Most Commonly Asked Questions and Answers for Boys entering Junior Division (Years 6-7)

Question: When can my son go on leave?

Answer:  Our leave arrangements are designed with a two week cycle in mind.  On a Chapel Sunday boys may go on leave after Mass finishes at 10.00am and return at 8.00pm on Sunday night, as study commences at 8.15pm.  Boys may have lunch with their parents on the Saturday of a Chapel weekend and are expected to return to the Division before Roll Call at 5.00pm.  Alternate weekends are deemed a Home Sunday and boys may go out after fulfilling their sporting commitments on a Saturday, overnight, until 8.00pm Sunday.  All other leaves are considered Special Leaves which require the Division Master to be notified.  He will seek approval from the Director of Boarding.

Question: How do I apply for leaves for my son?

Answer: Boys need to know their leave arrangements on the Wednesday prior to each weekend.  Meals, transport and excursion numbers need to be submitted on Thursday mornings.

On any occasion that boys are away from the Division overnight a fully completed leave (ED) form needs to be sent to the Division Master.  Only a parent can request an overnight stay.
If a boy is not staying overnight he can go out with his parents and people indicated on his Green Sheet at any appropriate time.

All boys must leave a host’s name, phone number and destination on their Yellow Leave Card whenever they leave the College grounds.

Question: How do boys get to medical/specialist appointments?

Answer: If you son needs to see a specialist, eg. orthodontist, regularly it would be beneficial to organise a practitioner as close to the school as possible.  It would also be helpful to organise relatives to transport your son to his appointment.  If this is not possible then a taxi will be arranged by This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it who will give your son a cabcharge which is then debited to your College account.  If your son is unduly concerned about this arrangement then the Division Master or his representative will accompany him to this appointment although every effort should be made to avoid this.  Naturally, in times of emergency, the Division Master or Director of Boarding will always be available.

Question: How do Boarders get to sporting fixtures on the weekend?

Answer: The school arranges transport for those boys who require it to their sport on the weekend.  However, it is each boy’s responsibility to check noticeboards and to know where he is playing and how he is getting there.  Any queries about travel to sport should be directed to his Division Master or Mrs Novacek.  If boys are to travel by taxi Mrs Novacek will organise this.

Question: Are the boys allowed to bring skateboards, roller blades & bicycles to school?

Answer: These are not allowed as the boys often follow a practice of ‘one-upmanship’ which can lead to problems or injury.

Question: What happens if boys stay in on the weekend?

Answer: Hopefully, a boy will consider the Boarding House his home during the term.  On a Saturday boys participate in sport either in the morning or afternoon.  When they are not competing in sport they are free to go to the Gartlan Centre, play tennis, spectate at other College sporting events, relax in the Division or even study!!  On a Home weekend Saturday night the boys attend Mass and may then watch a movie or be involved in some other recreation.

Boys staying in on a Sunday are either taken out for the day by the person on duty or they make use of the wonderful facilities the College has to offer.  When you visit you may even consider adopting one of the other Junior Division boys for the weekend.

Question: What is the procedure after lights out?

Answer: Lights are turned out at 9.30pm.  After this time it is imperative that all boys remain silent and go to sleep.  Any breaches of this rule are viewed seriously, as each boy is entitled to a full night’s sleep.  If boys are unwell or concerned about anything, they should seek the help of the Division Master or the staff member on passive duty.

Question: Are the boys able to have snacks?

Answer: Boys are allowed to keep a small supply of locker food brought from home. 

Question: When is the best time to contact my son?

Answer: You can speak to your son on Junior Division In-Phones (9882 8584) from approximately 7.00am - 7.20am each morning.  The boys are then available to be contacted from 3.30pm until 5.10pm and 7.15 – 7.45pm each evening.  Calls made after these times may not be answered as boys are at study.  Always contact the Master on Duty on 0400 988 707 with messages or if emergencies arise.