St Edward’s & St Wilfrid’s Junior House Handbook September 2022
Welcome to St Edward’s & St Wilfrid’s House
Each one of you has his or her own strengths and weaknesses, and your own special part to play in the life of this House. In Junior House we try to form a community inspired by the words of St Benedict, a community in which leadership is given more by example than by words (Rule of St Benedict 2.12); a community in which equal respect and love is shown to everyone and the same discipline is applied to all (Rule of St Benedict 2.22); a community in which faults are corrected and love is safeguarded (Rule of St Benedict, Prologue 47);in short, a community in which we are supported in our weaknesses, but at the same time are stretched to fulfil our potential (Rule of St Benedict 64.19).
With tolerance and respect for those around you, you will develop strong friendships that will endure long after you have left Ampleforth College. Junior House is a safe place. It is a friendly House, and we all have a responsibility for making sure that this continues. Our House is named after St Edward the Confessor and St Wilfrid. Many years ago, there were two Houses which merged into one, and this is the reason it bears two saints in the name. St Edward was born in Islip, near Oxford, around 1005. He was the son of King Ethelred the Unready and his Norman queen, Emma. St Edward was the first Anglo-Saxon and the only king of England to be canonised, but he was part of a tradition of (uncanonised) English royal saints. St Wilfrid, also called Wilfrid of York, was born in 634 in Northumbria. He is regarded as one of the greatest English saints. He was a monk and bishop who worked hard to bring close relations between the Anglo Saxon Church and the papacy in Rome. He devoted his life to establishing the observances of the Roman Church over those of the Celtic Church. Our House crest combines the coats of arms of both saints. St Edward’s is the one with the blue ‘blazon’ and the gold cross and birds. St Wilfrid’s is the gold one with the seven red jewels. Historians think that the jewels may represent a fishing-net; St Wilfrid was not only a great fisher of men but was also a good fisherman!
Welcome to Junior House! It is a great pleasure to welcome you as one of the members of the House. This booklet has information that will be useful for you as you prepare for life at Ampleforth College, but please let your parents read it as it contains information that will be useful to them as well.
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Your families will also be sent a copy of the Handbook for Parents by our Admissions Office.
Housemaster
Assistant
Mrs Tina Readman
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Mr Nick Bush
Mrs Maria Rainer
Year 8 Tutors
Mrs Hannah Graham Matrons
Your teachers will keep in contact with us and tell us when things go well, but if they are worried about you, they will speak to us or your tutor. If you have a problem in class, are behind with your work or
Upper Sixth School Monitors available to help and support as mentors
Mrs Kirsten Lawford-Davies
Mrs Emily Tomasi
Chaplain
Mrs Emily Tomasi
Fr John Fairhurst
Duty Tutor Mrs Victoria Anglim
House Staff
Role Name
Year Tutors
Elspeth Blake James, Felix Depkat, Fenella Hudson, Fritz Koy, Grace Walker, Leon Zheng
Mr Sebastian Phillips (Head of Cricket and Teacher of PE) Housemistress
As House staff, Mr Phillips and MrsTomasi will take an interest in everything that you do. They will keep an eye on how well you are settling into life in the House,and they will have an overview of your academic studies, sporting, music and other commitments. If you have a question, a concern, or a worry, then we or one of the people who works with us in Junior House will try to help you sort it out. Also, do tell us if something good has happened to you so that we can celebrate it with you!
Housemaster & Assistant Housemistress
Tutors assist the Housemaster and Assistant Housemistress in caring for everyone in the House. Each tutor will monitor your academic work. He or she will be the person to whom you should go directly if you have any problems concerning your academic studies As well as having a duty day in the House, each tutor will meet with their tutor group every week and report back to the Housemaster. The tutors are happy to meet with your parents and will regularly update them on your progress
Matrons
Fr John Fairhurst
Fr John is the House Chaplain. He will be in the House at various times during the day, and most evenings throughout the week.
Tutors
3 struggling in any other way, do make sure that you talk to your tutor or to Mr Phillips. Remember: we are here to help you but you can make the job much easier by being open and honest with us.
Your parents will probably find that in the first instance your Housemaster is a good link to your teachers and tutor. If they are worried about you in any respect, I am likely to be the person that they contact so please make sure that we are up to date with what is going on in your life outside of school.
Matron Kirsten Lawford Davies and Matron Tina Readman will help you settle into the House and will help you with the domestic side of House life, such as helping you to sort out your clothes, laundry and so on. If you are a boarder all medications should be given to Matron who liaises with the College Infirmary about any medical needs.
AutumnTerm 2022 -Year 8 Monitors
The Head of House is chosen late in the summer term, to serve the House in the coming year. In Junior House we try to ensure that the young men and women who fill positions of responsibility are chosen for their good character and common sense. These two qualities matter much more than whether they are sporting heroes or superb academics. Their job inevitably has a bit to do with organising things in the House, but this is not the most important part of their task. We expect them to set an example of good behaviour and kindness and we hope that they will be young people that you can turn to for advice or help if there is a problem in your life here, which you do not think needs the immediate help of the Housemaster or his House Team and assistants.
• Chaplaincy - Cassius Ip and Nicole Iyade
• Sports Javier Raventós de la Gala and Annabel Roberts
Students will have the opportunity to work in a group as well as learning about leadership in these roles. Responsibilities can change, normally at the start of each term. This also gives the students the opportunity to impress in their given role and merit promotion as the year goes on. They will be key people in ensuring that the House runs well, and all are happy. I hope that you will find the house secure, welcoming and friendly. You should never feel frightened of anything or anyone in Junior House You are always able to speak to theYear 8 Monitors if you want help in addition to the Upper Sixth Form School
House Monitors
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• Head of House Freddie Goor • Activities & Boarding - Cullen Lyness and HenryWightman
TwoMonitors.monitors will have a particular responsibility for the House Chapel. You will be encouraged to take a full part in the religious life of the House. We have prayers every morning and evening, and you will normally attend Mass in the House once a week.
The remainder of this first day of term will be taken up with getting to know the House and each other, and getting your belongings in order before the evening, prayers, and bedtime. If you are joining us as a day student we want you to feel just as much at home here as our full time boarders. You may be staying with us for the first three weeks of term, as this is an option open to all new starters. If you like the idea of boarding a little to help you settle into school life, then you can board as much or as little as you wish in those first three weeks. Some of our students choose to board during the week and return home at the weekend but we are happy for you to decide how you feel once you arrive. We do recommend staying overnight on the first evening. Parents will be hosted with refreshments in House between 3pm and 4pm, with an opportunity to see your dormitory. Parents are then invited to join welcome prayers in the Abbey Church at 4:15pm before departing. Should you really not want to board on the first night but wish to stay and spend some time with your peers, your parents are welcome to collect you later after supper.
Beginning of the Academic Year
Please arrive at the House by 3pm on Monday 5th September 2022. Students should come at this time to get settled and prepared, and to meet others in the House. If you have not visited Ampleforth College many times before then you may be taking part in a tour prior to this at 1.30pm, organised by Admissions. Either way, we will be ready for you and your parents here at 3pm. You will be welcomed at the House by Mr Phillips, Mrs Tomasi and the House team.
The second day will begin with settling down to academic life. You will receive your timetable from your tutor and discover who will teach you and where their classrooms are. On the third day the ordinary life of the school will begin, and there will be an opportunity for you to login to the College’s computer system. I hope that day by day you will find yourself more comfortable and settled in the House and more familiar with daily routines so that, by the end of the term, you feel the weeks race by in a happy procession of exciting events and absorbing study.
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Boys: Trousers and a tucked in shirt, with top button undone and no tie. If a shirt with full length sleeves is worn, the sleeves should be buttoned or rolled neatly above the elbows. No jacket
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Sunday Mass Boys: Dark suit, no jumper and with white shirt (tucked in), tidy collar, tie, dark socks, and black shoes.
Autumn and Spring Terms
Summer Term This will only apply when advised by the Head during warm weather Students who feel the cold may revert to winter dress. Trainers or sandals are not permitted.
Girls: Trousers or skirt (no more than a hands width above the knee) with a tucked in shirt with top button undone. If a shirt with full length sleeves is worn, the sleeves should be buttoned or rolled neatly above the elbows. No jacket.
Dress Code Included in My School Portal is the College Dress Code. We are excited to reinstate from September the full St Edward’s and StWilfrid’s Dress Code which is more aligned with the traditional House Colours and Dress Code of the College.
Boys: Black, grey, navy or tweed jacket/blazer, black, grey or navy blue trousers, neutral coloured shirt (plain or with light check or stripe) and black House v-neck jumper. This can be purchased via the games kit form on MSP. St Edward’s & St Wilfrid’s tie, black shoes (no boots) and dark socks.
Girls: Black, grey, navy or tweed jacket/blazer, formal knee-length black, grey or navy school skirt, or black, grey or navy trousers, neutral coloured shirt (plain or with light check or stripe), black House vneck jumper. This can be purchased via the games kit form on MSP. Black shoes (sensible), any dark socks, black or navy tights. The expectations of girls in St Edward’s and St Wilfrid’s House is that hair will be tied back and make up should not be worn during the school day.
The Sunday dress code remains in force during summer term; on these days change to summer dress code is permitted after lunch.
Single chain necklace (plain / small cross / crucifix) and one bracelet (charity or rosary type) No facial piercings. Girls only: Single stud earrings in each ear. No make up. Clear nail varnish only.
Girls: Dar suit, no jumper and with white shirt (tucked in), tidy collar, black/nude tights, and black shoes. Hair should be tied up in a full pony-tail in the Abbey Church.
Hair Hair should be kept clean, tidy and must be of a natural colour. No extreme haircuts permitted. The length should be neither excessively long nor excessively short. Hair should be tied up in a pony-tail in the Abbey Church, throughout the normal academic day, as well as for all Core PE lessons, Games and Activities.
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Linen Room Your laundry will be returned to a specific place in the linen room ‘fixtures’. Mending and name taping should be arranged with Matron. If an item of your clothing does not return from the laundry, please see Matron who will do her best to help you track it down.
You are responsible for finding your clothes or lost items before seeing Matron.
After the Formal School Day
All students are permitted to dress informally (‘home clothes’) after the end of the lessons in the evening. No hoodies or sportswear should be worn outside of games time and no trainers or canvas style shoes.
Make-Up & Jewellery
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The House provides plates, bowls, and cutlery, but you might want to bring your own distinctive mug.
All articles of clothing, including footwear, must be marked with your Initials, Surname, School Number and House Letter. Name tapes should be, where possible, at centre back or waistband in the following format: A N Smith 12345 EW Matrons will explain how the laundry works, when you should put clothes into the laundry bins, or how you can get Canterbury Games kit cleaned. If you are a boarder, you should have sufficient clothing to cover nine to ten days. The school provides pillows, pillowcases, and sheets, but you will need to bring a duvet and duvet covers.
Dormitories You are responsible for your area in the dormitory. If you damage something, you should come and talk to Mr Phillips or Matron. It is very important that these rooms are kept in an orderly way. Please remember that you are living with a large number of other people, and it is important to ensure an atmosphere where work is possible. We are one TheCommunity.dormitories and galleries are private and secure areas for those who live there. Day boys and girls will have their own space in which to change, store books and equipment. Lights out at bedtime ensures everyone is in their dormitory, in their bed and quiet. The days are long, and everyone needs their sleep. Sports are to be played outside the House. No running in the House.
Identification
You must keep your part of the dormitory tidy and free of litter. Furniture should not be moved in the rooms as everything has been placed carefully where it should be. You must not fix anything to the walls except on the pin boards provided in each room. We are all responsible for the public spaces in the House, helping to create a tidy and homely environment. Matron will help you keep your own area in the House clean and tidy. There will be sanctions for persistent untidiness. As part of this a regular fire check is also carried out. All chargers / electrical appliances must be PAT tested before arrival to ensure that they are safe, or this will be undertaken once you arrive at school. Students should not bring in other electrical items. We will make sure that you are familiar with the escape routes and fire procedures for the House. Regular fire drills are carried out each term where we congregate on the astro turf in front of the building.
Bathrooms and Shower Rooms
Most legitimate expenses such as stationery, toiletries, and Games kit can be purchased using a chit signed by your House Parent. The cost of school trips is charged directly to your parents’ bill.
We all have a part to play in keeping the bathrooms clean and tidy. It is important to leave the showers clean, to ensure that the lavatory has been properly flushed, and the wash hand basin is clean after use. All of us appreciate a clean bathroom.
Health and Safety in the House
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Chits and School Accounts
10 Electrical Equipment
The mobile network which works best in our area is EE. There is no need to have a mobile phone, but if you are to have one, a simple, inexpensive one is most appropriate. All equipment must be clearly named and appropriately insured. I shall ask for your mobile phone number and your phone’s specific identification number. In St Edward’s & St Wilfrid’s, day students' phones are collected on arrival in the morning and there is one hour in which phones may be used in the evening to ring home.Other electronic devices such as kindles and iPads (which are not required) are to be handed in and are not allowed in dorms. All equipment will be collected in at night-time.
Medical Care at School Matron will be in the House between 7.00am and 6.00pm. All medication is to be given to her for safe keeping and she will accompany all pupils to medical appointments if possible. It is really important that the infirmary and the House are made aware of all prescriptions, vitamins, etc and that these are immediately handed in on arrival. The school Infirmary is just up the hill from St Edward’s & St Wilfrid’s although students should always talk to Matron or Mr Phillips before going to the Infirmary. In the event of illness either Mr Phillips or Matron will make the necessary provision via the Infirmary, including a doctor’s appointment if necessary. Parents of boarders will be informed if boys or girls are kept in the Infirmary overnight for any reason.
In the normal course of boarding school life the Housemaster or Assistant Housemistress will give pupils permission to leave campus. This may be for a sporting commitment outside of school or to meet parents. Whilst parents are given guidelines to ensure that the Ampleforth Code is followed, the College does not have direct control over these occasions.
Many parents visit boarders during the weekend from time to time, especially when there are home fixtures, or perhaps to celebrate a birthday. The College has occasional ‘closed’ weekends, generally at the start of term when all students stay in to help everyone settle. Mr Phillips is often available to see parents when they visit school unless he is teaching. Please contact him to make appointments.
When parents visit the House (apart from on the first day), they must not go into the teaching areas, dormitory areas,or private areas of the House without express permission from the Housemaster. Adult access to sleeping areas in school is restricted.
Following on from this, the College’s Pupil Permissions Policy reads:
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If students are being taken out for dinner on a Saturday night, you either need to return to House by 8.30pm, or if staying out overnight with your parents, then you must return in time for Sunday Mass at 11:00am in Sunday dress code. Parents may sometimes take you out for Sunday lunch, and boarders are to return to House for 5.00pm.
Houseparent Permissions
Visits from Your Parents
The more notice of parents’ visits we have the better, but at least a week is requested so that the school caterers can be informed of numbers for meals and so we know in the House who is around for the social events we are putting on. In addition, it is particularly important that there is plenty of notice if parents are taking out other students for dinner or lunch as well as their own daughters or sons. There is a form too, and this then needs to be passed on to the parents of those students being taken out so that they can give permission. At birthday parties a maximum of eight school guests are allowed, and it is important to remember that school rules apply even though students are not on campus.
12 If a pupil is seeking permission for absence involving an overnight stay, other than on a school activity, the Houseparent will seek parental permission. Parents must contact Mr Phillips or Matron if they have any questions about protocol for trips out.
PREP / Pack school bag for following day Day Pupils collected after Prep (3) Free Time
12.40
13.50
17.00 18.00
08.20
14.45
Lessons resume (period 7 except Thursday which will be Tutorial/Deanery time) Day Pupils can be collected after school day (1) Activities programme is issued in August
20.00 20.30
08.30
08.40
11.40
End of morning lessons. House lunch in Griffiths Room Quiet time / free time in the House
Registration and morning prayers for ALL Leave House for start of school day
07.20
07.20
08.00
18:30 19.30
Bedtime and Lights out for Year 8
Saturday Routine Wakeup call and rise Breakfast in House – 08.15 Day pupils arrive
Lessons resume (periods 5+6) Afternoon Break (Staffed)
13.20
16.10
18.00 18.30
08.40
Supper Day Pupils collected after Activities and Supper (2)
08.20
08.30
14.05
10.25
08.00
18.30
19:30
Leave House for afternoon lessons
19:30 20.00
House routine (laundry in) / shower Evening prayers
11.20
13.30
Wakeup call and rise Breakfast in House – 08.15 Day pupils arrive
Leave House for start of school day
15.45
10.50
13 Weekday Routine
Lessons start (periods 1+2) Morning Break (Staffed) (Chaplaincy or Matthews Room)
12.40
20.50
21.00
Lessons resume (periods 3+4)
20.30 20.45
Bedtime and Lights out for Year 7
07.10
Lessons resume (period 4) End of morning lessons. House lunch Games session or sports fixtures Games Kit for boarders to Matron to be washed!
07.10
Registration and morning prayers for ALL
Lessons start (periods 1,2,3) Morning Break (Staffed) (Chaplaincy or Matthews Room)
17.00
14 15.00 Day Pupils collected after Games (if on a Sports Fixture see times for collection on team sheet) 15.00 18.00 House Time and Activities 18.00 18.30 Supper 18.30 Evening programme with social events 20.00 20.30 House routine (laundry in) / shower 20.30 Evening prayers 21.00 Bedtime and Lights out for Year 7 & 8 Sunday Routine 08.10 Wakeup call and rise 08.30 Breakfast in House 11.15 Mass in the Abbey Church day students and families very welcome 12.30 Lunch 13.00 Sunday Activities Programme 18.00 Supper 19.00 Free Time / House Time 20.00 20.30 House routine (collect laundry from fixtures) / Pack school bag for following day / shower 20.30 20.45 Benediction 20.45 Bedtime and Lights out for Year 7 21.00 Bedtime and Lights out for Year 8
ATTENTIVENESS
Ampleforth College Core Values
INTEGRITY ‘If he teaches his disciples that something is not to be done, then neither must he do it.’ (RSB 2:13) We should speak the truth and act accordingly.
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HOSPITALITY ‘All guests who present themselves are to be welcomed as Christ.’ (RSB 53:1) We should be noted for our warmth, acceptance, and joy in welcoming others.
‘Listen carefully, my child, to the Master’s instructions, and attend to them with the ear of your heart. This is advice from a father who loves you; welcome it, and faithfully put it into practice.’ (RSB Prologue 1) The first word of the Rule is ‘Listen’ and what St Benedict asks of his readers is a careful listening to other people and their needs: it means taking them seriously. Religious believers understand this as an expression of their faith, the counterpart to their careful listening to God in prayer.
RESPECT ‘They should each try to be the first to show respect to the other, supporting with the greatest patience one another’s weaknesses of body or behaviour.’ (RSB 72:4 5) If we really listen to other people, then we are treating them with respect. The consequence of this is that we should be patient with them and seek to understand their situation and what they are saying, regardless of background, intelligence, or professional skill.
For more than 1500 years, the Rule of St Benedict has inspired both monastic and lay people to live lives of faith and virtue in pursuit of all that is good and true. Although written in the first instance for monks, the Rule provides a vision of life and a set of values which, in principle, are open to all: if the values of the Rule are truly ‘values’, truly good for people, then they do not apply simply to monks or to Christians, but express ways of behaving that enhance human life for everyone. At Ampleforth, it is our belief that St Benedict’s wisdom does and should influence all of us in our work and dealings with each other. In particular, St Benedict stressed the importance of the person and the quality of the relationships of people living and working together. He respected the individual’s freedom, but at the same time noted that there might need to be a little strictness to ‘amend faults and safeguard love’. In his humane approach, he directed that the Abbot should ‘arrange everything so that the strong have something to yearn for and the weak nothing to run from’, and that ‘in all things God should be glorified’. So, how should these values make a difference to us who live and work at Ampleforth?
EQUILIBRIUM ‘All things are to be done in moderation.’ (RSB 48: 9) The monastic life is meant to be a balanced one and is sometimes characterised by the expression, ‘Prayer and Work’. But more than this, the Benedictine notion of balance also involves using our resources wisely and avoiding over indulgence in all areas of life, as we seek to establish a proper work life balance. For the sake of ease, these Benedictine Core Values can be referred to by the acronym AHRISE, comprising the first letter of each value.
STEWARDSHIP ‘He will regard all utensils and goods as the sacred vessels of the altar, aware that nothing is to be neglected.’ (RSB 31:10) At Ampleforth, as well as valuing the beauty of our environment, we should appreciate and care properly for all the things that we need and use.
Keeping Each Other Safe In a Benedictine Community all students and staff have a responsibility for the welfare of each other.
Sixth Form Students with positions of responsibility have specific training to assist them in their ministry of service to others. School Monitors attend a conference before the start of the year to equip them to undertake this responsibility and indeed follow an Institute of Leadership and Development training programme.
Safeguarding – what to do if you are worried
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Your safety and happiness are very important to us. You will get to know a broad range of staff who you will form positive relationships with and who you should feel comfortable talking to if you have a problem, a concern or a worry. Usually this will be members of your House Team such as your House Parent, your Assistant Housemistress or Housemaster, your Matron, your Tutor, or your House Chaplain. There is also a central Designated Safeguarding Team who you are always welcome to speak to. Posters with their names and faces on will be put up on your boarding House noticeboard along with their contact details also. Dr Alasdair Dunn is the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL).
Food Committee & Dietary Requirements
There is a Food Committee with representatives from each House who meet regularly with the Catering Manager and Head Chef. Students enjoy a wide, healthy, and varied menu every day. All meals are taken in the school refectories. The House has its own kitchens where fruit, bread, cereals, various spreads, and drinks are available. Matrons also regularly bake and cook for the students in their Houses. We cater for all dietary needs. Please discuss requirements with us so that we can make the appropriate preparations.
Pupil Questionnaires
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The rule of St Benedict sets out our standards for the life of a community: ‘They try to be the first to show respect to one another with the greatest patience in tolerating weaknesses in body or character… No-one aims at personal advantage but is rather concerned for the good of others.’ At Ampleforth College the safeguarding of all students is our utmost priority. You should feel safe to be who you are, and to be free from negative comment(s) from anyone.
There is a Student Council for different year groups which meets each half term. Representatives from the Student Councils meet with senior staff at a Student Forum each half term so that your views and opinions on life at Ampleforth College are heard and discussed.
Student Voice & Student Councils
There is a bi-annual student (and separate parent) questionnaire. The questionnaire is administered by an external company and results are published to students. The results of the questionnaire help provide the school with information about how effective it is and what needs to be improved.
18 Quick View Useful Contact Details Mr Sebastian Phillips (Housemaster) St Edward’s & St Wilfrid’s House Ampleforth College YO62York 4EW This address can also be used for deliveries from your parents 01439 766705 Housemaster’s direct line to House Study scp@ampleforth.org.uk Fr John ChaplainFairhursttoStEdward’s & St Wilfrid’s House Ampleforth Abbey YO62York 4ER Fr John@ampleforth.org.uk Matron Kirsten Lawford-Davies, and Matron Tina Readman St Edward’s & St Wilfrid’s House Ampleforth College YO62York 4EW 01439 766706 or 01439 766866 kirsten.lawford tr2@ampleforth.org.ukdavies@ampleforth.org.uk School Infirmary: 01439 766760 & infirmary@ampleforth.org.uk School Secretary: 01439 766000 & admissions@ampleforth.org.uk
19 St Edward’s & St Wilfrid’s Junior AmpleforthHouseCollegeYorkY0624EW
