Daily Routine

Friday - Saturday

There is greater flexibility given to students for the weekend routine but students are encouraged to be awake by 9.30am and have breakfast at this time. Lunch is available between 12.30pm – 1.00pm and dinner remains at 5.45pm.

While study is strongly encouraged, there is no set study period on a Friday or Saturday.

Bedtimes are different on the weekend:

• Years 7–8 are to be in their own rooms by 9.30pm
• The Snack Room, laundry and showers are also cleared at 9.30pm
• Years 9–12 are to be in their own rooms by 10.00pm

Sunday 

On a Sunday night, the focus is on preparation for the week ahead. All common areas are cleared at 8.50pm with all students in their own rooms at 9.00pm.

Rooms

Students may personalise their room with mementos from home. Posters or other decorative items may only be placed on the notice boards provided. Students are responsible for keeping their rooms tidy. For health and safety aspects, a high standard of cleanliness is expected.

Students who continuously struggle to meet the expected standard will remain at Walker during the afternoon to clean their room, and support duty staff in cleaning up afternoon tea. This gives students an opportunity to reflect on their contribution to the environment and a chance to contribute positively to caring for our environment.

Expectations for Rooms at Walker House

• Rooms must always be neat, clean and tidy.
• Beds must be made each day. 
• Clean clothes will be packed away in drawers and cupboards.
• Dirty clothes will be placed in the laundry basket.
• Towels need to be hung up on appropriate rails/hooks. 
• Curtains/blinds/windows need to be opened each morning.
• All lights and electrical appliances must be switched off before leaving for school.
• Desk and benches are to be tidy at all times and free from general rubbish and clutter.
• Floors to be clear at all times.
• Large items (such as suitcases) are to be stored under beds or in allocated storage areas.
• Heaters can only be plugged into the appropriate power point.
• No other electrical devices should be plugged into the heating outlet.
• Electrical devices should not overload power points.
• Cords must not run across the room –roomsaretobearrangedtomake use of existing power points.
• Crockery must be returned to the scullery after it is used.
• At no time should a student be in another student’s room without the presence of the occupant.
• Many of these expectations are required as part of the School’s
• Occupational Health and Safety Policy.

Accidents / Near Misses / Hazards

All staff and students need to be vigilant in reporting any perceived hazards to the Director or Assistant Director on duty. Any accidents or near misses should also be reported, no matter how minor they seem at the time. We have procedures in place to deal with such matters and need to record this information as a part of our Occupational Health and Safety Practice.

Airport

While not always possible, Walker House staff will generally collect and drop students at the Airport. Flight details need to be forwarded to the Director well in advance so that transport can be organised.

There are occasions, however, when it is not possible for staff to provide this service, so students will be helped to make arrangements for the Airport Shuttle Bus or catching a taxi.

Co-curricular

The Friends’ School Co-curricular Program provides a range of valuable educational experiences for students in addition to those provided by the formal curriculum. For this reason, it is an expectation that students residing at Walker House will participate in at least one sport and take part in some musical, dramatic, cultural and service activities.

Damage to Property

If there is any accidental damage through inappropriate behaviour, or deliberate damage to property, the student(s) concerned may be charged the repair or replacement cost.

Dishes and Washing Up

Outside of dinner and supper times, students are expected to be responsible for their own crockery and cutlery including washing it up and putting it away in the cupboards.

Electrical Devices

All electrical devices brought by students to Walker House need to be tested and tagged as part of our need to comply with the Australian Workplace Standard AS/NZS 3760 In service safety inspection and testing of electrical equipment. In the second week of Term 1 and in the second week of Semester 2, all electrical items will be tested and tagged.

If students purchase new electrical equipment during their stay they will need to inform the Director of Residence who will organise for these new items to be tested and tagged before they can be used. All items need to be tested every two years.

Electrical equipment, including the heaters supplied in each room, must never be covered with clothing or any other material.

Emergency Evacuation - Fire and Lockdown Procedures

Students will be briefed on evacuation and lockdown procedures at the beginning of the year, and will be given regular reminders. Fire drills are held regularly. In the event of a real or false fire alarm, students need to exit the building in a safe and sensible manner from the nearest door and make their way to the front of the building.

Students are asked to gather on the footpath outside the wall of Rydges on Lewis Street. If students are unable to access the front of the building, then they need to assemble on the top oval behind the house and wait for a member of staff to arrive.

Upon evacuating the building (if there is time) students should ensure windows and the door to their rooms are closed if they come from their rooms, and turn off any electrical equipment.

The fire brigade will arrive and turn the alarm off and give the all clear before anyone is to re-enter the building. Students should be aware that each room is fitted with a smoke detector. Students must refrain from over-spraying aerosols in rooms as this can trigger the alarm. If a student has contributed to setting off the alarm through negligent actions, they may be charged the $500 call-out fee.

Laundry

Students are responsible for washing their own uniform and clothes. They will be allocated a weekday so that staff can ensure their bed linen and towels are washed. We are committed to reducing our consumption of energy so students must ask permission from the staff member on duty to use the dryers. Washing must be done during the week, or by early Sunday morning, to ensure uniform items are washed ready for School.

Personal Possessions, Money and Valuables

The School is unable to provide any insurance cover for personal items that have been brought into Walker House. Any individual valuable items that it is necessary for students to have at Walker House should be advised to the Director of Residence and families must make their own insurance arrangements.

Where possible, students are asked to minimise personal valuables at Walker House and to endeavour to keep their property secure at all times. A safe is provided in each bedroom for personal valuable items.

The Residence is not responsible for the security of personal items if students have chosen to keep them in their rooms and not use the safe. Passports should be stored in the student’s personal safe. A photocopy of the passport and Visa will be passed on to the Enrolments Office.

Students should not store large sums of money in their room. If they need to bring cash with them it must be stored in the safe, in the office or preferably be placed in a bank account. If students are responsible for paying school fees, they should access a bank cheque, or ask a staff member to accompany them to the bank and then directly to the School. Parents are encouraged to pay School fees by electronic funds transfer.

Security

A CCTV security system (equipped with cameras and alarms) is installed at Walker House to protect students and their property.

School Calendar

The school dates can vary according to the year level and academic program of each student. The dates at the front of this booklet were accurate at the time of publication. In addition, the term dates can be found here and the School Calendar here.

Walker House expects parents to ensure that any travel to and from Walker House is in keeping with these dates so that their son/daughter will be at school for all scheduled classes.

The Department of Immigration has strict guidelines regarding attendance for international students.

Signing Out

In order for a student to leave Walker House, the student must inform the staff member on duty and in some cases seek permission – depending on the nature of the activity. Students must return to Walker House by an acceptable time agreed to by the student and staff member on duty.

Students must sign out, and back in, each time they leave Walker House, stating their exact destination and the exact time they intend to return. If a student is late for any reason they must phone the staff member on duty before the time they have indicated to return. If their plans change, the student must phone Walker House and seek permission for the alternative arrangements.

Other than during the School day, students are required to carry their mobile phones when leaving Walker House. Parents are encouraged to provide their child with a phone, if the student does not have a phone, they will need to be accompanied by someone who does when they leave the boarding house.

TV, Films, Computer Games and Personal Possessions

Students must understand that there are legal requirements with regard to what students of particular age groups can and cannot view and play. In addition to this there are the expectations of the Walker Community and the school’s ethos and Purpose and Concerns to guide our practice.

Films classified M are not recommended to be viewed by people under 15 years of age and staff on duty will assess a film or game rated M for its suitability for students who are not 15. No student, regardless of their age, is permitted to hire, view or own a film rated R18+ while they live at Walker House.

All students hiring or owning movies are asked to give consideration to the range of ages of students who might wish to view a film with the rest of the group. As part of our Quaker ethos we do not condone violence and students are not permitted to watch films or play computer games that are excessively violent in nature. We ask for the respect of all members of our community in abiding by this expectation.

Students should be aware of copyright laws and the strict penalties facing individuals who breach such laws by illegally downloading and/or sharing music and movie files.

Any personal possessions considered inappropriate will be confiscated and if necessary there may be a need to review the conditions of the student’s enrolment. This is particularly the case, although not limited to, circumstances where materials have been shared.

Visitors

Visitors are warmly welcomed at Walker House. Just as you would expect in your own home, all visitors, including parents, are to be introduced or introduce themselves to the staff member on duty and sign in using the ipad in the corridor near the stairs. Visitors are welcome for a meal but notice is required to help with catering.

After school is a very busy time at Walker House with students returning from school and going out for afternoon leave. Students are asked to limit the number of friends they invite and suggest they come after 4.00pm.

Weekend Meals

Meals are provided on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, but students are welcome to eat out at local restaurants with friends from School and Walker House. These occasions are at the student’s expense. If intending on going out for a meal it is important to notify Walker House staff with as much notice as possible.

Evenings

We start to wind down from 8.45pm onwards (Sunday to Thursday evenings). Younger students are preparing for bed and older students may need to continue with their study. Students should not be playing console games at least 15 minutes before their bedtime. All televisions and consoles are switched off at 9.20pm during the week.