Boarding Student Handbook 2021 - 2022
WELCOME TO BOARDING AT MARYMOUNT LONDON
George Road, Kingston Upon Thames, KT2 7PE United Kingdom | +44 (0)20 8949 0571 | www.marymountlondon.com
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or many of you this may be the first time you have visited England, lived away from home or perhaps spoken English on a daily basis. You may be nervous, but don’t worry! You’ll have a team of people to help you settle in, show you
how things work and make you feel at home. Marymount Boarding is a close family that supports one another. Whenever you have a question or require any assistance, please just ask one of the Houseparents – we are always happy to help. We wish you a successful and memorable year at Marymount. Ms Horton Head of Boarding
Mrs Annie Plumridge Deputy Head of Boarding
Boarding Principles and Aims . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 What do I need to know before I come to Marymount? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 What should I expect when I get to Marymount? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 What is a typical day like in Boarding? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 What to wear at Marymount . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Weekends / Out & About . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Holidays. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Contact and Connectivity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 What do I do if I need help? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 What if I am sick? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 What is there for me to do in Boarding? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Where to go on campus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 What else do I need to know? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Emergency Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 COVID-19 Amendments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Marymount London Boarding Student Handbook
2021-2022
BOARDING PRINCIPLES AND AIMS
Guiding Principles
Statement of Aims
Marymount Boarding Principles are based upon mutual respect and equal opportunity for all; we are focused on fostering a sense of community, social awareness and the importance of personal and spiritual growth, in an atmosphere of trust.
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provide an atmosphere of trust between all persons To within the boarding environment;
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promote openness and tolerance so that every To individual finds confidence to discover herself and her dreams;
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promote kindness in all, to ensure bullying of any To kind cannot take hold;
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provide an environment that is safe, relaxing and To comfortable, and suited to the needs of boarding students according to age and maturity;
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promote a spirit of teamwork and communal To responsibility within the Boarding community;
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encourage and promote the positive development To of every student;
Each Boarding community member, whether staff or student, aspires to safeguard and promote the welfare of all, ensuring protection against harm or neglect. Each member deserves to be treated with courtesy and respect, with a right to appropriate privacy. Every person has a voice and a right to be heard and is encouraged to listen to the voice of others, regardless of race, culture, and belief. Boarding provides a living situation where ‘Unity through diversity’ flourishes; here we recognise and respect all cultures and celebrate our progress in becoming independent and confident members of the global community. Principles are what we stand by, what we believe to be fundamental to the safety and success of all, and are the standards we use to guide our behaviour.
Boarding staff have primary responsibility for the holistic care of each boarding student. We aim to provide a safe and secure environment where a student can grow to her full potential in an atmosphere of love and support, in which we are able to listen to her needs and affirm her efforts; challenging her to reach beyond any barriers of self-doubt or anxiety to become the agent of her own growth and development. Aim: an objective that we are trying to accomplish
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Marymount London Boarding Student Handbook
2021-2022
WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW BEFORE I COME TO MARYMOUNT?
Where will I live?
Sharing a room
There are three Boarding Halls:
For some, Boarding at Marymount may be the first time sharing a room with another person. This can be an adjustment, and we are happy to provide some helpful tips for a happy and healthy room atmosphere.
• Butler (Grade 11 Diploma students) • Gailhac (Middle and High School) • St Joseph’s (Grade 12 Diploma students) You will have a room in one of these halls based on your Grade; typically, you will share a room with one or two other boarding students. Single rooms are set aside for Grade 12 students who are studying the final year of the IB Diploma Programme.
Being a good roommate • If you would like to listen to music, it is always kind to check with your roommate to make sure she does not mind the music. Otherwise, please use your headphones.
As a Marymount boarding student, you will have a ‘Boarding Buddy’ who will contact you before you arrive to answer any questions you might have. When at school, she will help you feel comfortable and supported in your new ‘home away from home.’
• Please be considerate of your roommate and keep your room tidy. This also makes cleaning your room easier for the Housekeeping team. • Some girls like to use fairy lights and to decorate the whole room. Please ask before you stick anything to the wall, and make sure everyone is happy with the extra lights.
You will also be part of one of four school “House Teams”: St. Jean, St. Croix, St. Felix and St. Constance. Exciting competitions are organised throughout the year to generate team spirit. At the end of the year, the House with the highest points total wins the coveted House Cup. Boarding students can win pink slips for positive behaviour which also count towards House points.
• If you would like to watch a movie, choose one that interests you both and watch together. • It is completely normal that you and your roommate might feel a bit homesick now and then. Try to support each other and cheer each other up, but also allow each other some space.
Your rooms contain a bed, wardrobe, desk, shelving unit and noticeboard for each student. You can personalise your noticeboard with pictures of your friends and family. You will have access to shared bathrooms, and showers. The Halls all have filtered drinking water machines.
Language As an International School, Marymount has a wonderfully diverse population of students. When you are in the School, especially if there is a mix of nationalities present, we ask that you speak English. This may be difficult at first, as you might not feel confident with your English, but practice makes perfect! This will help you practise your language skills, and make sure everyone feels comfortable. Always remember to be polite and friendly to your roommates, other girls in your Hall, and members of Staff.
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Marymount London Boarding Student Handbook
2021-2022
Laundry and Linen
Electrical Items
If you’d like, Marymount will provide you with and wash the following items:
You may bring: • an approved charging cable (note that most generic chargers often don’t pass PAT testing) • hairdryers • straighteners or curlers
• Sheets and pillowcases • Towels The School will also wash and iron your school shirts. At the end of the year (or whenever necessary) the Head Housekeeper can arrange to have your blazer dry-cleaned at a small cost.
Please leave at home: • weighing scales • kettles • mini fridges • electric fans/heaters • any type of kitchen appliances
Dirty linen should be placed in laundry bins in the Halls. School shirts need to be legibly labelled with your name. Fresh linen is available in a basket in the Hall corridor. You may choose to make your room feel more like home by bringing your own duvet/comforter, pillows, bedlinen and towels, but you will be required to wash them yourself, at least once a week.
Certain appliances are available in communal areas in the Boarding halls. Lounges also have TVs where you can relax, unwind, do homework or talk to your friends. • Gailhac Lounge Fridge, kettle, microwave and hob • Butler Lounge Fridge, microwave, kettle
Each Hall has designated laundry days and times. Please respect this communal space and use the bins provided for any rubbish. Make sure you remove every item from the machines and spin the barrel to check for any item that may be stuck or out of sight.
Remember • Put your name on all your belongings. • We recommend that you purchase a laundry bag to store your unwashed linen during the week. • Boarding provides detergent but not fabric softener. The School prefers eco-friendly products. • We highly recommend you bring a couple of zip-up mesh laundry bags to prevent the loss of socks and underwear.
• St Joseph’s Kitchen (Grade 12) Fridge, microwave, kettle and hob • Room 20 is available during the evenings and weekends for all boarding students to relax and socialise. You will need to bring your own adapter plugs if you have a different plug than the UK three pronged 220-240 volt plug. All appliances must be unplugged after use and stored in a suitable location i.e. not on your bed or on the floor, as they can become a fire risk. Each year the Maintenance Staff arranges Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) for any electrical items to make sure they are safe for use. Your Houseparent will tell you when they are coming. If you buy something new during term time, please tell us so that we can arrange for it to be tested.
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Marymount London Boarding Student Handbook
2021-2022
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT WHEN I GET TO MARYMOUNT?
Arriving On Campus
Swipe Cards and Security
When you arrive at Marymount, you will meet your Houseparents, who live in your Halls and who are there for help, advice or just a chat, day or night! The Houseparents will support you with all personal, academic, social and medical problems.
The Marymount campus is a safe and secure environment for all students, and we have CCTV cameras, coded gates and security personnel to ensure your safety on Campus.
The Houseparents and members of the student Boarding Council will meet you when you arrive on campus. They will show you to your room and provide a tour of the Boarding Hall. You will be given time to unpack and to meet the other girls in your Hall. Once you have unpacked, you will take your suitcase(s) to the Trunk Room, found on the lower floor adjacent to the Dining Hall. Suitcases remain here and are collected when needed in order to give you maximum space in your bedroom. Please make sure your name is marked on each item you store in this space. Over the summer holidays, you do not need to take everything home; you can store at school up to 2 medium crates and a bag with duvets and pillows.
Boarding has a swipe card system to enter the Halls. On arrival, you will receive a swipe card and cardholder, a lanyard, and a padlock for the lockable drawers in your room. This swipe card gives you access to your Hall and your room. If it stops working, you can swap it for a new one at the Boarding Office. However, if you lose it, you will need to buy a new one (£5 charged to your School account). You are responsible for your personal belongings and should always make sure that they are securely stored when leaving your room. You need to return the lanyard, swipe card and padlock at the end of the year. In the unfortunate event that an item is misplaced please report it to your Houseparent straight away. She will help you look for it; if it cannot be found, together you will complete a Lost Property Form. We recommend all belongings be clearly named.
You will be required to hand in several items for safekeeping: any money (over £50), your passport, and all medications. We will store your passport safely in the Boarding Office which you will sign out as needed (holidays or weekend trips, as necessary). Medication is not permitted in your room; please discuss this regulation with your parents in advance of your arrival. See details on medication and what to do if you become sick on page 13.
Day One • Meet your Houseparents • See your room and tour your Hall • Meet the other girls in your Hall • Unpack and store your suitcase(s) • Hand in items for safekeeping • Receive your swipe card and cardholder • Attend the Induction Programme
Finally, a special Induction Programme has been prepared to help you find your feet. The schedule for this event will be available on the School website so that you may look ahead to see what we have planned.
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Marymount London Boarding Student Handbook
2021-2022
What is the food like?
Can I bring my own food?
Our catering staff work hard to provide a variety of healthy food choices at every meal, and they meet often with the Boarding Council Food Committee to keep abreast of the needs of the Boarding community. If you have any food allergies or dietary restrictions, please inform the School Nurse and Head of Boarding; if possible, bring a letter from your doctor outlining these needs.
You are welcome to bring some of your own food to Boarding. If occasionally you would like to prepare something for yourself in the Lounge, you are welcome to do so as long as you register first in the Dining Hall. The Lounge contains a small fridge, hob, and microwave. The Halls all have filtered drinking water machines. Dry food may be kept in an airtight bag in your room. It is important to be considerate of space in the room. Please do not eat hot food in your rooms; this is to avoid strong smells and spillages which might encourage little creatures to join us in Boarding!
The Dining Hall is located on the ground floor of Butler Hall; this spacious, light area is used for socialising as well as meals. We gather here for special Boarding events/Hall meetings, study here over the weekends, and enjoy snacks/ games together in the evening and weekends. All students who are on campus during mealtimes must come to the Dining Hall and register with the duty Houseparent. If you choose to prepare something for yourself or are planning to order take-out (weekends only), we ask that you still come down to register with us so we can catch up on your day and make sure you are well. If you are ill, please find a quick way to inform the Houseparent on duty, by either telling your roommate or communicating through the Boarding Teams page. Please help to keep our Dining Hall clean by tidying your table and placing your tray on the tray stand after you finish eating. Fruit is the only food to be taken out of the Dining Hall. If you have been off campus and brought food back with you, or you have ordered take-out on the weekend, you can eat this in one of the Lounges or the Dining Hall.
Out of care and consideration for students and staff with serious nut allergies, Marymount follows a strict ‘no nut’ policy. Restricted items include Kinder Buena, Ferrero Rocher, Nutella, and almond milk.
Take-Out Orders So, you feel like a pizza? Sushi? Chinese takeaway? Burger and Fries? Well, you can have that, on weekends at the times listed below. The Security guard on duty will receive your order from the delivery person, and you can pick it up from the Boarding Office. Please do not go to the gate. You may eat your food in the Lounges or in the Dining Hall.
Remember to always wear footwear in the Dining Hall.
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Friday: 17:00 - 20:30
Saturday & Sunday: 12:00 – 20:30
Marymount London Boarding Student Handbook
2021-2022
WHAT IS A TYPICAL DAY LIKE IN BOARDING?
Meal Schedule MEAL
DAY
TIME
Breakfast
Weekdays (Monday - Friday)
begins at 7:30am Grades 6-11 arrive by 7:45am Grade 12 arrive by 8:00am
Breakfast
Saturdays and Sundays (cereals, hot drinks, toast and pastries)
9:00 - 10:00am
Lunch
Weekdays (Monday - Friday)
per your class schedule
Brunch
Saturdays
11:30 - 13:00
Lunch
Sundays
12:00 - 13:00
Dinner
Monday - Sunday
17:45 - 18:30; arrive by 18:15
On Saturday and Sunday you only need to attend breakfast or brunch/lunch. This means you can have a lie in in the morning, as long as you register at brunch/lunch. You can attend breakfast on Saturday and Sunday in pyjamas; however, you should be modestly covered and wearing footwear. Dinner registration is compulsory if you are on campus.
Before School
After School (Monday to Thursday)
You may use the shower rooms from 6:00 am onwards; we ask that you do not play music before 7:00 am (or after 10:00 pm) out of consideration for other boarding students.
Snack
Breakfast Breakfast is served from 7:30am; please sign in with the Houseparent on breakfast duty. You should come to breakfast in school uniform. After you have eaten, please clear away your tray and leave the Dining Hall tidy. We encourage you to engage and socialise at meal times, and discourage all ‘tech devices’ at meal times. This is a great time to make new friends; look out for someone sitting alone and ask her to join you. You should leave Boarding by 8:25am so that you are on time for your first class at 8:30am. Houseparents will be in the Halls until 8:35am. During the school day, it is possible to return to your room with assistance from the Boarding staff, School Administrator or the School Nurse, however, we ask that you prepare yourself for the entire academic day before leaving for classes in the morning.
Afternoon snack is available in the Dining Hall. This is a time to socialise with other boarding students, speak to Houseparents and collect your post and parcels. Please come to snack to say hello to the Houseparents and tell them what activity you will be engaged in after snack. See COVID19 amendments on page 19.
Study Study is a time for you to complete your homework, work on projects, or revise. Houseparents supervise and ensure that everyone respects this valuable quiet time to complete assignments. Group work can be completed in a different classroom when talking is necessary; please ask the Houseparents to help you arrange this. Otherwise, we ask you to keep the noise down, and help everyone complete their work with minimal distractions. During Study, you may use your phones to listen to music with individual headphones; texting, social media, and phone calls are not permitted. If you are using your laptop, phone or iPad for anything other than study, the Houseparent may remove the device to help you concentrate on the tasks at hand. Eating snacks is not encouraged during study. Think of other people’s crisp packets or popcorn at the movies; it drives you crazy, right? – 7 –
Marymount London Boarding Student Handbook
2021-2022
Bedtime
Grades 6-10: We have two supervised study sessions every weekday which take place in the Gailhac classrooms. You may choose which session you attend: a minimum of one is required. Please let the Houseparent on duty know where you will be and/or your chosen activity of the day. Early Study: 16:45 - 18:00 Late Study: 19:00 – 20:15 Grades 11-12: Supervised study time takes place between 19:00 and 21:00. You may choose to study in your own room; your door must be open and you should be working at your desk. Grade 11s may choose to study in the Library; Grade 12s in the DP Lounge. Head back to the Halls by 21:00. When studying in the Diploma Lounge, Library, Art Room or Music Rooms, please inform the Houseparents where you will be. We appreciate that your programmes are demanding and want to make this time as calm for you as possible.
Late Snack At 20:30, there is snack for Grades 6-10 in the Dining Hall. Grades 11 and 12 may go to snack after the late study period has finished at 21:00.
Grades 6 and 7
21:30
22:30
Grade 8
21:45
22:30
Grade 9
22:15
22:30
Grade 10
22:30
23:00
Grade 11
23:00
23:30
Grade 12
23:30
23:30 (last check)
On Sunday to Thursday nights, boarding students in Grades 6-9 will be asked to hand in all their technological devices to the Houseparents 30 minutes before lights out. These will be placed in safe storage and charged overnight. Houseparents will be available to return the devices at or before breakfast. Grades 10, 11 & 12: Please be respectful of your roommates and do not use your electrical devices after lights out. This can be disruptive to others, as well as to your own sleep. We want you to be as well rested as possible for the next day. We encourage healthy sleeping habits and hope you will work with us in this important part of your day. Worry-Free Wake-ups Bring an alarm clock to help you wake in time for breakfast or ask the duty Houseparent for help the night before. We are here to assist you in establishing your own routines to fit in with ours, and look forward to working with you.
Please do not take snack out of the Dining Hall and remember to help clear up afterwards. Now is the time to play some music and dance, play games or chat; relax and get to know your community.
-Free Table Talk! Tech
WEEKEND
At bedtime, the Houseparent will knock and enter your room, check that you are feeling well, say goodnight and turn out the lights.
Dinner begins at 17:45. Please make sure that the duty Houseparent sees you and you say hello. Please arrive before 18:15 to ensure you get dinner before it is cleared. If you are returning late from an activity or club, do let us know and we will save dinner for you.
Please clear the trays away by 18:30 so the kitchen staff are able to finish their duties prior to heading home.
WEEKDAY
Please return to your Hall by 21:00. Remember to be out of the bathrooms and in your own room, preparing for bed, 15 minutes before lights out. You are encouraged to spend a little time in the evening preparing for the next day’s school schedule.
Dinner
Please leave the Dining Hall in a tidy state by tucking your chair in, clearing away any litter and putting your tray away. Only fruit should be taken from the Dining Hall.
BEDTIME (Lights out)
All tech devices including phones, iPads and laptops are discouraged during weekday meal times. Over the weekend, these rules are relaxed in line with more casual dining. Tech privileges increase in higher grades. This policy encourages independence from technology and helps to grow friendships and increase social spirit.
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Marymount London Boarding Student Handbook
2021-2022
WHAT TO WEAR AT MARYMOUNT
Uniform
Hair
• Blazer for formal occasions such as Asembly on Wednesday morning or Mass
If you are in Grades 6-8, your hair must be tied back. In Grades 9-12, your hair may be down but should be tidy and off the face. Your hair should be a natural tone, and we ask you not to dye it in the Boarding Halls.
• On days that you don’t need your blazer you could wear a navy blue cardigan (front buttoning), navy blue ‘V’ neck jumper, Marymount fleece or Letterman Jacket (you can order this during the year).
Jewellery You may wear a single stud earring in each ear, a watch and a small chain if it is for religious observance. You will need to take it off for sports classes. Please don’t bring or wear extremely valuable or highly sentimental jewellery. It is really heart-breaking if they are lost or broken.
• Tartan skirt (Gr 6-8) navy blue; ‘A’ line skirt (Gr 9-12) or navy blue, full length trousers • White open neck blouse, long or short sleeve, with shirt collar (tucked into skirt)
Please note that tattoos, nose rings or face piercings are not allowed. Please keep makeup to a minimum during the school day, and nails clear of coloured varnish or fake nails.
• White or navy knee-length socks or navy tights • Plain black leather shoes (no pumps, trainers or casual shoes)
Leisure Wear
• Optional: Navy or white headscarf Once each term at a Hall meeting we will have uniform inspection to ensure that students have the correct uniform. We will support you by making sure you have everything you need so that you can wear our uniform correctly and with pride.
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We want all boarding students to feel at home, which includes being able to relax in more casual attire on weekends and in study halls. Note however, this does not include wearing pyjamas around campus.
Marymount London Boarding Student Handbook
2021-2022
WEEKENDS
Sunday Mass On Sunday, we sometimes celebrate Mass in the Chapel. On these occasions, you should be downstairs in Gailhac by 10:50am in preparation for Mass. You should be nicely dressed for chapel. Pack appropriate attire which includes trousers and a nice top or a dress or skirt of appropriate length. Please don’t bring your mobile phones or water bottles to Chapel. Mass is a time for personal reflection and a chance to deepen your relationship with God, and we ask you to remain quiet and calm before and after the service. On Sundays when there is no Mass on campus, you are welcome to accompany the participating group who might attend Mass at St Ann’s Church on Kingston Hill. A Houseparent will accompany you to the service and back.
Checklist For Overnight Trips on the Weekend: TO STAY WITH YOUR PARENT(S) OR UK GUARDIAN:
Have your mum, dad or guardian send an email; let them know they need to sign you out from the Boarding Office when they collect you. TO VISIT OR STAY WITH A FRIEND OR OTHER FAMILY MEMBER:
Have your friend or other family member send an invitation by email, which includes their address, correct phone number and the times of your departure and return.
See COVID19 amendments on page 19.
Have your parent or guardian send an email providing permission.
On some Sundays we will hold our own Chapel Service, celebrating the liturgy of the day and various aspects of community life. We are always glad of student involvement in these services. All persons on campus are required to join these events.
Let your host know that they will need to sign you out from the Boarding Office when they collect you.
Weekly Boarding Students
HOME (ABROAD) FOR THE WEEKEND:
Weekly boarding students can leave School on Friday after 16:00 and return before 20:00 on Sunday or by 8:15am on Monday morning. When you return on Monday morning, please sign in at the Boarding Office. If you need to remain at School for the weekend, your parents should inform the Head of Boarding by email. A charge for the extra nights will be added to your account.
Email flight details (both ways) to the Boarding Office. Have your parents send an email confirming that they are expecting you, along with details to/from the airport.
ALL permission emails noted above should be sent to: moderator@marymountlondon.com.
End of the weekend On Sunday evening, the return time for all boarding students to campus is 20:00. After this time, the office will be closed so the Houseparents can attend Hall meetings which might be scheduled or supervising the Halls, in preparation for the start of the week.
The Boarding Office will confirm all trip details with your parent(s) and the host family.
If you have been out of the country during the weekend, we request that you return to the School no later than 21:00. If you are unable to do so, we request that you stay with your Educational Guardian overnight and return to School in the morning. Please do contact the Head of Boarding if you have any problems in this regard.
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Marymount London Boarding Student Handbook
2021-2022
OUT AND ABOUT
Going Off Campus
GRADES 6-7: Travel in groups of 3 or more SIGN OUT
We always encourage students to safely explore the vibrant communities available to us. You might like to visit Kingston, central London or to visit family and friends. Your parents will complete a form at the start of term giving permission for you to go to Kingston and/or London. When you are ready to leave campus, always sign out (and in again) at the Boarding Office. Sometimes your family will come to visit during the week, and you are welcome to sign out to see them for the evening or overnight. Parents should email in advance of their visit, so we can be prepared to welcome them.
Things to Remember • Your phone should be fully charged when leaving campus. • The Boarding Office should have your current phone number. • Keep the Helpline number (077 8636 5947) saved in your phone. • You must stay in your groups at all times. • Make sure you know your correct return time.
RETURN BY
Tuesday after school
18:30
Friday after school
19:00
Saturday 9:00am
19:00
Sunday 12:00 10:00am if no Mass on campus
19:00
GRADES 8-9: Travel in groups of 3 or more SIGN OUT
RETURN BY
Tuesday after school
18:30
Friday after school
20:00
Saturday 9:00am
20:00
Sunday 12:00 10:00am if no Mass on campus
20:00
GRADE 10: Travel in groups of 2 or more SIGN OUT
Booking Taxis
RETURN BY
Tuesday after school
18:30
Friday after school
21:00
Saturday 9:00am
21:00
Sunday 12:00 10:00am if no Mass on campus
20:00
GRADE 11: Travel in groups of 2 or more SIGN OUT
Taxi journeys can be paid for through your School Account; please complete a form at the Boarding Office and we will book the taxi for you. Advance reservations for taxis are highly recommended, especially at busy travel times and we do like you to be on time. ** Uber and other rideshare companies are not authorised as we have no contact details should a problem arise. Please respect this ruling.
RETURN BY
Tuesday OR Thursday after school
19:00
Friday after school
21:30
Saturday 9:00am
21:30
Sunday 12:00 10:00am if no Mass on campus
20:00
GRADE 12: Travel in groups of 2 or more SIGN OUT
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RETURN BY
Tuesday AND Thursday after school
19:00
Friday after school
22:00
Saturday 9:00am
22:00
Sunday 12:00 10:00am if no Mass on campus
20:00
Marymount London Boarding Student Handbook
2021-2022
HOLIDAYS
Marymount (and Boarding) is closed over October half term, Christmas break, February half term, Easter and Summer vacations; during these breaks you may return home, stay with your Guardian, or stay with a friend.
closes, you will need to stay with your Guardian until you can fly home. Similarly, if you arrive back to the UK before Boarding opens, you will need to stay with your Guardian.
The dates of the holidays are published a year in advance to make it easier for you to book flights and make travel arrangements that fit in with Marymount term dates. The term dates can be found on the website (www.marymountlondon.com). Your parents are asked to book your flights in plenty of time, to make sure you can catch a flight after school finishes. (Flexible flights are also recommended in these uncertain times.) We appreciate that sometimes flights can be difficult to find at certain times of year; if you cannot find a flight on the day that School
We do not authorise early departures for vacations. In the event of special circumstances that require you to leave early, your parents must apply for permission from the Deputy Head through the Boarding office: moderator@marymountlondon.com. If your travel arrangements require you to leave either very early in the morning or very late at night, we request that you stay with your guardian to minimise disruption to the Halls.
CONTACTS & CONNECTIVITY Acceptable Use Policy
Sending/Receiving Letters/ Parcels
You will be provided with a copy of the Acceptable Use Policy in your Welcome Pack from Admissions. This policy helps you use and enjoy the networks we provide, while keeping your own work and our systems secure. Students and Parents are required to read, understand, sign and return a copy of this policy.
You may send letters and parcels from School Reception, with the postage charged to your School Account. Please ask the Receptionist for assistance. You are welcome to shop online, and for deliveries to be made to School. Post is brought to the Boarding Office daily, where you can collect it from 16:00.
Notes on Technology • School Wi-Fi is available to all students; the password will be in your welcome pack. • If you need help with your logins, access to Wi-Fi or any other technical questions, please contact the School Administrator. • Please tell us if you change your mobile number. • You are welcome to use the phone in the Boarding Office if your mobile is not working or has no credit.
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Marymount London Boarding Student Handbook
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WHAT DO I DO IF I NEED HELP? Boarding Office The Office is open all day until 20:30, and there will always be a member of staff there to assist you. You can also call the Boarding helpline number at any time or send a message via Teams.
Sometimes you may need someone to lend an ear, listen to your story, and give a bit of advice. Your Advisor, Head of Year, Teachers, Houseparents and all other staff members can do just that.
We’re here for you
…to talk …to listen …to help
SCHOOL COUNSELLOR
0208 949 0571 x223 counsellor@marymountlondon.com Tuesdays and Thursdays: 11am - 6pm Fridays: 11am - 4pm You will find the School Counsellor’s office next to the Infirmary (behind Room 20). sᴛᴀf f ᴄᴏnᴛᴀᴄᴛ infᴏrᴍᴀᴛiᴏn
hᴇᴌᴘ ᴏᴜᴛsiᴅᴇ sᴄhᴏᴏᴌ:
Ms Langan, Designated Safeguarding Lead 0208 949 0571 x202 Out of school hours: 07557 271546 langana@marymountlondon.com
Kingston Safeguarding Services 0208 547 5008
Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leads:
Childline 0800 1111 Independent Listener: Ms Ursula Seiler 07974087317
Ms Horton, Head of Boarding boardinghead@marymountlondon.com 0208 949 0571 x268 or x242 (after hours)
Mrs Annie Plumridge, Deputy Head of Boarding plumridgea@marymountlondon.com 0208 949 0571 x268 or x242 (after hours) School Nurse 0208 949 0571 x252 nurse@marymountlondon.com
NSPCC www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/ our-services/nspcc-helpline 0800 136 663 Office of the Children’s Commissioner 0800 528 0731 www.childrenscommissioner.gov.uk
Mrs Giblin, Headmistress (DSL Trained) 0208 949 0571 x254 headmistress@marymountlondon.com
If you have a worry, you may post it confidentially in the box located outside the infirmary or in the Gailhac bathrooms.
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Marymount London Boarding Student Handbook
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WHAT IF I AM SICK?
If you are sick in the night, please knock on your Houseparent’s door or call the Boarding Helpline. The Houseparents will help you as much as possible, so please do not wait if you feel unwell and need help.
Medication
In the morning, if you feel able to get up, please meet with the School Nurse in the Dining Hall; if not, ask your roommate to alert the Houseparent on duty. The Nurse can give you medicine if required or make arrangements for you to see a doctor. Only the Nurse will decide whether you should miss school or not. If you are ill for more than a few days, your Guardian will be contacted, and you might need to stay there until you are feeling better. This will be discussed by the Medical staff with parents and guardians.
You will be asked to give all medicines to Houseparents when you arrive. All prescribed medicines must be accompanied by a prescription in English and be in the original packaging marked with your name. If this is not present, we may not be permitted to administer the medication until the School Nurse has been able to make all the necessary safety and regulatory checks. Please be advised that not all medicines are licenced for use in the UK; please make enquiries in advance if you believe this might be an issue.
Through the day until 18:30, the Nurse will be available in the Infirmary. You may speak with the Nurse regarding any medical or personal matters. The Nurse is required to keep confidentiality. If she is not in school, please go to the Duty Person in the Office.
You can take your medication at breakfast or in the evening (handed out by the Houseparents) or go to the Nurse during the day. If you are over 16 years old and require medication on a regular basis, please take the opportunity to discuss the issue privately with the School Nurse when you arrive.
At the beginning of the year, you will be registered with our local NHS Medical Centre. The Nurse can make appointments for you to see a doctor. They can also arrange, as necessary, for you to see a dentist, optician or specialist. The Nurse can be emailed at: nurse@marymountlondon.com
UK regulations are extremely rigorous about keeping students and medication secure on School premises.
Medication (such as ibuprofen and paracetamol) as well as your prescribed medicines are available from the Boarding Office when the Nurse is unavailable. All boarding students are checked for head lice early in each term as a general safety necessity. Please discuss this with your family so you are not alarmed at the procedure. We do our best to keep the process low key and noninvasive. Please understand we are required to ensure that all boarding students are clear on arrival. See COVID19 amendments on page 19.
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Marymount London Boarding Student Handbook
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WHAT IS THERE FOR ME TO DO IN BOARDING?
A variety of activities are offered throughout the year, both on and off campus. • Off-campus activities include: trips to the Theme Parks, West End Theatres and other places of cultural interest; climbing, trampolining or hiking outside.
BOARDING COUNCI L
• On-campus activities include: dance classes, hall games, baking and cooking, puzzles, movie and murder mystery nights.
The Boarding Council is a group of students who meet regularly to work on issues that influence Boarding life. They represent the boarding students in a positive and constructive manner, acting as the voice of the boarding student body. The new Council takes position in February, so keep an eye out for the posters when the new Council is forming. Boarding Council are asked to:
All trips will be advertised in the Halls and the Boarding Office. Keep an eye on the sign-up sheet and join in early; some activities have space limitations. Trips may be charged to your School Account; the amount will always be indicated on the posters.
• Bring the specific issues or concerns of boarding students to the Boarding Team’s attention.
We like to open our excursions to day students so you have an opportunity to invite a day friend to join you if numbers permit. Once you have signed up for a trip and a ticket has been purchased in your name, you are committed to attending. If you cannot attend, please inform a member of staff in the Boarding Office and try to find a replacement. This practice helps us to learn to keep a diary, honour our commitments, try something new and interact with other students away from campus…and most importantly, have a lot of fun!
• Suggest ideas for future developments. • Organise celebratory activities for the boarding community. • Place all boarding students in a ‘Boarding Family’, in which you will participate in games and quizzes at our regular Boarding events. • Meet with the Headmistress regularly to discuss boarding life.
Boarding Fundraising Committee The Boarding Fundraising Committee holds regular events, offering special delicacies, ice cream, pizzas, waffles and other treats for sale in aid of the RSHM African Missions. If you would like to get involved and help raise money, look out for the posters advertising the information meeting.
Cultural Events The School and Boarding Community frequently recognizes cultural festivals (e.g., Christmas, Easter, Chinese New Year, Diwali, Eid and Africa Day amongst others) through the hosting of special dinners. Every year we celebrate International Day, an occasion when our students dress in National Dress, present performances that reflect their national identity, and celebrate an opportunity to try food dishes from the nations represented amongst our student population. Perhaps check the calendar and think about something you might bring to represent your homeland and culture. – 15 –
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WHAT TO DO ON CAMPUS
Communal Areas Across the Boarding halls, there are places to relax, unwind, do homework or talk to your friends and family. There are three Lounges, each equipped with kitchen facilities and sofa areas to relax. We ask all students to tidy up after they use the Lounges, i.e., wash up any used pots/pans/plates, put them away and clear the litter. Hot food should be eaten at the tables in the Lounges; this helps to prevent spillages on the sofas and carpet. You may not eat hot food in your rooms. The same is true for any communal area that you use – tidy away any mess you make, put things back where they came from and put all rubbish in the bin. Leave these areas as you would wish to find them.
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Marymount London Boarding Student Handbook
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Chapel
Sports Hall and Gym
The Chapel is open daily for all members of the Marymount Community. You are welcome to take time to reflect and to spend quiet time in this holy place. In addition, the Spiritual Life Co-ordinator will organise quiet times of prayer and reflection throughout the year.
The Fitness Centre is available to all boarding students over 14 years old. This is a government regulation so we are unable to make exceptions. It will be open between 18:30 and 21:00 every night and during the day on the weekends. For safety, you must go in pairs. Boarding Council can add you to the Gym Buddy group if needed, so you can always find someone to join you. You will need to have an induction with the PE teacher to ensure you fully understand how to use all of the equipment.
Art Room and Library The Art Room and Library are open until 21:00 during the week, and on Saturday/Sunday from 10:00–21:00, or after Mass. See COVID19 amendments on page 19.
Music Room
As part of your Diploma CAS or MYP Service as Action programme, hours can be claimed for using the gym; when you arrive make sure to write your name on the list and the time you arrive and leave. Apart from the Sports Hall, we have a large outdoor grass area, which you can use to exercise, spend time alone or play games with others. Tennis and all-weather courts are available for use during recreation time.
We have a well-equipped Music Room that you are welcome to use. You may store your instruments in the Music Room.
Dance Pod Our new Dance Pod is available for practice in the evening and over the weekends.
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Marymount London Boarding Student Handbook
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WHAT ELSE DO I NEED TO KNOW?
School Bank
White Slips
The School Bank is located in the Business Office (Main House building). For security, we ask you do not keep more than £50 on your person or in your room. If you know that you are going to need more than this amount, your parents should email Accounts (accounts@marymountlondon.com) to notify the Business Office and copy in the Boarding Administrator who will collect your money for you. When you withdraw money from the bank, it is your responsibility to store it safely. You have a lockable drawer in your room; the school is not responsible for the loss of money or other valuables.
In Boarding, you may be given a white slip for repeatedly making poor choices or for failing to follow Boarding regulations. After three white slips, sanctions are put in place. Please see the School Behaviour, Rewards and Sanctions Policy for further details.
Credits
Room of the Week Each week, one room is chosen as “Room of the Week”. This is awarded either to the tidiest room, the room that has shown most improvement, and/or often to the room whose roommates have shown the most care and consideration of each other. ROOM OF THE WEEK = PINK SLIPS!
In Boarding, as in School, you are able to collect pink slips as credits, which are added to the House totals at the end of each Term. This is a chance for boarding students to contribute extra House points. You can get credits for helpful behaviour, participation in Boarding events and acts of kindness towards others. There is a reward system where you can collect pink slips and trade them in.
Standards of Conduct Please refer to our website for the School Behaviour, Rewards and Sanctions Policy.
• 5 pink slips: miss Supervised Study one night, (although you have to make sure you keep up with all work outstanding). • 10 pink slips: order take away food to be delivered any night of the week (to your account). • 20 pink slips: enjoy a pizza party on us! You can join your slips together with friends to win a pizza party, which will probably earn you another pink slip for collaboration and Boarding spirit!
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Marymount London Boarding Student Handbook
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EMERGENCY INFORMATION
Security
In an emergency…
The School is located on a private estate and this is a safe area of the UK.
If you have an accident (or witness one): • You should keep calm, tell whoever is in charge and follow instructions.
To ensure that you feel safe and secure, Boarding can only be accessed by a swipe card. CCTV is installed in the downstairs areas and there is an electronic security gate.
• When reporting an accident, be clear and concise, giving the name of the casualty, the condition i.e. unconscious, bleeding, broken bones and the location etc.
Marymount also has a security team who take regular patrols around campus. During term-time they are on duty at the following times: Monday to Saturday 6.15am to 10.15pm & Sundays 10.00am to 9.15pm.
• If reporting on the telephone, make sure all questions have been answered before putting the telephone down.
The School also has an excellent relationship with the local Police Schools Liaison Team who visit regularly.
• Always return to the location (unless it is unsafe to do so) after reporting the accident.
Fire Drills If you hear the fire alarm, you must remain silent and leave the building (closing windows and doors). Leave by the nearest and safest exit – fire doors have green signs above them to help in evacuations. Do not run – walk quickly. Once outside, go to the Assembly point and remain in silence.
From phones inside the School:
• During the day, dial 242 for the School Office, 220 for Reception or 252 for the Nurse.
• Outside school hours, call 242 for the Boarding Office.
The Assembly point is on the front lawn next to the driveway, in front of Gailhac courtyard. During the school day, you will line up by Grade and your advisor will register you. During Boarding hours, (overnight and at the weekend), you will line up by your Hall, and your Houseparent will register you. It is not possible to discern if it is a fire alarm or a fire drill, therefore you must follow the instructions of the staff quickly and efficiently for your safety. You should always have slippers and dressing gown close at hand in case of fire alarms.
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Marymount London Boarding Student Handbook
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COVID19 AMENDMENTS
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Afternoon snack is served in allocated areas to Grade ‘bubbles’ instead of the Dining Hall.
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We are not currently attending Mass at St. Ann’s while restrictions on gatherings are in force.
• Houseparents and medical staff are required to maintain social distancing as much as possible, so we may not affect these personal checks until the situation clears up. We request a thorough check is undertaken by parents before you arrive. However, things happen, so please don’t worry if you think you have a problem; it is easily sorted. • The Library might be out of bounds, owing to Covid ‘bubbles’, but the Librarian is always available by email and through the Boarding Office. •
Quarantine periods should be spent with Guardians; please check with the uk.gov website for travel restrictions.
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Always wear a mask when outside of your Boarding hall.
Wash your hands often.
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3 Stay within Boarding ‘bubble’ and designated spaces.
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Have your temperature checked before breakfast.
K ping Boarders Safe at Marymount
‘Catch it, Bin it, Kill it’ when you cough or sneeze.
C O VI D - 1 9 S A F ET Y M EA S UR ES
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Wear a mask in taxis/shops; shower/change upon return to campus.
Hand sanitise before/after meals, snack, and study/activity sessions.
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Keep windows/doors open when sharing a space with others.
Follow the laundry rota; sanitise equipment before/after use.
If you have any questions or concerns about these guidelines, please speak with your Houseparent.
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