Boarding

BOARDING ANSWERS TO COMMON QUESTIONS

Answers to Common Boarding Questions

How will the School handle issues of illness and absences?
Rest assured that should your son fall ill he will be well looked after at the Medical Centre. On those occasions when illness is of a more serious nature or if your son needs to leave school for an extended period, he must stay with a guardian or a parent until he is recovered. Naturally, should your son be absent from the Boarding House for medical or other reasons the School requires notification.

What is the School’s policy on uniforms and clothing?
School Uniform
Just like day boys, boarders are expected to comply with all school uniform regulations. Boys are expected to travel to and from school in the correct school uniform. Those who have just finished sport at the end of the day may return to the House in sports gear.

Sport
Full correct sports uniform is required for PE, House sport and School sport. Boys playing representative sport must ensure they are well presented.

Casual
Boys may wear neat casual clothes during non-school hours.

Do all boys use computers?
As Melbourne Grammar is a school that embraces technology, all boys are required to have their own notebook computer. To ensure protection and insurance against breakage, theft or malfunction we recommend notebook computers be purchased through the School.

What sort of counselling is available?   
We understand that at times some boys may require counselling. To assist at these times, the School offers the services of a counsellor to all boys. Referrals to the counsellor are made by teaching or boarding staff, and we always maintain close consultation with parents.

What sort of behaviour is expected inside the boarding houses?
Just like at home, we expect that boys behave with common sense. We encourage and promote courtesy and good manners with respect for each other and each other's property.

We live very far away. Who will be my son's guardian?
We ask that all boys must have a nominated guardian who is able to care for him when he is not well enough to attend school and is unable to go home. Guardians often take care of boys at half term weekends when the boarding house closes, and may take a student home for occasional overnight exeats at weekends.

What arrangements are made for holidays & half term weekends?
The House closes from Friday 4.00pm at mid-term and 1.30pm at term's end. It generally reopens on the day before term resumes. Boys must make arrangements to be away from the School at these times.

What if my son gets homesick?
It is natural to miss home, particularly for first time boarders. We encourage an open and honest approach from staff and parents with support throughout the House for those missing home, especially in their early days as a boarder. We also appreciate that parents at times may struggle to adjust, which is why we invite Mums and Dads to contact the Head of House with any concern they may have about their son. Parents looking for further support can turn to the Boarders Parents Network, a valuable support group.

Will my son get help with his homework?
Just like at home, the boys will have help to ensure homework is being done, to check record books and to lend assistance when needed. At weekends no set time is laid down for homework although a period on Sunday is usually established as a period for quiet work, letter writing etc.

Will my son be required to do chores?
Just because your boys are away from home doesn’t mean they won’t be doing household chores! These include kitchen duty, tidying the TV room, emptying rubbish bins and collecting pantry supplies from the kitchen.

How and when are meals prepared?
We will keep your boys well fed and nourished. All main meals are eaten in the Luxton Dining Hall. Breakfast and evening meals are supervised by the Duty Tutor whilst lunch is eaten at the same time as teaching staff. Meals are served via a cafeteria style servery and boys have a choice of meals. Boys are strongly encouraged to consider what they eat so that they ensure a balanced healthy diet. Vegetarian meals are also available by arrangement.

Can we visit our son?
Parents are definitely encouraged to visit their sons in the House both at the weekend and during the week. Arrangements can be made to take boys out for meals during the week.

 

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