SCHOOL HANDBOOK 2024-2025
Welcome to Surval Montreux!
Surval is a school, a community and a family. You will be living here as part of an extended family, and we hope you will feel very much at home, enjoy your time at Surval and make the most of every opportunity Surval offers you.
Surval’s core values are centred around Honesty, Openness, Courage and Curiosity within an environment promoting Courtesy, Consideration and Care for each other. We all have a vital role to play here, contributing to the community and making lifelong memories and friendships. This School Handbook introduces you to life at Surval Montreux. If you are ever unsure about anything, please ask. We are here to help and support you always. We look forward to sharing the new academic year with you.
Mrs Patricia Woodhouse Principal of Surval Montreux
At first, I felt homesick because I missed my family a lot but after a while things got better, when I started to make the most of all the opportunities to do activities and to travel with my new friends ...and now when I go home in the holidays I get homesick for my Surval family.
Life at Surval
Welcome to the Surval Family
Surval is a fun, exciting and inspiring experience for girls aged 12-19. Our international community, made up of students and staff from many different countries across the world, enables you to grow in understanding of other cultures and customs and to take your place as world citizens who will have an influence for good on your own communities.
Surval is also a much-loved home and family, which we hope will be an extension of your own We ask that you treat each other as you would members of your own family: with a real sense of belonging and looking after each other.
We also ask everyone to treat this beautiful house as you would your own home: making your own bed, leaving rooms tidy, clearing your own plates when you have finished eating; and generally showing respect for your environment.
Your time here will be happy and fulfilling. Here at Surval, you will make friendships that last a lifetime and gain the confidence and independence to face all future challenges. Here at Surval, you will be offered every opportunity to develop as a strong leader and team player, ready to ‘have a go ’ and learn from all your experiences.
Surval Montreux is a secure and homely environment which encourages you to explore, discover and develop. We celebrate our cultural diversity and understanding in an atmosphere of mutual respect and openness.
The Boarding team works closely with all staff involved in your daily life. Our family-centred, structured and comfortable home life underpins the teaching and learning here and we support you in every way we can. Members of Surval’s Boarding team often teach as well and you can feel sure any achievements and challenges you face in and outside the classroom are understood and valued.
Your Bedroom
You will share your bedroom with one or two other girls. Bedrooms are both practical and homely – each room has its own ensuite shower room, and you have your own area with desk, drawers and wardrobe. You can bring your own duvet covers and pillow cases (make sure they are named!).
Your bedroom is a shared space where you can relax and talk with your friends. You are encouraged to personalise your own area and create a home from home in your bedroom This includes keeping your room tidy! You have a pin board for your photographs and posters – if you need another pin board, ask the Boarding team to arrange this for you.
All rooms have Wi-Fi connection, a safe for your valuables and a fridge to store your drinks and snacks. Electronic devices must be switched off at lights out to allow everyone to have a good night’s sleep.
We encourage you to be disciplined and responsible with regards to managing and using your electronic devices and mobile phones. If necessary, devices will be handed in at night to the Boarding team and returned the next morning.
Most rooms have balconies with a wonderful view of the lake or the mountains, making boarding life at Surval even more special. Please be sensible on the balconies - never run or chase other girls or enter other rooms from the balcony.
Your bedroom is cleaned every day We ask that you:
Keep the floors free of litter, clothing and other personal items
Keep your desk and work area tidy l Make your bed every morning before going to school
Put your used laundry in your laundry bags l Leave the surfaces in the bathroom clear l
Remove any used crockery or cutlery, food or food packaging from your room
Turn off all lights and electrical equipment when you leave the room
Being able to organise yourself and your belongings is a valuable life skill. If you find this challenging, ask the Boarding team to help you.
If anything in your room is damaged and needs repairing, let the Boarding team know as soon as possible.
Before each school holiday, you are given extra time to sort your rooms, leaving them clean and tidy At the end of the school year, if you are returning for the following academic year, you will be given boxes to pack your belongings. The Boarding team will help you to label your boxes clearly before departure.
I love it here because I have made friends really quickly and we all help each other out. There is always someone to talk to.
What to bring
SchoolUniform
Youwillreceiveauniformpackonarrivalconsistingof:1shirt(long-sleeved),2poloshirts(short-sleeved),1poloshirt(longsleeved),1blazer,1jumper-additionalitemscanbepurchasedaccordingtoneedandpreference
Navytrousers(studentchoice)
Skirt(studentchoice)
Darkcolouredpolishedorsuedeshoes(nottrainers)
Darksocksortights
Youshouldbringtheirownsportswearforsportsandactivities.
Trainers(sportstrainers,notfashiontrainers)
Leggings/tracksuitbottoms
Shorts
Tshirts
Longsleevedtops
Swimsuit
Beachtowel
Waterproofjacket
Trainersforhiking-theseshouldhaveagoodgrip
Skiclothing(skitrousers,thermaltopsandleggings,hat,gloves,goggles,socks)-ashoppingtripwillbearrangedforgirls whowouldliketobuytheirskiclothinginSwitzerland.AllgirlswillbegivenaSurvalskijacket.
Appropriateclothingforautumn,winterandsummer(trousers,tops,jumpers,underwear,socks,shoesetc)
Warmjackets,hat,glovesandbootsforwinter-beawarethatitcanturncolderfromlateSeptember/October,socome preparedwhenyouarriveinAugust Formalwear
ear
rofessionalwear(smartskirt/trousers;smarttop/shirt;jacket)forbusinessoutingsandmasterclasses reafewformaleventsduringtheyearwhenyouwillberequiredtowearaformalgaladress(StNicholas’dinner mber,CharityGaladinnerinMarch,Graduation&PrizegivinginJune)
yer agandtoiletries -essential ptional phoneandcharger case&stationery s,posters,photostomakeyourroomfeellikehome! ormusic,riding,tennis(optional) uitcase/holdall(forweekendtrips)-anoptionalSurvalweekendbagisavailabletopurchase
ve your own wardrobe for clothes and their own safe for valuables
g should be clearly named Shoes, sports equipment and other personal possessions should also be named our laptop and iPad
provides students with duvet, bed linens, 1 bath towel and 2 hand towels
n Term, we recommend both summer and warmer clothes as the season changes from hot and sunny to cool .
Sportswear
Casualwear
Belongings
I found it hard speaking so much English and French every day, but one of the girls who had been at Surval for a year already helped me by giving me tips and sharing her own experiences. Now I am more confident and know that I will make progress.
Studying at Surval
Surval is a family home, a place of learning and of wider education.
Classes are small, and the teacher/student ratio is the lowest of any school we know This means you benefit from a great deal of individual attention from your subject teachers and can progress at your own pace. We offer internationally recognised qualifications and IGCSE and Advanced Level, as well as the American High School Program (Visit www surval ch for more information on our Study Programmes). Our personalised curriculum means your studies and enrichment activities are tailored to the your interests and strengths. To keep your parents up to date with how you are getting on, we send half-termly progress reports and a more detailed report from your academic teachers, Tutor and our Principal, Mrs Woodhouse at the end of each term.
A good education includes instilling strong study habits and skills. In order to do the best that you can do, we ask that you:
Work hard
Take care of your apearnance
Present yourself well at all times
Punctual, polite and respectful
Complete your homework to the best of your ability
Get organised for lessons and plan your prep
Use your student planner - it is there to help you
Reading expands the mind - make good use of our fabulous library and resources
Get a good night’s sleep
Eat well, sleep well
Abide by our Code of Conduct
Ask when you need help
Get involved and give everything a tryur
Boarding at Surval
Bed Times
You should be in your room by lights out. The Boarding team comes around to check that all is well with you and to say good night.
Grade 8 & 9: - 21:30 Return to rooms - 22.00 Lights out
Grade 10, 11 & 12: 22:00 Return to rooms - 22:30 Lights out
Swiss Gap: 22:00 Return to rooms - 22:30 Lights out
On Friday and Saturday nights, bedtimes are 30 minutes later.
Birthdays
Birthdays are fun at Surval! You can order a birthday cake, personally made by our Chefs and the whole school celebrates your birthday with you.
Daily Schedules
Our daily schedules can vary throughout the year but for an example please see here what you can expect.
Behaviour
We expect all students to behave well both in school and off campus. Montreux is our home and community and students represent the school and must behave accordingly
Students leaving the school campus must sign out and in using the designated online register and must be contactable at all times.
Students are not allowed to visit or enter any other schools, houses of residence, private properties, hotels or other residential buildings unless authorised by Surval
Students are not allowed to get into a vehicle of any kind, whether or not the occupants are known to the student. This includes private or commercial transport
Students are not permitted to operate any motorised/electric vehicles, including cars, motorcycles and scooters
Greet others with “good morning” or “good afternoon.'' Be polite and say “Please” and “Thank you ” . Use French as much as possible
Meals
We enjoy a wide selection of excellent meals for a healthy, balanced diet. Our breakfast buffet includes cereals, cheese, yoghurts, ham, croissants and freshly baked bread You can choose how you would like your eggs cooked by the Chef! There is always plenty of fresh fruit available and hot and cold drinks. As well as a cold salad selection, hot dishes are also freshly prepared for lunch and dinner every day. There are always vegetarian options. You can choose what you would like to eat from the buffet and the amount that suits you, minimising waste. Mealtimes are fun and sociableyou can practise your English or French as well as your table manners and social skills learnt in Etiquette! If you have any food allergies or special dietary requirements, these should be recorded on your Health Questionnaire before you join Surval so that we can make appropriate arrangements. Our House and Catering staff are an important part of our Surval family. They work long hours. Please be considerate by arriving for meals and finishing them on time, clearing up properly, pushing chairs back under tables and saying thank you!
Laundry
Be sure to label all your clothes with your name so they do not get lost. Each student will also be allocated a number in the laundry room. Sunday is Laundry Day! After dinner, you take your laundry bag and completed laundry form to the basement for collection. Laundry for used bedding is on Wednesday mornings between 07.30 - 08.45. Your bed is made up for you with fresh bedlinen.
Valuables
Your own personal safe is in your wardrobe for you to store your valuable belongings We recommend you don’t keep large amounts of cash yourself. r pocket money 3 days in advance in the appropriate currency e g Euros, sterling etc The school cannot take responsibility for any valuable items which are not handed in or locked in the safe.
Arrivals and Departures
All travel information is to be sent by parents to the school office at least two weeks before the arrival or departure date. For students using our airport shuttle service to Geneva Airport, the cost is CHF 380.- one way.
Students who do not use our airport shuttle service can only leave the school once arrangements have been confirmed with parents and only with the person named by the parent.
For students travelling as UM (unaccompanied minor), parents must contact the airline company and complete the necessary paperwork for this service. Our driver will remain in the airport until the flight has departed.
Outings and Permissions
Students leaving the school during their free time must sign out using the designated system, so that boarding staff always know where the students are You should telephone school if you are going to arrive late. Just as parents worry when their daughters do not return on time, so do we.
We provide a shuttle mini-bus service to Montreux and back during the week between the end of school and supper. At weekends, you and your friends can choose to walk down to Montreux or take a taxi; or there is also the little train which runs every hour from just by the school. Taxis can be busy in the evenings and weekends and we recommend you book in advance. We recommend girls use Taxi Lemania, who are very well known to Surval.
You should always take your mobile phone, with a Swiss sim card (chip) fully charged and with the school number for emergencies
Curfew times indicate when girls must return on Friday and Saturday evenings if you go out for dinner. Permission from parents is also required. Curfew times are arranged by grade level and are determined to protect the safety of the girls and ensure that you return by an appropriate time after dark.
Grade 8 - 8.30pm
Grades 9-10 - 9pm
Grades 11-12 - 10pm
Swiss Gap: 10.30pm
Sleepovers
You can arrange sleepovers within the house on Friday and Saturday evenings - ask the Boarding Team to arrange this.
Communication with Staff
Students should read their school emails at least once per day and respond to direct emails promptly. School email accounts can be monitored. Students and staff may use school email accounts to contact each other about school work and school projects only
Parcels and Mail
Parcels and letters from parents and friends should be posted to the address below:
Name of Student
Surval Montreux
Route de Glion 56
1820 Montreux
Switzerland
Weekend Travel
Students planning a weekend away should fill in the weekend travel form and hand it in to Mrs Woodhouse by Tuesday each week
Permission from parents are needed for all individual travel.
I came to see my daughter on a surprise visit to Surval. It was wonderful to see how settled she was
TopTipsforNewSurvaliennes
By Lucia (Grade 12,
Spain)
2) Choose and bring cool duvet/bed sheets
1) Bring lots of photos (of family, pets, and friends)
4)Takeadvantageof everyopportunityand explorealloptions
Say yes to school trips, clubs, activities of interest to you.
Boarding means being away from your family for long periods of time, make a photo board to hang up in your room so you won’t feel homesick
Make your dorm area your own space, and your second home.
6) Try to be friends and get to know everyone
3)Gettoknowallthestaffandadults
Teachers,tutors, and even the office and maintenance staff.Theyall want youto succeed and aretheretohelpyou,Surval is a community
5) Get to know your roommate(s)
You might be with someone of different or same nationality. Get to know about them, their culture, traditions and respect them She is probably going to be the person you spend most time with during the year
Surval is a pretty small school, try to socialise with everyone Invite other students to go out with you and introduce your new friends to each other Don’t close up and just talk with the people that are of your same nationality or speak your native language But remember it’s quality and not quantity that matters
8)Setpriorities
Being around your friends all the time can be super fun, however, remember that you also need to get work done. In Surval you have prep time, use this time to your advantage: get your work out of the way first, andthen socialise.
11) Please, be yourself
7)Aboveall,benicetoeveryone
You will be living with all these girls everydayandyouhavetoremaincordial with everyone. It doesn’t matter if they’re not your best friends, I can assure you this will make your time much more enjoyable Put yourself in the shoes of others, don’t take part in anymeanactsagainstothergirls.
9)Whenit comesto packing
Take advantage of the holiday break to change your wardrobe accordingto the season. Do not bring everything at once Bring ski clothing after Christmas,Spring clothes just after the Easter break (but do not think that you won’t need warm clothing at the end of the year,because you will: This is Switzerland!)
Always stay true to your values and beliefs You don’t have to conform to other people’s expectations and way of thinking
10)Gettoknow whereyoulive
Do not go to the same places every single weekend.
Step out of your comfort zone and visit little villages and new places!
s12)Enjoyevery inglemoment
Time in Survalpassesreallyquickly, don’t spendyour time in your room or looking down atyourphone,because otherwise you mightmiss the bestmoments
Technology
Media and Mobile Phones
media is part of our world today Students are expected to use it responsibly Students ot post material or express opinions about the school and they must remember that g they share or post will always be in the public domain. While a student is enrolled in ool, they may not have contact with a member of staff via private social media platforms.
s are allowed to bring a mobile phone to school and must adhere to the following rules:
dents must not take images or make recordings of other students or staff without their press permission
dents must not post images or recordings of other students or staff on social media hout their express permission
dents must hand in their devices at 21:30 each night
bile phones must not be used in the school restaurant or in classrooms
dents must inform Boarding staff immediately if they change their phone number
s should only use the protected school wifi system and may not share mobile data access
Code of Conduct
We want each girl to enjoy her time at Surval and take full advantage of everything that a Surval education and life in Switzerland offers. Please remember we are all here to help and to ensure that your time here is a positive and enriching experience.
Surval’s core values are centred around Honesty, Openness, Courage and Curiosity. Living here together is based on Courtesy, Consideration and Care for each other. Below are the principles we all live by:
Surval does not tolerate bullying (including cyberbullying), harassment, racist language or any form of unkind and disrespectful behaviour towards others.
Students must assume responsibility for their personal safety. The school will do all that we can to create a safe environment for our students, but students must also play an active role in ensuring their own safety by being sensible, exercising caution and maintaining awareness of their surroundings.
Surval does not tolerate any behaviour prejudicial to the health, safety or wellbeing of others or to the reputation of Surval.
Theft is not tolerated – students must keep all valuable things in their personal safe
Students must demonstrate responsible use of technology and social media both in regulating their personal screen time and in their interactions with others on social media. Bringing the school into disrepute through online or inperson behaviour will not be tolerated
The possession and/or consumption of alcohol is forbidden unless specific permission has been given. Alcohol testing may take place.
is a non-smoking school. Smoking or vaping anywhere on the school campus or during trips/excursions is forbidden.
ossession, trafficking and/or use of drugs either at school or off campus will result in automatic exclusion esting may take place.
serve the right to inspect or search rooms and personal belongings at any time. We exercise this right in the of suspected theft, tobacco, alcohol or drug use or other serious concerns In these cases, students’ electronic s may also be searched.
e consequences will follow a breach of the school’s Code of Conduct to reinforce the importance of the re values in supporting the wellbeing and happiness of all members of the community and the reputation of
ntreux reserves the right to exclude students who do not follow this Code of Conduct.
that the Swiss Law prohibits:
ale of tobacco to those under the age of 18 urchase and consumption of alcohol by those under the age of 16 urchase and consumption of alcoholic drinks other than wine and beer by those under the age of 18 (beer and re permitted from age of 16) roduction, sale and consumption of all drugs to bars, discothèques, games arcades and casinos for those under 16 unless accompanied by an adult r 16s cannot be out unsupervised in the evening after 22 00
Useful Information
Our website primarily contains information about Surval Montreux and our educational programmes Our Facebook and Instagram profiles give brief updates and pictures from school activities throughout the year.
Contacting us
School Main Phone Number
0041 21 966 16 16
Boarding Duty Phone Number (24/7 emergency number) 0041 79 269 37 79
Office Whatsapp
Mrs Mogensen, 0041 78 209 85 72
Principal
Mrs Woodhouse, patricia.woodhouse@surval.ch
Head of Boarding
Mrs Gordon, wendy.gordon@surval.ch
Head of Teaching and Learning
Mrs Premand, joanna.premand@surval.ch
Principal’s PA, Admissions and Office Manager
Mrs Mogensen, pernille mogensen@surval ch
Surval Reception
Mrs Schweighofer, reception@surval ch
Finanace Manager
Ms Charbonnet, candice.charbonnet@surval.ch
School Nurse
Mrs Bosman, natelie.bosmans@surval.ch
+41 (0)21 966 16 16 info@surval ch www surval ch
Surval Montreux, Route de Glion 56, 1820 Montreux, Switzerland