Parents-In-Prayer		The Rattery  is the School Tuck Shop (Where Tales Meet)
Merchiston runs a weekly "Parents-in-Prayer" meeting, which is a Christian group of Mums and Dads getting together to pray for our boys, our staff and their respective families. There are "Prayer Request" boxes placed in each classroom and boys are free to "post" their requests at any time they so wish. These requests are then collected each Wednesday morning before our meeting. Al requests are then collected each Wednesday morning before our meeting. All requests are treated in the strictest of confidence. All "Merchistonians" are welcome and invited to join us each Wednesday morning at 07h45 in the MACC (Merchiston Aftercare Centre) alongside the grade 2 classrooms.		Here the boys are able to purchase a large variety of both hot meals (Hot Dogs, Pies and Pizza) and the usual range of chip, sweets, ice-creams and cool drinks all at very reasonable prices. The Tuck Shop is run by Lorraine Parsonage. On a voluntary basis, grade 7 boys help in the Rattery during the lunch breaks. Rattery Times: Monday to Thursday 12h20 to 12h50, Friday 13h00 to 14h00, Afternoons 14h00 to 14h30. The Rattery is also open during afternoon sport matches, Saturdays when there are sport matches and Evenings when there are sport or special events . (These times vary)
Mudrat Uniform Shop		Aftercare Facilities
Located on the busy swimming pool level of Parkinson House, the Mudrat Shop has been in general operation since the 80's. Although it was originally created as the archetypal school second hand clothing or thrift shop, it was decided in the early 90's for several reasons of practicality and logistics to begin stocking certain new items. The main reason being the exorbitant prices charged in retail school outlets, and the decreasing quality of second hand clothing available due to a general drop in national manufacturing standards. A great majority of the stock is now sourced from local Pietermaritzburg manufacturers to ensure quality control, whilst direct dealing with several of the national manufacturers has led to guaranteed lowest prices on specific stock.  The Mudrat shop caters for school uniforms for both day scholars and boarders, from Grade R through to Grade 7.  Term Times:    Wednesday 12h15 to 14h30, Friday 12h15 to 13h30, 1st Saturday of the month 07h30 to 09h3. Special opening times during the December and January holidays will be announced for those wishing to purchase uniforms for the new school year. Please note: 30 day accounts are available to boarders (all right reserved). No credit card or debit card facilities available For more information please contact Chris Withers at: (033) 342-2269 after 17h00 or on 082-4501 532, Email: mudratshop@lantic.net		Our Aftercare opened in January 2000 with one supervisor and 13 boys. Within six weeks our numbers had risen to 48 boys. Over the past 6 years we have grown at a phenomenal rate highlighting the need for and the success of our Aftercare. We now have three Merchiston Aftercare Centre venues (MACC1, MACC2, MACC3) with three supervisors, 2 assistants and 3 helpers. To date there are 260 boys on our books. On offer are numerous options to suit and accommodate all needs. We have a caring policy at our school and there is no better evidence of this than at our Aftercare facilities. Our boys are very special to us and we try to give them a Home from Home environment with plenty of TLC for each individual need. The boys are kept happy and well occupied with a wide range of toys, games and equipment. We understand that working parents are under tremendous pressure and we are happy to alleviate some of this stress by supervising some of the pupils' homework, leaving more quality time available at home. For further information regarding times and costs, please contact Mrs. Melissa Verwey on (033) 342-1838 or email her at mpsadmin@merchiston.co.za and she will assist you with the necessary forms and details.