The McKinley House Motto encapsulates all that is expected of members of the school and House. It is our responsibility to strive to be our best in all things and to overcome adversity with energy and purpose.

Boarding Houses run smoothly and efficiently when everyone in the House does as they are expected to do and consciously works towards creating an atmosphere of care and consideration for others. Harmony exists when everybody understands that they are obligated to respect the rights of others, fulfil their responsibilities to both the House and the School and to engender a sense of camaraderie and brotherhood.

McKinley House (established in 1909) has a fine history of tradition, which must be maintained, cherished and enhanced by all who have the privilege to pass through its halls. Each member of the House is to be valued be they young or old, large or small, from the city or country. Similarly in a modern world where the nature of our society has brought us closer and closer together, cultural diversity is to be celebrated and accepted. It is reasonable to expect that each member of the house will make a genuine effort to get on and be at ease with all other members of the House and treat others with kindness and compassion.

Bullying of any kind will not be tolerated. Bullying can be described as "a wilful conscious desire to hurt another or put her/him under stress" and an "intentional, often selective , uninvited behaviour, which can be psychological or physical in its intent by someone who is stronger physically or psychologically....its features often include repeated hurtful behaviour". Should students feel they are being victims of this type of behaviour or they witness this type of behaviour they are obligated to tell a member of staff and/or place a note in the House Student Welfare box. Please take a minute to read the McKinley House Anti-Bullying pledge . This pledge is clearly displayed in the entrance to McKinley House

House Neatness and Cleanliness
Although Regular Inspection is in the mornings (8am) and Formal Inspection after House Meeting on Sunday evening, it is the responsibility of every member of the House to keep their own areas neat and clean at all times. It is expected that clothes are kept neatly inside cupboards and books should be well organised and the desk area of each cubicle clears of any markings and clutter. Personal rubbish bins must be emptied every day and under no circumstances should rubbish be left for another to pick up. Any food must be kept in sealed containers.

Personal Neatness and Cleanliness
Sheets must be changed and clothes must be washed regularly. The fact that the Matron takes so much care with everyone's clothing compels individuals to do the same. Personal cleanliness and hygiene are a paramount part of communal life. Hair needs to be washed regularly and be kept strictly within the boundaries of the school's expectations. Extremes of fashion, colour or length will not be allowed. All members of the house must shower daily. Uniform must be maintained well and worn with pride out of respect for oneself and for those who have gone before.

Common Areas
These rooms and facilities are the responsibility of every user to protect and keep clean, neat and tidy. There will be people rostered to clean up; however, individuals must clean up after themselves. It is also important that the behaviour in these rooms is appropriate at all times. Keep this in mind especially in relation to language used.

Meals
All meals MUST be attended, including weekends, unless a student is on leave which includes a meal. A balanced diet is an important part of a healthy lifestyle. To this end, pizza delivery will be allowed only on Friday afternoon/evening and Saturday afternoon/evening.

Computers
Computers are a necessary part of a modern education and their appropriate use is encouraged. They may be used for both recreation and work; however, if games are played during designated prep times or in the mornings before school, a student will be banned from using computers for a period designated by the Housemaster.

Television
Like computers, television is a part of modern life. In the Boarding and Academic context television will be limited to a certain extent. This will vary according to the demands of the school and the particular programs that are available to be watched. It should not become an issue if it is approached sensibly by all. Guidelines are as follows:

Monday to Friday	After school between 5 pm and Dinner. From the end of Prep till 10 mins before Bedtime. Students may watch the morning news (Sunrise).
Weekends	TV watching is at the discretion of the MOD. During the middle of the day boys should make use of the wonderful facilities within the school.

Pocket Money
The School's ATM is now available at TSS for all student pocket money.

Local Leave
When students intend to leave the school grounds for any reason they MUST sign out with the Housemaster or Assistant Housemaster and obtain a leave slip. Permission can only be approved by the Housemaster or the Assistant Housemaster. Weekday Shopping Leave must be organised in the morning and will be granted ONLY in extreme cases. When students arrive back to the House they MUST sign in to the Duty Master.

After Dinner
ALL LEAVE from the House must be approved through the Duty Master. This includes visits to other boarding houses. The consequence of not gaining permission will be gating, 1/2 hourly reporting to staff and more importantly an erosion of trust.

Weekend Leave
All weekend leave arrangements must be organised by Thursday 7:00 pm. Permission from parents and requests from hosts, modes of travel, departure and arrival times must follow appropriate school procedure or leave will not be approved.

Mobile Phones
All students must register their mobile phone with the Housemaster.

Prep
In the operation of the prep at nightime it is essential that everybody contributes to the good order of the House. Academics are the most pressing and constant series of tasks boys will complete while members of McKinley. The establishment of good study habits and skills will not magically occur; it requires personal effort and a positive attitude. The resident staff will support students; however, boys must work to establish their own routine and maintain it. Students must be:

Prep for most Year 8-10 boys on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays is conducted in classrooms in the Nimmo Building with teachers in attendance to supervise and assist students with homework and study. Diligent students in Years 9 and 10 can earn the right to do prep in the House, should they prefer this option.

Posters and Decorations
Students are permitted to create a sense of ownership of their own dormitory space or room by adding posters and decorations. Some simple guidelines apply. There must be a balance of images and interests. There is to be no alcohol or cigarette advertising. Any poster, which could be considered offensive by any visitor to the house, is not allowed. In dormitories no additions will be higher than the level of the petitions and in all the House nothing will be attached to paint work. Discretion in these matters is the right of the HOUSEMASTER; if in doubt, ask.

It is most important that each member of the House appreciates that their actions are how the House is judged. At all times you are a member of McKinley House and must carry that responsibility wherever you go and whatever you do.

McKinley Thoughts for 2008

Local Leave Procedure and Dress Codes for Weekends

Friday Shopping
Locations: Southport Park (Centro) / Australia Fair
Times: Check out with MOD at 3.30 p.m. - return by Dinner
Dress: School Uniform - Akubra hat must be worn.
Boys in Year Eight must travel in groups of at least 3 and to Centro only.

Saturdays
Locations: Southport Park only (Centro)
Time: Throughout the day until 5.00 pm. One hour duration max.
Dress: School uniform (hat of course)
Leave Slip: Must be obtained from MOD and carried whilst on leave.
This leave granted at Housemaster/MOD discretion. It is not a set leave situation.

Sundays (Year Eights permitted in Term 4 only)
Locations: Southport Park, McDonalds, BP Nightowl, Subway
Times: After lunch only and one hour duration max.
Dress: Casual. Shoes to be worn. To be approved by Housemaster/MOD .
Leave Slip: Required from Housemaster/MOD and carried whilst on leave. This leave is granted at Housemaster/MOD discretion. It is not a set leave situation.

Sunday Movie Leave
Granted at Housemaster discretion only with Leave Slip
This is not a set leave entitlement
Students must report back to Housemaster immediately on return
Boys must go in small groups
Must have a Leave Slip and Movie Tickets must be submitted on return
Note: Year 8 Movie Leave in term 4 only unless travelling with Rogers House

Social Leave - Saturday night
Leave granted to Year Twelves only at Housemaster's discretion.
Return time no later than 10.30 pm
Must report into MOD on return.
Dress to be respectable.

Tea Leave (Weekends and Weekdays)
Leave can only be granted by Housemaster or Assistant Housemaster and prior warning of intention (in writing) to take leave should occur.
Last minute tea leave requests should be avoided.
Tea leave may only occur when accompanied by an adult.
The Housemaster/MOD should see boys leave with the adult if possible.

IMPORTANT: Leave is a privilege, not a right. Housemasters reserve the right to refuse leave at anytime to a student.

ALL WEEKEND LEAVE MUST BE FINALISED by FAX or EMAIL from Parents and Hosts by THURSDAY 9:00 p.m.

The Formal Detention System

If members of the House do not choose to follow the guidelines established and present a barrier to the smooth operation of the House, the Formal Detention System may be enacted. The Year 12 Leadership group is charged by the Housemaster, within the guidelines he lays down, with the overall routine management of the House. Boys who fail to do what they are reasonably expected to do, will invite Detention.

Senior Detention
The offender's name will be placed in the Senior's Book by the Dorm Captains along with the reason for his Detention. The offender will then proceed to complete two A4 pages of writing from the Record Book, immediately following Prep Time for a Prep related offence or within 24 hrs for another type of offence. The Senior will ensure that once the Detention is completed it is 'signed off' in the Senior's Book. Should the offender disagree with the detention, both the Senior and the offender must approach the Housemaster or the Assistant Housemaster for arbitration.

Common Room Prep
This sanction applies for boys who refuse to cooperate in Prep in a consistent way. A Senior will report a boy to the Master on Duty who will place the boy in the Common Room for the duration of that Prep. Should the MOD consider it appropriate he may recommend that Common Room Prep continue for an extended period for some students.

House Captain's Detention
This detention may be used at the discretion of the House Captain in consultation with the Housemaster. Continual disruption and disrespect for House routine are likely reasons for this detention. It will occur on Sunday evenings, immediately after Dinner.

Housemaster's & Assistant Housemaster's Detention
These detentions occur on Friday afternoons, have a minimum duration of one and a half-hours and should be avoided at all costs. Significant and purposeful poor behaviour and/or a failure to attend to Academic pursuits are some of the reasons these detentions may be given. Gatings, 1/2 hourly, referral to the Dean of Students etc are all options available to the Housemaster.

Pornographic Material in the House
McKinley House has a clear and firm policy towards pornographic material (magazines, videos, DVDs, etc) in the dorms:
1st offence: Housemaster's detention issued;
2nd offence: Letter of Censure issued to parents ; student is gated for 2 weeks;
3rd offence: School Probation issued by the Dean of Students.

Smoking/Alcohol in the House
Three strikes and you are 'out'. Suspension and/or censure may precede the third strike.

We the students of McKINLEY HOUSE agree to join together to stamp out bullying in our House.

We believe that everybody should enjoy our House and our School equally, and feel safe, secure and accepted regardless of colour, race, popularity, sporting ability, intelligence, religion and nationality.

Bullying can be pushing, shoving, hitting and spitting, as well as name calling, picking on, making fun of, laughing at and excluding someone. Bullying causes pain and stress to victims and is never justified or excusable as 'boys being boys', 'just teasing', 'it was done to me so...', or any other rationalisation.

The victim is never responsible for being a target of bullying. By signing this pledge, we the students agree to:
1. Value student differences and treat others with respect.
2. Not become involved in bullying incidents or be a bully.
3. Be aware of the school's policies and support system with regard to bullying.
4. Report honestly and immediately all incidents of bullying to a staff member.
5. Be alert in places around the School where there is less adult supervision such as bathrooms, toilets, and dormitories.
6. Support students who have been or are subjected to bullying.
7. Talk to teachers and parents about concerns and issues regarding bullying.
8. Work with other students and staff to assist the House and School to deal with bullying effectively.
9. Provide a good role model for younger students and support them if bullying occurs.
10. Participate fully and contribute to assemblies dealing with bullying.

I ACKNOWLEDGE THAT WHETHER I AM BEING BULLIED OR SEE SOMEONE BEING BULLIED, IF I DON'T REPORT OR STOP THE BULLYING, I AM JUST AS GUILTY.