Page 45 - Handbook for House Staff Aug2024

Sex
The simple rule is they should not. The thin and precarious line that you have to tread here is to give sensible advice, preach responsibility and discourage them from illegal sexual activities but always remember they must feel free to come to you for advice. See the Sexual Relations Policy for further information (College website).
Girls will talk about this much more readily than boys and will often discuss the pros and cons of a relationship openly.
Avoid being censorious at all costs or the flow of conversation will dry up. Pupils who are over sixteen and who are in relationships with pupils under sixteen must be advised of the dangers they place themselves in if they engage in sexual activity – they could be placed on the sex offenders register and the police and social services will be involved. House staff should also be prepared to talk about issues such as sexting (see the Acceptable of ICT policy – there is a very clear appendix with lots of useful information).
Smoking
Pupils are not allowed to smoke. The Medical Centre will give confidential advice to pupils about how to stop smoking. E-cigarettes are not allowed. See the Smoking tariff guide for sanctions (appendix twenty-two). Pupils who are caught smoking or who appear to be associated with smoking should be sent to Deputy Head Pastoral or, if they are in the Lower School, the Head of Lower School. Possessing lighters, matches, filters, etc. constitutes associating with smoking as does being with someone who is smoking. See the “Promoting Good Behaviour and Discipline Policy” for further information.
Skateboarding
Pupils wishing to ride a skateboard must have the permission of their parents, on the official form (appendix 29), and their HouseM’s permission. Helmets must be worn. Skateboarding is not permitted on St George’s Terrace. Pupils must take care not to skateboard where cars might be moving at speed (for example, past Houses 3, 4 and 6 to the theatre).
Stealing
This is a source of great aggravation and has the potential to tear the cohesion of your House apart. Prevention is infinitely better than a cure. Sadly, you must always assume you will have a thief in the House from time to time. It is very rarely the cleaners, despite what the students will hope and suggest.
Request everyone NEVER to leave cash, cheques or any other valuables lying around. Insist that cash is handed over to you, for safe keeping, as soon as it enters the House, especially birthday money. All pupils should have a lockable cupboard, or individual safe, and they need to use them. Pupils can easily buy padlocks in town and in Schooltogs but they are also stocked in the duty rooms, so there is no excuse for not having one. If you need a padlock, contact Estates who can obtain them for you – there
is a small charge which will go on the bill. Be irritated with the victim, however not so angry that they do not tell you next time. Tell pupils that they must knock before they go into someone’s room and they should never enter anyone else’s room without permission. Theft goes in cycles, always worse just before Exeat, Leave Out etc.
Instruct them to lock their mobiles, laptops etc with a code to prevent misuse. If you have a serious problem, you may ultimately have to bring in the Police after consulting the Head. If you do need to search a room, follow the College Behaviour and Discipline Policy, Appendix Four. The DHP must be informed if you are carrying out a room search and room searches must be recorded on CPOMS.
Take-Aways
Pupils may order take-away food on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings only. Take-aways may only be ordered at other times if the circumstances are exceptional and with HouseM permission. In this situation, the take-away food should be delivered to the private side or the duty room. Pupils who order take-away food without permission during the week will have it confiscated. See the take-away notice appendix twenty-three.
Tutor Outings
Tutors should take their tutees out at least once per term. Ideally this should be at the weekend but if that is impossible due to their other commitments, they should ensure that the outing does not clash with Drama or Music rehearsals, or any other commitment. Tutees who are behind with work must not miss Hall for a tutor outing. The tutor should discuss arrangements with the HouseM prior to the event. Pupils are not allowed to go to Longy after they have had a tutor outing, unless they have had no alcohol (checked by breathalysing on their way into Longy).
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