BOARDING INFORMATION FOR BOARDERS AND PARENTS
BOARDING MISSION STATEMENT
With over 90 years’ experience in nurturing young minds, St. George’s International School in Montreux is one of the premier educational institutions in Switzerland. Our boarding facilities are an extension of our commitment to excellence in every aspect of the care of our students – a safe and secure environment ensuring they can thrive; a real ‘home away from home’.
Boarding life at St. George’s offers an outstanding environment for your child to benefit from our professional team 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We are dedicated to helping your child prepare for the challenges they face, both inside and outside the classroom. They can expect a supportive and nurturing environment where everyone is treated as an individual and inspired to explore their potential. With our team support and encouragement, each student will be given the opportunity to realise what they are truly capable of.
A VERY WARM WELCOME TO ST. GEORGE’ S INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL BOARDING FAMILY!
For those of you who are new to the school, this will be the first experience you have of boarding life and I am sure you will be nervous, excited, and have lots of questions. I hope this booklet will answer as many of those questions as possible and help guide you through your first few weeks of school. For returning students, most of the information here will be well known to you, but will still serve as a useful reference as things change every year.
Being a boarder at St. George’s is to be part of a fun, vibrant, and supportive international community We are a mixed boarding house and enjoy a family atmosphere that promotes tolerance, empathy and understanding among our community The friends you make here at St. George’s will become friends for life.
Being a boarder is so much more than just living at school. Boarding is about making the most of your school years – trying new things, having a go at all the exciting clubs the school offers, making friends from all over the world, immersing yourself into Swiss culture – the list is endless.
The boarding team is here to help and support you in all aspects of your life while at St. George’s. We’ll be with you through every high and low, and we’ll always make time if you need to talk. Helping you flourish and realise your potential is the highlight of our role, which is why we’re there for you at every step of your journey at St. George’s. Be open to new experiences, embrace every opportunity, get involved in as much as you can, and you will find that your time at St. George’s will be a rich and rewarding experience with memories and friendships that will last a lifetime.
Mrs Marie West Head of Boarding
CONTACTING THE BOARDING TEAM
Boarding Duty Number
+41 21 989 21 83 (Boys)
+41 21 983 24 44 (Girls)
Email boarding@stgeorges.ch
Web Page
Post
School Nurse
https://stgeorges.ch/boarding
Chemin de Saint Georges 19, 1815 Clarens, Switzerland
hbfredj@stgeorges.ch/ +41 21 964 34 11
OTHER USEFUL CONTACT NUMBERS
SAFEGUARDING LEADS
If you have a concern for yourself or a fellow student, or if you feel you have been unfairly treated, you can speak to any member of the boarding team, the nurse, your tutor or other school staff in confidence. If you are nervous, take a friend with you.
The school has two designated safeguarding leads: Mrs. Kling (lkling@stgeorges.ch) and Mrs Marie West (mwest@stgeorges.ch). They will be informed of concerns when required; and you can also contact them directly in confidence.
WEEKLY ROUTINE
YEARS 6 TO 13
YEARS 6 TO 9
YEARS 7 TO 10
Get
The boarding house remains closed during school hours, except for Years 12 and 13, who have access to the Common Room. On Fridays, there is no prep time. Sortie to Montreux or Vevey is allowed from 4.00 pm-6.00 pm. Boarders other than Years 7 – 9 can keep their phones overnight. Bedtimes are 30 minutes later.
MEALS
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are all served in the canteen and all boarders are expected to attend. During the weekend boarders have the opportunity to go out for meals. This must be planned in advanced so that the chef can be informed if a boarder is not eating at school. Students should dress respectfully for meals, which includes no headwear (other than for religious reasons) and suitable clothing and footwear. Students who wish to fast can make arrangements with boarding staff. A student’s dietary needs or allergies should be discussed with boarding staff.
PREP TIME
Following the evening meal, students will study together in a calm, relaxed and supportive environment. This is a quiet time so you can concentrate and there is always a member of staff available to help you if needed.
Our Boarding House staff will help you to develop your independent study skills and will provide you with study and revision tips and advice. Supervised study time is essential for boarders in Years 6 – 9.
WEEKEND ROUTINE
SATURDAY
Sortie to Montreux or Vevey or activity
Prep time Year 10-11
Prep time Year 12-13
During Term 2, boarders have Sunday Ski Day from 8.00 am to 5.00 pm with the same evening routine in Term 1 and Terms 3.
6 - 9: 1.00 pm – 4.00 pm
10 - 13: 1.00 pm – 6.00 pm
–
MOBILE PHONES & LAPTOPS
The school day is long and busy, and a good night’s sleep is very important to ensure that each boarder is well rested and ready for the day ahead. For this reason, mobile phones and electronics are handed in overnight. Years 6 to 9 hands them in to boarding staff at 9.15 pm, and Years 10 to 11 at 9.45 pm. Years 12 to 13 do not need to hand their phones in at night. However, if students fail to be on time for school commitments (particularly in the morning, they may be asked to hand in their devices. If a compulsory early morning activity for Years 6 to 10 is run at the weekend, (such as Sunday skiing, electronics must be handed in the night before. The school has a mobile-free policy during school hours, so boarders must leave their phones in the boarding house from 8.10 am until 3.50 pm. Each student is given a school email address when they join St George’s, along with access to the student WIFI network. St George’s has a BYOD (Bring Your Own Device policy and students from Year 8 onwards are required to bring their own laptops.
LEAVING THE SCHOOL FOR A WEEKEND
Students may leave school for the weekend with family or friends, as long as their parents inform the boarding staff (boarding@ stgeorges.ch) by the preceding Thursday.
ENRICHMENT ACTIVITIES ORGANISED WITHIN BOARDING
Co-curricular activities are learning experiences that complement what students learn in the classroom and form an integral element of boarding life.
Co-curricular activities play a vital role in nurturing different aspects of a student’s personal growth. For well-rounded development – emotional, physical, spiritual, and moral – these enrichment activities provide essential support beyond the classroom.
Clubs and activities are offered by the school most weekdays, between 4.00 pm and 6.00 pm. In addition, boarders-only activities are held throughout the afternoons and evenings during the week.
These include on-site activities such as fitness clubs, football matches, and service projects, as well as off-site experiences like skiing in winter, mountain and water-based adventures in
autumn and summer, plus shopping trips, cultural excursions, and a variety of workshops. Weekend activities are compulsory for Years 6 to 10, and we strongly encourage the older students to take up these opportunities too.
We are committed to helping students develop their character and skills during their time with us at St. George’s, and feel it is important that they challenge themselves in order to grow as an individual.
Most of the activities and clubs are covered by school fees, but occasionally there will be a special extra-curricular activity or trip that is not. In these circumstances, we will obtain prior consent from parents to add the charge to the school bill.
ENRICHMENT ACTIVITIES OUTSIDE BOARDING
We encourage students to pursue their interests, with a wide range of clubs and activities available at St. George’s. Some specialised activities are also offered in partnership with local clubs.
The boarding staff are here to help set these up. Such activities may for example include: Horse riding, sailing, rowing, fencing, and football on a more intensive level.
WEEKEND ACTIVITIES
The weekends are for fun and relaxation. Fun and varied activities are arranged every weekend for boarders to take part in. They are an excellent way to make friends, explore Switzerland’s beautiful countryside, visit cities, museums, and art galleries, and discover new interests. We are always developing our weekend programme and welcome suggestions from boarders for new ideas.
HOLIDAY CAMPS
During the holidays, we are proud to offer our students incredible opportunities for exploration, cultural immersion, and personal growth through worldwide adventures.
From exploring ancient archaeological sites to adventures in incredible places, our trips are meticulously planned to provide a balanced blend of educational enrichment and thrilling adventures.
Our holiday programmes ensure a safe and engaging environment for every participant. We prioritise the wellbeing and enjoyment of our students, ensuring that each trip is not only educational but also a whole lot of fun.
We partner with Global Adventures – a team of experienced and passionate educators and guides.
GOING INTO TOWN LEAVE (SORTIE)
The school is situated on a bus route between Montreux and Vevey. Both towns offer excellent shopping, restaurants, and cafés.
Students can leave campus on one or more afternoons per week as well as the weekend. They may visit Vevey or Montreux but must be in pairs at a minimum. Those aged 18, and who have parental permission, may take sortie alone.
Students must sign out at the boarding house before they leave, and sign back in as soon as they return. This must be done in person. If for any reason students are delayed in getting back, they must call or send a message to a member of the boarding house team.
MONTREUX
CLARENS
The area within the shaded areas are where you are allowed to go during your sortie times.
VEVEY
Port du Basset Montreux
Bains de Clarens
Statue de Freddie Mercury
Royal Plaza Montreux
St. George’s International School
Burier
Pharmacie Gambetta
Temple de Saint- Vincent
Montreux Les Planches
Montreux
MONTREUX
Musée suisse di Jeu Alimentarium
Place du Marché
Grand Hôtel du Lac
St. George’s International School
VEVEY
BOARDING PRIVILEGES
REWARDS & SANCTIONS
A system of rewards and sanctions is based on setting oneself high standards and accepting responsibility.
Boarding staff at St. George’s expect high standards from students at all times, and in return, students can expect to have their efforts recognised.
Students’ efforts (academic and community) impact not only on themselves but on the whole school and boarding community. A rewards and sanctions record is kept by the boarding staff and is communicated with –and visible to – the students at all times.
Rewards are given for consistent bedroom tidiness, community service, charitable efforts and acts of kindness.
Sanctions are given for infringements of boarding expectations.
While sanctions – such as the loss of free time, electronic devices, or other privileges – are part of the Boarding House rules, staff encourage students to propose reflective consequences that demonstrate their understanding of mutual respect and trust within the boarding community.
STUDENT VOICE
Boarders contribute to the boarding community in many ways. The student voice is central to the boarders’ ownership of boarding.
Our Boarding Committee meets regularly and any student from Year 6 to Year 13 can make suggestions.
Topics of discussion include: whole boarding issues, expectations, student initiatives, planning, organising and coordinating social, sports and service events in boarding.
MEDICAL INFORMATION
DENTIST AND MEDICAL APPOINTMENTS
Montreux and Vevey have a number of doctors’ surgeries and dentists. When needed, the school nurse will arrange appointments. Where possible, students will be accompanied by the school nurse, or boarding staff, or a member of the boarding staff. If this is not possible, older students can use public transport or a taxi can be arranged. Younger students and those who require assistance will always be accompanied. Emergency appointments can be arranged by the school nurse or boarding staff; all students attending emergency appointments will be accompanied.
The school nurse is available Mondays to Thursdays from 8.00 am until 5.00 pm. We have a dedicated doctor who visits the school once a week when needed as well as a dentist when required.
At all other times senior house members are available for medical matters. In case of an emergency, there are excellent medical facilities close to the school, and the school doctor is also on call for medical advice. First aid medication is available in the nurse’s room as well as the boarding office. It is essential that the parents give their child’s medical history to the nurse at the beginning of term and that any changes are shared with the nurse.
Students’ personal medication MUST be kept in the boarding office and will be administered by the school nurse or senior house members. A detailed record is kept.
Students are not allowed to keep ANY medication in their rooms. If a boarder feels unwell during the school day, they should report to the boarding office directly.
END/START OF TERM TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS
The safe arrival and departure of our boarders is of utmost importance to us.
Therefore, we take great care to arrange the transport to and from the airport and train station at the beginning and end of term. Prior to the end of term, parents will be asked to complete our holiday form to provide detailed information about their child’s departure and return travel arrangements.
The boarding staff must be informed about any changes to the travel arrangements (flight changes or delays, etc.).
Transport in school vehicles to and from the train station and Geneva and Zurich airports, before
and after the summer, winter, and Easter holidays, is included in the school fees as long as the departure and arrival days are respected.
It is also possible to travel by taxi and train to the airport; the boarding house can assist with booking these where needed. The cost of these is charged to the parents/students. There are direct trains to Geneva airport from Montreux and Vevey.
IMPORTANT: Please do not plan to arrive at or depart from school between the hours of 11.30 pm and 5.00 am.
SUGGESTED PACKING LIST
Here is a list of suggested items students may need for their time at St George’s.
PERSONAL CLOTHING
Underwear
6 pairs of socks
2 pyjamas
2-3 pairs of trousers
6 t-shirts
2-3 jumpers / sweatshirts
6 long sleeve t-shirts or similar
1-2 smart outfits
(for events such as Christmas dinner etc)
Swimming costume / trunks and towel
1 waterproof jacket
1 warm coat
(you will also have a St George’s ski jacket)
2 sets of comfortable clothes such as jogging trousers / leggings and sweatshirt / hoodie
3 pairs of sports leggings / trousers / shorts
4 sports t-shirts / tops
4 pairs of sports socks
Traditional costume from their home country (optional)
SHOES
1 pair of school shoes (black, no high heels, no trainers)
1 pair of slippers
1 pair of casual shoes for the autumn and
1 pair for the summer
2 pairs of trainers (one for P.E. and one for casual wear)
1 pair of hiking shoes
1 pair of winter boots
1 pair of flip flops / sandals
ACCESSORIES
1 pair of gloves
1 woolly hat for winter
1 c ap / hat
Sunglasses
Water bottle
Hair drier
PERSONAL ITEMS
Washbag and toiletries personal medication (if applicable) – this is handed to the boarding staff on arrival
Photos (optional)
Small decorative items for their room
ELECTRONIC ITEMS
Mobile phone / iPad (optional)
Laptop
C amera (optional)
Adaptors
WINTER EQUIPMENT
Please bring this after the winter holidays as it will be needed for January
1 pair of skis, poles and boots if already owned.
(If not, we will organise rental equipment)
1 ski goggles
1 ski helmet
2 pairs of ski gloves 1 ski back brace
2 sets of thermal ski underwear 1 fleece
3 pair of ski pants
3 pairs of ski socks
1 pair of sunglasses fit for skiing (unless the student is happy to ski with goggles only)
SCHOOL UNIFORM
Students will receive their school uniform from the uniform shop when they first arrive. Please note navy blue knee socks and tights for Years 7 to 11, and beige trousers for Years 12 to 13 are not sold in the uniform shop and must be brought from home.
Years 7 to 11 school uniform
3 skirts/pairs of trousers
1 blazer and 1 school jumper
7 shirts/blouses
1 tie
Navy blue knee socks and tights (10 pairs)
(please note, these are not sold in the uniform shop)
Minimum of 2 pairs of sports shorts / jogging trousers / leggings / skorts
(long and short items, i.e. one pair of leggings plus skorts or 1 pair of shorts and 1 pair of jogging trousers)
5 sports t-shirts
(at least one must be a house t-shirt)
1 ski jacket
Years 12 to 13 school uniform
7 blue polo shirts
2 school jumpers or Year 12 / 13 hoodies
2 or 3 pairs of beige trousers
(please note, these are not sold in the school uniform shop)
Minimum of 2 pairs of sports shorts / trousers / leggings / skorts
(long and short items, i.e. one pair of leggings plus skorts or 1 pair of shorts and 1 pair of jogging trousers)
5 sports t-shirts
(at least one must be a house t-shirt)
1 ski jacket
LAUNDRY ROUTINE
Each student is given a laundry bag and number at the beginning of the year, with separate bags for underwear. Laundry is done on a Sunday night after prep and students must clearly list all items that go into the laundry on a sheet provided.
The laundry bags are then taken by the student to the laundry on Sunday night or Monday morning before breakfast. School uniform, as well as personal clothes, go into the same bag.
Clean laundry will be returned on Wednesday evening before dinner. Students must ensure that they have enough uniform and personal clothes to last them from one laundry day to the next.
Weekly boarders can give their uniform to the laundry free of charge; any personal items will incur an extra cost. Some clothes may require dry cleaning. The laundry will separate these items and ask the students’ permission before sending them off to external dry cleaners as this will incur an extra cost. Dry cleaned items will be returned two weeks later.
RULES IN THE BOARDING HOUSE
ALCOHOL, SMOKING AND DRUGS
St. George’s International School is an alcohol-free site. Students are not permitted to be in possession or consume alcohol on or off-site during term time. If a student is found in possession of alcohol, the school reserves the right to suspend or exclude the student. The school reserves the right to conduct random alcohol tests.
St George’s International School is a nonsmoking school. It is illegal to smoke in any of the school buildings, including the boarding house and on campus. Possession of, or involvement in the distribution of, tobacco, smoking related materials or vaping materials or associated paraphernalia is strictly forbidden.
Possession of, or involvement in the distribution of drugs, narcotics and any other banned substances is strictly forbidden and will lead to expulsion without the right to appeal. St. George’s International School reserves the right to conduct random testing for drugs based on the suspicion that there has been misuse of these, or any, banned substances.
BODY PIERCING, TATTOOS AND HAIRSTYLE
Under no circumstances are boarders allowed to have body tattoos whilst staying in boarding. It is illegal in Switzerland to ink a tattoo on anyone younger than 18. It is also illegal to have body piercings under the age of 18. Students aged between 16 and 18 may get their ears pierced with their parents’ written consent.
Students may wear one pair of discrete ear studs. The school reserves the right to ask students to remove piercings that are considered inappropriate.
Boarders may re-colour or dye their hair in natural hair colours only. The school reserves the right to tell a student to re-colour their hair if it is deemed an inappropriate colour.
Boarders may not cut their own hair or that of other boarders. In extreme cases students will be instructed to have their hair restyled.
BEDROOMS, FOOD AND VIDEO GAMES
Students are allowed into each other’s bedrooms provided a person from that room is present. If asked to leave by a resident of that room, the visitor must do so and may not return without permission. Mixed gender visits are never allowed. Students are not allowed into each other’s bedrooms after lights out. Boarders are expected to keep their bedrooms neat and tidy. Room tidiness scores will be awarded each day, with the highest scores rewarded.
Boarders are responsible for any damage in their rooms and should notify staff so that repairs can be carried out. Any damage in the boarding house will be paid for by those responsible for it. Any unpaid costs will be taken from the security deposit when the student leaves the school.
Candles, matches and lighters are strictly prohibited in boarding houses. Students may use battery-operated candles and fairy lights only.
Small snacks may be kept and eaten in the boarders’ common room, such as a chocolate bar, biscuit, or an apple but for hygiene reasons, no food is allowed to be kept in bedrooms. If food is found in bedrooms, it will be confiscated.
Students may order takeaways in special circumstances with permission from boarding staff. Facilities are available in the common room for students to prepare hot drinks and snacks; these are to be used responsibly; younger years will require supervision from boarding staff.
Students may not have TVs or games consoles in their rooms. TVs and consoles are provided in common areas.
SOCIAL AND PRIVATE AREAS
All areas of the boarding house must be treated with respect and left exactly as found. Boarders must tidy up after themselves and be mindful of other boarders around them. They should be respectful of other people’s belongings and are asked not to touch anything that does not belong to them or is not for general use. Boarders may not enter another person’s bedroom without their permission.
VEHICLES
Students may keep and use a bicycle at school should they wish. Bicycles should be stored in the racks provided when not in use. Lights must be fitted and in working order before bicycles are taken out. Helmets must be worn when riding, and the rider should demonstrate competent, safe, and responsible use of their bike.
Boarders may not have cars at school, nor can they travel in students’ cars unless permissions are in place from both the driver’s parent/guardian and the passenger’s parent/guardian.
OTHER USEFUL INFORMATION
SAFETY & FIRE
In the event of a fire alarm, students should proceed in silence to the football field and line up in year groups or, after school hours, in boarding floor groups. Fire evacuations practices will take place every term. During evacuations, students must line up in silence ready to respond to instructions immediately.
For reasons of fire safety, boarders are not allowed electrical appliances such as kettles, rice cookers, etc. in their bedrooms. There are kettles and cooking facilities for small snacks in the boarders’ common room. If any electrical cooking appliances are found in the boarders’ rooms, they will be confiscated.
GUESTS AND VISITORS
All parents and guests must sign-in and out of the school site at reception and wear a visitor’s badge while in school. Parents and guests may only visit the common areas of the boarding house and should always be accompanied by a member of the boarding staff for safeguarding reasons.
COMPLAINTS
If students wish to make a complaint, they should speak to a member of the boarding staff. If parents wish to make a complaint about a boarding issue, they may contact the boarding team (boarding@stgeorges.ch).
MONEY MATTERS
Our finance department will assist students with all matters relating to money and finance. Although each student has a safe in their room, we recommend that no large sums of cash are kept in the safe.
We operate a pocket money system which deposits pocket money into the boarding office, ready for students to collect on Fridays and Saturdays.
The pocket money taken is signed for by the students. Students can only take money if there is enough in their account.
Parents are invoiced for the pocket money; the recommended amount is CHF 50 per week for all boarders.
If parents wish their child to obtain a larger amount (for example, if a student is signing out for a weekend and needs a larger sum of money they should please notify the finance department (finance@stgeorges.ch to arrange it. Students can collect this extra money direct from the finance department. The boarding department does not deal with any money matters and parents should please contact the Finance Department directly.
IMPORTANT
We strongly advise students do not lend or borrow money from each other. We cannot be held responsible for any debts incurred.
Students must report missing cash immediately to a member of the boarding team. Where there is reasonable suspicion that a theft has occurred, the police will be informed. We recommend all students lock valuables away in their bedroom safe and keep their safe code confidential. Students should have no more than CHF200 cash in their safe.
REMEMBER
‘Borrowing’ something without asking is theft. Theft could result in students being asked to leave boarding temporarily or permanently.
PASSPORTS, IDENTITY CARDS, PERMITS AND VALUABLES
All passports, identity cards and permits must be handed in to the boarding office when returning from a holiday or trip. They must be signed in and out and will be stored in a locked cabinet.
STUDY LEAVE
IGCSE and IB students have study leave during the third term. The exact dates when study leave start varies each year. For these students there are no classes, although they may use class time to find teachers and get support. Year 13 students may leave once their exams finish and return for graduation.
LUGGAGE STORE
Suitcases are stored in our luggage room throughout the school year ready for boarders to take them when needed for holidays.
Small suitcases can be kept in bedrooms on top of the wardrobes. Over the long summer holidays, boarders can leave some of their belongings in individual trunks that are lockable and clearly labelled. Each full boarder is allowed one trunk. Graduate students must empty their trunks entirely before Graduation Day and leaving the school. Anything left behind will be donated to charity.
MESSAGE TO OUR BOARDERS
And last, but not least, a message to all our boarders in order to get the most out of boarding at St. George’s International School.
– Come with a positive attitude and lots of enthusiasm.
– Try everything at least once and give it your best.
– Make use of everything that’s on offer, in school and outside of school.
– Ask for help. Help others around you. Work hard.
– Make as many friends as you can.
– Enjoy!
We look forward to welcoming you and making St. George’s boarding your second home. We understand that it is not easy to leave family and home but you can be assured of a safe, fun and caring environment here.
The St. George’s Boarding Team
ADMISSIONS & GENERAL ENQUIRIES
Email | admissions@stgeorges.ch
Phone | +41 21 964 34 11
Location | Chemin de Saint-Georges 19, 1815 Clarens, Switzerland
Website | stgeorges.ch