St Margaret’s House Handbook A handbook for new students
Each one of you has their own strengths and your own unique part to play in the life of this House. As a House we will try to form a community inspired by the words of St Benedict, a community where leadership is given more by example 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, a community where the strong have something to yearn for and the weak have nothing to run from (Rule of St Benedict, 64.19) The students in St Margaret’s work hard, care for each other, and there is a strong sense of identity, service and support for all those connected with the house. They love one another, and recognise when they should put others first. All girls in St Margaret’s must give their best, academically, and indeed in all of the wonderful opportunities that they have to develop their many talents here at Ampleforth. I know that they will encourage and allow you to do the same. This booklet should help answer some of the questions that you may have about starting Ampleforth in September. If you have any more questions, or would like to talk to me before you come, then please do not hesitate to contact me.
Welcome to St Margaret’s
With prayers and best wishes, Ms Rebecca Paterson
It is with great pleasure that I welcome you as a new member of St Margaret’s House.
Although this booklet has information which is useful for parents, it is principally addressed to you, the young people who will live and work in this your house. I hope you will have time to share this with your parents over the holidays.
Margaret met her terrible death on March 25th 1586 in the Tollbooth of the ‘Ouse Bridge in York. A sharp stone was placed in her back and a door laid on top of her. Heavy stones were laid on the door until she was crushed. These were barbaric and cruel times and this was a slow and painful way to die. Her last words were “Jesu! Jesu! Have mercy on me.”
St Margaret was born Margaret Middleton in 1556 in York. She was brought up in the Protestant faith. In 1571 she married a widower John Clitheroe who was a prosperous butcher with two sons. She was only 15 years old. John had a brother William who was a Catholic and later became a priest. It is thought that William influenced Margaret to convert and in 1574 she became a Catholic. Her husband remained a Protestant but supported her in her decision. Margaret was happily married. She spent her days raising her three children and working in her husband’s butcher shop. This was a time of religious suppression, Catholics were being persecuted and Mass had to be celebrated in secret. Priests moved from place to place to avoid being caught. In 1585 an act of Parliament was established which ensured that all priests who were caught would die a traitor’s death and those found to be harbouring them would also be sentenced to death. A few years after her conversion Margaret began to hide priests. She knew the risks she was taking but her feelings were clear “By God’s grace all priests shall be more welcome to me than ever they were, and I will do what I can to set forward God’s Catholic service.” She was arrested on a number of occasions but no evidence was found against her.
She was canonised on the 25th October 1970 by Pope Paul VI in Rome. St Margaret's story is an extra ordinary example of faith, courage, bravery and endurance as well as the more habitual Christian virtues found in family life such a love and faithfulness.
Finally, in 1586 her home was raided. The priests escaped and Margaret’s family refused to answer any questions. A small boy from Flanders who had been staying with the family became so afraid of the interrogators that he broke down and told them everything. Margaret was arrested and her family never saw her again. She was imprisoned in York Castle and on March 14th Margaret appeared before the judges and was accused of harbouring Jesuit and seminary priests. When she was asked if she was guilty or not, she replied, “I know of no offence whereof I should confess myself guilty.” Meaning, I haven’t done anything wrong ! After further trial she was sentenced to death.
St Margaret Clitherow
St Margaret’s House Team
As your Housemistress
Moragh Robinshon House Matron Email: Moragh.Robinson@ampleforth.org.uk 766859 Moragh is our Matron. She will help you settle into the House if you are feeling homesick.
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Ms Rebecca Paterson Housemistress
I take an interest in everything that you do. I shall try to find out about your academic studies, your games and your other commitments. If you have a concern then I, or one of the staff who works with me, will help you to resolve it. You will find that I am often in my study on the ground floor of the house. If the door is open you are welcome to come in. If the door is closed, please knock before entering. You will hardly ever have to wait long as it is rarely closed!
Everyone knows they can always talk to Moragh and she will help you to feel better about any worries you may have. Apart from this she will help you to keep track of your clothes and will ensure that new clothes and games kit are labelled provided that you hand them into her in good time. She will take you to hospital if you injure yourself or need to see a specialist– in general she will do many of the things which a parent might do to help you at home. As you will come to realise Moragh is very talented and often organises special events in the House. It will be common place that on your Birthday Moragh will bake you a cake!
Email: rlp@ampleforth.org.uk 01439 766749
Your parents will probably find that your Housemistress 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 they contact. Remember we are here to help you but you make the job much easier by being open and honest with us. We also want to hear of all the good things you are engaged in and all your successes and the fun things. If you are unwell or have met with an accident of some kind you should come and find me or the Assistant Housemistress or the Matron You should never be afraid in a genuine crisis to wake me in the night.
Believe me you wouldn’t want one of mine unless I bought it! In the normal course of events, all medications should be handed in to Moragh who will liaise with the college infirmary about your medical needs. You should not keep medications in your room. Even vitamins must be checked with Moragh.
I live here with my family whom I’m sure you will meet or at least hear very quickly. My husband Mr Malak also works at the College and my Children Ella (6) and Tommy (2) both children love all the girls in the House and Ella will often talk about the fact she has 60 sisters! We are all looking forward to welcoming you.
Year
Ms Lara Buckley
The Assistant Housemistress like Moragh deputises for me. Our Assistant Housemistress is Ms Buckley. She is on duty on a number of nights each week and for the whole day on a Friday. Ms Buckley will tutor Year 10 next year, but she will have an important role for all of the girls in the house.
Ms Lara Buckley Mrs Clare Moses cm@ampleforth.org.uklub@ampleforth.org.uk 11 Mrs Kate Hagerstrand khh@ampleforth.org.uk
Year 12
Assistant Housemistress
Year
The House Chaplain plays a vital role in the spiritual welfare of all in St Margaret’s. Fr Kentigern prays with us on an evening, celebrates Mass in the House on a Thursday, sings Compline with us on a Friday evening and prays the Rosary with us on a Sunday evening.
Email: lbu@ampleforth.org.uk
TheTutorstutors assist the Housemistress in caring for the House on one evening each week. Each girl is assigned to one of the tutorial team whose role it is to monitor her academic work. The tutor meets with his/her tutor group every week and with the girls individually. The tutor reports back to the Housemistress and parents. He/she is happy to meet with your parents when they visit and update them on your progress. 9
He accompanies the girls and staff in the house in our spiritual growth and goes above and beyond in his prayer and service to all. He is available to parents too and is always delighted to receive prayer requests.
Fr Kentigern Hagan OSB House Chaplain Email: kentigern@ampleforthabbey.org.uk
Mrs Maaike Carter mbc@ampleforth.org.uk 10
Year
Mr Connor Rutter Mme Anne Le Gall cgr@ampleforth.org.ukalg@ampleforth.org.uk
Dr Christopher Vowles Mrs Helen Pepper
Year 13
hcp@ampleforth.org.ukcgv@ampleforth.org.uk
I hope that you will find the senior girls to be welcoming and friendly but try not to be over friendly in a way which they may find to be cheeky. We all show some respect to those who are older and more experienced than ourselves and this usually leads to a good and helpful relationship this is the relationship you should seek.
I am sure that you will find the monitors as people that you can turn to, and that some will become good friends.
Keza Pitteloud Head of House Pippa Bentley and Cicely Johnson Ferguson Deputy Heads of House Ruby Pettifer School Sports Monitor
“Deans (Monitors) selected should be the kind of people with whom the abbot (Housemaster/mistress) can confidently share the burdens of office, they are chosen for virtuous living and wise teaching, not for their rank. If a dean is found to be puffed with pride, they are to be reproved once, twice and even a third time. Should they refuse to amend, they must be removed from office. They must always remember what their title signifies and act as a leader should. They must point out to others all that is good and holy more by example than by words.”
The role of monitor can be seen as similar to a dean, defined in the Rule of St Benedict:
Lily Gilbey House Catechist Fenella Hudson St Edward’s and St Wilfrid’s Monitor
Monitors
The Head of House and other School Monitors are senior girls who are chosen to serve the House in the coming year. They are chosen for their virtuous living and wise teaching. These two qualities matter much more than whether they are sporting heroes or superb academics, although often they are these too. You can turn to them for advice and guidance and comfort like older sisters.
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 individuals that you can turn to for advice or help if there is a problem in your life which you do not think needs the immediate help of the housemistress or other adults.
huge variety of activities and I would encourage you to make as much of these as possible even if it means staying later than usual. Those day girls who are the happiest are those who really take part and join the House for as many events as possible.
All day girls in St Margaret’s will have a place to work and keep their belongings. I very much hope that you will join us each day for as long as possible so that you become familiar with the routines of the House and get to know new friends. Throughout the year there will be every opportunity to join weekend social events and trips and I would encourage you to try to participate as much as possible. The more you give the more you will receive. Every morning you should come to the house before going to class so that I am able to see you and keep an accurate record of attendance. I will ask you to see us to sign in first thing in the morning and sign out before you return home. This is an essential fire regulation. It would be wonderful to see you for breakfast at 7.45am but I realise this is not always possible. You must sign in BEFORE 8.20am so I can complete the register Ampleforthaccurately.offersa
Day Girls
On Sunday all the boarders attend Mass in the Abbey Church. I would be particularly delighted to see you and your parents there from time to time.
7:30am
Arrival at St Margaret’s Routine 8:30am Morning Prayer and breakfast 8:40am Lessons begin 10:25am Break time 10:50am Lessons continue 12:35 1:00pm House lunch (formal lunch in the refectory) 1:10 2:00pm Check in and Quiet time (in the house) 1:50 3:45pm Games/Activities/Lessons 3.45 4:10pm Afternoon tea break 4:55 6:20pm Activities & Supper (House supper) 6:20pm Check in and prep 9:00pm Evening Prayer from 9:30pm Bedtimes for each year group
The routine can change from time to time depending on activities and the seasons, but you will be told of these in advance. There are no lessons on Saturday afternoon as all students are involved in Games fixtures or activities. On a Saturday all students are to be back in houses by 10:15pm. There are different curfew times for Juniors and Seniors. Clothing
Daily
The admissions office will supply you with a list of clothes and other essential items. Most of you will have pre ordered your games kit. Anything that has been forgotten can be purchased at school when term starts. Your laundry will go once a week to the central laundry where the turnover is usually just over one day. So, for example if our laundry goes to be washed on a Tuesday evening it will be returned on Thursday so you will need enough clothes to cover 9 to 10 days. You will need to provide a duvet and duvet covers.
YOU NEED TO NAME EVERYTHING YOU BRING TO SCHOOL CLEARLY
Name tapes are a vital piece of equipment so please bring plenty, preferably with the school number as well as your name. Mending and name taping should be arranged with Moragh. If an item of clothing does not return from the laundry, please see Moragh who will help you track it down. This is considerably easier if you have properly name taped your belongings. You will find it essential to buy a desk lamp.
Black, leather shoes only. Brown shoes may only be worn with a tweed suit. Girls must wear long hair up and make up must not be excessive, jewellery must be discrete and simple.
Smart, formal, black or navy, leather or suede shoes, loafers or flat shoes only. No ‘Superga’ style shoes, no thick soled shoes, no trainers, no canvas, no boots, pumps or casual shoes. Brown shoes allowed in 6th form only.
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. Discrete make up.
Quarter zip Dark, formal, fitted, plain, smart. No fleece material or sports brands.
Sunday Mass Dark suit for boys and girls. Full tweed suit is acceptable
Skirts must be of an appropriate length in respect of the Abbey Church Plain, white shirts for boys and girls, tucked in.
Trousers
Everyday School Dress during the Autumn and Spring Term:
Dark, formal, tailored, trousers, chinos or cords. Must be ankle length. Cannot be jeans or ‘jean cut’ trousers with external rear pockets or studs.
Gilet dark, formal, fitted, plain, smart. No sleeves, 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.
Black school ties or house ties only are to be worn by all boys except for School Monitors who may wear a Monitor tie No other ties are acceptable.
Skirts
Jumpers
Outer coat Must be smart, plain, formal. No ‘Puffa’ style padded coats, no sports branded coats.
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.
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.
Dark, formal, fitted, plain, smart V neck jumper. No sports brands, stripes. No fleece material.
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.
Shoes
Summer term In the summer months, when announced by the Deputy Head, the following changes to the dress code apply. Jackets are optional. Ties are optional. Pale/light/natural coloured, tailored trousers are allowed. Shirts must always still be tucked in. Top buttons can be undone.
Health & Safety
Prep Times
First Year Dormitories
If you have a mobile phone you must give me the number of that phone. Remember that you must not have mobile phones in class neither should you be speaking on a mobile during prep times. Mobile phones are handed in and locked away during the day and at bedtime when you are in years 9 and 10. Meals
The amount of space in the first year dormitory is limited so please do not bring too many things.
In the event of illness either the Housemistress or matron will make the necessary provision via the infirmary, including a doctor’s appointment if necessary. All medication is to be kept with matron for safe keeping.
A weekly fire check is carried out. You are reminded of the necessity to keep your room tidy and free of paper litter. All electrical appliances (e.g. hair dryer, chargers) must be PAT tested when you arrive at school and charged to your account.
Prep is undertaken in the house library or your own room where you are able to work quietly and undisturbed. During study periods you will work in Big Study or if a Sixth former, you may be allowed to work in the house, school library or in your room, whichever is more convenient.
Mobile Phone Policy
Illness
All meals may be taken in the school refectories, and formal lunch for the House is taken there every day. In addition, there is a kitchen in the House. Bread for toast and sandwiches is always available along with milk, coffee/tea, squash, cereals and various spreads. Treats are quite often provided by matron including home baking which the girls are invited to help with.
There might be special arrangements in place to help us to keep you as safe as possible. I will go through all of these with you when you first arrive. We will support you and there will always be plenty of people to talk to at any time.
‘Chits’ (Housemaster’s/ Housemistress’ order forms) may be used to buy items such as books and stationery from the College shop. These are then charged to the termly account. In addition, Matron also provides a service for toiletries and personal hygiene items which must be paid for as required.
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, your Assistant Housemistress, your Matron, your Tutor or your House Chaplain.
She can also arrange for any dry cleaning to be done, for which payment is added to the termly account.
Any damage which you may cause in your room is also charged to your parent’s account with a note that this was damage which you caused!
Money Matters
Quiet Time
The routine at Ampleforth is very demanding, and so it is extremely important that everyone in the House gets sufficient rest and sleep. Out of consideration for all, everyone should be in her own room and quiet by their year’s bedtime. All must be quiet by 10:15pm. Similarly, early risers are asked not to disturb others before 7:00am. Headphones are a must for listening to music.
There are a number of jobs which are done to help the smooth running of the House and I will allocate one of these to you each term. This is your service to the House, make sure you do it faithfully and well.
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. Dr Dunn is the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL).
House Rules
COVID-19
Further Questions? Do contact me (rlp@ampleforth.org.uk), matron (Moragh.robinson@ampleforth.org.uk) or your tutor (contact details as outlined above) if we can do anything to support you. We are really looking forward to welcoming you to the Valley in September!
St Margaret’s House AmpleforthYO62YorkCollege4EX
