Saturdays and Sundays

Saturdays

Wake up and breakfast are slightly later on Saturdays (breakfast is from 8 - 8.30am). Registration is at 9am and during the morning boarders can follow our activities programme or use some of the time for private study.  Many day pupils also come into school to join in the activities programme. Lunch is at 12.00 noon.


On Saturday afternoons all pupils take a games option. Many play for one of the school teams, sometimes travelling for a match at another school. Some pupils follow a fitness programme in the school's purpose-built Sports centre or opt for tennis.


Supper is at 6.00 pm after a short traditional prayer."Shrine" has taken place every Saturday for as long as records show, when the whole boarding community gathers for a short prayer to Our Lady and a short reflection led by our lay chaplain Ed Pike, before going into supper.


On Saturday evenings there are often trips to the cinema or films may be shown in the boarding areas appropriate to the different age groups - boarders choose the films themselves. Sixth form boarders may go out on a Saturday evening to the cinema, for example, with permission of the housestaff but never on their own. Boarders are sometimes invited to stay with the family of a day pupil in the area.


There are occasional themed parties for the whole boarding community. At Christmas, the boarding staff put on a traditional English pantomime and other popular events have included a celebration of Chinese New Year, a Pirates' party and a Hallowe'en party which was organised by the Heads of Houses. Boarders also celebrated St Andrew's Night, and the oldest boarders have an annual St Nicolas Party during which they decorate the refectory for Christmas. These events are very special to the life of Mount St Mary's boarding community and emphasise the family atmosphere that is part of the boarding experience.

Sundays

Breakfast is between 9.00am and 9.30am on Sunday mornings, followed by Mass in the School Chapel at 10.30am.  All boarders attend Sunday Mass, and wear smart casual clothes.  Visiting parents are always welcome to join us.

 

On most Sundays outings are arranged to places of local interest for boarders and all are encouraged to take part in these outings.  Older pupils may choose to stay in school or visit the local shopping mall, Meadowhall, which can be reached by public transport. These pupils must have permission from the housestaff and may not go out alone.

 

On Sunday afternoons the ICT suite is open in school. Some boarders may choose to relax with friends in their rooms or spend the afternoon in the extensive grounds, especially in the summer months.

 

Supper is at 6.00 pm and between 6.30 and 7.30 pm there is a studies session for pupils. After studies a film is often shown in the boarding houses.

 

Once per half term Mass takes place in the evening, so pupils can have a long lie that morning and enjoy "brunch" between 11.00 am and noon.