vcmisc2

LE GARDIEN

(from "The Victorian")

As Gardien of Victoria College, Mr. Poingdestre has the power to arrest anyone causing a disturbance within the grounds, and can lock an offender up, should the need arise. He was unable to advise The Victorian, however, as to which room would be used, but most boys would suggest detention in such a room as Room 1 as more than justifiable punishment. Mr. Poingdestre has never been forced to exercise this power, but he admitted that he has scared several would-be offenders off.

The majority of boys in College know only of the aspects of Mr. Poingdestre's job that directly involve them. It is, however, far more complex than many would imagine. The following timetable was described by Mr. Poingdestre as the average day:

7.30a.m.:

Unlock main door. Clean all studies, e.g. Headmaster's, Vice-Principal's, etc. Clean Science block toilets.

8.30 a.m.:

Unlock Music block, Howard Davis Theatre and Art School. The remaining buildings are opened by Mr. Perrier at 8.45 a.m.

8.45 a.m.:

Ring the bell.

8.50 a.m.:

Check that boys are registering with their Tutors. Clear main entrance of boys.

9.00 a.m.:

'Encourage' the boys to go quickly up to Assembly.

9.05-9.20 a.m.:

Enter all late arrivals in the Late Book in Tatam.

9.20 a.m.:

Check with office for any notices, etc. 9.30-10.00 a.m.: Mr. Poingdestre is now 'supposed' to go home, but he assured The Victorian that this is rarely the case.

10.0 a.m.-1.00 p.m.:

10.0 Check the smooth running of the School. Generally sort out any minor problems.

1.10 p.m.

Ring the bell.

2.30 p.m.

Check that cleaners are working to schedule. Adjust routine according to various functions that may be due to take place. On Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at this time Mr. Poingdestre takes all correspondence to Highlands and collects all return mail. On Fridays he is also required to collect the wages for the non-teaching staff from the Treasury and distribute them. He also goes to the Post Office to collect all parcels and the weekly supply of stamps.

4.00 p.m.

Lock New Building.

5.15 p.m.

Lock the Music block, Howard Davis Theatre and rear door to VIth form changing rooms. Remove all boys from Library and turn out all the lights in the main block.

5.45 p.m.

Lock New de Carteret Building. Although he is officially meant to finish at 5.00 p.m. Mr. Poingdestre only leaves after all this has been completed.

7.00 p.m.

Mr. Poingdestre quickly checks that the School is empty and having locked the main door he checks that all other entrances are secured too.

This is a basic day's work. In summer the pool is opened for use once more and this presents an even greater workload for Mr. Poingdestre and Mr. Perrier. Every day the solar panel and pool covers must be removed. The chlorine and pH levels are tested and any necessary chemicals added. The pool is then vacuumed and all debris and tennis balls netted out. The pump fillers must be checked every morning too. In the afternoon the chlorine and pH tests must be carried out again and the temperature taken. Boys should not be allowed in if the temperature is below 60 deg. Fahrenheit, although as a result of the efficiency of the solar panels this rarely occurs. The covers are replaced at 6.00 p.m.

So, if you see Mr. Poingdestre standing in a corridor watching the never-ending streams of boys pass by, he is probably having a quick rest from his excruciating daily routine.

P.B.

7.30a.m.:	Unlock main door. Clean all studies, e.g. Headmaster's, Vice-Principal's, etc. Clean Science block toilets.
8.30 a.m.:	Unlock Music block, Howard Davis Theatre and Art School. The remaining buildings are opened by Mr. Perrier at 8.45 a.m.
8.45 a.m.:	Ring the bell.
8.50 a.m.:	Check that boys are registering with their Tutors. Clear main entrance of boys.
9.00 a.m.:	'Encourage' the boys to go quickly up to Assembly.
9.05-9.20 a.m.:	Enter all late arrivals in the Late Book in Tatam.
9.20 a.m.:	Check with office for any notices, etc. 9.30-10.00 a.m.: Mr. Poingdestre is now 'supposed' to go home, but he assured The Victorian that this is rarely the case.
10.0 a.m.-1.00 p.m.:	10.0 Check the smooth running of the School. Generally sort out any minor problems.
1.10 p.m.	Ring the bell.
2.30 p.m.	Check that cleaners are working to schedule. Adjust routine according to various functions that may be due to take place. On Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at this time Mr. Poingdestre takes all correspondence to Highlands and collects all return mail. On Fridays he is also required to collect the wages for the non-teaching staff from the Treasury and distribute them. He also goes to the Post Office to collect all parcels and the weekly supply of stamps.
4.00 p.m.	Lock New Building.
5.15 p.m.	Lock the Music block, Howard Davis Theatre and rear door to VIth form changing rooms. Remove all boys from Library and turn out all the lights in the main block.
5.45 p.m.	Lock New de Carteret Building. Although he is officially meant to finish at 5.00 p.m. Mr. Poingdestre only leaves after all this has been completed.
7.00 p.m.	Mr. Poingdestre quickly checks that the School is empty and having locked the main door he checks that all other entrances are secured too.