Page 34 - 2025 JCH Student Handbook

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Monday Formal Hall & Special Dinners
During teaching weeks, dinners on Monday nights are referred to as Formal Hall. The purpose of
Formal Hall is for us to come together as a College community to enjoy a meal together. This also
provides an opportunity to communicate to the entire College, and to enjoy various musical,
literary, and artistic performances.

We gather in the JCR by 6.25pm before proceeding into the Hall for a 6.30pm dinner. We start each
Hall with grace and a musical or poetry performance from a resident. Mid meal there are
announcements from the Senior Staff, Tutors and students. If you need to leave Formal Hall before
the closing grace, please seek permission from the person presiding (usually the Principal or Deputy
Principal). Similarly, if you are late, please approach the High Table and apologise to the person
presiding when you enter the room. This is a common courtesy and so that we can ensure you are
served a meal.

The Principal and Deputy Principal invite members of the College to join them on the High Table,
including Tutors and students, as well as occasional College guests. If you are unable to attend on
the date you are invited to sit on High Table, please let the Office Manager know so you can be
invited on another occasion. When joining High Table for dinner, you are invited to pre-dinner drinks
in the SCR at 6.15pm.

Special dinners
From time to time, the College holds special dinners, such as the first formal dinner of each semester
(Commencement Dinner, and Mid-Winter Dinner), the Changeover Dinner after the Student Club
elections in second semester, and the Valedictory Dinner at the conclusion of the academic year.
These are a highlight in JCH’s communal life and often involve special guests and musical
performances.

Typically, Special College dinners commence with pre-dinner drinks in SCR at 6.30pm and move
into the dining hall at 7pm.

Please be respectful of the College’s expectations around reasonable dress and etiquette. Mobile
phone use during Formal Hall and special dinners is not appropriate.

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Janet Clarke Hall Student Handbook 2025