Page 37 - Handbook for House Staff Aug2024

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House Drama
The House Drama Rep should have been working on this for sometime before the Lent Term. Keep an eye on proceedings – the play will be checked by the Director of Drama and anything inappropriate will be removed but it is much better to avoid this in the first place. Prepare a post-production party (pizza!) and remember to award merits.
Leavers’ Supper
Make sure that this in the diary early so that you can secure the night you would prefer. Liaise with Deputy Head Curriculum about the Calendar. Some Houses prefer to leave this supper until the Summer term. Decide the dress code (usually black tie) and get the invitations out early. Invite Leavers’ tutors and House tutors. Organise catering with the Assistants. As HouseM, you will need to give a speech. Some Houses present a small gift either to all Leavers or to HOH and Deputies.
Cup Suppers
House awards such as House colours are given out at the Cup Supper. These involve a special meal (extra cost from Free Issues), perhaps some wine for the Sixth Form, and a speech from the Head of House. Some Houses have humorous awards too. Be careful not to offend anyone and please check what your HOH is going to say.
Leavers Ball
HouseMs will be expected to make a short speech, and many Houses ask the UVIth HOH to do so too. Organise food and drink as normal. Do not let the pupils plan to come back to the House after the ball – they have left and there are security issues. They must make alternative arrangements to stay elsewhere.
6.30pm Chapel Service
7pm Dinner at the House
9pm The ball starts at 9pm but you may well have chatty parents around for another hour or more. Make sure that the House is securely locked on all fronts before setting off to revel. You will eventually get to the Ball, enjoy, stagger home, collapse into dreamless sleep!
August
After results contact pupils to congratulate or commiserate.
New staff induction takes place during the last week of August – if you have new tutors you will be asked to meet them during the induction process. Liaise with Assistants re room plans, labelling pigeon-holes, etc.