snowy mountains grammar school Boarding School Handbook
Welcome from the Principal, Dr Andrew Bell
We warmly welcome you and your family to the Snowy Mountains Grammar School (SMGS) Boarding House.
Our mission is to work with families to develop wellrounded young people with active and creative minds, who understand and have compassion for others, a passion for life-long learning, and the courage and confidence to act on their beliefs. The Boarding House plays a pivotal role in helping students achieve these goals by providing a nurturing, supportive and challenging environment that fosters personal growth and development.
Within our boarding community, you will acquire valuable life skills, develop independence, tolerance, patience and empathy, and forge lifelong friendships through shared experiences. Our dedicated boarding staff are committed to supporting our students and creating a positive, nurturing and secure environment where you can thrive academically, socially and personally.
Boarding is at the heart of our school’s identity, and it will provide you with a great residential life, broad cocurricular programs and an outstanding educational experience, with the unique opportunity to live in and explore our spectacular alpine region.
We hope you and your family enjoy a long and happy association with SMGS and look back fondly on your time as a boarder. I encourage you to read this handbook and learn more about all that residential life at SMGS has to offer.
Dr Andrew Bell Principal
Welcome to Boarding from the Head of
Boarding, Mrs Melissa Kenney
Welcome to the boarding community at Snowy Mountains Grammar School. We provide a warm and welcoming ‘home away from home’ to our boarders. Our boarders come to us from both rural and metropolitan areas in NSW and the ACT, together with some from other states and even internationally based expatriate families.
We are confident our boarders will enjoy their time at SMGS in this unique community of around sixty students, and we look forward to working with our boarding families to ensure this, as student and parent happiness is very important to us. Boarding students will also have the opportunity to meet with and learn from the staff members in the boarding community. They are committed to creating the conditions in which boarders can lead safe, purposeful and happy lives.
This handbook is intended as a guide to living in the boarding community and provides information that is helpful to both students and their families. It attempts to give details of the way things are done, and should be referred to from time to time. One thing that students will find is that while they will fit into an established
routine, every now and then something will come up which is out of the ordinary. That is when students should try to understand why things are done, as well as what is done.
It is a good idea to read the explanations of any routines— this will help students to make their own decisions that are in keeping with the spirit of our guidelines. Above all, students should ask if they are not sure what to do, as we are always happy to provide advice and assistance. We aim to be flexible, where possible, to provide an individual, nurturing and positive experience for all students.
If you have additional queries after reading this handbook, I would be only too pleased to assist you further.
I look forward to welcoming you into our community.
Mrs Melissa Kenney Head of Boarding
SMGS Boarding
Boarding Aims
In Boarding, we aim to:
• provide strong pastoral care to enable each boarder to develop to the best of their ability
• promote respect and tolerance for other people in a supportive environment
• protect the welfare of each boarder by providing a safe environment
• develop an atmosphere of trust in which each boarder feels able to approach any member of staff and be treated as an individual and with respect
• provide an environment in which each boarder can work, develop sound academic habits and achieve the best results they are capable of
• provide a range of activities and opportunities to encourage the personal, social and cultural development of each boarder
• provide accommodation that is comfortable and appropriate and which provides suitable privacy
• develop boarders’ responsibilities for self, for others and for the environment, including their own personal health and hygiene
• develop boarders’ ability to make decisions and to promote the qualities of leadership and teamwork
• encourage boarders to share aspects of their lives and also to offer advice, counselling and support
• prepare them for the next stage in their lives.
About Boarding
Boarding offers many opportunities, both social and academic, which can be difficult to match at home. This is why many families choose boarding. The life of a boarder is active and fulfilling, with age-appropriate routines designed to help them thrive academically, physically and socially, and offering students the flexibility to develop a sense of self. Students are also encouraged to actively participate in the school’s co-curricular offerings. Every weekend, activities are designed around the interests and initiatives of the students to help them develop a sense of community and keep them active and entertained.
Snowy Mountains Grammar School has been a boarding school from almost the first day . It is fully co-educational and non-selective, with boarding commencing in Year 7. Most boarders are full time (seven days a week), but we do have weekly boarders, who have the flexibility to go home on weekends.
Boarding Structure
Boarders at SMGS reside in one of four houses:
• Senior Girls (Year 12*)
• Senior Boys (Year 12*)
• Junior Girls (Years 7–9)
• The Doug Olding Wing (Years 7–11 Boys/Years 10–11 Girls)
At times, a select number of Year 11 students may reside in these houses. This is on an as-needed basis only, and the Head of Boarding, with staff, will allocate these students, based on ‘best fit’.
All students eat together in the dining room for all meals.
Facilities
• Single bedrooms for all full-time students
• Bed, desk, chair and heater in each room
• Basin, mirror and vanity in each room
• Term 3 and ESA students will share a double room
• Laundry and bathrooms in each wing
• Drying room
• Bike and snowsports shed
• Common room(s) in each house, with kitchen facilities, TV, DVD, Apple TV, streaming services (Netflix), etc.
• Access to Wi-Fi
• Barbecue facilities
• Sport facilities (basketball courts, oval)
• Library onsite, open 8.00 am–5.30 pm, Monday to Friday, and 3.00–6.00 pm on some Sundays.
Boarding Staff and Roles
Our boarding team is known for their dedication, caring nature and unwavering support. They work tirelessly to create a warm and nurturing environment for our residents, going above and beyond to ensure the Boarding House is truly a ‘home away from home’ for its residents.
Head of Boarding
The Head of Boarding manages the daily requirements of the boarding house to support the efficient and effective operation of the boarding house. The Head of Boarding coordinates staffing, communicates with boarding families and oversees student requirements, to deliver a successful boarding house program.
Director of Residential
The Director of Residential is a member of the Executive, responsible for and reporting on all aspects of Boarding to the Principal. In addition, the Director of Residential supports the boarding community by advocating for students, staff and families to ensure positive outcomes that align with the strategic goals of Snowy Mountains Grammar School.
Boarding Supervisors
The Boarding Supervisors are responsible for the knowledgeable and compassionate day- to-day care of boarding students whilst they are in residence. The Boarding Supervisors will know each student in their care as an individual and will offer a nurturing environment where there is trust, respect and kindness. The Boarding Supervisors will actively and positively contribute to providing quality care and education to all boarders in the SMGS community.
Counselling
The school’s counsellors are highly qualified. They closely collaborate with the boarding team, referring students for assistance in various areas. With their expertise, the counselling team is well equipped to provide essential support to our students.
Catering
Our kitchen is run by an independent catering company (Cater Care) and managed by a local experienced chef.
Cleaning
The house is commercially cleaned by an independent company regularly. One of the boarding supervisors manages the house and ensures the common spaces are kept clean and tidy. Students are expected to clean and tidy.
Communications
SMGS actively encourages communication between parents, boarding staff and students to support the school’s commitment to learning and to reinforce the values and attitudes fostered in the classrooms and the Boarding House. Boarding is very much a partnership between home and school, so parents should be encouraged to contact the Head of Boarding or the Boarding Supervisors if they have any questions or concerns. The main sources of information produced for students and families are:
Sentral (Student and Parent Portal)
This is our main communications platform for our SMGS community. Please refer to the Communications Handbook.
Canvas
This is our Learning Management System (LMS) for all academic courses and resources. Boarding has its own Canvas page and we regularly use this for our programs and information.
Aspects
This online magazine is produced each month and is sent directly to parents and carers. Aspects is available online through our Sentral Parent Portal and social media platforms.
Boarding Parent Meetings
Communication and feedback from parents is always warmly invited. An email to the Head of Boarding is the best way to communicate during the term.
Boarding parents also have the opportunity to attend meetings to provide an important parent perspective to the Head of Boarding about the boarding community. Meetings are held in Terms 1, 2 and 3. These are held at the commencement of term in the afternoon of the day that boarders return. Notification of times is given closer to the date.
Reports
Students will receive a formal Boarding Report at the end of each semester. This will comment on their contribution to the community, together with personal and academic development.
Boarding staff will also informally communicate a student’s progress throughout the term via email and telephone conversations with parents.
SMGS Boarding Instagram
You can follow the boarding community @smgs.boarding. This provides a snapshot of the whole boarding community and especially focuses on weekend activities and the special achievements of boarders.
Please email boarding@smgs.nsw.edu.au to ask to join (this private account).
Delivery and General Contacts
Delivery address (for all mail and parcels)
Snowy Mountains Grammar School
6339 Kosciuszko Road
Jindabyne NSW 2627
School Website www.smgs.nsw.edu.au
Boarding Emails boarding@smgs.nsw.edu.au
School Emails info@smgs.nsw.edu.au
SMGS Instagram smgs.boarding
SMGS Facebook @snowymtnsgrammar
School Reception
8:30 am - 4:30 pm 02 6457 1022
Boarding House Office
3:00 pm - 9:00 am daily 02 6457 1022
Boarding Staff Duty Mobile
6.30–9.00 am and 3.00–10.30 pm 0413 814 442
Boarding Staff Contacts
Head of Boarding and Operations: Mrs Melissa Kenney melissa.kenney@smgs.nsw.edu.au
Deputy Head of Boarding: Miss Annalese Smith annalese.smith@smgs.nsw.edu.au
Boarding Manger: Mrs Nadia Maxwell nadia.maxwell@smgs.nsw.edu.au
Boarding Supervisor: Andrea Cooper andrea.cooper@smgs.nsw.edu.au
Boarding Supervisor: Ashlee Johnston ashlee.johnston@smgs.nsw.edu.au
Boarding Supervisor: Mr David Cooper david.cooper@smgs.nsw.edu.au
School Counsellor: Mrs Alex Dawson alex.dawson@smgs.nsw.edu.au
School Counsellor (not in Wednesdays): Ms Charlie Brown charlotte.brown@smgs.nsw.edu.au
ALL ON-DUTY STAFF boarding@smgs.nsw.edu.au
School Staff Contacts
Principal: Dr Andrew Bell principal@smgs.nsw.edu.au
Deputy Principal: Mrs Danielle Goucher danielle.goucher@smgs.nsw.edu.au
Head of School (Middle/Senior): Mr Tim Bland tim.bland@smgs.nsw.edu.au
Head of Teaching and Learning: Mr Paul Horvath paul.horvath@smgs.nsw.edu.au
Enrolment Officer: Mrs Jacqui West jacqui.west@smgs.nsw.edu.au
Director of Curriculum: Dr Darryl Nelson darryl.nelson@smgs.nsw.edu.au
Life at SMGS
A Typical Boarding Week
The structure of the day varies from day to day, but a typical weekday routine which a boarder can expect is outlined below.
A Typical Boarding Weekend
This routine varies depending on the weekend activity. There is typically a full day event or activity on Saturdays.
Weekday Routine Breakdown
Note: Students who have external co-curricular commitments are accommodated where possible in the routine shown below.
Monday - Friday (Sample)
7.00 am Wake up—staff will knock on student doors.
• Breakfast—all students are required to attend breakfast
7.15 am
• Students may wear pyjamas to breakfast prior to 7.45am - shoes need to be worn
• Students must be ready in full school uniform if they choose to attend breakfast after 7.45 am.
7.30 am Roll call.
8.00 am Breakfast finishes.
Students are required to:
• shower and be fully dressed for school, with bed made and room tidied, ensuring lights and heaters are turned off
7.45 – 8.35 am
8.25 am
• perform any duties required, if rostered
• be prepared for the school day, as students are not allowed in the Boarding House during the day
• present to boarding staff for dispensing of any required medication.
• Students should be ready for a room check with a tidy room.
• Students to collect technology required for the school day (Years 7–10).
8.35 am Students leave for school.
3.35 pm
3.40 – 5.15 pm
• School concludes—all students required to sign back into the Boarding House.
• Afternoon tea is available.
• Afternoon activity/free time—students may sign out with permission to go to town or to a sporting activity.
• If students wish to wear their school uniform when they sign out, it must be full school uniform (including blazer).
• All Middle School students must be back in the house by 5.00 pm, or by 5.15 pm for Senior School students.
5.15 – 5.45 pmWhole boarding house group physical activity (Monday afternoons).
5.45 pm Students to get ready for dinner—they must have changed out of school uniform.
5.45 – 6.20 pmDinner service.
6.45 pm Prep time, Monday to Thursday. Friday—no Prep.*
*Early Prep - Bright Sparks 3.45- 5.00 pm Tuesday and Thursday will count towards Boarders Prep for that day.
Bedtime and Lights Out
Health professionals speak about the need for adolescents to have eight to ten hours’ sleep per night. In the Boarding House, we support this with bedtimes and lights out.
Bedtime means that students must return to their bedrooms. They can use this time to prepare for bed. This time is about relaxing and switching off from their day, and Year 7–10 students are required to hand in their technology to staff.
Lights out is when students need to be in bed with their room light off and it is time to go to sleep. If a senior student is consistently staying up late, staff will oversee the student’s study program and organisation.
Weekend routines for technology will allow Year 10 students some more flexibility with handing in. If they are independent and managing their screen time, staff will negotiate later hand-in times with them. Students who need more guidance and help will continue to hand in their technology over the weekend.
Activities
There are many activities organised through the school and the Boarding House. This is to ensure that our students stay active. Exercise is very beneficial and has been shown to help the whole body cope better with stress and also helps the brain to function for optimal learning. Therefore, all students in Years 7–11 are required to participate in at least one activity per week in addition to Wednesday’s school sport. They are free to choose which activity they participate in from the variety provided at school, either from external providers or they can organise their own activity such as a weekly skate park session.
All students are required to attend the Monday compulsory activity from 5.15 pm to 5.45 pm. Most students are active with co-curricular programs on other days, and staff will organise walks, games or activities for students as required.
Weekend Activities
Boarding staff organise activities each weekend for fulltime boarding students. Staff will publish a schedule of activities at the beginning of each term. Some activities are compulsory and some are optional. Some activities will also incur an additional cost.
Typically, an outing will happen on Saturday—for example:
• A walk and picnic around the lake
• Swimming and water slides at the Thredbo Leisure Centre
• A trip to the beach
• Activities in Canberra - laser tag, ten pin bowling, indoor rock climbing, go-karting, paintball, mountain biking, etc.
Sunday is usually kept as a day of rest for students; however, there are times when an activity will be available. A weekly trip to the cinema is possible on Friday night, depending on the movies available.
During Term 3, weekend activities are snow based.
Sample Weekend Activities
• Canberra day trips, which may include ice skating, art gallery, shopping, skate parks, escape room, mini-golf, park walks and picnics.
• Local hikes - Blue Lake, Mt Kosciuszko.
• Coach trips - Merimbula, Pambula, Cobargo (beach fun and markets).
• Sport & Recreation Centre in Jindabynetrampolining, archery, high ropes.
• Local-swimming, BBQ lunches, lake fun, Dalgety Snowy River, paddle boarding, kayaking, trips to Cooma, shopping, lunch and games on the local oval, Gaden Trout Hatchery.
• Attend local events, such as the Cooma or Dalgety shows (including preparing entries, e.g., craft, cooking, art), the Cooma Rodeo and the annual Sheep Dog Trials.
Externally Provided Activities
Many of our students take part in externally provided activities. Parents should speak to the Head of Boarding initially and then book participation through the external provider. Once organised, written permission to attend must be provided to the Head of Boarding. For more information on any of the following, please contact the Head of Boarding in the first instance.
Services
Food
The school employs qualified chefs to prepare meals for our boarding students. The catering team provide fresh, seasonal meals, catering for a variety of dietary requirements.
The school caters for special dietary needs, with a range of choices at each meal. Please note that SMGS is a ‘nutaware’ school, not ‘nut-free’. Specialist dietary needs (for example, diabetic or coeliac) should be communicated on the student’s medical forms prior to commencement. Those students who are vegetarians must inform the catering staff at the beginning of each year. Other special diets can also be accommodated, including items such as soy milk and wheat-free meals. The catering team will be made aware of these requirements through the Head of Boarding.
Kitchen
Students have access to a kitchen that has a microwave, kettle and fridge. Students must label items if leaving them in the communal fridge. All cutlery and crockery items need to be washed and put into the dishwasher once a student has used them. The oven and cooktop are available for limited use—they are not available to prepare foods to substitute for the boarding meals provided.
Food-Related Concerns?
Contact the Head of Boarding or duty staff member. Any student who misses a meal owing to a clash with a school commitment will have a meal provided by boarding staff on their return.
Expectations
All students are expected to attend all meals. Any change to this arrangement must be confirmed with the Head of Boarding.
Appropriate attire, as set out by boarding staff, must be worn at all times.
Laundry
The school has fully equipped laundries in each residential house for boarders. Boarders wash their own clothes and linen. There are clothes dryers and clothes lines available for use (students need to supply their own pegs). Washing detergent is provided, and staff will assist new boarders with the use of the machines. An iron and ironing board are also available.
It is essential that all clothing is clearly labelled with the student’s name. This includes all casual clothing, and personal underwear/socks. The school will not accept responsibility for lost laundry which was not adequately labelled. For guidance, iron-on labels do not generally survive the long-term effects of the laundering process. The school recommends Cash’s name labels, which can be found at the following link: cashs.net.au/product/clothing-labels-standard-sew-in (Standard Sew In Clothing Labels).
Staff can assist with sewing on buttons and fixing minor repairs to uniforms. Students should speak to a duty staff member to see what can be managed.
Dry cleaning of blazers should be done at home during the term holidays. Unfortunately, this is a service not provided locally.
Wellbeing
At SMGS, wellbeing is seen as a collective responsibility, supported by our 4Peaks Behaviour program that focuses on positive relationships, self-awareness and values-guided action. We aim to develop and broaden character in our students, so they engage in life as wellbalanced and open-minded aspirational young people. We aim to develop the whole person—spiritually, ethically, intellectually, physically and emotionally.
Boarding staff are part of an extended wellbeing team approach that operates across every aspect of school life. Along with the boarding staff, student wellbeing is supported by the school counsellors, heads of school and house tutors.
Every student is allocated a house (SMGS has four houses: Cascades, Kiandra, Mowamba and Twynam) and is assigned a tutor. The tutor assists with student welfare, behaviour management and academic performance, and the student remains with their tutor group for three years across the Middle School. The tutor group then changes as students enter the Senior School. Tutor groups meet at the beginning of each day to help implement our wellbeing programs, which address topics such as mental health, relationships, study, hygiene, cyber safety and bullying.
What Can I Do if Things Go Wrong?
There may be times when a student feels homesick, upset or anxious. Talking with friends or family is for many the first step in resolving the problem, but there are others who could also be of help.
The tutor, a boarding supervisor and the Head of Boarding will always be ready to listen, as will any other member of staff. Every student should have at least one adult that they find approachable and are comfortable talking to. In addition, the school counsellors all have considerable experience in dealing with problems experienced by young people.
Student Leadership
SMGS believes that all students are leaders on some level, at all ages. We develop a student’s capacity for leadership by first learning about self. Students move from learning about self to learning about others in preparation to lead them. The Boarding Captain(s) is chosen each year from Year 12. This leadership process is undertaken by the Head of Senior School, and Boarding Captain is one of the major roles in the Year 12 leadership team. Year 12 boarders can also apply/
be considered for other major day school roles in the leadership team.
Every senior student leader’s role in the Boarding House is one of supporting staff, liaising between staff and students, and providing a role model for others. Some senior students will also accept leadership responsibilities, such as acting as mentors to the younger students.
School leadership representatives from each year group will be elected to the Boarding Representative Council and meet with the Head of Boarding fortnightly to discuss important issues pertaining to boarding.
Boarding Buddies
For new students in boarding, the Head of Boarding will select an existing boarder (usually another student in their year) to act as a buddy/mentor to the new student. This program is a great opportunity for students to demonstrate our School Values of C.A.R.E. (Courage, Authenticity, Respect and Empathy) and to support and welcome the new student into our boarding community.
Health and Safety
Medical Care and Emergencies
Medical Procedures
The school has a positive relationship with the NSW Ambulance Service, the local medical practitioners and the nearby Cooma Health Service and Hospital. Students are afforded a high level of health care while boarding at the school.
All boarding staff have a first aid qualification. They can treat minor illness or injuries in accordance with their training. If a student is unwell or injured, they should inform a staff member. A decision will be made about the required treatment in consultation with the student (and parent, if necessary).
Students with asthma, diabetes, allergies, epilepsy, etc., all have individual medical plans determined by their medical practitioners. The Boarding House regularly monitors these plans. The heads of school, the catering team and the school administration all have copies of these plans, which should be kept up to date on the student’s Operoo (the school’s personal information system) profile.
If you have concerns about your child being ill, please contact the staff on duty via the Boarding House phone 0413 814 442 or email boarding@smgs.nsw.edu.au
Unwell Students
If a student is unwell in the morning, they will need to let the staff on duty know. An assessment will be conducted and the appropriate response made. This may include:
• the student spending a day or part of the day resting in sick bay or in their room
• an appointment being made to see a doctor.
If the student has a condition that will require several days of bed rest or which might prove contagious or infectious in a community-living situation, then arrangements will generally be made for the student to go home or to a guardian’s house.
If a student is unwell during the school day, they should let their teacher know and ask to go to the School Office to access sick bay. If a student is unwell at any other time, including during the night, they should contact the boarding staff on duty.
Non-Prescription and Over-the-Counter Medication
Students are not permitted to store and/or dispense their own non-prescription medication. It is important that all students hand in any medication that they may need throughout the term. This is so that staff can monitor a
boarder’s condition and ensure that the right medication and dose is given. However, there are instances where this does not pose a problem and, with the direct knowledge and consent of the Head of Boarding, this may be allowed.
The Boarding House has a small supply of over-the-counter medication that can be given to ill students.
Prescription Medication
It is a legal requirement that all medications (clearly named) are handed in to the boarding staff, preferably in a Webster pack. Medication must not be kept by boarders except with the permission of the Head of Boarding. We recommend the use of an eScript to allow staff ease of access for refilling. All prescribed medications must be clearly labelled with the correct name, dosage, etc., from the chemist in the original bottle/box. It is an expectation that parents support these requirements for the safety of their child and other boarders. This medication must be included on the student’s Operoo profile and needs to explains all long- term medication being taken and details about the administration of the medication.
If details about dosage should change, parents need to contact staff, update their child’s Operoo profile and send an accompanying medical letter confirming this. Staff cannot legally change medication doses without doctors’ orders.
Medication will be dispensed at 7.30 am and 9.30 pm every day, unless organised otherwise. Students are responsible for reporting to the boarding office at these times to receive their medication.
Medical Appointments
At times, students may require a medical appointment with a doctor, dentist, psychologist, physiotherapist, etc. These appointments may be organised through boarding staff, or parents may organise these—in which case parents must inform staff. Where possible, appointments should be made for before or after school.
For younger students, a boarding staff member will accompany them to the appointment. The staff member who accompanies this student will provide feedback to the parent.
Students over sixteen years of age are legally able to see a medical professional without an adult present. These students will be able to make their own decision about the attendance of an adult at their appointment. These students will have the responsibility of providing feedback to their parents.
Re-entry to Boarding (after an extended period of absence)
In the event of:
Extended illness over holidays
Please discuss these matters with the Boarding staff. It is important that relevant staff are informed as there may be further complications, repeat of the condition or special management conditions required.
Extended illness that has encroached or may encroach on school time
It would be important to discuss the intended absence (where possible) in order to arrange work to be completed at home.
Emotional distress or mental health concerns
In these events, it is always advisable to inform the Head of Boarding and/or School Counsellor. Extra support and understanding is substantially easier when we know the details. This is always managed with appropriate levels of confidentiality. A Wellbeing plan, and return to school plan will be created together with student and their caregivers.
Behavioural episodes
Where students may have been returned home by the Principal for a period of suspension following behavioural issues, parents need to schedule an appointment with the Director of Residential to negotiate a re-entry plan.
IN ALL CASES – parents are requested to please discuss the matters with the appropriate staff on returning students to school. This often requires an appointment to be scheduled in order to ensure effective reintegration of your child into the community.
Bullying
Bullying is an ongoing misuse of power in relationships through repeated verbal, physical and/or social behaviour that causes physical and/or psychological harm. It can involve an individual or a group misusing their power over one or more persons. Bullying can happen in person or online, and it can be obvious (overt) or hidden (covert).
Bullying of any form or for any reason can have longterm effects on those involved, including bystanders. Single incidents and conflict or fight between equals, whether in person or online, are not defined as bullying.
Bullying includes:
• Physical attack (hitting, kicking, sexual assault, theft)
• Verbal attack (name calling, racist, sexist or homophobic comments, offensive remarks,ridicule)
• Indirect bullying (spreading rumours, explicit exclusion from social groups)
• It can include doing one or more of the preceding acts repeatedly by use of modern technology such as email, text messaging and social networking sites.
Elements of this behaviour:
• It is hurtful, disrespectful or offensive to other people
• It is intentional, uninvited, aggressive or inappropriate
• The recipient feels powerless and/or violated
Response to Bullying
The SMGS community does not condone bullying or harassment and the following procedures have been established to deal with such unacceptable behaviour should it occur. It is crucial to note that the school cannot respond to any behaviours that may be occurring unless staff witness or are notified about the behaviour. Parents and their children are encouraged to notify the school about any incident as soon as it occurs, so that the issue can be handled quickly.
Initial Investigation
When anti-social or inappropriate behaviour is reported to a staff member by a student, parent, bystander or confidant, it will be investigated. The Head of Boarding (or Head of School) will conduct an initial investigation to determine the nature and frequency of the behaviour. However, if it is a major incident or the behaviour is repeated and has continued after an initial incident, it will be treated as bullying.
School Warning Bullying Offence
If the anti-social behaviour is deemed to be bullying, the Head of Boarding (or Head of School), will conduct a further investigation to determine the severity of the incident.
• All parties will be interviewed and notes recorded.
• Students involved will be offered support and the student responsible for the bullying will be issued with a clear and explicit warning that the behaviour is inappropriate, and needs to cease.
• Parents/guardians of all parties will be informed.
• The incident will be recorded as an official School Warning – Bullying Offence on the student’s file and parents/ guardians of this student will receive a written notification of this
• Counselling staff will conduct follow-up discussions with both parties but punitive action may not be taken at this stage.
Consequences for ongoing bullying may terminate a student’s enrolment at Snowy Mountains Grammar school.
Safety and Security
Alarms, Keys and Security
The Boarding House is fitted with intruder security alarms to all external doors and the internal door between the girls’ and boys’ wings. The alarms ensure a safe and secure environment for students at night and protect the facility during holiday periods and Exeat weekends. Quality security screens are also fitted to windows.
All students are required to sign out whenever they leave the Boarding House and to sign back in on their return. It is the role of the boarding staff to support the safety and security of all students; therefore, when students are not in the Boarding House, it is important for staff to know where they can be located.
All students are given a wrist band, allowing them access to the Boarding House, except during the school day. This is a swipe system, and doors lock and unlock via our security system. Doors lock at 8.45 am and reopen at 3.35 pm. Staff can also lock doors at any time, if the need arises (e.g., emergency lockdown).
Security of personal belongings is important. All students are supplied with a key for their room at the beginning of the year. If the key is lost, a replacement fee will be charged, at $10 per key.
Students should ensure that they lock their bedroom door every time they leave and keep their key with them. Students are personally responsible for the security of their room. No student is permitted to access another student’s room while they are not present. Students are encouraged to leave expensive or sentimental items at home, or utilise the safe in the boarding office.
Insurance
The school does not provide insurance for boarders’ personal belongings. We recommend these be included on the family’s household insurance and that extra cover be taken out to protect boarders’ valuables while out and about. The school cannot accept responsibility for money or valuables left in the Boarding House.
Emergencies
All staff members are prepared and trained for emergencies and serious incidents, including procedures for emergency evacuations and lockdowns.
An emergency evacuation occurs when there is a threat from an occurrence within the building or buildings, such as a fire or gas leak. Students must leave the buildings in an orderly manner and assemble at the Evacuation Assembly Point.
In a lockdown situation, where the perceived threat is external to the buildings, such as a disturbance on the school grounds, and where the safety of the students is potentially threatened. In such a case, students are to remain indoors with windows and doors secured until notified by a staff member that it is safe to move.
All boarders are aware of the Emergency Evacuation and Lockdown procedures for their residential house and for the Boarding House. Drills are held each semester.
Matches, lighters, candles, oil burners and incense are all banned from the Boarding House owing to the safety issues they present.
CTV Cameras
We have a number of CCTV cameras installed at selected areas around our campus. The cameras are installed outdoors and are for school property security. However, cameras are also installed in dormitory foyers and common rooms as an added security measure. These are utilised by Leaders only as required when a security issue is raised.
Travel and Leave
Management of Leave
REACH
REACH is a secure and user-friendly cloud platform that keeps track of where our boarders are, future leave requests and who the host is, making it easy for boarding staff and parents to ensure that everyone is safe and accounted for.
Just prior to arrival at SMGS, parents and students are sent a weblink via email with all the necessary information on how to use REACH.
At the conclusion of weekend leave, Middle School students must be back on site and in the house by 5.30 pm on Sunday, and Senior School students by 7.30 pm on Sunday. With permission, returning to school by 8.45 am on Monday is possible. If a student is late back on a Monday, then they MUST obtain Academic Leave from the School Office (reception@smgs.nsw.edu.au). All leave is at the discretion of the Head of Boarding.
Leave
Parents/carers are asked to make all leave applications via the school’s REACH system. Boarding staff are responsible for approving leave. Information about REACH will be forwarded to parents by the school’s IT Department. If you have problems accessing this system, please contact IT on help@smgs.nsw.edu.au
Parents are asked to make direct contact with the host whenever they are allowing their child to take overnight leave with another family. All hosts must be over the age of 21. Please ensure you are aware of where your child is going.
Boarding Absences
If a boarder is returning late from approved leave, parents/carers are asked to notify the Head of Boarding as soon as possible.
Any unexplained absences from the house at any time, when the student is expected to be present, will be followed up immediately by boarding staff.
School Absences
Leave that involves any aspect of the day school constitutes Academic Leave. Academic Leave must be granted by the day school before boarding REACH leave is approved by the Head of Boarding. Parents must apply for Academic Leave through the Sentral Parent Portal.
All medical (and other) appointments should be made after school hours. In the event that an emergency appointment is scheduled during the day, a boarding supervisor will be available to transport the student to and from the appointment.
Weeknights
Weeknight leave is strongly discouraged unless it is with a student’s parents. All boarders are expected to attend Prep as a priority.
Town Leave
Town Leave covers the central business district of Jindabyne, including the shopping centres, both new town and old town, the skate park, Jindabyne Oval and the walk along Kosciuszko Road between school and the town. It does not include private houses, the lake or sports facilities. Boarders need to ask for specific leave to visit other areas. Boarders are required to note where they intend to go in REACH prior to leaving the house.
Owing to the increased number of people in Jindabyne during Term 3, for child safety reasons, a boarding staff member will supervise Years 7 to 10 in town in Term 3. Years 11 and 12 will have the privilege of unsupervised Town Leave with conditions on numbers in order to ensure their personal safety.
Note: Swimming in the lake is not allowed under Town Leave arrangements.
Other Leave
We encourage our boarders and our day students to mix with each other outside school. Day parents are encouraged to invite our boarders out at the weekend for an evening meal, to see a movie with their children, or to visit for the day. Such leave needs to be applied for, using the REACH system, and setting out the times of departure and return to the Boarding House, and the mode of transport. The host’s phone number and email address should be included in the request. This leave needs to be approved by boarding staff.
Exeat Weekends
In Term 1 there is a scheduled Exeat weekend. This is a weekend when boarders are encouraged to return home. The house will remain open for students who require supervision (interstate or international students). Students should plan to either go home or sign out to a friend or family member. Exeat weekends commence after school on Friday. Special permission may be given for students living beyond Canberra to depart early on the Friday. The Exeat allows students and staff to have a mid-term break from boarding and, where possible, reconnect with family.
In Term 3, the residence remains open for all students who would like to remain for snowsports activities and training.
Travel
Boarder’s Travel Pass
These passes are available to all boarding students whose parents are permanent residents of New South Wales. The pass allows the student to travel between the school and the destination closest to his/her home address on NSW Trainlink-provided buses, coaches and trains.
A student may obtain such a pass by contacting the Head of Boarding. If a pass is lost or stolen, then another form must be completed and there is a $30.00 charge for the re-issue. It takes approximately ten days for passes to be processed.
This pass is issued by NSW Transport and must be carried by the student whenever he/she is travelling on NSW Trainlink trains and coaches. The pass is only available for travel on weekends and at the beginning and end of term. The pass is only allowed to be used by the student to whom it is issued and must not be shared with or lent to any other student. If students are caught doing so, then their passes will be confiscated and they will have to pay for any further NSW Trainlink travel.
School Drive Subsidy
Parents who drive their child from their home to school and parents who have to drive some distance to collect their children from NSW Trainlink stops may be eligible for the School Drive Subsidy. For more information, go to: www.transportnsw.info/tickets-opal/ticket-eligibilityconcessions/school-student-travel
Transport to Appointments
Appointments outside Jindabyne must be arranged during the school holidays. On the rare occasions when this is not possible, the parent may pick up their child and transport them to and from the appointment and the student will be allowed to be absent for this purpose. If the school has to take a student to an appointment outside Jindabyne, all associated costs will be charged to the parent’s account. Transport in a school vehicle is charged at a per-kilometre rate. This will be calculated and quoted to families when arranging the transport. The cost of accompanying staff may also be incurred.
Buses
Weekly Bus
The school operates a bus to Canberra every Friday and Sunday to transport students home and back for the weekend. Any onward travel from Canberra is arranged by the parents. Please note that there is a charge for this user-pays service, which is $45 one way (subject to change). The service is also provided at the commencement and end of term; i.e., whichever is the relevant day for boarders to return and depart each term, according to the term calendar. Throughout the term, the bus runs according to the published timetable.
School Buses
The school has a fleet of buses which are available for boarding use. These buses are utilised for activities and boarders’ transport. All buses are driven by SMGS staff, and a fee for use may be applied for some activities. Local public buses incur a fee when students ride on them. This includes buses to Thredbo, Cooma or Jindabyne town. Students will need to pay the driver as they get on the bus.
Academic Support
Boarding life provides excellent academic support for boarders. The residential houses have comfortable study spaces for senior students and give excellent access to other school facilities outside normal school hours. All year groups benefit from the presence of academic staff who can assist with homework, and we strive to know our students’ academic potential and support their personal bests.
The residential houses conduct group study sessions where support is provided for students to complete their homework (Prep). This occurs in cohorts in the school library. From Monday to Thursday there is a formal Prep time each evening. Prep normally runs from 6.45 pm until 8.30 pm, with the timeframe increasing in relation to students’ age. HSC students are welcome to continue their study in their rooms after supper.
Prep is held Monday to Thursday each week at the following times:
Years 7 and 8: 6.45 – 8.00 pm
Years 9 and 10: 6.45 – 8.15 pm
Years 11 and 12: 6.45 – 8.30 pm (students may continue after this time if needed).
During this time, students are expected to complete all relevant assessments and revision. It is the student’s responsibility to record all homework and assessments on the school’s Learning Management System (Canvas). Staff on duty will check Canvas during Prep to ensure that students are completing all required work.
Supper is from 8.00 pm to 8.30 pm, at the end of Prep. Boarding staff will monitor the productivity of boarders during Prep and will inform academic staff if there are any issues. If a parent is concerned about a child’s prep or study habits, or staying up late, etc., please contact either the Head of Boarding or the relevant tutor.
Bright Sparks
Bright Sparks takes place on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons and provides students who need assistance with extra academic support. Bright Sparks is staffed by a combination of teaching and learning support staff. This opportunity is open to any student regardless of ability but is often taken up by those students who may be struggling with aspects of the academic program.
Private Tutoring Arrangements
If parents wish to arrange private tutoring for their child, the Head of Boarding should be notified. This includes online tutoring services.
Learning Support
Learning support is available for boarders with learning needs. There are also enrichment programs to challenge the more able student. If parents are concerned about their child’s learning needs, then they should contact the Head of Learning Support via email, on melissa.bell@smgs.nsw.edu.au
Boarding Guidelines
Awards and Rewards
The Boarding House has its own rewards system which promotes and recognises positive behaviour and a culture of C.A.R.E. Each week, a boarder who, through their actions, has exemplified what it is to be an SMGS boarder, will be recognised as the Boarder of the Week. We also include positive behaviour acknowledgements in the 4Peaks Program, with students receiving merits and awards at the Principal’s Assembly and on Speech Day.
Towards the end of each year, at the annual Boarders’ Dinner, we recognise boarders who have demonstrated through their behaviour and actions the spirit of the Boarding House. The perpetual shields recognise outstanding efforts and achievement in Academic, Cocurricular, and Life of the Boarding House.
Bicycles, Scooters and Skateboards
Boarders are allowed to have bicycles, scooters and skateboards at school.
• No student may ride without wearing a helmet.
• Students must not ride in a reckless or dangerous fashion.
• If a student wishes to ride another student’s bicycle, they must have the consent of the student and written permission from their parents.
• The school takes no responsibility for the equipment. Students must lock bikes and store in either the equipment cage or bike/snow store (except for Term 3) or under the girls’ dorm.
• Parents need to be aware that supervision of riders is limited for practical reasons and students must accept responsibility for adhering to road rules and respecting school property.
Cars
SMGS recognises that it is not always easy for parents to drive their child to and from Jindabyne at the beginning and end of each term. It is with this in mind that we allow senior boarders to keep their car at school and to drive to and from home in consultation with their parents. Permission can only be granted by the Head of Senior School, on tim.bland@smgs.nsw.edu.au. Boarders’ cars are kept in the student car park.
Parents must complete the Student Driver Authority and Application Form BEFORE the student brings the car to school. All boarders travelling in cars driven by themselves, or another student, MUST have the Student Driver Authority and Application Form signed by parents and lodged with the Head of Senior School. If a boarder wishes to drive another student, or siblings, then this form must also be lodged. Permission for
every specific occasion a car is used must come from the Head of Boarding, through the REACH system. Permission can only be given by the Head of Boarding if the consent form has been signed.
A boarder is not allowed to use his/her car on a daily basis or at weekends without specific permission. Parents are asked to reinforce this point with their child when they are returning to school with a car. The car keys must be kept in the boarding office and students need to speak to the duty staff to obtain them before departing. Leave must also be approved via REACH. Boarders are not allowed to ride in cars driven by any young person not approved via the submitted form, apart from under exceptional circumstances. When on leave, hosts and travel arrangements must also be approved, for the safety of our students. Boarders should not travel in private cars driven by boarding staff, except in the event of an emergency or if permission has been sought and received from parents.
Codes of Conduct
The school has a Code of Conduct for students which is to be found in the Student Diary. The boarding community adheres closely to this code of conduct to ensure that all boarders experience a safe and supportive boarding community where they are encouraged to be themselves and feel confident in their surroundings.
To maintain the integrity of the Boarding House, there are five important rules (Golden Rules) that must never be breached:
• Students must always inform the boarding staff of their whereabouts at all times.
• Students must never leave the school grounds without permission from staff.
• The use and/or possession of non-prescription drugs, illicit substances, alcohol, e- cigarettes, vapes or tobacco are absolute exclusions that will not be tolerated.
• Bullying and harassment will not be tolerated.
• Boys and girls cannot enter the residential areas of the opposite gender.
Complaints and Concerns
Students who have any problems or complaints can present these to the Head of Boarding or the Director of Residential.
Parents are asked to encourage their child to speak directly to the Head of Boarding or to discuss the matter with the Head of Boarding themselves. If the parent or student is not happy with the response from the Head of Boarding, then the parent or student should contact the Director of Residential.
Complaints about any aspect of the school’s operations, service or personnel will be handled responsively, openly and in a timely manner, with the aim of resolving the complaint and respecting the confidential nature of such matters.
Consequence in the Boarding Community
As in all aspects of life – inappropriate actions generally attract some form of sanction. Parents are welcome to discuss any matters of concern with the Head of Boarding. However, please understand that in community living various consequences are at times necessary in the interests of all concerned.
Damage
All boarders are responsible for any damage they cause to any school property. Costs will be assessed, a parent notified in writing, and the amount charged to the student’s sundries.
Duties and Responsibilities
All students assist in keeping the residential houses as tidy and neat as possible. Common areas should be tidied after use. The house has a roster system for students, with duties to be completed each week. Duties include: emptying the bins, straightening the common room, tidying the kitchenette, putting away linen, sorting clean washing, etc.
Electrical Goods
All electrical goods brought into the residential houses by students should be safety-tagged for Work, Health and Safety reasons. These tags indicate that the device is safe to use and will be unlikely to cause harm.
Parents should endeavour to ensure that all appliances are tagged before they come into boarding. Tagging will take place at school at times and this will be charged to the students’ accounts as necessary. Untagged goods will be removed. Students must ensure that they turn off all electrical goods before leaving for school in the morning.
Employment
If it is acceptable to parents/carers and the Head of Boarding, and provided that there is adequate and safe transport to and from the position, boarders are permitted to have a casual or part-time job. This is only acceptable if all school and boarding commitments continue to be met. Shifts need to finish at a reasonable time, allowing staff to follow security routines for the evening.
Students will not be able to work in licensed premises while they are an SMGS boarder.
Mobile Phones
Mobile phones are an important means of communication. All students are required to provide their mobile phone numbers to the Boarding House. This is important, so that staff can contact students when necessary—for example, when a student is late signing in.
Year 12 students are permitted to take their mobile phones to school. They must be locked in their lockers and not used during the day. They may momentarily check messages at their lockers at recess and lunch.
They must not be used during lessons without specific permission from a teacher. They may check messages at recess and lunch and between lessons.
At night at lights out, Years 7–10 students will hand their technology to boarding staff to be locked and secured for the evening. Staff will assist in charging and keeping the technology safe. Students will have their mobiles returned in the morning at roll call (after a room check). Years 11–12 may opt into this system (or be asked to) if they find selfregulation difficult.
Music
Music is an integral part of life at SMGS and there are many opportunities for a student to be involved. Students may also arrange for private music lessons. Boarding staff may assist students in their music practice and attendance at ensemble and choir practices.
Notice of Withdrawal
Notice of Withdrawal of a student shall be provided in writing to the Principal via the Registrar, and notice must be given in accordance with the Enrolment Agreement.
At the time of writing, notice is at least twelve (12) weeks or a term, whichever is greater, prior to the date from which the student shall be withdrawn from SMGS (‘the date’).
If notice of withdrawal is not given in accordance with this clause, then one quarter (1/4) of the student’s total fees for the year in which the date falls shall be payable in lieu.
Relationships
Relationships may develop in the boarding environment. This can potentially be healthy and rewarding; however, we also are aware of some issues that can make such relationships inappropriate. Our responses to such situations are guided both by the school’s ethos and by our understanding of what is appropriate for young people still at school.
In particular, we are alert to:
• age-inappropriate relationships and excessive displays of affection
• the degree of exclusivity - whether the couple have other friends and spend an appropriate amount of time with their other friends
• furtive behaviour - being alone in areas which are out of bounds or where supervision is made difficult
• relationships which become too intense and begin to colour every facet of the child’s or young person’s life, and compromise routines and work commitments
• inappropriate weekend leave arrangements, where the school may need to discuss potential issues with the parents concerned.
We would hope that your children will advise you if they have formed a friendship with another student. If we feel that the attachment is a strong one, then we may advise you of it ourselves. Students who engage in sexual activity at school, on the school grounds or in boarding will be asked to leave the Boarding House either permanently or on suspension for a period of time.
Search of Personal Areas
Boarding staff have a duty to investigate if they suspect that a boarding student may have an inappropriate, illegal or dangerous item in their possession. If a search of school property, such as rooms or lockers, is indicated and the student is in the house, the student may be present while their room or locker is searched. A search may also be conducted in their absence, where deemed appropriate, with at least two staff members present and with approval from the Director of Residential.
If a search of a personal item such as a bag is indicated, this search will occur in the presence of the student, with student or parent permission. If permission is not granted, then the matter will be referred to the Principal.
Mail is collected by staff from the School Office and parcels may be opened by staff to ensure they do not contain unapproved items.
Television and Gaming Consoles
Televisions are provided in all common rooms. The Boarding House has an Xbox and Wii console; students provide their own appropriate games. No televisions, Xboxes or similar are permitted as personal items in boarders’ individual rooms.
Visitors to the Boarding House
Visitors such as parents, relatives and close family friends (adults—with parental permission) are welcome at the school at any time, provided that their visit does not disrupt the normal routines of the Boarding House. However, other visitors are asked to limit their visits to after school, Saturdays or Sundays, except under exceptional circumstances. Visitors to the residential houses must report directly to the boarding office and follow the sign-in procedure.
No visitors should be in the bedrooms of students. Please note: parents should not enter residences without signing in to the boarding office. This is an important Child Protection safeguarding procedure.
What to Bring What to Bring?
SMGS Uniform
Please see the school website for a list of required uniform items and contact the SMGS Uniform Shop to arrange an initial uniform fitting; or, to make appointments during the school holidays, via email on: uniformshop@smgs.nsw.edu.au
If you know your child’s sizing, items can also be purchased online through the Uniform Shop via: www.shop.smgs.nsw.edu.au
Students can then collect the new uniform from the School Office. Orders are processed on Mondays and Thursdays.
Uniform Shop opening hours are: Mondays 1.00–4.00 pm Thursdays 1.00–4.00 pm.
Dress Code
Both male and female students are expected to dress demonstrating respect for themselves, and maintaining high community standards. Staff will direct students, if necessary, about acceptable dress. At all times, boys must ensure they are wearing a shirt, and girls must ensure that they are not wearing any outfit that is revealing (e.g., short skirt/shorts or midriff tops).
Labelling
Ensure that all items of clothing are clearly labelled with the student’s name.
It is suggested that all items of value are engraved with the student’s name.
Suggested Packing List
Snowsports
• Snow jacket (the SMGS snowsports jacket can be worn but is not compulsory on the weekend)
• Snow pants, thermals, gloves, goggles, helmet, beanie
• Skis, boots and poles/snowboard and boots
Clothing
• Casual clothing (warm and cold weather)
• Smart casual (e.g., collared shirt or nice dress)
• Swimmers, hat
• Warm jacket
• Pyjamas and slippers/Ugg boots
• Underwear, socks and shoes
• Bathroom robe (for walking to and from showers)
Toiletries
• Deodorant (no aerosols)
• Shampoo/conditioner
• Soap/body wash/face wash
• Moisturising cream
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• 1 shower caddy to hold toiletries
Linen
• 1 doona and cover
• 1 pillow and 2 cases
• 2 pairs of single bed sheets
• 2 bath towels and 1 swimming towel
• 2 mesh wash bags
• Laundry basket or bag
Electrical Items (optional)
• Power board
• Mobile phone/iPad/tablet
• Laptop (SMGS BYODT-compliant)
• Personal fan
• Hair dryer/straightener
All items will be tested and tagged if this is not done before they are brought to school (see ‘Electrical Goods’ section), with the costs charged to the student’s account.
Miscellaneous (optional)
• Coffee mug, spoon and bowl for snacks
• Torch
• Umbrella
• Clothes hangers
• Water bottle
• Clothes pegs
• Stationery items (stapler, sticky tape, Blu tack)
• Beanbag (for outdoor movie nights and gatherings)
The SMGS Boarding House is a special place, where students can grow as individuals whilst being supported in a caring community. A boarding experience provides a unique opportunity that allows for great personal growth. Students develop strong interpersonal skills while building resilience and gaining independence that can hold them in good stead when they move into life outside school.
The SMGS boarding staff look forward to working with our boarders and their families to develop positive and strong relationships and so that students have a meaningful experience in boarding.
We welcome you to Boarding at Snowy Mountains Grammar School and look forward to sharing your boarding journey.
