Connaught House Booklet - 2025/26

CONNAUGHT HOUSE

Boarding Handbook for Years 12 - 13

Statement of Boarding Principles and Practice

This statement should be read in conjunction with the Mission Statement of the School, which embodies the overall aims and objectives of RMS. The School caters for girls aged 2–18 and the residential department meets the needs of girls aged from 8–18. The School therefore has Early Years, primary, secondary and post 16 phases Pupils are admitted according to the Admissions Policy of the School The PreSchool caters for girls and boys aged 2-4

Full, weekly and flexi-boarding at RMS offer opportunities for girls from the age of eight to develop social skills and personal independence within a caring and supportive residential environment

RMS provides boarders with a varied range of experiences within a structured framework, so that girls learn to become responsible for themselves and their learning Boarders are encouraged to develop good patterns of self-study and this is balanced by many opportunities for extra curricular activity, to cater for the interests of different girls of all ages

Outcomes for boarders

1 RMS aims to promote boarders’ personal development by their boarding experience and this is apparent in qualities such as confidence, self-reliance, integrity and tolerance

2 RMS aims to ensure boarders enjoy being part of their community and make a positive contribution to it

3 RMS aims to ensure boarders have pleasant and constructive relationships with one another and with the boarding staff

4 RMS aims to support boarders academically to enable them to reach their full potential

Quality of the boarding provision and care

5.Boarders are well cared for and the boarding provision is effective in supporting their individual needs and helping them keep safe, fit and healthy

6 Boarders benefit from suitable facilities and opportunities for recreational and developmental activities in the evening and at weekends, including sufficient self-directed time

7 Boarding accommodation is comfortable, secure and well-maintained

8 Boarders are able to maintain regular contact with their families, and the school communicates effectively with parents, carers and guardians

The effectiveness of arrangements for welfare and safeguarding

9 Arrangements are effective in ensuring compliance with the National Minimum Standards for Boarding Schools, particularly in matters of safeguarding boarders’ welfare, staffing, management of behaviour and prevention of bullying

The effectiveness of the leadership and management of the boarding provision

10 Boarding priorities are clear and houses are well run, in line with the aims of the School, and with a commitment to self-evaluation and improvement

Organisation of Boarding

Girls aged between 8-14 live in Harris House, girls from 14-16 live in Zetland House and Sixth Form boarders are in Connaught House Boarders are given greater freedom as they reach Years 10 & 11 and Sixth Form. This gradual acknowledgement of approaching adulthood enables girls to learn how to balance the different aspects of life Sixth Form boarders take greater responsibility for themselves, thus preparing for life at university Zetland and Connaught Houses are staffed by a Housemistress, Assistant Housemistress, House Tutor and two GAP Assistants Harris House is staffed by a Housemistress, House Parent, House Tutor and three GAP assistants

House staff play a central role in the lives of boarders and staff are encouraged to tread a careful line between firmness and approachability Boarders should be “at home” in their house, so that they feel secure and valued RMS is committed to the ongoing professional development of all staff so that boarding staff are well trained and supported to fulfil their roles effectively. There is an induction policy for boarding staff and appraisal procedures All Housemistresses meet weekly with the Director of Boarding The Director of Boarding meets weekly with the Deputy Head Pastoral Ready communication between boarding staff, teaching staff, medical staff and the school counsellor where appropriate are essential for the wellbeing of each boarder The names and relevant qualifications of the staff team are to be found on the website The Health Centre is staffed by 2 registered nurses One school counsellor offers appointments specifically for boarders one night a week Boarders have access to a silent listener

The Boarding Department caters for approximately 100 pupils on each night of the week. Accommodation takes the form of single, shared rooms and small dormitories

The School’s Designated Safeguarding Lead is the Deputy Head, Alison Davies The School’s Deputy Safeguarding Leads are Assistant Head, Desmond Cox, Head of Senior School, Rachel Bailey, Head of Sixth Form, Clare Freeman, Director of Boarding, Fiona Jones, Deputy Head of Sixth Form, Jennie Simmonite and Head of Cadogan House, Melanie Horn These staff are always contactable out of hours

The School is committed to accommodating pupils with a physical disability where possible.

Welcome to Connaught House

Whether you are already at RMS and moving up from Zetland House, or joining us for the first time, we hope this booklet will be a useful guide to our routines and give you practical advice and reassurance. Please remember, if you are unsure about anything please just ask a member of the Boarding staff; they are here to help and support you.

House staff play a central role in the lives of all RMS boarders. It is important to us that you feel “at home” in your House, that you feel secure and valued, your boarding house is your home-from-home. Of course, there are some guidelines for your wellbeing and safety, but the boarding environment is not an extension of school. House staff create a homely, supportive atmosphere where you are able to express yourselves fully and feel at ease. If you think there is something we have omitted from the booklet which would prove helpful, please let us know.

As a community we grow and develop by sharing our ideas and our strengths: every member has a voice and a contribution to make You are now moving on to a new level of learning and are in the transition period between school and college, university or employment. Life in Connaught House reflects this with increased freedom and privileges, and with this comes increased responsibility for yourself and your studies.

Miss Mariah Summers Housemistress

to Connaught House msummers@rmsforgirls.com

Connaught House email and phone number connaught@rmsforgirls.com 07738 066632

+44 (0) 1923 725 358

Connaught House Staff, Assistants and Prefects

Mrs Susan Dennis

Assistant Housemistress to Connaught House

Other Boarding Staff

We currently have 8 GAP Assistants who work across all three boarding houses.

You will also come into contact with other members of the boarding team and will see these members of staff on a regular basis at meal times, boarding events such as Family Suppers, boarding activities and on outings and visits.

Housemistress of Harris House: Miss Christine Doherty

Houseparent Harris House: Miss Naomi Roughley

House Tutors to Harris House: Mrs Elisa Martin Sevilla and Miss Nikita Sullivan

Housemistress of Zetland House: Miss Joni Stephens

House Assistant to Zetland: Miss Celine Brugel

House Tutors to Zetland House: Mrs Hawkins and Mrs Mackey

Boarding Prefects

The Deputy Head Girl for boarding leads a team of prefects. These students are in Year 13, live in Connaught and are all experienced boarders. Their role is to represent boarding within the school and cultivate a spirit of mutual respect within the entire boarding community.

Each prefect has responsibility for a particular House which they visit each week. Prefects hold regular meetings and are always part of social events. These students are incredibly good at listening, advising and helping with homesickness.

Boarding Representatives

Each year group selects a boarding representative to sit on the Boarders Council and Food Committee We want to make sure that each year group has a voice, and these students play a significant role, suggesting and discussing changes, maintaining, reviewing and enhancing the quality of life for boarders.

International Boarding Committee

The international boarding committee acts as a forum for all international boarders and is supported by Mrs Dobson. Mrs Dobson helps organise and promote international events at the school

Important Information

Speaking English

Our students are actively encouraged to speak English as it is a common language in which all boarders can communicate and thus feel included.

Speaking English could put you at a distinct advantage with regards to future university interviews and employment. This does not mean you cannot speak your own language as we are aware that a day of school thinking and communication in English is tiring, however in communal areas you must speak English.

House Meetings

You will have house meetings once a week with Miss Summers, usually on a Monday at 9pm, where she will share important information.

Our house prefect will organise regular meetings to allow the girls to voice ideas, concerns and suggestions which she will then share with Miss Summers. The date of these meetings will be placed on the notice board and the House Whatsapp Group.

7:25am All register in Common Room

7:30am Breakfast in Dining Hall

Year 13 have the option to attend school breakfast or to eat in the House

8:20am School for Year’s 12 and 13

No pupils allowed back into the House before 2:45pm

2:45pm If a student has no afternoon timetabled lessons they may return to the House and must sign in. After signing out from the House a student may go to Rickmansworth/ Harrow at this time but must return for supper by 6:00pm unless they take an ‘Out till 8’ . You can go out on your own before dark, however in the winter months you must be with somebody else.

4:00pm Return from school and free time

Students may attend after school activities or leave the school premises, however they must always sign in and out from the House and let staff know where they are going, returning for School supper by 6:00pm

6:00pm Dinner in the Dining Hall

7:00pm Study time

The House must be silent during study time Students may study in their rooms, the Library or the Zetland ICT room signing in and out of Connaught/Zetland respectively.

9:00pm Free time

Weekends

From Friday evening to Sunday you can have two meals in the House rather than going to the Dining Room. This does not include breakfast and you will be asked to sign up for these weekly.

Friday

Year 12 sign in with a member of staff by 10.30pm.

If you have gone off site you must be in the House by 10pm Year 13 sign in with a member of staff by 11.00pm.

If you have gone off site you must be in the House by 10 30pm

Saturday Breakfast at 9am

Be in the Dining Hall by 9.15am. If you are not having breakfast in school you must sign in with a member of staff by 11am

Lunch at 12.30pm

Be in the Dining Hall by 12 45pm Supper at 6pm

Be in the dining room by 6.15pm.

Year 12 sign in with a member of staff by 10.30pm.

If you have gone off site you must be in the House by 10pm

Year 13 sign in with a member of staff by 11.00pm.

If you have gone off site you must be in the House by 10 30pm

Sunday

Year 12 and 13 sign in with a member of staff by 11.00am.

*This may change if we have a Boarding Community Gathering or due to an event

*If you are in for the weekend, you are expected to attend the Gathering. This Gathering may be between 10 30am and 11am or from 6 30pm

What is an ‘Out til’ 8’?

This means you can sign up to go out for the evening until 8pm. You could also take one and make supper in-house and not start prep until 8pm, but you only get one a week and you must be back by 8pm and ready to work An ‘Out till 8’ can only be used Monday to Thursday and you must give us your mobile number, destination and of course your name.

Meals

Year 12 are required to attend all breakfasts during the school week. Year 13 may take breakfast on a weekday in the House kitchen.

You can have a meal in the House or have a meal off site if you take your ‘out till 8pm’ once a week and have signed up by 5pm that night.

Years 12 and 13 do not have to attend two weekend meals from Friday supper to Sunday supper and can, if they prefer, cook for themselves in the House kitchen. Students who wish to eat school meals are required to sign up on Sunday evening using a Google Form.

House Kitchen

Please make sure you leave the kitchen as you find it – clean and tidy. This room is used by lots of students and everyone should be able to enjoy it, and its facilities. Please ensure that you clean up after yourself and do not leave it in a mess.

Any area used for the storage of food must be kept clean and any rubbish, especially food, must be disposed of correctly. All equipment must be washed, dried and put away after use.

Goodie Box

House staff order basic foodstuffs for the weekends. Any food you purchase for yourself must be appropriately sealed and labelled with your name. Any food that is not in appropriately stored containers will be disposed of.

PersonalFoodItems

Anyitempurchasedbyyouandputinthefridgemustfollowthefollowingrules:

1.Allitemsinthefridgemustbeinthecorrectplace-pleasefollowthefridge safetylayout

2.Allfoodsmustbeinsealedboxes,namedandlabelled.(LabelswithHousestaff)

3.ItemsopenedforlongerthanthreedaysMUSTbethrownaway.

4.Noleftovertakeawayfoodcanbeplacedinthefridges.Itmustbethrownaway. Alldriedfoodsmustsealproperlyandbelabelledwithyournameandplacedon theshelvesinthekitchen.

Youmustbeawareoftheallergenfoodsandmakesuretheseareclearlylabelled. WeDONOTallowanyformofNUTStobeinoraroundtheHouse.

HouseDuties

InConnaughtthereareminimumHousedutiestocompleteasallstudentsare expectedtotakeresponsibilityandcontributetothesmoothrunningoftheHouse. Thedutiesaredoneonrotationandingroupsofthree.Itisimportantthatyoufulfil yourdutyhowever;ifthereisareasonwhyyoumaynotbeabletocarryitoutyou mustnotifyamemberofyourteamorspeaktotheHousePrefects

Rooms

The front door to the House and your study bedroom are accessed by key card. All key cards are programmed with appropriate access times. All bedroom doors are locked at all times. Please have your key card with at all times. If you lose your key card or your desk key, you will be charged £10 in cash for a replacement.

Care of Personal Property

Each pupil has a lockable drawer or cupboard but please avoid bringing valuable or expensive items into school. We cannot accept responsibility for items of this nature.

Electronic Items

Items like hairdryers, phone charges and electronic toothbrushes (to name a few) will be PAT tested every year. At the beginning of the September term you will be asked to put all of these items on your bed, including extension cables, to be tested. If you buy any new item you MUST tell your housemistress. This will then be tested. If any item that does not pass the test or is broken will be removed from your room and given to house staff. They will tell you so you are aware.

Boarders’ Privacy and Respect for Others

During the term the boarding house is your home. You are entitled to your privacy but it is important that you also respect the privacy of your fellow pupils.

You should not go into another pupils’ room if they are not there. You should always knock before entering another pupils’ room. On school nights, pupils should be in their rooms and the House silent by 10:15pm.

Laundry

You are responsible for laundering your personal clothes and, if you want, your school uniform. The House has a laundry room with four washing machines and four tumble dryers for your use. We provide washing powder but you may purchase your own. You may take another students laundry out of the washing machine as long as you place it in one of the laundry baskets provided.

On no account transfer it to the tumble dryer nor do you take another students laundry out of the tumble dryer. Bedlinen and towels are collected in on a weekly basis and sent to the school laundry. Mrs. Dennis will explain the routine to you.

Study Time

Between 7-9pm the House is quiet to enable students to study You are able to study in your room, in the House quiet study rooms, or the Resource Centre. Music may be played in rooms providing the volume is kept low and cannot be heard from outside of the room

Alex House will be open for Senior girls to practice between 8-9pm every night, bar Friday, as well as Saturday and Sunday between 3-5pm, with a supervising member of staff. Please make sure to sign into Alex on arrival.

Communication and Home

Communication with home is very important and there are a variety ways in which this can be done. The Boarding House is networked and has Wi-Fi which should make using technology as a means of contact with home much easier particularly with Facetime or Zoom. The House also has a pay phone. Post is delivered daily to a central office and is collected by Connaught staff and brought back to the House.

Pocket Money

All Year 12 and 13 students are required to have their own bank account and should only keep small amounts of cash on their person.

The school cannot be held responsible for any monies lost. We can collect your pocket money and bank it for you to then sign for weekly when you need it. Miss Summers will explain this to you.

Fire Procedures

All students must familiarise themselves with the drill, which the staff will induct and show where the fire exits are in the house.

If the alarm sounds, you must leave the House through the nearest safe exit. Do not stop to collect possessions.

Evacuate the building in silence and make your way to the designated meeting place.

Line up in silence and wait calmly on The Garth and in Year groups. A roll call will be completed.

A member of staff will advise when it is safe to re-enter the building.

Always follow instructions carefully. The fire alarm must always be treated seriously

Health Care

The nursing team provides first aid and health care for all boarders. The qualified team is on duty from 7:30am until 4:30pm Monday to Friday. There is also an emergency service on call and all boarders are to be registered at the Colne House Practice.

Medication: As a boarding school we have many legal guidelines regarding the storage and administration of medication.

All medication will be collected on your first day, and return as soon as Nurse Burrows has checked it.

It must be provided in its original container showing the individual student’s name.

Written consent from the parents and clear administrative instructions must be handed in with the medication. The school is unable to administer medication that does not follow the policy.

Signing In and Signing Out

If you have permission to leave the site during the school day you must sign out of the House and also at reception.

If you are leaving the House at any other time and for any reason you must sign out of the House and must sign in on your return, always telling a member of staff where you are going.

No girl should sign another girl in or out for any reason – this includes visiting another House, the gym, RC etc.

Girls going home or out for the weekend must sign out to show they have left the school site. There is a form you will complete for this.

Weekly boarders or those who have been out for the weekend must sign in and say hello to the member of staff on duty in the House.

Outings and Visits

A wide variety of activities, outings and visits are available each term and are advertised in the House: should you choose to participate the cost of each one is added to your school bill. Whilst it is not compulsory to participate it is strongly advised particularly in the first term. This provides a good way to integrate yourself into the Boarding community and make new friends.

Invitations

If a boarder is going out for the weekend written permission must be sought from your parents and an invitation from the family you are visiting. This should be received by the preceding Thursday and sent to Miss Summers

Holiday Arrangements

At the beginning of a term all boarders are expected to return to the House no later than 7pm on the Boarders return date. On your arrival please say hello to staff and make sure you sign in. Parents are welcome to help you bring your things to your room but must be accompanied at all times. All passports and documents will be collected and kept safe.

At the end of the term and half term, you must pack away your room and leave it clean and tidy. The night before, you must take your suitcases and leave them in the common room for collection the next day. International students will be given the option of using school resources to store their belongings, which includes 3 boxes, 1 large suitcase and 1 duvet bag. All UK-based students are required to take their belongings home with them. The House will close at 6pm on the last day of every term.

At half term, the house will close two hours after the end of school and then reopen at 2pm on the half term return. At the beginning and end of a holiday one of the boarding houses will be the ‘Duty House’ and will accept girls arriving on early morning flights and will accommodate girls leaving later, up to 6pm on the last day of the half term or end of term.

Taxi Arrangements

If you require a taxi for half term or main school holiday travel, please complete the required google form. Please do this by the deadline so that we can book enough cars We use a local firm, ‘RCC Executive Travel’ , who provide DBS checked drivers and a fully escorted service.

International Students

If you are an international student, your parents or guardians must provide your holiday arrangement details to Miss Summers. Dates for this will be given. This is so that all documentation can be completed and sent to the school office.

You must hand in your passport, including boarding cards, to Miss Summers or Mrs Dennis on your return, even if you have stayed in the UK for the duration of the holiday. A photocopy of your passport will be taken for the school records.

Boarding Community Gatherings

Whilst we do not have a formal Chapel service every Sunday, we do come together as a Boarding community for a Gathering lasting approx 30mins. The Gathering could be a short recital given by the Boarders, a walk in the school grounds, mindfulness yoga, a dance lesson etc. You will be expected to attend formal services such as the Remembrance Service, Advent Service and Boarders Celebration Service.

Sanctions

A relationship of trust between Sixth Form boarders and their Housemistress is vital. Sixth Form boarders are given considerable freedom as part of their preparation for life beyond school.

We pride ourselves that it is unnecessary to lay down a strict code of behaviour for students of this age, beyond our expectations of you returning to the House on time and observing common sense about how you balance your work and leisure time. House staff will talk openly to you about their expectations, and will, in conjunction with your teachers and the Head of Sixth Form, support you to develop good study habits.

In our experience, where this good relationship exists, it is seldom necessary to discipline you at this stage of your school career Students should expect the following sanctions to be applied, if this does become necessary:

Returning Late: On the first occasion, the student will be reprimanded and warned The warning will be recorded. On subsequent occasions free time will be withdrawn at the Housemistress’s discretion.

When you ‘legally’ become an adult. Whilst some things such as drinking alcohol may now be legally permitted, you are still a pupil at RMS and therefore are required to continue to follow the rules and policies as set out by the school. Turning 18 means that in the eyes of the law, you are an adult and therefore in the unlikely event there was a criminal investigation, you would be treated as an adult by the police rather than a child. You need to bear all of this in mind when living and working with students who are still ‘children’ in the eyes of the law.

When you turn 18 as a boarder you will have a conversation with the Head of Connaught to discuss your new responsibilities as an adult. The Head of Connaught is also your named contact person should you wish to discuss anything adultrelated. Within School, the Head of Sixth Form also fulfils this role.

Smoking and Vaping: No student may smoke in or around School Boarding students caught smoking or vaping will be asked to go to the Health Centre where they will be advised to attend an anti-smoking course. Students will be sanctioned in accordance with the School and Boarding Policy.

Alcohol: Please refer to school policy and procedure. If a student returns at the end of the evening obviously under the influence of drink the following procedure applies, remembering that the first procedure is to ensure safety.

The severity of intoxication should be assessed and the senior member of staff on duty and the Health Centre will be called if there is concern. The student will be put to bed on her side with a pillow at her back to prevent her rolling over. She will have a bucket and some water to drink. The student will then be sent to the Health Centre for advice on sensible drinking

A warning will be given and recorded, free time may be withdrawn at the Housemistress’s discretion Parents will be informed

Illegal Substances: Please refer to school policy and procedure.

Cars

Sixth Form Boarders may bring their cars onto the school grounds after registering with the DFO and the Head of Sixth Form. The Housemistresses must also be informed.

Any cars parked in the car park are done so at the owner’s own risk. Please be aware that if the car is used inappropriately, keys will be confiscated.

Girls need to be properly insured and must have written agreement from parents if they are to transport other students. Students must bring back the ‘Student Driver’ form signed by their parents. These can be obtained from the Sixth Form Reply Slips booklet and a copy should be returned to the Housemistress.

Car keys will be kept safe in the House Safe, minimising driving on The Garth when school is in sessions.

18th Birthdays

Students may celebrate their 18th birthday on a weekday evening with members of their family or guardians. Celebrations with friends should take place at the weekend.

Overseas students may arrange a weekday celebration out of school with friends.

Permission must be sought from the Housemistress. Students should return to the House by 10.00pm.

Days Off and University Visits

A ‘permission to be out of school’ form should be completed by you, at least one week before the day out, and signed by the Head of Sixth Form. This must be shown to your Tutor but returned to Miss Summers or Mrs Dennis to be kept in your House file.