Boarding Handbook 2012 - The Southport School

Boarding Handbook 2012

The Southport School 

Boarding Handbook 2012

2 The Southport School Boarding Handbook 2012 

Table of Contents 

Headmaster’s Welcome...................................................... 3 

Welcome to Boarding......................................................... 3 

Routines............................................................................... 4 

Daily Routine ............................................................. 4 

Boarding House Contacts.................................................. 5 

Biddle House ............................................................ 5 

Delpratt House ......................................................... 5 

McKinley House......................................................... 5 

Thorold House........................................................... 5 

Rogers House............................................................. 5 

Quick Contact Numbers..................................................... 6 

Preparatory School.................................................... 6 

Senior School............................................................. 6 

Boarding at The Southport School.................................... 7 

Discipline.................................................................... 7 

Homesickness............................................................ 8 

Boarder Parent Support Group ............................... 8 

Senior School Leave Procedures....................................... 9 

Leave Types......................................................................... 9 

Day Leave................................................................... 9 

Tea Leave.................................................................... 9 

Monday & Friday Leave............................................ 9 

Saturday Leave........................................................... 9 

Sunday Leave............................................................. 10 

Weekend Leave......................................................... 10 

Special Leave............................................................. 10 

Overnight Leave........................................................ 10 

Whereabouts List....................................................... 10 

Travel........................................................................... 10 

The Health Centre and Nurses.......................................... 11 

General Information............................................................ 12 

Prep...................................................................................... 12 

Computers .......................................................................... 12 

Mobile Phone Policy .......................................................... 12 

Pocket Money...................................................................... 12 

Haircuts................................................................................ 13 

Posters and Computer Images ......................................... 13 

Fire Evacuation and Emergency Procedures.................... 13 

Valuables and Security........................................................ 13 

Electrical Equipment........................................................... 14 

Personal Room or Cube Areas........................................... 14 

Personal Neatness and Cleanliness .................................. 14 

Communication to Parents................................................. 14 

Playing in Outside Sporting Clubs..................................... 14 

Opening and Closing of Boarding Houses....................... 14 

Settling In - Organisation of Personal Belongings........... 15 

Alcohol and Drugs ............................................................. 15 

Female Guests (not including family members) .............. 15 

Bullying................................................................................ 15 

IDEALS Week....................................................................... 15 

Occasional Boarding .......................................................... 16 

The School Counsellor ....................................................... 16 

International Student Service ............................................ 16 

Education Allowances ........................................................ 16 

Belongings........................................................................... 17 

Uniform and Clothing Requirements ...................... 17 

Senior Boarder Summer Uniform - 

Term One and Start Term Four................................. 17 

Senior Boarders Winter Uniform - 

Term Two and End Term Three................................. 17 

Other Requirements.................................................. 17 

Optional Items........................................................... 18 

Boarders Uniform....................................................... 18 

Other requirements................................................... 18 

Optional Items........................................................... 18 

Dress Requirements for Dinner................................ 18

The Southport School Boarding Handbook 2012 3 

Headmaster’s Welcome 

It gives me great pleasure to welcome you into the Boarding community of The Southport School. I look 

forward to meeting you personally if I have not already done so. 

You have joined a great School with an enviable history and strong traditions which stretch back to the 

beginning of the last century. The hard work done by generations of previous Old Southportonians in 

building the tone and reputation of the School is their gift to you. I know you will rise to the challenge on 

maintaining and enhancing that reputation, which you in turn will pass onto theoe boys who will come after 

you. 

I wish you well in this new and exciting direction of your life. 

Mr Greg Wain 

Headmaster 

Welcome to Boarding 

Dear Parents and Guardians 

We are extremely proud to say that Boarding life has always been an integral feature of this School since the 

first boarders arrived in 1909 into Thorold, McKinley and Delpratt Houses. The boarders bring to TSS 

particular personal qualities and give the School a soul, a life and sense of community. We have prepared this 

booklet to assist you and your son in knowing more about the practices of Boarding here at The Southport 

School. 

In this booklet you will find information concerning leave arrangements, communication with Boarding 

personnel, daily timetables for all Houses, clothing lists and general Boarding matters. We hope that it will be 

a handy reference for you in understanding the care we provide and the opportunities that exist for your son. 

One of the most positive aspects of Boarding is the pride the boys have in their community. I encourage your 

son to take advantage of the opportunities that exist at the School and in the Boarding community. By doing 

so, he will quickly feel part of an extended “family”. 

Peter Bromley 

Director of Boarding


Routines 

Daily Routine 

May vary marginally between houses, and may vary slightly pending 2011 timetable. 

6.45am 

Wake up 

7 to 7.30am Breakfast 

8am 

8.30am 

8.40am 

Room Inspections MOD & Matrons - Boarders in room, doors open 

Roll Call 

10.25 - 10.50am Morning Tea 

12.55 - 1.35pm Lunch 

Commencement of classes 

3.30 - 5.30pm The House must maintain a quiet ambience where, if they so choose, students may relax and do 

homework. Boys are encouraged to leave the House between 4pm - 5pm if not raining. 

6pm - 7pm 

Dinner 

7 - 9pm Prep 

8pm 

Supper 

9.30 - 10pm Lights out for Year 8, 9 and 10 

10.30pm Lights out for Year 11 and 12 (or working in rooms for Year 11 & 12) 

• After 9 pm and before bed a quiet ambience must be maintained within the House. This is a time for relaxation and 

conversation, not loud music or loud behaviour. 

• At the discretion of MOD’s boys may be able to stay up a bit longer on weekends. 

• Chapel is held every Monday night at 7pm. All Boarders are to be present and well dressed. 

• Full Boarding dinners will be held at the start and finish of each term in which new staff will be introduced or 

leaving staff farewelled. 

• Please avoid contacting your son/s during the 7-9pm prep time or directly before bed. 

• On Sunday the boys sleep in a bit longer and are not required for breakfast until 8.30am. 

• The Surf bus operates every Sunday (conditions permitting) in Terms I and IV. The bus leaves at 9am and returns at 

lunchtime. Any boy wanting to go on the bus must firstly complete a series of tests at the start of terms I and IV to 

be able to qualify. 

• Watching TV is a part of modern life but boarders are limited to a certain extent. Boys are encouraged to watch the 

news in the morning and evenings, to keep up to date. Each House has Austar with a good range of channels to 

view and these prove popular on the weekends in keeping up with their favourite sports etc.


Boarding House Contacts 

Biddle House 

Housemaster 

Mr Graham Swinton 

Assistant Housemaster Mrs Julie Watson-Hayward 

Telephone 07 5531 9947 

Fax 07 5531 9972 

Email 

graham.swinton@tss.qld.edu.au 

Colour 

Red, Green & Gold 

Emblem 

Biddle Lion 

Motto 

“Viriliter Agite” 

(Act Manfully) 

Delpratt House 

Housemaster 

Mr Phil Ward 

Assistant Housemaster Mr Karel Bos 

Telephone 07 5531 9904 

Fax 07 5531 9976 

Email 

phil.ward@tss.qld.edu.au 

Colours 

Royal Blue & White 

Emblem 

Gryphon’s Head 

Motto 

“Tasche Sans Tache” 

(Honour without Blemish) 

McKinley House 

Housemaster 

Mr Peter Bromley 

Assistant Housemaster Mrs Eleanor Mackie 

Telephone 07 5531 9903 

Fax 07 5531 9974 

Email 

peter.bromley@tss.qld.edu.au 

Colours 

Maroon & White 

Emblem 

A Lion Rampant 

Motto 

“Peraget Angusta ad Augusta” 

(Through narrow straits to victory) 

Thorold House 

Housemaster 

Mr Daniel Brown 

Assistant Housemaster Mrs Susan Presto 

Telephone 07 5531 9906 

Fax 5531 9975 

Email 

daniel.brown@tss.qld.edu.au 

Colours 

Gold & Black 

Emblem 

Stag 

Motto “Devant si je Puis” (To the fore if I am able) 

Rogers House 

Housemaster 

Mr Ian Browne 

Assistant Housemaster Mrs Sharon Joss 

Telephone 07 5531 9941 

Fax 07 5531 9908 

Matron 0416 274 129 

Email 

ian.browne@tss.qld.edu.au 

Colours 

Gold & Black 

Emblem 

Skull and Crossbones 

Motto 

Families Servicing Families


Quick Contact Numbers 

Preparatory School 

Preparatory School Reception & Absentee Line.................................................................................................... 07 5531 9943 

Head of The Preparatory School................................Jeff Symms...................................................................... (07) 5531 9943 

Deputy Head - Pastoral Care......................................Mark Wyer....................................................................... (07) 5531 9943 

Deputy Head - Curriculum........................................Kathryn Barry.................................................................. (07) 5531 9943 

Chaplain.......................................................................Father Phil Crook........................................................... (07) 5531 9958 

Sports Master...............................................................Nathan Stains.................................................................. (07) 5531 9943 

Music Master...............................................................Trisha Matthias................................................................ (07) 5531 9943 

Library..........................................................................Deb Schinckel................................................................. (07) 5531 9849 

Senior School 

Senior School Reception.......................................................................................................................................... 07 5531 9911 

Absentee Line/Student Services............................................................................................................................... 07 5531 9850 

Sport Wet Weather Line........................................................................................................................................... 07 5531 9860 

Headmaster..................................................................Greg Wain........................................................................... 07 5531 9931 

Deputy Headmaster....................................................Alan Parsons....................................................................... 07 5531 9931 

Dean of Students Years 8 & 9......................................Andrew Hawkins............................................................... 07 5531 9986 

Dean of Students Years 10, 11 & 12............................Cameron Herbert.............................................................. 07 5531 9933 

Studies Department.....................................................Jo Inglis, Bryce Golburg & Michelle Green..................... 07 5531 9852 

Sports Department......................................................Bryan Hain......................................................................... 07 5531 9828 

School Counsellor.......................................................Scot Gannon....................................................................... 07 5531 9952 

School Chaplain..........................................................Father Jonathan Whereat................................................... 07 5531 9956 

Business Manager........................................................Ross Cardiff........................................................................ 07 5531 9939 

Accounts Office...........................................................Keith Reynolds................................................................... 07 5531 9959 

The Store......................................................................Les Gray.............................................................................. 07 5531 9823 

Senior Library..............................................................Andrew Stark...................................................................... 07 5531 9987 

A comprehensive list of numbers can be found on the Intranet (TSSNet)


Boarding at The Southport School 

The Boarding community aims to provide a second home, in a communal environment, for the Boarding students at the 

School. A Boarder should enjoy the friendships, the security and the care of his second home. 

The education we offer to every student is a broad one including the academic, cultural, sporting and recreational areas of 

a boy’s life. Every boy is expected to take full part in each of these areas. 

At TSS we have five Boarding Houses and group the boys vertically according to age groups except in Rogers House 

which is the School’s Junior Boarding House. There are many advantages of this system, the most obvious being that 

it permits the boys to mix not only with boys their own age but across age groups. Each House has a House Captain, 

supported by a Vice Captain and Dorm Captains. Their role is to assist in the general running of the House and help the 

younger boys. 

Each of the five houses is equipped with recreation areas which generally include a pool table, table tennis table, 

television and other games. Students have access to the kitchen facilities which include toasters, fridges and microwave 

ovens. 

The School has extensive computing facilities available to the boarders during the day, evening and weekends. A number 

of boarders choose to bring their own laptop from home which can be connected to the School network in the Boarding 

House. Each Boarding House has wireless internet to enable boarders to use the World Wide Web for research or to 

contact home. The same filters are applied to boys using computers in the Boarding Houses as when they are using 

School computers during the day. Should you consider your son bringing a personal computer to the Boarding House 

you are encouraged to contact the School’s Network Manager to discuss how to ensure your computer is compatible 

with the Schools’ computer network. 

In addition to our boarders, the School has approximately 35 Boarding staff on the property. The Headmaster and the 

Deputy Headmaster also reside within the School grounds. The Boarding Housemaster and Assistant Housemasters 

are generally appointed from within the teaching staff. Emergency and security personnel are on call 24 hours a day to 

deal with maintenance or security issues. The Housemaster and his family live in accommodation either attached to or 

adjacent to the House. Other Boarding staff all live within the House. This arrangement helps facilitate a more family 

like atmosphere amongst the entire Boarding community. 

Discipline 

All Boarders are subject to the School’s day-School policies. A crucial criterion for enrolment is that boys want to be in 

Boarding at TSS. Generally when boys want to be here they abide by the School’s rules and respect the trust shown to 

them by the staff at the School. In the life of any Boarding community there may be an occasion when a Boarder may 

choose to break this trust. Such breaches of discipline will be dealt with in accordance with the School rules. 

Each Boarding House and Housemaster has expectations and standards to ensure the smooth running of the House. 

The Housemaster, acting in loco parentis, accepts responsibility for monitoring the behaviour of each Boarder in his care. 

Rewards and sanctions are applicable to each House; these may vary from a withdrawal of privileges, duties around the 

House, or in more serious and rare cases, withdrawal of leave or suspension. This is considered a last resort as approved 

leave from the Boarding House is considered a very important aspect of a Boarder’s well being. 

Should there be a serious breach of expected behaviour in the first instance the Housemaster will conduct an initial 

investigation. If the matter is deemed to be of a serious nature, then the Head of Boarding will consult with the Deputy 

Headmaster and the Headmaster. Ultimately, the Headmaster is responsible for all matters of discipline at the School. 

Boarding, being a tight knit residential community, means that some behaviour is deemed to be totally unacceptable in a 

Boarding House. These include 

• Stealing or breaking into restricted areas 

• Leaving the House after lights out 

• Bullying at any level, in any form 

• Consuming alcohol or bringing alcohol or illegal drugs onto the premises 

• Having unauthorised people in the Boarding House 

• Being off campus without permission 

• Showing disrespect of any Boarding staff 

As far as possible incidents that occur during day-School hours are dealt with by the relevant School staff. While a 

boy’s Housemaster may well be informed of problems during the School day, any action would be similar to that of any 

student of the School whether dayboy or Boarder.


Homesickness 

From a Parents’ Perspective 

We feel it is perfectly normal for a boy living in completely new surrounds to miss his home and family. To overcome 

the common problem of initial homesickness we suggest that it is important for you as parents to: 

• Emphasise the need for your son to be fully involved in and out of the classroom. Involvement in sport, games, 

music and other activities is essential and should be encouraged wherever possible. 

• Realise that you will hear of, or experience, the worst of yours son’s homesickness. He will tend to ring when he 

is feeling at his lowest. He may also tend to exaggerate the worst features of the Boarding House in an effort to 

convince you of his “predicament”. 

• Understand that poor grades and difficulty with work can be related to homesickness in the early stages. 

• Appreciate that recurrence of the problem is quite common after the first few week-ends out, or after term holiday. 

However, usually this is overcome quickly on returning to School. 

Further to this, too many outings with family over the first few weeks may cause great difficult for your son in making 

the break from home. Let your son experience the normal activities of the Boarding House, particularly during weekends. 

It is in the School Boarding environment, particularly on weekends, that he will establish new friendships. 

Please encourage your son to see his Housemaster, resident staff or School Counsellor if the problem seems to be 

reaching an intolerable level. Often, discussing the problem with someone is of great assistance. 

Experience suggests that the better you as parents cope with the natural anxiety associated with separation from young 

ones, the more quickly the boys will adjust to Boarding life. Boys pick up and may often reflect the anxiety in a parent’s 

voice when communicating and may respond accordingly even though they may be for the most part enjoying the 

Boarding experience. Be aware of a common and usually short-tem period of adjustment. Understanding, patience, 

friendliness and firmness would appear to be the most important qualities necessary for a quick and smooth transition to 

a new environment. 

From a Boys’ Perspective 

Parents can be assured that new boys who may feel the pangs of homesickness will be well catered for in the first weeks 

of TSS. Boarding staff are well versed in strategies and techniques to assist new boys to cope with the challenges which 

emerge in this area. Outlined below are some of the techniques used to assist and train boys to deal with some of these 

initial settling in hurdles. Please peruse at your leisure and perhaps even take time to discuss these with your son prior 

to his arrival at TSS. This will result in a more inclusive response by not only the student himself, but also his parents 

and those Boarding staff with whom he’ll seek close contact. The emphasis is certainly on the student dealing with the 

situation himself, as we believe this is the best way forward. 

• Do not expect too much from friends and family. Try to set realistic expectations about what you can reasonably 

expect from your relationships. This avoids continued frustration and disappointment. 

• Try to identify your emotions accurately. Do not misinterpret your loneliness for depression. This may make you 

behave in a “depressed” manner and make the situation much more serious. 

• Understand that being alone is not the same as loneliness. Being alone can be very healthy. We all need to be alone 

from time to time. Some activities such as reflection, reading and writing are often best done when you are alone. 

• Loneliness and its associated anxieties do not need to rule your life. By recognising your loneliness it is often 

possible to understand what you are dealing with and relieve the anxieties. 

• It is important to learn appropriate and effective interactive skills. Many lonely people fail to realise clearly why 

or how they are ineffective at building relationships. Social skills training should be sought. Your Pastoral Care 

Teacher, Student Counsellor or Housemaster can help you receive suitable training. 

• Recognise that conflicts can make relationships stronger. Lonely people often feel that conflicts or problems in a 

relationship mean that the relationship has “failed” in some way. That is not necessarily true. 

• Lonely people tend to blame both themselves and others for their unhappiness. Recognise that some relationships 

just “do not work out” and no one is to blame. 

• Try to understand other people and consider their feelings. Lonely people are often self-centered and think only of 

themselves. This leads to being easily injured or gaining an inflated opinion of yourself. 

• Practice tasks to reduce your loneliness. Try to meet and talk with one new person each week. 

Boarder Parent Support Group 

The Boarder Parent Support Group meets three times a year to discuss and co-ordinate Boarder issues. The group 

comprises: Headmaster of the Senior School, Master of the Prep School, Dean of Students, Dean of Studies, Senior 

Boarding Master, Housemasters, Admissions, together with two parent representatives from each of the five Boarding 

Houses.


During the year any feedback, suggestions or inquires from parents on matters that you would like raised/praised with 

regards to any aspects of Boarding are welcome. Parents are welcome and encouraged to attend meetings at any time. 

For information on the role of the BPSG and upcoming events for 2012: 

http://www.tss.qld.edu.au/Parents_and_Students/Boarding/BoarderSupport.aspx 

The minutes of our meetings are also available on this page. 

To read the Boarding Bulletin (this is a great site to see what the boys are up to over a fortnight) go to 

http://www.tss.qld.edu.au/Parents_and_Students/Boarding/BoardingBulletin.aspx 

Senior School Leave Procedures 

Leave Types 

Leave can normally only be granted by the Housemaster after the boarder’s family has completed the electronic leave 

form or faxed the information to the Housemaster before 7pm on Thursday night. For convenience, the use of 

electronic leave form is encouraged. All forms of leave must be in by this time and fully completed. 

It is the parents’ responsibility to contact the host family and to make sure their son/s will be fully supervised and cared 

for when on leave. 

All boys must be signed out of the House and back into the House by an adult. 

The Housemaster reserves the right not to grant leave if he is not satisfied that all details have been completed, including 

exact pick-up and return times. The Housemaster can also refuse leave if the boarder has been gated. 

All leave is subject to a boy meeting any school or sporting commitment. This means that if a boy has opted for a cocurricular 

activity, he should never miss that activity because of a leave request. Boys can only play for outside clubs if 

they first complete their commitment to the School. There are forms a boarder must complete before any leave request 

would be granted due to an outside commitment. 

Please note that no normal leave can be arranged through the Front Office of the School. 

Host family must be on your son’s host list. Hosts must be at least twenty-five years of age, unless they are older 

brothers or sisters and have your permission to collect your son. 

The only exceptions to the above are as follow:- 

• In the absence of a Housemaster, the Assistance Housemaster may grant leave if he or she is satisfied that all 

requirements have been met. 

• The only time Resident Staff would ever grant leave would be if a boy’s parents unexpectedly turned up and 

requested leave. This must only be with the boy’s parents. 

Day Leave 

This refers to boarders being taken out and returned on the same day 

Tea Leave 

Boarders may go on tea leave during the week with relatives or hosts approved by parents. Boarders are to be back in 

their house by 9.30pm 

Monday & Friday Leave 

Location: 

Time: 

Dress 

Southport Park and Night Owl 

3.30pm - 5pm 

School Uniform with Akubra Hat 

*NB - boys must sign out personally with the MOD, carry the exeat slip and travel in pairs. 

Saturday Leave 

Location: 

Time: 

Dress 

Southport Park and Night Owl 

Throughout the day until 5pm 

Smart casual


Leave Slip: 

This leave is granted only at the discretion of the Assistant Housemaster or Housemaster and only 

with an exeat slip. Boys must travel in pairs. 

Sunday Leave 

Location: Australia Fair Cinema Complex, Southport Park & Night Owl. 

• After lunch 1 pm to 5.30 pm 

• Granted at MOD discretion only with exeat slip 

• Students must report back to MOD immediately on return 

• Dress to be respectable 

• Boys must go in small groups – not alone 

• Year 8’s may only go later in the year if accompanied by a Senior boy. 

Weekend Leave 

This refers to a boarder being taken out on Friday and retuned by 7.30pm Sunday or by 8.00am on Monday. 

Special Leave 

This must be applied for through the Housemaster only. Special leave is any leave given to a boarder to miss all or part 

of a normal school day. The Housemaster reserves the right to accept or deny any such leave based on the request. They 

will then pass onto Student Services. 

Overnight Leave 

This refers to a boarder being taken out from the House for an overnight stay and returned the following day. 

Whereabouts List 

Each House maintains a “Whereabouts List”. Boys must sign this list when not in the House for extended periods of 

time but on the school grounds. No boy is to depart the school on leave by simply signing out on a list. They must 

report to the MOD (Master on Duty). 

Travel 

Parents must organise their travel arrangements to be in residence on the afternoon prior to the start of Term. It would 

be preferable to arrive after 3pm as many Boarding staff are generally involved in meetings up until this time on the day 

before the boys start School. Term dates are available on the website and in the Record Book. 

• An Airport Pick-Up and Drop-Off Service operates between Brisbane and Gold Coast Airports and TSS. 

Returning/departing students can book this service through Harvey World Travel Surfers Paradise, our preferred 

travel agent. A Harvey World Travel staff member visits the School Dining Hall each Thursday at lunchtime for 

the last five weeks of each term, to provide a booking service to all students and staff. Reservations can be made on 

Thursdays in the Dining Hall or directly with Harvey World Travel Surfers Paradise by email (surfersparadise@ 

harveyworld.com.au). Ticketing levies apply to some coach, rail and air travel bookings. 

• Travel Tickets to be collected by the student from Keith Bond (Harvey World Travel) in Dining Room through 

arrangement with Keith – do not collect from Admissions. Tickets not collected will be returned to Harvey World 

Travel. 

• Graham’s Bus Service provides a service to and from Toowoomba for TSS and St Hilda’s students at the beginning 

and end of each Term. This service connects with ALL Western and Rockhampton buses. Phone Graham’s Bus 

Service (Margaret and Ian Graham) direct on 07 4630 4188 or 0427 102 039. As this is a personalised service for the 

Outback children, parents must book directly with them and not through a travel agent. 

• Boys travelling to Coolangatta airport should consider using the Connexion Company (Tarago Taxis). You will need 

to give a flight number when you ring and the rates are reasonable. Contact number is (07) 5556 9888 

• Homestay arrangements: Students’ names are to be given to the Housemaster by a nominated date. This list will 

then be forwarded to Student Services to be finalised as a group with the Homestay Coordinator. Late requests 

cannot be accommodated and parents will be notified to collect their son and return home. 

• Airline/Bus/Rail tickets can be faxed or sent as attachments directly to the Housemaster is required. Please leave 

them sufficient time to get them to the boys.


Air Travel 

Parents must make international bookings for their sons to travel overseas and forward the ticket to the School at least 

two weeks prior to their departure. It is the responsibility of the parents to ensure that passports and visas are current and 

the boys keep them well secured as they usually give them to Housemasters for safe keeping. 

Rail Travel 

Students covered under Safety Net arrangements are eligible for a fully funded rail ticket. Travel assistance is provided 

from the station nearest to the student’s resident to the Station nearest to the school attended. Boys at TSS have mainly 

used the Nerang Terminal. General information is available at rail stations, or by telephoning 07 3235 2810 to see if your 

son/s qualify for free travel under the Safety Net Scheme. The Queensland Transport Office is located at PO Box 156, 

Zillmere Qld 4034 and can be contacted on 07 3863 9849. 

Taxis 

From time to time your son may need taxi transport around Southport for private purposes (eg medical/dental 

appointments and travel to and from transport terminals at holiday times). 

Parents must ensure that each boy has the means to pay for private taxi travel. Taxi’s may not be charged to the School 

account. 

It is recommended that parents arrange a cabcharge account for those who want an ongoing 30 day account. A cabcharge 

account may be set up by contacting Yellow Cabs by phone on 07 3391 5955. 

Boys who wish to use a taxi have a number of alternatives: 

• They pay cash 

• Eftpos - they use a debit card (eg. Heritage Card). Boys should be aware these usually attract a surcharge. 

• Their parents open an account with one of the local taxi companies. This may require a deposit and may attract a 

surcharge on all fares. 

Driving and Travelling in Cars 

Boarders are not permitted to have cars at the School. They may only drive under the direct supervision and in the 

presence of their parents. Only exceptional circumstances will be considered by the Deputy Headmaster of the School. 

Any Senior boarder seen to be breaking this rule risks serious consequences that are attached to it. Bikes and skateboards 

are also banned items within the boarding community. 

The Health Centre and Nurses 

The TSS Health Centre is a fully equipped facility that caters for the needs of boarding students. 

With its 11 bed ward and visiting doctors and physiotherapist, TSS boarders can have all of their health needs catered for 

right here on campus. 

At all times during the school term the Health Centre is manned by a Registered Nurse. 

Its hours of operation are: 

Monday – Friday: 7am-7pm 

Weekends – 9am-7pm 

The Registered Nurse also remains on campus overnight to tend to any emergencies that could occur. In the event of an 

emergency, the Housemaster will phone the Health Centre and arrange for the Nurse to open the clinic for treatment or 

referral. 

Should a boarding student require transfer to a general hospital, the boarder parent will be informed immediately, and 

the Housemaster or a designated staff member will escort the student to hospital. 

Boarding students attending off-campus medical appointments are to report to the Health Centre before and after their 

appointment. The Health Centre will arrange all appointments for boarding students and will organize transport where 

needed. Where possible, all appointments are made outside of class time. The Health Centre will phone the parents to 

gain consent to make an off-campus appointment for the first time. Transport costs will be charged to the student’s end 

of term account and vouchers are used during the time of transport. 

Boarding student’s who take daily medication are to report to the Health Centre for dispensing. All medications on 

campus should be stored at the Health Centre where a record will be kept of the administration. Whilst this record will 

show a pattern of non-compliance, the Health Centre is unable to follow up students on a daily basis. 

Ultimately, it is the responsibility of the student/parent to ensure they visit the Health Centre to take medications as 

directed by their doctor. All medications submitted to the Health Centre for an individual student must be in the 

original container with the students’ name, medication details and doctor’s name. Any pharmacy items ordered for a 

student will be charged to the end of term school fees.


Should the school doctor request a student commence prescribed medication, the parent will be phoned to give consent 

for the medication to be commenced. 

Every day items such as toothpaste and shampoo are to be bought from home, or purchased by the student themselves. 

Please contact one of our Nurses or the Health Centre Coordinator on the below details during business hours: 

Ph/fax: (07) 5531 9927 

healthcentre@tss.qld.edu.au 

General Information 

Prep 

Computers 

Prep occurs from approximately 7 pm until 9 pm each weeknight and for this to be effective requires all students to 

co-operate and contribute to the good order of the House. Academic endeavours are the most pressing and constant 

series of tasks boys will complete while members of The Southport School. The establishment of good study habits and 

skills will not magically occur, it requires personal effort and a positive attitude. The resident staff will support students, 

however all must work to establish their own routine and maintain it. 

Supervised Prep in classrooms is available for Years 8-10 boys. Paid academic tutors and senior Boarding staff assist the 

boys Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings. 

Supervised Prep is also available to boys in Years 11 & 12 on a Wednesday evening 7-9pm. A University student is 

employed by the School for this duty. The student is of a very high calibre. Attendance is voluntary. 

Students Years 11-12 must: 

• be personally responsible for their efforts in Prep; 

• conduct themselves in a manner which does not disturb others; 

• follow established routines and expectations; 

• limit movement to an absolute minimum around the House. 

All Boarding House’s have wireless connection to the internet through the School’s network. Restrictions are in 

place to ensure students are not able to access inappropriate sites. Students are not permitted to bring personal USB 

modems or similar devices to School. Computers are a necessary part of a modern education and their appropriate use 

is encouraged. They may be used for both recreation and work. However, if games are played during designated Prep 

Times or after lights out, the Master on Duty has the right to confiscate the computer and its return will be negotiated 

through the Housemaster. 

Mobile Phone Policy 

All mobile phone numbers must be registered with the Housemasters. Students are strongly encouraged to use their 

phones responsibly. Mobile phones must in no way distract from the academic focus of students. They may not be 

used during prep time 7-9pm and must be turned off at lights out. Parents are asked to monitor their sons’ phone 

bills carefully and regularly. Excessive use should be passed onto the Housemasters and restrictions applied. The 

Housemaster has the right to confiscate a boys mobile if he feels he is misusing or if it goes off at inappropriate times. 

Continued misuse may result in a boy not being allowed a phone at all. In such a case the boys may keep in contact with 

his family via the House phone system. (See phone numbers at the back of the booklet). If a Housemaster phones or 

texts a boy he must answer or return his call within 5mins of receiving it. 

Pocket Money 

There is a Bank of QLD ATM located in the Library. Maximum withdrawal per transaction is $40.00. Boys are 

encouraged to be organised especially prior to weekends. ATM’s are also available at local shops but may attract charges. 

No large sums of money should ever be displayed openly in student areas. Parents may hand Housemasters pocket 

money to be distributed throughout the term but it is a better lesson that boys learn to use their own money wisely.


Haircuts 

Haircut slips may be obtained from the Housemaster on a Monday or Friday afternoon. Boys take the slip to the Barber 

Shop over the road in Southport Part Shopping Centre and can have their hair cut for free. 

The School requires that hair be styled within the following limits: 

• It must be reasonably short but no shorter than an electric comb setting of No. 3. 

• It must be brushed neatly, shaped to the head and clear of the collar and ears. 

• Boys are to be clean shaven and sideburns no lower than the earhole. 

• No boy is permitted to cut their own hair or another boy’s hair. 

• Extremes of style, perms, use of colour, dye, gels and the like are not acceptable and may result in the student being 

suspended from school until his appearance is acceptable. 

Posters and Computer Images 

Students are permitted to create a sense of ownership of their own dormitory space or room by adding posters and 

decorations. Some simple guidelines apply: 

• there must be a balance of images and interests. 

• Pornography or any other inappropriate material such as offensive reading material or screensavers will attract severe 

penalties. Discretion in these matters is the right of the Housemaster and any Boarding staff member. 

Fire Evacuation and Emergency Procedures 

At the beginning of each term Fire Drill procedures with ALL Houses is supervised with Advance Fire. Records are kept 

in the Maintenance Area. Boys are expected to take these drills seriously and a report is completed at the end of each 

one. Boys are asked to move quickly and quietly when an alarm goes off to the designated area for each House. 

**Please note: A call out cost is currently in the vicinity of $1,200. 

This will be charged to the person activating the alarm. 

Aerosols, matches and smoking can trigger the alarms at anytime. 

Valuables and Security 

We ask each boy to be very conscious of the security of his personal belongings. Boys are reminded to lock away 

valuables. Therefore each student should have at least two (2) padlocks to secure their goods. No television sets or mini 

fridges are to be brought to school. 

All doors are locked at the end of the evening by the Master on Duty and they are the nominated staff member on passive 

duty overnight. Passive duty staff (or Housemasters) conduct random inspections on some nights. 

Security guards are on site at the School every night. All boarding houses and every external door in a House are 

routinely patrolled throughout the evening. All houses are alarmed or have cameras on major exits or both. 

No student or visitor may enter the Boarding House without the permission of the Master on Duty. 

Personal computers or expensive devices can only be covered by parent insurances. Only items owned by the School are 

covered by insurance, personal items are not. 

Students must vacate and remove all of their belongings from their rooms at the end of each term. However there will 

be a room provided for students to leave gear over the holiday breaks. While every care will be taken with this storage the 

School will not be responsible for students property left over the breaks. 

Any damage to the boarding House will be charged to the boy concerned. Each boarder is responsible for their own area 

and must ensure that it is clean and free from graffiti. Any damage needs to be reported to the Housemaster or Matron 

immediately. 

Any student deemed to have tempered with an alarm or camera and placed themselves or other members of the House 

in danger would expect to be sent home. 

Flooded areas and ovals are out of bounds at different times of the year as is the Nerang River. Boarders are not 

permitted to be in restricted areas during the day or at night time.


Electrical Equipment 

Any electrical items brought on site must be registered with the boarding Housemaster. Any item must be tagged as per 

regulations. Boarders are not permitted to have heaters or fridges in their rooms. Any bower boards must be tagged 

and tested. Small fans are allowed but larger stand up varieties are not recommended as they take up too much space. 

Electrical items will be removed if they have not been approved by the Housemaster, are considered a fire risk or are 

being used incorrectly without consideration of other people around them. 

Personal Room or Cube Areas 

Although Regular Inspections occur, it is the responsibility of every member of the House to keep his own area neat and 

clean at all times. It is expected that clothes are kept neatly inside cupboards and books should be well organised and the 

desk area of each cubicle clear of any markings and clutter. Personal rubbish bins must be emptied every day and under 

no circumstances should rubbish be left for another to pick up. Any food must be kept in sealed containers. 

Personal Neatness and Cleanliness 

Sheets must be changed and clothes must be washed regularly. The fact that the Matron takes so much care with 

everyone’s clothing compels individuals to do the same. Personal cleanliness and hygiene are a paramount part 

of communal life. Hair needs to be washed regularly and be kept strictly within the boundaries of the School’s 

expectations. Extremes of hair fashion, colour or length will not be allowed and this is itemised in the Record Book. All 

members of the House must shower daily. 

Uniform must be maintained well and worn with pride out of respect for oneself and for those who have gone before. 

Common Rooms and facilities are the responsibility of every user to protect and keep clean, neat and tidy. There will be 

people rostered to clean up, however, individuals must clean up after themselves. It is also important that the behaviour 

in these rooms is appropriate at all times. Keep this in mind especially in relation to language used. 

Communication to Parents 

Much has been done to facilitate communication between parents, their sons and their House. Boarders can phone 

or text from their mobile phones. These are not permitted to be used during prep or after lights out. Each House has 

at least two land line phones which parents can prearrange by texting the boys shortly before they ring them (please 

see House contact numbers). Computers with College email facilities are also available in each House for boys to 

use. The Master on Duty can also be contacted on the House mobile if you need to get your son a message urgently. 

Housemasters are not on duty 24hours a day and if it is a routine matter please ring the duty mobile. 

Every fortnight all families may access reports and photos from individual houses throughout the year via the Boarding 

Bulletin. http://www.tss.qld.edu.au/Parents_and_Students/Boarding/BoardingBulletin.aspx 

Playing in Outside Sporting Clubs 

TSS Boarders may play for outside teams but only if they have met the behavioural expectations within the House and 

school obligations as far as co-curricular representation goes. Any boarder playing outside the school will need to collect 

and complete a form off his Housemaster two weeks before the competition starts to gain any approval. It is the boy 

or his family that must arrange a host to collect him and return him to the House upon completion of the event. The 

Housemaster reserves the right to stop the activity if the arrangements change, prep work or grades are below average or 

the boy is returning too late to the House. 

Opening and Closing of Boarding Houses 

At the beginning of each term the Boarding Houses will open from 4pm onwards and all boarders must return before 

8pm. The opening and closing hours of the Boarding House are published in the College calendar. Parents are advised 

to arrange and communicate travel details as early as possible. Most terms will finish on a Thursday and boys are able to 

leave at the conclusion of classes (3.20pm) on this day. Houses will remain open on the Thursday night but boys must 

vacate the House before midday on the Friday. Parents are asked to view the calendar carefully and arrange travel to be as 

close to these times as possible.


Settling In - Organisation of Personal Belongings 

This is one area which often proves difficult for new boarders and which is sometimes overlooked. The boys need to be 

able to keep their drawers and wardrobes tidy and, therefore, need skills such as folding T-shirts and shorts, underwear, 

putting socks together in pairs, storing toiletries and so on in a particular area. It would be of great assistance to your son 

if he receives some instruction in the organisation of personal belongings before he commences Boarding, including the 

ability to make a bed in a neat manner and iron various pieces of clothing. 

Some boarders experience difficulty adapting to the living situation in a dormitory, especially in regard to the number 

of other people continually surrounding them. Personal hygiene is essential for each student. Your son must know the 

importance of showering daily, changing underwear and socks regularly, using clean linen and towels, the need for soap, 

clean hair and roll-on deodorant. It goes without saying that he will be expected to be sensitive to the needs of others in 

the Boarding House, to accept difference in personal interests and to be respectful of others personal property. 

Alcohol and Drugs 

Clearly zero tolerance. All cases referred to the Dean of Students. 

Female Guests (not including family members) 

Housemaster or Assistant Housemaster must be advised and interaction must be in common rooms or common areas in 

the Boarding House. NOT IN DORMITORIES OR ROOMS. 

Girls must NEVER be in a Boarding House. The only exception would be sisters and only then if accompanied by 

parents. 

Bullying 

Please refer to the Student Welfare Policy which is found in the Admissions Handbook and Student Record Book 

IDEALS Week 

Services Week is compulsory for ALL boys who attend TSS. Early requests for Leave can only be approved with 

permission from the Dean of Students. 

Boarding House Year 11 And 12 Exam Procedures 

• All students must have a copy of their timetable attached to their door. 

• Common rooms may not be used in normal lesson times, only at break times. 

• All School co-curricular requirements must be met. 

• If you wish to request leave on weekend during exam period, normal procedures are to be followed – 7 pm 

Thursday night. 

• If you have a significant break in exams and wish to request leave overnight during the week, this may be possible 

provided all leave procedures are addressed to the Housemaster. 

• Meals are compulsory as always during exam periods 

• If you wish to go to the Library or see a teacher you must change into uniform. 

• Year 10s will be Duty Men during exams, but bins, clothes, SODs will be at the Housemaster’s discretion. 

• There will be no Pastoral Care Meetings for Year 11 and 12. You are required to attend House Meetings if they are 

on. 

• Where students have very few exams (two or fewer), but are staying in most of the time, please consult 

Housemasters for any variations. 

• When in the House you may wear casual clothes. You may go to breakfast, lunch or tea in smart casual clothes – 

covered footwear please. 

• All boys are required to be clean shaven before breakfast.


Occasional Boarding 

The School offers Boarding facilities on an occasional basis for day students requiring short or medium term 

accommodation at either a day or weekly rate. This is always dependent on the availability of beds and enquiries can 

be made through the Admissions Office. A minimum of 1 week stay applies and requests should be made no less than 

two weeks prior. Occasional Boarders will be allocated to a House by the School, and it is not always possible to accept 

requests for a House, unless the student has previously boarded in a particular House. 

Boys must be prepared to accept and adhere to all Boarding routines during their stay or future requests may be denied. 

Exceptional circumstances may be applied for by contacting the Head of Boarding or the Deputy Headmaster. 

The School Counsellor 

The School Counsellor, Mr Scot Gannon, provides academic and personal counselling which is available to students 

through self-referral and staff recommendation. 

The Counsellor can be contacted on: 07 5531 9952 or email: scot.gannon@tss.qld.edu.au 

Rogers House parents please contact the Head of Prep on 07 5531 9943. 

International Student Service 

Under the Education Services for Overseas Students Act 2007, The Southport School is required to provide “internal 

arrangements to resolve any grievance an overseas student might raise with them. The provider must offer a mediation/ 

conflict resolution service that is external to the provider itself.” The Dean of Students is responsible for any external 

mediation in these circumstances. 

Overseas full fee paying students residing in Boarding are the responsibility of the School which acts as their guardians. 

Failure to attend full term time during the course may result in breach of Visa attendance requirements. The School 

reserves the right to cancel student Visas where it is deemed appropriate. 

In particular, early leave is not readily granted. Term dates are published well in advance to allow pre-booking of flights 

and travel planning prior to last minute arrangements. Continued abuse of this system by any student may result in 

temporary suspension of their student Visas. 

Education Allowances 

Are you aware of all the education allowances to which you may be entitled? Queensland State Government Allowances 

include: 

Education Queensland - Living Away from Home Allowances 

• Remote Area Tuition Allowance 

• Remote Area Travel Allowance 

• Remote Area Allowance 

• Remote Area Disability Supplement 

Website: www.education.qld.gov.au and www.education.qld.gov.au/finance/grants/fund/garp 

School Transport Assistance Scheme – Queensland Transport 

Website: www.transport.qld.gov.au/qt/ptinfo.nsf/index/schoolassistance 

Commonwealth Government Allowances include: 

• Assistance for Isolated Children 

• Austudy (Secondary & Tertiary) 

• Abstudy (Aboriginal Study Assistance Scheme) 

Website: www.centrelink.gov.au 

For further information regarding all of the above allowances and other information, please visit the excellent ICPA 

website at: www.icpa.com.au


Belongings 

Uniform and Clothing Requirements 

The Store is located near the tennis courts (on the Senior Campus) and can be contacted on 07 5531 9823. Uniform 

requirements for the Senior School are listed below. The Store is open Monday to Friday from 8 am to 4.30 pm. Please 

also visit http://www.tss.qld.edu.au/Community/TheStore.aspx for detailed information including uniform lists. 

The Store will be open for business until 4pm on Friday 9 December, 2011, and will re-open on Monday 16 January, 

2012. The Store will also be closed on Thursday 26 January 2011, for Australia Day. 

All items must be clearly named and include identification of Boarding House, for example, “Smith DEL”. The first 

three letters of the House name is sufficient, BID, DEL, MCK or THO. Labels can be purchased from the School Store. 

Senior Boarder Summer Uniform - Term One and Start Term Four 

3 Grey short trousers 5 Short sleeved shirt with School pocket 

1 Black leather lace up School shoes (polished) 1 School pullover (optional) 

5 pairs Grey long shocks (elasticised) 1 Felt or wool Akubra hat with School band 

1 Black belt 

Senior Boarders Winter Uniform - Term Two and End Term Three 

1 Navy Blazer 1 Black belt 

1 Black leather lace up School shoes (polished) 5 Short sleeved shirt with School pocket 

5 paris Grey short socks 1 School pullover (optional) 

3 Grey Long Trousers 1 Felt or wool Akubra hat with School band 

Other Requirements 

1 Long sleeved blue shirt 1 Shirt with collar 

3 White t-shirts 2 Jumpers 

2 Navy sports shorts 4 Pyjamas (or suitable night attire – boxer 

shorts/t-shirts) 

1 School cap (navy) 4-5 pairs Socks 

1 School swimmers (board shorts are not permitted in pool) 5 Underpants 

2 pairs Short white sport socks/School stripes 6 Handkerchiefs 

1 Striped School tie (Year 12) 3-4 Towels 

1 Tie with School logo (Year 8 to 11) 1 Doona or Duvet 

1 Pair of garters Nametags 

4-5 Casual t-shirts Singlets 

4-5 Casual shorts Toiletries (soap, sunscreen and nail clippers) 

2 Tracksuits Shoe polishing kit 

1 pair Jeans (neat)


Optional Items 

1 School tracksuit 1 School drawstring sports bag 

1 School Bag 1 Navy Drizabone coat 

Boarders Uniform 

3 Charcoal grey shorts 2 House polo shirts (R - 7) 

1 Charcoal grey trousers (Year 7 only) 2 Navy sports shorts 

1 Black belt 1 Prep Polo Shirt (Representative players) (Years 4-7) 

5 Short sleeved blue shirt with School pocket 2 White Sports Socks (School stripe) 

1 Long sleeved blue shirt (Year 3 - 7 Chapel Dress) 1 Senior School bucket hat (Year 7 only) 

1 School tie (Years 3 - 7) 1 Broad brimmed navy School hat – compulsory for play 

2 School pullover 1 School bathers 

5 Grey long socks 1 Art overall (large shirt) 

1 Garters 1 School bag 

1 Black leather lace up School shoes 1 School tracksuit 

1 Akubra felt hat with School band (Year 7 only) 1 Sneakers/sports shoes 

Other requirements 

4-5 Casual t-shirts 3-4 Towels 

4-5 Casual shorts 1 Doona 

1 Jeans or long casual pants 1 Mattress protector 

1 Shirt with collar Singlets 

2 Jumpers Name tags 

2 Tracksuits Toiletries (soap, sunscreen and nail clippers) 

4 Pyjamas (or suitable night attire – boxer shorts /T shirts) Shoe polishing kit 

6 Underpants 

6 Handkerchiefs 

1 Slippers 

1 Thongs (for shower) 

1 Rash shirt (swimming shirt) 

4 Socks 

1 Good casual shoes 

Optional Items 

1 Cream cricket hat 1 School drawstring sports bag 

Dress Requirements for Dinner 

Boarders are required to wear smart casual clothing to dinner. This may consist of a collared shirt and smart shorts or 

slacks. No slip on shoes.

The Southport School 

Winchester Street, Southport 4215 Q Australia 

T +61 7 5531 9911 F +61 7 5531 9977 

W www.tss.qld.edu.au 

The Corporation of the Synod of the Diocese 

of Brisbane trading as The Southport School 

CRICOS Provider No 00523F

Boarding Handbook 2012 - The Southport School

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