WELCOME TO BOARDING

AT ST MATTHEW’S COLLEGIATE SCHOOL

A GUIDE FOR STUDENTS,

PARENTS AND CAREGIVERS

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CONTENTS Page

1. Introduction 22. Mission Statement 33. Code of Conduct 34. Expectations 35. Staffing 56. Emergency Procedures 67. Damage 68. Preparation for Boarding 69. Homesickness 810. Communication 1011. Bedtime 1212. Care & Organisation of Sleeping Areas 1313. Visitors 1314. Security 1415. Chapel 1516. Leave 1517. Uniform 1618. Important Yearly Events 1719. Leadership 1720. The Virtues Project 1821. Consultation & Reporting 1822. Health & Medical Care 1923. Meals 2124. Prep 2225. Allocation of Rooms 2226. Big Sisters 2227. International Students 2328. Pocket Money 2329. Out of School Activities 2430. Travel 2431. Students & Cars 2632. Laundry & Linen 2633. List of Requirements: 2734. Exeats 2835. House Duties 2936. Discipline 2937. Complaints Guidelines 30

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1. INTRODUCTION

Life in any home is normally a series of trivial incidents that add up to a total experience of home life and an overall impression. It is the same in a boarding house. At the end of any given week we could write a different story!

The separation from home will always be painful; learning to compromise in order to survive with very different people will always be difficult. But the pride one can sense in almost every St Matthew’s girl who is a boarder is that she is asserting an independent manner; and that she is standing on her own two feet is normally quite evident once the initial period of adjusting to life away from home is over.

I regard boarding school as a very important mission. We cannot provide for them as you do. We cannot meet their needs for love and belonging as you must. But we can care for them in a tender, yet warm manner where we show that each has a personal dignity and worth that must be respected.

At St Matthew’s we are striving to show your daughter that there are caring adults in this world. Boarding should be a positive event in the life of every girl. Together with you we aim to provide a caring environment.

“The best way to make children goodis to make them happy”

Oscar Wilde

Erik J PedersenPrincipal

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2. MISSION STATEMENT FOR BOARDING AT ST MATTHEW’S COLLEGIATE

We aim to provide an environment where;

All people are treated with dignity and respect.

All people can feel safe both emotionally and physically.

We can learn to respect and tolerate each other’s differences.

We can learn to accept responsibility for our own actions.

3. CODE OF CONDUCT FOR BOARDING STAFF

The Boarding Staff at St Matthew’s Collegiate will endeavour to conduct themselves in such a manner that;

• Ensures the principles of the Boarding Mission Statement areupheld.

• Ensures thewell being of each Boarder, spiritually, emotionally,physically and academically.

• Promotes a stimulating, supportive environment which is notprejudiced towards a girl’s ability, beliefs, social status or culture.

• Rolemodelsahighstandardofintegrity.• EpitomizesthevaluessetdownbytheTrinitySchools.

4. EXPECTATIONS

Boarding is a joint venture between parents, staff and students and the success of this venture often depends on how well these three components work together. Boarding school is not a repository for difficult children. It is a place where students are given a unique opportunity for social development and education and where wonderful friends can be made. It requires a

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willingness on the part of all to make this venture work successfully. If a girl is reluctant to attend boarding school it will adversely affect her time there. Conversely, if she is keen to attend, the opportunities are unlimited and rewarding.

The boarding community functions on trust and co-operation and strives to emulate a Christian community where notions of respect, courtesy, honesty, tolerance, forgiveness and understanding underpin all that we do.

All members of a boarding community come together with expectations and needs.

When students come to boarding school they expect to make friends. They hope the people caring for them are kind and fair. They hope the food will be OK and the showers hot, the beds not too lumpy and that they do not have to get up too early.

Boarding staff have expectations that students will be polite, well-behaved and co-operative, and that communication with parents and caregivers will be open, positive and supportive.

Parents expect their daughters will be living in a safe and secure environment, and be cared for by people who are fair, caring and hold high standards.

Boarding staff also have high expectations of themselves and the standards they wish to maintain. They are conscious of the heartbeat and general wellbeing of the individuals involved and the community as a whole. There are times when the behaviour of an individual may adversely affect the wellbeing of the wider community, and she may be asked to leave the House. Sometimes this is not a disciplinary matter but one of health and safety.

For boarding staff, being part of this wonderful school is a unique opportunity to help guide and participate in the social development of each special student from the day she arrives to the day she departs. On departing this school she will go with many memories and social skills that will last her a life time.

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5. STAFFING

The Boarding Department manages two Houses: Hampton House for Years 12 and 13 and Main House for Years 7 to 11. The Principal is noted as being Head of Boarding and the staff that manages the Department are as follows:

The Dean of Boarding is responsible for all Boarding staff, for the overall welfare of the residential pupils, management and operation of the Boarding Houses. She is also responsible for liaison with parents and teaching staff. She is available at school between 8.00am and 5.00pm (06) 370 1730. Monday to Friday and after hours at home, phone (06) 378 8344.oremail;karenl@stmatts.wairarapa.school.nz

MAIN HOUSETwo full time matrons alternate their 2.45pm – 8.30am shifts. While on duty they stay overnight and are assisted at the busy times of the day by a part-time matron.

Tutors who also reside in the Boarding Houses are required to assist in Main House.

HAMPTON HOUSEHampton has a House Manager and an assistant full time matron. They alternate their 3.00pm – 8.30am shifts. While on duty they stay overnight.

The staff at St Matthew’s Collegiate are very aware of the necessity for a high level of professionalism in the Boarding Houses.

• AllstaffhaveFirstAidtraining.• AllstaffhavecompletedorareintheprocessofcompletingDutyof

Care Certification. • Allstaffhaveotherqualificationsorexperiencerelevanttothecare

of children and participate in ongoing professional development and assessment.

• Allstaffhavebeenpolicevetted.

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6. EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

• Allnewgirlsaremadeawareoftheemergencyproceduresontheirfirst night in the Boarding Houses.

• EmergencyinstructionsaredisplayedintheBoardingHouses.• InconjunctionwiththelocalFireDepartment,regularFireDrills

are carried out, recorded and assessed. • AllgirlsaremadeawareofproceduresinthecaseofanEarthquake

emergency.

Both Boarding Houses have sensitive smoke detectors alarmed to the local Fire Department. Once activated, the Fire Service will automatically respond to an alarm without question. Hampton House is also equipped with a sprinkler system.

7. DAMAGE

The School reserves the right to pass on charges incurred through the irresponsible actions of students, e.g. damage to property and the unnecessary activation of fire alarms.

8. PREPARATION FOR BOARDING

For many girls, boarding school is the first occasion they will spend a significant amount of time away from home, family and friends.

A new boarder needs to be proficient in a number of personal life skills if she is to make a speedy and pleasant transition to boarding life. Some of these are listed below and parents are encouraged to discuss them with their daughter so that she is prepared for the changes. Some suggested skills are:

• knowhowtousearubbishbin.• theabilitytomakeabedinaneatandtidymanner.• knowhowtoaddressadultsinarespectfulmanner.

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• knowhowtowritealetterandaddressanenvelope.• understandingtherealneedforthoroughbasichygiene.• pickingupandputtingawayone’spersonalpossessions.• structuringleisuretimeinsuchawayastoavoidgettingboredor

having little to do.• havinggoodtablemanners.

Some young people experience difficulty in adapting to communal living, and in particular being constantly surrounded by other people. The following points are issues that parents might care to discuss with their daughter in order to help her prepare for boarding life:

• The reason for boarding It is important that a girl understands why she is boarding, and the

opportunities presented to her through being a boarder.• Dealing with routine It would be helpful for parents to discuss with their daughter, the

benefits of and strategies for coping with a consistent daily routine.• Coping with boarding life Some boarders (particularly those who begin boarding in Years 11,

12 or 13) experience problems with social adjustment. When they live at home, teenagers establish social patterns and enjoy a certain level of independence. Due to the nature of the boarding community, thesheersizeoftheboardingfamily,andthedirectresponsibilityof the staff, older boarders can sometimes find some aspects of the day to day workings of the boarding houses rather restrictive. A new boarder needs to appreciate that some social patterns will not fit the boarding house and that she must take steps to adjust her behaviour rather than try to change the boarding community.

• Personal Hygiene It is important that all boarders know the importance of showering

daily, of using soap, shampoo and deodorant, of changing underwear regularly and of using clean towels and bed linen. Without this knowledgeaboardercanbeostracizedbyherpeers.Thiscreatesadifficult situation for the individual in particular and other boarders in general.

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• Conflict In a community situation it is important that everyone has respect

and tolerance for the space, feelings, privacy and property of other people. It is inevitable that, at some stage, conflict will arise. Some discussion about how best to deal with conflict would therefore be beneficial.

• Expressing Concern It is important that boarders inform staff of any concerns, difficulties

or problems (as well as successes and achievements) they may have. With a large number of boarders, girls who hide a concern or problem may not be noticed at an early stage and this may delay helporadvice.Girlsneedtorealizethathavingfears,problemsorconcerns, or just a bad day is normal, and that it is not a sign of weakness to talk it over with someone. It is better to discuss such things sooner rather than later. Matrons, Leaders, and ‘Big Sisters’ are all here to help.

Please note that “borrowing” another person’s property without permission is not permitted.

9. HOMESICKNESS

It is normal for young people living in a new environment, away from family and friends to feel strange and want to go home. Homesickness often reflects a positive relationship between a girl and her family, friends and the home environment.

The observations and suggestions that follow are designed to help boarders and their parents overcome this difficulty. Please do not hesitate to contact the Dean of Boarding if you wish to discuss the matter.

Helping new boarders to adjust• Itisimportanttorealizethathomesicknessisperfectlynormaland

that most boarders are likely to feel homesick at some stage. It may not happen at the beginning of term, but several weeks or even months into the year.

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• Initially, telephone calls should be kept to a minimum. Parents should discourage their daughters from ringing constantly during those first few weeks. Quite often a boarder who is coping reasonably well will suffer a setback after phoning home.

• Parents will hear of or experience the worst of their daughter’s home-sickness. Boarders tend to email or phone home when they are feeling their lowest.

• A recurrence of homesickness is quite common after the first few weekends at home and after the term vacation. However, this usually disappears quickly once a girl returns to school.

• Parents are asked to encourage their daughter to speak with a Matron or their “big sister” if they feel their homesickness is reaching an intolerable level. Often, discussing the problem with someone who is not directly involved can be of great benefit.

Parental AdjustmentAs well as boarders experiencing homesickness, it is not unusual for parents to feel unsettled and “homesick” for their daughters.

• The sense of loss may not be as obvious for parents as it is for their daughter because their daily routine continues. It is important however, for parents to acknowledge their sense of loss.

• When a girl goes to boarding school there is a change in the structure of parenting because the daily dependence of the girl is no longer present. A feature of boarding is an increasing level of independence. Parents are often caught off guard by this move of their daughter from childhood towards the adult world. If your daughter manages this transition in a positive way, it is a sign that you as a parent have prepared her well for adulthood.

• Despite the planning for your daughter to go to boarding school, the reality comes quickly - one day she is at home the next she is not. Do not underestimate the effect this may have on you. Feel free to contact the Dean of Boarding about your own concerns, as well as those of your daughter.

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10. COMMUNICATION

Communication is one of the most important issues for boarders, parents and staff. It is very important for staff to have the correct contact details at all times and parents need to inform staff if there are any changes, e.g. new mobile phone numbers.

Parents and caregivers are entitled to make contact with their daughters at any time, but we would encourage you to observe the following courtesies to enable us to maintain the smooth running of the Houses.

Unless there is an emergency please do not make contact;• Duringprep• After bed time.Thiswill varywith eachYear level and parents/

caregivers are encouraged to make themselves familiar with the times the girls have to be in bed.

Weencourage thenormalizingofcontactbetweengirlsand their family’sas much as possible while at the same time trying to maintain the routines of the Houses. Telephones, faxes, emails, letters and personal visits are all ways that contact can be maintained. Therefore parents need to purchase a Telecom prepaid phone card for their daughters to use.

TELEPHONES:• ThereareTelecompayphonesinMainHouse.• Thephonesare foroutgoingcallsonlyandare suitable for0800

numbers.

Parents and family may use the following incoming lines;

Main House: (06) 370 1762 (06) 370 1730 Friends are asked to leave a message.

Hampton House: (06) 370 1763 Matrons main office

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Friends and girls may use the following lines; (these lines have toll bars but are suitable for 0800 numbers which parents are encouraged to obtain)Yr 12 (06) 378 2263Yr 13 (06) 378 2136Text Only: Main House 027 6246 473 Hampton House 027 426 7866

CELL PHONES:One personal cell phone may be brought into the boarding houses by girls in Yr 10, 11, 12 & 13 once the relevant contract has been signed. We have a No Cell Phone Policy for Years 7, 8 & 9.

• Girlsmaynotusephonesduringmeals,duringpreporafterlightsout.• Girls must abide by the conditions in the contract.• If the contract conditions are abused the cell phone will be confiscated.

LAPTOPS:All Laptops must be handed in at 9.30pm

DISTURBING NEWS:If for any reason parents need to inform girls of some disturbing news, no matter how small, they are requested to contact the boarding staff first. This will enable the staff to put into place some form of support for the girl concerned.

FAXES: Each House has a fax located in the matron’s office. These are available to girls and parents. We find they are an immediate form of communication between parents and girls or matrons when the telephones are busy.Main House: (06) 370 1760Hampton House: (06) 370 1761

EMAILS: Girls have access to computers with email facilities in the school’s computer suite and in both Boarding Houses. They do not have access to the matron’s computers. Parents may send messages or communicate with the Dean of Boarding or Matrons at the following email addresses:MainHouse mainhouse@stmatts.school.nzor karenl@stmatts.wairarapa.school.nzHamptonHouse hampton@stmatts.school.nz

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LETTERS:Letters are an excellent method of communicating. All girls love receiving mail (and are disappointed if they do not receive any) and family and friends are encouraged to write. In the settling-in stage for new boarders, letters can be much more helpful than phone calls (which tend to make some girls feel homesick).Many new boarders do not know the correct way to address an envelope. Parents are asked to ensure their daughter knows how to do this.

Mail to boarders should be addressed as follows: Name of Boarder Name of House St Matthew’s Collegiate School 33 Pownall Street PO Box 462 Masterton 5840

11. BEDTIME

Girls are to be in bed at the following times: Yrs 7 & 8 8.30pm Yr 9 8.45pm Yr 10 9.15pm Yr 11 9.45pm Yr 12 10.00pm Yr 13 10.30pm

Girls have 15 minutes of silent reading before their lights go out.

Consideration for others is very important after lights out and a quiet atmosphere is imperative. Loss of sleep due to noise is unfair and unreasonable, and leads to tired, unhappy, less tolerant individuals. Boarders are to remain in bed after lights out until 6.30 the following morning (unless they need to use the toilet, or if there is a fire alarm or another genuine emergency).

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12. CARE & ORGANISATION OF THEIR ROOMS

Their rooms are to be tidied and beds made every morning ready for inspection. Girls should ensure that;

• Drawersaretidy.• Clothesarefoldedorhungandstoredawaywhennotinuse.• Dirtyclothesareputouttobewashedonadailybasis.• Desktopsandshelvesaretobekeptcleanandtidy.• Large suitcasesmay be stored duringTerm time in the boarding

house. It is strongly recommended that girls have an overnight bag just for the weekends to be stored in their rooms.

• Theflooristobeleftclearatalltimes.• Foodanddrinkistobestoredinsealedcontainers.• Postersaretobeplacedonlyonpinboardsprovided.

13. VISITORS

ALL VISITORS MUST REPORT TO THE MATRONS OFFICE. • Thisisnotjustforsecuritybutalsoasacourtesy.• ThematronondutyisrequiredtoknowwhoisintheHouseatall

times. Parent’s co-operation is requested.• Parentsandfamilyareverywelcometovisitatmosttimes,bearing

in mind that girls should not be disturbed during prep or once they have gone to bed, apart from emergencies.

• Parents and family arewelcome to take their daughters out afterschool for appointments, afternoon tea etc. We would appreciate the girls being back for dinner and prep unless a prior arrangement has been made. We encourage the girls to maintain a regular pattern for prep and ask that any leave requested for that time is only when special occasions arise.

• Friendsarealsowelcometovisitatappropriatetimes.Theymustbeintroduced to the matron on duty.

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MALE VISITORS:Yr 7 – 10, Family only.Yr 11, Other than family, only on Friday after school and during the weekend at the matron’s discretion.Yr 12 and 13, at the matron’s discretion.Male visitors are not permitted in the dormitory areas.

RESTRICTED VISITATIONS:If there are legal or other reasons any person is not allowed to visit a girl, or who has restricted access to a girl, these reasons must be conveyed to the Dean of Boarding.

14. SECURITY

The security and safety of all Boarders at St Matthew’s is paramount. We maintain this by having a rigorous Leave system, by being aware of and scrutinizing visitors and by securing and alarming the buildings at night.During Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights, Armourguard make regular patrols of the school grounds.

No girl is to leave the school grounds on her own, unless she is driving her own car.No girl is to leave the school grounds without signing out and without the permission of a staff member.

Security of possessionsAll boarders are provided with a lockable cupboard or drawer and this must be kept locked when not in use. Keys should be carried, not hidden. Girls may also keep wallets and other valuables in a locked cupboard in the matron’s office.

• Allpossessionsarebroughttoschoolattheowner’srisk.• Everyonehastherighttoexpectthatotherswillrespecttheirprivacy

and not remove or interfere with their possessions.• “Borrowing”anotherperson’spropertywithoutpermission isnot

permitted.

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15. CHAPEL

The Anglican ethos of the school is enhanced by attendance at Chapel. The boarders attend the regular weekly Year level services as well as the special Boarders Chapel held at least twice a term. All girls are expected to attend these services along with their particular Year level service calendared for one Sunday of the year.

16. LEAVE

We have a 4 tiered Leave system in both Houses:1. A LEAVE BOOK that girls sign when they are going to town or any

where away from the boarding house and are not being signed out by another person or going away over night e.g. to a sports game, dancing, a Doctor’s appointment, the computer suite etc.

2. LEAVE CARDS that are signed by an adult who is taking a girl away from the school grounds for any length of time, i.e. to town or away for the weekend etc.

3. GIRLS LEAVING FOR THE WEEKEND must be signed out by her own parents. Some parents are happy to arrange car pooling with other parents. A written confirmation of who is entitled to drive your daughter home is required. Girls may sign their own cards when going home for any reason only if they are travelling on public transport or, as in the case of senior girls, driving their own cars.

4. SPECIAL LEAVE FORMS must be completed if;• Agirlisgoingoutattheweekendotherthantoherownhome.• Agirlisgoingtobeawayfromschoolduringthedayforany

length of time.• AgirlisgoingtobeawayfromtheBoardingHouseovernight

or longer.Over night leave is granted at the discretion of the Dean of Boarding for Main House girls or the Senior Matron on duty in Hampton House.

Leave from school during the day or for two or more nights from the boarding house is granted at the discretion of the Principal.

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Please familiarise yourselves with a Special Leave form as they must be filled in correctly and completed by the Thursday morning prior to the Leave beingtaken.Theydorequireparent/guardian,hostandoftenteacherconsent.

TOWN LEAVE:Yr 7 & 8 do not have scheduled town leave. At the matrons discretion girls may go to town if accompanied by a tutor, matron or senior girl.Yr 9 & 10 have calendared town leave several times a term.Yr 11 have calendared town leave on a weekly basis. There is no town leave during the first week of each term.Yr 12 have town leave on Tuesdays and Fridays.Yr 13 may have town leave any day, except Mondays.

• AllgirlsmustaskMatron’spermissionfirstbeforegoingontownleave.

• Allgirlsmustsignthemselvesoutandbackinagain.• TownleaveinTerms1&4isbetween3.15pmand5.00pm.Town

leave in Terms 2 & 3 is between 3.15pm and 4.45pm. Girls must be signed in and back in the House before 5.00pm.

• AllYr7,8,9,10,11and12girlsmustwearcorrectschooluniformon town leave. Yr 13 may wear mufti if they choose to do so.

• Nogirlmaygototownonherown,shemusthaveanothergirlwithher at all times.

• Eatinginthestreetisnotpermittedwhileinschooluniform.• WeekendtownleaveisatthediscretionoftheMatrononduty.

17. UNIFORM

Formal uniform is worn on the following occasions;• ReturningtoschoolatthebeginningofeachTerm.• EveryWednesday.• AtselectedChapelservices.• Whenrepresentingtheschool.• Otherformaloccasions.

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Correct every day uniform is worn on all other occasions. To ensure a high level of presentation at all times please make sure girls know how to stitch up ahemandtosewonabutton.Regulardrycleaningofblazers,gymdressesand senior skirts is also recommended.

School uniform is to be worn to and from school by all girls, at the beginning and end of term, for weekend leave and exeats and on public transport.

18. IMPORTANT YEARLY EVENTS

New parents and guardians are often unaware of how significant some school events are and how their absence may affect a Boarder. Parents are welcome and encouraged to attend all major events both sporting and cultural. Events such as the swimming sports are occasions when parents are encouraged to bring a picnic meal and enjoy the friendly atmosphere in the school grounds. Girls whose parents are unable to attend these occasions welcome the opportunity to share a picnic with other families. This is an occasion when International students could be welcomed to a family gathering.

19. LEADERSHIP

Main House and Hampton House have different student leadership structures.

In Main House all Year 11 girls participate in the leadership programme.

A Head of Main House is chosen for each term.

All other Year 11 girls are House Leaders for one term and have responsibilities for a particular dormitory. These girls are encouraged to develop leadership skills and are expected to participate in the pastoral care of the girls in their dorm.

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Main House also has a student representative committee that goes by the name of S.A.R.B. This committee has members from each year level plus the Head of House and the Dean of Boarding. It meets once a term.

Hampton House has a student Head of House who meets informally with the House Manager when necessary.

20. THE VIRTUES PROJECT

Main House has a programme known as The Virtues Project. This programme provides us with simple tools to use on a daily basis, to make character education a natural part of the students boarding experience. It uses a virtues based approach to bring out the best in students. It is used as a tool in the way we discipline students and is used to encourage students to think about a different Virtue on a fortnightly basis. If any parents are interested in learning more about The Virtues Project they are very welcome to borrow an educator’s manual from the matron’s office.

21. CONSULTATION AND REPORTING

On an informal basis the Dean of Boarding is available to discuss any issues with parents and guardians at any reasonable time of the day or night. Being phoned at home is quite acceptable.

During the first half of the first term all parents and guardians of new students will be phoned by the Dean of Boarding for a “catch up call” to discuss how their daughter is settling into her life as a boarder.

Fortnightly House Meetings in Main House offer an opportunity for staff and students to be kept in touch on current issues.

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Fortnightly meetings are held with the Dean of Boarding, Head of House and the Leaders.

Along with the academic reports in terms two and four, parents will receive a progress report from the boarding houses. Parents are very welcome to discuss any aspects of these reports with the Dean of Boarding or the House Manager from Hampton House.

22. HEALTH & MEDICAL CARE

The following particulars are required before a boarder takes up residence: • AcompletedMedicalInformationform. • Detailsaboutanything(suchaspsychologicalcounselling or prescription medication) that could affect or influence thewayinwhichtheindividualadjuststoboardingand/or the individual’s relationship with others in the boarding house.

Please note that non-disclosure of this information has the potential to be detrimental to the social development of other boarders, with whose welfare we are also concerned.

The Boarding Houses are large communal living areas and because of this we need to take particular care with health and hygiene matters. Disease can spread rapidly especially in the winter months and common ailments such ascolds,coughsandinfluenzacancausemajordisruptionifnotcontainedat an early stage. We urge parents not to send girls back to the Boarding Houses unless they are well. We sometimes have girls returning who have not recovered from some ailment and they relapse, spreading the problem through the House. We appreciate that pressures of work often dictate parent’s actions so we ask for your co-operation in this matter.

If a girl is feeling unwell in the boarding house, she must in the first instance, report to the matron on duty.

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If she feels unwell at school she must report to her teacher, obtain a written sickness slip, have it signed at the school office and then report to the matron’s office.Any girl may make an appointment to see her own Doctor or a Doctor of choice. Appointments should be made through the matron’s office or by parents/guardians.Seniorgirlsmaymaketheirownappointmentsbutshouldkeep their matrons informed.

If girls are seen by a Doctor from Masterton Medical, accounts may be included in school disbursements. This arrangement also includes prescription costs from the Masterton Medical Pharmacy. Accounts from other medical practices need to be sent to the girl’s home address.

Transport to and from medical appointments can be arranged through the matrons office.

ALL MEDICATION MUST BE HANDED IN TO THE MATRONS OFFICE (Apart from asthma inhalers and vitamin supplements). This is a safety issue. All medication taken by girls will be recorded by the staff. A breach of this House rule is treated very seriously and may result in suspension from the House.

Panadol, Disprin, Gees Linctus (cough medicine) throat lozenges andemergency antihistamine (claratyne) will be provided by the school. Any other medication required by girls needs to be purchased by parents.

Parents will be notified if a pupil is unwell and has had to have a certain amount of time off school.

If a girl becomes unwell in the boarding house and has not improved within two days, arrangements are usually made for her to go home. Illnesses of a serious nature may require more immediate action. Good communication between parents and boarding staff when girls are unwell is most important.

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23. MEALS

Boarders are provided with a good selection of food and a well balanced diet. Vegetarian meals are also catered for. Any parent is welcome to obtain a copy of a menu from the Dean of Boarding and to come and join in a meal if they would like to.

• Girlsmustattendallmeals.• A high standard of manners and consideration is expected with

dining room behaviour.• Asuitablestandardoftidymuftiisrequiredinthediningroom.• Footwearmustalwaysbeworninthediningroom.• Girlsmaywearpyjamas,dressinggownsandslipperstoSaturday

breakfast.• Hampton girls may cook their own breakfast on Saturday at

Hampton House and make use of their kitchens to make snacks at other times.

Early and Late dinners can be provided if girls have conflicting commitments. These need to be ordered through the matron’s office.

MEAL TIMES:Breakfast Mon. – Fri. 7.00am – 7.25am Girls must be dressed in correct school uniform. Sat. Terms 1 and 4 – 8.00am Terms 2 and 3 – 7.00am Sun. 8.00am Toast and Milo (optional) 11.00am BrunchLunch Mon. – Fri. 12.05pm – 1.10pm Sat. 12.00 noonDinner Mon. – Fri. 5.45 – 6.15pm Sat. and Sun. 5.45pm

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24. PREP

Monday – Thursday

Yr 7 & 8 have supervised prep in the classrooms from 6.15pm – 7.15pm.

Yr 9 & 10 have supervised prep in the dining room from 6.30pm until 7.40pm.

Yr 11, 12 & 13 girls do prep in their own rooms from 6.30pm – 8.00pm.

To cultivate responsibility girls may do their weekend prep at their preferred time during the weekend.

25. ALLOCATION OF ROOMS

Rooms are allocated at the discretion of the matrons. They are changed at the beginning of each term and considerable time and thought is given to where girls are placed. If there are any issues such as snoring, sleep walking or bed wetting that may have a bearing on where a girl sleeps, they should be relayed to the Dean of Boarding at the beginning of the year. Girls are required to take home all their belongings at the end of each term. Storage facilities are made available for International Students only.

26. BIG SISTERS

All Year 7 and new Yr 8 and 9 girls will be allocated a Big Sister. She is usually a Year 11 girl and will remain the Big Sister until she leaves the school. The purpose of a Big Sister is to take on a pastoral care role and assist the new girl settle into the boarding community. Lasting and positive relationships often develop between the two girls.

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27. INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

Over the past few years we have had the pleasure of having a number of International students in the boarding houses. The number of students is approximately 10% of total boarders and they have traditionally come from countries such as Thailand, Japan, Korea, Taiwan and China. We have found that these girls inevitably add to the atmosphere of the boarding community and go some way to enriching the cultural understanding of the New Zealand girls. One of the reasons girls are sent to New Zealand to further their education is to learn more about the Kiwi lifestyle and we are always encouraged by the hospitality of many New Zealand families who offer to have an International student for a weekend or part of the holidays. If this is something you would like to do, please contact the Dean of Boarding for further information.

28. POCKET MONEY

Unless requested not to do so by parents, the Yr 7, 8 and 9 girls are given $3.00 pocket money per week. This is given out from the school office every Tuesday between 3.00pm and 3.30pm. and is charged to the disbursements account.

It is useful for boarders to come to school with a small amount of cash. There are often mufti days and other fundraising activities going on at school that require a dollar or two.

Any amounts over $10.00 should be given to the Matron to lock away in the office for safe keeping.

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29. OUT OF SCHOOL ACTIVITIES

Many girls choose to participate in out of school activities such as dancing, swimming, horse riding etc. As far as is possible we will try to accommodate girl’sneedsandorganizethetransporttoandfromtheevent.Ifthepressureon the mini buses is too great, parents may be asked to consider other forms of transport.

30. TRAVEL

Girls may book tickets for the Wellington train, the Palmerston North bus and the Hawke’s Bay bus through the School’s front office.

TRAIN TRAVEL – WELLINGTON & HUTT VALLEYTo Wellington Friday Friday Saturday SaturdayMasterton 3.40pm 8.20pm 7.50am 4.50pmFeatherston 4.20pm 8.56pm 8.26am 5.26pmUpper Hutt 4.46pm 9.22pm 8.52am 5.52pmWaterloo 4.59pm 9.35pm 9.05am 6.05pmWellington 5.17pm 9.55pm 9.25am 6.25pm

From Wellington Sunday MondayWellington 6.55pm 8.25amWaterloo 7.14pm 8.44amUpper Hutt 7.29pm 8.59amFeatherston 7.52pm 9.22amMasterton 8.30pm 10.00am

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BUS TRAVEL – PALMERSTON NORTH

To Palmerston North Fridays From Palmerston NorthTranzitBusesDepot 4.20pm TravelCentre 7.15pmEketahuna 4.55pm Woodville 7.45pmPahiatua 5.15pm Pahiatua 7.55pmWoodville 5.30pm Eketahuna 8.15pm Palmerston North 6.05pm Masterton 8.50pm

EXEAT BUS SERVICE – HAWKES BAY

Brun’s Charter Service Ltd, Waipukurau (06) 858 8868Please contact the school office for details of particular weekends.

SOUTH WAIRARAPA BUSES

To Martinborough;TranzitbusleavesStMatthew’sat3.30pmMon–Fri.To Carterton, Greytown and Featherston;TranzitbusleavesStMatthew’sat3.30pmtomeetthe3.40pmbusfromtheTranzitdepot.Mon–Fri.TranzitbusleavesFeatherstonat7.00am,Greytownat7.15amandCartertonat 7.30am and arrives at St Matthew’s at approx 8.00am Mon – Fri.

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31. STUDENTS AND CARS

• Girlsmaynottravelasapassengerinanycarotherthanonedrivenby their parent or caregiver unless permission has been given by the parent or caregiver.

• Girlswhowishtohaveacaratschoolmusthavethepermissionofthe Principal. Conditions will apply.

• Nogirlmaytakeapassengerinhercarunlesspermissionhasbeengiven by the driver’s and passenger’s parent or caregiver.

• Student’scarkeysmustbeheldintheMatronsoffice.

32. LAUNDRY AND LINEN

ALL ITEMS OF CLOTHING, BOTH MUFTI AND UNIFORM, TOWELS ETC MUST BE CLEARLY NAMED.

The responsibility for ensuring all items are named is that of the parents, not the matron’s.

Main House Laundry:• ThelaundryprovidesasamedayserviceMondaytoFriday.• Netbagstocontainlaundrywillbegiventogirlsonarrival.• Girlscollecttheirlaundrybetween7.55pm–8.05pm.• Thelaundrydoesnotwashschoolcardigans,wintergymdresses,orblazers.

• Weeklyboarderstakehomelargeitemsofmuftie.g.Jeans.• A washing machine and drying machine are available for

emergencies.• Aclotheslineisavailableforoutsidedrying.• Girlsmustprovidetheirownsoappowder.

Hampton House Laundry:• The laundryprovidesasamedayserviceforschoolshirts,shorts

and bath towels.• Year12&13girlsareexpectedtodotheirownpersonalwashing.

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• Wellequippedlaundryfacilitiesareavailable inHamptonHouse.House rules apply.

• Girlsmustprovidetheirownsoappowder.• Ironingofmuftiisencouraged.

Offensive language or images on any item of clothing or property is unacceptable.

Linen:The school provides sheets, pillow cases and pillows. Two clean sheets and 1 pillow case per girl will be issued each Thursday evening. Girls remake their bed with clean linen on Friday morning by using the remaining sheet as the bottom sheet and the clean sheet as the top sheet. Girls may bring their own linen.

33. LIST OF REQUIREMENTS:

• Toiletgear• Nightattire• Favouritesofttoys• Casualmufticlothes• Dressymufticlothes• Towelsforswimmingandshowering• Facecloths• Swimmingtogs• Mug• Dressingtableornaments• Dressinggown• Slippers• Sewing kit containing; scissors, needles,white and black cotton,

and spare nametags• Pillow• Postersandfamilyphotosanddrawingpins• Writingpaper,envelopesandstamps• Laundrypowder

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• Coathangers• Waterbottle• Tuckbox,egamediumsizedclickclack(mustbesealed)

34. EXEATS

Exeat weekends occur approximately every 3 weeks as indicated on the school calendar.

The boarding houses close at 5.00pm on the Saturday of an exeat and reopens the following Sunday at 7.00pm. Girls may leave on Friday after school if they have no sport over the weekend or can make a commitment to their sporting obligation. At times the Houses will close earlier than 5.00pm on Saturday.

Theschoolwillorganizetransporttoandfromthetrainstationandbusdepot.

Tickets for exeat buses, trains and Tranzit buses are booked through theschool office. Concession tickets for multiple train rides are not available through the office.

All girls vacate the boarding houses during exeats.

Home-stays are organized by the school for overseas students, but weencourage other students to invite them to their homes.

Weekly boarders may return on Sunday evening or Monday morning by 8.00am.

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35. HOUSE DUTIES

Main House and Hampton House girls will be rostered to carry out House duties several times a term and are expected to fulfill their duties with good will. They are considered a service to the boarding community and not punishments. The duties are set according to the needs of the House and the capabilities of the girls in the various year levels. Duties include such tasks as clearing tables in the dining room, vacuuming, sweeping the front porch of Main House, common room and sheet duty.

36. DISCIPLINE

The school has a Discipline Policy with procedures covering;1. Bounds2. Drugs and Alcohol3. Prohibition of Tobacco, Smoking, Possession of Matches and

Lighters4. Theft5. Truancy6. Continual Disobedience7. Abusive or Foul Language8. Bullying

The above Policy and Disciplinary Procedures are available for inspection in both boarding houses and in the School office.Boarders are bound by School Policies at all times.

Within the boarding houses there are certain basic rules that are governed by simple courtesies of co-operation and consideration for others e.g.

• Thereisnotalkingduringsilentreadingandafterlightsout.• Thereistobenochewinggumintheboardinghouses.• Girlsmustbeintheirroomsformorningroomcheck.• Girlsmustreceivepermissionbeforegoingintoanothergirl’sroom.• Girlsmusttreateachotherandthestaffwithcourtesyandrespect.

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Lists of House rules will be displayed in the respective Houses.Boarding is seen as a time of social education. If a girl makes a mistake and misbehaves she is given an opportunity to learn from her mistake and make amends. The Virtues Project is used in a way that will encourage a girl to reflect on what virtue is missing from her behaviour. Her co-operation and willingness to learn are paramount in the manner with which her situation is handled.

There are times when more definite consequences for deliberate bad behaviour are called for. For example, if a girl violates her town leave agreement, she will loose her town leave. If she misuses her cell phone according to the contract, she will have her cell phone confiscated.

Respect for others, common courtesies and a willingness to take responsibility for one’s own actions are the governing guidelines for our discipline policy.

Please direct any queries or concerns to the Dean of Boarding or the Principal.

37. ST MATTHEW’S COLLEGIATE SCHOOL COMPLAINTS GUIDELINES

FOR BOARDERS AND PARENTS:If you have any complaints about any aspect of Boarding please use the following steps to have your problem resolved. Depending on the seriousness of the matter, you may do any or all of the following:

• Go to your S.A.R.B (students and adults representing boarding)representative for the matter to be discussed at the next meeting.

• SeekhelpfromaHouseLeaderorHeadofHouse.• TalktoaMatron.• TalktotheDeanofBoarding.• Ifyouarestillnotsatisfied,makeanappointmenttoseethePrincipal,

Mr. Pedersen.

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• Ifyoustillfeelyourproblemhasnotbeensolved,youmaycontact The Board Chair The St Matthew’s Collegiate School Board of Trustees as agent for Proprietor delegated responsibilities St Matthew's Collegiate School

It is important to follow the correct procedure and be able to show you have gone through in-house avenues in the first instance.

All complaints will be acknowledged.

The Dean of Boarding is always available to discuss any issues on an informal basis and welcomes comments and healthy dialogue with all parents and caregivers. You may contact her using the following methods;

School phones; (06) 370 1730 or (06) 378 2191Home phone; (06) 377 3294Main House fax; (06) 370 1760Email; mainhouse@stmatts.school.nzor karenl@stmatts.wairarapa.school.nz

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NOTES