Mrs Simkins-Smith, Director of Boarding, shares her top tips on how both pupils and parents can prepare for boarding.
Boarders
Ask your Housemaster or Housemistress for help if you’re not sure about something, there are no silly questions, they are there to help you.
Remember you are not alone, there will be plenty of other new starters finding it hard, so share your thoughts and feelings with each other.
Bring lots of photos of home and posters to decorate your dorm area or room and make it your own. Remember your teddy or cuddly toy – even Sixth Formers them sometimes!
Join a club or activity. Trying something new and getting stuck in is the best thing to do as you’ll meet new people and gain valuable skills such as teamwork, organisation and leadership skills. Keeping busy can also help with homesickness.
Get to know the ‘lingo’ of your new school.
Try and stay organised, you are going to be sharing a space with other people and everyone will thank you for it.
Be resilient. If you don’t succeed at first, don’t panic. Keep trying, keep listening to the staff and older pupils and your hard work will pay off.
Parents
Talk to your child about the move into boarding. Be open about the fact that they may miss home and agree an approach. Talking about it will reduce any anxiety they might have.
Check the school’s packing list there will be items the new boarders need and some, like electrical items, they might not be allowed.
Trust your child’s new Housemaster or Housemistress, they have a vast amount of experience in easing new students in and making them feel at home. If you have any questions.
Ask advice from experienced boarding parents – the school would be happy to help you make contact.
While you’ll be anxious and desperate to know how your child is getting on but please be aware that we set times when students can access their devices so don’t panic!
Don’t worry if they are not calling enough, it’s a sign they are having a good time.
Follow the school’s social channels, our Leweston Boarding Twitter and Instagram channels are full of new from the Houses and you can see what your children are getting up to.
At most of our fixtures, parents are allowed to spectator and support games at Leweston and away games. If in doubt, ask the housemaster/mistress.
Although your Houseparent has a group of boarders to look after they will treat your child as an individual and they will very soon settle into the Leweston family.
