This is your handy guide to boarding in Latessa Wing and contains everything you need to know. We hope you will settle in quickly and soon feel at home. If you have any queries or a question to ask which hasn’t been covered here, please speak to the Boarding House Staff who will be on duty each evening and at weekends. You are a member of a community in Latessa Wing. We advise you to make the most of your time here; make friends from other year groups, other nationalities, take part enthusiastically in House events, look after the House environment, work hard and be nice to people. Mr Bueno Latessa Wing Housemaster
Contact Details for Latessa Wing No calls after 22:30 please, but these numbers can be used in an emergency. Latessa Wing (Office)
+44 (0)20 8657 4433 x219
House Mobile Phone
+44 (0)7864 925 287
House Email
Latessahouse@royalrussell.co.uk
Latessa House Staff Mr Bueno Miss Begum
Housemaster Assistant Housemistress
Latessahouse@royalrussell.co.uk mbegum@royalrussell.co.uk
Other people you may meet: Kathy, Domestic Staff. Please treat all staff with respect and courtesy.
Boarding Principles Boarding Principles Royal Russell is a family school and the following principles will help our boarding pupils to thrive at the school. Being an open and trusting school, boarding is based upon mutual respect for all its members. Each boarder and each member of staff is to be treated as an individual, and with respect, by other pupils and by staff. Each boarder has the right to extend their intellectual growth in an atmosphere of positive encouragement and in conditions that are conducive to learning. All boarders should be able to develop physically, spiritually, intellectually, morally, and socially with provisions being made for them to celebrate their own religions and cultural festivals. We respect all boarders, regardless of ethnicity, culture, gender, sexuality or disability. Although living together, staff and boarders acknowledge the right of each other to privacy. Boarders will be provided with a range of activities and opportunities appropriate to age and maturity that will assist in their personal, social, and cultural development. Boarders will be provided with accommodation that is comfortable and suited to their needs, according to age and maturity, and which provides adequate levels of privacy. Within our community we will develop boarders' sense of responsibility and respect for self, for others and for the environment along with qualities of leadership and teamwork. Boarders will be encouraged to contribute to the needs and welfare of others in the House and School, as well as those in the wider community. We create a boarding community where pupils feel able to turn to members of staff to share the good things in their lives, as well as seeking advice and support during times of difficulty. Each boarder has the right to be able to work, play and relax free from abuse, intimidation, harassment, teasing and bullying. We will safeguard and promote the welfare of each boarder, by providing an environment that is as far as possible, free from physical hazards and dangers of any sort. Despite the distance separating boarders from their families, links with parents are seen as an indispensable part of the support and development of boarders. Guardians will play a key role in this respect for our overseas pupils.
Equipment This is a list of equipment specifically for pupils who will be boarding. The full uniform list and academic equipment can be found within the Pupil & Parent Handbook. Luggage We have limited storage available for luggage, therefore we ask that pupils bring only one hard-shell luggage with them, with any additional luggage being the soft-shell type which can be stored inside the hard-shell case. Examples are: Hard-shell luggage
Soft-shell luggage
Personal items Clothes for weekend and evening use 1 x pop up laundry bag. This can be purchased from school 3 x linen bags Name labels for your clothes 12 x coat hangers 2 x padlocks with keys (or combination locks). Approximately 60 x 30 x 100 – shackle 3mm thick 1 x Dressing gown 2 x pairs of pyjamas or night attire 1 x pair of slippers 4 x large bath towels or 2 x large bath towels and 2 x hand towels Toiletries including and medication you require (medication should be handed in to staff on arrival) Chargers for devices Hairdryer Mug or cup for personal use A school bag for books Sports kit to suit personal interests and facilities available
House LifeLife House We hope you enjoy your time in House. We aim to ensure that you feel happy and safe and have a sense of independence. There are a few House Rules to ensure everyone takes responsibility for their House. Your Bedroom
All pupils are allocated a study bedroom. You may share this room with another boarder. You can personalise your room on the pin board provided. You must not put posters on decorated walls or wood. Your room is where you can be private, and visitors must knock. People can only enter your room if you invite them. Be considerate to your roommates. You must ensure that any valuables are locked away in your cupboard when you are not there.
Tidiness
Please keep your room clean and tidy (make your bed, tidy your desk, dirty laundry downstairs) Use your space sensibly (hang clothes up, put empty luggage in the luggage cupboard) Personal hygiene is important. You should shower/wash every day and wear clean clothes.
Electrical Equipment
Electrical equipment will be checked regularly by the school electrician. Any items which are considered to be dangerous may be confiscated. The School will provide an adaptor/multi-plug that is fused, earthed, and complies with UK standards. Laptops that are using the Wi-Fi must be checked with the IT Support Office. For safety, pupils must not have their own kettles, fridges, air conditioners / fans or heaters in their rooms.
Safety Safety Fire Alarm – What to do if you hear it Day Time If you hear the fire alarm in the building you are in during the day, you must leave that building by the nearest indicated exit immediately. There are signs to show where you should assemble. Night Time
If you hear the fire alarm at night, you must get up at once, exit via the nearest staircase and leave the House by the closest fire door. Make sure that everyone in your room has heard the bell and has left the room. Assemble at the House assembly point as instructed. You must keep a pair of shoes or slippers within easy reach of your bed, and you must also have a dressing gown or coat where you can quickly grab it, should the fire alarm sound. Do not stop to collect anything else. Never run down the stairs. Keep silent so that the register can be called.
Signing In and Out
Sign out whenever you leave the House (apart from for lessons and meals) and only go to the destination you have signed out to. See your Noticeboard or your handbook for where you can go. If in doubt, ask a member of staff. Sign back in when you return. Never sign in or out for another pupil.
Personal Safety
Never open the front door to people you do not know. Do not be afraid to deny entry to an unknown adult. Ask a member of staff. Never use the fire doors except in an emergency. We have a large campus. When it is dark, please keep to the lit pathways. The woods around the school are out of bounds unless you are on a cross-country run. Take care when travelling outside of the School. Travel in pairs/groups. Ask a member of staff if leaving the campus.
Valuable and lockable areas
All pupils have a lockable area in their bedroom. Pupils must provide their own lock, although the House will have a number of these for sale at given times. Lockers within the main School buildings are only available for day pupils. Mobile telephones, laptops and any other valuables should be kept in your lockable wardrobe/drawers. Any large sums of money should be deposited with the school bank. The School is not responsible for items that are lost or damaged.
Guardians All pupils must have a UK guardian in place before joining the School. The House staff must hold complete and up-to-date information about your guardian. If you change your guardian, it is essential to pass the latest information to the House Staff. Your guardian must be in the UK when you are here or appoint another guardian and let House Staff know.
Jobs Jobs You are part of a community and we all do our bit. Years 7 - 11 will do kitchen duty and Years 12 & 13 will do senior duties. Helping and volunteering for other jobs is always very welcome. House Tidying
We all try and keep the house as clean and tidy as possible. The communal areas (lounges, lobby, kitchen, etc.) are for everyone to enjoy. They should be left tidy at the end of every day.
Laundry All personal bed linen, towels and clothing must be clearly named.
All bed linen and towels must be washed every week. Items of underwear must be put into a white net washing bag. Your laundry must be put into the trolley in the morning before you go to school by 08.00. It will be returned to your named pigeon-hole, usually the following day. Please check the returned laundry regularly. Look at the notices around the House to see which items can be put into the trolley on any day. A washing machine and dryer are available in the House for personal washing. Please ask member of staff for assistance. Always treat the washing machine and dryer with care. You must collect the washing at the end of the cycle. Washing must not be left in the machines overnight, and machines may not be used after 22.00. An iron and ironing board are provided.
Prefect Duties (Years 12 and 13)
Year 12 and 13 pupils (Sixth-Formers) are Senior members of the House and as such are expected to set a good example to the younger pupils in the House. All pupils in Years 12 and 13 must do senior duties - helping to ensure that the younger pupils get up on time, work during Prep and get to bed on time. Full details of senior duties are given out at the start of the year and are on noticeboards. Prefects head a duty team for one day per week. Please carry out your duties properly and report any problems to the member of staff on duty or the Head/Deputy Head of House.
Your Property
Your Property
Money The School recommends that all pupils open a bank account with a debit card as soon as they arrive in the UK for any personal expenditure. The School does not accept responsibility for pupils’ cash kept in their rooms. The school operates a pocket money system for pupils who do not hold a bank account, or as a temporary measure whilst an account is being opened. Pocket money should be sent by bank transfer in advance and thereafter to ‘top-up’ pupils’ pocket money as required. Cash will not be accepted.
Pupils can make cash withdrawals on Monday and Friday between 4.00pm and 4.20pm. If pupils require more than £50, this can be collected on a Friday and pupils must email Ms Lawrence (dlawrence@royalrussell.co.uk) by Wednesday of that week. All bank transfers must clearly show the pupil’s full name and ‘pocket money’ as a reference. Bank cards and cash can be locked in the House Office for security. The school’s bank details are as follows: Bank Name
Barclays Bank plc
Bank Address
Barclays Bank 1 North End Croydon Surrey, CR9 1RN UK
Account Name
Russell School Trust
Account No.
00775142
Sort Code
20 - 24 - 87
Swift Code
BARCGB22
International Bank Code
GB 53 BARC 202487 00775142
Post and Parcels Any packages or letters for you will be delivered to the House. Please make sure any packages are sent fully addressed with your name on and the name of the House. Mobile Phones You will need a mobile phone which works in the UK and you must register the number with a member of the boarding staff. Remember to update this information if you change your phone. Your telephone MUST NOT be used during school hours unless in the Sixth Form. It will be confiscated if you break this rule. Your parents are responsible for making sure that your telephone is covered by insurance in case it is lost or stolen – please ask them about this. Always keep your phone in a safe place – locked away (if possible) when you are at school. Do not use your telephone at Prep time or after ‘lights out.’ It may be confiscated if you break this rule. Cars Boarding pupils may not have cars at school. Boarding pupils may not travel in a day pupil’s car without specific prior written permission from their parents and the parents of the driver.
Food and Drink Food and Drink Catering The catering department work extremely hard to ensure there is an impressive range of food available at every mealtime. Please do your best to eat a balanced diet – if you would like some advice on a balanced diet, please ask. If you have suggestions about the food on offer, talk to the Food Committee representative. Meal Times Years 7 to 11 must attend all meals. Sixth Formers do not need to attend breakfast. Mealtimes are as follows: Day
Breakfast
Lunch
Supper
Monday to Friday
07:30 - 08:00
See Rota
Monday – Thursday 18:00 – 18:30 Friday 18:15 – 19:0
Saturday
08:30 – 09:30
12:15 - 13:15
18:30 - 19:00
Sunday
09.30 - 11:00
12:00 – 13.45 (Brunch)
18:30 - 19:00
Tuck Shop The House Tuck Shop is open at 20:30 every day. It sells drinks, chocolate, ice cream and crisps if you would like a snack. Takeaways
Takeaways can only be ordered on weekends (Fridays and Saturdays) They should not be a replacement for normal school meals. Pupils are expected to attend all meals unless given permission otherwise. Takeaways must be ordered in good time and should not arrive after bedtime. They should be eaten in the kitchen or any other designated area and not bedrooms.
Kitchen Tidying
If you use the kitchen, you must leave it clean and tidy; wash up your own plates/cutlery etc. and put rubbish in the bin. Each pupil in Years 7-11 will do kitchen tidying duty once a week, see the Rota for details. Years 7- 9 should do kitchen tidying at 21:00. The Senior pupil on duty should supervise the kitchen tidying and ensure that it is done correctly.
Weekly Routine Weekly Routine 07:00
Duty Staff wake up the House
07:30 - 08:00
All pupils in Years 7 to 11 to attend breakfast in school uniform
08:00 - 08:10
Tidy room, make bed, put any laundry in basket and get ready for House Assembly in the Lounge followed by Chapel or Tutorials
08:15
Registration
08:20 - 08:35
Tutorial
08:40 - 12:45
Lessons 1 to 7
12:45 - 13:50
Lunchtime
13:50
Afternoon Registration
13:50 - 15:50
Lessons 8 to 11
15:50 - 17:25
Free Time. Be back in House before the start of Prep at 17.30. Activities / Clubs Visit local shops (Years 7 to 11 with permission) Croydon for Years 12 and 13
17:25
House meeting and registration
After 17.30
No pupils to leave the school site (exception for Years 12 and 13 on Friday with permission)
17:30 - 18:00
First Prep
18:00 – 18:30
Supper (with registration)
19:00 - 20:00
Second Prep
20:00 - until bedtime
Free time. All Years 7 to 11 pupils must remain in House unless at an activity Years 12 and 13 can visit the other Boarding Houses Year 12 and 13 return by 22:00 and Year 13 School Prefects by 22:30.
Bedtime Year Group
Time in Bedroom
Lights Out and Quiet
7-9
21:30
From 21:45 to 22:00
10 and 11
22:00
22:00
12 and 13
22:00
23:00
You must sleep in your own room. You must go to bed at the correct time and be quiet after ‘lights out.’ All mobile phones should be switched off and charging away from your bed after lights out. Any pupils playing on laptops or phones after these times will have them confiscated. On a Friday and Saturday night these times are extended - Friday 22.00 and Saturday 23.00 at the discretion of the duty member of staff.
Saturdays
Sundays
08:00 - 08:15
Get up
Lie-in unless there is a morning Chapel
08:15 - 11:00
Breakfast
12:00
Rollcall see Noticeboards for details
10:30
Rollcall in House
18:30
Supper
18:30
Rollcall in House followed by supper
19:00 - 20:30
Quiet Prep / Tidy time in rooms
22:00 - 23:00
Bedtimes at discretion of House Usual bedtimes as for Monday-Thursday staff
Friday and Saturday evening (Friday after Prep, Saturday after Supper) Years 7-11 must not leave the school site after supper. Years 12 and 13 may go to a restaurant/cinema if they have been given permission by the member of staff on duty. They must provide details of where they are going and not go alone. They must return by the time agreed and no later than 23:00. Saturday and Sunday Morning In House or on-site unless in an activity away from school or on Weekend leave. Free time - In House or Activity Saturday and Sunday Afternoon (12:15-18:00) All pupils may go into Croydon at these times. Junior pupils (Years 7 - 9) must be accompanied by a Year 12 or 13 pupil. Pupils can only leave after lunchtime rollcall (10:30 on Saturday and 12:15 on Sunday) and must be back in time for evening rollcall (18:00). Check noticeboards for and changes to roll-call times. Visits to Local Shops Monday-Friday 15:50 - 17:30 Where can boarders go? Year Groups
Chapel View or M&S (Gravel Hill)
Croydon
7 to 11
Yes
No
12 and 13
Yes
Yes
If you want to go anywhere else (e.g., Lloyd Park, The Viewpoint), you MUST ask permission from the member of staff on duty). Visits to London Pupils in Years 7-11 cannot travel to London unless they are accompanied by an adult or guardian. Pupils in Year 12 and 13 can travel to London in pairs if they have permission from their guardian or Housemaster/Housemistress. For Year 12 and 13 please complete an exeat form if you wish to go in to London and hand to house staff by 17:30 on the Thursday before. Sunday Evening (after 18:30) All pupils must be back on site by 17:30.
Prep (homework) Times and Guidelines
Years 7 - 9 do Prep in the Prep room however, sometimes we may allow year 7 to 9 to work in own rooms. Years 10 - 11 do Prep in their own rooms. Years 12 and 13 should all be in their own rooms and quiet during Prep. Any pupils playing games on laptops during Prep will have them confiscated.
Prep times are as follows:
Monday - Thursday
First Prep
Second Prep
17:30 - 18:00
19:00 - 20:00
Friday Saturday Sunday
19:00 - 20:30
Quiet Time/ Prep / Tidy time in rooms.
Prep should be done quietly and in an orderly way. No food or drink, apart from bottled water, is allowed in the Prep room. Junior Prep is supervised; the Prep room must be maintained as a quiet area outside these times for pupils continuing to work. If you have another organised activity, such as sports matches, music or drama performances and you must miss the scheduled homework time, please ask permission from a member of the House Staff. All pupils attending the gym must register for First Prep and complete this in a communal area.
Information Information Notice Boards These are all over the house and contain lots of useful information and they will also have important messages on them, so please look at them often. House Computers
House computers are for use by everyone. They are connected to the school network. House computers are for work, Internet research and emailing. Please do not plug your devices (laptops etc.) into the House computers or their sockets.
Travel Travel Weekend Leave Collect a ‘Weekend Leave Form’ from outside the office.
Ask your guardian to email your Housemaster/Housemistress requesting permission and giving details of your proposed weekend address and relevant telephone numbers. The form and the permission should be received by 17:30 on the Thursday prior to your weekend away. Boarders may accept invitations to go out with a friend’s family if their parent/guardian agrees and at the discretion of Housemaster/Housemistress.
If the pupil is required to leave earlier or return later from a weekend leave, the Guardian must make this request in writing to the Housemaster/Housemistress.
Weekend leave begins at 16:00 on Friday. Weekend leave ends at 17:30 on Sunday. Pupils are permitted to stay with their guardian or parents. If pupils wish to stay with anyone else (another family member, family friend or the parents of another pupil) then permission and details must be received from all parties. The Housemaster/Housemistress will have final say as to whether the Weekend Leave is permitted. Travel Arrangements
You must make sure travel arrangements to and from school are made well in advance and notified to House Staff. It is essential that you do not arrive after term starts or depart before the end of the term. Pupils are not permitted to miss term time for the convenience of travel arrangements and unauthorised absence is not permitted. Pupils with parents overseas must try to confirm their flight arrangements with House Staff at least one half-term in advance. You must hand your passport, Visa, ID cards and tickets to your House Staff for safe keeping when you arrive back from a holiday. Overseas pupils who are over the age of 16 are normally required to register with the Authorities at London Bridge within seven days of arrival at school. You should discuss this with House Staff who can assist with the arrangements.
Passports Your passport must be handed in for security purposes and they will be locked in the office. This also includes Visa and ID cards. Oyster Zip Card The Oyster Zip Card provides free or discounted travel on trams and buses. The House Staff will organise this when you arrive. Activities andand Wellbeing Activities Wellbeing There are lots of diverse types of activities on offer at Royal Russell. Weekdays Every day after school, and most lunchtimes, there are clubs that you can join (Music, Sport, Drama, CCF, Computing, learning a new language, etc.). Regular weekend activities There are other activities which run every weekend just for boarders. Typically, there will be badminton, basketball, cookery, Japanese lessons, horse-riding, craft clubs etc. Sunday trips and special activities There will also be a full programme of Sunday activities (some on-site and some off-site). There are trips out to London, bowling, cinema, adventure activities such as go-karting and climbing, and many more. All boarders will be expected to participate in some of these activities. Always check noticeboards for details. Please suggest any activities that you would like to try out. Try to get involved in the activities that are on offer and try something new!
Swimming Day
Time
Comments
Monday
16:30 - 17:15
Senior School Leisure Swimming
Friday
16:30 - 17:00
Senior School Leisure Swimming
Saturday
07:00 - 08:30 and 12:15 - 16:00
Boarders/Members only
Sunday
07:00 - 11:45 and 13:15 - 16:00
Boarders/Members only
Feeling Down or Unwell
If you have any worries or concerns, you should not hesitate to talk to your Tutor, Housemistress, or any other member of staff or your friends. The Childline number (0800 1111) is always displayed on the House Noticeboard.
School Counsellor Pupils are encouraged to discuss personal concerns, worries or problems with someone they trust a parent, friend, mentor, or teacher. At School there are always people who are available to help including House staff, academic tutors, and house tutors.
–
If you would rather talk to someone who is not a member of the School, you can see the Counsellor on Tuesdays and Wednesdays in the Health & Wellbeing Centre. You may ask your Housemistress to arrange an appointment or drop in 12:30 - 13:40 or email: schoolcounsellor@royalrussell.co.uk. Health and Wellbeing Centre
If you are feeling unwell, you should inform your teacher during the school day or the duty member of staff at other times. During the night, you should knock on the Housemaster/Housemistress, Deputy Housemaster/Housemistress or Assistant Housemistress’ door. The staff at the Health & Wellbeing Centre are Nurses Charlotte Stewart, Lucy Smith and Katie White and Assistant Practitioner Kirsty Brown All medicines must be handed in to the Health & Wellbeing Centre.
In an emergency, House Staff can contact the nurse on call. Medicines Pupils should not self-medicate unless they have permission from the Health and Wellbeing Centre staff. Any medicines should be handed in to staff on arrival. Pupils with medicines in their room may have them confiscated. Chapel
Royal Russell has a Christian ethos but welcomes pupils of all faiths. Boarders will attend Chapel services on several weekends throughout the year as well as once a week with day pupils. The services are a time for collective worship and prayer or quiet reflection. Boarding houses will also organise and participate in numerous services.