Welcome to IONA HOUSE
Let the adventure begin…
We hope this handbook will provide you with a handy reference guide to life in Iona House. Please do contact us if you have any additional questions.
Welcome!
As Houseparent of Iona House, it is my pleasure to welcome you to this fun and friendly home from home.
My name is Miss Davidson (Miss D) and this is my 4th year in Iona House, having previously worked in the Senior School as a Matron in one of the houses, helping care for 60 teenage boys.
During my time at Fettes, I have learned that you get the most out of school life when you are fully involved, so I will encourage the girls to seize opportunities when they come along and to try things that they have never done before, just in case they enjoy them!
I have a poster up in my office which says, “What I love most about my home is who I share it with,” and I feel this perfectly sums up life in a boarding house – we are one big community, which is great.
To parents reading, I hope this handbook gives you a flavour of what life is like in house, and to future Iona boarders, I hope it helps to calm any nerves and excites you about what is to come! If I can answer any questions or provide help in any way, please do get in touch.
Miss Davidson
A WELCOME FROM MS EMMA DAVIES,
HEAD
OF PASTORAL CARE
Welcome to your Boarding Handbook which has been created to support and guide you and to give you key information which you will need for life in Iona House. It is updated annually, so all members of the House and their parents should acquaint themselves with its content each year. The Handbook provides you with some understanding of the structure of House and School life and it also includes important sections on keeping you safe and looking after your wellbeing. You should also read the School Handbook and the School Rules with your parents or guardians. You may also find it helpful to view Term Dates.
I hope you will find this a useful resource and you enjoy your time in Iona, but if you have any further questions, please get in touch with your Houseparent or contact me directly at er.davies@fettes.com
Ms Davies
The Iona Team
Our fabulous team is here to help, chat and keep things ticking along. Mr Young is the Assistant Houseparent and lives in house with his family and dogs and Miss Forsyth, our matron, is here every evening to provide snacks, first aid, medication when necessary, plus a lot more!
We also have a tutor in house each evening who helps the boarders with their evening routines, so that they can enjoy fun with their housemates.
Miss Georgia Forsyth
Mr Cameron Young
Let’s Talk…
PHONE NUMBERS
Houseparent:
Miss Diane Davidson (Miss D) +44 131 311 6952 or House Mobile +44 7795 654379
I am off on a Tuesday afternoon and Wednesday evening, so if it’s urgent and cannot wait, please call the House mobile
Girls’ House Phone +44 131 311 6956
Miss Diane Davidson D.Davidson@fettes.com
Mr Cameron Young CJM.Young@fettes.com
Ms Georgia Forsyth G.Forsyth@fettes.com
POSTAL ADDRESS
Iona House, Fettes College Preparatory School, East Fettes Avenue, Edinburgh EH4 1DL
(When sending a parcel please send to: Iona House, Fettes College, Carrington Road, Edinburgh EH4 1QX)
OTHER USEFUL NUMBERS
School Secretary: Mrs Mona Gill +44 131 332 2976
Medical Centre +44 131 332 2247
The girls love to chat with their parents and keep them updated on all their exciting news.
During the week, the best times to call are: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday evenings until 30 minutes before bedtime.
There will be one evening a week which is free from electronics, but with time for a quick call home.
Don’t forget to keep an eye on the calendar in case we are out at a concert or some other event.
If the time zone is a problem, we can arrange for your daughter to call you at morning break which is at 10.15am local time.
We have Wi-Fi in House so you can video call if your child has the appropriate device.
House Routine
6.30–6.45am Wake up
6.30pm Free time
7.30–8.15pm Snack time 7.10–7.45am Breakfast in Dining Hall, then back to house to brush teeth and get ready for school.
8am House meeting
6.30–6.50pm Back from school (Tues, Thurs)
8–9pm Bedtime (varies with age), with 30 minutes of quiet time before lights out.
9.30pm All quiet! 8.10am Off to school
6pm Evening routines of showers and getting uniform ready for the next day.
5.40–6pm Back from school (Mon, Wed, Fri)
School Routine
Daily Schedule – Monday to Friday
8.10am Pupils should arrive at school by this time
8.10am Tutor Meetings; Registration
8.25am Assembly (Monday, Tuesday and Thursday)
EML (Wednesday)
Tutor Period (Friday)
8.50am Lesson 1
9.35am Lesson 2
10.15am BREAK
10.45am Lesson 3
11.30am Lesson 4
12.15pm LUNCH
12.40pm BREAK
1.05pm Registration
1.15pm Lesson 5
Reading Period (Wednesday)
Monday, Wednesday and Friday (sign out times vary by age)
2.10pm Games for M–T, Prep for 1st & 2nd
Wednesday: Games for everyone
3.10pm Games for 1st & 2nd
4.00pm Prep for M–T
Wednesday: Prep for everyone
Day Pupils Sign-out 1 (M–T)
5.00pm Day Pupils Sign-out 2
5.10pm TEA
6.00pm Boarders to Houses
Day Pupils sign-out 3
6.30pm Boarders’ recreational time
Tuesday and Thursday (sign out times vary by age)
1.55pm Lesson 6
2.35pm Lesson 7
3.15pm DLT Activities for T, 1st & 2nd Forms
Prep for M, P & S Forms
4.00pm Prep
Activities for M, P & S Forms
Day Pupils Sign-out 1 (M–T)
5.00pm Day Pupils Sign-out 2
5.10pm TEA
5.45pm Activities
Day Pupils sign-out 3
7.00pm Boarders to Houses
Day Pupils sign-out 4
Saturday
8.10am Pupils should arrive at school by this time
Tutor Meetings; Registration
8.25am Hymn Practice
8.50am Lesson 1
9.35am Lesson 2
10.15am BREAK
10.45am Lesson 3
11.30am Lesson 4
12.30pm Chapel
1.05/1.10pm Day Pupil pick up
It’s The Weekend
Here at Fettes we have Saturday school, so we have normal lessons and routines until midday, then we all head to Chapel. The service starts at 12.30pm and parents are welcome to come along, with friends and family. Tea, coffee and biscuits are served before the service.
After lunch, it’s time for activities. This could be anything from a game of capture the flag, spending time in the art room, going on a trip or relaxing in the sunshine. The activities vary from week to week.
Saturday evenings are a chance for rest, relaxation, calling home, watching films, playing games and tuck. Tuck should be kept with matron as we don’t allow food in the bedroom.
Sundays are a later start, breakfast is provided in-house and is eaten in PJs. We then head out to our main outing ranging from ice-skating to mountain-biking, cinema trips to craft days, swimming to climbing and so much more (you will find details in the school calendar). We have a suggestions box so the girls can add ideas for outings, which are always welcomed. For some of our more adventurous trips, such as the Iona Adventure, it may be necessary to charge up to £80 per term which will be added to the end of term bill. We will always try to inform you of these beforehand to avoid surprises!
Helpful House Information
BIRTHDAYS
It’s great to celebrate birthdays, so if you are sending parcels please let me know and I will keep them ready for the big day. We can also provide a birthday cake which can be shop-bought by us or a homemade cake. Speak to me in plenty of time to arrange this.
POCKET MONEY
The girls will need a little pocket money for things like going to the cinema, buying sweets, shopping trips etc. The amount is your decision but it should not exceed £80 per term. Please hand this into the House Bank at the start of term, either in cash in a named envelope, or by direct transfer (please contact me for bank details). Another option is to use a GoHenry or bank card.
HEALTHY AND HAPPY
If your child has a minor ailment such as a cold, they will be seen and cared for by Matron. If we feel they need to see a doctor, they will be taken to the school Medical Centre. We have a GP that comes in four mornings a week as well as nurses who are available 24/7. If your child is admitted to the Medical Centre, they will keep you updated.
TEETH
The girls are expected to visit their own dentist when at home. However, if this is not possible we can arrange for them to visit a dentist during term time. Please speak to me about this.
LAUNDRY
All laundry is sent away once a week. However, if your daughter needs an item laundered due to a muddy puddle incident or similar, Matron will always assist.
BEDDING
Duvets, duvet covers, sheets, pillows and pillowcases are provided by the School. However, some girls like to bring in their own so that their bedroom looks cosy and comfy. Bedding is changed fortnightly.
NAME LABELS
Please name all of your daughter’s clothing, bedding, bags and electronics. It’s so much easier to get things back to them when they are clearly labelled.
TEA LEAVE
(Going out for tea with a family member or family friend.)
The best evening to do this is a Wednesday. Fixtures allowing, children may be collected at 5.00pm and bought back to House no later than 7.30pm. Please do give plenty of notice, 48 hours is ideal.
INVITATIONS OUT
Boarders sometimes get invited to parties or friends’ houses for the day or a weekend. If I receive an invitation for your daughter, I will forward it to you for your permission, and will then happily make the necessary arrangements.
RECOMMENDED LEAVE
After busy school days and even busier weekends the children need a well-earned rest, which is what Recommended Leave is all about. You will find them detailed in the calendar.
GUARDIANSHIP POLICY
Please do make yourself familiar with the school’s Guardian Policy, sent out by the Admissions Team. If you would like it re-sent, please do let me know.
House Values
• School Rules apply – see School Handbook.
• Have courage and be kind.
• Remember that life is better when you are smiling.
• Get involved and try new things.
• Create memories for life.
• No-one can be good at everything, but everyone can be good at something.
Electronic Devices
Prep School Rules for the use of electronic communication devices in House (to include phones, tablets, laptops):
• Parents and children must ensure that all content and use is age appropriate. This includes films, apps, games and music.
• All devices should be password or PIN protected.
• Devices will normally only be available after pupils have completed their chores for the evening.
• Electronics can only be used in common areas.
• Devices will be kept in House unless specific permission has been granted by House staff to take them out. If privacy is specifically required, then this should be requested and a suitable room will be found.
• The devices should be charged in allocated parts of the House only and chargers unplugged after use.
• All devices must be handed in to House staff 30 minutes before bed time.
• Breaking of these rules will result in removal of the device for a period of time. Serious breaches or misuse will result in the removal of the device for the remainder of the term.
• Video calls and photos should not be made/taken in bedrooms.
• If additional electronic devices are sent into school, please let us know.
Matron’s Guide
WHERE TO SEW LABELS
UNIFORM
For jumpers and shirts, sew or write the name into the label on the collar.
For swimming costumes, sew a label either on the underside of an arm strap or on the inside label
Don’t forget to label all of your swimming kit. Sew a label on your towel, either write or sew your name on to your bag, write your name on to your hat and sew a label around the strap of your goggles.
GAMES KIT
For tracksuits, polo shirts, shorts and skorts, sew or write the name into the label on the collar or sew the label under the Fettes logo.
For socks, either fold the label in half and sew the loop to the top, or sew the label flat across the sole.
DIETARY REQUIREMENTS AND ALLERGIES
It is important that you let us know of any dietary requirements and allergies (e.g. halal, vegetarian, vegan, GF, peanuts and legumes etc) so we can pass this on to the Catering Team in the Dining Hall and ensure that we cater appropriately at meals and other events.
Helpful School Information
Fettes College Preparatory School will ensure that our pupils:
• Feel valued and respected as individuals.
• Receive the highest possible quality of education, engaging them in rigorous and relevant opportunities in a dynamic curriculum that creates lifelong learners.
• Feel safe, have a sense of p ersonal worth, are thoughtful and considerate of the needs of others, while possessing a willingness to take on responsibility.
• Are encouraged to stretch and challenge themselves.
• Develop a sense of self-confidence, integrity, emotional resilience, loyalty, goo d manners, leadership skills and teamwork.
• Value a sense of community.
• Are surrounded by inspirational, caring staff.
• Feel represented and are provided with equal opportunities regardless of gender, identity, sexual orientation, disability, ethnicity or religion.
• Be well prepared for the transition to the Senior School in all asp ects of College life.
School Shop
THE FETTES COLLEGE SHOP
The Fettes College Shop is managed by the School and sells all school uniform, sportswear and equipment, academic books, stationery, gift items, toiletries and confectionery. Full details of uniform requirements can be found on the shop website: www.shop.fettes.com. Orders can be managed by phone: +44 (0)131 311 6723 or by email: shop@fettes.com.
During term time, the shop is open Monday to Friday from 8am to 3pm, from 9.30am to 12.30pm on Saturdays and is closed on Sundays. Pupils and parents/guardians can purchase items from the shop and charge them to the school bill, the only exceptions being tuck. At the end of each term parents/guardians will receive a detailed invoice with the main school bill.
Heads of Departments make all arrangements for ordering textbooks.
THE THRIFT SHOP
Situated within the main Fettes College Shop, the Thrift Shop offers good quality second hand items of uniform and other clothing.
Further Information
In order to ensure you are up-to-date with all information from Fettes Preparatory School and Iona House, please ensure you have read all information sent to you regarding:
SchoolPost – the email communication system we receive
SchoolSport – information on all fixtures and match report
SchoolCalendar – incudes all diary information you may need You may also want to follow our X accounts:
@FettesPrep and @IonaHouse
Our Facebook account is:
@FettesCollegeFettesPrep
Our Instagram account is:
@fettes.prep
LOGGING TRAVEL
i-gtm is the system we use to record pupil travel. It is a requirement that we know the whereabouts of our pupils whilst in transit to and from School. This system meets the requirements of our regulators (including Tier IV and Care Inspectorate). It gives parents peace of mind and helps us run an efficient and timely transport system for you and your children.
fettes.i-gtm.com
Fettes College Campus Map
The Fettes App
The Fettes app has been created to help increase parental involvement in the school. It enables you to access all school information from one place including news, calendar, fixtures and SchoolPost.
Once the app is downloaded, here are five tips to get started:
1 When you op en the app, you will be presented with options, please select the relevant ones for you and then scroll down and press ‘Save’. You can go back and change this at any time through the ‘Settings’ function.
2 Once you have saved your settings, the app will show our latest news, brought to you from all our social media platforms, there is no need for you to be on social media to see these updates.
3 The menu at the top left of the screen gives you access to ‘Useful Links’. This is where you will find the links to the school calendar, term dates, school shop, campus map etc.
4 A link to Scho olPost can be found within ‘Useful links’ and is also available at the foot of the main news page.
5 When viewing the calendar you will see five magenta b oxes at the top of the screen, these will allow you to filter your view. Once you have selected what you would like to view, tap the bottom half of your screen and the filter will be applied.
Safeguarding
Fettes College is dedicated to ensuring that all pupils and staff live together in a safe environment.
All staff at Fettes want you to feel that you are happy and getting the best of the opportunities that this school provides during the time your child is with us. If your child is concerned or worried about anything they can take any issues and concerns to an adult, confident in the knowledge that they will be treated with respect, listened to and the appropriate action taken. We are here to help and support our pupils.
All safeguarding concerns are taken very seriously. If a concern is raised with a member of staff, depending on its nature, it will either be referred to the Houseparent or to a member of the Child Protection Team.
The Chair of Governors and the Governing Body are responsible for overseeing all aspects of safeguarding in the School. Mr Hugh Bruce-Watt is the Governor responsible for safeguarding in the Prep School. Alongside the Headmaster Emma Davies and Dave Hall have responsibility for safeguarding matters in the Prep School.
Mr Dave Hall
Ms Emma Davies
