New Boy and Parent Talk (notes)

Hi, for those interested, this is a copy of what I talked about to the new parents and boys on the first morning. These are just my notes but cover the main points.

The boys responsible for all items issued to you from uniforms to pens. That means not leaving it lying around, folding it after use and having it at the right place at the right time. If equipment is lost or damaged will be charged accordingly. Boys are issued with stationary and are expected to come to school with all of it.

Out of town boys

Cell phones (permission must be asked for) Skateboards

PSP

Ipod

Sleeping bag

Sensible mufti including a hat

$3 pocket money – we can keep money in safe (coins are great)

Must try to go home or to a relatives place 3 times a term

Don’t bring anything valuable – We do our utmost to look after any property given to us but ultimately we would rather these things stay at home, we are a school, not a bank.

Bring soft toys, pictures and photos from home and things that personalize your dorm.

No sick boys at school- they will be sent home so an Auckland contact is important

Severe behaviour e.g leaving grounds without permission, fighting boys will be sent home immediately and someone will need to pick them up.

Name everything.

House trip in term 4 – family is welcome

Parents welcome to sports games and school sports events check newsletter which is issued twice a term.

Tell us if there is a problem or concern at home that might be relevant to the care of your boy.

Birthday leave – Feel free to drop off a treat for boys on birthday but must be enough for all or a cake (precut) for dorm)

Sports practices one night per week – apply in writing to Mr Vos

House fee of $30 – pay in Term 1

Only other expenses are chip and coke night and mufti day.

Homesickness is to be expected for time to time, there are different ways to manage this…

Believe half of what your boy says about us and we’ll believe half of what he says about you. Please talk to a member of staff during drop off/pick up or by phone if you or your boy has any concerns. Communication ensures mountains are not made out of molehills. (Same re classroom teacher for school work)

Parents are expected to attend Chapel on Sundays when it is on.

Read the whiteboard when dropping off and picking up, as this is the main way we communicate to the House parents.

Boys are well fed with a balanced diet. No special provisions are made in this area. No tuck to be brought to school. It must be left in the car.

Boys leave and arrive in uniform, worn correctly, including ties when required.

The second method of communication from both school and the House is given verbally to boys who will need to relay messages.

A school newsletter goes home every half term and a House newsletter goes home at the end of the term.

Prep – Boys do 15min SSR before dinner and 1 hr prep before bed. This is on silence.

Evening routine – quiet talk in dorm, silence (reading, writing or lights out) then lights out. This is enforced strictly to ensure your boy is not disturbed and gets the correct amount of rest.