Cooper Lodge House Handbook

WELCOME / THE HOUSE TEAM / HOUSE VALUES / STAYING IN TOUCH / THINGS TO BRING DAILY ROUTINES / HOUSE LIVING / SUPPORT FOR PUPILS AND PARENTS / A TO Z

COOPER LODGE HOUSE HANDBOOK

10

SUPPORT FOR PUPILS AND PARENTS

School Rules Pushing the boundaries and breaking the rules is something that teenagers do! From time to time the School organises talks on current issues and the House team will always be happy to talk through any specific issue of concern. If your son/daughter breaks rules at school, he/she may face consequences ranging from a quiet word with the HM, to a conversation with the Sub-Warden, community service and, if very serious, periods of exclusion. Depending on what pupils have done, it can be hard for them to own up, especially if they feel they are letting parents and family down. However, it is very important that they take responsibility for their actions and learn from them. Please try to allow your children the space to make mistakes and be honest.

We’re here to help In the normal course of teenage life, your son/daughter may well need further support if for example, they are ill, are homesick or are having friendship troubles. Health Issues Pupils should tell the HM or Matron about any health issues so that we can help. We have a House Nurse and the Health Centre who can support us and, if needed, a School Counsellor and Psychologist. Sometimes it can be hard for children to tell others if they are unwell – in particular if they are experiencing issues with their mental health – please always be open with us and we will call you if we are concerned. However, it is important to remember that pupils may speak to members of staff in confidence, although we do always encourage them to share their issues with appropriate adults. Friendships While we are sure that your child will make great friends at Teddies, children also often experience friendship troubles at school, which is a part of growing up. Again, we are here to help and listen and will seek to resolve any difficulties. If any trouble becomes more serious and turns into bullying, the House and School will take robust action. It is vital that you tell us and encourage your son/daughter to speak to an adult at school.

Homesickness Homesickness is very common for children, and for many adults, when they are first away from home. It can be a combination of missing home and home comforts, missing their last school and friends, and struggling to adjust to their new life. Luckily, it tends to be short-lived and it is helped greatly by being busy in the first few weeks. While we can help at school – with settling-in activities, keeping busy and being available to listen to pupils – pupils and parents can help too. In our experience, we think that: • Pupils can help themselves by joining in and keeping busy, decorating their rooms with things from home and turning to others in the House to talk to • Parents can help best by acknowledging feelings their child has and by being reassuring and positive that home has not changed and that the homesickness will ease. It is important you talk to us, too, if at any point you think that your child needs more support • Although a phone call home can be reassuring, too many calls and too often can prevent pupils from finding people in the House to connect with, which ultimately will help with settling in

ST EDWARD’S, OXFORD

JUNE 2025