Routines

PROHIBITED ITEMS
The following items are prohibited at all times in the Blackheath and Thornburgh Residences, and in the wider community. Any prohibited items will be immediately retained by the College and may result in further disciplinary action.

•Alcohol, tobacco, illegal drugs
•Any form of medication including paracetamol such as Panadol
•Lighters, matches or similar combustible items
•Aerosol cans of any type (pump or roll-on is permitted)
•Magazines, literature, pictures and posters of an inappropriate nature
•Weapons of any kind or items that could be used as weapons
•Any glassware including bottles
•Any item including audio tapes that may be considered as inappropriate or obscene
•Hair cutting equipment
•Inks or paints
•Any other items considered by the Principal to be detrimental to the social and physical well being of students.

The College reserves the right to inspect a student’s room at any time, (including cupboards and any storage chests), where there is any suspicion that a student may possess an item or items that are prohibited by the College. A senior staff member will undertake any inspection with the student present. By entering into the contract to have your child resident at Blackheath and Thornburgh College parents give their permission for such inspections to occur at the absolute discretion of the Principal or his authorised delegate.

BULLYING WILL NOT BE TOLERATED
The College has a strong anti-bullying policy. Bullying will not be tolerated in the residences or day school and immediate action will be taken to ensure that it does not continue.
All students are taught what bullying is during their early weeks at Blackheath and Thornburgh College. Any student who believes that bullying is occurring must report this matter immediately. Early action is essential. Parents are asked to advise our Dean of Students immediately should they suspect bullying is occurring.

CLOSED WEEKENDS
The first and last weekend of each term will be closed weekends where leave will generally not be approved. Other closed weekends do occur during the year such as the, Country Music Weekend and Reunion Weekend. Parents are asked to co-operate with this requirement and avoid any leave requests unless exceptional circumstances exist. Such requests must be directed to the Dean of students.

VISITORS
Visitors are welcome on Saturdays and Sundays between 2:00pm and 5:00pm. Visitors at other times may be received by prior arrangements with the Dean of Students. All visitors must report to the Residential Office and meet the Supervisor on duty and sign the visitors’ book. Students must report to the Supervisor on duty when the visitor is leaving. Students are not to take visitors into the residences.

COLLEGE CHURCH SERVICE
A College Church Service is held each Sunday afternoon in Blackthorn Hall commencing at 5:15pm. All resident students are required to attend. Students on leave are expected to return by 4:30pm in order to be ready for the Church Service.
The Church Service is a non-denominational service conducted each week by a member of the Charters Towers Ministers Fraternal.
Dress for Church is neat casual. For boys this is to consist of: collared shirt (ie. polo), dress shorts – summer and trousers – winter. For girls this is to consist of a similar standard, no singlet tops/strappy tops, no midriffs, no brief shorts/mini-skirts and no thongs. Students who do not meet the expectations of dress standard will be required to wear full formal uniform.
Any parent who is in Charters Towers on a Sunday is most welcome to attend with the students.
Arrangements can be made, upon request, for students to also attend worship at their own church.

VACATION AND TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS
The College residences are closed during the College vacations. The College Office and Accounts is open all year excluding the period between Christmas and New Year.
Students are permitted to leave the College after 3:00pm on the last day of the College term. Parents are asked not to make travel arrangements that require students to leave College early or return late after a vacation. All requests for early leave must be in writing, and addressed to the Dean of Students.
The College Travel Coordinator is available to assist with travel arrangements at the beginning and end of each term. Travel arrangements for leave during term are a families own responsibility.
RESIDENTIAL STUDY (PREP)
Prep is conducted each evening from Sunday to Thursday and is compulsory for all residential students.

The following rules and routines apply for Prep.
•Silence during Prep – the only exception is when group study has been approved by the Residential Supervisor or when discussing work with a staff member
•No phone calls during Prep – parents are asked to assist in this regard. Mobile telephones are not to be brought to Prep
•Break times – use to go to toilet, have a drink and seek assistance if required
•No eating during Prep
•Group study – only when permitted by Residential Supervisor
•Diary – should always be taken to Prep
•When homework tasks are completed – students should work on exam or assignment preparation
•Residential leaders – are expected to report to supervisors any students not complying with Prep rules

The Principal and other senior staff will periodically visit both girls and boys Prep sessions. Students are to ensure they are appropriately dressed during Prep and that their area is respectable.