St Aidan's House Handbook 2020-21

HOUSE HANDBOOK 2020-21

Contents Welcome to St Aidan’s

5

Our Patron Saint - St Aidan

6

The Spiriual Life of the House

8

The history of St Aidan’s House

9

The House Team (including contact details)

10

Tutors (including contact details)

11

Our Roles

11

Monitors & Day Girls

12

What to Bring

14

Daily Routine

14

Useful Information

16

House Rules

18

Matron Matters:

19

Safeguarding

21

Essential Items

21

The Beginning of the Academic Year

25

Appendix 1 - The College timetable

26

Appendix 2 - Places to Stay, Places to Eat;

27

Appendix 3 – Mobile Devices Policy

29

Appendix 4 - Fire Evacuation Plan

31

Appendix 5 - Dress Code

33

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CORONAVIRUS Where temporary changes are in place due to the current pandemic, these will be indicated in red. Please note that any information in this handbook, may be superseded by the College Guide to Autumn Term 2020 or other communications from the Houseparent or College.

Welcome to St Aidan’s

It is with great pleasure that I welcome you to St Aidan’s House. I am delighted that you have chosen St Aidan’s to be your home for the duration of your time at Ampleforth. I hope that you will find that this is an environment where you can flourish and be your true and best self academically, spiritually, personally and physically.

Every Aidan’s girl has her own strengths and weaknesses and you will have your own unique part to play in the life of the House. St Aidan’s is a community inspired by the words of St Benedict; a community where leadership is given more by example rather than words (Rule of St Benedict, 2.12); a community where equal respect and love is shown to everyone and the same discipline is applied to all (Rule of St Benedict, 2.22); a community where faults are corrected and love is safeguarded (Rule of St Benedict, Prologue: 47). In short St Aidan’s is a community where the strong have something to yearn for and the weak have nothing to run from (Rule of St Benedict, 64.19).

Like any home or community there must be some basic rules and guidelines which help in the smooth running of the house for the benefit of all. These are set out in the remainder of this book, along with some background to St Aidan’s. If you have any queries or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me.

With prayers and very best wishes,

Miss Annabel Brown Housemistress of St Aidan’s

House Crest depicting Northumbrian crosses and the ancient Christian symbol of the saltire (crossed keys)

Our Patron Saint - St Aidan Christianity had first come to Britain during the time of the Roman Empire. With the decline of the empire and the subsequent invasions, AngloSaxon Britain had reverted to paganism. In Ireland and Scotland, however, Christianity survived and continued, although separated from the Church in mainland Europe. This isolation led to the Celtic church developing its own traditions, most notably in the calculation of the date of Easter.

Almost nothing is known of Aidan’s early life save that he was Irish. He is believed to have been a monk who may have studied under Saint Senan on Scattery Island, County Clare in Ireland, but moved to St Columba’s monastery on the Scottish island of Iona in 630 AD. Edwin was king of Northumbria and had been converted to Christianity in 627 AD by a mission from Canterbury led by Bishop Paulinus.

Edwin was killed in battle against invaders from Mercia in 632 AD and Northumbria returned to paganism. At this time, Edwin’s nephew, Oswald, was living in exile in the monastery on Iona.

During his stay at the monastery, Oswald was converted and baptised. In 633 AD Oswald regained the kingdom of Northumbria and afterwards sent requests to Iona, rather than Canterbury, for missionaries to convert his people.

The first monk sent to preach in Northumbria, a man named Corman, returned to Iona having had little or no success and complaining that the Northumbrian Saxons were “a savage and unteachable race.” At this Aidan is said to have commented, “Perhaps you were too harsh with them and they might have responded to a gentler approach.” Aidan duly found himself selected to lead a new mission!

Oswald gave Aidan the island of Lindisfarne, sometimes called Holy Isle, on which he established a monastery. Lindisfarne was close to Oswald’s royal palace at Bamburgh. This made it more suitable for the evangelization of Oswald’s kingdom (Bernicia) in northern Northumbria, than York, farther to the south.

Initially, Aidan confined his missionary work to Oswald’s kingdom, with Oswald himself often acting as Aidan’s interpreter. Later Aidan founded churches and monasteries, freeing slave boys and training them to serve in the Church. He encouraged the laity to follow monastic practices such as fasting and

meditation on the Gospels and lived himself in poverty. With Oswald’s death in 642 AD, Aidan became friends with Oswin, the king of the southern Northumbrian kingdom of Deira. Some report that Aidan extended his mission even further afield — through the midlands and even as far as London.

Aidan died on 31 August 651 AD at Bamburgh. His body was taken to Lindisfarne and buried in the cemetery. Sometime later, his bones were removed to the monastery church. Lindisfarne was ransacked by the Vikings in 793 AD, after which Aidan’s reputation diminished somewhat. However, St Bede thought very highly of Aidan, perhaps more than of any other saint, and wrote of him: “He neither sought nor loved anything of this world, but delighted in distributing immediately to the poor whatever was given to him by kings or rich men of the world. He traversed both town and country on foot, never on horseback, unless compelled by some urgent necessity. Wherever on his way he saw any, either rich or poor, he invited them, if pagans, to embrace the mystery of the faith; or if they were believers, he sought to strengthen them in their faith and stir them up by words and actions to alms and good works.”

Our House banner which hangs in the House Study, and shown below, was designed and made by the girls during our House retreat in 2012. The three scenes in the banner depict from left to right; 1 - St Aidan's prayers from his cell at nearby Lindisfarne Abbey, reversed the winds thus reversing the fires set at a besieged Bamburgh Castle by an attacking pagan army. The attackers saw this change in the wind and fires as a sign that Bamburgh was defended by a higher spiritual power and so abandoned their siege.

2 - St Aidan as Bishop of Northumbria.

3 - St Aidan establishing Lindisfarne Abbey on what is now known as Holy Island.

The Spiritual Life of the House Life in the House is underpinned by the Catholic and Benedictine ethos of the school, and serves to support the spiritual, moral and intellectual development of students as set out in the school’s mission statement. The Rule of St Benedict has provided the inspiration for many schools over the centuries and at Ampleforth we aim to share in that same tradition of, ‘establishing a school for the Lord’s Service’.

Respecting other Christian traditions, and the consciences of all, we seek to live out our faith in our daily life together, in such a way as to promote the good of each individual and well-being of our community as a whole: it is, we believe, the normal, daily rhythm of our life together in all its variety that provides the basis for personal growth and good behaviour.

Since the Rule and the Gospel guide and inform life in the school, an acquaintance with these will in turn enhance life for those in the House. Of prime importance therefore are Morning and Evening Prayer, as well as regular Masses in the House, the annual retreats, opportunities for the Sacrament of Reconciliation together with other religious events. Students will also have opportunities to help plan the liturgy for Masses and House Prayers and are also welcome to attend any of the monastic offices in the Monks’ Choir in the Abbey church. The Schola Mass at 8:30pm on Fridays or Compline at 8:15pm, Sundays to Thursdays, is particularly suitable. (There will be some changes to the location and format of prayers and mass at the start of the year due to social distancing requirements, and for the time being students may not attend the daily office, however, it is streamed live online should they wish to attend).

As a House we also support the school’s charity, FACE-FAW and students are invited to be involved in pastoral activities. Sixth Form students are invited to apply to take part in the annual pilgrimage to Lourdes and the Friendship Holiday.

The History of St Aidan’s House St Aidan’s has perhaps the most varied history of all the Ampleforth houses. Founded as one of the four original houses in 1926, it was unique in that it remained in its original central school location until 2001 when it became Ampleforth’s first girls’ Sixth Form house.

Finally in 2002 St Aidan’s moved out of the central school and into its modern home on Aumit Hill opposite the Infirmary. The girls of the house led the way in establishing co-education at Ampleforth and proved that girls could more than flourish at Ampleforth. Those early girls established many of the activities and traditions that girls still exist today. The final stage of the house’s development came in 2010 when the house was extended to provide accommodation for girls in all year groups of the College.

Previous Housemasters & Housemistresses: 1926 Fr Augustine Richardson

1928 Fr John Maddox

1938 Fr Terence Wright

1948 Fr Anthony Ainscough

1960 Fr Brendan Smith

1975 Fr Simon Trafford

1988 Fr Terence Richardson

1992 Fr Bernard Green

1996 Fr Cassian Dickie

1997 Fr Gabriel Everitt

1998 Mr Bill Lofthouse

2002 Miss Pam Dixon

2003 Miss Antonia Beary

2005 Mrs Brenda Abbott

2009 Dr Victoria Fogg

2012 Mrs Anne Le Gall

2019 Miss Annabel Brown

The House Team Miss Brown – Housemistress Miss Annabel Brown is St Aidan’s resident Housemistress, having taken up the post in January 2019. Annabel is a former boarder herself and has worked in boarding since 2005 at three leading boarding schools. Annabel teaches Drama and Christian Living at Ampleforth and received her PGCE from Reading University. She studied for her BA(Hons) Actor Musicianship at Rose Bruford College Drama School graduating in 2001. Annabel has a long association with Ampleforth, having been a committed volunteer on the annual Lourdes Pilgrimage for over 20 years.

Email: anab@ampleforth.org.uk Telephone: 01439 766746

Fr Philip – Chaplain Fr Philip became a monk of Ampleforth Abbey in 2000, after a career in publishing.

He has been oblate and novice master here at Ampleforth, as well as Chaplain to EW’s and in St John’s. He joined the St Aidan’s team in 2019 and is very much enjoying being Chaplain to a girls’ house for the first time. He is available to the girls at all times and comes to the house regularly to give talks and to say weekly house Masses. He leads our annual House retreat and Is also a regular on the Lourdes Pilgrimage.

Email: philip@ampleforth.org.uk

Mrs Jane Reynard - Matron Mrs Jane Reynard is our Matron and has worked in the College for many years in the Admissions Department and then the Headmaster’s department. She is a mother of two teenage children, both of whom went to boarding school. She lives nearby with her family. Jane’s primary focus is on the well-being of the girls in the house and they all know that they can come to see her for anything from a medical appointment to much needed advice.

Email: jr@ampleforth.org.uk Telephone: 01439 766491

Miss Jodie Rose – Assistant Housemistress, Year 11 Tutor Miss Jodie Rose is our Assistant Housemistress, having joined the team in September 2019. Jodie studied Secondary Education and Physical Education at Leeds Trinity and went on to complete her PGCE at Sheffield Hallam. She has worked at Ampleforth for 3 years and is the College’s Head of Netball as well as Assistant Head of Year 11.

Email: jor@ampleforth.org.uk Telephone: 01439 766746

Tutors Year 9

Ms Dianne Brown, Specialist Teacher in Learning Support & School Counsellor

Year 10

Mrs Victoria Browning, Head of EAL

Year 11

Miss Jodie Rose, Assistant Housemistress, Head of Netball & Assistant Head of Year 11 Miss Katrina Giles, Teacher of Biology

Sixth Form

Mr Richard Hudson, Head of Year 12, Teacher of Christian Theology Mr Andrew Hutchinson, Acting Head of Christian Theology Mrs Jacqui Ramsden, Teacher of History

Ms Dianne Brown

Mrs Victoria Browning

Miss Katrina Giles

dbr@ampleforth.org.uk

vxb@ampleforth.org.uk

kag@ampleforth.org.uk

Mr Hudson

Mr Andrew Hutchinson

Mrs Ramsden

rmh@ampleforth.org.uk

arh@ampleforth.org.uk

jmr@ampleforth.org.uk

Our Roles Housemistress As Housemistress I take an interest in everything that girls in St Aidan’s do at Ampleforth. Working closely with the Tutor Team, Parents and Matron, I support the academic, pastoral and social lives of the girls whilst they are in my care. I ensure that the girls have the relevant information about school events and activities and I work hard to ensure that the house is a safe place for all, and that it is happy, focused and welcoming. When on duty, I can normally be found in the House Study. I live in accommodation which is attached to the house and am available during the night if there is an emergency or if someone is unwell. I take great pride in building house spirit and hope that everyone, students, staff and parents will be proud to be part of the Aidan’s community.

Assistant Housemistress Miss Rose assists me in the running of the house. For one day and one other evening a week Miss Rose will be responsible for the house whilst I am off duty. Miss Rose also lives permanently in the house and her flat is located near the Chapel and upstairs in the Junior Wing. She is also a Tutor to Year 11 and she is also available to any of the girls if they need to talk or need advice.

Tutors The tutors are; Ms Brown (Year 9), Mrs Browning (Year 10), Miss Giles and Miss Rose (Year 11), Mr Hudson, Mr Hutchinson and Mrs Ramsden (Sixth Form).

Each year group in the house has a tutor to oversee their academic progress. The Middle Sixth and Upper Sixth are divided into vertical tutor groups which means that both year groups join together in each tutor group. The tutor will meet with students once a week for tutorial and will be in the house one day per week supervising quiet time and prep. You can speak to your tutor and ask for help and guidance about your work or simply ask for help with your prep when they are on duty or at any time.

Matron Our Matron is Mrs Jane Reynard. Matron has an office on the ground floor and is on duty during the day from Monday to Friday. Matron will help look after you if you are unwell, will help organise your laundry, help you keep your room tidy, and offer support if you feel worried about anything at all. If you have any medication Matron will keep it for you and dispense it to you as needed. Medicines must not be kept in student rooms.

House Chaplain Fr Philip is an important member of the team. He comes to the House once a week to say Mass and most evenings to share evening prayers with us. Fr Philip is always available to speak to you and to offer advice and support. Fr Philip also oversees the confirmation process and leads our annual House retreat.

House Monitors The House Monitors help in the running of the house and liaise a lot with the House staff to ensure that you are all happy and feeling safe in Aidan’s. The Heads of House also have some whole school responsibilities outside of the house and form part of the school monitor team more commonly known as “Shaccies”. All of the Monitors want you to have the best possible experience in St Aidan’s. You can talk to them if you have an issue that you think does not need the immediate help of the Housemistress or another adult. They will always listen and always show great kindness.

All of the House Monitors have been appointed to help you and to better assist the smooth running of our house. This year the House Monitors are: Head of House Deputy Head of House

India Roberts Isobel Adams

House Monitor (Hospitality and Wellbeing) House Monitor (Catechist) House Monitor (Junior Mentor) House Monitor (Sports Captain)

Scarlett Morris Cece Roberts Eleanor Bett Issy Saxby

Sacristan

Bee de Montbel

School Monitors also represent students in weekly meetings with the Head and Senior Leaders.

Students are welcome to speak to them at any time.

Head Girl Head Boy Deputy Head Girl Deputy Head Boy

Ida Bridgeman (B) Clemens Lensing-Wolff (D/O) Flo Harrison (A) Joe Mitchell (H)

Day Girls Day girls have always played a huge part in the success of St Aidan’s and I hope that our new day girls will flourish in this same tradition. Day girls have shared spaces for study in the house and always have access to a bed should they need to stay. Day girls are expected to be in the house for morning prayers and registration at 8.15 am but where this is not possible, they should check in with either the Housemistress or Assistant in the House Study by 8.30 at the latest. Lessons start at 8.40 so it is really important that you are in by 8.30 so that neither of us are late for lessons! Day girls are welcome to stay in the house until 9.30pm or may go home once lessons have finished if you have no other commitments. You must sign out in the House Signing Out book when you leave; this ensures that I know who is at home and who is still on campus. Day girls are full members of St Aidan’s and I encourage you all to take part in as many house events as possible to really get the most out of your Aidan’s experience.

New Day Girls are invited to board free of charge for the first 3 weeks to facilitate their full integration and bonding among the house.

What to Bring Rooms and Storage We want you to feel at home here in Aidan’s so please do make sure that you bring photos and small decorations for your room to make it your own. A beautiful duvet cover also helps to brighten a room and we look forward to meeting many of your beloved soft toys! Fairy lights are permitted, but MUST be battery operated, not plug in, and posters and photos may not be stuck on any of the paint work.

There is a large pin board. First Years (Year 9) are in rooms of four, Second Years (Year 10) are in double rooms. All Sixth Form and most Remove (Year 11) have their own room but depending on size of the year group, some Year 11 may need to share for a term. Whilst there is ample storage, you will learn quickly that bringing too much ‘stuff’ can get a bit overwhelming at boarding school! The advice is to not bring too many going out clothes or shoes; but do bring a pair of wellies and a good raincoat! We have some luggage storage space in the house and each girl may leave no more than two substantial pieces of luggage in the house trunk room. During the big holidays, Christmas, Easter and Summer, rooms have to be completely emptied as guests often use the boarding accommodation in the holidays. Girls must be mindful of this as each can only store one trunk or suitcase in the trunk room in the holidays, all other things must be taken home. Please take this into account when you are packing!

Clothes and Possessions The College will send you a separate clothes list. Please particularly note that school skirts must be knee length, black or dark navy, and no stretch fabric. If you wish to wear trousers these must be black and cut in a classic style. You are not permitted to wear skinny style trousers. Jeans of any description may not be worn during the school day.

You may wear a white, pink or blue shirt. Only black, blue or grey sweaters may be worn for school and only black scarves/pashminas are part of the dress code. We do have a number of “colours” pashminas that can be awarded for scholars, sports players and for house awards which I do hope lots of you will achieve in due course. Most of you will have pre-ordered their games kit but anything that you require can be ordered through Matron at the beginning of term. You will need a dark suit for Mass. This needs to be a proper suit with a knee length skirt or classic cut trousers, trousers cut in a “skinny” style are not permitted. You wear your Mass suit every Sunday with a white shirt. If you do not conform to the school dress code, you will be provided with an adequate replacement suit by the house and the cost will be added to your bill.

Please attach your name to ALL of your clothes and bring extra name labels as well. A lot of the problems that we encounter with people losing their clothes could be solved if casual clothes as well as school uniform items were clearly labelled. The school laundry system is excellent. Laundry is placed in bins put out by Matron on Monday evening and it is returned on Wednesday. Please make sure that you have enough clothes to cover 9 to 10 days and have a spare towel. Sixth Form girls may use the house laundry at appointed times but the laundry room must be kept neat and tidy at all times or the privilege will be withdrawn. * DRESS CODE CHANGES DUE TO CORONAVIRUS • No jackets, ties or mass suits will be required.

• All clothes must be washable at a minimum of 40C • All students must have 3 washable, named face masks.

• All students must have a backpack for carrying books.

• All students must have their own equipment for lessons.

• Students may not borrow clothes or belongings

There may be some changes to the Daily Routine and Social Time during the Academic Year 2020-21 but this outline gives a feel of the day. Alternative provision will be made for social events.

Daily Routine Wake up

by 7.15am

Breakfast

open from 7.00-8.30am

Morning Prayers and Check-In 8.15am in the House Chapel (all girls to be dressed in school clothes except U6 girls who have a Q for P1)

Lessons Commence

8.40am

House Lunch and Check-In

12.35pm (Compulsory for all)

Mon/Wed/Sat Check-In

5.00pm (4.30pm on Saturday) In the House Study

Supper

open from 5.15-6.30pm

Check-In & Prep

6.30pm

PREP FOR ALL

6.30-8.30pm First and Second Years hand their Phones in during Prep

Evening Prayers

9.00pm (First Years to be ready for bed)

Bedtimes: First Year

Lights off 9.30pm (In own rooms from 9.15pm)

Second Year

Lights off 9.45pm (In own rooms from 9.30pm)

Remove (Year 11)

Lights off 10.30pm (In own rooms from 10.00pm)

Sixth Form

In own rooms from 10.30 pm

Useful Information Social Time The school puts on lots of social activities at the weekends including discos, film nights, cinema trips, bowling, trips to theme parks and tag laser shooting. On Saturday and Sunday nights, Sixth Form girls have the option to visit “The Windmill” the Sixth Form social centre. The Windmill serves food, soft drinks, wine and beer purchased on a Windmill card. Only parents can top up these cards. Windmill is a fabulous facility and the management often put on theme nights such as fancy dress evenings – please use Windmill responsibly and stick to the rules in order to preserve the privilege of membership.

Mobile Devices - Please also see Appendix 3: College Mobile Devices Policy You are welcome to bring your mobile to school, but it is really important that you look after it carefully and use it appropriately. You must not use your phones in lessons or during prep time, if you do so your phone can be confiscated for up to a week. First and Second Year Girls are expected to hand in their phones before bed and they will be returned after lessons the following day. Sixth Form should try not use their phones after 10.30pm. The House has good Wifi, which shuts off at 10.30pm and has safety features enabled. Use of VPNs is not permitted and will result in sanctions.

This is to ensure that students are protected from upsetting or inappropriate content on the internet.

There are two pay phones in the house and their numbers are: 01439 788854 and 01439 788914 and students may use the house phone by request and you may arrange to call them on these numbers if they do not have a mobile phone.

Money Each girl pays £16.00 (approx.) subs to the house each term; this amount is put on your school bill.

This money is used to pay for newspapers, magazines, birthday cakes, DVDs, socials, etc. It is very difficult to legislate for the amount of money pupils should have at school. All legitimate school related expenses such as stationary, toiletries etc. can be purchased at the school shop using a Housemistress chit and the amount is billed to the student’s end of term bill. Pocket money is usually desired for tuck.

In my view, £1 per day is sufficient allowance for a First Year. Pocket money over £30 should be handed in to the house study and will be banked in the house safe. Girls can ask me for their pocket money at any time. Whilst it is extremely rare, this system minimises losses through theft or misplacement. I am able to advance girls money for things such as train fares and taxi journey for University interviews etc. and these loans are recouped on the school bill. If loans exceed £25 I will contact parents or guardians to check that they are happy with the expense.

Visits from Parents I am always delighted to see parents and give them an update on their daughter’s progress. As a general rule it is better not to have a parental visit on the first or second weekend of term as it hinders spending time with new friends and bonding could then become an issue. You may take other girls out with your parents if you would like to but I need to know by no later than the end of Wednesday each week if anyone is being taken out so that I can seek the necessary parental permissions. * CHANGES TO VISITS DUE TO CORONAVIRUS • Boarders may go out with parents only.

Expectation of conduct on and off the College campus Please bear in mind that when off campus, you are still a member of the Ampleforth community and the school code of conduct still applies and you should conduct yourself in such a manner as not to embarrass yourself, your family, St Aidan’s or the College. You are and will always be an ambassador of St Aidan’s and the College.

Please see Appendix 5 at the end of this booklet if organising an off-site event or birthday during termtime.

Visitors You may have visitors from other houses into St Aidan’s. If I am in the study your guest should introduce themselves and ask if they may come in. You should do exactly the same if you visit another house. Your visitor should then sign-in using the visitors’ book and sign out as they leave; this is a fire safety regulation. Male visitors are strictly restricted to the common room and kitchen although female guests may visit your room with permission. * CHANGES TO VISITORS DUE TO CORONAVIRUS • Sadly, visitors may not be received in House during this time. Social spaces will be provided outdoors, and social events organised in appropriate venues. We hope to be able to change this as soon as government guidelines allow.

Effort Grades Each half term you will receive an effort grade for classroom and prep effort from each of your subject teachers. I have high expectations of Aidan’s girls and expect all to strive for Headmaster’s commendations.

At the Housemistress’ discretion, Windmill and/or other social privileges may be withdrawn from any pupil with an unsatisfactory effort average.

House Rules There are a number of jobs that need to be done and rules that need to be followed to ensure that we can all live together in harmony. Some of the jobs that need doing every day include ringing the wake-up bell, collecting the post, cleaning the kitchen, collecting newspapers, collecting laundry. Please do these things in good spirit as everything is intended to support you and help you get the very best out of the Ampleforth experience. There are rules that we need to follow to ensure the smooth running of the house and the school day: •

Check in Times are indicated below. Please be on time. (These are subject to change)

•

During prep stay at your desk and do not distract others. This is to help everyone to get their prep done on time and done well.

•

Do not enter another girl’s room without her express permission. We must all respect each other’s boundaries and personal space. Girls from different year groups should socialise in the house social spaces and not in each other’s rooms.

•

Please tidy up after yourself in the Kitchen.

•

Please keep your rooms tidy and make your bed every day.

•

Wear your uniform and games kit properly to show pride in yourself, your house and your school.

•

If you are stuck, unhappy or confused do ask a member of the house staff for help – it is what we are here for and it is never a bother to support you.

Matron Matters

We do all we can to ensure the girls are happy and fulfilled. We endeavour to make St Aidan’s as much a home-from-home as is possible but inevitably there are differences due to the academic, cultural and sporting demands placed on the girls as well as the challenge of learning to live as part of the St Aidan’s community. I am here to help the girls with all manner of questions including what to do when they are feeling unwell, accompany them to medical and dental appointments, finding lost belongings and numerous other day to day matters. Some of the most frequently asked questions concern the following: Food We encourage all the girls to adopt good eating habits and to follow a balanced and healthy diet whilst from time to time allowing them a few well deserved treats. Breakfast, lunch and supper are eaten in the College Refectory where a wide choice of food is always available. In addition to this all the girls are permitted to use the main kitchen in St Aidan’s to make themselves drinks during the day and to have quick and easy snacks such as fruit, cereal and toast with jam or spreads at morning and afternoon break time. (Currently, access to the Kitchen will be organised by year group rotas. Seniors will have access to tea stations with hot water and a fridge. For breaktimes, snacks will be provided in social spaces) In the evenings from Monday to Friday and Sunday completion of prep is the priority and the kitchen is closed during prep time. A timetable setting out the times when the various year groups may prepare quick meals in the kitchen is displayed on the kitchen door. On Saturdays when all the girls have more free time they are allowed to prepare pasta dishes and other more time consuming gastronomic delights!

All year groups have been allocated cupboards in the kitchen for storing all their food and for health and safety reasons the girls know that they are not permitted to keep food in their rooms other than a small amount of tuck which must be stored in a sealed box or tin. We would be very grateful if you could refrain from sending any food parcels through the post or allowing the girls to return with large

amounts of food or sweets as this encourages the girls to snack on biscuits and treats of which we are unaware.

Students at the College are not permitted to order food online for delivery to the boarding houses and we would be very grateful if you would refrain from placing any online orders on their behalf.

However I am able to place an occasional online order for the girls for delivery to St Aidan’s on a Friday. The girls have been asked to check with their parents for permission to use this service as all food and drinks ordered on their behalf will be added to the end of term bill. If you would like to place a limit on the amount your daughter is permitted to spend in this way, e.g. a maximum weekly spend of £10.00, please would you email me as soon as possible to let me know.

NUT FREE POLICY

We have several nut-allergy sufferers in St Aidan’s. For them even the slightest contact with nuts or nut products will cause a severe physical allergic reaction which can be life-threatening. For this reason and to ensure that we provide a safe living environment for these individuals all nuts or nut products are forbidden in St Aidan’s.

Labelling Please label all belongings and personal items including all clothes, bedding, shoes, sports kit, pencil cases, computers, mobile phones, chargers, adapters, and hairdryers as it can be very difficult to reunite unnamed items with their owners.

Toiletries I keep a stock of sanitary requisites, shampoo, toothbrushes, toothpaste, etc in case the girls run out and the cost of these items will also be added to the end of term bill.

Postage Often the girls will ask me to post letters and parcels and again the postage charges will appear on the bill.

Laundry The girls’ laundry is collected once a week to be washed in the College Laundry and is usually returned the following day. Please bring a large laundry bag with you. A small, white, named net bag costing £4.56 will be given out at the beginning of term and is used for laundering underwear. A larger bag costing £5.40 is also given out for laundering socks and tights. Clean laundry will be sorted and placed on the laundry room shelves where each girl has a named place. Please ensure that all clothes and bedding are clearly labelled.

Medicines It is Ampleforth College Policy that all medication brought in from home is handed in to Matron or the College Infirmary. This includes vitamins, homeopathic, herbal and complimentary remedies. All prescribed medication should be labelled with the student’s name and the prescribed instructions. A letter from the prescribing doctor is also required.

Paracetamol, ibuprofen, cough medicine, strepsils and other homely remedies are all available from Matron and at the College Infirmary. There is no charge for these medications and the College would prefer that you do not give your child these medications to bring back to school.

Aerosols Aerosols, including hairspray, are not permitted in school as they can set the fire alarms off unnecessarily. Please make sure your daughter has a roll-on deodorant.

Posters & Room Decorations Please bring Blu Tack and pins for use on the pin board. Plug-in Fairy lights and candles are not permitted. We ask that girls do not put posters on the paintwork.

Electrical Items All electrical items including adapters and chargers brought to the house will be safety tested and the cost of this, based on the number of items tested, will be added to the end of term bill

I hope that you will find the information listed above helpful but please do not hesitate to contact me if you need any further assistance. I am looking forward very much to seeing you all in September.

Contact Jane Reynard (Mrs) Matron St Aidan’s House Ampleforth College York YO62 4EP

Tel: 01439 766491 Email: jr@ampleforth.org.uk

Safeguarding 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 or a concern. Usually this will be members of your House Team such as your Housemistress or Housemaster, 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 also. Posters with their names and faces on will be put up on your boarding house noticeboard along with their contact details also.

Mr Ridge is the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL).

Essential Items School trousers in black/knee length school skirts x up to 5 - check that the trousers you send are permissible – see note on ‘Items you should not bring’.

Dark Mass Suit and white blouse – Pinstripe/black/charcoal (trousers or skirt – but a skirt looks very elegant) (Not currently required) School jacket in approved colour - Black/navy jacket: must be classically tailored – no waist length or bolero jackets please) (Not currently required) Pale plain blouse for school x 8 (pastel colours – pale pink, blue, yellow or white– a subtle stripe is acceptable) 4 long sleeved V Neck jumpers in any colour except red (Red is for school monitors only) Night attire sufficient for 9 days, dressing gown and slippers Underwear sufficient for 9 full days (laundry is collected once a week on a Monday and the clean washing arrives back on Tuesday. Please bring at least 9 days’ worth of underwear) this should include white or pale bras, black socks, knickers and black or flesh coloured tights for school wear 2 white vests – it is cold in North Yorkshire!

2-3 pairs of plain black tracksuit bottoms (these are approved by the games department for training sessions) 2 pairs of black or navy lycra cycling shorts – to wear under games skirts 2 pairs of plain white sports socks for PE A plain black or blue swimming costume White Tennis skirt or skort (skirt with shorts sewn in) – delete as optional in the Summer Term One waterproof coat One black/charcoal winter coat – scarf, hat and gloves are also essential in the Autumn and Lent Terms Optional black scarf/pashmina – for black tie Monday Suggested clothing amounts for free time: Three warm jumpers or cardigans or sweatshirts Five t-shirt/blouse/long sleeved shirt tops 4 pairs of jeans or casual trousers/skirts One smart dress

Footwear: Two pairs of black school shoes – The girls will be doing a lot of walking between classes and in the rain shoes may need to be rested to dry out so it is advisable to have two pairs. Some styles of shoe are not suitable as they can damage the feet if worn for a prolonged length of time (e.g. Ballet pump) No canvas shoes, platform soles or trainers may be worn during lesson times as they are too casual.

Please be aware that for DT and Science ballet style pumps cannot be worn as they do not safely cover the whole foot.

Two supportive pairs of trainers – no flat ‘baseball’ type trainers for sports (though girls may wear them during free time); the students need to keep one pair of trainers for use on the indoor courts and one for outside sports.

Walking shoes/pretty shoes/astro-turf boots and finally Wellies – the most essential of the essential items.

Other Items: One named duvet & two duvet covers and optional pillow slips (we provide bottom sheets, a pillow and pillow case but you may prefer a matching pillow case to go with your duvet) Wash kit and toiletries, 3 bath sheet towels, 4 hand towels Plastic cup for toothbrush/toothpaste Black, gold, silver or tortoiseshell hair clips and bands for school A small padlock with number code on (not a key) Large Laundry bag – please see Laundry above Umbrella A hockey stick and hockey/ football boots, shin pads, tennis racket (If you do not have these items when you arrive they will be supplied by the games department and the cost added to the end of tern bill) A covered hot water bottle A desk lamp and alarm clock Shoe polish & brushes Stationary/pencil case/scientific calculator A fleecy blanket A teddy bear or similar friend. Hopefully this item will not be essential but sometimes girls need a familiar face at the beginning of term.

An English bi-lingual dictionary if English is not your first language.

Items you should not bring: School trousers in a denim material –students wearing black school trousers which resemble jeans, are hipster style, reveal flesh, are tight or held up by wide belts will be sent back to House to change into suits – please don’t let your daughter come to school with unsuitable school wear!

Hundreds of ornamental knick knacks!

Cloth banners or scarves to put on the wall (this is a fire hazard).

Posters with inappropriate language or lewd images on.

Kettles (there is a house kitchen where girls can always get boiling water) /mini fridges Plug-In Fairy Lights Tuck which requires refrigeration. No dairy/meat/ salad/fruit etc. is allowed in the rooms.

Chewing gum.

The Start of the Academic Year Please see the Guide to the Autumn Term 2020 for details of dates and times for arrivals. These are different from previously published.

You will be warmly greeted when you arrive at the house by me, Miss Rose, Matron, the house tutors and the Head and Deputy Head of House – a real welcoming committee!

You will be shown to your room and have the opportunity to have a look round the house. After a brief introduction from me, your parents will say goodbye and go to Main School for a Reception with Mr Dyer the Headmaster. Your parents will not return to the house but go directly home after this.

For this reason it is important that you say goodbye properly to your parents when they leave St Aidan’s – be kind to them as this part of the day is usually much harder for parents than it is for the girls!

Parents will not be able to come into the house this year. We understand that this will be disappointing for some of you but there will be plenty of help at hand and new friends to be made.

You will be really busy for the rest of the day – there are tours of the house, tours of the school and a chance to set up your school email account! After supper the whole house will come together to meet each other properly and have some fun! You will be able to unpack and settle before bed time.

We begin the second day with a different induction morning for each year group, followed by tutorial time with your tutor. During the day tutors will given you your timetable and allay any worries that you may have.

On Wednesday we follow the academic timetable as normal. As each day passes we hope that things will start to feel more normal and you can relax into the routines and start to enjoy yourself.

Please always remember that the gift of an Ampleforth education is a wonderful one so make the very most of it. Work hard in your lessons, participate on the games field, join as many clubs and activities as you are able to and take the time to take strength and hope from the faith that underpins everything that we do. We hope that you will be a happy and proud member of St Aidan’s. Come to us as many times as you need for help, guidance or encouragement: we are here to help.

Please do not hesitate to contact us by e-mail, phone or letter if you have any worries or questions before the start of term.

We look forward to welcoming you to St Aidan’s house very soon.

Appendix 1 - The College timetable (This is an overview and is subject to change) We have a two-week timetable, weeks A & B:

Appendix 2 - Places to Stay, Places to Eat This list is included for information only and are not to be taken as recommendations – information correct at time of handbook compilation.

Trip Advisor link for Helmsley: https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Tourism-g635918-Helmsley_North_Yorkshire_EnglandVacations.html

HOTELS: The Pheasant Hotel Harome, North Yorkshire. YO62 5JG

Phone 01439 771 241

Feversham Arms Hotel 1-8, High St, Helmsley, York, North Yorkshire YO62 5AG

Phone 01439 770 766

The Feathers Hotel 5-6, Market Place, Helmsley, North Yorkshire YO62 5BH

Phone 01439 770 275

The Star Inn High St, Harome, York, North Yorkshire YO62 5JE

Phone 01439 770 397

The Fairfax Arms Main Street, Gilling East, York, YO62 4JH

Phone 01439 788 212

BED AND BREAKFASTS: Bramble Cottage B&B Back Lane, Harome, North Yorkshire. YO62 5JA

Phone 01439 771 158

Croft House B&B High Street, Harome, North Yorkshire. YO62 5JE

Phone 01439 770 808

Stilworth House 1, Church St, Helmsley, York, North Yorkshire YO62 5AD

Phone 01439 771 072

Betty Leckenby - Argyle House Ashdale Rd, Helmsley, York, North Yorkshire YO62 5DD

Phone 01439 770 590

The Carlton Lodge 53, Bondgate, Helmsley, York, North Yorkshire YO62 5EY

Phone 01439 770 557

Plumpton Court High St, Nawton, York, North Yorkshire YO62 7TT

Phone 01439 771 223

PLACES TO EAT NEARBY Beadlam Grange Farmshop and Café – nr Helmsley YO62 7TD

01439 772 392

The Black Swan – Oldstead village YO61 4BL

01347 868 387

The Feversham Arms Hotel – Helmsley YO62 5AG

01439 770 766

Gepetto’s Italian Restaurant – Helmsley YO62 5BG

01439 770 479

The Pheasant Hotel – Harome ~ 2 miles from Helmsley YO62 5JG

01439 771 241

The Star Inn – Harome ~ 2 miles from Helmsley YO62 5JE

01439 770 397

The Helmsley Spice – Helmsley YO62 5BG

01439 771 777

The Desai Spice club – Nawton village ~ YO62 7SU

01439 772 400

The Hare Inn, Scawton near Helmsley, YO7 2HG

01845 597 769

The Durham Ox, Crayke village (between A’forth & York), YO61 4TE 01347 821 506 The White Swan – Ampleforth YO62 4DA

01439 788 239

The White Horse – Ampleforth YO62 4DX

01439 788 378

Appendix 3 – Mobile Phone Policy

Year 7 & 8 students may only use their mobile phones to contact home between 7.15pm and 8.15pm each day. At all other times the phone will be kept secure by staff. Day pupils are not permitted to bring a phone into school.

Year 9 & 10 should leave their mobile phone in the boarding house during the school day under the supervision of their House Parent. Phones will be handed in during prep, and overnight.

Year 11 should leave their mobile phone in the boarding house during the school day. Exceptions to this are the week before and during school and public exams when they will follow the y9 and 10 rules.

Year 12 & 13 students may carry a mobile phone with them, but during lesson times, house time and whilst they are eating lunch, they may not use their mobile phones unless directed to by a teacher.

They may use their device for College-related work during study periods in line with College expectations, whilst respecting Blue Zones.

Note: additional restrictions may be agreed with students on an individual basis; additional restriction may be enforced during examination periods.

For all:

Purpose: To create spaces which limit mobile phone usage, promote respect for others, self-awareness and mindful presence.

No devices should be used in these spaces.

Purpose: To create spaces where students can drop in briefly and use their devices for learning, communication or personal organisation. Students can use their devices without permission for short periods in these spaces. These spaces should only be used at social times, not during lesson times or study periods.

All: Routes between houses during the school day (8.40-16.50), all corridors, Abbey Church, refectories, Classrooms, library, sports fields, SAC, PAC, Alcuin Room, Big Study.

All: St Nicholas Common Room, Matthews Room, Main Hall, houses, Big Passage (social time)

HABITS, BEHAVIOURS AND SANCTIONS Activities that are permitted in Green Zones: • Checking school email and communicating with teachers • Checking sports / music / drama information • Using reference or learning materials to support school work • Classroom quizzes e.g. Kahoot, Quizlet • Using online reference materials • Using learning-focussed apps, sites or revision tools • Using audio or video recordings for learning • Accessing information on SharePoint, My School Portal or SOCS • Communication or collaboration with peers on group work when required by the teacher / HsM • Dealing with urgent arrangements for pickup or medical appointments with parents (day) Activities that are not permitted in College: 8.40-16.50 • Use of social media e.g. Instagram, Snapchat, WhatsApp (whether posting or not) • Gaming (whether alone or in groups) • Watching streaming non-educational video e.g. Netflix / Amazon Prime / YouTube • Online shopping • Taking or sharing selfies or photos / video of each other Any time • Using a VPN • Any action which may constitute cyber bullying SANCTIONS First offence: Coaching conversation Second offence: Confiscation. A negative AP will be given.

Third offence: Confiscation. A School detention for second offence. The detention will include reflective tasks to promote respectful and healthy choices about mobile phone usage.

Fourth offence: Confiscation. Saturday detention spent on further reflective activities.

Fifth offence: Confiscation. Deputy Head will meet with the student as soon as can be arranged. The student will not have their phone returned to them until this meeting has taken place, and the College reserves the right to ban mobile phone use for a period of time.

Arrangements for confiscation: The confiscated phone will be put in an envelope by the member of staff with the name and house of the student on it. This will be deposited in Reception. The confiscated phone is turned off by the pupil and collected from Reception at the end of the day (5pm). If confiscated in house the phone will be kept by the HsM for 24 hours.

Appendix 4 - St Aidan’s Fire Evacuation Plan 2020-21

The purpose of this plan is to establish procedures for the systematic, safe and orderly evacuation of the House in the event of any fire emergency and to prevent and/or minimize injury and property damage. This Fire Evacuation Plan will become operational upon activation of the fire alarm system or any other notification of a fire emergency situation.

All members of the House must familiarise themselves with the information and instructions given below and treat every alarm as a genuine emergency.

Fire Evacuation is directed by the Housemistress and/or the Assistant Housemistress who are trained and designated Fire Wardens. They may be assisted by the House Matron or other House staff.

On discovering a fire or if you see or smell smoke – ACE

ACTIVATE THE FIRE ALARM AT THE NEAREST POINT. CONTAIN FIRE AND SMOKE BY CLOSING DOORS CLOSE TO WHERE YOU KNOW OR IMAGINE THE FIRE TO BE.

EXTINGUISH THE FIRE IF YOU ARE COMPETENT AND IF IT IS REASONABLE TO DO SO, OTHERWISE LEAVE THE BUILDING.

On hearing the fire alarm all members of the House must leave the building immediately via the nearest exit and proceed to the Assembly Point (at night, take torches /hand lamps). The fire assembly point is the orchard area above the infirmary.

DO NOT run; DO NOT talk; DO NOT use the lift; DO NOT stop to collect personal belongings; Do NOT re-enter the building until authorised to do so by the Fire Warden on duty.

St Aidan’s Fire Evacuation Plan Routine responsibilities: • The Duty Fire Warden will put on her Fire Warden Jacket and take control.

•

A sweep of the junior wing will be undertaken by the Housemistress

•

A sweep of the sixth form corridors will be undertaken by Housemistress

•

A sweep of the ground floor will be undertaken by Housemistress / Matron

Staff should carry a fire extinguisher with them when sweeping rooms and test close doors for heat with their hand before opening them.

On hearing the fire alarm the Duty Fire Warden will: •

Instruct another designated member of staff to: (a) Check the fire panel and identify the location of the alarm (b) Call the Fire Brigade 9 (999) immediately using a mobile telephone or the telephone in at Aidan’s House or the Infirmary and provide all relevant information (Do not hang up until told to do so.)

Subsequently the Duty Fire Warden will: •

Collect the fire register (all visitors must sign this routinely on entering and leaving the House).

•

Supervise the evacuation of the House via the established means of escape to the House Assembly Point which is located on the grass between the Infirmary and the road or, if necessary, the designated identifiable place of total safety (the Infirmary)

•

Provide support to enable injured or disabled students to evacuate.

•

Take a roll call of assembled students

•

Report the location of the fire, and any missing persons and/or unswept rooms to the Fire Brigade on their arrival. (It is helpful to have a printed plan.)

Between the hours of 6.00pm and 6.00am, the Night Watchman’s pager will be activated automatically and he will proceed to the Main Entrance to await and direct the Fire Brigade to the fire.

At other times, this responsibility will be undertaken by Housemistress, Assistant Housemistress or Matron.

Appendix 5 – Dress Code Everyday school dress during the Autumn and Spring Term: Jackets – Must be worn at all times and not carried. They can be removed in lessons. Formal, smart suit style jacket, dark in colour. Tweed jacket.

Shoes – Smart, formal, black or navy, leather or suede shoes, loafers or flat shoes only. No ‘supergas’ style shoes, no thick soled shoes, no trainers, no canvas, pumps or casual shoes. Brown shoes allowed in 6th form only.

Trousers – Dark, formal, tailored, trousers, chinos or cords. Must be ankle length. Cannot be jeans or ‘jean-cut’ trousers with external rear pockets or studs.

Skirts – Formal, knee length (or palm width above the knee), black, navy, smart skirt. No cord or denim. Tights must be worn with a skirt, black, opaque or natural.

Shirts – Shirts must be worn at all times. Smart, fitted, formal, pale colour or discretely striped, tucked in. Girls can have their top button undone.

Jumpers – Dark, formal, fitted, plain, smart V-neck jumper. No sports brands, stripes. No fleece material.

Quarter zip – Dark, formal, fitted, plain, smart. No sports brands.

Gilet - dark, formal, fitted, plain, smart. No sports brands.

Tie – Must be black. Sports team, club, house or society tie can be worn. Black tie on a Monday.

You cannot wear your own tie. This is done to encourage you to join a sports team, club or society.

Outer coat – Must be smart, plain, formal. No sports branded coats.

Hair – Sensible hair styles of natural colour. Hair tied up for mass. Boys should be clean shaven.

Make up and jewellery – Discrete and simple jewellery allowed. Stud or sleeper in each ear.

Discrete make up.

Mass – For mass a dark, formal or tweed suit must be worn. Black or school tie. White shirt only.

Hair to be tied up neatly for mass.

Summer term – In the summer months, AFTER THE DEPUTY HEAD HAS ANNOUNCED ‘SUMMER DRESS CODE’, the following changes to the dress code apply. Jackets are optional. Ties are optional. Pale/light/natural coloured trousers are allowed. Shirts must always still be tucked in.

Top buttons can be undone.

Version 3 March 2020

* DRESS CODE CHANGES DUE TO CORONAVIRUS • No jackets, ties or mass suits will be required.

• All clothes must be washable at a minimum of 40C • All students must have 3 washable, named face masks.

• All students must have a backpack for carrying books.

• All students must have their own equipment for lessons.

• Students may not borrow clothes or belongings