Entering rooms, mobile phones, takeaways and the naming of clothing.

JUNIORS TO ONLY ENTER THEIR DESIGNATED ROOM:

A junior boarder in Years 9 and 10 accommodated in the Domestic Wing, Dorms 2, 3 and 4, are to only enter their room. This rule was brought in on 9th March 2021, as a result of juniors entering other boys' rooms and taking items from unsecured wardrobes and lockers of others. The practice has continued in 2022.

Boys also need to have a sanctuary to go to, to feel safe, knowing they can lie on their bed in their own room without being disturbed by boys who don't reside in their room. Some uninvited boys had been entering a room and messing with another boy's personal items and bed area.

This has been well received by the boys and has significantly improved the general tone of the Year 9 dorms in 2021 and Term One 2022. If they want to talk to another boy in another room then they must do so in a communal area.

A Community Service will be issued to any boy who goes into another boy’s room in Dorms 2, 3 & 4 and the Domestic Wing.

HANDING IN A SECOND OR 'DUD' PHONE AT JUNIOR LIGHTS OUT:

A 'dud' mobile phone, or a second phone, is being handed in prior to junior lights out by some junior boys. This is a reminder that your son can only bring one phone to the hostel. I have communicated to the boys at our full house meetings on a Tuesday evening, that juniors hand their phones and devices in each weekday evening so they get the recommended hours of sleep and don't deprive their roomates of a good night's sleep also. The dorm leader collects all phones prior to lights out. A handful of junior boys have been given the consequences below for non-compliance in Term One, which is outlined in the Argyle Manual:

1st Strike: lose phone for 2 weeks + Community Service

2nd Strike: lose phone for 10 weeks + 7 day gating and Community Service

3rd Strike: lose phone for the year + 7 day gating and Community Service.

Any Years 11-13 boarders caught on a device after lights out are issued with the relevant 'strike' above.

TAKEAWAYS OVER A HOSTEL MEAL:

Some boys are not eating dinner in the evenings due to losing their appetite as a result of eating pizza or other takeaway meals when on leave in town. The duty master will email the family of the boy who does not eat his dinner, to keep you informed, as we want the boys to eat a healthy, nutritious meal each evening and feel it is important parents and caregivers are kept informed.

NAMING AND NUMBERING OF CLOTHING ITEMS:

Please check that all items of your son's clothing are initialled and numbered with a sharpie pen before your son returns for the start of the new term. Lagi, our Laundress, becomes frustrated when boys put clothing out to wash and she can't return the clean clothing items to their cubby-hole because there is no name or number on that item.

Thank you for your continued support.