Boarding at Merchiston

 

Parkinson House provides a wholesome boarding environment for up to 60 boys from Grades 3 to 7. It is overseen by the Head of House, House Mother, and 8 Boarder Masters. All staff live on the premises. These boys are fiercely proud of their house and are easily identified by their dress; their boarder blues.

Independence and a strong sense of self form the cornerstone of every boarder’s being. This develops over a period of time and we nurture and guide appropriately. Friendships, which are formed during their stay, will last a lifetime. Parkinson House has a proud history of preparing boys for their high school boarding years.

EXPLORE

WHERE THE BOYS REST THEIR HEADS

Our boarding house has two types of dorms: the Grade 3 to Grade 6 dorms sleep 6, and the Grade 7 dorms sleep 3. The boys work towards going into a Grade 7 dorm which is a huge privilege.

The dorms are nicely spread out, spacious and painted in bright colours. The boys are encouraged to bring a blanket from home, for a personal touch. They may also bring a toy to keep on their beds, which helps to keep the dorms more homely.

WHAT THEY GET UP TO ON WEEKENDS

The boys who are not able to go home on the weekends enjoy outings with the House Master and House Mother on duty. Some of their activities have included the PMB Car Show, The Royal Show and even watching rugby in Durban. The boys that stay in are always happy and rested and ready to start school on a Monday morning. Boys who are out for the weekend may be collected on a Friday afternoon or on a Saturday after sport. They may return on a Sunday afternoon or Monday morning.

WHAT TO WEAR, AND WHEN

The boys entering or leaving the boarding house must be in number ones; their full school uniform, including their bashers. Should there be a sporting function, they may then wear their blazers. Boarder blues are the boys’ casual wear. This is a navy blue shirt and shorts which have Parkinson House written on them. All uniforms and sporting gear are available from the school shoppe.

OUR POLICY ON VISITS

The boys may receive visits between 16h00 and 17h00 as long as the House Mother has been informed timeously. The boys may not leave the boarding house without being signed out. The House Mother must know where the boys are at all times.

HOW TO KEEP IN TOUCH

The boys may receive incoming telephone calls from 06h00 to 06h30 and 18h00 to 18h40. There are two boys on duty who call the boys down for the phone. We have three land lines which are on rotation and three cell phones. The boys may not keep cell phones in the boarding house. The boys may receive emails on the following email address: mpsboarding@merchiston.co.za

START AND END OF TERMS

The boys must arrive between 14h00 and 17h00 on the day before school starts. If they are going to be late, this must be confirmed with the House Mother.

HOMEWORK TIME

We have homework in the evenings from 18h30 to 19h30. During exams, we have two sessions; one in the afternoon and then one again in the evening. Junior boys have homework in the prep room upstairs and senior boys in the dining room downstairs.

DON'T FORGET A GOOD READ

We encourage reading here at Parkinson House, and we suggest the boys bring a few books to read. They may read during their free time in the afternoons, from 16h00 to 17h00, and in bed before lights out.

POCKET MONEY AND SWEET TREATS

The boys may keep an amount of R20 per week for the tuck shop and Mr Richard Bennett, our Head of House, hands this out on a Wednesday morning.

CONTACT PARKINSON HOUSE

Should you require any further information please feel free to contact the House Mother or Head of House.

Email Communications to Head of House: mpsboarding@merchiston.co.za

Parkinson House Office: 033 3421177 / 033-3482187

Please Note: Mr Bennett and Miss Dixon-Smith will be available for calls from 08h00 to 16h00 each day.