Support in House and in the School

There are lots of people to talk to. All the House staff are here for you, and we are all good at giving hugs!

New girls to the House are allocated a shadow. Please use your shadow as a useful source of information.

In addition, the L6 girls are here to help you. The Head and Vice Head of House have both been appointed to these important roles as they really do care about the House and the girls who live here. They will listen to you and help you.

We also have a team of L6 Supporters and Listeners. These girls have been trained and will offer a listening ear if you are worried about anything and you would prefer to speak to someone nearer your own age. Look on the noticeboards for information about our Supporters and Listeners. They all have a sign on their bedroom doors that says ‘Supporter and Listener’. Just knock on their bedroom doors if you want to talk.

We have three School Counsellors (Heddy, Charlotte and Veronica), who come into School to talk to girls. You can also speak to the Chaplain if you want a chat. The Chaplain can be found in the Ark in Main School.

If you would like to speak to someone independent of School, then do look at the noticeboards, where there are lots of helpful telephone numbers on display.

Dealing with homesickness For some of you, this may be your first time away from home, and you may not find the first few days easy. That’s okay. It doesn’t matter how old you are when you first move away from home, it is always tricky getting used to different routines and getting to know new people. The important thing to remember is that if you are feeling homesick, it will pass.

However, you can make things a little easier for yourself if you follow the tips below: • Make sure you are not on your own. If you are feeling sad, then you are just going to make things worse if you isolate yourself • You will not be the only person struggling – lots of other girls will be, too. Look at the other girls around you and think, ‘If they can do it, then so can I’ • Remember: you will get over your homesickness, and in no time at all, East will feel like a second home

• Try not to make contact with home unless you feel strong enough to handle it. Hearing

Mum or Dad’s voice may set you off, so don’t phone unless you feel up to it • Don’t phone home just before bedtime. It’s the worst time of day to speak to parents, as you are likely to be feeling most wobbly at bedtime • When you do speak to parents at home, talk about everything you have been doing. Avoid talking about how you are feeling, as this is likely to make you feel more emotional • Don’t encourage your parents to ‘pop in’ to see you. It just makes it harder in the long run • Don’t encourage your parents to keep texting you to ask how you are. Again, it just reminds you that you aren’t at home, and this may upset you • Come and get a hug from one of the members of staff on duty.

We love hugs! • Keep yourself busy – don’t give yourself time to think about missing home