St. George's International School Boarding Handbook

BOARDING MISSION STATEMENT

With over 90 years’ experience in nurturing young minds, St. George’s International School in Montreux is one of the premier educational institutions in Switzerland. Our boarding facilities are an extension of our commitment to excellence in every aspect of the care of our students – a safe and secure environment ensuring they can thrive; a real ‘home away from home’.

Boarding life at St. George’s offers an outstanding environment for your child to benefit from our professional team 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We are dedicated to helping your child prepare for the challenges they face, both inside and outside the classroom. They can expect a supportive and nurturing environment where everyone is treated as an individual and inspired to explore their potential. With our team support and encouragement, each student will be given the opportunity to realise what they are truly capable of.

A VERY WARM WELCOME TO ST. GEORGE’S INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL BOARDING FAMILY!

For those of you who are new to the school, this will be the first experience you have of boarding life and I am sure you will be nervous, excited and have lots of questions. I hope this booklet will answer as many of those questions as possible and help guide you through your first few weeks of school. For returning students, most of the information here will be well known to you, but will still serve as a useful reference as things change every year.

Being a boarder at St. George’s is to be part of a fun, vibrant, and supportive international community. We are a mixed boarding house and enjoy a family atmosphere that promotes tolerance, empathy and understanding among our community. The friends you make here at St. George’s will become friends for life.

Being a boarder is so much more than just living at school. Boarding is about making the most of your school years – trying new things, having a go at all the exciting clubs the school offers, making friends from all over the world, immersing yourself into Swiss culture – the list is endless.

The boarding team is here to help and support you in all aspects of your life while at St. George’s. We’ll be with you through every high and low, and we’ll always make time if you need to talk. Helping you flourish and realise your potential is the highlight of our role, which is why we’re there for you at every step of your journey at St. George’s.

Be open to new experiences, embrace every opportunity, get involved in as much as you can, and you will find that your time at St. George’s will be a rich and rewarding experience with memories and friendships that will last a lifetime.

Mrs Marie West Head of Boarding

Me e t t he Boa rd i ng Te am

We are very fortunate to have a dedicated and caring boarding team who work hard to ensure that your children feel supported, safe, and happy throughout their time in the house.

Mrs Marie West

H e a d o f B o a r d i n g

Mrs West leads the boarding provision with warmth and experience, ensuring that every boarder feels at home and cared for.

MrAlexAshton

D e p u t y H e a d o f B o a r d i n g

Mr Ashton works closely with Marie and the whole team to support the day-to-day running of the house and pastoral care.

Mr Ian Calvin & Miss Dominique-Léa Bonelli-Bean

Assistant Houseparents

Mr Calvin and Miss BB provide daily support and guidance for our boarders, helping to create a strong sense of community.

Graduate Boarding Assistants

We have five Graduate assistant who bring energy and enthusiasm to the house. They play a key role in activities, supervision, and ensuring that students feel well looked after.

Together, this team is committed to making boarding a positive, enriching, and enjoyable experience for all.

CONTACTING THE BOARDING TEAM

Email boarding@stgeorges.ch

Web Page https://stgeorges.ch/boarding

Post

School Nurse

Chemin de Saint Georges 19, 1815 Clarens, Switzerland

hbfredj@stgeorges.ch/ +41 21 964 34 11

OTHER USEFUL CONTACT NUMBERS

SAFEGUARDING LEADS

If you have a concern for yourself or a fellow student, or if you feel you have been unfairly treated, you can speak to any member of the boarding team, the nurse, your tutor or other school staff in confidence. If you are nervous, take a friend with you.

The school has two designated safeguarding leads: Mrs. Kling (lkling@stgeorges.ch) and Mrs Marie West (mwest@stgeorges.ch). They will be informed of concerns when required; and you can also contact them directly in confidence.

WEEKLY ROUTINE

YEARS 6 TO 13

Breakfast in dining hall

Supper in dining hall

Prep time for Years 7-9

Prep time for Years 10-13

Hand in electronics (Year 10-11)

During school hours, the boarding house is closed except for Years 12 – 13, who have access to the Common Room

On Fridays, there is no prep time.

Sortie to Montreux or Vevey is allowed from 4 00pm-6 00pm, Monday to Friday for Years 12-13

Boarders other than Years 12 - 13 can keep their devices overnight

MEALS

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are all served in the canteen and all boarders are expected to attend. During the weekend boarders have the opportunity to go out for meals. This must be planned in advanced so that the chef can be informed if a boarder is not eating at school. Students should dress respectfully for meals, which includes no headwear (other than for religious reasons) and suitable clothing and footwear. Students who wish to fast can make arrangements with boarding staff. A student’s dietary needs or allergies should be discussed with boarding staff.

PREP TIME

Following the evening meal, students will study in a calm, relaxed and supportive environment. This is a quiet time so you can concentrate and there is always a member of staff available to help you if needed.

Our Boarding House staff will help you to develop your independent study skills and will provide you with study and revision tips and advice. Supervised study time is essential for boarders in Years 7 – 9.

ENRICHMENT ACTIVITIES ORGANISED WITHIN BOARDING

Co-curricular activities are learning experiences that complement what students learn in the classroom and form an integral element of boarding life.

Co-curricular activities play a vital role in nurturing different aspects of a student’s personal growth. For well-rounded development – emotional, physical, spiritual, and moral – these enrichment activities provide essential support beyond the classroom.

Clubs and activities are offered by the school most weekdays, between 4.00pm and 6.00pm. In addition, boarders-only activities are held throughout the afternoons and evenings during the week.

These include on-site activities such as fitness clubs, football matches, and service projects, as well as off-site experiences like skiing in winter, mountain and water-based adventures in

autumn and summer, plus shopping trips, cultural excursions, and a variety of workshops. eekend activities are compulsory for Years 6 to 10, and we strongly encourage the older students to take up these opportunities too.

We are committed to helping students develop their character and skills during their time with us at St. George’s, and feel it is important that they challenge themselves in order to grow as an individual.

Most of the activities and clubs are covered by school fees, but occasionally there will be a special extra-curricular activity or trip that is not. In these circumstances, we will obtain prior consent from parents to add the charge to the school bill.

ENR ICHMENT

ACT I V I TIES OU TSIDE BOA R DI NG

We encourage students to pursue their interests, with a wide range of clubs and activities available at St. George’s. Some specialised activities are also offered in partnership with local clubs.

The boarding staff are here to help set these up. Such activities may for example include: Horse riding, sailing, rowing, fencing, and football on a more intensive level.

WEEKEND ACTIVITIES

The weekends are for fun and relaxation. Fun and varied activities are arranged every weekend for boarders to take part in. They are an excellent way to make friends, explore Switzerland’s beautiful countryside, visit cities, museums, and art galleries, and discover new interests. We are always developing our weekend programme and welcome suggestions from boarders for new ideas.

HOLIDAY CAMPS

During holiday times we are proud to offer our students incredible opportunities for exploration, cultural immersion, and personal growth through worldwide adventures.

From exploring ancient archaeological sites to adventures in incredible places, our trips are meticulously planned to provide a balanced blend of educational enrichment and thrilling adventures.

Our holiday programmes ensure a safe and engaging environment for every participant. We prioritise the wellbeing and enjoyment of our students, ensuring that each trip is not only educational but also a whole lot of fun.

GOING INTO TOWN LEAVE (SORTIE)

The school is situated on a bus route between Montreux and Vevey. Both towns offer excellent shopping, restaurants, and cafés.

Students can leave campus on one or more afternoons per week as well as the weekend. They may visit Vevey or Montreux but must be in pairs at a minimum. Those aged 18, and who have parental permission, may take sortie alone.

Students must sign in at the boarding house before they leave, and sign back in as soon as they return. This must be done in person. If for any reason students are delayed in getting back, they must call or send a message to a member of the boarding house team.

MONTREUX

CLARENS

The area within the shaded areas are where you are allowed to go during your sortie times.

VEVEY

BOARDING PRIVILEGES

REWARDS & SANCTIONS

A system of rewards and sanctions is based on setting oneself high standards and accepting responsibility.

Boarding staff at St. George’s expect high standards from students at all times, and in return, students can expect to have their efforts recognised.

Students’ efforts (academic and community) impact not only on themselves but on the whole school and boarding community. A rewards and sanctions record is kept by the boarding staff and is at all times communicated with – and visible to – the students at all times.

Rewards are given for consistent bedroom tidiness, community service, charitable efforts and acts of kindness.

Sanctions are given for infringements of boarding expectations.

While sanctions – such as the loss of free time, electronic devices, or other privileges – are part of the Boarding House rules, staff encourage students to propose reflective consequences that demonstrate their understanding of mutual respect and trust within the boarding community.

STUDENT VOICE

Boarders contribute to the boarding community in many ways. The student voice is central to the boarders’ ownership of boarding.

Our Boarding Committee meets regularly and any student from Year 6 to Year 13 can make suggestions.

Topics of discussion include: whole boarding issues, expectations, student initiatives, planning, organising and coordinating social, sports and service events in boarding.

SUGGESTED PACKING LIST

Here is a list of suggested items students may need for their time at St George’s.

PERSONAL CLOTHING

Underwear

6 pairs of socks

2 pyjamas

2-3 pairs of trousers

6 t-shirts

2-3 jumpers / sweatshirts

6 long sleeve t-shirts or similar

1-2 smart outfits

(for events such as Christmas dinner etc)

Swimming costume / trunks and towel

1 waterproof jacket

1 warm coat

(you will also have a St George’s ski jacket)

2 sets of comfortable clothes such as jogging trousers / leggings and sweatshirt / hoodie

3 pairs of sports leggings / trousers / shorts

4 sports t-shirts / tops

4 pairs of sports socks

Traditional costume from their home country (optional)

SHOES

1 pair of school shoes (black, no high heels, no trainers)

1 pair of slippers

1 pair of casual shoes for the autumn and

1 pair for the summer

2 pairs of trainers (one for P.E. and one for casual wear)

1 pair of hiking shoes

1 pair of winter boots

1 pair of flip flops / sandals

ACCESSORIES

1 pair of gloves

1 woolly hat for winter

1 cap / hat

Sunglasses

Water bottle

Hair drier

PERSONAL ITEMS

Washbag and toiletries personal medication (if applicable) – this is handed to the boarding staff on arrival

Photos (optional)

Small decorative items for their room

ELECTRONIC ITEMS

Mobile phone / iPad (optional)

L aptop

Camera (optional)

Adaptors

WINTER EQUIPMENT

Please bring this after the winter holidays as it will be needed for January

1 pair of skis, poles and boots if already owned.

(If not, we will organise rental equipment)

1 ski goggles

1 ski helmet

2 pairs of ski gloves 1 ski back brace

2 sets of thermal ski underwear 1 fleece

3 pair of ski pants

3 pairs of ski socks

1 pair of sunglasses fit for skiing

(unless the student is happy to ski with goggles only)

SCHOOL UNIFORM

Students will receive their school uniform from the uniform shop when they first arrive. Please note navy blue knee socks and tights for Years 7 to 11, and beige trousers for Years 12 to 13 are not sold in the uniform shop and must be brought from home.

Years 7 to 11 school uniform

3 skirts/pairs of trousers

1 blazer and 1 school jumper

7 shirts/blouses

1 tie

Navy blue knee socks and tights (10 pairs)

(please note, these are not sold in the uniform shop)

Minimum of 2 pairs of sports shorts / jogging trousers / leggings / skorts

(long and short items, i.e. one pair of leggings plus skorts or 1 pair of shorts and 1 pair of jogging trousers)

5 sports t-shirts

(at least one must be a house t-shirt)

1 ski jacket

Years 12 to 13 school uniform

7 blue polo shirts

2 school jumpers or Year 12 / 13 hoodies

2 or 3 pairs of beige trousers

(please note, these are not sold in the school uniform shop)

Minimum of 2 pairs of sports shorts / trousers / leggings / skorts

(long and short items, i.e. one pair of leggings plus skorts or 1 pair of shorts and 1 pair of jogging trousers)

5 sports t-shirts

(at least one must be a house t-shirt)

1 ski jacket

LAUNDRY ROUTINE

Each student is given a laundry bag and number at the beginning of the year, with separate bags for underwear. Laundry is done on a Sunday night after prep and students must clearly list all items that go into the laundry on a sheet provided.

The laundry bags are then taken by the student to the laundry on Monday morning before breakfast. School uniform, as well as personal clothes, go into the same bag.

Clean laundry will be returned on evening after dinner. Students must ensure that they have enough uniform and personal clothes to last them from one laundry day to the next.

Weekly boarders can give their uniform to the laundry free of charge; any personal items will incur an extra cost. Some clothes may require dry cleaning. The laundry will separate these items and ask the students’ permission before sending them off to external dry cleaners as this will incur an extra cost. Dry cleaned items will be returned two weeks later.

RULES IN THE BOARDING HOUSE

ALCOHOL, SMOKING AND DRUGS

St. George’s International School is an alcohol-free site. Students are not permitted to be in possession or consume alcohol on or off-site during term time. If a student is found in possession of alcohol, the school reserves the right to suspend or exclude the student. The school reserves the right to conduct random alcohol tests.

St George’s International School is a nonsmoking school. It is illegal to smoke in any of the school buildings, including the boarding house and on campus. Possession of, or involvement in the distribution of, tobacco, smoking related materials or vaping materials or associated paraphernalia is strictly forbidden.

Possession of, or involvement in the distribution of drugs, narcotics and any other banned substances is strictly forbidden and will lead to expulsion without the right to appeal. St. George’s International School reserves the right to conduct random testing for drugs based on the suspicion that there has been misuse of these, or any, banned substances.

BODY PIERCING, TATTOOS AND HAIRSTYLE

Under no circumstances are boarders allowed to have body tattoos whilst staying in boarding. It is illegal in Switzerland to ink a tattoo on anyone younger than 18. It is also illegal to have body piercings under the age of 18. Students aged between 16 and 18 may get their ears pierced with their parents’ written consent.

Students may wear one pair of discrete ear studs. The school reserves the right to ask students to remove piercings that are considered inappropriate.

Boarders may re-colour or dye their hair in natural hair colours only. The school reserves the right to tell a student to re-colour their hair if it is deemed an inappropriate colour.

Boarders may not cut their own hair or that of other boarders. In extreme cases students will be instructed to have their hair restyled.

BEDROOMS, FOOD AND VIDEO GAMES

Students are allowed into each other’s bedrooms provided a person from that room is present. If asked to leave by a resident of that room, the visitor must do so and may not return without permission. Mixed gender visits are never allowed. Students are not allowed into each other’s bedrooms after lights out. Boarders are expected to keep their bedrooms neat and tidy. Room tidiness scores will be awarded each day, with the highest scores rewarded.

Boarders are responsible for any damage in their rooms and should notify staff so that repairs can be carried out. Any damage in the boarding house will be paid for by those responsible for it. Any unpaid costs will be taken from the security deposit when the student leaves the school.

Candles, matches and lighters are strictly prohibited in boarding houses. Students may use battery-operated candles and fairy lights only.

Small snacks may be kept and eaten in the boarders’ common room, such as a chocolate bar, biscuit, or an apple but for hygiene reasons, no food is allowed to be kept in bedrooms. If food is found in bedrooms, it will be confiscated.

Students may order takeaways in special circumstances with permission from boarding staff. Facilities are available in the common room for students to prepare hot drinks and snacks; these are to be used responsibly; younger years will require supervision from boarding staff.

Students may not have TVs or games consoles in their rooms. TVs and consoles are provided in common areas.

SOCIAL AND PRIVATE AREAS

All areas of the boarding house must be treated with respect and left exactly as found. Boarders must tidy up after themselves and be mindful of other boarders around them. They should be respectful of other people’s belongings and are asked not to touch anything that does not belong to them or is not for general use. Boarders may not enter another person’s bedroom without their permission.

VEHICLES

Students may keep and use a bicycle at school should they wish. Bicycles should be stored in the racks provided when not in use. Lights must be fitted and in working order before bicycles are taken out. Helmets must be worn when riding, and the rider should demonstrate competent, safe, and responsible use of their bike. Boarders may use school bicycles – please discuss with boarding staff first.

Boarders may not have cars at school, nor can they travel in students’ cars unless permissions are in place from both the driver’s parent/guardian and the passenger’s parent/guardian.

MESSAGE TO OUR BOARDERS

And last, but not least, a message to all our boarders in order to get the most out of boarding at St. George’s International School.

– Come with a positive attitude and lots of enthusiasm.

– Try everything at least once and give it your best.

– Make use of everything that’s on offer, in school and outside of school.

– Ask for help. Help others around you. Work hard.

– Make as many friends as you can.

– Enjoy!

We look forward to welcoming you and making St. George’s boarding your second home. We understand that it is not easy to leave family and home but you can be assured of a safe, fun and caring environment here.

The St. George’s Boarding Team

ADMISSIONS & GENERAL ENQUIRIES

Email | admissions@stgeorges.ch

Phone | +41 21 964 34 11

Location | Chemin de Saint-Georges 19, 1815 Clarens, Switzerland

Website | stgeorges.ch