ZETLAND HOUSE
Boarding Handbook for Years 4 - 11
2026 / 2027
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 2–19 and the residential department meets the needs of girls aged from 8–19. 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 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 RMS aims to ensure boarders enjoy being part of their community and make a positive contribution to it RMS aims to ensure boarders have pleasant and constructive relationships with one another and with the boarding staff. RMS aims to support boarders academically to enable them to reach their full potential Quality of the boarding provision and care Boarders are well cared for and the boarding provision is effective in supporting their individual needs and helping them keep safe, fit and healthy Boarders benefit from suitable facilities and opportunities for recreational and developmental activities in the evening and at weekends, including sufficient self-directed time Boarding accommodation is comfortable, secure and well-maintained 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 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 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 8-16live 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 is staffed by a Housemistress, House Parent , House Tutors and GAP Assistants. Connaught House is staffed by a Housemistress, Assistant Housemistress , House Tutors and 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. The Housemistress and House Parent meet weekly with the Head of Boarding. The Head of Boarding meets weekly with the Deputy Head Pastoral. Regular communication between boarding staff, teaching staff, medical staff and the school counsellor where appropriate are essential for the wellbeing of each boarder. The Health Centre is staffed by two 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 65 pupils on each night of the week. Accommodation takes the form of single and shared rooms. The School’s Designated Safeguarding Lead is the Deputy Head, Alison Davies. The School’s Deputy Safeguarding Leads are Deputy Head Cocurricular, Desmond Cox, Head of Sixth Form, Jennie Simmonite Head of Boarding, Mariah Summers, Deputy Head of Sixth Form, Kate Woodward and Head of Cadogan House, Melanie Horn. A member of the safeguarding team is always contactable out of hours. The School is committed to accommodating pupils with a physical disability where possible.
Welcome to Zetland House Dear Zetlander, I extend a very warm RMS welcome to you and thank you for joining us here in Zetland House. Perhaps you are joining us from Harris, or are a day girl wanting more time in school as you complete your GCSEs; you may even be completely new to RMS and joining us from afar, or visiting for a term. Whatever the reason, Zetland is your new UK residence and we hope you feel right at home here. As one of the oldest schools for girls in the UK, you are joining an established community, rich with history and beautiful scenery. Ever wondered why our house is called Zetland? "Zetland" is actually an old name for the Shetland Islands in Scotland. The name comes from the Earl of Zetland, and his family, the Dundas family, owned land in the Shetland and Orkney islands. They are one of the founding families of RMS, which was originally created to provide education for the daughters of Freemasons. Nowadays, we welcome every girl who embodies our values of inclusivity, courage, ambition, kindness, perseverance, and integrity, which is how you are here! Within the house, you will see flamingoes everywhere! This is our mascot within Zetland, and they bring us joy and luck wherever we go. There are plenty of opportunities to earn flamingo stickers and badges within boarding for your hard work and dedication. So who are the Zetland team? My name is Miss Stephens and I live in Zetland with you, along with my family Mr Creed and Jack the dog. I am your Housemistress first and foremost, but also teach English and EAL in PALS. I love teaching and living here because I get to know you as people, not just as students. I work during term time alongside a wonderful team in Zetland, some of whom you will recognise from Harris, and some new faces who can’t wait to get to know you. Find us all on the staff page with a little bit of information for conversation starters. Together, we will help you begin or continue your journey of studying at RMS for Girls, building friendship groups and developing study routines. Sometimes, days will be long, and times will get tough as you learn to navigate the work-life balance of study, extra-curricular and boarding; not to mention being a teenager is a time of growth and change in itself with increased responsibilities. Just remember, we are all here to help and guide you through this time, and should you ever need anything, we are all here to help; the House staff and I all want you to have the best boarding experience here at RMS, so should you have any questions or concerns, come and see one of us.
This booklet aims to lay out the basics of boarding, in particular how Zetland works in comparison to the other boarding houses, introduce you to key people with ways to contact them and outline what to expect once you live here. Zetland staff advise that you keep hold of this booklet and refer to it regularly during your first few weeks as you get used to your new routines and freedoms! There is space at the back to make notes of your own, but should you wish any other useful information to be included for next year, please let us know. Now all that’s left to say is enjoy your time in Zetland House! Miss Joni Stephens and Ms Naomi Roughley Housemistress and Houseparent to Zetland House jstephens@rmsforgirls.com nroughley@rmsforgirls.com Zetland House email and phone number: zetland@rmsforgirls.com 07540 018340 Zetland postal address: (Your name) Zetland House RMS for Girls Rickmansworth Park Rickmansworth Hertfordshire WD3 4HF United Kingdom
Zetland House Staff, Assistants and Prefects Miss Mariah Summers | Head of Boarding, Connaught Housemistress, GAP Coordinator, Psychology & Sociology Teacher Miss Summers joined RMS in September 2025 and lives in Connaught House. She is our Head of Boarding so you can talk to her at any time about anything boarding related. She is also a teacher of Psychology and Sociology, and loves these subjects because they help us understand people and the world around us. When she is not looking after the boarding community, you’ll see her outside walking her two dogs Aero and Oakley. Miss Summers also loves travelling, particularly the USA and loves everything Country, from the music to delicious BBQ. Miss Joni Rose Stephens | Housemistress of Zetland House Miss Stephens started at RMS as a House Tutor living in Harris who worked across all three boarding houses. Miss Stephens lives in and runs Zetland House as the Housemistress. Outside of Zetland, you’ll see her walking the fields with Jack and Mr Creed, or maybe up in PALS teaching English. You might even hear her practising ukulele! Ms Naomi Roughley House Parent nroughley@rmsforgirls.com I am the ZetlandHouse Parent and I specifically look after the prep school boarders. I am resident in the boarding house and can often be found helping girls learn to knit and sew. I am passionate about flowers and create all the arrangements for school events. Ms Elisa Martin Sevilla House Tutor Spanish Teacher and Year 8 Form Tutor I have worked at RMS over the past four years as a Spanish Teacher and have held the position of Boarding Tutor since 2023. I thoroughly enjoy conversing with and supporting the girls in Harris House. I am an adventurous person who loves travelling and is always on the hunt for new places to explore!
Ms Yvonne Mackey | House Tutor/Head of Food & Nutrition Mrs Mackey loves cooking, swimming and yoga at RMS, the gym and spending time with her three grown up sons. She is happy to help with any food or nutrition questions you may have.
Mrs Roberta Ditton | House Tutor and Head of Year 8 Miss Duffin used to be a House Tutor in Connaught and is an RMS alumni so knows the ropes when it comes to RMS boarding. She loves playing board games when on duty and walking her dog Ivy.
Mrs Cathy Maher | Day Matron Mrs Maher helps keep all the boarding houses running smoothly during the day, while we’re all at school. She helps in the office, with laundry, and sometimes you will see her in house during GCSE revision periods. She likes to say hello and is very friendly. Mrs Kim Dixon and Mrs Dana Kalosci Huskova | Housekeeping The Zetland housekeeping team have worked hard for over 30 years to keep RMS clean and presentable. They are lovely ladies, who are a key part of Zetland’s team and deeply appreciate your daily efforts to leave your room tidy and clear.
Other Boarding Staff We currently have seven GAP Assistants who work across both boarding houses. They usually come from Australia for a year, and live in each boarding house. 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 Connaught House & Head of Boarding: Miss Mariah Summers Assistant Housemistress in Connaught House: Mrs Susan Dennis House Tutors in Connaught House: Mrs Rachel Dobson and Miss Nikita Sullivan
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. Prefects hold regular meetings and are always part of social events. These students are incredibly good at listening, advising and helping with homesickness.
Izzy Boarding Prefect
Zara Boarding Prefect
Ellie - Deputy Head Pupil Head of Boarding
Jen Boarding Prefect
International Boarding Committee The international boarding committee acts as a forum for all international boarders and is supported by Mrs Dobson.
Amber Boarding Prefect
Important Information Packing the Essentials Wash items (including sanitary items if necessary) Pyjamas Underwear Dressing gown and slippers Home clothes for after school, including an outfit for formal occasions Coat/Jacket Towels (these are provided but bring your own if you prefer) Bed sheets, pillow case and bottom sheets (these are provided but bring your own if you prefer) Decorations for your room/posters Pictures of family and things to decorate your noticeboard with Books to read before bed Stationery for school Net bags for underwear washing Please remember not to bring too much with you as you may have to pack it all away every half term! You will also have the opportunity to buy items while you are here.
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 communicating in English is tiring, however in communal areas you must speak English. Your Housemistress is a teacher of English as a second language and the boarding team speaks other languages too, so should you need any help at all, you are in good hands. Miss Xue also comes in every other week, so if you would like to chat to her she will be in Zetland snug, she would be happy to communicate in Mandarin. Miss Martin-Sevilla is Spanish and would also be happy to support you should you need.
Daily Routine 6:50am; 7:00am 7:20am 7:30am 8:00am 8:20am 4:00pm
5:50pm 6:00pm 7:00pm
8:00pm; 8:30pm 8:45pm; 9:15pm 9:00pm; 9:30pm 9:15pm; 9:45pm 9:30pm; 10:00pm 10:00pm; 10:30pm
Year 4-9 wake up; Year 10-11 wake up. All register for breakfast in Common Room. Breakfast in the Dining Hall. Return from breakfast to get ready for the school day. Leave for school. No boarders should be in the house before 4pm. Return from school and free time. Students may attend after school activities, however they must always sign in and out from the House and let staff know where they are going, returning for dinner by 6:00pm. All register for dinner in Common Room. Dinner in the Dining Hall. Study time. The House must be silent during study time, with all phones handed in. Students study in the Zetland ICT rooms, or practise in Alex, signing in and out of Zetland. Year 6 tech hand in; Year 6 bed time Year 7 tech hand in; Year 7 bed time Year 8 tech hand in; Year 8 bed time Year 9 tech hand in; Year 9 bed time Year 10 tech hand in; Year 10 bed time Year 11 in their rooms; Year 11 turn own lights out All students are required to be in their rooms, in PJs, having had a shower by their bedtime. There should be no showering, or visiting each other’s rooms after bedtime. Staff will come round and check you are in bed.
Going Out: During the Week Year 10 and 11 can go to Rickmansworth once a week. There are things to remember: You must go in pairs You must tell a member of staff you are going You must sign out Your phone must be charged, and you must answer if it rings. You must also have the Zetland phone number saved on your phone. +447540 018340 You must be back by 5:45pm Sign in to the House and tell a member of staff you have returned. Any problems, however small, call Zetland immediately.
Weekends Friday 4:00pm 8:00pm -10:30pm 9:30pm
Weekly boarders leave for home. Normal bedtime routines apply. Year 10-11 offsite must return by this time.
Saturday 8:30am 8:50am 9:45am 12:20pm 2:00pm-5:50pm 5:50pm 7:00pm 8:30pm; 9:00pm 9:15pm; 9:45pm 9:30pm; 10:00pm 9:45pm; 10:15pm 10:00pm;10:30pm 10:30pm; 11:00pm
Wake up. Register and go to Breakfast. Free time or opportunity to go on a trip. Register and go to Lunch in Dining Hall. Free time. Register and go to Dinner in Dining Hall. Free time. Year 6 tech hand in; Year 6 bed time Year 7 tech hand in; Year 7 bed time Year 8 tech hand in; Year 8 bed time Year 9 tech hand in; Year 9 bed time Year 10 tech hand in; Year 10 bed time Year 11 in their rooms; Year 11 turn own lights out
Sunday 11:30am 12:15pm 5:50pm 7:00pm 8:00pm -10:30pm
Register and walk up to Brunch/Cafe. Free time or activities. Register and Dinner. Weekly boarders return by this time. All prepare uniform, PE kit, prep and bag for week ahead. A school night so normal routines apply
Going Out: Over the Weekend The same rules apply with phones and signing out, and parents must have signed the form on My School Portal. Year 10 can go to Rickmansworth, Harrow or Watford for a maximum of 4 hours. Latest return time 6pm. Year 11 can go to Rickmansworth, Harrow, Watford and London for a maximum of 5 hours. Latest return time 6pm.
Signing In and Signing Out On the rare occasion 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 (see permission to go out). 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.
Permission to Go Out Permission to go out needs to be given by your parent or guardian using the form on My School Portal under Boarding/Boarding Forms. Please read this form carefully and complete as appropriate. If you are invited to stay out overnight, this will involve different permissions and can be arranged with the Housemistress/Houseparent.
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 Stephens.
16th Birthdays Students may celebrate their 16th birthday on a weekday evening with members of their family or guardians. Celebrations with friends should take place at the weekend. Permission must be sought from home and the Housemistress or Houseparent, and a form should be completed on My School Portal. Students should return to the House by 9.00pm.
Outings and Visits A wide variety of activities, outings and visits are arranged each term and details are displayed in the house. If you wish to participate, speak to the Housemistress or Houseparent then the cost is added to your school bill. Years 4-9 will automatically be signed up if no other plans have been agreed prior. Years 10-11 are expected to go on at least two boarding trips a term. It is good to go on as many outings as you can, especially outside of Mocks and exams seasons, as they provide a good way to integrate with other boarders from across all the houses and make friends.
Meals All Zetlanders are required to attend all meals. Snacks are provided in the afternoons. The food may be different but there are always multiple choices and the catering department are very helpful in catering for different dietary requirements. Should you feel the need to eat in the Quiet Dining Room at lunch time, please contact Mrs Hawkins about getting a pass.
House Kitchen The kitchen is for making drinks and snacks. There is always milk, squash, tea, coffee, cereal, bread, ham, cheese and various spreads, fresh fruit and biscuits are also readily available. Zetlanders can buy and keep their own snacks in a labelled plastic box in the room next to the kitchen. We insist that girls do not store snack food in their bedrooms. Any snacks should be eaten downstairs in the snug, common room or kitchen; any hot food must be eaten in the kitchen. Full meals and takeaways are not permitted unless agreed by prior arrangement with the Housemistress for a special occasion. The kitchen must be kept clean and tidy, food must be disposed of in the correct coloured bin, and crockery and utensils must be washed or put in the dishwasher. 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.
Personal Food Items Any item purchased by you and put in the fridge must follow the following rules: 1. All items in the fridge must be in the correct place - please follow the fridge safety layout 2. All foods must be in sealed boxes, named and labelled (labels with House staff). 3. Items opened for longer than three days MUST be thrown away. 4. No leftover takeaway food can be put in the fridge. It must be thrown away. All dried foods must seal properly and be labelled with your name and put on the shelves in the kitchen. You must be aware of the allergen foods (posters in kitchen) and make sure these are clearly labelled. We DO NOT allow any form of NUTS to be in or around the House.
House Duties There are duties to be undertaken by all Zetlanders on a weekly rotational system, completed in pairs. It is important that you fulfil your duty as it ensures the smooth running of the house. However, if there is a reason why you may not be able to carry it out you must notify the person in your pair or speak to the House Prefect (Minika).
House Meetings You will have house meetings once a week in the Common Room with your Housemistress/Houseparent where information will be shared and discussed. Our house prefects will also organise regular meetings to allow you to voice ideas, concerns and suggestions which she will then share with Miss Stephens. The date of these meetings will be placed on the notice board.
Uniform and Clothes All clothes brought from home must be clearly marked with the pupil’s name. The school uniform can be purchased online from the school’s official supplier, Schoolblazer. The uniform can be delivered to school before the start of term (the second hand uniform shop in school keeps samples of the uniform to try on for size). Zetlanders are recommended to have four school shirts as this allows for a clean shirt to be worn every day and others to be washed in the school laundry and returned. You should also have two full sets of uniform, one to wear and one in the wash. You can change out of your uniform when the school day finishes at 4pm. When not in uniform, boarders usually wear casual clothing such as jeans and a t-shirt or jumper. These items will change with the seasons/weather but should always be respectable.
Rooms You will be allocated a shared or single (Year 11 only) room. Should you have your own room, be prepared to share it with Occasional boarders, or for a new Full or Weekly boarder to move in mid term. You must keep your room neat and tidy. There should be no dirty laundry or clothes left on the floor, beds must be made each day, the floor cleared of clutter. The tidiness of your rooms will be monitored. Zetland housekeepers will clean your rooms, empty your bins and vacuum the floor, but the overall cleanliness and organisation of your room is your responsibility.
Entry to the House The House is accessed by inserting the House code into the keypad. This is changed periodically, at least once a term. The front and back doors are alarmed and locked at 10pm. During school hours the boarding house will be locked, so please remember to take everything you need for the day to school with you in the morning.
Weekly Boarders You are welcome to return anytime on a Sunday between 4-7:00pm. However, 7:00pm is the latest as the House needs to settle and get organised for Monday. Please note that Dinner is at 6:00pm - 6:50pm and the house will be locked during that period. You are welcome to join us in the Dining Hall or wait outside the house.
Care of Personal Property Each boarder 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. It would be advisable to have a bank card (school can help you with this) and hand in any cash to school for safekeeping.
Electronic Items and Use of Devices All electronic items (e.g. laptops, phones, tablets, hairdryers, phone chargers and electronic toothbrushes) will be PAT tested (UK electrical safety test) 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/Houseparent. This will then be taken and tested. You will not be allowed to use it until it has been tested. 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. Any removed items will be returned to you at the end of term for you to take them home. Please do not return with these items. Boarders in Zetland are allowed their electronic items and devices for limited amounts of time, increasing year on year until Year 11, who do not have to hand them in every evening. These timings are as long as each individual Zetlander can demonstrate proper and measured use of their items and devices. Should there be any reason to believe that their academic success or wellbeing is at risk, or if they are misusing electronic items or devices in any way that breach school policy and/or UK law, the Housemistress/Houseparent would meet with the boarder to discuss and implement a reasonable use plan for electronic items and devices. The length of time items are kept, and the amount and type of items removed will be judged on a case by case basis. The Housemistress and Houseparent can remove electronic items and devices as and when they see fit. All Zetland House staff can also temporarily remove and keep any electronic items and devices in the office should the need arise. See also the school's policies relating to behaviour and IT usage. Please note you cannot use your devices at mealtimes or phones during prep time.
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 boarder’s room if they are not there. You should always knock before entering another boarder’s room. Should a boarder ask you to leave their room, you should do so immediately - it is their space. If you are sharing a room, please be mindful that we all need some personal space sometimes, but if the situation continues, speak to any member of the House staff, who will inform the Housemistress. On school nights, boarders should be in their own rooms and the House silent by 10:00pm.
Laundry Underwear and tights/socks are washed every day in House. These items must be put in your laundry bag in the washing basket in the laundry room. They will be put in boarders’ personal laundry baskets and will be available for collection when you return from school. All other items of clothing will be washed on a weekly basis and returned to the girls. Bed linen and towels will be changed weekly on an allocated day and boarders will be expected to change and remake your beds.
Homework, Prep Time, and Private Tuition Prep (homework) is set and handed in (usually) on Google Classroom. Between 7pm and 9pm all houses are quiet to enable boarders to complete homework and study. House Tutors are on hand during Prep time in Zetland should you have any questions. All boarders are encouraged to complete their homework on the day it is set so that they do not fall behind. Prep takes place for all Zetlanders in the computer rooms in Zetland with a House Tutor or House management staff to keep boarders focused. If you use the whiteboard or printer, please wipe the board and return pens/put the printer into sleep mode after use. Phones must be handed in during prep, so please ensure your playlist is loaded when handing them in should you wish to listen to music with headphones. If a Zetlander demonstrates that they cannot study with their own devices, they will be allocated a school computer to use during Supervised Prep. This decision and the length of time will ultimately be determined by the Housemistress/Houseparent, but will be carried out by all House staff.
Sports Centre, Swimming Pool and Alex (Alexandra House) Performing Arts Centre Swimming is available on Mondays and Trampolining on Thursdays from 7-8pm, and Alex is open Monday-Thursday to Seniors between 7-9pm, as well as Saturday and Sunday between 3-5pm, with a supervising member of staff. Boarders are encouraged to use this time in Alex to practise music as much as possible. Should you wish to leave Prep to go to Alex, swimming or the Sports Centre, please ensure you tell staff and sign out. If you are practising in Alex, ensure that only those who have taken GCSE Music and above are in the dance and drama studios/on the top floor.
Online Tuition Boarders should ensure that any private online tuition does not occur during meal times or after Prep (9pm GMT), or more than 3 times a week. Organising it for Prep time (between 7-9pm GMT) Monday - Friday works best, as this promotes a good study-life balance and ensures you can spend time with your peers either during periods of free time or go on trips. Should weekend lessons need to be organised, we recommend the following times: Saturdays 10:00am-12:00pm; 5:00-9:00pm and Sundays 8:00-11:30am; 2:00-8:00pm
Exam Revision Time To maximise your exam preparation time in school, all Year 10s and 11s (both day and boarders) will revise for internal exams (mocks) in school with their teachers during their usual lesson times, unless they are external exams (real GCSEs) whereby Year 11 boarders will be allowed to revise in Zetland (or equivalent)/at home.
Communication and Home Communication with home is very important so don’t forget to contact home to them how you are at least once a week! The boarding house has WiFi which should make contacting home easy, particularly with Facetime, WeChat and WhatsApp. We also have a landline if needed. Post is delivered daily to a central office and is collected by Zetland staff and brought back to the house. Please note you cannot use your devices at mealtimes. This is to encourage discussions with fellow boarders.
After School and Weekend Activities - making use of your free time During the week, there are over 130 activity options available after school (mainly between 4:15-5:30pm) and you can sign up for these on My School Portal. Weekends can also be busy: Saturdays in Zetland are filled with trips or activities should you wish to join in with them, just let your Housemistress or Houseparent know and we can book you on. Connaught girls are also welcome to join in, and the boarding community is encouraged to visit each other’s houses. Sundays offer a chance to relax and recharge the batteries after a nice brunch/visit to the onsite cafe, and complete any homework/revision. Often Years 4-9 walk to Tesco after brunch. Years 10-11 can walk into Rickmansworth in groups of two or more to get any bits that you need for the week (just remember to let staff know and sign out). Previous boarding weekend activities have included: Ice skating Mocktail making Theatre trips Visiting London museums Cinema trips Escape rooms Hampton Court Palace Watching an Ice Hockey Match Pyjama making Chocolate making We have an in House activities board for after prep or on the weekends. We put up suggestions on the board that you can sign up to ono a very casual basis. Big hits have been jigsaws, Wii Sports competitions, smoothie and icecream bars and film marathons! Got ideas? Just let us know so we can make a sign up sheet and order things in.
Visitors Visitors from the Senior school from both day girls and boarders are welcome, as are visits from family or guardians. They should visit during your periods of free time, stay with you at all times and only go in the Common Room or the snug. They are your responsibility while they are in the House with you. Make sure to get them to sign in and out.
What Happens if you are Unwell? At RMS we have a fantastic nursing team, led by Nurse Boyes. The nursing team is on duty from 7:30am until 4:30pm Monday to Friday. They provide first aid and healthcare to all boarders. There is also an emergency service on call and all boarders are to be registered at the Colne House Practice. If you are feeling ill, upset or just not quite right then you can pop up and see them. The Medical Centre is located near the Dining Hall, just past the Quiet Dining Room and up the stairs, following the signs to PALS. During the evening any of the on duty House staff will be able to help with any illness or injuries you may have - please do come and see us. When you arrive you will be shown where to go and what to do if you are unwell in the night. There is always a member of staff on duty and all you have to do is simply knock on our door, or ring the house phone and we will be happy to help you.
Medication Before you arrive at RMS your parents or guardians will have completed and returned the school medical form to the Medical Centre. This will have all the information about your requirements on it. If you do arrive with any vitamins or medications (including herbal or traditional medicines) our nursing team will need to see them. 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 returned as soon as Nurse Boyes 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.
To keep medication in your room the nurse will assess you and only after they have agreed may you keep medication in your room. We have an array of medication in the medical cabinet including: paracetamol,ibuprofen, piriton and arnica so you do not need to bring these with you.
Consequences A relationship of trust between boarders and their House Staff is vital. As you will have read in sections about Prep, free time, off site trips and such, you can see that Zetland staff believe it is important to begin laying the foundations of independence by taking away some of the stricter rules in place for younger students to allow you the opportunity to demonstrate your ability to return to the House on time and observe 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 Heads of Year, support you to develop good study habits. In our experience of living with young people, maturity is very much dependent on the individual, therefore blanket rules for all should be minimised where possible to allow growth and autonomy. This being said, Zetland boarders should always expect sanctions to be applied in the following situations: 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/Houseparent’s discretion. 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 advise to attend an anti-smoking course. Students will be sanctioned in accordance with the School and Boarding Policy. Illegal Substances and Alcohol: Please refer to school policy and procedure.
Pocket Money All boarders are encouraged to have their own bank card and should only keep small amounts of cash on their person when they are going to the village, or out. Any small change should be kept in their locked space in their room. The school cannot be held responsible for any monies lost.
Fire Procedures Don’t panic! Once you’re settled into Zetland, we will talk you through the procedure (below) of how to evacuate if the alarm goes off. The main thing to remember is to exit as quickly as you can, go onto the Garth and remain calm until you are told it’s safe to go back inside. 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. This is on the Garth outside Zetland if you are in the boarding house. Line up in silence and wait calmly on The Garth and in Year groups. A register 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.
Who Can I Talk to if I Have a Problem? There are many members of staff in Zetland who are always available to listen to any concerns or worries you may have. Our GAP Assistants are extremely good at listening and are very easy to talk to, as well as Miss Stephens and Ms Roughley. The Sixth Form boarding prefects and Mrs Dobson are also great listeners, it’s just like talking to a family member. Remember, being a boarder means you are part of one big family. You also have Miss Xue who comes to visit once every other week should you wish to speak to her in Mandarin. There is always someone to chat to about absolutely anything!
Holiday Arrangements Arrivals and Unpacking When you arrive at school at the beginning of term, you are welcome onsite in the afternoon on the day of arrival. Suitcases should be unpacked as soon as possible so they can be stored empty and not become a fire/trip hazard. 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.
Packing up Rooms and Departures At the end each half term and term, you must pack away your room and leave it clean and tidy. This should be viewed as an opportunity to declutter, and start afresh with a new room and roommate. The night before departure, you must put your packed suitcases 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. This should be kept in mind when packing for school and when purchasing items during term time. At half term, the house will close two hours after the end of school and then reopen at 2pm on the half term ends and boarders return. The house will close at 6pm on the last day of every term. 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 Stephens or Miss Roughley. 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 Stephens or Ms Roughley 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.
Term Dates and Attendance It is important to keep your attendance as high as you can to ensure you are best prepared for your subjects. Please make sure that any arrangements you make are in the school holidays and/or outside of the school’s core teaching times (i.e after 4:00pm/on weekends). Term dates can be found on the school website and important whole-school events will be communicated through School Post and in form time / house meetings. Further details can be found in the school’s attendance policy on the school website.
Useful Contacts/Information Zetland House email: zetland@rmsforgirls.com Zetland House duty mobile number: +44 (0)7540 018 340 School phone number: +44 (0)1923 773 168 Holiday duty phone number: +44 (0)7712 991 919 (only during school holidays) Zetland House postal address: Your First name, Your Family Name (e.g. Joe Bloggs) Zetland House RMS for Girls Rickmansworth Park Rickmansworth Hertfordshire WD3 4HF United Kingdom What.3.words: ///wacky.oval.crowds Nearest underground station: Rickmansworth (Metropolitan Line) Want a taxi? Call us on the house mobile and we’ll book one for you (much safer than Uber). Housemistress of Zetland House: Miss Stephens | jstephens@rmsforgirls.com Head of Year 11: Mrs Gratte | fgratte@rmsforgirls.com Head of Year 10: Ms Jewell | ejewell@rmsforgirls.com Head of Year 9: Miss De Mel | kdemel@rmsforgirls.com Head of Year 8: Miss Duffin | rduffin@rmsforgirls.com Head of Year 7: Mrs Beedell | rbeedell@rmsforgirls.com Head of Cadogan House: Mrs Horn | mhorn@rmsforgirls.com Form tutor:______________________________ Email:__________________________________ Form room:____________
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