TRINITY

SCHOOL

PARENTS’ AND PUPILS’

BOARDING

HANDBOOK

2007-2008

“Trinity School seeks to draw out the best in every facet of each individual’s nature, academic and intellectual, social, emotional and physical, moral, psychological and spiritual. The School aims to build confidence by developing personal qualities that help to form trusting and stable relationships and encourage sound moral judgments to be made. The School’s joint Roman Catholic and Anglican foundation affirms the Christian principles that should permeate all aspects of School and family life.”

In addition all staff should aim “to safeguard so far as is reasonably practical the health, safety and welfare of all children.”

Contents

3. Boarding Principles

4. Boarding Aims

5. Boarders and Pastoral Care

8. Guardianship and Exeats

9. Clubs and Activities for Boarders

10. Boarders Executive Council. B.E.C.

10. Use of School Computers

10. Electrical Equipment and Cooking

11. Windows

12 General House Information

13. Leaving School

14. Signing in and Out

15. Fire Drills

16. Daily Routines

17. Clothing

17. Laundry

18. Routines for vacations and half terms

19. Areas that are Out of Bounds

19. Use of tennis courts

20. Rules for the: Gym, Swimming Pool, Fitness Room and Grounds

21. Punishments

21. Smoking

22. Alcohol

22. Bullying

23. Administration

23. Transport

24. General Guidelines

25. Medical Information

27. Complaints Procedure – Parents

29. Complaints Procedure – Pupils

31. Child Protection

Boarding Principles

v The development of the whole person and the communication of values are vital.

v Being an open and trusting school, boarding is based upon mutual respect for all its members.

v Each boarder has the right to be able to work, play and relax free from abuse, intimidation, harassment, teasing and bullying.

v There is equality of opportunity and respect for all boarders, regardless of ethnicity, culture, gender or disability.

v Each boarder and each member of staff is to be treated as an individual and with respect and consideration by other pupils and by staff.

v Although living together, staff and boarders acknowledge the right of each other to privacy.

v Each boarder has the right to extend his or her intellectual growth in an atmosphere of positive encouragement and in conditions that are conducive to learning.

v All boarders should be able to develop physically, spiritually, intellectually, morally and socially.

v Despite the distance separating boarders from their families, links with parents are seen as an indispensable part of the support and development of boarders.

v Pupils may only board at Trinity, if certain criteria are met as set out in the School Prospectus under admissions. Pupils are offered a place at Trinity following an interview, an assessment and/or after a satisfactory school report has been received. This is to ensure that Trinity School can cater well for any pupil admitted.

Boarding Aims

v Develop the whole person, a desire for truth and a respect for others;

v Produce an open and trusting ethos in which each boarder feels able to approach any other member of the community (staff or pupil), confident in the knowledge that he or she will be treated and respected as an individual;

v Create an atmosphere of tolerance, openness and trust in which teasing, harassment and bullying would find great difficulty in developing;

v Provide a range of activities, hobbies and opportunities related to age and maturity that will assist in the personal, social and cultural development of each boarder;

v Safeguard and promote the welfare of each boarder, by providing an environment that is, as far as possible, free from physical hazards and dangers of any sort;

v Provide accommodation that is comfortable and suited to the needs of boarders, according to age and maturity, and which provides adequate levels of privacy;

v Develop boarders’ responsibility for self, for others and for the environment;

v Develop boarders’ qualities of leadership and ability to work as part of a team;

v Encourage boarders to contribute to the needs and welfare of others in the house and school, as well as those in the wider community;

v Provide suitable conditions for boarders to feel able to turn to members of staff to share the good things in their lives, as well as seeking advice, counselling and

support during times of difficulty.

BOARDERS & PASTORAL CARE Contact numbers

Head of Boarding and i/c Senior Boys	Mr William Leech	Tel:	771521
Residential House Parent i/c Juniors	Mrs Bronwen Leech	Tel:	771521
and School Counsellor
Residential House Parent i/c Senior Girls	Ms Mary McInTaggart	Tel:	771564
Residential Boarding House Tutor	Mrs Sarah Angus	Tel:	771531
Residential Boarding House Tutor	Mr David Angus	Tel:	771531
Residential Boarding House Tutor	Mr Rob Davies	Tel:	771513
Residential Boarding House Tutor	Mrs Louisa Davies	Tel:	771525
Boarding House Tutor	Mr James ATKINSON	Tel:	771510
Boarding House Tutor	Mr Lawrence COEN	Tel:	771510
Boarding House Tutor	Mrs Natalie COEN	Tel:	771510
Boarding House Tutor	Mr Neil CRIPPS	Tel:	771510
Boarding House Tutor	Mr Patrick CAIRNS	Tel:	771510
Boarding House Tutor	Mr David COLE	Tel:	771510
Boarding House Tutor	Mr Matthew FITZPATRICK	Tel:	771510
Boarding House Tutor	Mr Robert GIFFARD	Tel:	771525
Boarding House Tutor	Mrs Dee GODDEN	Tel:	771510
Boarding House Tutor	Ms May HO	Tel:	771510
Boarding House Tutor	Mr Rob LARKMAN	Tel:	771510
Boarding House Tutor	Mrs Elizabeth RAMSDEN	Tel:	771510
Boarding House Tutor	Mr Phillip SANDERS	Tel:	771510
Boarding House Tutor	Ms Karen SANDERS	Tel:	771510
Boarding House Tutor	Mr Peter TWIGG	Tel:	771510
Boarding House Tutor	Ms Linday Upton	Tel:	771510
International House Tutor and Co-ordinator	Mrs Kathryn POUNSBERRY	Tel:	774138
School Nurse	Mrs Debbie BIRT	Tel:	771512
Assistant School Nurse	Mrs Vicky DILKE	Tel:	771512
Anglican Chaplain and Counsellor	The Rev. Caroline LUFF	Tel:	774495
Roman Catholic Chaplain and Counsellor	Father Jonathan STEWART	Tel:	774640
Independent Listener	Reverend Jamie REDFERN	Tel:	775961
Independent Listener	Mrs Liz REDFERN	Tel:	775961
Independent Listener	Mr Peter TWIGG	Tel:	879623

STD Code: 01626

Commission of Social Care Inspection (CSCI) Tel: 01364 651800

Boarding Office 01626 771510 After 5.15 p.m. weekdays

Boys’ phone number 01626 771533 North Wing

Girls’ phone number 01626 771532 Girls Corridor

Sixth Form Boys’ 01626 771536 Michael Dobson Wing

School Fax Number 01626 771541

School e-mail address mail@trinityschool.co.uk (all general correspondence)

Bursar‘s e-mail address bursar@trinityschool.co.uk

Headmaster’s e-mail address headmaster@trinityschool.co.uk

Mr Leech’s e-mail address leechw@trinityschool.co.uk

Mrs Leech’s e-mail address leechb@trinityschool.co.uk

Ms McIntaggart’s e-mail address mcintaggartm@trinityschool.co.uk

Mrs Angus’s e mail address anguss@trinityschool.co.uk

Mr and Mrs Davies daviesr@trinityschool.co.uk

PERSONAL BOARDING TUTORS

Each boarder has a personal tutor, who monitors both academic progress and development outside the classroom. Interviews take place between personal tutors and boarders on a regular basis. The tutorial system aims at building up self-confidence and providing the support that our young people need. All queries or problems regarding Boarding should be directed in the first instance to the appropriate Residential House Tutor or Houseparent.

All junior students – Year 8 and below are monitored by Mrs. Leech

All senior girl students – Year 9 and above are monitored by Mrs. McIntaggart and Mrs Angus

Sixth form male students are monitored by Mr. Leech and Mr. Angus

Year 11, 10 and Year 9 male students are monitored by Mr Davies

Mr Bill Leech - Head of Boarding, Teacher of Mathematics and is also Deputy to the Headmaster as the designated member of staff responsible for child protection:

Bill has worked with John since 1997 and has been teaching since 1978. He studied at Kingston Upon Hull before taking up his first teaching post in Harrow, North London. Bill also acts as Head of Boarding and is resident at the school throughout the year, very useful for boarders struggling with their Mathematics homework. He has taught a variety of age groups from Year 5 to Year 13 and his experience with pupils of all abilities is much appreciated within the school. Bill enjoys a wide range of activities, many focused on the outdoors and on the water.

Mrs Bronwen Leech - Junior Houseparent, responsible for all boarders in year 8 and below:

Mrs Leech is also the School Counselor and a classroom support teacher. Mrs Leech has had many years experience working for Social Services and has worked in Education for the last 10 years. Mrs Leech is a keen organic gardener and also enjoys horse riding. When not on duty in the boarding house Ms Leech can be contacted in the White House just above the Headmaster’s Office. Both her girls have attended the school and are currently touring the Asian Continent and Pacific Islands.

Mrs Sarah Angus - Senior Girls' Houseparent, Teacher of Business and Economics, responsible for girls aged 13 years and above:

Sarah Angus entered teaching in 1995, having obtained an MA (Hons) from Cambridge and a PGCE (Distinction) at Strathclyde. She began her teaching career at Eltham College in London, becoming Head of Economics and Business there in 1996. A four year period as a Management Trainee in the City working for National Westminster Bank plc provided invaluable experience in the business world – whether marketing to energy and natural resource companies or analyzing business plans. As Residential Housemistress for Senior Girls, Sarah enjoys a pastoral role as well as delivering the curriculum. It is also quite useful for the boarders to have someone to help with their Business and Economics homework, although it does mean that they cannot use the ‘I left it at home’ excuse to great effect!

Mr David Angus - Director of Studies, Head of ICT, Resident Boarding Tutor:

David is Head of ICT, ICT Co-ordinator and Director of Studies. His degree is in Music from Oxford University where he was Organ Scholar at Merton College. After a PGCE at St. Luke's, Exeter, he was appointed Assistant Director of Music at Bromsgrove School where he also taught Physics and became a Housemaster. He was then appointed Director of Music at Eltham College in London. During this time the College began highly successful partnerships with the Orchestra of St. John's Smith Square and Classic FM and the Music Department undertook numerous overseas tours. David was also able to develop his interest in the outdoors, gaining his Mountain Leader Award and leading groups to Scotland, Wales, Norway, Finland, Sweden, Estonia, Iceland and Nepal.

Ms. Mary McIntaggart - Senior Girls' Houseparent

Mary has joined us from the sunny climates of Northern Ireland. She has been teaching since 1995 in both the primary and post-primary sectors. Mary entered university after having three girls, who are now all in further education. Usually it is the children that leave home but in this case she is and looking forward to acquiring many new experiences in Trinity School community.

Mr Bob Davies

Bob has been working for children’s activity centre teaching archery, climbing, fencing, and abseiling. He is also keen on surfing and skateboarding. For several years Bob worked in his family business but decided on a career change to pursue his passion for snow sports. He has lived abroad in Canada and qualified as a snow sports instructor at Lake Louise and the following year advanced to coaching intermediates for the ski and snowboard. Since returning to the UK Bob has been involved with taking school groups on organized trips to Switzerland teaching students how to ski and snowboard.

Mrs Louisa Davies

Louisa went to Exeter College and studied Art and Fashion and she has worked in the National Health Service for over eight years. Louisa has spent some time abroad and whilst in France helped renovate a French farmhouse. Since then she has lived and worked in Manchester before moving to Devon. Louisa and Bob are proud parents of their daughter Georgia. Louisa enjoys cooking reading and sewing in her spare time.

GUARDIANS

All boarders whose parents are not resident in the UK must have a guardian appointed acting in ‘loco parentis’ within the United Kingdom. The School must have the address and telephone number of this guardian, who is nominated in writing by the parents. A fax and e-mail number would also be helpful. There is a guardianship form available for this, which overseas parents must sign. The School is a member of AEGIS (The Association of Educational Guardians for International Students) and can recommend guardianship organisations, should parents need help in this area.

Pupils should have someone that they can stay with during Exeat weekends and at Half Term.

This would normally be the guardian but the guardian/parent can authorise someone else to look after his or her child/children. Such authorisation must be in writing. Guardians should also be available to accommodate and supervise boarders during the term-time should there be a need to exclude pupils as a result of a serious breach of School rules. In such instances, EU boarders will be sent home at parents’ expense.

BOARDING EVENINGS/WEEKENDS/EXEATS

Prep pupils and those in Years 7 and 8 have an organised trip or activity every Saturday afternoon and some Sundays. Pupils in Years 9 and above are allowed into Teignmouth if with permission from boarding staff. Pupils are not allowed out of the premises at any time without special permission and normally this is only given to Year 9 or above. Various Sports Clinics e.g. Swimming and Basketball and Workshops e.g. Art and Drama are offered on some Saturday mornings. Boarders from Year 10 and below attend Church on Sundays. Boarders are expected to wear smart home clothes when attending Church or Chapel.

In the middle of each Half Term, a weekend is designated as Exeat weekend and pupils may go home, stay with their guardians or with friends.

Boarders are encouraged to join outside groups, clubs and organisations. Written permission in advance will be required from parents or guardians before boarders are allowed to participate in high-risk activities arranged by the school or by outside organisations. House staff will not be able to authorize overnight stays away from the school. Permission can be sent by post, fax or e-mail. Permission to attend C.C.F. activities must be granted by parents or guardians.

Clubs and Activities for Boarders

A social programme of special events and activities runs throughout the year in boarding time. These activities are valued highly by staff and boarders alike. They form an integral part of the social and moral development of each individual and help build confidence and self esteem. Many are free and others incur a reasonable charge to cover basic costs. Past events and activities from previous years include:

Aerobics	Laser Quest
Archaeological Digs	Martial Arts
Arts and Crafts	Meals in and around Town
Athletics	Model Making
Baby Sitting	Music
Badminton	Paint Balling
Ballet	Pantomime
Barbecues	Picnics on the Beach
Barn Dances	Pizza Nights
Basketball	Pony Treks on the Moor
Beach Games	Raft Building
Bowling	Riding Lessons and Hacks
Camping on Dartmoor	Rock Climbing and pot holing
Canoeing and climbing	Rounders and
Ceilidh	Rowing on the River Teign
Chinese Banquets	Sailing
Cinema	Salsa Dancing
Coastal Walks and	Sea Fishing
Concerts	Skateboard Parks
Cooking	Soccer and Rugby clubs
Cricket	Squash
Dance	Swimming
Discos	Tennis and table tennis
Dry Slope Ski-ing	Theatres and galleries
Fishing -sea and rivers	Theme Parks
Go-Karting	Treasure Hunts
Golf	Trips to the Moor
Health and Beauty Evenings	Trips to watch Sporting Events
Health and Fitness Room	Volley Ball
Hill Walking	Weight Training
Ice Skating	Windsurfing
Karaoke	Yoga
Kayaking	Zoo Trips
Kick Boxing

Pupils from Year 8 and below will automatically participate in many outward-bound activities combined with trips to the cinema and theme parks. These will take place on Saturdays and some Sunday afternoons. Could you please make sure that your son/daughter has adequate clothing for walks on the beach and on Dartmoor. In the winter months, gloves, hats and scarves and a practical waterproof coat are essential. Permission will be sought in writing for participation in hazardous activities. Older boarders are actively encouraged to make links within the local community. Many are members of local clubs and sports teams.

Boarders Executive Council

The members of B.E.C. Boarders Executive Council assist in the running of the boarding house by supporting the staff boarding team. They are not allowed to issue their own punishments and must always consult with staff if there have been any problems rather than trying to deal with the problem themselves. Prefects receive training which also covers anti-bullying and child protection issues. They are appointed by the Residential Staff team on the basis of reliability and maturity. Duties will include supervising study and assisting staff with refectory supervision.

The prefect system allows boarders the opportunity to develop leadership and teamwork skills and to contribute to the community. They learn to take responsibility. The boarding team works closely with the members of B.E.C. to provide guidance and support.

There are also opportunities to develop leadership skills outside the prefect system – perhaps as a boarding council member, helping with trips, social events and activities or as a social representative.

USE OF SCHOOL COMPUTERS

Pupils may not load or attempt to load any application software on any computer owned by Trinity School. Should a pupil need an application loaded for his or her studies, the student should consult the Head of I.C.T. or the Network Manager. The software will only be loaded if appropriate licensing conditions for that piece of software are met. Pupils must make themselves aware of the I.T. code of practice which also applies to P.C.’s. They may not be used after bed time. Random checks will be made to check that P.C.’s do not contain unacceptable material. Separate hard drives are not to be bought into school.

ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT and COOKING

Boarders are allowed to use a limited number of electrical appliances, which must be safety checked (PAT).

All pupils are allowed to use hairdryers, styling accessories and music systems.

Sixth Form pupils are allowed kettles and computers. Electrical items other than those listed above will only be permitted with the permission of the Head of Boarding (boys), Housemistress (senior girls) and Housemistress (juniors).

Refrigerators are not allowed nor are multi plugs.

Senior pupils wishing to use the food technology room are required to pass a basic health and food hygiene certificate. This half-day course is organised by the catering manager. The cost is dependent on the size of the group studying the course and can be added to the pupils’ school account.

The food technology room must be kept clean and tidy at all times..

COOKING IN ROOMS

Cooking in boarding rooms is forbidden at all times. This includes rice cookers. Hot and cold snacks are available in the evening, in addition to the main meal at suppertime. Misuse of electrical equipment will be treated as a serious breach of the school rules. Every boarder is expected to be aware of health and safety concerns within the boarding house. A snack bar area is available in the refectory for use by the senior boarders after study. Training in the safe use of this area is provided free of charge. Unauthorised equipment will be placed in storage until it can be taken home.

WINDOWS AND SAFETY

Windows are protected by integral safety restrictors and in some rooms on Chapel corridor by restrictor chains. These health and safety fittings are not to be interfered with under any circumstances. Weekly checks will be made by cleaning and boarding staff. Misuse may lead to the main window section being locked to ensure safety. In such cases the upper section of the window will allow adequate ventilation by being opened. Further sanctions may be applied.

GENERAL HOUSE INFORMATION

Ø All laundry must be clearly marked. Unmarked clothing will be retained in the Laundry until the end of term. There will be occasions during the term when lost property can be identified and reclaimed. However, unclaimed clothing left at the end of summer term will be distributed to charities. Afte