Boarder’s Survival Guide www.rathkeale.school.nz

Rathkeale College, Masterton

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Be Your Own Man

Welcome to Rathkeale

Welcome to Rathkeale – this is your boarder’s guide to survival. Boarding is like most good things in life – you get out what you put in, so right from the start the teachers, House masters and other boarders here have one message for you; Get Amongst It!

There’s so much for you to love about living here as a boarder and we’re going to start with the cool stuff and work our way through to the details.

Boarder’s Survival Guide

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So Living at School – How Does That Work?

You may be pumped about coming to board at Rathkeale, or, you could be a bit uncertain – either way, expect a bit of up and down to begin with.

It’s different from home, that’s for sure. But, it’s also awesome in ways that home isn’t.

For example, you’ll have your mates with you pretty much 24/7.

If you get a bit overwhelmed by the pressure of study, you’ll have a whole bunch of other boys plus tutors and staff there with you to help with homework, assignments and study for exams.

All of your life-admin is sorted. There are Housemasters and tutors available to run you to and from practices and activities after school or sport on the weekends.

There’s always heaps of good food right there for you at meal

times. Maybe you wont always like everything, there’s always heaps of toast and fruit and other stuff for you to snack on as well as a tuck shop. There’s also heaps of cool stuff at school you might not have at home, like a gym, common rooms, computer and music rooms, a ropes course, river, swimming pool, cricket oval, all weather sports turf and heaps more.

Going home during the weekends is usually pretty easy because there are buses from Masterton to almost anywhere in the lower North Island, easy trains through to Wellington and the Hutt Valley, and lots of parents come and pick their kids up.

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Be Your Own Man

An average school day

You get up in the morning and breakfast is there waiting, which is probably the same as or even a better deal than what you get at home now! From breakfast you head back to your room to get sorted for the day and then you’ll normally head to Registration time, Chapel or Assembly.

You have a typical school day with a morning tea break, and lunch is provided in the dining hall. All boys, not just boarders eat lunch together. (Senior College girls from St Matt’s eat in the dining hall with the boys too).

After school, everyone heads back to the boarding houses. Most boys have sport or music practices a few afternoons a week, but if not you usually have free time until dinner.

Dinner is at 5.45pm in the dining hall and it’s always pretty good. Sometimes it ’s pie, sometimes it’s spaghetti or a roast, and most nights there is dessert.

After dinner – homework, or ‘prep’ as we call it. Let’s face it, most of us would be tempted to let ourselves off the hook and do something else if we could, but it’s kind of cool when everyone is doing it together and the time goes really fast. It’s also good

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because everyone is there to help each other, so if there’s something you’re getting stuck on there will usually be a tutor or another student who can give you hand.

Kitchen facilities are available to make a snack after prep and then everyone starts getting ready for bed in order of what time their bedtime is.

Everyone is allowed to read for 15 minutes after bedtime, before lights out, and unless you need to go to the toilet, get a drink of water, or get out for an emergency, wake-up is between 6.45 and 7am.

So that’s it. That’s an average school day.

Bedtime is:

Yr 9 - 9.15pm

Yr 10 - 9.30pm

Yr 11 - 9.45pm

Yr 12 - 10.15pm

Yr 13 - 10.30pm

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Be Your Own Man

Weekends

A lot of boys go home on Friday evening or Saturday morning after sport, and then come back to school on Sunday afternoon. But, there are always a few boys, especially international students, hanging around. It can be really fun to hang out during the weekends if you plan on staying. There is always an activity planned for weekends.

If you want to take a bus or train home, you need to book it with your house matron before Friday. School shuttles will drop you to the station and pick you up, and you normally sort all of that out with Housemasters and matrons when you book your tickets.

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People you Need to Know About

Liz EatonMrs Eaton has been at Rathkeale since 1992 and all three of her children went through the Trinity Schools. She is a Wairarapa local, born and bred, and has been at Repton House since she started at Rathkeale. Mrs Eaton is always happy to help with school activities, loves the grounds and gardens, and is an involved member of the school community.

Peter HaworthMr Haworth lives on site with his wife Sue, a teacher aide at Rathkeale. Mr and Mrs Haworth have an adult daughter and two grandchildren. They also have a cat called Miaow who keeps a low profile. In addition to being Housemaster of Repton, Mr Haworth also teaches Commerce and manages a hockey team

Anita Gough“I’ve been at Rathkeale since 1990 so in many ways it feels like my second home. I have two adult children and a granddaughter and love spending time with my family. The boys here keep me busy but I love the job and love how much fun we all have together in the houses.”

Repton House

Principal:

William Kersten

Mr Kersten and his wife live on site in the house between the school gate and Rugby House. Mr Kersten has been at Rathkeale for over eight years, and loves the natural environment of the school, the friendliness of the students and staff, and the school’s commitment to excellence and tradition.

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Be Your Own Man

Glenn McIntoshMr McIntosh lives on site with his wife Charlotte and three children. In addition to being Housemaster of Cranleigh, Mr McIntosh is also Dean of the International Department, teaches physical education and coaches the Colts Rugby team.

Maureen VaughanI have worked at Rathkeale for over 25 years. I have 3 grandkids I love spending time with and really my passion is my family. I love working here because I enjoy the boys and the energy in the boarding houses.

Bea HarrisI’ve been here for 9 years and I’m lucky to say that I love my job. I’m a mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, so I have a big family and I’m used to the busy nature of family life. I like that the boys know they can come to us anytime with anything and we’re always here to help.

Leif HansenMr Hansen lives on site with his wife Rachel, who works from home. Mr and Mrs Hansen have 2 children. In addition to being Housemaster of Rugby House, Mr Hansen also coaches 1st XV rugby, teaches Art and Photography and is in charge of EOTC.

Lenora WhiteMy name is Lenora but everyone calls me ‘Gert’. I’ve been at Rathkeale for quite some time, and love it here. The boys keep me young, and I love the fact that we can enjoy each other’s company. I run the house and keep everyone organised, but we also enjoy down time together.

Cranleigh HouseRugby House

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WHAT IS THE FOOD LIKE?

There are three meals a day.

There’s a tuck-shop at Rathkeale that’s open at morning tea and lunch.

The menu is available on our website and gives you a good idea of the type of food that gets served. There’s a good variety, there are always options, and if you’re a vegetarian there’s always a meat-free option.

WHAT TIME DO I GET UP?

From Monday to Friday it’s a 6.45am wake-up, but on the weekends, depending on whether you have sport or other activities you can get up a little later.

WHO DOES MY WASHING?

Sheets, towels, sports gear and uniforms are washed by the school laundry most week days except on the last Friday of term.

CAN I GO TO TOWN?

Year 13 students have town leave on Wednesday after school but have to be back in time for dinner.

All boarders have town leave every Friday afternoon unless they have been given a school or house detention.

Boys can also go out with their parents, but have to be back by 8.00pm on weekdays and 10.00pm on Saturdays.

Basically it’s like being at home - you have to get permission togo out, have people over etc.

It’s just so we know where you are, know that you’re safe, and make sure that your parents are happy.

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER SCHOOL?

There will be sports, cultural and other practices on some afternoons and some boys do other activities. If your time is free you can go swimming, play sport, complete assignments, or just hang out with your mates until tea time at 5.45pm.

DO I HAVE TO WEAR MY UNIFORM ALL THE TIME?

No, after school you can change into mufti, unless you are granted town leave. Boys go into town after school in uniform. In the weekends you wear mufti.

Boarding FAQ

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Be Your Own Man

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN I AM SICK?

If you feel sick then let the House master or matron know. We’ll always have panadol available, and if you need to go and lie down in your room you can as long as you get the House master’s permission first. If you need to see a doctor we’ll take you to one, and if you’re really unwell we’ll call your parents and you may decide to go home to get better.

WHEN CAN I SEE MY FAMILY?

Your parents can visit school in the afternoons and weekends, or you can go home or out with them during the afternoons and weekends. Every three weeks the boarding houses close for exeats on Saturday after sport

and opens again on Sunday evening.

CAN I JUST BOARD FOR A NIGHT OR TWO?

Yes! We offer casual boarding to day students who need to board temporarily. This can be done for up to 100 nights per year. Full details including costs can be found in our Casual Boarding Policy.

WHAT DO I DO IF I’M HAVING A ROUGH TIME?

It’s always a great idea to talk to a friend at school if you’re having a rough time or need some help figuring things out. Mates at school are in the same situation as you and are in a great position to support you because they’re right there. It’s also a good idea to chat to a teacher, Housemaster or tutor

you get along with if the issue is serious or goes on for more than a day or two.

You should always feel free to call friends and family outside of school too, because keeping up good communication is really important in close relationships.

If you really need someone to talk to, the school chaplain or counsellor are always available for one-on-one chats to help you figure things out.

In general, if you’re feeling a bit lonely or sad, try your best to get involved with stuff that’s going on at school, make an effort to be a part of activities and events, and put yourself out there. It’s talking with your mates and being a part of the school family that will make your boarding experience everything you want it to be.

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Uniform

School supplies (list available on school

website)

Toiletries

PJs

Casual clothes

A formal outfit for special occasions

Towels and face cloths

Togs

A mug for milo, tea/coffee, a drink bottle

and a lunch box.

Packing Checklist

Things to make your room your own

– photos, posters,ornaments, drawing

pins etc.

A duvet and pillow and, if you like, your own

sheets and covers

Shoe Polish

Laundry powder

Coat hangers

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Be Your Own Man

Rules – they’re there for a reason and that’s always to keep you safe. The rules at school are probably mostly the same as at home, so they shouldn’t be all that surprising.

A full explanation of all of the school rules is on our website and in the Boarding Handbook, but here are the important ones you’ll probably want to know about now.

Cellphones

• Cellphones must be turned offduring prep time.

• Cellphones can’t be used afterlights out

• Junior students’ cellphoneswill be collected at 9.00pmand be available again thefollowing day at 4.00pm.

• There are phones available for the boys to use in the dormsand Yabba cards or the like are recommended.

• Cellphones are not to be taken to school.

What are the Rules?

• If you break the rules regarding cellphones they may beconfiscated.

Computers

• Personal computers are notto be used to play games orwatch movies in the dorms orcubes.

• Again if you break the rules,you may have your computerconfiscated.

Duties

• Year 10 boys will beexpected to carry outcleaning duties in the DiningHall

• Year 13 students will berostered to help staffduring the morning andevenings as well as beingrequired to stay in the housefor a number of weekendseach term.

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Electronic Games

Play Stations/Xboxes etc are not to be brought to the boarding house in term one or four and their use in the middle terms are at the Housemaster’s discretion.Recreational use of both personal and house computers will be limited

How we treat others

It’s pretty simple – be kind and treat others with respect. If you have an issue with someone, try talking to them about it calmly and politely first. We know it can be hard to confront people sometimes, but be kind when you do it and most of the time things will be solved easily. Explain what it is they’re doing or saying that you don’t like, how it makes you feel and what you’d like them to do. If you can’t resolve it, or don’t feel comfortable talking to them, go and see an older boy, House master or tutor. If your issue is with a staff member, please speak to Mr McIntosh or Mr Kersten about it.

Hygiene

Hopefully we don’t have to convince you to take a shower every day, but if we do, here’s why; hygiene doesn’t just affect you, it affects the people around you, and we don’t want you, or others to feel awkward about

it. So, the rule is in place to

make sure it doesn’t become an issue. We also expect boys to keep themselves, their clothes, bedding, towels and their rooms clean and tidy. Lynx or other aerosol can products are banned unfortunately because they keep setting off the fire alarms!

Leaving school grounds

It doesn’t matter how old you are or what your parents might have said is cool – you can’t leave school without permission from the Housemaster/matron and their specific knowledge of where you are going, who you’re going with, and when you’ll be back.

It might be a little more relaxed at home for you, but your parents

aren’t trying to keep track of over 150 boys! The main reason we need to know where you are at all times is so that we know you are safe and can contact us if you need us.

Visitors

You can have visitors after school or during the weekend with a matron’s permission.

Unless you make a special arrangement with a matron, we prefer visitors not to come to school during meal times or during prep.

Female visitors are not allowed into the dormitory areas, just into common areas and the Housemaster or a matron needs to give permission first.

Those are the most important rules, but there are a few more in the Boarding Handbook you should check out before you come to Rathkeale. If you ever need anything explained just ask a Housemaster, matron or tutor.

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Life Hacks from Boarders

“Expect to be asked all the time

whether your school is like Hogwarts.

It gets old pretty quick.”

“Don’t be afraid to ask the older

boys for help. They seem way

older but they remember what it

was like to be new to school and

will have your back if you ask

for help.”

“Avoid FOMO and make

yourself be social even if you

don’t feel like it. It’s almost

always fun just because you’re

with the other boys.”

“It’s a good idea to bring

a hard drive with movies

and TV shows or DVDs so

that when you’re allowed to

watch movies or TV you’ve

got something there to

watch.”

“Take part in as much stuff

as you can. It’s all fun and

often if you have spare time

everyone is out doing stuff

any way.”

“It’s way easier to just follow the

rules than it is to try and find

ways of getting around them.

Almost everyone we know who

has tried has been caught and it’s

not worth it.”

A Foundation for the Future

www.rathkeale.school.nz www.facebook.com/rathkeale