents.
These guidelines are binding for all boarders, whether they are on-site or on leave from the Boarding House. Room searches may be conducted if deemed necessary and will be done so by two senior members of the boarding and/or school staff.
• Barker College retains the right to deny student access to their vehicle at any time.
• Students who breach the Motor Vehicle Use in Boarding Policy will lose the privilege of driving, at the discretion of the Head of Boarding.
• Students wishing to drive a motor vehicle or have one accessible while in boarding must submit an application, including Parental/Guardian permission, to the Head of Boarding.
• Students must hold an appropriate NSW Driver’s License to apply for permission.
• Permission to drive a motor vehicle is granted only in the final year of school, which includes Term 4 of Year 11 (the beginning of Year 12).
• If a student obtains a NSW Driver’s License earlier in Year 11 and wishes to have a car, they may submit an application for approval by the Head of Boarding.
• Any vehicle used by a student must be roadworthy, registered, and insured.
• Motorcycles are not permitted for boarding students.
• No boarder is permitted to travel with a learner driver (L-Plate driver).
• Students must comply with parking arrangements and other conditions set by the Deputy Head Student Experience.
• Boarders are not allowed to travel in a car driven by another student without permission from the passenger’s parents.
• Students wishing to travel in another student’s car must include this information, along with the driver’s name, in their leave request. Parents must approve any such travel request before the student departs the school.
• Boarding staff will contact parents if there are any concerns regarding any of the above.
Attendance at the Boarder Chapel service every Monday night is compulsory for all boarders. Chapel begins promptly at 6:20pm and lasts approximately 30 minutes. The service, led by the Senior School Chaplain, is attended by the Head of Boarding and the Supervisors on duty. The chapel service aims to support and encourage boarders in their understanding of Christian faith and foster unity within the Boarding Community.
At the beginning of Term 1 there is a Boarders’ Closed Weekend. This allows Boarders to get to know each other and to learn more about their new surroundings. There is also a Closed Day at the end of Term 4, which is a celebration of the year that has been. On these days, activities are specifically organised to allow the Boarder group to develop friendships and foster a sense of family and community. Boarders are permitted to play school sport or other organised school activities but for these special days, for 24-hours no other leave is permitted.
All clothing should be clearly labelled with sew-on tags, which can be ordered from the Plume store when purchasing uniforms. Tags should be placed on collars or waistbands. Extra sew-on name tags should be given to Barker Laundry. All clothing must be named before students commence.
For space, WHS and fire safety reasons, boarders are not permitted to have personal
fridges, electric blankets, coffee machines, blenders, heaters or any other small appliance, pedestal/column fans, fish tanks, heaters, or filters.
All approved electrical equipment and cords will be tested and tagged by the school. Items that do not pass will be removed and sent home. Broken, frayed, or non-compliant cords and items will also be returned home.
Any activity that involves regular off-site attendance, travel arrangements, missing study and/or meals must be discussed with the House Supervisor. This includes health care appointments, offsite tutoring, sporting commitments, dance lessons, etc.
The fire detection system installed throughout the Boarding Houses is highly sensitive. Smoke from burnt food or inappropriate use of aerosol cans will trigger the alarms. If a boarder sets off the fire alarms, either deliberately or by using banned substances, parents will be responsible for the call-out fee to the fire department, which is approximately $1,800.
Homesickness can manifest in various ways, including illness, anxiety, fatigue, crying, sadness, and low mood. The Boarding House, Health Centre, and Psychologists will work closely with boarders and parents to provide the best possible care, advice, and support during these times.
Boarders are required to use the provided laundry service. While there are limited washing facilities available in dorms for delicate items or emergencies, regular laundry is handled as follows:
• Laundry Schedule - All dormitory laundry is collected and returned on Mondays and Thursdays. Towels, sheets, and pillowcases are washed weekly, and sports uniforms are washed each Wednesday and returned later the same day.
• Bedding - The school provides bed linen and shower towels. Boarders are responsible for supplying their own doona, two doona covers, and pillows.
• Please label all clothing clearly as outlined on page 22.
• Laundry Bags - Four mesh laundry bags are compulsory for socks, underwear, and stockings.
• All meals are served daily in the Dining Hall, where boarders can enjoy freshly cooked meals prepared by the kitchen staff, seven days a week, during the school term.
• Our Catering Staff provide a varied and balanced menu in accordance with Australian Dietary Guidelines, tailored to meet the nutritional needs of adolescents.
• Special diets are accommodated as per medical advice. Please contact the Health Centre to make arrangements, if required.
• Dress Code - School uniform or smart casual attire is expected for all meals in the Dining Hall. Closed-toe shoes are required. Singlet tops, midriffs, transparent clothing, and pyjamas (including Oodies) are not permitted.
• Late Meals - Boarders are responsible for completing the ‘Late Meal Form’ located in the Kitchen or notifying staff if they will be late for a meal, so that a meal can be kept aside for them. If a boarder is going to be late for a meal due to unforeseeable circumstances (such as classes finishing late), they must call the House mobile and inform the Supervisor so that a meal can be set aside.
• No food is to be taken into bedrooms.
• While every effort is made to ensure belongings and valuables are secure, Barker boarding takes no responsibility for lost or stolen items.
• Parents are asked to make use of electronic banking for Boarders to access funds.
Part-time employment is permitted if it can be managed within normal leave
arrangements. However, Barker Saturday Sport commitments must be met.
Decisions are made at the discretion of the Head of Boarding and the relevant House Supervisor, in consultation with boarding staff and input from current boarders.
Boarding houses are locked during the school day for safety and security and are alarmed. Security guards are on duty on the premises overnight.
All visitors must report to the School Reception upon arrival and departure during reception hours. Access to the Boarding House dorms is not permitted. Day students are not allowed upstairs but may use the common area of the Boarding House after signing in and acknowledging the supervisor on duty.
During school terms, it is important for boarders to be able to take leave. The school wishes to maintain flexibility with leave arrangements however, boarders should not regard leave as an automatic right. Parents must have the confidence that the school is exercising leave arrangements as carefully and responsibly as possible.
The following leave regulations apply to all boarders:
• On rare occasions, the school reserves the right to nominate in advance that a specific weekend or event will be “closed,” and no leave will be granted. These will be communicated to you well in advance, including specific days and weekends.
• The House Supervisor and the Head of Boarding reserve the right to refuse leave if they are not satisfied with the arrangements in place.
• Boarding uses an electronic leave management system, REACH, which can be accessed by parents, boarders, and boarding staff. Parents and students will be provided with a username and password. To maintain the system’s integrity, parents should never share their password with their child.
• Any boarder found approving their own leave will have all leave cancelled immediately - no exceptions.
• Parents are asked to support the community ethos of boarding by adhering to the procedures for leave requests.
• REACH forms are legal documents, and boarders must go to the approved destination/host for which the leave was granted.
• Parent and host details are entered into the REACH leave database, including name, home and mobile numbers, home addresses, and email addresses.
• Leave requests must include parent and host details, destination, time of departure
and return, and method of transport.
• It is assumed that parents contact the host before providing permission to Boarding, to ensure there are no safety issues and that adequate adult supervision will be provided for the duration of the visit.
• Boarding reserves the right to contact the host and/or parent before granting day or weekend leave.
These guidelines are binding for all boarders, whether they are on-site or on leave from the Boarding House. Room searches may be conducted if deemed necessary and will be done so by two senior members of the boarding and/or school staff.
• For the safety and duty of care of our boarders, it is paramount that we know where they are at all times.
• Boarders are required to sign out of boarding and sign in upon their return, even if their destination is to another part of Barker campus.
• Boarders or parents must enter their proposed weekend plans into the REACH leave database by Thursday evening at 9 pm so that weekend catering arrangements can be completed.
• As with weekend and day leave, parent and host permission is required.
• Dinner leave from Monday to Thursday may only be with parents or relatives and is considered a special privilege.
• Boarders may only miss one study session.
• Boarders may attend a formal midweek if it is a school-organised and supervised event.
• Boarders must speak to the House Supervisor or Head of Boarding before Special Leave is granted.
• Boarders must stay overnight with a family friend or relative, and normal parent and host permissions are required.
• Students must return to the Boarding House by 8am the following day if it is a school day.
• Early leave to attend a formal will be at the discretion of the House Supervisor or Head of Boarding and cannot start before 2:20pm.
• Leave of this type will be granted at the discretion of the House Supervisor or Head of Boarding and will be permitted infrequently.
• Applications must be made well in advance of the event.
• Where possible, all appointments should be scheduled outside of school hours and within the local area.
• Upon returning to boarding after any leave, all medication, including over-thecounter medication, must be handed to the Health Centre.
• All boarders are required to submit the details of their travel arrangements, including any private arrangements.
• Boarding will close at 5:00pm at the end of term and reopen at 3:00pm at the beginning of the following term. All private travel arrangements must be within these time frames.
• A boarder travel day is only permitted for those living more than 2 hours from Barker. These boarders may depart the day before the end of term to allow for extra travel time.
• TrainLink travel arrangements for the end/beginning of term and the June long weekend must be organised through boarding.
• Any exceptions to the above must be requested and approved through the appropriate procedures.
• There is no guarantee that Boarders travelling to the same destination will be on the same bus or train.
• On TrainLink services, two pieces of luggage no more than 20 kg each and one piece of hand luggage no more than five kg are allowed. There is no provision for transporting musical instruments, sporting goods, crates of books, bikes, saddles, etc.
• No belongings may be left in boarding over the Christmas holidays.
• To cancel TrainLink bookings during the holiday periods, call 132 232 with at least 48 hours’ notice.
• All new boarders and their families are to arrive at 3:00 pm.
• All boarders are required to stay for dinner, followed by House meetings.
• The Boarding House reopens at 3:00 pm for all boarders and their families.
• All boarders traveling by private transport are expected to return by 8:00 pm.
This is an important time when the entire boarding community comes together to participate in activities that build and strengthen our boarding culture. The first weekend of Term 1 is known as Commitment Weekend for all boarders and staff, and as such, leave will not be granted.
These events take place during the first weekend of term. Parents are notified of the dates well in advance to help them plan their personal schedules for the year. All boarders are required to stay at school from Friday through the weekend, with only sport leave being granted.
• The Barker College Health Centre is open from 7:00am – 6:00pm Monday to Friday and is staffed by Registered Nurses.
• The nurses provide first aid and healthcare to students and staff daily and are also available for advice in person or over the phone. HealthCentre@barker.nsw.edu.au or Tel: 0418 480 831
• All medication must be handed in at the beginning of every term and on return from leave. No medication is to be stored in a student’s room.
• Boarder’s prescription medication is dispensed and distributed by a nurse between 7:00am – 6:00pm in the Health Centre (Mon-Fri) or by the Boarding supervisor (via the supplied dosette) if this works better for the student’s daily schedule. If prescription medication is required outside of these hours or on weekends this will be supplied to the Boarding House in a dedicated dosette to be kept in the locked medication cupboard in the Boarding House office.
• A small supply of Over the Counter (OTC) medications will be kept in the locked cupboard in the Boarding House office if needed outside of nursing hours. You will be asked to sign a consent form for these medications to be supplied to your child if needed.
• Boarders who are unwell report to the Health Centre from 7:00am on school days.
• The nurse may decide to keep the student in the Health Centre to rest for all or part of the day and may make an appointment with a local doctor if necessary. When a student becomes very unwell and/or is infectious, a parent will be notified to take their child out of boarding. If the family live within a 3-hour radius of Sydney, this should be done on the day the request is made. Alternatively, they may arrange for
their nominated Sydney contact to collect the student.
• If the family lives outside a 3-hour radius of Sydney and are unable to organise for their child to leave boarding on the day of the request, a decision may be taken to keep the Health Centre open into the evening or overnight and/or to isolate their child from others if possible. Parents should put a plan in place to take their child home the following day if they continue to be unwell.
• Every effort will be made to work with parents, in sometimes difficult circumstances, to achieve the best care for their child. A nurse will liaise with parents/carers in all aspects of your child’s healthcare and regarding the pick-up arrangements required.
• Medication is distributed according to the Heath Care Procedures in Boarding.
• If a student becomes unwell on the weekend, Boarding Supervisors will organise first aid and doctors’ appointments as necessary or take the student to Hornsby Hospital Emergency if urgent.
• Barker’s nominated Medical Centres are located in Hornsby and Waitara, a short walk from the school.
• Should your child need to see a specialist, physiotherapist, dentist, podiatrist etc., the account should be settled by your child at the time of the appointment. If your child is directed to a medical professional and is unable to walk there, then transport will be arranged. Any expenses thus incurred will be charged to your School Fees account.
• We ask that every effort is made to ensure that outside/non-urgent appointments are made outside of school hours to maximise your child’s attendance and participation in the School life and curriculum.
• An ambulance will be called in the case of an emergency. Out of pocket cost’s will be charged to a parents account for access to emergency care
• It is necessary that you complete the Student Medical Form, and the Boarding Medication Permission Form prior to your child commencing in Boarding. If your child is on prescription medications you will also need to complete the Medication Administration Form and supply this with your child’s medication in it’s original packaging or in a blister pack from your pharmacist.
• All forms must be returned to the School upon enrolment. These are reviewed and updated annually.
• The Immunisation History Statement must also be provided prior to commencing Boarding How to get immunisation history statements - Australian Immunisation Register - Services Australia
• The School Psychologists are available to assist students who may be experiencing emotional, social and learning-related difficulties that may be impacting on their functioning at school. For boarders, living away from home can present some additional adjustment challenges. The Counsellors work in close consultation with Boarding Staff and parents to help boarders navigate these challenges. The Boarding Staff may recommend the Psychologists Services to your child, usually
discussing this with you first and facilitating a referral.
• Students can arrange an appointment by emailing the School Psychologists on admincpc@barker.nsw.edu.au or discussing this with the Head of Boarding or the Health Centre to facilitate an appointment.
• Parents and carers can also contact the School Psychologists directly via the email above.
As a member of the Barker College Boarding Community, I embrace the values of Commitment, Compassion, Courage, Integrity, and Respect.
To reflect these values, I am expected to:
• Uphold the Christian ethos of the school in my daily actions and interactions within the boarding environment.
• Engage fully with all opportunities offered by Barker College and contribute positively to the boarding community and its values.
• Show consistent effort in my academic and extracurricular pursuits, making the most of the opportunities provided.
• Interact with fellow boarders and staff in a manner that is polite, respectful, and considerate at all times.
• Prioritise the safety and well-being of everyone in the boarding community, both within the house and in all activities off-campus and online.
• Take care of my own belongings and respect the property of other boarders, staff, and the school.
• Adhere to the guidance and instructions provided by boarding staff.
• Conduct myself in a way that reflects well on the school, both within the boarding house and in all external settings.
• Honour my commitment to my parents by making the most of the opportunities provided, and to the school by upholding its values and reputation.
Failure to adhere to these expectations may result in disciplinary action, which could include warnings, loss of privileges, or other consequences deemed appropriate by the school.
We believe that a strong partnership between parents and the School is essential for the successful growth and development of our students.
To support the Barker College values of Commitment, Compassion, Courage, Integrity, and Respect, we ask parents to:
• Encourage your child to embrace and uphold the Christian values and ethos of the school in their daily actions and interactions.
• Encourage your child to engage fully with all opportunities provided by the school, including academic and extracurricular activities.
• Reinforce the importance of consistent effort in your child’s academic and extracurricular pursuits, helping them to understand the value of dedication and perseverance.
• Interact with all members of the Barker College community, including staff and other parents, in a manner that is polite, respectful, and considerate.
• Collaborate with the School to prioritise the safety and well-being of all students. This includes supporting policies that ensure a safe and nurturing environment within the boarding house and during off-campus activities.
• Encourage your child to take care of their own belongings and respect the property of others, including the school’s facilities and resources.
• Trust and support the guidance and instructions provided by boarding staff. We ask that you work in partnership with us to address any concerns or challenges your child may face.
• Encourage your child to conduct themselves in a manner that reflects well on the school, both within the boarding house and in all external settings.
• Help your child understand the importance of honouring their commitments to the school, their peers, and themselves. This includes supporting them in fulfilling their academic and extracurricular obligations.
• Maintain open and respectful communication with the school. Address any concerns or issues directly with staff, working collaboratively to find solutions that are in the best interest of your child and the wider community
We believe that the education and well-being of your child are best supported when parents and the school work together in partnership. As parents, you play a vital role in fostering a positive, respectful, and nurturing environment for all students.
The following forms need to be submitted before commencing at Barker:
• Boarders Medical Form
• Boarders Medical Permission Form
• Medication Administration Form (as applicable)
• Application and Permission for Year 12 boarding Student to Drive a Motor Vehicle, including Parental/Guardian permission
• Tutor Verification WWCC
• Student Code of Conduct
• Parent Agreement
Alumni & Community Relations C:11 Bowman Field C:8
Boyce Hall D:10
Cadet Office B:7
Careers & Counselling E:10
Carter House C:10
Centenary Design Centre H:7
Communications C:10
Copeland/Junior School East F:3
David Gamson Centre B:8
Dining Hall B:10
Enrichment Centre F:4
Enrolments Office (Carter House) C:10
Finance D:10
Foundation C:11
School Contact Information
Barker College Postal Address Barker College 91 Pacific Hwy, Hornsby NSW 2077 Ph: 8438 7999
Mr Jared Scoines Head of Boarding Mobile: 0439 113 999 JScoines@barker.nsw.edu.au
Mrs Claudia Fulford Senior Boarding Supervisor Mobile: 0417 205 979 CFulford@barker.nsw.edu.au
Mrs Vee Humphreys House Supervisor – Plume Mobile: 0417 205 979 VHumphreys@barker.nsw.edu.au
Mr Tim Speers House Supervisor – West Wing/Clinic Mobile: 0417 207 851 TSpeers@barker.nsw.edu.au
Health Centre Mobile: 0418 480 831 healthcentre@barker.nsw.edu.au