2021 Boarding Handbook - scotsalbury.nsw.edu.au
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2021
Boarding
Handbook.
scotsalbury.nsw.edu.au
2021 Boarding Handbook | 1
Contents
Boarding Welcome 2
Boarding Directory 3
Boarding at Scots 4-5
Our Aims in Boarding 6
Our Commitment 6
Student Rights & Responsibilities 6
REACH • Our Leave Management Software 7
The A - Z of Boarding 8 - 21
2021 Boarding Handbook | 1
Boarding Welcome The Scots School Albury has a proud Boarding tradition dating back more than 100 years and holds the mantle of being the best performing regional co-educational Boarding School in NSW. At Scots, we believe Boarding should provide students with a safe, caring and inspiring community which welcomes all and provides each individual with a ‘home away from home’. We strive to provide a family environment under an educational framework to encourage Boarders to develop socially, spiritually and academically, all while retaining strong ties to their community back home. We work to ensure that all Boarders have a strong sense of belonging with their interests and passions encouraged and supported through a wide range of co-curricular, extra-curricular and weekend activities. We motivate each Boarder to reach their full potential academically through the provision of tailored learning programs, learning support/extension programs and age appropriate wellbeing programs. Our support is delivered in conjunction with a focus on building relationships based on mutual respect and responsibility with emphasis on individual psychological health and management. Scots delivers these principles on 11 hectares of beautifully manicured gardens and grounds. Our Boarders are comfortably accommodated in fully supervised Boarding Houses and have access to state of the art sporting, music and learning facilities. Sellars House provides individual rooms for male boarders and Wilson House provides individual rooms for female boarders. Each Boarding House is constantly attended by a Master/Matron on Duty (MOD) who is to be your child’s first point of contact to manage their whereabouts, permissions or concerns, as a parent would. The Scots Boarding experience is active and fulfilling, with age-appropriate routines that are designed to help your child flourish. We are steadfast in the belief that the Scots Boarding experience equips our Boarders with the required skills, knowledge and support to see them continually achieve well into their future. The Boarding team looks forward to welcoming you and your family into ours for the 2021 Boarding Year and beyond. Neale Poole Director of Boarding 2 | The Scots School Albury
Boarding Directory
Director of Boarding Head of Wilson House
Mr Neale Poole Mrs Elsa Kilgour
0491 218 707 0419 979 577
npoole@scotsalbury.nsw.edu.au ekilgour@scotsalbury.nsw.edu.au
After 11 years as a Wellbeing leader, as well as Elsa was appointed as the new Head of Wilson
Mathematics and Physical Education teacher at House in 2019, after commencing as School Nurse
Scots, Neale was newly appointed as the Director in 2017. She has been nursing for 13 years and has
of Boarding in 2019. Neale has extensive pastoral extensive experience in areas including Intensive
care experience as a Stage 5 Coordinator in the Care, Midwifery, Remote Area Nursing and as a
Day School from 2015 – 2018, Year 9 and 10 Flight Nurse for Care Flight International. Prior to
Coordinator in 2010 – 2014 and as Head of returning to Albury with her husband and three
Robertson House in 2009. children, Elsa spent 9 years working in the
Northern Territory in both urban and remote
Neale is a born and bred country boy, coming from settings gaining a wealth of knowledge in public
a farming background in North-Western health, mental health and working with
Victoria. He commenced his teaching career at adolescents.
Euroa Secondary College in 1989, where he
discovered his passion for working in pastoral roles Elsa grew up on a large cattle feedlot just out of
with young people. This has led to many years of Griffith in NSW and spent her holidays working on
stage and year level co-ordination, ranging from the farm. Elsa is an Alumna and spent 6 years living
Years 7 to 12. Neale and his wife, Vicky, have three in Wilson House with her twin sister with their older
children who all attended Scots. brother living in Sellars house. After graduating
from Scots she studied her nursing degree here at
Neale is a keen sportsman and has been the CSU in Albury.
Australian Rules Football Co-ordinator at Scots for
the majority of his 11 years at the School. Neale is Elsa enjoys working closely with the Boarding
looking forward to working closely with our families and staff.
Boarding families.
Boarding House Contacts
Sellars House (Boys) Wilson House (Girls)
Mobile 0427 947 197 Mobile 0491 221 347
Office 02 6022 0019
School Nurse
Elsa Kilgour (Tuesday - Friday) & Diane Lawler (Monday) 0412 549 513
The Scots School Albury
02 6022 0000 • reception@scotsalbury.nsw.edu.au
2021 Boarding Handbook | 3Boarding at Scots
“Education is not simply about school. For most people in
Australia, education begins within a family and community,
and continues throughout life. Learning connects us with
one another and with our world; and teaches us to become
responsible citizens, locally and globally. Education assumes
opportunities for knowledge and learning, encourages
enthusiasm for teaching and invites each person to develop
their full potential within the community”
Uniting Church in Australia (Charter for Education)
Our School Our Values
The Scots School Albury is a Uniting Church, in- Scots students strive to be:
dependent co-educational boarding school in the • Resilient
Albury-Wodonga region. Guided by its motto Fide et • Compassionate
Literis (faith and learning), the school upholds values • Ethical
in the Christian tradition and embraces the • Creative
broader goals for learning and community of the • Curious
Uniting Church. Our school is strengthened by • Resourceful
people of different faiths and cultural backgrounds • Inclusive
who share our core values and add to the richness of • Courageous
school life. • Articulate
Our Boarding Staff Our Parents & Community
Our Boarding House is led by Mr Neale Poole. Neale We aim to build a sense of community amongst our
is assisted by Mrs Elsa Kilgour (Girls). They lead a boarding families and hold events throughout the
dedicated team of professionals with qualifications year to facilitate this. The School is fortunate to have a
in areas such as teaching, nursing and counselling strong Boarder Parent Group who provide a
who are supported by academic staff and university support network for parents and a communication
students who reside on campus and are available for link between families and staff. The members also
specific subject tutoring sessions. play an important role in assisting with the transition
to boarding for new boarders and their families.
These dedicated and caring staff provide a secure
and friendly environment for the boarders. They are
committed to ensuring a happy, safe and structured
way of life for our boarders.
4 | The Scots School AlburyBoarding at Scots
The Scots School Albury is proud to be awarded an Excellence Award for Boarding School of the Year in
2020. Boarding is a strong and vital part of the School’s identity and tradition. Our boarders join a strong
and compassionate community, becoming part of an extended family and the School is their second
home. Boarding life provides the opportunity to establish life-long friendships and enables each student to
develop a practical concern for others, skills in organisation and cooperation, as well as qualities of
resourcefulness, leadership and maturity. The contributions of the Boarders and their families add much
to the sense of community within our school.
Scots boarders are comfortably accommodated in the fully supervised boarding houses, offering a safe
and caring environment. The sense of community in our boarding houses underpins the supportive
environment and cohesion between boarders, carers and parents.
Located on 11 hectares of extensive grounds, Boarders at Scots live on the doorstep of idyllic rivers, lakes
and mountains with the convenience of an easy commute to cities yet close to home for many regional
families.
The family atmosphere encourages students to develop a sense of independence and establish life-long
friendships with other students from around Australia. The Scots boarding experience broadens the
world of students by providing a conducive, warm and supportive learning environment with the heart, soul
and safety of a family home.
Students are encouraged to be aware of the needs of others, to celebrate and respect difference, to share
responsibility of duties and to take a lead in supporting each other.
Accommodation in the Boarding House is a transition from a partition-style individual room for junior
boarders to single rooms for senior students. This structure allows each Boarder to enjoy the company
and support of having their peers close by with the comfort of their own private space; enabling them
to build new social connections, resilience and tolerance, in addition to promoting diversity. Each room
includes a single bed, study desk and wardrobe with lockable smaller storage space. Boarders are
ncoured to decorate their area appropriately as they wish.
2021 Boarding Handbook | 5Our Aims in Boarding
Sellars and Wilson Boarding Houses have an educational role as well as the traditional role of providing
care. We consciously strive to function as a family-based community and encourage parents to maintain
responsibility in much of the decision-making concerning their children. The pastoral care exercised by
the Boarding House staff ensures that all students feel cared for and respected always. We seek to
develop young adults who accept themselves and others, and who understand that relationships are
based on mutual understanding. We encourage trust, integrity and loyalty to one another.
The specific aims of the Boarding Houses are to:
• Provide a comfortable, secure and predictable environment in which to live.
• Encourage the participation of the Boarders in a wide range of cultural, recreational and sporting
activities.
• Provide the facilities and encouragement to pursue excellence in the academic field.
• Develop confidence and responsibility to participate actively in the community.
• Develop a sense of purpose in which assist each boarder sees themselves achieving worthwhile and
realistic goals.
• Develop a sense of community, in which there is awareness and a willingness to help, strengthen and
support others, especially those who are disadvantaged.
Our Commitment
Australian Standard: AS 5725:2015
Boarding Standard for Australian schools and residences:
The Scots School Albury has adopted the Australian Boarding Standard as a benchmark to guide best
practice for the care of our boarders. The objective of the standard is to provide managers and staff with a
framework of required topics that need to be addressed in order to deliver a safe, healthy and productive
environment for boarders. There are 6 key areas that are covered:
• Scope & General
• Governance & Management
• Boarders
• Staff
• Parent, Family & Community Engagement
• Facilities
Student Rights &
Responsibilities
As students at Scots, all boarders are bound by the Student Code of Conduct. In addition, each year
boarders are required to sign a Boarding Student Behaviour Agreement and a Boarding Room Condition
and Damage Agreement. All of these documents can be found in Parent Lounge.
6 | The Scots School AlburyREACH • Our Leave
Management Software
Scots boarding uses an online leave management system called REACH.
REACH simplifies the leave request and approval process for our boarding community and enables
seamless communication between parents, boarders, hosts and boarding staff.
It provides boarding staff with access to a complete boarder list with a real-time summary count of how
many students are on or off campus, details about the current location of each student and rapid one-click
access to a full Boarder Profile. REACH enables staff to know where each student is, when they left and
when they are scheduled to return.
The REACH Student and Parent app allows Scots students and parents to access their school account to
request and approve leave events, sign in and out of locations at school, view their personal calendar and
manage their approved hosts.
All new boarders and parents/guardians are sent an email by REACH to introduce the platform and
provide specific access details for the individual boarder and their parents/guardians; this will include a link
to a video which explains REACH.
2021 Boarding Handbook | 7The A-Z of Boarding Absence from School If boarders are going to be away from School, parents must phone or email both the Boarding House and the Day School of this intention when it occurs at the last minute because of unforeseen circumstances. Planned absences can be completed as a leave request on REACH. Boarding staff inform the Day School of students who are away. Activities It is an expectation that Boarders make the most of their opportunities during their stay in the Boarding House. It is a way of forming lasting friendships, developing character, building resilience and testing the limits of their abilities in various fields. Activities are organised for boarders staying in over the weekend. Sport Each boarder is encouraged to participate in at least one school team sport each semester. Where a preferred sport is not offered by the School, we will support boarders participating in other teams outside the School. New boarders may find it difficult to get into teams as most competitions start in Term 4 of the previous year. They are advised to seek assistance from the Head of Boys / Girls Boarding if they are interested in joining a team. Boarders are asked to seek permission before entering into individual arrangements with external or social teams. The following is a list of possible activities: Winter Team Sports (Boarders are to sign up with teams at the Day School) Football, Tennis, Basketball, Hockey, Netball and Sporting Shooters Summer Team Sports (Boarders are to sign up with teams at the Day School) Cricket, Tennis, Basketball, Netball and Sporting Shooters Activities arranged outside the School (Parents / Boarders may organise privately. Please discuss with staff before signing up) Dancing, Karate, Water Polo, Indoor Soccer, Mixed Twilight Hockey, Soccer, Boxing, Rugby League and Rugby Union, AFL, Cricket, Netball Activities within The School Gym classes, basketball and netball training are available every Tuesday and Thursday from 6.45am for Boarders who wish to participate. Additional activities are often organised by Boarding staff if there is sufficient interest. Activities offered include: fitness, tennis, weight training, dancing, swimming, FoodShare, RFDS Cadets (compulsory for Year 9 & 10) and Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme. Boarders are encouraged to take some responsibility for their own fitness programmes. From 6.30am boarders may go for a run, walk or bike-ride. Aerobics, yoga or swimming are also possible if numbers are sufficient. Boarders in Years 7 – 10 are required to go in groups of a minimum of two when participating in unsupervised activities for their own safety. All Boarders are required to carry their personal mobile phone when out and off-campus. Boarders are encouraged to make use of the library and read more widely. The library has a daily supply of newspapers to keep students informed of current affairs. If individuals or groups are interested in participating in any other activity not offered at school, they should discuss with the Heads of Boarding. 8 | The Scots School Albury
Music
Many boarders take lessons and participate in choirs, orchestras, Pipe Band and other music groups.
Practice rooms are available in the Cultural Centre before and after school. The Boarding House also has
a dedicated music room which contains a piano and electronic drum kit. With the permission of MODs.
Students may use this facility during their leisure time. It is the responsibility of students to act in a
responsible manner when in the music room.
Weekend Activities
All students who stay in the Boarding House over the weekend are encouraged to participate in the free
activities offered to them by staff. These might include excursions to nearby towns e.g. Beechworth,
Bright, Wagga etc. Trips to the Albury Swim Centre, The Albury Cinema or Lake Hume are popular in
summer.
Amenities
Each Boarding House has a variety of recreational rooms, which have kitchen facilities and TV’s for
entertainment.
Other Facilities
Depending on staff availability to provide supervision, boarders may also use many of the school facilities
such as tennis courts, gymnasium, volleyball courts, Design & Technology workshop and swimming pool.
Banking Arrangements
The average amount of pocket money that students need is $15.00 - $20.00 per week. This, of course, is
determined by what students are required to purchase with their pocket money and in consultation with
parents.
The Boarding House staff do not issue pocket money. Students will need to either set up an accessible
bank account. They may access this on the days that they take street leave.
Behaviour Contract
At the commencement of each year all Boarders sign the Boarding Code of Conduct Contract. It is
expected that the Boarders will strive to adhere to the standards of behaviour expected. The staff apply a
directly educational approach and work with the Boarder/s to repair situations where behavioural
mistakes have been made. At the core of this approach is that the Boarder takes responsibility for ‘putting
it right’ . This means accepting the error, accepting the extent of harm done or damage caused “and
acknowledging this” then setting about repairing the relationships harmed.
Bicycles, Scooters and Skateboards
Bicycles, scooters and skateboards may be kept at school for fitness training and recreational use.
Bicycles, scooters and skateboards should not be lent to other students. Use of the equipment may be
withdrawn if these conditions are not met.
Bicycles are to be kept locked in the bicycle shed located next to Wilson House. Senior students may lock
their bikes in the racks provided outside the Health Centre. Students are advised to place a padlock on
their bicycles. Students must comply with the law – including lights when it is dark, and Helmets must be
worn. Please refer to NSW Transport regulations for further information http://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/
customers/cycling/laws-and-penalties.
Birthdays
Birthdays are recognised each week with a birthday cake being provided at dinner on Wednesday nights.
Daily acknowledgement of birthdays is also given at breakfast. Students are encouraged to celebrate the
important occasion of birthdays and parents are welcome to arrange a birthday cake to be delivered to the
Boarding House for their child. Details of local cake shops which deliver may be obtained from boarding
staff.
2021 Boarding Handbook | 9Boarder Parent Flat There is a fully furnished flat located at the end of the Sellars Boarding House whihc is available for boarder parents to use if they are in Albury overnight on school business. The flat is booked via either Director of Boarding or Head of Wilson House. The flat has a twin bed and a double bed fold out sofa. Boarder Parent Group The Boarder Parent Group (BPG) has been established to provide a support network for parents and a communication link between boarding parents and staff. They offer advice on areas of interest and expertise, including strategies to cope with the number of issues that arise for boarders and their families from homesickness, to travel, to surviving the HSC. The group meet at the beginning of each term. They have greatly assisted with the induction of new boarders and can give good advice to those anxiously waiting to join us. All boarding parents are invited to attend the Boarder Parent Group meetings. Senior Boarding Leaders The Senior Boarding Leaders are responsible to the Heads of Sellars and Wilson Houses. They represent the Boarders in developing new ideas, providing feedback and helping with the communication channel. Senior Boarding Leader elections are held in August when all boarders have an input into the leadership team. Cars Please refer to the school Driving policy which can be found here. Change in Boarding Status • Boarder to Day student and Fulltime to Weekly Boarder As is set out in our Enrolment Terms, a full Term’s notice, in writing, of intention to change the enrolment status of a student from Boarder to Day student must be given to The Principal. Written notice to move from a fulltime to weekly boarder must be given to The Principal prior to the last day of the term before the enrolment status change is required. Chapel / Reflection Time This time is a time which gives us space to reflect on our lives and values. Reflection Time challenges our view of the world and our position in it, a view which has encouraged many to seek answers to their questions. Clothing More information appears under the section on School Uniform. Note that it is essential that all boarders have smart casual wear for formal occasions. In the Dining Hall, sensible casual wear must be worn. At all times, casual wear must be neat and tidy, respectable and in good repair. All clothing must be clearly labelled with a woven name tag or laundry marker. 10 | The Scots School Albury
Daily Routine
Weekday Morning
6.30 Morning Activities Group (Optional)
Wake up and depart for supervised activity (must be arranged the night prior)
Return to House by 7.30am and prepare for school and all boarders leave for breakfast with the
rest of the house.
7.15 Lights On / Wake Up
MOD to turn on lights in Junior area (Years 7, 8, 9, & 10). Year 11 by 7.20am and Year 12 by 7.25am.
Boarders to deliver washing to laundry as early as possible.
7.50 Inspection
Seniors / MOD to inspect Years 7, 8, 9 & 10.
Beds made, clean clothes, clean shoes, cubicles tidy, bins empty etc.
MOD to inspect Year 11 and 12 area.
8.00 Breakfast
All boarders to be at the Dining Hall at 8.00am.
Boarders clear up own tables before leaving by 8.25am to begin the school day.
Weekday Afternoon
3.30 Return from School – Report to staff on duty to be signed in
Boarders are to change out of uniform and prepare for sport, street leave, relaxation or afternoon
activities. Students are not permitted down the street in their uniforms unless permission granted
by MOD.
Afternoon Leave
Boarders sign out to the staff at the office for sport, activities and leave.
Years 7 - 10 Street Leave is granted at staff discretion - once per week (Monday – Thursday) return
by 5.30pm.
Year 11 - 12 Street Leave; return by 5.30pm.
5.30 Sign In
Wednesday - Sign In by 5.00pm
Boarders are to sign in via MOD as they return from activities and leave.
6.00 Dinner
Wednesday – Early Dinner 5.45pm
Weekday Evening
6.50 Prep begins for all
Students must be working quietly at their desks in their allocated Prep area.
8.00 Prep ends • Years 7 & 8
Supper, free time and prepare for bed.
Must be inside by 8.45pm
8.15 Prep ends • Year 9
Supper, free time and prepare for bed.
Must be inside by 8.45pm
8.30 Prep ends • Year 10
Supper, free time and prepare for bed.
Must be inside by 9.30pm
9.00 Prep ends Years 11 & 12
Prep ends • Break
Must be inside by 9.45pm
Bed Years 7 & 8
Bed • Quiet reading – Technology handed in for locking in the technology cupboard
9.15 Lights Out Years 7 - 8
9.45 Bed Years 9 & 10
Bed • Quiet reading – Technology handed in for locking in the technology cupboard
2021 Boarding Handbook | 1110.00 Lights Out Years 9 & 10
10.30 Lights Out Year 11
11.00 Lights Out Year 12
Saturday
8.00 Wake Up & Breakfast in the Boarding House
Boarders to wake, dress and attend breakfast before 10.00am
9.30 Boarders prepare for sport or activities and sign in and out on REACH to the MOD
9.30 Leave
Available to Boarders until 12.00pm.
Boarders must discuss arrangements with and sign in and out on REACH to the MOD.
12.00 Lunch is provided/prepared in Wilson Boarding House between 12.00pm and 1.00pm
1.00 Afternoon activities
Boarders sign in and out on REACH to the MOD.
2.00 Leave
Available to Boarders until 5.00pm. Boarders must discuss arrangements with and report in and
out to the MOD.
5.00 Sign In
Boarders must sign in to the MOD as they return from sport and activities.
6.00 Dinner in Wilson House 6.00 – 7.00pm
10.00 Technology in for Years 7 - 9
10.30 Lights Out Years 7 - 10
11.00 Lights Out Years 11 & 12
Sunday
8.00 Wake Up & Breakfast in the Boarding House before 10.00am
9.30 Leave
Available to Boarders until 12.00pm.
Boarders must discuss arrangements with and sign in and out on REACH to the MOD
12.00 Lunch
Lunch is served in the Dining Hall between 12.00pm and 1.00pm.
1.00 Afternoon activities
Boarders sign in and out on REACH to the MOD.
2.00 Leave
Available to Boarders until 5.00pm.
Boarders must discuss arrangements with sign in and out on REACH to the MOD.
5.00 Sign In
Boarders must sign in to the MOD as they return from sport and activities.
6.00 Dinner in the Dining Hall
7.00 All Boarders to be in their rooms
Complete homework, clean up and prepare for school (eg. pack bags, clean shoes, prepare uni-
form, check emails and weekly schedule.
8.00 Quiet Relaxation
Boarders may watch television, read or continue with Prep.
9.00 Lights Out Years 7 & 8
Technology handed in for locking in the technology cupboard
9.45 Lights Out Year 9 & 10
10.15 Lights Out Years 11 & 12
Please Note: Sunday Night has slightly earlier lights out than during the week to help better prepare for the
upcoming week.
12 | The Scots School AlburyDamages and Lost Property
Damages to property will incur a consequence for the offender as well as a bill for the replacement. This
will be communicated to parents and charged to the student account. Honesty is expected from students.
The School insurance does not cover the loss of personal items, except in the case of fire. Each child is
responsible for the safekeeping of iPads, computers and other valuable items. It is important that these
items are labelled and are locked away when not in use.
An item which has been lost (or stolen) must be reported to the Boarding staff. The staff will consider the
report and decide on the appropriate action as outlined in the Boarding Policy on Loss, Search and
Confiscation.
Dress Standards for Formal Dinner
Boys: Collar, tie, trousers and dress shoes
Girls: Non-revealing dresses, skirts, dress pants, semi-formal top and appropriate footwear
Driving Lessons
Students of the appropriate age may arrange to have driving lessons, take the test for their Learner
Permit or for their Provisional License. The most appropriate time for these lessons is either before or
after school.
Duties
All boarders are expected to do a certain amount of ‘duties’. Lists of duties and current rosters are to be
found on the house notice boards. Duties may include; supper clean up or assisting with putting younger
students to bed.
For example: there is a boarder roster in place for the clean-up each night of the common areas where the
Boarders prepare food and beverages.
Fire Drill & Evacuation
• Evacuation
There is an established routine for evacuation from each Boarding House. Evacuation is rehearsed
regularly throughout the year.
Upon hearing the sound of the Fire Alarm, Boarders are to exit via the nearest exit. Boarders are to
assemble in year groups on the steps in front of the Luff Pavilion at Wilson Oval where there will be
a roll call.
It is essential that students sign in and out of their Boarding Houses on REACH at all times so that
their presence or absence may be noted in the event of a fire. Students bringing visitors back to the
Boarding Houses must ensure that they also sign in and out.
Instructions for Fire Evacuation Procedures are on all major doors and exits.
• Lockdown
In the event of intruders or a danger outside, the Boarding House will lockdown. A tone will be
sounded which will mean all boarders are to return to the house. A roll will be checked and board-
ers will be kept safe.
Homesickness
It is perfectly normal for a child living in completely new surroundings, such as the Boarding House, to feel
strange and to want to go home. Children must realise that they are likely to feel homesick from time to
time and it is something they should not try to hide. All boarders have, at some time, felt this way. To help
children manage their homesickness, we allocate senior students to support junior and new boarders.
2021 Boarding Handbook | 13These students, along with the rest of the House Staff, play a vital role in the settling-in process for the new Boarders. Laundry Washing will be done on Monday and Thursday each week. Students are to collect clean clothes from the laundry or storage shelves. Personal items such as underwear and socks are to be placed in a large mesh laundry bag. All clothing items should have a fabric name tag already affixed before putting the clothing out for washing. School blazers and kilts only are dry-cleaned. All items are to be clearly marked with a woven name tag. Students change linen and towels each week under the supervision of staff. Students can opt to use the Laundry service provided by the Laundry staff or students are welcome to do their own washing in the washing machines and dryers provided. Leave Arrangements Weekend Leave Weekend leave is available to boarded, provided that all commitments (sport, music, etc.) are met. The online REACH program can be utilised to coordinate weekend and daily leave. Local street leave for various reasons can be approved by the Boarding staff in consultation with the Boarder on REACH. For day leave over 4 hours and overnight and weekend leave, parents become part of the leave approval process which is administered through REACH. To organise weekend leave, students must complete the leave request on REACH. Parents are part of this leave process and can approve the leave on REACH. Leave must be organised by 8.00am the Thursday prior. Complete details of times and transport arrangements is required to inform staff of students plans. Special Occasion Leave Leave for special occasions such as the Presentation Ball, Graduation Ball and parties require notice well in advance to the Boarding House staff. Boarders are not permitted to return to the Boarding House after a party. It is their responsibility to arrange for a host to assist with accommodation. Boarders must be aware of the added responsibility that this creates for hosts. It is suggested that party requests be limited to 2 per term. It is the responsibility of boarding parents to contact party hosts to assess the safety of each party. Anyone collecting a boarder for leave must call at the Boarding House desk and introduce themselves. There will be no weekend leave for any boarders on the first weekend of Term One. This helps new boarders to settle into boarding house life. The Queen’s Birthday Weekend (June 11 - 14) is an Exeat Weekend when all boarders are required to travel home by 5.00pm on the Thursday evening. Please note that Friday 11 June 2021 is a pupil free day. Sports Leave Boarders must sign in and out using REACH with the MOD before they leave for a sporting commitments (practice or game). The Boarding House must know the travel arrangements made. Street Leave Years 7 - 10 Students are permitted to take weekday leave to Dean Street, provided that: • the leave does not interfere with commitments 14 | The Scots School Albury
• they signin and out through REACH
• they are accompanied by at least one other student
• they return before 5.30pm (5.00pm on a Wednesday)
Students may only take street leave once during Monday – Thursday
Year 11 and 12
Older students are given greater freedoms with leave. They must sign in and out through REACH and are
asked to keep staff informed of their arrangements; however, leave for all students is granted at the
discretion of staff. Year 11 and 12 are required to return by 5.30pm (5.00pm on Wednesday).
Boarding Driver
Boarders may utilise the services of the Boarding driver to transport them to legitimate after school
activities/appointments that they have not been able to organise their own transport for. Sport training,
medical appointments, tutoring and volunteering activities are common examples of accepted reasons to
use the Boarding driver. Requests need to be added to the register no later than the morning of the
required lift.
Appointment Leave
Any student going to a personal appointment (eg. orthodontist, doctor etc.) must inform the School Nurse
who will organise travel for the appointment.
Appointments should be arranged to occur during school holidays where possible.
Leave with People Other than Parents
Boarders will only be given permission to leave the school grounds or travel in the vehicle of another
person when permission has been granted by both staff and parents via REACH. It is the responsibility of
parents to contact the host to ensure they are aware of the plans.
Mobile Phones on Leave
Whenever on leave, boarders should have a charged and credited mobile phone with them (or be on leave
with someone who has one). This phone’s number should be registered with the Head of House or the
MOD before leave is taken.
Meals
Our Catering staff prepares nutritionally balanced and delicious meals each day. Should your child have
any special dietary requirements please ensure that these are advised to the Heads of Boarding Houses.
The meal service is generally of a multi choice, buffet style where menu items offer a wide variety of Core
Foods Group foods that are prepared and cooked in a way to retain maximum nutrient value. Boarders
enjoy the opportunity to serve themselves from the food offered rather than to have food plated for them,
allowing for freedom of choice and encouraging responsible healthy choice and eating.
The range of food available for boarders includes:
• a wide variety of cereals and breads, fresh fruit and vegetables.
• the availability of fresh fruit at all meal times and in each boarding house and limited availability of sugar
based fruit juices and fruit juice drinks.
• food prepared with minimal addition of salts with the use of herbs and spices to enhance the flavour of
food.
• menus that include generous amounts of haemoglobin and iron - beef, lamb, fish, chicken etc.
• menus that include calcium rich dairy products - milk, cheese and yoghurts.
• chilled water being available at all meals.
• limited menu selection of high fat and fried foods and pastry based foods and limits on the availability of
second helpings of these foods.
• healthy food options always available when take away style 'treat' food is offered.
2021 Boarding Handbook | 15• cholesterol free canola oil is used in cooking when oil is required. All boarders must attend all meals. Wednesday dinners are early and include the deliberate mixing of year levels to promote a sense of community. These dinners also include formal and themed dinners. Special consideration will be given to the delivery of fast foods on weekends and orders can only be made after permission has been sought from the MOD. Saturday lunch and dinner are prepared and eaten in the Boarding Houses. The menu is planned with input from both staff and students. The Dining Hall is closed on Saturdays and re-opens on Sunday. Medical The School Nurse visits each house each weekday morning from 7.45am. For any confidential or complex issues boarders will be asked to return to the Health Centre at a time convenient for both student and nurse. Boarders may nominate their own Medical Practitioner but are advised that appointments may be difficult to arrange at short notice. The Scots School has developed a relationship with The Doctors at Lavington Clinic; medical appointments can usually be arranged here by the School Nurse on the day required. Boarders must have a current Medicare Card. Parents will be notified in all instances where an appointment with a Medical Practitioner or other Health Professional is deemed necessary. Verbal consent from parents will be obtained and documented in the student’s medical notes. The outcome of these appointments will also be discussed with parents. Students who require a rest/sick day in the Boarding House will be monitored by the School Nurse who will arrange medication, meals and liaise with parents, MOD's and stage coordinators. The School Nurse will be available between 8.00am and 4.00pm Monday - Thursday and 8.00am - 3.30pm Fridays. The School Nurse is available to meet with new parents at the beginning of each term in the Health Clinic to confirm the special needs and medical history of their children. Parents are asked to complete the Medical information and forms and permission notes available via Parent Lounge prior to their childs beginning attendance or upon their childs medical situation changing. Administration of Non-Prescription Medications Signed parental consent is required for non-prescription medication at the beginning of each year, this is completed via Parent Lounge. Please refer to the medications section of the Border Medical Information Sheet for a list of medications available. These may be administered by the School Nurse and Boarding House staff. Boarders are not to self-administer any medications in the Boarding House. This enables us to be aware of what your child is taking, whilst limiting their exposure to large amounts of pharmaceuticals. A concise record is kept in each house of medications/treatments given to each boarder. This is reviewed daily by the School Nurse. Prescribed Medications Any medication prescribed by a General Practitioner/Specialist that requires border self-administration must be discussed with the School Nurse. Appropriate documentation (available from School Nurse) must be completed and signed by the parent/guardian, School Nurse and GP. This also applies for medications/supplements that are issued by parents (non-prescription or not stocked at school). All prescription repeats are kept in the Health Centre and the School Nurse is responsible for arranging 16 | The Scots School Albury
new supply or arrange medical review.
*Exceptions to the above include the Oral Contraceptive Pill (OCP) and some topical medications Eg.
Eczema treatments. Discussion with the School Nurse is advised in these instances.
Schedule 8 Medications (e.g. Ritalin and Concerta)
These medications must be supplied by parent/guardian in the original container labelled with the
student’s name, dosage and instructions.
Written authorisation from prescribing Doctor/Paediatrician is also required. The School Nurse will not
administer these medications without appropriate authority.
A register is kept in which the School Nurse and Student will sign following administration of the
prescribed medication.
Mobile Phones
Mobile Phones are permitted if they are used in a considerate way. Boarders must agree to the following
conditions of use.
• Boarders must register their phone with the Boarding House staff. This enables us to know who has
ownership of a phone and what the contact number is.
• If it is taken to the Day School, it can only be used in accordance with the Student Mobile Phone Policy
(mobile phones are generally not allowed during the school day unless for class learning purposes/or
permission from a member of staff).
• Students in Years 7 - 10 will be expected to hand in their mobile phone at bedtimes.
• It must have the tone turned to a low level.
• It must be secured when not in use.
• The camera use must not contravene privacy rules.
• All internet access while on campus must be through the school Wi-Fi network in line with the Digital
Citizenship and Acceptable Usage Policy.
• Mobile phones are not to be taken to dinner.
• Mobile phones are not to be taken to prep.
Use of the phone may be withdrawn if these conditions are violated.
Policies
There are many of the policies and procedures specific to boarding summarised in this handbook. Full
details of the Boarding House policies are available for parents to view on the school website together
with the key school policies which apply to both day and border students (such as uniform, grievance and
behaviour management).
Prep (Homework)
Prep is an integral part of the School’s academic programme. Prep aims to consolidate class work, devel-
op good organisational skills and encourages responsible research and study habits.
All students are expected to complete Prep each Monday – Thursday nights. They are supervised by a
Tutor. During this time, mobile phones are not to be taken to the library.
• Years 7 – 10 will complete supervised Prep in the Senior School Library.
• Year 11 & 12 students have the option to complete their Prep in their rooms or the Senior School Library
It is expected that all students take responsibility for their own learning and engage in Prep diligently.
Regular communication with academic staff is available for students.
Additional Prep/Homework can be completed outside Prep time. The school Library is open until 5.30pm
Monday - Friday.
2021 Boarding Handbook | 17Tutor Assistance Years 7 – 10 complete homework under the supervision of an Academic Tutor and a MOD who will check the homework diary and provide encouragement and assistance. Senior students work in their own areas under the supervision of staff. Tutors help students on a group or individual basis, as required. Programmes are arranged to assist boarders to develop organisational skills. House Staff and Academic Tutors will check the performance of boarders by looking at homework, dis- cussing work matters and assisting with problems. Day School staff will notify boarding staff, if and/or when parents are informed of work related matters. The effectiveness of any programme, tutor help or homework is dependent upon the self-discipline and motivation of the student. Quiet time in rooms is allocated on Sunday night for students to ensure all homework is completed for the start of the school week. Returning to the Boarding House Boarders are expected to be fully prepared for the school day when leaving the Boarding House in the morning. There are times, however, when students do find it necessary to return to the Boarding House during the school day; this must only occur in an emergency. When students do return to the Boarding House, they are required to obtain permission from the Duty Staff, if it is before school or during school times, student should present themselves to Reception where permission will be sought from the Head of the relevant Boarding House or a senior staff member. Upon arriving at the Boarding House, the student must present to the Laundry staff who will then allow the student to enter the premises. If students do not present to the Lundry staff, the Laundry staff will inform the Heads of Houses who will follow up the breach of protocol. Rooms Allocations will be drawn up by the Head of House each term allocating rooms for all students. This en- courages boarders to mix with each other and allows all boarders to share the more favoured positions. Boarders are expected to keep their rooms tidy always. The following conditions apply: a) Lockers/Locked Drawers under beds Lockers should not be considered ‘secure’ places for valuable items especially when the owner is away from school for extended periods. Such valuables should be handed to staff for safekeeping. Lockers, drawers and cupboards may be inspected at any time. Personal items such as bags and swags may be inspected where the staff believes prohibited items may be stored. Boarders are responsible for providing locks for their lockers. Keys for locked drawers need to be returned to the Head of Boarding at the end of the year. b) Decorations Boarders are encouraged to personalise their rooms with mementos from home including posters, fish bowls (small), decorations, special linen etc. All items must be presentable, appropriate and non-offensive. c) Music Boarders may play music through speakers, provided that they do not interfere with the quality of life within the Boarding Houses. Headphones are to be worn when listening to music via a laptop during Prep once permission has been given by Boarding House or Prep staff. d) Clothes All clothes must be put away in a neat and tidy manner. Rooms are inspected throughout the week. Security Gates: The vehicle and pedestrian gates to Wood Street are locked and boarders will be issued with a gate card for entry. Visitors will need to contact staff on duty who will allow entry onto school grounds. Boarders and their parents are expected to treat their personal gate cards like a key. The initial gate cards are provided free of charge, boarders will be charged the cost price ($20) for replacement cards. 18 | The Scots School Albury
Doors: All doors are locked except for the front doors during the evening. Gates and doors are all
automatically unlocked in emergency situations.
Storage Facilities
All belongings must be removed from the rooms at the end of each term. Some items may be stored in the
storage areas. These must be clean and stored properly in a box with their name clearly marked.
A Storage Room is provided for storage of luggage, swags etc. during term.
Taxis
Taxis are sometimes used to transport students to destinations after dark because student safety is para-
mount. Boarders will be requested to show their Scots Student ID before the taxi driver will allow them to
travel. The taxi fares are charged to the student’s account. Students should take note of the Taxi driver’s
number before the commencement of the journey and the fare indicated at the destination. When
possible, the school bus or the Boarding House car will be used for the group transportation of students.
All students travelling by Taxi must carry a mobile phone.
Technology
Students are to bring their own Laptops in line with the Scots Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policy. It
is to be used primarily to support learning, checking emails and some recreational use. Students must
complete a school Digital Citizenship and Acceptable Usage Agreement each year. A detailed copy of the
policy can be found on the School website. (Students will take the lead in having the agreement signed
by parents after they have been briefed.) Technology (including mobile phones, ipods, ipads and smart
watches) not used in a sensible manner or at inappropriate times may be confiscated by boarding staff.
Travel
Boarders are encouraged to organise their own travel home at weekends. Travel concession information
can be found for NSW and Victoria through Transport for NSW and Public Transport Victoria. Boarding
staff will assist in acquiring a concession card, if required. Please note that Victoria and NSW have differing
concession arrangements.
Those returning on Sunday night by public transport should make contact with the duty MOD who will
collect them on arrival.
Visitors
Scots student visitors to the Boarding House are made welcome and are given assistance to find
whomever they are seeking. Visitors must report to the Boarding House staff and sign in on the visitor’s
book when they arrive at the Boarding House for any amount of time other than a pick up or drop off.
Visitors must inform the Boarding House staff when they leave and sign out on the visitors book. Visitors
are permitted to visit with boarders in the common areas only.
When a boarder receives a visitor, they are to be introduced to the Boarding House staff on arrival. Visitors
may only be taken into the Boarding Houses with the approval of the Duty Staff. Visitors are expected to
observe all school and house rules. The host should report the visitor’s departure to the MOD.
Visitors of the opposite sex are not permitted to be taken into the Boarding Houses beyond the front foyer.
2021 Boarding Handbook | 19Clothing Requirements Below is a list of recommended items for boarding students. The items listed should only be considered as a guideline and not an exhaustive list. In addition to casual wear and school uniform requirements, which can be found in the Uniform Policy on our website, Boarders will need to provide the following items for their own personal use: Linen 3 Towels 1 Mattress Protector Face washers 1 Pillow 1 Doona 2 Pillowcases 2 Doona covers 2 Flat sheets 2 Bottom Sheets General Items Underwear 1 Laundry bag 1 Mesh bag for underwear 2 Kilt pins for washing socks Handkerchiefs Bathrobe Coat Hangers Summer & Winter pyjamas Extra name tags 1 Pair Runners Washing powder for personal use (optional) Toiletries 1 Shoe Cleaning kit 1 Extension cord & double adaptor 1 Desk Lamp We recommend that boarders have at least 2 school uniform shirts, shorts, dresses to ensure time for laundering (though only 1 kilt and blazer, as required). 20 |The Scots School Albury
Forms
All can be found in Parent Lounge.
The following forms are to be completed and returned to the Head of Boys/Girls Boarding at the
commencement of each year):
1. Boarders Medical Information (completed online via Parent Lounge)
2. Boarding Student Behaviour Contract
3. Boarding Room Condition and Damage Agreement
4. Approved Visitors List
5. Digital Citizenship and Acceptable Use Policy
6. Permission to drive and/or be a passenger (optional)
Policies
The following key policies should be reviewed by students and parents/guardians prior to
commencement of each year:
• Prevention of Bullying Policy & Procedures
• Discipline and Behaviour Management Policy & Procedures
• Child Protection Policy
• Health and Distribution of Medication Policy & Procedures
• Pastoral Care Wellbeing Policy & Procedures
• Parent and Students Grievance and Dispute Policy & Procedures
• Communication Policy
• Uniform Policy
• Home Learning Policy & Procedures -Senior School
• Learning Enhancement Policy & Procedures
• Student Driving Policy & Procedures
• Student Mobile Phone Policy & Procedures
Codes of Conduct
Please note that the following Codes of Conduct apply and should be reviewed by students and parents/
guardians prior to the commencement of each year:
• Student Code of Conduct
• Community Code of Conduct (for parents and adults)
2021 Boarding Handbook | 21393 Perry Street Albury NSW 2640 Australia
P: 02 6022 0000 E: reception@scotsalbury.nsw.edu.au
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