REACH • Our Leave Management Software  

Scots’ boarding uses an online leave management system called REACH.  

REACH simplifies the leave request and approval process for our boarding community and enables seamless communication between parents, boarders, hosts, and boarding staff. 

It provides boarding staff with access to a complete boarder list with a real-time summary count of how many students are on or off campus, details about the current location of each student and rapid one-click access to a full Boarder Profile. REACH enables staff to know where each student is, when they left and when they are scheduled to return.

The REACH Student and Parent app allows Scots’ students and parents to access their school account to request and approve leave events, sign in and out of locations at school, view their personal calendar and manage their approved hosts.

All new boarders and parents/guardians are sent an email by REACH to introduce the platform and provide specific access details for the individual boarder and their parents/guardians; this will include a video which explains REACH.

Absence from School  
If boarders are remaining home from School, it is the parent's responsibility to inform Scots Reception and the Boarding House via email of their absence.

Planned absences and regular leave can be completed as a leave request on REACH.

If your child remains in the Boarding House unwell, Boarding staff will notify both parents and Scots Reception.

Leave Arrangements

Street Leave
Years 7 - 10
Students are permitted to take one long (Deant Street) and one short (Aldi/Harris Farm) street leave per week, provided that:

• they communicate with a member of staff and sign out through REACH
• the leave does not interfere with other commitments
• they are accompanied by at least one other student
• they return before 5.30pm

Years 11 + 12
Students may take street leave as requested, provided that:

• they communicate with a member of staff and sign out through REACH
• the leave does not interfere with other commitments
• they return before 5.30pm

Weekend Leave 
Weekend leave is available to boarders, provided that all commitments (sport, music, et al.) are met. The online REACH program can be utilised to coordinate weekend and daily leave. A REACH leave request must be submitted prior to departure. Students staying in for the weekend are permitted street leave as requested.

Special Occasion Leave  
Leave for special occasions such as the Presentation Ball, Graduation Ball and parties require notice well in advance to the Boarding House staff.  

Boarders are not permitted to return to the Boarding House after a party. It is their responsibility to arrange alternative accommodation off site. It is the responsibility of parents to contact party hosts to assess the safety of each party.

Boarders Big Weekend
All boarders are expected to stay in for the first weekend of Term 1. This time is used to develop relationships, help new boarders to settle in and enjoy activities together.

Sports Leave  
Boarders must sign in and out using REACH with the Boarding Supervisor before they leave for a sporting commitment (practice or game). The Boarding House must know the travel arrangements made.  

Sunday Night Leave
Our stance on Sunday night leave is quite simply: no leave is granted unless it is essential. Once boarders return on a Sunday evening, the focus should be on preparing for the week at school, rather than seeking further opportunities for recreation. 

Leave with People Other than Parents
Boarders will only be given permission to leave the school grounds or travel in the vehicle of another person when permission has been granted by both staff and parents via REACH. It is the responsibility of parents to contact the host to ensure they are aware of the plans.  

Mobile Phones on Leave  
Whenever on leave, boarders should have a charged mobile phone with them (or be on leave with someone who has one). The mobile number should be registered with the Head of House or the Boarding Supervisor before leave is taken. Students are also required to have Boarding House contact numbers saved in their

Appointment Leave
Any student going to a personal appointment (e.g., orthodontist, doctor) must inform the School Nurse who will organise travel for the appointment.
Appointments should be arranged to occur after school hours or during school holidays where possible.

Student Vehicle Use
Year 12 - Vehicles can be used to drive to and from home (only approved passengers for weekend travel). Vehicles can be used to attend medical appointments and sporting commitments after school and on weekends. No passengers during the week. Vehicles are permitted to be used for one street leave during the week and, if you are a full time boarder, you can use your vehicle over the weekend.
Year 11 - Can have vehicles at school from Term 3 onward. Only to be used for travel to and from home on the weekends. No passengers are permitted with the exception of siblings to and from home. Permission may be granted for additional passengers to and from home upon review with the Director of Boarding. Any other intended use needs to be requested by parents and discussed with HOB/DOB.

Boarding Driver • 3.30pm-8.00pm Monday-Thursday
Boarders may utilise the services of the Boarding driver to transport them to accepted after school activities/appointments. Sport training, medical appointments, tutoring, and volunteering activities are common examples of accepted reasons to use the Boarding driver. Requests need to be added to the register no later than the morning of the required lift.
The Boarding Bus can only travel a limited distance from Scots due demand. Please discuss with Boarding staff if your child is commencing a new regular activity off campus to ensure we can accommodate them.
The Boarding Driver is in high demand and may not always be able to accommodate all requests.