Boarding INFORMATIONFOR PARENTS

Welcome to MLC boarding - the journey begins!“ ”

BoardingINFORMATIONFOR PARENTSThe Heart of the CampusThe Boarding House is located at the top of the beautiful Centenary Building - the heart of the campus. Students from all over Western Australia and many parts of the world come together to share the Methodist Ladies’ College Boarding experience. As you begin your Boarding journey, remember to take the time to enjoy this unique experience. Here you will have the opportunity to develop relationships and forge friendships that will last you a lifetime.

How High Can You Fly?In the Boarding House we work towards providing a positive environment where respect, responsibility, initiative, cooperation and endeavour are highly valued. At all times we look to live the MLC values, especially those concerned with respect for self, others and the environment. Consideration for others is paramount – living as we do in our community, we acknowledge that every member, be they staff or student, has the right to be treated with respect and courtesy.

Getting the Best out of MLCYour attitude to this journey we will make together, is also very important – If you approach this period in your life with enthusiasm and make the most of all the opportunities boarding can provide to you, then your journey will be both fulfilling and fun.

The girls who get the most out of MLC are those who are actively involved in a wide variety of College and Boarding activities, and embrace all the wonderful opportunities available. We will provide you with the opportunities that will keep you busy and challenge you. If you plan your time effectively, use all the wonderful resources available to you and enjoy all your achievements - you will see just how high you can fly! Most of all remember this - enjoy your Boarding experience and live each day to the full!

A Positive Experience Finally, communication is a vital part of life in the Boarding House. I encourage you to speak with me or any of my staff if you have any concerns or issues. A hug, an encouraging word, a smile – my staff are on hand to listen and to care.

Elaine RileyHead of Boarding

Welcome to MLC

Boarding - the

journey begins!

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BOARdiNG STAFF

Boarding PrefectChloe Chua

Boarders’ CouncilTessa Birch Keisha Davies Holly Davis Jodie Ross Amanda Teow

REPRESENTATivES

Dressing gownOne pair of slippersSummer PJ’sWinter PJ’sCasual clothes to wear on weekends and after schoolCasual shoesToiletriesShoe cleaning kit

Coat hangersSewing materialsA mugContinental quilt plus two coversTwo sets of sheets (minimum)Two pillow cases (minimum)Two towels (minimum)A small desk fan

WHAT CAN i BRiNG TO BOARdiNG?Some of the things that would be useful to you are:

Articles not permitted:Electric blanketsPersonal television setsUnsuitable posters or pictures

Roller skates/skateboardsElectric fan heatersCandles/Matches/Oil Lamps

Head of Boarding Elaine RileyOffice 9383 0253Mobile 0407 387 982

Senior Boarding House Supervisor Nola Riddell

Boarding House SupervisorsTegan Corker Christine HerbertMaxine Hodgkiss Jean Hughes-D’aethPhoebe JonesRachel Martino Catherine O’GradyLorraine OlneyAnne O’Toole Josie Robinson

Recreation Officer

Burgess OrtonPhone 9383 0202Phone/Fax 9383 0270

Uni Student Tutoring AssistantNatalia MaganaVicka Poudyal

Welcome to MLC

Boarding - the

journey begins!

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”BOARdERS’ GuARdiANS ANd HOSTSGuardiansIn the absence of parents in the Perth metropolitan area, Boarders need to nominate Guardians. Overseas Boarding students require two Guardians (that are not a married couple), and rural students whose families live more that 3 hours drive out of Perth, require one Guardian. These Guardians must reside in Perth and be over 21 years of age.

Guardians play an important role in the welfare and happiness of our Boarders at Methodist Ladies’ College and are expected to transport their wards to and from the airport and provide accommodation during Boarders’ Weekends. In the event of an illness which would exclude girls from school, Guardians are required to look after them during the course of their convalescence if parents are unable to assist.

Because Guardians are required to authorise incidental requests for leave with a person who has not been nominated as a regular approved Host for Boarders (see next paragraph), parents need to ensure that the nominated Guardians are responsible people in whom they have confidence. Guardians are also required to ensure their contact details are kept up to date, notifying the College of any changes.

Boarders’ HostsHosts are those persons approved by you to take your daughter out of the College on regular outings or for the weekends without further confirmation. Hosts must be over 21 years of age, unless parental permission is given.

Hosts must come to the Boarding office and sign students out when collecting them from the College. This is to ensure the safety of the girls as the College hands its responsibility to the approved Host. They must also return the student to the Boarding House, thereby handing back responsibility to the Boarding staff. Please do not drop the student off at the Boarding House without advising the staff.

Occasional leave with persons not included on the Host Form will be granted only after the approval of a parent, guardian or by the Head of Boarding if authorised by the parent.

Meals

All Meals are served in the Dining Room.

BreakfastMonday to FridayFood is available from 6.30am – 8.00am the Dining Room is open until 8.15am.

Saturday8.00am – 9.30am

Sunday8.00am – 9.30amSchool uniform is to be worn on weekdays, neat casual dress otherwise.

Morning TeaBiscuit packs and assorted fruit are available to take from the Dining Room at recess. In winter, hot drinks are provided.

LunchMonday - FridayThe girls put their lunch order in the previous night and pick up at lunchtime in the Dining Room 12.30pm – 1.00pm. Menus and lunch bags are in the Boarding House.

Saturday and SundayOpen from 12.00pm to 1.00pm Sit down meal, casual dress.

Afternoon TeaWe also have afternoon tea (usually fruit, sometimes donuts, pastries, biscuits, watermelon, icy poles, yoghurt) provided in the Boarding House, and supper break during the evening in Common Room which we prepare ourselves – toast, biscuits and milo etc. Fruit Baskets are filled every day.

Dinner TimeMonday – Sunday Terms 1 and 4 6.00pm – 6.30pm. Terms 2 and 3 5.30pm – 6.00pm.

You may wear your Sports Uniform to dinner if your sporting commitments occur just before dinner. Otherwise neat casual dress is required. No bare feet! Meals vary, but are buffet style so you can choose your own combinations.

Formal DinnersThese are held each term and organised by individual year groups with support from the Boarders Council. Dress is semi-formal, ie no jeans, revealing tops, flip-flops or track suits.

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BEdTiMESBedtimes vary depending on your year group and the day of the week.

Sunday to Thursday Nights:Years 7-8 Bed 8.30pm, lights out 9.00pmYear 9s Bed 9.00pm, lights out 9.30pmYear 10s in own room by 9.30pm, lights out at 10.00pmYear 11s in own room by 10.30pm and quiet

The Year 12’s are given the privilege of not having a set bedtime but are expected to be quiet and not disturb the rest of the Boarders. They must be in their own rooms during the week by 10.30pm.

Friday and Saturday Nights:Years 7-9 in bed at 10.00pm, lights out at 10.30pmYear 10s in bed and lights out by 11.00pmYears 11-12 in room by 11.45pm

Welcome to MLC

Boarding - the

journey begins!

“CAN i HAvE viSiTORS?Family members and friends are always welcome to visit you in the Boarding House however males are not permitted in rooms. All visitors visiting our campus, must be gone by 5.15pm, the exceptions are family or guardians, who are welcome to join us for dinner.

Sometimes fathers and brothers are unsure of which areas in the Boarding House are appropriate for their visits. There is a suite of lounge furniture placed in the central void area above the Chapel which is a pleasant and comfortable area to sit and chat.

Day girls may be invited for sleep-over visits on weekends or evenings at the discretion of the Head of Boarding.

PHONE ANd EMAiLHow to Call HomeThere are four phones in the Boarding House where you can call out using a pre-paid card system. We also have one coin operated phone. Many of the Boarders have their own mobile phones. We ask that these phones be used with discretion and not taken into the dining room under any circumstances. The use of mobile phones during prep is also not permitted.

How Parents and Friends Can Call YouParents can call anytime (although preferably not during

prep). Friends should be told NOT to call during prep please. The best time is after school. No incoming phone calls are taken after 10.00pm, although Senior Students may make outgoing calls until 10.30pm.

Student PhonesAbove Dining Hall Wing 9384 9419Riverside Wing 9383 3813Central Block 9383 3803Note: A Pay Phone is located in the Year 8/9 Common Room

Emails The staff at the Walter Shepherd Resource Centre allocates each student an email address during the first few weeks of school. This address is the same for school work and Boarding.

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LEAvE Settling in to the Boarding HouseWe start the year with Boarders’ Closed Weekend, usually held the second weekend of Term 1. No leave is permitted from the Friday evening through to the Sunday lunchtime. This allows us all time to get to know each other. There is a swimming carnival in the morning, a fire drill in the afternoon and rehearsals for the ‘New Girls Concert’ which is held in the evening.

Bayview Leave during the weekYears 9–10 students are allowed two shopping leaves to Bayview (Claremont) during the weekdays, with at least two other girls. This is allowed from 3.30pm - 5.15pm during Terms 1 and 4; and 3.30pm - 5.00pm during Terms 2 and 3. (Note that the Years 7-8 however, are not allowed Bayview Leave, unless accompanied by a staff member.)

Year 11’s are allowed two Bayview leaves (weekdays) with at least one other girl and must be back by 5.15pm.

Year 12’s can have as may Bayview Leaves as they want, but must be back by 5.15pm during Terms 2 and 3; and 5.30pm during Terms 1 and 4.

Anyone wishing to go to Bayview must ask permission from the staff member on duty and make sure they sign out. This leave is a privilege not an automatic right.

Leave FormsYou will need to fill these out for:- Overnight- City leaves- Outings with Day girl friends on weekends- Dinner leave

Fremantle and Subiaco leaves with other Boarders must be arranged by Thursday:- Years 7-8 No leave unless with

Recreation Officer- Years 9-10 in groups of 3- Year 11 In groups of 2

(also allowed City leave)- Year 12 May go on leave alone

(also allowed City leave)- Overnight and day leaves only with a Host

(authorised in writing by your parents).

If you know you are going to be late from weekend leave it is essential to call the Boarding House on 9383 0202. All Boarders are required to be back in the Boarding House by 8.00pm on Sunday night.

Long WeekendIt is compulsory for every Boarder to leave the Boarding House for the long weekend mid-term break. Prior arrangement must be made to stay with a Host family or your parents.

We must have authorisation from parents if a Boarder is to be driven by anyone under the age of 21 years.

Welcome to MLC

Boarding - the

journey begins!

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ACTiviTiESRecreation and ActivitiesWhen you are not going out on weekend leave, the Recreation Officer organises groups to go to:

- Socials- Movies- Ice-skating- Amusement Parks- Productions

- Beach and Fremantle

- Shopping- Sports

Organised ActivitiesSome organised activity happens most weekends. If there is an activity you want to do let the Recreation Officer know so that it can be organised. On campus activities also take place out of school hours on weekdays and at weekends eg; exercise and dance classes, art, cooking, craft, sporting sessions etc. Once you have committed to a weekend activity we ask that you do not withdraw from it other than for reasons of ill health.

SOME THiNGS YOu NEEd TO KNOW School TimesSchool starts at 8.30am and finishes at 3.30pm. You need to be out of the Boarding House no later than 8.15am.You will get your timetable on the first day and meet your Tutor, ask them if there is anything you need help with in the College. You are not allowed to return to the Boarding House until the end of the school day.

UniformAt school we wear normal uniform and jumpers if it is cold, but if you are going outside school during Terms 1 and 4 you must wear your school hat and during Terms 2 and 3 you must wear your blazer. During Term 1 it is compulsory for all staff and students to wear name tags to ensure we all get to know one another.

What do I Wear?After school you are encouraged to change out of your uniform. You must be out of uniform by the time you go down for dinner. You can stay in your sports clothes when returning from after school sport and need to go directly to dinner.

Signing In/OutThere are sheets in the Boarding House for all girls to sign in and out as they move around the campus this is very important as it allows us to see quickly whether a student is in the Boarding House should we need to evacuate.

Prep Time / Homework Time

Boarders have prep time every Monday – Thursday as follows:Terms 1 and 4 Years 7-8 6.45pm to 7.30pm Years 9-12 6.45pm to 8.15pmTerms 2 and 3 Years 7-8 6.30pm to 7.30pm Years 9-12 6.30pm to 8.00pm

From the end of prep you will have supper and free time until bedtime. Senior students usually go back to prep between 9.00pm and 10.30pm Most girls have a half hour free time before bed.

You can go to the Resource Centre for prep or immediately after school, except on Fridays. The Resourse Centre is open until 6.00pm Monday to Thursday.

With permission, you can get help from older students and work together. Tutors are available – ask a teacher or the Head of Boarding. Do not arrange Tutors for Monday, as we have Boarders Chapel.

We employ two university students who live-in at the Boarding House. They provide help/tuition for any of the Boarders who need it, from Monday to Thursday, 6.00pm - 10.00pm.

There are computers, printers and scanners in the Boarding House. The use of disks is encouraged to save work for printing off at school or you can use your own laptop if you have one. Your laptop must be taken to the Technology Support Desk in the Resource Centre to be checked before it is used in the Boarding House. Wireless connection is available throughout the Boarding House.

Boarding BuddiesAll new girls coming into the Boarding House are allocated a buddy. This person is responsible for helping the new girls settle in, showing them around the Boarding House and making sure they feel welcome. Meetings are held regularly during Term 1 and organised by the Boarders’ Council.

Boarding House Prefect and Boarders’ CouncilWe have one Boarding House Prefect who is a College Prefect. To assist her in her role we also have a Boarders’ Council. The girls on the Council have a variety of portfolios and they meet regularly to discus issues affecting the Boarding House.

Boarding House MeetingsThere is at least one Boarders’ meeting a week, which you must attend. These meetings are usually held on a Wednesday evening immediately after dinner. The Head of Boarding presents news concerning Boarding and discusses any issues that may have arisen. Students have an opportunity to raise issues at these meetings.

Boarding House DutiesBeing a part of the Boarding House involves keeping your own room clean and tidy, and managing your personal laundry. Each week girls are nominated to perform a variety of tasks. These include:- Cleaning Common Rooms- Bringing supper from the Dining Room- Weekend duties

These duties are done either in pairs or in groups.

In addition, girls are to ensure their bed is made and their room tidied before leaving the Boarding House each day. Please ensure everything is off the floor so your room can be cleaned.

Boarders ChapelBoarders Chapel is held on Monday night. Chapel begins after dinner, usually 6.00pm - 7.00pm. Boarders in turn assist the Chaplain with the planning and conduct of services.

Welcome to MLC

Boarding - the

journey begins!

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Compulsory FunctionsThroughout the year there are several compulsory functions. These are:Term 1 Interschool Swimming College SundayTerm 3 Interschool AthleticsTerm 4 Heather Lamont Arts Festival

Speech Night

MoneyMost girls have a bank account in Claremont and a key card. Ask your parents to open one for you. If you need help see the Head of Boarding. You can also have an account at the MLC shop which is useful if you need extra school/uniform items. It is advisable to hand in cash for safekeeping to the Head of Boarding, or alternatively making sure you lock your wallets and valuables up each day in your room.

MusicPlay CDs, tapes etc anytime at a responsible level. You need to wear headphones if you want to listen to music during prep.

Music Practice Practice rooms are available in the Music Department or you may use the Chapel.

ShowersTake a shower whenever you need – but not during prep, or after the designated bed time. The water is always hot!

TelevisionTelevisions, video recorders and DVD players are available in the Common Rooms. You must check with the Supervisor on duty if you wish to watch television during the week, except during prep when TV is not permitted.

WashingThe College will launder one pillowcase, towel and a sheet per week for each Boarder. Uniforms are laundered and ironed by Housekeeping staff. This is done on a rostered basis depending on year level. Washing powder is supplied by the College for student use.

You need to book times for washing machines and dryers.

Be courteous to other Boarders – remember you’re washing times. Never use a time booked by another Boarder.

How to use the Washing Machine:1. Separate your clothes by the colours

(white and coloured clothes).2. Put your clothes inside the washing machine.3. Put your detergent in – the amount needed

depends on the amount of your clothes.4. Press one of the buttons on the washing

machine depending on your load size and the temperature of the water wanted – do not use hot!

5. Press the start button.6. Do not forget to unload it at the end.

Swimming RulesSwimming is allowed if there is a staff member who is a bronze medallion holder at the Swimming Pool. Keep hair tied up and take out clips, ribbons etc.

Boarders’ Swimming Pool Rules Years 8–111. No jewellery or ankle adornments.2. No running around the pool/

no pushing others in.3. Diving board is to be used correctly

at all times.4. No food or drinks in pool area.

Year 12sAll of the above, except for rule 8, but there must be a minimum of 3 students at any given time. This is a safety issue in case of an emergency, in which case, one girl would stay with the casualty and the other would go for assistance. One member of the group must have a bronze medallion in life saving.

Medical CentreOur School Nurses are referred to as Sister. A Sister is on duty in her office from 8.00am until 5.00pm weekdays and is on call for advice on the weekend. Boarders are only allowed to see her before and after school, and during recess and lunch, unless the matter is urgent.

If you need to take medication regularly this must be kept in Health Centre. At the Boarding House there is a medical kit with Bandaids, Panadol, Betadine, etc for you to use if you are not feeling well. Just ask the Boarding Supervisor, who will record all medication you use. Some Boarders arrange an account with a local chemist; this is useful for medication and also shampoo, makeup, film processing etc.

RulesBoarding House rules will be explained by the Head of Boarding and are printed in your College Diary. If in doubt ask someone.

We suggest you remember mostly: - Be responsible and respectful of others and their space

- No sneaking out

- No drugs or any other illegal substances

- No alcohol or cigarettes

School SportsThere are a fantastic variety of school sports you can participate in and interschool competition after school.

If you wish to participate in an out of school sport you must have permission from your parents. Boarders may wish to form their own netball, hockey etc teams to participate in a local Saturday competition. See the Recreation Officer for further information.

Girls with a heavy program of sporting activities are encouraged to allow plenty of time for sleep. With a well planned and conscientious study program there should be no need for a Boarder to stay up late. Injury and illness are more likely to occur when the girls are tired and still learning to obey the messages their bodies are giving them. Any Boarders who have sport or training commitments outside of the College are encouraged to attend these. Parental permission is required and families may need to meet the costs of transport.

Arrivals and DeparturesIt is very important that students arrive promptly for the beginning of Term and arrange to depart for holidays at the conclusion of the Term. Time lost by late return to the College and early departures may result in poor academic performance.

Most importantly, what do I do if I am homesick? - everyone goes through some periods of home sickness, so you are not alone! Staff and your fellow boarders are here to give reassurance and a hug! We share the highs and lows together as a community - believe me, it does get better!

5. MLC ‘sun safe’ policy to be adhered to.6. No climbing over fences.7. No swimming after 7.00pm, or dark

(whichever comes first).8. A staff member must be present at all

times whilst Boarders are in the pool area.

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) 356 Stirling Highway Claremont Western Australia 6010% +61 (0)8 9384 4000 +61 (0)8 9385 1509 mlc@mlc.wa.edu.au www.mlc.wa.edu.au

CRICOS REGISTRATION NUMBER: 00441G