BOARDERS’ HANDBOOK for Boarders, Parents and Guardians
CONTENTS M
BOARDING HANDBOOK
Medical Facilities ........................... Medical Appointments ................. Medication ...................................... Medical Contacts ...........................
Mission Statement and Values ............. 3 Welcome ................................................... 5 General Boarding Information ........ 6-7
A
O
Activities ................................................... 8
24–25 25–26 26–27 27–28
Offensive Material ................................ 28 Opening Hours ...................................... 29
B
P
Bedding and Linen .................................. 8 Breakages and Damages ........................ 8 Bullying .............................................. 9–10
Parents’ Accommodation .................... 29 Parents’ Association ............................. 29 Pocket Money ........................................ 30
H
R
Clothing ........................................... 10–11 College Staff ........................................... 12 Communication ............................. 12_13
Recreation ............................................... 30
S
D
Student Leadership ........................ 30–31 Study ................................................. 31–32
Discipline ......................................... 13–14
T
E
Tidiness ................................................... 32 Travel ................................................ 32–33
Enrolment Policy ................................... 15 Expectations and Responsibilities ..... 15
U
F
Uniform ............................................ 33–34
V
Frequently asked questions .......... 16–17 Financial Assistance ............................. 18 Fire Safety ............................................... 19 Food ......................................................... 19
Valuables and Security ......................... 35 Vehicles ................................................... 35
W
H
Weekday Routine ........................... 36–38 Year 11 and 12 Divisions...................... 36 Year 10 Division .................................... 36 Year 9 Division ....................................... 37 Year 8 Division ....................................... 37 Junior Division ....................................... 38 What to Bring ................................ 39–40
Homesickness ................................. 19–21 Homework .............................................. 21
L
Laundry ............................................ 22–23 Leave ................................................. 23–24 1
MISSION STATEMENT Saint Ignatius’ College, Riverview, is a Catholic day and boarding school run by the Society of Jesus. As such, it is grounded in and informed by the values inherent in Ignatian education. Our Mission is to provide an all-round education for boys that inspires them to a life-long development of their faith. This means they will seek understanding, strive for justice and commit to the service of others with discernment, conscience and courage. QUANTUM POTES TANTUM AUDE As much as you can do, so much dare to do.
VALUES
Justice - seen through how we achieve equity for individuals less fortunate than ourselves and for those who cannot speak for themselves Service – seen through our commitment to selflessly work towards a better world for all Discernment – seen through how we move by reflection from the knowledge of facts to faith-filled understanding Conscience – seen through how we remain steadfast to our truth, based on that discernment Courage – seen through our commitment to dare to act in faith 3
Riverview students preparing for the Royal Easter Show
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WELCOME TO RIVERVIEW Dear Parents and Guardians, Saint Ignatius’ College Riverview was founded in 1880 as a Boarding school and the Boarding community remains very much at the heart of the College. Each year, we are joined by a new contingent of boarders at Riverview. While a few of these are dayboy changeovers, the majority are new to the school and yet within a very short time they feel a part of our vibrant community. An important aspect is Guy Masters, the welcome that these new boarders receive. This welcome comes Director of Boarding not just from the other boarders but also from the Day school families who generously reach out to the boarders in so many ways. Many of the dayboy changeovers move into boarding to take greater advantage of the College’s wonderful facilities as well as extra tutorial assistance and the supervised study time that is available to assist boys to optimise their academic potential. One of the key aspects of Boarding at Riverview is the fact that we do not offer weekly boarding and that the boys are in house every Friday and Sunday evening with just the one designated Saturday night leave permissible each fortnight. This helps with community building and enables the boys to be well prepared for their academic classes on Mondays. Another key advantage is that the boys pray together regularly throughout the week and, most importantly, the entire Boarding House joins in a shared celebration of the Eucharist on Chapel Sundays. Our Chapel is physically and spiritually at the centre of the College and plays an important part in the lives of the boarders. The boys and staff are drawn there significantly at times of joy and of sorrow but also regularly as a place for prayer and reflection. Interestingly, many Year 12 leavers state in exit surveys that it should be compulsory for all students to attend significant sporting events. Boarders, when they are in attendance at the College, watch the senior teams in the winter but are not compelled to remain behind on Home Weekends. Despite this, most do, and it is a great way for the boys to feel part of the community and be involved in experiencing that intangible ‘School Spirit’. This promises to be another great year for Riverview Boarding and I welcome all to the College. Please feel free to contact myself or the Division Masters at any time should you wish to discuss any aspect of Boarding. Regards, Guy Masters, Director of Boarding gkmasters@riverview.nsw.edu.au 5
GENERAL BOARDING INFORMATION The Boarding Community Saint Ignatius’ College, Riverview was officially a boarding only school until the 1920s, yet the Day Boys remained a small minority until the late 1960s. The Boarders hold a special place in the College because the school was established to accommodate them, just as Saint Aloysius’ College was established to accommodate day students. The College is a full time boarding community and maintains a special commitment to families from country areas. The Boarding Community aims to provide a second home in a communal environment for the boarding students at Saint Ignatius’ College. A Boarder should enjoy, as far as possible, the welcome, the security, the care and the privacy which would be his were he living at home. The education of the whole person at Saint Ignatius’ College, Riverview includes the spiritual, academic, cultural, sporting and recreational areas of a boy’s life, and the Riverview Boarder is expected to take full part in each of these areas. Please note that sport is compulsory for all students from Years 5–12. Pastoral Care A special aspect of the Boarding House is that it is wheel chair accessible for Years 9-12 boarders and has the capacity to accommodate students in wheel chairs in all divisions. The 24-hour Health Centre provides assurance and peace of mind for all families and also assists with the care of physically disabled students. The College offers means tested Bursaries for those who may require financial assistance. In addition we have a program to support indigenous and disadvantaged students. Jesuit schools have always grouped their Boarders horizontally according to age groups, known as Divisions. There are many advantages in this system. The most obvious is that it permits each group of boys to be cared for as a homogenous age group. At Riverview there are six Divisions. As a boy progresses from one Division to the next, there is a freshness of environment. While accepting the legitimate demands of community life, the individual Boarder is gradually offered sufficient freedom to facilitate his growth in self-reliance as he moves through from Junior Division to Year 12 Division. In Junior and Year 8 Divisions boys have their own cubicle within a dormitory of eight. In Years 9 and 10 Divisions boys may sleep in a room of four or a single room. In Year 11 Division boys share a room and in Year 12 Division have single rooms. Junior and Year 8 Divisions have a separate study area within the division and Years 9–12 boys study at their own desk in their room. 6
Each Division within the Boarding House is equipped with a recreation area which includes a pool / snooker table, table tennis and other games, TV with Foxtel / dvd and computer games. Students have access in the division to kitchen facilities which include toasters, instant hot water and microwave ovens. Each division has a number of computers, supplied by the College, and a printer for student use. Devices are distributed to the boys at school. Boarding Staff at Riverview As well as the Boarders, the College has around 50 staff residences on the property. The majority of these are family accommodation for staff who supervise and care for the Boarders. Emergency and security personnel are on call 24 hours a day to deal with maintenance or security issues. The Division Master and his family live in accommodation attached to the division and other staff live within and attached to the boarding houses. This helps provide a family atmosphere amongst the entire boarding community. Practical examples of this include 18th birthday celebrations for Year 12 Division students in the Division Master’s home with his family and a special welcome dinner for Junior Division boys with the Senior Boarders.
Home away from hone – a birthday party with friends 7
ACTIVITIES
A
Each Division has social events during the year to which girls from various boarding schools are invited. These social events vary from formal dinners, barbecues, trivia and pizza nights, to visits to Balmoral and Manly Beaches, dances, movies and other outings. Activities are also organised for the boys staying in on a Home Sunday. This may include visits to the beach, movies, motor and boating shows, ice skating, watching sport and organised games.
BEDDING AND LINEN
B
Boarders will need to bring the following bedding and linen: • Four (4) sheets and two (2) pillow cases; • One (1) pillow; • One (1) doona or blanket; • One (1) mattress protector; • Three (3) towels – two (2) bath towels, one (1) x beach towel. For a full list of what to bring, please see ‘What to Bring’
BREAKAGES AND DAMAGES
All breakages are to be reported immediately to the Duty Master. For wilful damage caused by irregular activity (e.g., fighting, kicking of balls inside, abuse of recreational equipment) students will be held responsible and charges may be made directly to the parents. Students are expected to exercise reasonable care when using school equipment and furniture. An inventory of your son’s bed or room area will be taken at the beginning of the term. At the end of the term an inspection will take place and the cost of any wilful damage will be directed to the parents. All boarding divisions are routinely inspected by the Maintenance staff of the College. Duty Masters report daily to the Division Master any Maintenance requirements within the Division which are then passed on to the Maintenance department of the College. Students noticing any damage should report it to the Division Master who will contact the Maintenance staff. Any urgent maintenance matters overnight are dealt with initially by the staff member on call who will assess the situation and take appropriate action. The Director of Boarding meets regularly with the Maintenance Manager to discuss and prioritise any necessary issues concerning maintenance. 8
BULLYING
Student Anti-Bullying Process Stage 1: Suspected incident(s) reported by parent, teacher, student(s) or victim to teacher, class master, tutor, Year Co-ordinator, Housemaster, Division Master, Director of Boarding or Director of Students: • Housemasters of both boys making complaint and the accused are informed. Other students may need to be interviewed. This will depend on how the student wishes to proceed and the nature of the incident. •
The student making the report is interviewed by Housemaster about how he wishes to proceed and the nature of the incident.
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The accused is interviewed by his Housemaster, or he may designate the boy’s tutor, Middle School Homeroom teacher or Division Master.
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If the accusation is found to warrant action, then the accused is advised of the following: • His actions must stop; • The victim does not want similar incident(s) to continue; • The victim at this point may not wish aggressor to be punished; • No other student is to become involved or act on aggressor’s behalf; • The aggressor is to be interviewed again within one week; • A severe physical or vindictive action would result in immediate Stage 2 responses by the College.
Rationale • Punishment is likely to give the aggressor a grievance against the one who has been mistreated. The latter is less likely to report unwelcomed attentions if retribution is likely. • Labels of ‘bully’ and victim are unhelpful and often the situation is not as simple at it first seems. The ‘bully’ may have been on the receiving end himself at some time. Some ‘victims’ bait others and may need social skills training themselves. • The Aggressor may genuinely not have realised the hurt he had been causing and can save face through this process. Praise can follow for those who successfully correct their ways. Stage 2: If inappropriate behaviour continues: • The student who has reported incident may need assistance to deal with situation – peers, College Counsellor, or reading material. • The student who has been reported is to be interviewed in presence of his parents by Director of Students, (Year Co-ordinator, Division Master where appropriate) and Housemaster. 9
Direct consequences that the College may invoke include: • Isolation from peers; • Weekend or school holiday penals; • Special duties (community service); • Professional assistance (re: conflict resolution skills). Rationale Every person has the right to be safe and happy within their community. Those who are unable to respect these rights in the long term, have no place in that community. Stage 3: Should the aggressor continue in same pattern of behaviour: • The Headmaster is informed; • The Aggressor may need to be suspended for extended period of time, or may be asked to leave the College.
CLOTHING
C
For all uniform requirements, please see ‘Uniform’. Boarder’s Clothing List All Boarders must bring the following items of clothing. The name and Laundry Number of each Boarder must be affixed to each item of clothing: • Six (6) sets of underwear; • One (1) pair slippers and dressing gown (optional); • Two (2) pairs of pyjamas/tracksuits; • Handkerchiefs; • One (1) pair thongs; • One (1) set good casual clothes (1 x collared shirt, 1 x long pants, 1 pair closed in shoes); • Casual clothing for playing games around the yards after school and on weekends; • Board shorts for swimming ; • A ‘Riverview’ drizabone wet weather jacket will be issued to every boarder either on the new student’s day or in the first week of term. For Australian Rules, Rugby and Soccer, participating boarders should have at least:
• Two (2) old training jerseys; • Two (2) pairs of old football shorts; • Two (2) pairs of old football socks.
For a complete list of items, including school uniform, please see ‘What to Bring’ 10
Labelling Clothes All items of clothing must be labelled using only ‘sewn’ labels which are pre-ordered and supplied by the Licona Shop. Each label has the student’s name and laundry number, eg: John Smith SIC123. When labelling clothes please sew the labels on the inside collar of shirts, on the inside top of socks, on the back of the waistband of shorts, and on the top edges of towels and sheets. This greatly assists in the sorting of clothes and the correct return of all items from the laundry. For clothes acquired during the term, a laundry marker is available in the wash area of each Division. Clothes which have not been labelled with name and laundry number will not be washed. Clothes which cannot be identified will be returned to the boarding house for students to collect. Unclaimed clothes will be removed from the boarding house at the end of the term. Dress Codes Saturday Evening Mass • Clean casuals that as a minimum includes shorts, T shirt and covered footwear. We do not wear training gear, singlets or clothing with offensive designs. Refectory • Clean casuals that include shorts, T shirt and footwear. Out of respect for others dining we do not wear training gear, singlets or clothing with offensive designs. Saturday Sport • At breakfast and at our own sport we wear the team uniform (including appropriate footwear) and when supporting other teams we wear the College tracksuit or College uniform. Lane Cove Leaves • A choice of full school uniform, or clean casuals that includes shorts, T shirt and covered footwear. Out of respect for others we do not wear training gear, singlets or clothing with offensive designs. Out of respect for the College, we do not wear a mixture of uniform and casuals. Boarders’ Outings / Dances • Except for beach outings we wear dress casuals that as a minimum includes dress shorts and boat shoes, jeans or long pants and collared shirt. Out of respect for others we do not wear training gear, tracksuits, board shorts, singlets, thongs or clothing with offensive designs. Please note: For safety reasons, students must wear footwear at all times when outside their division area. 11
COLLEGE STAFF
The Director of Boarding co-ordinates the work of the Division Masters and is responsible for all matters which transcend a particular Division. He reports directly to the Headmaster on all Boarding matters. Each Division is under the care of a Division Master who is assisted by a number of Duty Masters. Each Division Master is also a teacher at the College. The majority of Duty Masters are teachers and staff at the College, while others are engaged in university studies. Just as at the end of the day, students return to their homes, so the Boarders return to their ‘second home’. It follows that in a very special way the Division Master stands in loco parentis at all times other than during school hours. The Division Master works in partnership with the Housemaster Years 9–12, Homeroom Teacher Years 7 and 8 or Class Teacher Year 6. These day personnel hold the primary responsibility for supervising the ‘whole education’ of each boy in their care. For matters such as academic progress, study habits, classroom behaviour, study timetabling, co-curricular involvement and spiritual formation please refer the matter initially to your son’s Housemaster (Years 9-12), Homeroom Teacher (Years 7 and 8) or Class Teacher (Year 6). The Division Master is available to offer advice and assistance with whom to approach about any issues you would like to discuss.
COMMUNICATION
Communication between parents and their sons is facilitated as much as possible. Boarders are permitted to have mobile phones. These are not permitted to be used during study or after lights out. The younger divisions have their mobile phones collected during these times. There is also a land line phone in each Division and access to a Skype phone. Computers with College email facilities are available in each division for the boys to use. The person on duty with your son can also be contacted by mobile phone at any time. The Division Master and the Director of Boarding can be contacted at any time by mobile phone and the Director of Boarding’s mobile is an emergency overnight number. Parents are encouraged to contact a Division Master about any matter of concern. A list of phone numbers is included in this booklet. If you are experiencing difficulty contacting your son, or you wish to do so urgently, you are most welcome to contact his Division Master or phone the Director of Boarding. The College has a comprehensive Complaints Policy which is published on the College website. Viewpoint, the weekly College newsletter, is published each Friday, during term time. Hard copies are available at College reception and also from the Health Centre, which is open over the weekend. Viewpoint is available online from midday on Friday, via the College website. There is also a facility to have Viewpoint posted home. An enormous amount of information about the College is transmitted through this publication. The Boarder Parents’ Association Convenor regularly contributes items to Viewpoint. 12
Boarding news, current events and travel information for end of term travel is available on the College website, under the Boarding tab as well as in the Riverview Community Portal under the Boarder Parents’ home page. A Boarding report issued by your son’s Division Master and signed by the Director of Boarding is posted home at the end of Terms 2 and 4. The Director of Boarding sends a letter home once every term. Each Division has a more informal email communication to parents on a regular basis throughout the term. It is crucial that the College has current contact details for parents. The Green Permission sheet issued at the beginning of each year is one way of checking this. Please ensure that your details are correct and that mobile phone numbers and email addresses are supplied and updated when necessary.
DISCIPLINE
D
All Boarders are subject to the College’s policies. One of the key criteria for enrolment into boarding is that boys want to board at Saint Ignatius’ College, Riverview. Generally, when boys want to be here they abide by the College rules and respect the trust shown to them by the staff at the College. In the life of any Boarding Community, there will be occasions when a Boarder may choose to break the trust and / or deceive the staff. The Expectations and Responsibilities of students forms the platform for expected standards of student behaviour. The Division Master, acting in loco parentis, accepts responsibility for monitoring the behaviour of each boarder in his care, in order to assist with attaining the goals of the Mission Statement. All divisions have a merit / demerit system in place whereby student behaviour is monitored. Students are given clear guidelines within each division as to what constitutes a demerit or merit. Rewards and sanctions applicable to the year group are advised. These may vary from a withdrawal of privileges, to some community service, or in more serious and rare cases withdrawal of leave. This is considered a last resort as approved leave from the Boarding House is considered a very important aspect of a student’s well being. In the case of a serious breach of expected behaviour, the Division Master will conduct an initial investigation and report to the Director of Boarding. The Director of Boarding will then receive the report from the Division Master and interview the student. He then may conduct further enquiries and / or either recommend suspension (a temporary debarment of a student from the boarding facilities) or expulsion (the permanent removal of a student from the boarding facilities) to the Headmaster. Ultimately, the Headmaster is responsible for all matters of discipline at the College. 13
Procedural fairness is ensured with the ‘hearing rule’ and a ‘right to an unbiased decision’ – where the student has the right to:
• be informed of the allegations related to the specific matter and any information that will be taken into account in considering the matter;
• be informed of the process by which the matter will be considered. The Ignatian principles of reflection and discernment require that some time be given to the final decision;
• respond to the allegations;
• be informed how to seek a review by the Headmaster of the decision made in response to the allegations;
• impartiality in an investigation and subsequent decision-making;
• an absence of bias by a decision maker.
So that there are no misunderstandings:
• if a boy steals or breaks into a restricted area, he will be sent home and, according to the severity of the action, the police may be called.
• if a boy leaves the division or building after lights out, he will be sent home.
• if a boy reaches Stage 3 of the Bullying Policy, he will be sent home.
• if a boy consumes or brings alcohol or illegal drugs onto the premises, he will be sent home.
• if a boy brings weapons or replica weapons onto the premises, he will be sent home and the police will be notified.
All relevant details of suspensions and expulsions from boarding are documented on the College’s database. In certain circumstances, depending on the severity of the offence, a student may be asked to leave Boarding, but still be permitted to attend the College as a day student. As far as possible, incidents that occur during school hours are dealt with by the relevant College staff. While a boy’s Division Master, or the Director of Boarding, may well be informed of problems during the school day, any correction would be similar to that of any student of the College. There may be times when a boy is going well in boarding, but struggling with discipline during class time. A boarding staff member may have a pastoral word with a student in these cases, but the discipline occurs during the normal school day and is not carried over into the boarding house.
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ENROLMENT POLICY
E
A prospective Boarder applies to the College using the standard application package and potential applicants are interviewed by the Headmaster and the Director of Boarding. The family and student are provided with an extensive tour of facilities and they are given the opportunity to visit the area in which the student will board. The suitability of both the student for the College and the College for the student are assessed during this time and confirmation of a place may be offered after this process.
EXPECTATIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES Students’ Expectations
Students’ Responsibilities
I expect to be taught in a Catholic environment – one that allows me to develop a genuine spiritual life that embodies the joy, compassion and hope of an active Christian faith.
I have a responsibility to respect the values and traditions of our school and be open to the development of my faith through liturgies, retreats, prayer and religious education lessons.
I expect the right to be happy and to be treated with compassion; this means being able to move about the College without being laughed at, hit, pushed, threatened, or denigrated in any way.
I have a responsibility to see that I do not laugh at, hit, push, threaten or in any way denigrate other people in our College. I also have the responsibility to ensure that all members of our College community are safe and treated with respect.
S
I expect my property to be safe within I have a responsibility to not damage, steal or our College. destroy others’ property and to take proper care for my own property. I expect that our College environment will be I am responsible for treating our College free from noise or litter pollution. environment with respect and not to contribute to any kind of noise or litter pollution. I expect that I will be able to learn without It is my responsibility to see that I do not interference or distraction from other students. interfere with or distract other students from their work. I expect to be taught by teachers who are fair, It is my responsibility to co-operate and competent and sympathetic to my needs. comply with the instructions of staff. I expect to learn in an environment that I have the responsibility to develop my talents is supportive of me as an individual and of to the best of my ability in all areas and to participate fully in College life. my talents. I expect to be valued as a Riverview student.
I have the responsibility to uphold the good name of the College by my words, actions and appearance and to behave at all times in a manner that will bring credit to the College.
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F
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Question: When can my son go on leave? Answer:
Our leave arrangements are designed with a two week cycle in mind. On a Chapel Sunday, boys may go on leave after Mass finishes at 10.00am, and return at 8.00pm on Sunday night, as study commences at 8.15pm. Boys may have lunch with their parents on the Saturday of a Chapel weekend and are expected to return to the Division before Roll Call at 5.00pm. Alternate weekends are deemed a Home Sunday and boys may go out, after fulfilling their sporting commitments on a Saturday, overnight, until 8.00pm Sunday. All other leaves are considered Special Leaves which require the Division Master to be notified. He will seek approval from the Director of Boarding.
Question: How do I apply for leaves for my son? Answer: Boys need to know their leave arrangements on the Wednesday prior to each weekend. Meals, transport and excursion numbers need to be submitted on Thursday mornings.
On any occasion that boys are away from the Division overnight, a fully completed leave (ED) form needs to be sent to the Division Master. Only a parent can request an overnight stay.
If a boy is not staying overnight he can go out with his parents and people indicated on his Green Sheet at any appropriate time.
All boys must leave a host’s name, phone number and destination on their Yellow Leave Card whenever they leave the College grounds.
Question: How do boys get to medical/specialist appointments? Answer: If you son needs to see a specialist, eg. orthodontist, regularly it would be beneficial to organise a practitioner as close to the school as possible. It would also be helpful to organise relatives to transport your son to his appointment. If this is not possible then a taxi will be arranged by Mrs Clarke in Boarding Administration, who will give your son a cabcharge which is then debited to your College account. If your son is unduly concerned about this arrangement then the Division Master or his representative will accompany him to this appointment although every effort should be made to avoid this. Naturally, in times of emergency, the Division Master or Director of Boarding will always be available. 16
Question: How do Boarders get to sporting fixtures on the weekend? Answer: The school arranges transport for those boys who require it to their sport on the weekend. It is each boy’s responsibility to check noticeboards and to know where he is playing and how he is getting there. Any queries about travel to sport should be directed to his Division Master or Mrs Clarke. If boys are to travel by taxi, Mrs Clarke will organise this. Question: Are the boys allowed to bring skateboards, roller blades and bicycles to school? Answer: These are not allowed as the boys often adopt a practice of ‘oneupmanship’ which can lead to problems or injury. Question: What happens if boys stay in on the weekend? Answer: Hopefully, a boy will consider the Boarding House his home during the term. On a Saturday, boys participate in sport either in the morning or afternoon. When they are not competing in sport they are free to go to the Gartlan Centre, play tennis, spectate at other College sporting events, relax in the Division or study. On a Home weekend Saturday night the boys attend Mass and may then watch a movie or be involved in some other recreation.
Boys staying in on a Sunday are either taken out for the day by the person on duty or they make use of the wonderful facilities the College has to offer. When you visit you may even consider adopting one of the other boys for the weekend.
Question: What is the procedure after lights out? Answer: After this time it is imperative that all boys remain silent and go to sleep. Any breaches of this rule are viewed seriously, as each boy is entitled to a full night’s sleep. If boys are unwell or concerned about anything, they should seek the help of the Division Master or the staff member on passive duty. Question: Are the boys able to have snacks? Answer: Boys are allowed to keep a small supply of locker food brought from home. Question: When is the best time to contact my son? Answer: You can speak to your son on Junior Division In-Phones (9882 8584) from approximately 7.00–7.20am each morning. The boys are then available to be contacted from 3.30pm until 5.10pm and 7.15–7.45pm each evening. Calls made after these times may not be answered as boys are at study. Always contact the Master on Duty on 0400 988 707 with messages or if emergencies arise. 17
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
Are You Eligible For Financial Assistance For Your Child? For your information, outlined below are the rates and eligibility criteria for Boarding allowances. Updates for each school year will be available from the relevant government departments in November of the preceeding year. Allowances are available from both the State and Federal governments according to eligibility criteria. In addition if you meet the differing criteria for both State and Federal you are entitled to receive both. 1. NSW Secondary Living Away from Home Allowance (LAFHA) LAFHA provides assistance to eligible families who must board their children away from home to access secondary education. To Qualify: • The allowance, if approved is effective from the commencement of the year in which the application is received and is paid in two equal instalments. •
Applications must be received before 30 June of each year. Applications received between 1 July and 30 September, if successful, will only be paid for a half year. Applications received after 30 September cannot be approved for that year.
For enquiries and application forms, contact: Living Away From Home Allowance Rural and Distance Education Office PO Box 717 BATHURST NSW 2795 For assistance, telephone: (02) 6334 8070 www.schools.nsw.edu.au/studentsupport 2. Assistance for Isolated Children Scheme (AIC) To Qualify: • Your family home must be considered to be geographically isolated from an appropriate government school; or the student has a proven health-related or educational need that cannot be catered for locally. For more information, please go to the following link or contact Centrelink directly: http://www.schools.nsw.edu.au/rde/scholarships/aic/index.php Closing Date: The closing date for all Assistance for Isolated Children claim forms is 31 December in the year of study. For more specific information, please contact Centrelink, Assistance for Isolated Children.
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Telephone: 13 23 18 www.centrelink.gov.au – search for the ‘Education Payment Rates’ factsheet, or go to: http://www.centrelink.gov.au/internet/internet.nsf/payments/aic_rates.htm 18
FIRE SAFETY
All boarding houses are fitted with government-regulated smoke detectors and alarms which are monitored by a fire security company which passes calls onto the fire brigade. The fire brigade attends every time an alarm is triggered on the College premises. Fire drills for each Boarding House are carried out twice a year (one early in Term 1 and the other later in the year) with students having clearly designated evacuation points to report to. No student is to have any aerosol cans at the College as these can activate fire alarms. In the event that a student deliberately or recklessly activates a fire alarm which the fire brigade attends, the student may be responsible for the payment of the callout fee charged by the fire brigade.
FOOD
Students up to Year 11 Division eat in the Main Refectory, with two sittings for breakfast and dinner. At lunch, Boarders collect their food from the Main Refectory and join their classmates in their designated areas in the yard. Year 12 Division dine in the Senior Refectory and are joined by the staff on weekdays for lunch. Morning Tea is distributed by catering staff. Afternoon Tea and Supper are provided in each Division. A Food Committee comprised of boarders from each Division, the Director of Boarding, Catering Manager and the Head Chef, meets each Friday at lunch time, to review the week’s meals and discuss any food issues. The four weekly cycle menus are published by Catering Industries and displayed on noticeboards, the Community Portal and the Quantum Student Website. Menus are regularly checked by qualified dieticians to ensure that a healthy and balanced diet is provided. Dietary Requirements Although food is supplied from the Refectory, special dietary needs are also catered for. Our Catering Supervisor is extremely supportive of any request from the Health Centre. Diet cards will be issued to those boys who may have special dietary requirements on discharge from Health Centre.
HOMESICKNESS
H
Living Away from Home Some Boarders experience difficulty adapting to the living situation in the Dormitory, especially relating to the number of other people continually surrounding them. While all showers have individual cubicles, and many have private change areas in them, shower time is sometimes traumatic for those who have never had a shower with a number of other people in the same room. 19
Personal hygiene is essential for each student. Your son must know the importance of showering daily, changing underwear and socks regularly, using clean linen and towels, the need for soap, clean hair and deodorant. Without this knowledge, it is possible that he may be ostracised by his peers, creating a very difficult situation for both himself and Boarding House members in general. Again, guidance and help is given, whenever possible, by the Boarding staff. We have included a number of observations on this problem and hope that our suggestions may help your son to overcome this very real difficulty as quickly as possible. •
It is perfectly normal for a student living in completely new surroundings, and in a necessarily institutionalised environment, to feel strange and to want to go home. After all, most parents would surely expect their sons to prefer to live at home rather than elsewhere.
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We think it is important for students to realise that they are likely to feel homesick from time to time, that it is quite normal.
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It is important for you, as parents, to emphasise the need for complete involvement in and out of the classroom. Involvement in sport, games, music and other activities is essential and should be encouraged whenever possible.
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It is important for you to realise that you will hear of, or experience, the worst of your son’s homesickness. He will tend to ring or write when he is feeling at his lowest. He may also tend to exaggerate the worst features of the Boarding House in an effort to convince you of his ‘predicament’.
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Poor grades and difficulty with work are often closely related to homesickness in the early stages.
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A recurrence of the problem is quite common after the first few weekends out, or after term holidays. However, usually this is overcome very quickly on returning to school.
Further to this, too many outings with family over the first few weekends may cause great difficulty for your son in making the break from home. We encourage you to let your son experience, as much as possible, the normal activities of the Boarding House, particularly during weekends, and therefore suggest that you do not prolong the break, by taking him out too often during these ‘settling in’ times. (Courtesy of BBC, Boarding Handbook) Please encourage your son to see the Director of Boarding, Division Master, Housemaster, College Counsellor, or Matron, when the problem seems to be reaching an intolerable level. Often discussing the problem with someone not directly involved is of great assistance. The Big Brother Club (BBC) is organised by the Division Masters where at the end of Year 10 students are selected to act as ‘Big Brothers’ for the incoming Junior Division. 20
The Big Brothers are trained in ways of assisting young boarders cope with the transition to a large boarding community. The Big Brothers are matched up as far as possible with boys from a similar area, so that the younger boys will know someone when travelling home at the end of term. In Term 1, the BBC meets on several occasions and gives boys an opportunity to talk about issues like homesickness and how they are coping with the change of living environment. Each term, an activity is organised where the Big Brothers get to spend time with their younger charges. It is worth noting that experience suggests that the better the parents cope with the natural ‘grieving’, or anxiety, associated with separation from young ones, the more quickly the boys will adjust to boarding life. Boys pick up, and may often reflect, the anxiety in a parent’s voice when communicating and may respond accordingly even though they may be for the most part enjoying the boarding experience. We do not wish to alarm you in any way, but simply want to make you aware of a very common and usually short-term problem. It is also our aim to help you and your son cope with the difficult settling-in period. Understanding, patience and firmness would appear to be the most important qualities necessary for a quick and relatively smooth adjustment to the new environment. Above all, please do not hesitate to contact any Boarding staff member if you wish to discuss any problems you son may face once he joins our Community.
HOMEWORK Homework Policy Aims The purpose of the policy is, by a partnership among parents, Boarding personnel, teachers, Housemasters and students to: • encourage students to develop the intellectual virtues, especially the habit of study, at an early age; • foster in students an orderly approach to work and to self-directed successful study; • foster among students, principles of Ignatian education; such as the important role of reflection upon what they have learned; • give early feedback on progress for purposes of remediation, extension and course selection. Outcomes Students who co-operate and are supported in developing the habit of study through the Saint Ignatius’ College, Riverview Homework Policy will: • develop the capacity to work independently; •
acquire the self-discipline necessary to work regularly and alone; 21
• plan their study so that they can meet deadlines for assignments and projects; • develop their study so that they can meet deadlines for assignments and projects; • develop the habit of reflecting on the meaning of what they are studying; • discriminate among the beliefs and values inherent in the material they are studying; • see something of the prayer context and apostolic dimension of the development of talents. Types of Homework It is an expectation of the College that students will receive and complete regular homework tasks in all courses studied. However, homework does not always consist of short specific written or memorisation tasks. Assignments and projects that call for long term planning are included. Also, students should realise that study needs to be regular and constant, regardless of whether specific homework has been set. Guidelines Expressing the time in the form of minimum hours per week outside the classroom allows students to take account of their own circumstances and how they might differ throughout the year – eg: travelling time, sport and other co-curricular commitments, and duties at home as well as rests. College Diaries Under the direction of teachers, students are expected to use the College Diary as a record of homework set.
LAUNDRY
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In each division, there are laundry bags where boys place their dirty washing. The boys are asked to appropriately sort their washing into the following categories to assist with washing: • white shirts and white clothes; • mesh wash bags; • coloured clothes; • khakis and football jerseys; • towels; • drip-dry, or cool-dry, clothes (eg: 100% polyester, spandex, or other heat affected fabric). Laundry bags are collected each weekday morning. Boys may collect their clean laundry from the College pick up point any weekday afternoon or before school on a 22
Wednesday. Boarders are not permitted to go to the Laundry prior to 3.30pm. While the turn-around time may often be as quick as the same day, it is advisable not to leave clothes needed for the weekend, such as sporting gear, to the Friday morning wash. Year 11 and 12 Divisions have limited facilities to do their own washing and ironing should they desire this.
LEAVE
Each weekend is either a Chapel Sunday or a Home Sunday. These are clearly indicated in the College calendar, a year in advance. It would be a very rare occurrence that changes occur to the calendar after publication. On a Chapel Sunday, a boy may leave the Boarding House after the Boarding Community Mass and must return by 8.00 or 8.15pm. On a Home Sunday, he may leave after his sporting commitment on Saturday, but not before 9.00am, and must return by 8.15pm Sunday. An overnight leave is known as an Extra Domum Leave and is granted only if an email has been sent to the Division Master by the boy’s parents or guardian prior to the leave stating the people with whom the boy is staying and their address. It facilitates the preparation of weekend roll lists and organisation of meals etc., if this email is received by Wednesday. Weekend Leave forms, for ED leave, are available on the College Website under Boarding – Forms for Parents. As a privilege in Year 12, Division students may apply for two extra ED leaves a term, to be approved by the Division Master. Please note that it would only be in very extraordinary circumstances that a Year 12 Division student would then be granted any other special leaves. Similarly, Year 11 students may apply for one extra ED leave per term. On a few occasions throughout the year, there may be a High Sunday. These are usually when important events occur in the College calendar on two successive weekends. As many parents may be down for these events on a High Sunday boys may have leave after their sporting commitments on the Saturday and return by 7pm for Mass in the Chapel on Sunday. This leave would normally only be permitted to the boy’s immediate family. A normal ED leave form needs to be submitted to the Division Master for this leave. Please note that there are several College weekend events which boarders are expected to attend and any leave they have may not start until after these have finished. These include the Indian Bazaar Clean Up morning, the Head of the River Regatta and the AAGPS Athletics meeting. In the interests of the best possible care of a Boarder, it is vital that both the Boarding House and the parents know his whereabouts when on an overnight leave. Extra Domum Leaves for Years 6–12 are to a person who is listed on the Boarder’s Permission Sheet. We strongly recommend that if you have a son or daughter at a University College or hostel that friends of your son not stay overnight. Our experience suggests that it is a huge burden for a young adult to provide supervision 23
for a group of adolescents overnight. Overseas and country parents who happen to be in Sydney during the week are always welcome to take their son out to dinner. Other leaves of short duration are at the discretion of the Division Master and vary according to the boy’s Division. There is a gradation of local Leaves in place across each Division that reflects the safety, age and maturity of the students. Junior Division do not have any unsupervised leaves away from the College premises. Year 8 Division, in Term 4, are permitted in groups of four to walk to the Riverview Deli at York’s Corner. In Year 9 Division, students are permitted to walk to Lane Cove, provided they go in groups of two, travel via Tambourine Bay Road, cross at the traffic lights on River Road and carry a mobile phone, where the number is listed on their leave card. Years 10–12 Divisions have to sign out and back in on local leave sheets. There are varying restrictions with respect to times that each division may have local leaves but such leaves are only permitted during daylight hours. Our policy on Weekend Leave is that boys, on a Chapel Sunday, are to stay in on Saturday night to be present for Mass on Sunday morning. The exception to this policy occurs when there is a significant family event such as birthdays, anniversaries, weddings etc., and for sporting events if the student is involved at a State or National level. On a Home Sunday boys are allowed to leave after sport on a Saturday after their leave has been approved by his Division Master. He may then return no later than 8.15pm on Sunday evening. Whilst we attempt to be flexible for important events and your visits to Sydney we wish to remain consistent in this policy for the benefit of families. Riverview is not a weekly Boarding school and there is overwhelming support from parents to maintain our present policy. The Boarding Staff reserve the right to refuse a leave to a private party, or event, when they are not satisfied that there will be adequate parent supervision of the function. Boys should not accept invitations until they have had such leave approved. Please direct any requests for leave of an extraordinary nature to the Director of Boarding, via email gkmasters@riverview.nsw.edu.au
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MEDICAL FACILITIES AND SERVICES
In May of 1992 the new Saint Ignatius’ College, Riverview Health Centre (Infirmary) opened. The ‘old Infirmary’ is now the Jesuit Community House. This represented a transition from a facility of limited facilities to a Health Centre that, nationally, is one of the most modern school Health Centres operating today. Each school year the Health Centre staff performs in excess of ten thousand consultations. 24
Our practice and procedures are reviewed annually in order to maintain the highest standards of treatment. The knowledge and application of the latest medical trends is maintained as a result of our close liaison with various professional medical bodies. Our facilities include 16 beds, bedside nurse call system, wheelchair facilities, portable bedside phone, ice making machine, physiotherapy equipment, plastering facilities, suturing equipment, glucometer, venipuncture services and resuscitation equipment. Available Clinics and Services Doctors: Currently doctors attend a clinic on Monday to Friday at lunchtimes. Nursing staff are in constant liaison with our supporting medical practice. At the discretion of the registered nurse on duty, doctors are available to attend the Health Centre on a 24 hour, seven day a week basis. Physiotherapy: Treatment clinics are on Monday and Thursday at 3.00pm. Students will be charged a discounted physiotherapy fee for this service. Every Saturday during winter sport pre match taping is available from a physiotherapist at no charge. For this service students are required to supply their own tape. This may be purchased from the Licona at a reduced rate. Podiatry: Appointments can be arranged through the Health Centre. Dental: We have the services of dental practices in Lane Cove and orthodontic practices in Lane Cove and Chatswood. College Counsellors: Mrs Lisa Wood, Ms Lorraine Cushing and Mrs Vanessa Wadih are the College Counsellors. The Health Centre staff may liaise or seek the Counsellors’ assistance for a variety of reasons. You may contact counsellors directly on 9882 8222, or through the College Health Centre, Housemaster, or Division Master. Massage: Available from our qualified Massage Therapist no parent request. Written consent is required.
MEDICAL APPOINTMENTS
Health Centre Admission Rules • All students must have written consent, as per College diary • Clinic times are before school, recess, lunch and after school • Hours of opening are from 7.45–9.00pm, 7 days per week • Urgent problems are accepted out of clinic hours without notes • The Health Centre is staffed 24 hours per day, to care for in patients Transportation to Appointments Years 7–9 Boarders are escorted to every external appointment. Should this involve transport via taxi, charges will be included in your school account from the Business Operations Office. Referrals Our referrals are to a variety of specialists but we are happy to accommodate personal requests. 25
Diet Although food is supplied from the Refectory, special dietary needs are also catered for. Our Catering Supervisor is extremely supportive of any request from the Health Centre. Diet cards will be issued to those boys who may have special dietary requirements on discharge from Health Centre.
MEDICATION
It is imperative that Health Centre staff be aware of all medications taken by students. In particular, prescribed medications such as Ritalin, dexamphetamine, antiepileptic medication, malaria medication, antidepressants, adrenalin (EpiPen), insulin, asthma medications and cardiac medication must be divulged to nursing staff. Confidentiality is assured. Our awareness of these medications is essential in giving total quality care. Medication supervision cards are distributed at the discretion of the registered nurse. We allow self administration of medications such as antibiotics to particular boys and invite parents to support us with those friendly reminder calls to their sons. Complimentary therapies from parents may be stored at the Health Centre but self medication by students is required. It is the parent’s responsibility to inform the Health Centre of any changes in medication regime or doses etc. Pharmacy Requirements Any item that can be purchased at a chemist is available at the Health Centre. Items ordered before 3.00pm are delivered at 5.30pm the same day. These are included on your son’s account from the Business Operations Office. Asthma Asthma management is based on current treatment, peak flow guidelines and symptoms specific to each boy. Asthma education is available on parental request. We recommend every boy complete the 3 step Asthma plan. The Asthma ‘3+ Visit Plan’ is a partnership between your son and the Health Centre and involves visiting the College doctor at least three times in a four month period. By visiting the doctor even when your son is well, it will ensure that his asthma stays at its best and doesn’t interfere with his everyday activities. We request all Boarders with asthma have a spacer and peak flow meter, these can be ordered through the Health Centre. At the first visit your son will have his asthma assessed, reviewed and monitored. The doctor will talk to your son about his asthma, how to recognise if it is becoming worse and will carry out some asthma tests (spirometry). On the second visit the doctor will talk to your son about his asthma medications, asthma routine and show him how to take his asthma medications. Then on the final visit the doctor, along with your son, will develop an Asthma Action Plan, which will tell him: • How to recognise when his asthma is getting worse; • What to do when asthma worsens; • When to get help. 26
Rehabilitation Assistance Program This program will be co-ordinated with the Housemaster and Division Master. The program is designed to aid those boys who, through injury or chronic illness, have difficulty coping with the full school day. A bed will be made available for their intermittent use during school hours. Boys on this program will be reviewed weekly by nursing staff. Exams may also be taken in the Health Centre. Vaccinations Many changes have occurred over the past five years due to the introduction of school based immunisation programs. In 2013 NSW Health will be offering Diphtheria, Tetanus and Pertussis (whooping cough), Hepatitis B, Varicella vaccinations as a part of the school-based program for Year 7 students in NSW. New to the immunisation program, in 2013 NSW Health will be offering Human Papilloma virus (HPV) vaccine to our students in Year 7 and Year 9. Vaccinations for overseas travel can be arranged through the Health Centre. Travel itinerary and written parental consent are the only prerequisites required. Travel vaccination must commence 2 months prior to travel. Please inform the Health Centre if your son receives any other vaccination, so it can be documented on his file.
MEDICAL CONTACT INFORMATION
Communication Parents are encouraged to communicate freely with the Health Centre staff. Our philosophy is to appreciate the individuality of each student. In support of this view our work is simplified when parents disclose those special individual needs and idiosyncrasies which may be expressed in ill health. What may be viewed as trivial material, can provide valuable information in the management of care and the implementation of helpful strategies to assist your son through any health problems. Your son will phone you from the Health Centre should he require an overnight admission. To foster the communication between parent and son, your son will be asked to phone you and inform you of his admission. It is always reassuring to hear your own son’s voice. This prevents the ‘WHAT’S HAPPENED?’ response when staff discloses ‘it is the nurse from Saint Ignatius’ College calling.’ Parents and other family members are welcome to phone, fax, Skype, email or visit boys who have been admitted to the Health Centre (drawings etc., from younger brothers and sisters are very well received. Please inform the Health Centre if your son’s Medicare number has changed or has been updated. 27
You are encouraged to freely contact the Health Centre between 9.00am and 9.00pm to discuss your son’s admissions or treatments. Parent Interviews Parents will be contacted by phone and asked a few brief questions prior to their son’s entry into boarding. This will assist us in better caring for your son. Some parents will be asked to attend an interview with the registered nurse on the day of Boarding commencement. Please note students do not attend this interview. Health Centre Contact Information Telephone: 9882 8262; Patient Telephone: 9882 8468; Mobile: 0418 405 629 Fax: 9882 8450 Email: infirmary@riverview.nsw.edu.au Please feel welcome to discuss all queries or concerns with registered nurses between the hours of 9.00am and 9.00pm, seven days. Registered Nurses Mrs Meg Board Mrs Tara Boyd Mrs Anne Egger Mrs Paula Fox Mrs Anne McNamara Mrs Leanne Neal Miss Catherine Ryan
Physiotherapy Sydney Sports and Spinal Physiotherapy Psychologists Mrs Vanessa Wadih Ms Larraine Cushing Mrs Lisa Wood Pathology Douglas Hanley Moir Laboratories
Doctors Dr Mark Cholakyan Dr John Howell Dr John Wright
Dental Lane Cove Dental / Orthodontic practices Chatswood Dental / Orthodontic practice
Pharmacy Optimal Pharmacy
OFFENSIVE MATERIAL
Massage Therapist Mrs Meg Board
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Students are permitted to bring posters to school but these must not be offensive, or suggestive. Any offensive reading or viewing material will be returned to parents. Likewise, students are required to sign the College ICT contract for the use of computers at the College. In a Catholic environment, any pornography, or inappropriate material, on a student’s computer is unacceptable. 28
OPENING HOURS
At the beginning of each term, the Boarding House opens at 4.00pm and all Boarders are to return by 8.30pm. The opening and closing hours of the Boarding House are published in the College calendar. Except for the Long Weekend in June, when the Boarding House is closed, continuous staff supervision is provided in each Division from the opening time at the beginning of term through until the closing time at the end of term.
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PARENT ACCOMMODATION
There is one residence available within the College which parents may hire. This is a well-equipped three bedroom townhouse, which has a full kitchen, laundry, television, stereo, Foxtel, and a courtyard. The townhouse has one double bed and two rooms with two single beds in each. The cost for the townhouse is $95.00 per night and a minimum of two nights must be booked. Clean linen is supplied in the residence. Please ensure you remake the beds with fresh linen and leave the residence clean and tidy for the next occupants. Small children must be supervised at all times in the residence. All reservations must be made no more than one month in advance with the exception for international boarding parents who can book at any time. Confirmation is subject to availability and accommodation is booked on a first in, first served basis. Bookings can be made by contacting Dee Dwyer in the Facilities Department, on 02 9882 8167, or emailing dxdwyer@riverview.nsw.edu.au For helpful information on alternative local accommodation, please refer to the College Website, under the Boarding / Travel section.
PARENTS’ ASSOCIATION
The Boarder Parents’ Association welcomes you and your family to Riverview. The Boarder Parents’ Association was established in 1997 to cater for the specific needs of the Boarding Community. It has proved most successful as a means of communication between staff and boarding parents. Although all parents are automatically members of the Riverview Parents & Friends Association, the Boarder Parents’ Association provides additional support to our Boarding Families. This support may be in the form of additional information, assistance with any problems that may arise, and friendships formed through our many social gatherings. The Association meets four times a year and serves as an advisory body to the Director of Boarding, Guy Masters. All parents are invited to attend these meetings, and new ideas, suggestions and questions are most welcome. 29
POCKET MONEY
Each student (Years 6–9) should have an operating pocket money account. We suggest an amount of $100.00–$150.00 for each term be lodged with the Division Master, who will supervise weekly distribution of money to the students. An upper limit is placed on the weekly amount of pocket money a boy can draw, for obvious reasons. If you wish to send more money to cover the cost of purchase of clothing please send a note to the Division Master explaining this. ‘The Licona’ accepts cheques, Mastercard, Visa or Amex and also has a credit facility for the boys on receipt of a signed permission sheet from their parents/guardians only. No boy will ever be allowed to be embarrassed by being short of cash and in an emergency should see his Division Master. Older boys may lodge cards or cash with their Division Master for safe keeping. No responsibility can be taken for money not left with the Division Master.
RECREATION
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The Gartlan Sporting Complex The Gartlan is open from 7.00am until 9.00pm during the week and on weekends during the day time except on Home Sundays when it is closed. Staff are on duty in the Gartlan centre during these hours. Each Division up to Year 10 is allocated a specific time period during the weekday evenings to exercise or relax in the Gartlan centre; they are accompanied to and supervised in the centre by the Duty Master and the Gartlan Centre staff.
STUDENT LEADERSHIP
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In the College, there are many opportunities for students to develop personal leadership skills. Within Boarding, one of the ways senior students can further enhance these skills is by committing to the role of a Proctor. Students may nominate themselves for this responsibility by applying in writing to the Director of Boarding. A vote by the senior boarders of those nominated follows. After consultation with the Division Masters the Director of Boarding forwards to the Headmaster the names of students to be appointed to the role of Proctor. About 20 Proctors may be appointed in a year. While the Captain of Boarders (Vice Captain of the College) is appointed via a process conducted by the Director of Students, the Proctors elect the Beadle 30
(an Ignatian name for Assistant to the Teacher), who acts as the deputy to the Captain of Boarders and is the chief organiser among the Proctors. The Head Sacristan, nominated by the Proctors, assists in co-ordinating the boarders’ liturgies. The purpose of this structure is to provide an opportunity for boarders to undertake leadership training and accept positions of responsibility. Under the direct supervision and monitoring of the Duty Masters the Proctors assist in the supervision of meals, the organising and conduct of Division Dances, Chapel services and various boarding outings. Boarders are not left in the sole care of the Proctors. There is always an adult staff member supervising the Boarders. One of the Proctors’ primary roles is to act as positive role models for the younger boarders. Specific Proctors are allocated to a particular division and may go on outings with that division, lead prayers or reflections and generally spend time with their divisions. Another role is to represent the boarders by providing feedback to staff from the boarding students. The Proctors meet with the Director of Boarding regularly throughout each term to discuss issues relating to the Boarding House and how the Proctors are going with their particular duties. All students in the Boarding House have responsibilities to contribute to their community by carrying out rostered or warden’s duties.
STUDY
After the school day ends, Boarders return to their Division area and then attend a cocurricular activity or remain for afternoon tea and recreation. Television is restricted to the Division Recreation Areas. Study is supervised as closely as is appropriate and practicable and boys who are experiencing difficulty, or who might require help, are referred to their Housemaster. There are a number of before and after school classes available at the College to assist students with study skills, literacy skills, and mathematics homework. All boarders are graded each evening on their study effort by the staff on duty. In Years 11 and 12 Divisions, this can be up to six times each night. Tutors are available every night in the College Library, Kevin Fagan House and Saint John’s House to cover English, Mathematics, and other key subject areas. In Year 8 and Junior Divisions, two staff are on duty to assist with homework and study. In Junior Division, there is a volunteer parent scheme where adults come to assist the boys during second study like reading, projects, or other tasks that parents at home would usually help with. This scheme has proved very useful as the boys quite readily ask for help and appreciate the one-on-one assistance that this provides. Supper is provided in the evening for all boarders. Library The students are fortunate that the College Library with access to resources, books, computers, internet and email is available five nights a week (Monday to Friday) until 6.00pm. On these nights there are academic tutors and library staff available to assist students. Each division has its own procedures for granting permission 31
and access to the library during the evening, but all boys must have a Library note outlining their time of movement from the division and into and out of the library. These will be signed by the staff in the library.
TIDINESS
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Organisation of personal belongings is an area which often proves difficult for new Boarders, and is often overlooked. They need to be able to keep their drawers and wardrobes tidy and therefore need skills such as folding T-shirts and shorts, underwear, putting socks together in pairs, storing toiletries, etc., in a particular area. It will be of great assistance to students if they have some instruction in organisation of personal belongings before they commence Boarding, including the ability to make a bed in a neat and tidy manner.
TRAVEL
The State Government provides transport for Boarders living in New South Wales, between school and the town nearest to their home, at the beginning and end of each school term. The bookings are organised through CountryLink each term by Mrs Kim Clarke in the Boarding Administration Office. Most boys travel by coach that collects them from the nearest town and conveys them to school and return at the end of term. There may be students from other boarding schools on the same services. Some boys travel home by rail or air and are taken to Central Station and Sydney Airport by taxi on the last day of school. Unfortunately, it is not possible to collect students from these locations at the beginning of term, so it may be necessary to arrange for a relative or friend to collect your son/s. Groups of boys arriving by rail usually share a taxi back to school. There are a few important points that will help to ensure that your son arrives home, and returns to school as conveniently and safely as possible. •
A travel request link is emailed home each term, which we would appreciate you submitting by the due date. This request is for travel bookings on designated College Boarder Travel Days only. Bookings received after the due date will not be processed and parents will need to make alternative travel arrangements.
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Travel information and College term dates can be accessed from the ‘Riverview Community Portal’ on the College Website. Information on departure and arrival times is posted in the Boarding houses, on the Quantum Student Website, and on the Community Portal in the week prior to travel.
• Day Boys wishing to travel home with Boarders for the holidays may travel on the same services. Bookings must be made by the due date and the cost of the 32
ticket will be charged to the parent’s school account. Whilst every effort will be made to accommodate day boys on these coaches, please note that Boarding Students travelling to their home addresses are first allocated on these services. Therefore some students (Day students and those not travelling to their home addresses) may be required to travel on CountryLink normal timetabled services. Boarders travelling to an alternative location, i.e. not the town nearest their home, are also required to pay the student fare to that destination.
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All boys travelling on CountryLink bus or rail services will require a free RailCorp Boarders’ Pass. For new students an application form is available from Boarding Administration, or from the College website. Boarder Passes include a student photo and are valid between Years 7 and 10, and Years 11 and 12. RailCorp charge a fee for the replacement of lost or damaged passes.
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For cancellations during the school holidays, please contact CountryLink on phone: 13 22 32 and request to be transferred to the Boarder School Travel section. Please note, CountryLink will not accept new travel bookings from parents or students for boarder student school holiday travel.
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Only two pieces of luggage per student, weighing less than 20kg each (or one bag of 40kg) and one carry-on bag which can be stored under the seat, may be carried on these services. If there is an excessive amount of luggage to be transported, you will need to organise alternative travel arrangements. For example, bikes and surfboards will not be accepted.
For all Boarding travel enquiries during the term, please contact the Boarding Administration Office: Telephone: (02) 9882 8224; Fax: (02) 9882 8219; Email: kmclarke@riverview.nsw.edu.au or phone CountryLink on: 13 22 32 during the school holidays.
UNIFORM
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Essential Uniform Requirements (compulsory) The name and Laundry Number of each Boarder must be affixed to each item of clothing • One (1) College blazer; • Two (2) pairs of grey trousers; • One (1) black belt; • Five (5) white, two pocket long sleeve shirts; • Two (2) College ties; • Two (2) College jumpers; • Two (2) pairs black shoes (one pair may be black boots); 33
• Shoe cleaning equipment; • Five (5) khaki, 2 pocket short sleeve shirts; • Four (4) pairs khaki shorts, with belt loops; • Six (6) pairs long grey College socks; • One (1) College tracksuit top; • Two (2) pairs College track pants; • One (1) College cap; • Two (2) PE crested polo shirts (white); • Two (2) pairs PE sport shorts (royal blue); • Three (3) pairs PE crested sports socks; • Two or more pairs of garters; • One (1) training football jersey; • One (1) College School Backpack; • One (1) College Sports / overnight bag; • One (1) College Daypack - excursions (optional); • Two (2) mesh laundry bags. Please write your son’s laundry number on the bag with a black laundry marker. It is recommended bags are replaced every 2 years. • One (1) pair Speedo style swimmers; • Cash’s Name Tags – with surname and laundry number, eg: SIC123 John Smith. (16 dozen minimum order - the quantity will depend on the year your son starts at the College). *For a complete list of items to bring, please see ‘What to Bring’ The Licona Shop All uniform, sports uniform, College crested school bags, toiletries and stationery requirements are available for purchase at the College shop, the ‘Licona’. If you have any queries regarding any uniform, or clothing items, please do not hesitate to contact the ‘Licona’ on 9882 8388. Trading Hours for the Licona are: Mondays and Tuesdays 8.00am–2.00pm, and Wednesday to Fridays 10.00am–4.00pm. Riverview Recycled Schoolwear Shop The College has a Recycled Schoolwear Shop, which is open on Thursday between 11.00am–4.00pm for the purchase of various items of uniforms. Please contact the ‘Licona’ College Shop, on 02 9882 8388, for information.
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VALUABLES AND SECURITY
We ask each boy to be very conscious of the security of his personal belongings. Boys are reminded to lock away valuables. Therefore each student should have at least two (2) padlocks to secure their goods. No television sets or mini fridges are to be brought to school. Each Division is locked during the hours of the school day and students do not have access to the division during school hours unless the Division Master or Director of Boarding grants them access. All doors are locked at the end of the evening by the Duty Master and there is a nominated staff member on passive duty during the evening who is available should the need arise. Passive duty staff (usually the Division Master) conduct random inspections during the night. Security guards are on site at the College premises every night. All Boarding Houses and every external door in the Boarding House are routinely patrolled throughout the evening. No student, or visitor, may enter the Boarding House without the permission of the Duty Master. Personal computers and other valuable items must be covered by parents’ insurance. Students must vacate and remove all of their belongings from their rooms, at the end of each term. However, there will be a room provided for students to leave gear over the short holiday breaks. While every care will be taken with this storage the College cannot be responsible for students’ property left over the holiday periods.
VEHICLES
The College policy on boys and cars is centred on one thing – the safety of our boys. Our experience is that if a young man has access to a car the temptation and peer pressure can cause him to make decisions of a careless or reckless nature. Consequently, boarders are not permitted to have a car at the College. They may not drive to any College function unless under the direct supervision and in the presence of their parents. Under no circumstances may they travel in a car driven by another student whilst in the care of the College. When a boarder is in the care of his parents or another guardian permission to drive becomes the decision of this guardian. However, the restriction of not driving to the College or to any College function remains. 35
WEEKDAY ROUTINE
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Year 11 and 12 Divisions – Order of the Day 7.20am 7.55am 8.35am 3.30pm 5.45pm 6.00pm 6.45pm 8.10pm 8.30pm 10.00pm 10.30pm
Rise and make bed; Breakfast; School day commences; Sports training, local leaves; Roll call; Dinner; First Study; Study break and supper; Second Study; End of Study, showers; Lights out; Year 12 may continue to study, with permission, until active supervision ceases.
Year 10 Division – Order of the Day 7.20am 8.00am 8.30am 8.35am 3.30pm 5.15pm 5.25pm 6.25pm 6.35pm 7.15pm 8.05pm 8.10pm 8.50pm 9.00pm 9.25pm 10.00pm
Rise and make bed; Breakfast. Dormitory locked; Move to Year 10 playground area; School day commences; Division opened. Those playing sport change in the Division area. Local leaves. All must be back from Lane Cove. All study material from lockers and ready to move to Study First Study; First Study finishes; Dinner; Second Study; Study finishes; Gartlan Centre; Supper; Showers; Quiet time, study, reading in bed area; Lights out. 36
Year 9 Division – Order Of The Day
7.00am
Rise and make bed;
7.45am
Breakfast (Division closed
– move to Year 9 Playground area after breakfast);
3.30pm
Division open;
5.00pm
All must be back from Lane Cove: for those on Local Leave;
5.15pm
First Study;
6.10pm
Dinner;
6.45pm
Second Study;
7.35pm
Gartlan Centre;
8.10pm
Supper;
8.30pm
Third Study;
9.20pm
Prayers, silent reading;
9.50pm
Lights out.
Year 8 Division – Order of the Day
7.20am
Rise (optional TV from 7.00am to watch news);
8.00am
Breakfast;
8.30am
Move to the Therry Campus;
3.30pm
Division open. Division area / Sport / Music / School grounds;
5.10pm
Roll call. First Study;
6.35pm
Dinner;
7.00pm
Gartlan;
7.40pm
Supper;
8.00pm
Boarding House opens; Teeth, toilet and showers.
8.35pm
Study 2;
9.10pm
Reflection and prayers;
9.20pm
Quiet reading on beds;
9.40pm
Lights out.
37
Junior Division – Order of the Day
6.45am
Rise and make bed. Phones available until 7.20am;
7.20am
All out of the Dormitory area,
which is then closed until after school;
7.30am
Breakfast in the Refectory;
8.00am
Boys dismissed from breakfast and move to Therry Campus;
3.30pm
School ends. Change for sport. Those not playing sport must
be changed into casuals before 4.00pm. Phones available until 4.55pm.
5.00pm
Roll Call – First Study;
5.45pm Leave for dinner. All must attend dinner
and remain at the Refectory from 6.00pm until 6.20pm;
6.25pm
Gartlan;
7.00pm
Supper;
7.20pm
Second Study;
8.00pm
Showers, teeth and toilet. Phone available until 8.40pm;
8.45pm
Prayer;
9.00pm
Quiet reading in bed;
9.30pm
All lights out.
Boarders have supervised access to the Gartlan Sports Centre, for exercise and relaxation. 38
WHAT TO BRING
Boarders are required to bring the following: Bedding and Linen n 4 sheets and two pillow cases;
n One (1) pillow; n One (1) doona, or blanket, for bed ; n One (1) mattress protector; n Three (3) towels – 2 bath towels; n 1 x beach towel. Clothing The name and Laundry Number of each Boarder must be affixed to each item of clothing:
n Six (6) sets of underwear; n One (1) pair slippers and dressing gown (optional); n Two (2) pairs of pyjamas/tracksuits; n One (1) pair thongs; n One (1) set good casual clothes;
(1 x collared shirt, 1 x long pants, 1 pair closed in shoes);
n Casual clothing for playing games around the yards after school and on weekends;
n Board shorts for swimming ; n A ‘Riverview’ Drizabone wet weather jacket will be issued to every boarder either on the new student’s day or in the first week of term;
n For Australian Rules, Rugby and Soccer, participating boarders should have at least 0 two (2) old training jerseys, 0 (2) two pairs of old football shorts and 0 two (2) pairs of old football socks.
Personal Items n Handkerchiefs;
n Toiletries in a wash bag (please note aerosol deodorants are NOT permitted as they can activate fire alarms).
Essential Uniform Requirements (Compulsory) n One (1) College blazer;
n Two (2) pairs of grey trousers; n One (1) black belt; 39
n Five (5) white, two pocket long sleeve shirts; n Two (2) College ties; n Two (2) College jumpers; n Two (2) pairs of black shoes (one pair may be black boots); n Shoe cleaning equipment; n Five (5) khaki, 2 pocket short sleeve shirts; n Four (4) pairs khaki shorts, with belt loops; n Six (6) pairs of long grey College socks; n One (1) College tracksuit top; n Two (2) pairs College track pants; n One (1) College cap; n Two (2) PE crested polo shirts (white); n Two (2) pairs PE sport shorts (royal blue); n Three (3) pairs crested sports PE socks; n Two or more pairs of garters; n One (1) training football jersey; n One (1) College School Backpack; n One (1) College Sports / overnight bag; n One (1) College Daypack – excursions (optional); n One (1) pair Speedo style swimmers; n Cash’s Name Tags – with surname and laundry number
eg: SIC123 John Smith. (16 dozen minimum order – the quantity will depend on the year your son starts at the College).
n Two (2) mesh laundry bags. Please write your son’s laundry number
on the bag with a black laundry marker. It is recommended bags are replaced every two years.
n Two (2) combination padlocks are suggested (bedroom cupboard, and food locker – Year 7).
Saint Ignatius’ College, Riverview Tambourine Bay Road, LANE COVE, NSW 2066 Telephone: (+61 2) 9882 8222; Fax (+61 2) 9882 8588 www.riverview.nsw.edu.au 40
Boarders partipated in City2Surf to raise money for Westmead Children’s Hospital.
CONTACTS TELEPHONE & FAX DIRECTORY
Emergency: (Office Hours) 8.00am–4.00pm Telephone: 02 9882 8222 (All Other Times) 4.00pm–8.00am Telephone: : 0417 216 857 Director of Boarding and Division Masters Director of Boarding Mr Guy Masters .......................................... Mobile: 0417 216 857 gkmasters@riverview.nsw.edu.au ...................................................... Office: 02 9882 8273 Year 12 Division Master Mr Neil Mushan .................................. Mobile: 0408 292 480 .......................................................................................... nhmushan@riverview.nsw.edu.au Year 11 Division Master Mr Gerard Carson ................................. Mobile: 0417 231 152 ............................................................................................... gjcarson@riverview.nsw.edu.au Year 10 Division Master Mr Michael Webb ................................. Mobile: 0419 203 883 .............................................................................................. mpwebb@riverview.nsw.edu.au Year 9 Division Master Mr Adrian Byrne .................................... Mobile: 0438 444 715 ................................................................................................ ajbyrne@riverview.nsw.edu.au Year 8 Division Master Mr Brett Donohoe .................................. Mobile: 0419 202 477 .......................................................................................... bddonohoe@riverview.nsw.edu.au Junior Division Master ........................................ Mr Alex Damo Mobile: 0419 425 707 .............................................................................................. apdamo@riverview.nsw.edu.au Duty Masters Please use for emergency contact only during study time Year 12 Division Master on Duty .................................................. Mobile: 0400 988 712 Year 11 Division Master on Duty .................................................. Mobile: 0400 988 711 Year 10 Division Master on Duty .................................................. Mobile: 0400 988 710 Year 9 Division Master on Duty .................................................... Mobile: 0409 615 660 Year 8 Division Master on Duty .................................................... Mobile: 0400 988 708 Junior Division Master on Duty .................................................... Mobile: 0400 988 707 Boarders Year 12 Division Boarders ............................................................. Fax only: 02 9882 8599 Year 11 Division Boarders ............................................................. Fax only: 02 9882 8517 Year 10 Division Boarders ............................................................ In-Phone: 02 9882 8345 Year 9 Division Boarders ............................................................. In-Phone: 02 9882 8346 Year 8 Division Boarders .............................................................. In-Phone: 02 9882 8577 Junior Division Boarders ............................................................. In-Phone: 02 9882 8484
The Boarder Parents’ Executive for 2013 Convenor: Sarah Weston psweston@bigpond.com 6837 3823 (Home); 0427 373 823 (Mobile); Secretary: Christine Dillon thanna1@bigpond.com 0429 949 508 (Mobile); P&F Representative: Felicity Moore f.j.moore@bigpond.com 0414 677 515 (Mobile); Indian Bazaar Co-Ordinator: Marianne Wallis min.wallis@bigpond.com 0408 482 658 (Mobile); City/Boarder Support Scheme: Julie Dutaillis dutaillis@aol.com 9960 6910 (Home); 0403 750 411 (Mobile); General Committee: Rob Back, Fran Flanery, Kerrie Gaynor, Rose Harvey, Mandy Tooth, Libby Williams Boarder Year Representatives Year 7: Marianne Wallis min.wallis@bigpond.com 0408 482 658 (Mobile) Robyn Nadin jrnadin@bigpond.net.au 0429 474 610 (Mobile) Year 8: Sally McGrath womboin_station@bigpond.com 6824 4388 (Home) Susie Sherwood ssherwood3@bigpond.com 0412 868 043 (Mobile) Year 9:
Edwina Crossing edwina@angullong.com.au 0409 568 916 (Mobile) Michele Sykes pine_park@optusnet.com.au 0422 205 626 (Mobile)
Year 10:
Susanna Lott caringallott@hotmail.com 0424 397 086 (Mobile)
Year 11:
Melanie Meincke meinckes@bigpond.net.au 0428 500 430 (Mobile) Rose Harvey rosemaryharvey@bigpond.com 0432 258 332 (Mobile)
Year 12: Sue Buttenshaw buttaba@simplex.net.au 0428 753 420 (Mobile) Kate Boneham kateboneham@hotmail.com 0406 770 184 (Sydney); 0091 852 710 2525 (Overseas) Overseas Boarder Parent Representative Kate Boneham kateboneham@hotmail.com 0406 770 184 (Sydney) 0091 852 710 2525 (Overseas)
CHARACTERISTICS OF JESUIT EDUCATION Jesuit Education: is world-affirming; assists in the total formation of each individual within the human community; includes a religious dimension that permeates the entire education; is an apostolic instrument and promotes dialogue between faith and culture. Jesuit Education: insists on individual care and concern for each person; emphasises activity on the part of the student and encourages life-long openness to growth Jesuit Education: encourages a realistic knowledge, love and acceptance of self, and provides a realistic knowledge of the world in which we live. Jesuit Education: proposes Christ as the model of human life; provides adequate pastoral care and celebrates faith in personal and community prayer, worship and service. Jesuit Education: is preparation for active life commitment; serves the faith that does justice; seeks to form ‘men and women for others’ and manifests a particular concern for the poor. Jesuit Education: is an apostolic instrument in service of the church, as it serves human society; prepares students for active participation in the church, the local community and for the service of others. Jesuit Education: pursues excellence in its work of formation; witnesses excellence. Jesuit Education: stresses lay-Jesuit collaboration; relies on the spirit of community among teaching staff and administrators, the Jesuit community, governing bodies, parents, former students and benefactors and takes place within a structure that promotes community. Jesuit Education: adapts means and methods in order to achieve its purposes most effectively; is a ‘system’ of schools with a common vision and common goals; assists in providing the professional training and ongoing formation that is needed, especially for teachers.
Saint Ignatius’ College, Riverview Tambourine Bay Road, LANE COVE, NSW 2066 Telephone: (+61 2) 9882 8222; Fax (+61 2) 9882 8588 www.riverview.nsw.edu.au