Boarders - Somerville House

2011 boardERS’ handbook
HOSPITAL
The close proximity of the Mater Hospital, both Public and
Private, is of great benefit to the School and parents are
assured that if hospitalisation is needed, unless requested
otherwise by parents, this is effected immediately. The
Mater Private will also bill parents directly.
After hours medical treatment, if not able to be provided by
Dr Byth, is also available at the Mater Hospital. Immediate
treatment for emergency cases is received at the Priority
Emergency Centre of the Mater Private Hospital.
Ambulance cover is encouraged for all non Queensland
residents as even the short trip from the School to the Mater
Hospital is costly.
Infectious Diseases
In the instance of infectious disease, parents will be asked to
arrange the collection of their daughter/s as soon as possible
in order to prevent an epidemic. Facilities are available to
isolate boarders in the short term in such cases. As most
infectious diseases, such as Chicken Pox and Measles, have
an infectious period of approximately ten days to two weeks,
girls normally prefer to go home, if this is possible. There is
no place like home when a student is not feeling well.
Sunbathing
The hazards of sunbathing are well documented. Prolonged
exposure can be very dangerous and girls are expected to
wear appropriate clothing, use a suitable protective cream
and wear a hat when they are going to be in the sun. Please
ensure you provide cream as girls are often slow to spend
money on things like this.
Accounts
Chemist
A personal account can be opened at the Taylor Medical
Centre Pharmacy and at the time of purchase each girl will
receive a docket showing the amount spent. At the end of
each month, a statement will be posted to parents and the
account must then be paid directly to the Chemist.
Failure to pay promptly will result in the closure of an
account. Girls should be discouraged from using this
account for the purchase of soft-drink and sweets.
Doctor
Most accounts will be bulk billed. However, if an account
is issued it will be posted to parents and should be paid
immediately.
Banking
Parents are encouraged to open the account of their choice
and it is their responsibility to ensure adequate funds are
deposited regularly for their daughter’s use. The girls have
access to ATM facilities locally.
Personal Expenses/Pocket Money
A girl’s bank account is expected to cover the following
expenses:
1. Pocket money.
2. Social activities/outings, etc.
3. Other personal school expenses.
4. Telephone calls home, toiletries, stamps, stationery, and
the occasional text book.
The Boarding House does not supervise the spending of
pocket money unless requested to do so by parents, as girls
often see this as an invasion of their privacy. Mistresses will,
however, endeavour to encourage girls in the junior years
to live within their means. Parents are also encouraged to
educate their daughters regarding this before they join the
Boarding House. Please contact the Head of Boarding if you
wish to discuss this matter further.
Levies
A levy of $100 per year is charged to Year 11 and 12
boarders. This contributes towards the cost of additional
staff supervision required during exam blocks, when the girls
do not attend normal classes during the school day, but may
remain in the Boarding House to study.
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somerville house 2011