SCHOOL HOSTEL - ERO REPORT 2009

Provision for Students in the School Hostel

In this review ERO evaluated the extent to which the school hostel provides a safe physical and emotional environment that supports learning for students accommodated in the hostel.

From 1 March 2007 school hostels are required to be licensed by the Ministry of Education and comply with minimum standards specified in the hostel regulations.

The school hostel, Thomas House, accommodates 80 students. That comprises 12% of the school roll. The Ministry of Education has licensed the hostel.

Areas of good performance

Hostel management.
The hostel is well managed. The hostel committee, which includes the rector and board chairperson, provides governance for the hostel, and reports monthly to the board of trustees. The hostel manager reports weekly to the rector. The manager leads an effective team of housemasters, which includes three teachers from the school. Performance appraisal policy and procedures for all hostel staff ensure progress against development goals and allows for relevant training. The hostel strategic management plan is based on the school vision and values, and stresses the importance of positive relationships. The hostel management handbook is regularly reviewed to ensure that procedures and responsibilities are current and appropriate. Effective systems are managed to oversee leave, security and discipline. Students spoken with by ERO reported high levels of satisfaction with their hostel experience.

Learning support.
Students are effectively supported in their learning. Teachers are encouraged to contact hostel staff at every opportunity to share information about students. The hostel manager receives all school reports and the fortnightly progress reports for junior students. Parents are contacted formally and informally about their sons’ learning. Students benefit from formal discussions with the hostel manager about their goals and progress. Teachers on the hostel staff provide tutoring and individual learning support.

Hostel facilities.
The hostel, located in the school grounds, provides a range of facilities to support students’ learning and recreation. Study areas are provided for senior students, and the school library is used for supervised homework. The new senior accommodation units are well designed for meeting student needs. The catering manager ably supervises the catering facilities and staff. She seeks student input about catering decisions. Common rooms and areas such as a weights room and television and games rooms provide recreation opportunities for students in their free time. Organised activities are provided for students in weekends and evenings.

Student welfare.
Students’ physical and emotional wellbeing is a priority for hostel staff. A sick bay is provided for students who are unwell. A health nurse makes regular visits to the hostel and a general practitioner is on call. All medical care is recorded and reported. Student safety is emphasised through regular emergency drills, security checks and clear discipline expectations and procedures. The hostel staff work closely with the school guidance network. The guidance counsellor, deans and form teachers are always available. Students spoken with by ERO appreciated the efforts that school and hostel staff made to address any bullying issues. Students are surveyed regularly to assess the presence of bullying, and to measure the effectiveness of interventions. Students reported positively on the efforts made by senior students to provide leadership and build a family atmosphere in the hostel.