To be the BEST? Is it worth trying - Boys and Literacy - June 2021
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Vol. 14 | Issue 2 | June 2021
Is it worth trying
to be the BEST? The Issues with
Boys and
Literacy
Mood Food
Nutrition for
Mental Health Boarding Staff
Can they be
Required to be
Vaccinated?
Contents
2 Let’s all Celebrate Boarding 32 Strategic Thinking is a Critical
4 Mandatory Reporting Part of Leadership
and Imprisonment for 33 The Issue with Boys and
Non-Compliance Literacy
6 Want to Obliterate Distractions 34 Planning to fill the gap - what’s
and get more done? the future for Gap Years?
8 Back Track Youth Works - It 35 The Student Housing Company:
Takes a Village to raise a Child Leading the charge in student
10 Ballarat Grammar - Pivoting to wellbeing
a new campus! 36 Mood Food - Nutrition for
12 Sleep Better as a Student - Mental Health
38 The Assessment Bubble -
Let’s all
Everything you need to know.
14 Do I know you? Somerville House
16 What’s so Good about Feeling 40 More than Just Boarding…
Celebrate
Good? Success for Life
17 Boarders Showing Resilience 42 Boarding Staff - Can they be
Required to be Vaccinated?
18 Is it worth trying to be the Best?
Boarding
45 Join Bunnings at the ABSA
20 The ACTIVE Approach
Conference!
22 Boarding students and
46 Why Law Schools must Teach
their engagement living and
Climate Change Law
learning at school - a review of
the literature 48 Why ‘Expecting the Unexpected’
will remain a constant theme ABSA proudly produced the first of a series
25 St Gregory’s College
- Chartwells
in 2021 I am writing this at the end of videos. Entitled ‘Why Boarding?’, this
50 The Future of Field Days video, which is available for all member
26 The Sleep Connection: of National Boarding Week, a
Improve the health, resilience 52 A Magnificent Gift to Boarding schools to use, is aimed toward parents
and performance of your 54 Nudgee Boarders Thinking
week which saw so many of our and those interested in what boarding
boarding house Business boarding schools celebrate the schools are all about.
29 Past Boarders, Trusted Mentors 55 Welcome New Principals fact that they have boarders.
30 Boarding Prep Time Reinvented: 57 Welcome New Heads of However, there is an underlying theme in
The Transformer Prep Program Boarding the video which is important to remem-
at the King’s School AUTHOR: ber. It highlights how important it is for
Richard Stokes all schools to be at the highest standard.
ON THE COVER Chief Executive Officer It is easy for those leading our boarding
This photo was taken at Stuartholme on Anzac morning at our own ABSA schools, and staff working in them, to be
Light Up The Dawn service. satisfied with what they are doing, and
The Stuartholme Boarders watched the sun rise over Brisbane. have been doing for a number of years. It
is easy to be satisfied that they meet the
T
Interestingly, Stuartholme became the 42nd General Hospital of the
United States Army during WWII. The Stuartholme Boarders were moved to oo often in the busy-ness of life at school minimum standard required by different
Canungra and then Southport. the little things get missed - the girls enjoy- State Governments, even though these
CONTACT US
ing the chance to cook together on a Sunday are not at the same level as the National
Australian Boarding Schools Association. afternoon, the boys helping each other with Minimum Standard. It is easy to be sat-
Postal: PO Box 3241, HENDRA, QLD, 4011 their assignment work, the boarders getting in and isfied with staff who are undertrained, or
Office: Unit 6, 26 Navigator Place, assisting with school events - the list is endless. haven’t undergone any specific boarding
HENDRA, QLD, 4011 But this week has given us the chance to highlight training for some time, or at all. These Management software or improve their bullying, and why it is important for them
P + 61 7 3205 4940 those things which make our boarding communities are the boarding houses which put us all staff by encouraging them to undertake to develop a balanced, well-rounded view
F + 61 7 3205 6567 special. Special assemblies which mentioned the at risk. I still hear stories of where young the free online training offered and on this rather than just leaving it for the
E absa@boarding.org.au challenges many of our rural and remote boarders staff let the older boys bully the younger where those who are teachers and work day school to handle. We can make our
www.boarding.org.au
face at home, videos produced which have allowed boys and turn a blind eye (yes, this was in boarding believe they don’t need to boarders feel special by actually listen-
EDITOR our boarders to talk about what boarding means to reported to me this year!), where staff are undertake any boarding training as they ing to what they are saying and reading
Richard Stokes, Chief Executive Officer, them, photos of the community having fun together content that their Duty of Care training already do enough Professional Learning. their body language. We can ensure all
Australian Boarding Schools Association and above all the chance to remind all students in completed in 2011 means they know what our boarding staff understand that they
GRAPHIC DESIGN our schools that there is a boarding house (or more is expected of them in 2021, where staff So what can schools do to really celebrate hold an incredibly important position,
trishbiggsgraphicdesign.com.au than one) on campus, and that it’s a fun place to live. are rostered on long duties covering the boarding? We can ensure our boarders get one which is professional in its own right.
+61 403 471 903 It was great to watch boarding schools celebrate the whole weekend without any breaks or the best support from their well-trained
PRINTING work of their boarding staff - special cupcakes, flow- support, where schools will not spend staff. We can spend time talking with our Thanks for all that you are doing to make
Professional Print Services ers, cards of thanks from the boarders and special money to help improve their boarding boarders about current issues such as events such as National Boarding Week
sales@professionalprintservices.com.au words from the Principals to name a few. school by introducing Boarding School consent, pornography, social media and so special - keep up the good work! ■
2 | Lights Out - June 2021 3|
Mandatory Reporting and
Imprisonment for Non-Compliance
(b) operates a facility for, or en-
gages in activities with, chil-
dren under the entity’s care,
supervision or control.
Examples of institutions-
schools, government agencies, religious or-
Obligations on boarding management and staff to report in various circumstances ganisations, hospitals, child care centres, li-
relating to known, suspected or likely abuse have been increasing in recent years. censed residential facilities, sporting clubs,
youth organisations
(e) the person has the power or FAILURE TO REPORT BELIEF
AUTHOR FAILURE TO PROTECT A CHILD
responsibility to reduce or re-
NEWON
Andrew Knott FROM A CHILD SEXUAL OFFENCE OF CHILD SEXUAL OFFENCE
move the risk; and
Special Counsel COMMITTED IN RELATION TO
Holding Redlich
The key provisions are:
(1) An accountable person commits
(f) the person wilfully or negli-
gently fails to reduce or re- CHILD
EDIeT I ritten
move the risk. ly re-w
t
a crime if- The essence of this offence is: Comple dated
(a) the person knows there is and up
A
Maximum penalty - 5 years im- (1) This section applies to an adult if-
developing trend is of consid- significant risk that another prisonment. (a) the adult gains information
erable importance. As there adult (the alleged offender) that causes the adult to be-
will commit a child sexual (2) For subsection (1), it does not
are eight jurisdictions in Aus- lieve on reasonable grounds,
offence in relation to a child; matter that the knowledge was
tralia, we can, in this article, or ought reasonably to cause
and gained by the accountable person
only draw attention to the trend, and the adult to believe, that a
(b) the alleged offender- during, or in connection with, a
strongly recommend that appropriate child sexual offence is be-
The Premier
(i) is associated with an insti- religious confession.
advice is sought. ing or has been committed
tution; or (3) For this section, an adult is associat- against a child by another
The two key features are:
Training Course for
(ii) is a regulated volunteer; and ed with an institution if the adult- adult; and
1. the width of the obligations; and
(c) the child is under the care, (a) owns, or is involved in the (b) at the relevant time, the child
2. provision for imprisonment for
supervision or control of an management or control of, the
Boarding Staff in Australia
non-compliance. is or was-
institution; and institution; or (i) under 16 years; or
We will illustrate by quoting from (d) the child is either- (b) is employed or engaged by the (ii) a person with an impair-
Queensland provisions. These (i) under 16 years; or institution; or ment of the mind.
have been enacted, and will soon (ii) a person with an impair- (c) works as a volunteer for the Dr Tim Hawkes
Why choose Duty of Care?
be in force. ment of the mind; and institution; or (2) If, without reasonable excuse, the
An important resource for Principals of Boarding
(d) engages in an activity in re- adult fails to disclose the infor- Schools, Directors of Staff, Boarding Co-
lation to the institution for mation to a police officer as soon ordinators, House Parents and Boarding Staff.
which a working with chil- as reasonably practicable after • Two books which give vital knowledge on
dren authority under the the belief is, or ought reasonably A Certificate Course in Student Residential Care how to meet the needs of boarders who are
Working with Children (Risk to have been, formed, the adult of school age.
Management and Screening) commits a misdemeanour. • An invaluable resource for any wishing to
Act 2000 is required; or Maximum penalty - 3 years im- up-date their training in boarding and an
(e) engages in the delivery of a prisonment. essential resource for those wishing to be
service to a child who is under trained for the first time in the obligations
the carte, supervision or con- There are a number of “reasonable ex- of boarding staff.
trol of the institution. cuses”, but we do not have space to dis-
cuss them here.
(4) In this section- Order Online at
accountable person means an CONCLUSION www.boarding.org.au/our-events/duty-of-care-workshops/
adult who is associated with an duty-of-care-books-order-form
institution, other than a regulated These (and similar) obligations reflect an
volunteer. increased determination to ensure au- For more information contact:
institution means an entity, other thorities are enabled to protect children. Australian Boarding Schools Association Ltd.
than an individual, that- www.boarding.org.au PO Box 3241, HENDRA, QLD, 4011
Awareness of the law (wherever in Aus-
P + 61 7 3205 4940 F + 61 7 3205 6567 E absa@boarding.org.au
(a) provides services to children; tralia you are) is an imperative for all
or with boarding school responsibilities. ■
4 | Lights Out - June 2021 5|
THE BIGGEST DISTRACTOR IS coined this term “attention residue” in Who is Hayley Hall?
PROBABLY IN YOUR POCKET! 2009 after she ran a number of studies Hayley Hall is the creator of the Time Mas-
that found that poor performance was tery Method. Hayley’s mission is to help 1
Although the mobile phone has rev- demonstrated on subsequent tasks after million people beat overwhelm and stress
olutionized how we live and work, it switching tasks.
Want to Obliterate
so that they can spend their precious time
is not without its drawbacks. You see, with the people they love and do the things
every year billions of dollars are spent So, if you want to get more done, in less that set their heart on fire. If you want to
by phone companies to ensure our mo- time, without working any harder, sim- learn more strategies for getting more
Distractions
bile phones become more and more ad- ply trial moving your mobile phone done, in less time, without working any
dictive and distracting. And therefore, away from you when you are working. harder, join 1.1K other members in Hayley’s
when it comes to focusing on getting a This will mean you won’t be distracted Time Mastery Inner Circle private com-
and get more done? piece of work done, we need to first deal
with our mobile phones.
So, when you next sit down to do a piece
by it, you’ll have laser-like focus on the
task at hand and as a result your pro-
ductivity will soar.
munity now: www.Facebook.com/groups/
TimeMasteryInnerCircle/
of work that you need to focus on, I’d like I’d love to hear if you have implemented
you to follow these three simple steps ... this one simple strategy and how this is
positively impacting your results. Feel
Step 1: Take your mobile phone and put free to get in touch with me and let me
it on “Do Not Disturb” know: Hayley@HayleyHall.com.au ■
Step 2: Turn it face down (this is so you
don’t see it flashing at you)
Step 3: Put your mobile phone the other
side of the room
Now, I know this seems really simple but
who said it has to be complicated, right?
If you do the steps above now, this alone
will save you hours!! Yes hours!! Right
now, you probably have no idea how
many times your phone pings and you
react by picking it up. You are allowing
your phone to dictate where your atten-
tion goes and when it goes there. But it
gets worse. Because it’s not just picking
up the phone that is the problem. No, it’s
what happens to your brain when your
attention goes to your phone and you al-
low yourself to be distracted (even for a
few seconds). You see, when those notifi-
cations flash up on your phone and you
Boarding schools are probably one of the most demanding places to work take a glance at them, even if you are not
in. From the moment you walk into the boarding house, there are a myriad interested in them, they leave an atten-
tion residue on your brain which actu-
of demands placed on you and a million things you need to do. ally makes you less productive.
AUTHOR pal. And whether you are a Director of “...even a glance can leave an attention
Hayley Hall Boarding or a member of the Boarding SO HOW DO YOU DO THIS? residue on your brain which can actual-
Time Mastery House team, the demands placed upon ly slow down your performance for 10,
you are intense. This means that when it Well, one of the strategies that I teach my 20, [or] 30 minutes to follow.” (Cal New-
comes to getting important work done, clients is to apply what I call laser-like port, Associate Professor at Georgetown
or even a task that requires your focused focus. By applying laser-like focus, you University).
F
rom the students needing your attention for more than 15 minutes, the get more done, in less time, without
immediate attention, to your col- odds of you achieving this are stacked working any harder. But in order to do So when we switch from task to task at
leagues needing to speak with against you. Therefore it is imperative this, you need to remove some of the work, or get distracted by our phones,
you, to parents either in person that you have strategies in place to en- distractions that get in the way. There what we know is that some of our atten-
or ringing on the phone who need your sure you can get what you need to get are lots of distractions, but to address tion remains ‘stuck’ on the distraction.
time and that isn’t to mention the pos- done in the very limited time that you just one of them, let’s look at your mo- Sophie Leroy, a business professor from
sible day school staff and the Princi- have available. bile phone. the University of Minnesota originally
6 | Lights Out - June 2021 7|
BackTrack, a hugely successful and well
recognised program, founded in Ar-
midale NSW, works with young people
who have lost their way, to help them
reconnect with education and training,
become work-ready and secure mean-
ingful employment.
The approach and its team, whose suc-
cess has been recognised across Aus-
tralia, helps get young people ‘back on
track’ by developing strong, happy and
healthy foundations that result in posi-
tive life pathways and full participation
in their communities.
Bernie Shakeshaft, awarded as Australia’s
Back Track Youth Works
Local Hero for 2020, and his extraordi-
nary team have helped more than 1,000
young people reconnect with their educa-
It Takes a Village to raise a Child tion, training, families and the communi-
ty, offering them love and support to live
out their hopes and dreams. 87% percent
of these kids have gone into employment,
or back into education and training.
“Children are the most honest barometer of how we are going as a society, When BLAKE LOU AND GIRL
I look at what’s going on with our young people today in Australia where: one in With a mission to “to help as many young
people having a hard time as possible”
five don’t go to school or have any formal education, one in four suffer with mental and recognising that expanding in Armi- their own communities such as Down ways feel equipped to take on the world
health issues and 28,000 are sleeping homeless, I say that’s not good enough” - Bernie dale was not the answer, BackTrack Every- the Track inLake Cargelligo, Leader life of work. He struggled in a mainstream
where was born to support the hundreds in Dubbo, FlatTrack in Moree, Ruff- school environment and his disen-
Shakeshaft CEO/ Founder of BackTrack Youth Works and Australia’s 2020 Local Hero. of individual community enquiries to set TRACK in the Hawksbury, ShoreTrack gagement in the classroom often led
up their own youth support programs. in Macksville, Making Tracks in Broken to disruptive behaviour. Since joining
AUTHOR like youth suicide rate, obesity and ear- In Australia, an estimated 1,000 young Hill and other communities across Vic- our crew full-time, we have witnessed
Penny Kaleta ly childhood learning, Australia ranks people are in detention with 80% like- The philosophy behind BackTrack toria, NSW and Qld who are preparing a transformation in Blake’s resilience,
Head of Partnerships poorly compared to its peers. There are ly to reoffend in the first 12 months of Everywhere is it takes a village to raise a to launch. as he tackles challenges with maturity.
Backtrack.org.au already indications of COVID’s impact in being released, 5,000 are in communi- child, and it’s our communities’ respon- (Picture of Blake above)
heightening these issues. ty supervision, all at staggering cost of sibility to give every child the opportu- Without these organisations young
$920M annually. nity they deserve. The key to our success people like: Not only does BackTrack have a powerful
Regional young people are particularly is our flexible and long-term approach Blake impact on the young people and commu-
T
he 2020 UNICEF report on child vulnerable due to the relative challenges to youth work that builds resilience in Since 15-year-old Blake came to Back- nities it supports but the economic ben-
Across Australia, vulnerable young
well-being showed that despite in accessing quality education and care. vulnerable young people and the com- Track in March 2018, we’ve seen him efits are astounding, surely investing in
people are falling through the cracks
Australia being a high-income In areas where there is high unemploy- munities that support them. go from strength to strength. He has programs like BackTrack that have a solid
country with good national con- ment, drug abuse and a lack of positive of a system that does not meet their taken up every opportunity offered to track record working with the tough end
ditions for child wellbeing, Australia is role models, it is easy to understand that complex needs. That’s where BackTrack BackTrack’s unique approach is expand- him, making significant strides in the of town is part of the solution.
falling short in delivering consistently young people in those situations can comes in. Our purpose is keeping kids ing across the country, and is currently welding workshop, building his em-
good health, education and social out- struggle to find meaning and purpose, alive, out of jail and chasing their hopes walking alongside sensational youth or- ployability and now transitioning into To learn more, go to:
comes for children. On many issues and quickly get off track. and dreams. ganisations having a powerful impact in a traineeship. However, Blake didn’t al- www.backtrack.org.au ■
8 | Lights Out - June 2021 9|
Ballarat Grammar hardly knew each other. Others, just due to the composition
of our boarding houses with junior girls being housed in dif-
ferent houses to the senior girls, had only glimpsed each other
Pivoting to a New Campus! over the expansive Dining Hall back in Term One. There was
a long-established friendly rivalry and competition between
the different houses, which in normal times played out on the
football ground or netball court, but caused a few headaches
in accommodation that threw our house affiliated boarders in
With a return to school from our first COVID19 Lockdown in Term Two, bringing all of together for the very first time.
our 230 boarders back to our Ballarat Grammar campus created some headaches. There Our staff, while young and enthusiastic, were mostly new to
were too many students to accommodate within our five boarding houses due to the boarding. And I, while well experienced as a retired Head of
House leaving the school back in 2015, knew very few of the
AHPPC guidelines for residential community, and while the senior and junior students students as well. And of course, while the Sovereign Hill cam- YEAR TENS IN THE COMM IN CANADIAN
could fit, our 83 Year Nines and Tens were either still learning at home, being billeted pus provided us with quite luxurious accommodation with
ensuites, the layout of the site meant that there was a lot of
with Ballarat families or catching daily buses from regional towns in outlying regions. ground to cover to get from one building to the next, and pas-
sageways and roads were not undercover. Picture Ballarat with
its finest winter – wind, rain and snow – and long dark nights
AUTHOR with bitter temperatures, and you will see the difficulties of us
Jill Coote- all taking up residence at Sovereign Hill.
Head of House
Sovereign Hill Campus But persevere we all did. The routine commenced early morn-
Ballarat Grammar ing, with a wake up at 7am, to be ready for our buses to collect
us at 7.30am. Our students were dropped off at school and into
the Dining Hall to take the second breakfast shift at 7.50am,
staff in tow. The school day followed as per normal, and after
A
search of accommodation op- school our boarders enjoyed free time until 5pm. Supervised
tions revealed that Sovereign ‘Prep’ then followed and again, our Sovereign Hill boarders got
Hill’s Hotel complex was a second dinner shift in the Dining Hall. With a House Roll call,
suitable choice. It was a great and an escort to the buses at 7pm, our young people arrived
partnership; both organisations are not out at Sovereign Hill at 7.20pm.
for profit and community organisations,
and both of us needed solutions: Bal- It was tricky to negotiate to have the correct number of stu-
larat Grammar needed accommodation dents in the same space, and as we couldn’t congregate out-
space for both boys and girls and Sov- side, we did feel a bit like we were in four silos. The facilities
ereign Hill required income as the ac- in the Courthouse Common area, had a fireplace and a beau- ITS SNOWING
commodation sector was hit hard with tiful couch and chairs, so I organised a succession of “dessert
restrictions in Victoria. A deal was done, meetings’ there, and students from different houses and from
and we collected the keycards! different year levels enjoyed chocolate brownies around the
fire over a series of nights. Barriers started to break down. But
So on Sunday, July 13, our Year Nines and after 3 and a half weeks, the second lockdown occurred, and
Tens were dropped off to Ballarat Gram- sadly our young people were sent home for another Learning
mar, had dinner and then caught the bus at Home period.
to Sovereign Hill where we had comman-
deered four areas: Canadian Gully and With Term Four then the next opportunity to have everyone
Esmond Terrace for the boys, and Gov- back to school, we had Sovereign Hill ‘Take Two’. This time the
ernors (made up of three buildings) and weather was kinder, the days warmer and we had light longer
Steinfeld’s which was across the fence into the evenings. And we knew each other, knew the routine,
and was located within the tourist park and knew what to do to maintain our selves and our stamina.
itself. This was the beginning of 66 nights Dessert Meetings were still on the agenda, with a mix up of our
spent at the facility over two terms. young people bringing stories to share. Football matches, scare-
crow tiggy, games and movie nights added to the mix, and when
It was so hard at first! Many of our stu- we packed up from the diggings on Thursday, December three,
dents were new to boarding in 2020 and we were sad but happy to return to our school campus. ■ WAITING FOR THE BUS!
10 | Lights Out - June 2021 11 |
Motor memory and cognitive function: So making sure you’re giving your body • Take some time to calm down (or even
having ten hours of continuous sleep enough rest time can be helpful when do meditation) before going to sleep.
helps with muscle memory, results in you are aiming high on the “Student tri-
better reaction time, coordination and angle” to achieve a better grade and ex-
Sleep Better split-second decision making.
Injury risk and recovery: The human
pand your social life.
HOW TO GET YOUR GOOD NIGHT
as a Student
growth hormone, important for tissue
repair and muscle and bone develop- SLEEP BACK
ment, is only secreted during deep sleep.
Everything you
To answer this question, it seems easy
Overall performance: A study measured enough in theory: get more sleep. In
athlete players’ sleepiness and found practice, it may require an overhaul of
need to know.
that, while 72% of well-rested players your living habits, here are some ways to
tested were still playing professionally ease into your new sleep routine:
three years later, only 14% of sleep-de-
prived players were still in the league. Don’t overload your schedule
SLEEPING BETTER IS POSSIBLE!
Weight gain and sleep deprivation I know it is hard to miss out on all the
fun activities or skip hanging out with So, you finally get yourself into bed on
AUTHOR So as a student, does having a good sleep Not to mention, the freedom of not having Gaining weight recently? Do you also not friends, but if you find yourself already time, what else can you do to make it more
Susan He even matter? If so, can I have enough an enforced curfew after leaving home has sleep well? There is a physiological cor- overwhelmed with different tasks and comfortable and easier to drift into deep
Avante sleep while maintaining an active social a major appeal for many young students to relation between sleep and body weight, commitments, maybe it is time to revis- sleep? In some cases, it could be your mat-
life and progressing with study? After stay up late, just because they can. but how? it what you have on your plate and find tress, the bedding, and your pillow.
surviving years of school, I believe the a way to scale back. Reschedule some
answer is yes, accomplishing the goal of Firstly, get to know Leptin, the hormone non-urgent plans and have some time Get a supporting mattress: choose the
having “all three good things” from the WHY SHOULD I CARE ABOUT produced by you to control the feeling of for rest. mattress that has comfortable foam layers
student triangle is possible. The main SLEEP? hunger. Leptin also has its counterpart to support your body and spine, it will pro-
key is to build a better mentality to- Ghrelin; which is produced in the stom- Too much noise? Try some noise- vide the pressure relief needed for good
wards a balanced lifestyle and get your You probably heard “my body is a tem- ach and stimulates hunger. When we are cancelling gear night sleep. While getting a new mattress
sleep schedule back on track. ple” way too many times, before raising not having enough sleep, our body pro- may not always be an option, then you
your eyebrows to guru talks, there is duces less Leptin but increasing the lev- Noise is the most irritating thing that can consider adding a mattress topper for
You are probably thinking I will say “get some underlying truth beneath this state- el of Ghrelin, the hunger is often driving could happen to someone who has some additional comfort. Lastly, be aware
a good mattress, then the sleep problem ment. Taking care of yourself and forming us to convenient and high-calorie foods trouble sleeping. Even when everyone of the age of your mattress, if it is well over
is solved”. It is worth taking a closer look healthy habits is crucial to one’s wellbeing. such as fast food and sugary snacks. in the house is on board to keep things ten years, it is time to replace it.
at the long-ignored sleeping problem. Getting enough sleep is proven beneficial Moreover, our metabolism rate plunges quiet at bedtime, it is hard to eliminate
to your health, such as; strengthening the when we are staying up late, making it noise. There is some simple gear you Use breathable bedsheets: Be sure the
immune system, reducing the risk of heart harder to lose excessive weight. can get to help: covers you sleep under are the right
GOOD SOCIAL LIFE, GOOD disease, etc. For students, here are some • Earplugs and eye mask thickness to keep you comfortable and
GRADES AND GOOD SLEEP? specific reasons why you should consider • Apps are available for playing white not too warm and use bed sheets made
having enough shut-eye. noise or sleeping music. from breathable fabrics to ensure body
I first heard about this joke in my college • Let your roommate/neighbour dorm heat won’t be trapped inside.
years: “The Student Triangle” which con- Sleep influences athletic students know when their activities
sists of a good social life, good grades, and performance are too noisy for you to sleep. Finding the right pillow: the choices you
adequate sleep. But, you can only have can have for pillow nowadays are daunt-
two out of those three points. I remem- Research shows sleep deprivation can neg- If you do not feel comfortable talking to ingly large,. but the key is still finding the
ber laughing as it resonated so much with WHY I AM NOT SLEEPING WELL atively affect people’s physical and physio- other students or if talking to them has one that supports your neck and head,
my student life then, but hardly thought logical function. For teenagers and young not improved the situation, ask your so you don’t wake up the next day with
about whether it is even possible to have There are so many reasons why you may athletes, Dr. Provance from Sports Medi-
Sleep can affect your grade dorm’s resident adviser for help. a stiff neck. One way is to find a pillow
all three aspects together. not get enough sleep: the crazy study cine Centre at Children’s Hospital Colorado You are not yourself when you are sleep that allows the head, neck, spine to be in
schedule, engaging in too many social summarized the following five aspects that deprived: Tired, cranky and even forget- Look into your sleep hygiene a straight line. Also, look into the differ-
For many students, no matter what year, events with friends: the FOMO (the fear sleep impacts on athletic performance: ful. It is harder to concentrate and people ent type of pillow fillings such as memo-
sleep is tossed to the back when it comes of missing out) is very real, or you just who have sleep loss are especially more I am not talking about taking a bath be- ry foams that will have a soft cushioning
to priorities. Pulling an all-nighter stud- have noisy roommates. Accuracy and reaction time: adequate likely to react negatively when there is a fore going to bed (it could help though). feel and offer pressure relief.
ying for final exams, fill yourself with sleep improves better body reaction in problem. If you have a deadline to catch, Sleep hygiene is a series of healthy
energy drinks before the test, getting up Maybe you decide to have some me- sports and help young athletes hit their that is not good news. Additionally, be- sleeping habits that can improve your Finally, it’s really important to sleep well
at 9am with three hours of sleep. Then, time to yourself, but the social media goals more accurately. cause sleep plays a key role in helping ability to sleep. Try some of the follow- as a student. And you CAN do it without
scramble into some clothes to get ready and Netflix are so internalizing that we student memorizing what they have ing tips: losing your social life or grade. It takes
for a good time with friends again on the never consider the time wasted and the Endurance: Good sleep improves glu- learnt, without sleep, student may seem • Try sticking to a regular bedtime. a bit of planning and dedication, but
weekend. Having “a balanced life” seems emotional impact that certain content cose metabolism which leads to better to work harder but not achieving as well • Do your homework at the desk rath- sleeping better can be done! ■
like a foreign concept. can have on us. energy and keeps you motivated. as expected. er than in your bed.
12 | Lights Out - June 2021 13 |
Do I know you?
The importance of familiarity and place in assisting in
the transition to a boarding community
AUTHOR Board program is designed to assist in- southernmost tips of the state in pictur-
Todd Harnwell coming boarders transition to residen- esque Hopetoun. It was a sight to behold
Year 7 & 8 Year Group Coordinator tial life by familiarising themselves with as we arrived in our enormous caravan,
Christ Church Grammar School the processes of boarding and school, as with families often needing a moment
well as getting to know their peers and to compose themselves before coming to
key residential staff. greet us. However, we were not just wel-
comed but whole-heartedly embraced by
W
e all know the sense of nerv- It was quickly recognised that interacting these families, who were overwhelmed
ous excitement and trep- with the boys through a digital platform with gratitude that we would take the
idation that a new intake was a great way for them to get to know time and place such emphasis on a visit
of boarders to the school about their school and each other but to their son in his hometown. We were af-
brings. Those first few potentially awk- was not the most effective tool in gaining forded sights not ordinarily seen by city When Orientation Day arrived at the
ward moments as formal introductions reciprocal insights about the boys them- folk; tours of farms and dams, secluded beginning of February, it was like old
are made and the realisation that slowly selves, their families and their unique sto- beaches, town secrets and local wonders. friends coming to visit. Siblings of new
dawns on parents that they are passing ries. Thus, the decision was made to em- We shared a meal and conversation with families played with boarding children,
the long-held responsibility of their child bark on a road trip to visit the On Board the families about their son and his life, allowing parents time to acclimatise and
into the hands of another. Understanda- families during the January holidays to get whilst the kids and dogs played together focus on their son. Parents would readi-
bly, for many parents this is a huge un- a sense of not only who the boys are, but in paddocks, beaches and backyards. ly approach me with queries, questions
dertaking that can lead to teary goodbyes, how they live, their values and their ‘place’ or tales of the ill-fated preparation for
apprehension and uncertainty about the in our school community. Parents were comforted by the common their son’s impending journey to inde-
decision made, which for the child can values shared between our families and pendence. And what of the boys? Home-
in turn result in heightened anxieties It was imperative for me to travel on the knowledge their son would be in a sickness was dramatically reduced, and
and that dreaded feeling of homesick- such a momentous journey with my safe and supportive environment. They when it did arise, the boys were more
ness. However, at Christ Church Gram- family, consisting of my wife and three could ask questions all too easily forgot- confident in approaching me to discuss
mar School in 2021, this was not the case. children, as this reflects the fundamen- ten in the rush of transition or arrival what they were missing most, as I knew
Awkward handshakes, lengthy silences tals values of what it means to enter the and thoughtful responses could be re- firsthand what it would be – a pet, their
and an underlying sense of trepidation Christ Church boarding community. turned in a relaxed environment. The motorbike or just home. There was a
was replaced with warm embraces and Boys are never just cared for by one, boys had a chance to interrogate me on calm to the boarding house not often
meaningful conversations about family two or even a handful of people. They their home turf and test out my skills associated with new arrivals and the
and holiday experiences. So, what made have strong ties to all the families and in bowling a ‘leggie’ or kicking a footy beginnings of friendships formed dur-
this year so different? staff that reside within our own unique straight and true. ing our online sessions were quickly
residential ‘village’. So, with the support cemented in a matter of days. Through-
Many schools undertake various meas- and blessing of the School, we loaded up Despite the high praise for our efforts to out the year, parents have continued to
ures to tackle the challenge of transition a six-berth caravan and set off to meet visit these families, I couldn’t help feel- visit regularly, dropping by our door
for new boarding students and CCGS is our new families from all over the state. ing a tinge of selfishness upon reflection to say hello, showing us a new puppy
no different. In 2020, the School launched as the benefits gained were invaluable. I or providing the chance for our kids to
an initiative called ‘On Board’ that began Given the sheer size of Western Australia could witness firsthand the connection catch up and play. It still amazes me now
as an online transition program but cul- and the diverse nature of our boarding each boy had with his family and noticed that such strong bonds could have been
minated in much more. Through the ‘On intake, the undertaking was never go- small but telling habits they would only formed in one afternoon of conversation
Board’ program the School recognised ing to be easy. We visited 10 families in demonstrate in an environment in which and play. What seemed to me at the time
the opportunity for an enhanced tran- 11 days, travelling well over 2800 kilo- they were comfortable. Most of all, was to be a small gesture has had far-reach-
sition process to make the challenging metres in that short space of time. From the great insight gained into what every- ing impact and benefits for the residen-
move for young boys away from their the stunning beaches of Jurien Bay to the day life is like for these young boys and tial community and has undoubtedly
home and local community much less startling heat and iconic golden fields how this could be used to assist their shaped the approach of boarding transi-
daunting and stressful for all. The On of the wheat belt, finishing in one of the transition into our boarding community. tion at the School for the future. ■
14 | Lights Out - June 2021 15 |
WHAT CAN YOU TRY?
• Proactively plan for positivity – You can’t get genuine
heartfelt positive emotions by just trying to think hap-
py thoughts. Willpower and mental effort alone are not
enough to make the difference, instead the most reliable
What’s so Good and effective ways to alter our emotional states is to try
and better select or modify our situations. For example, if
you enjoy having dinner parties with friends, this can be
about Feeling Good? a great way to set the stage for more heartfelt positivity.
But hosting a dinner party can be a lot of work so as the
experience unfolds you made need to modify the situation
in small ways – like spending more time interacting with
your guests rather than just being in the kitchen – and see
In our most recent article, we outlined the PERMAH Wellbeing Framework, how this impacts what you’re feeling.
comprised of six pillars that, when cultivated, can lead to improved life
• Accept positivity rises and falls – It’s important to be re-
satisfaction and happiness. These pillars are positive emotion, engagement alistic about your expectations of positivity. Positive emo-
relationships, meaning and purpose, achievement and health. tions are fleeting. They’re going to arise and they’re going
to dissipate and we need to accept that rather than try to
AUTHOR
Michelle McQuaid
schools and lives and the impact this
can have on our wellbeing and academic
Savouring can help to prolong the feel-
ing without grasping onto it. It is a tool
cling or hang on to them. For example, rather than con-
stantly evaluating how much fun you might be having at
your dinner party, the key is to not over-analyze what and
Boarders
The Education Lab
www.educationlab.com
performance.
In this space we turn much of attention
that can be used, and once the feelings
have passed, acceptance can help you to
how intense you’re feeling, but instead to gracefully accept
that you’re going to feel what you’re going to feel. You need
to recognize that positive emotions are fleeting, they come
Showing
Resilience
stay grounded in the authentic moment.
to the work of Barbra Fredrickson and and go. It is very worthwhile to cultivate more frequent ex-
the well-established scientific evidence periences of positive emotions but it’s completely unreal-
T
Earlier studies demonstrated that peo-
oday, let’s take a closer look at from the field of positive psychology sug- istic for you to think that our positive emotions will last all
ple who are experiencing flourishing
the pillar of Positive Emotion. gests positive emotions – like joy, hope, afternoon or all day.
Last time we briefly outlined love, interest, pride, amusement, sereni- mental health have ratios of positive to
negative that are slightly higher than the
this pillar as “the experience of ty, gratitude, inspiration and awe – help • Practice directing attention to emotional states – Introduce They say that resilience is born of struggle,
feeling good”. Let’s elaborate on this by you to see more possibilities, think more average, for example, 3:1, 4:1, or 5:1. These a dinner time ritual to your dinning hall such as “Rose,
exploring the benefits that cultivating quickly and creatively and connect bet- studies demonstrated that because neg- Thorn, Banana” that brings attention to something that
and if that is true, then we as School
these states can bring to our boarding ter with others. And as positive emo- ative emotions affect us more strongly has gone well in the day (Rose), something that has been a Community have much to learn from our
tions accrue over time, they also appear than positive emotions, we need a larger challenge (Thorn) and something that made you laugh (Ba- boarders; those who travel far from home
to build your physical, psychological, frequency of positive emotions to bal- nana). As well as brining mindful attention to the emotion-
intellectual and social resources helping ance out those potent negative emotions. al ebbs and flow of the day this activity is also a great way to each year to reside on our campuses.
you to bounce back from setbacks and However, recent findings suggest that build connection and relationships between our boarders.
making it more likely you’ll reach your there is no longer a desired ‘tipping AUTHOR:
potential, in essence when you feel good, Stuart Johnston
point’ for people to strive for, as flour-
you actually become a little smarter! WHERE MIGHT YOU START? Principal
ishing is possible with a higher ratio,
Peninsula Grammar
However, if you have ever tried to think provided the emotions are authentic and What can you plan for today to set up a positive emotional
yourself happy with wishful thinking grounded in the moment. This means experience in the future?
you will attest to the fact that this is not accepting moments of heart-wrenching
D
so easy. Positive emotions are more negativity when they arise. espite the challenges of 2020, there remains a deter-
likely to be found through intentionally WANT TO LEARN MORE? mination amongst our boarders to continue to reach
selecting or creating certain situations It is important to note that you can be for the dreams and summit the mountains before
to generate those feelings, rather than in danger of having too much positiv- Listen to one of Barb’s earlier podcasts with us here: www.mi- them, despite the uncertainty of the uneven terrain
trying to try and turn those feelings ity, as you can’t really be connected and chellemcquaid.com/podcast/mppw-28-barbara-fredrickson/ that is higher education at the moment.
from negative to positive in the moment. grounded to life without experiencing
negative emotions at times. Emotions Measure your positivity ratio here: www.positivityratio.com From the remote communities of Western Australia to distant
Another key to understanding how pos- provinces of China and small villages of Vietnam, the richness
are supposed to fit our situations and if
itive emotions affect our wellbeing is Go to Amazon and download one of Barbra Fredricksons’ of diversity that our young people bring to our schools is
you’re seeking only positive emotions we
to understand their fleeting and short- many books worthy of great celebration this year and always.
lived nature, and leverage tools availa- disconnect from the harder realities of
ble to us to notice and savour these emo- day- to-day life and the difficulties and Listen to Associate Professor Mandy O’Neil’s interview about We look forward to all that 2021 promises and will use the
tions when you can. Being mindful helps the suffering that we all face from time- creating positive emotional climate in your workplace here: lessons that the struggle of last year has taught us to not
you to notice the positive emotions to-time. People who flourish certainly ex- www.michellemcquaid.com/podcast/emotional-culture-strat- only reach the peak but ascend with renewed gratitude
when they arise, so you don’t miss them. perience negative emotions as well. egy-podcast-mandy-oneill/ ■ and confidence. ■
16 | Lights Out - June 2021 17 |
to maximise both our achievement and riding mountain bikes and playing tennis
our happiness from our lives somehow, as well as occasionally playing the sax. To
but what if we have to choose between maximise any one of them would squeeze
Be the BEST!
the two? out all of the others and that would be a
big loss.
Maybe there are three levels of skill and
achievement in the case of drumming – So I think if you want to maximise your
and indeed in learning any skill, any sport happiness the best strategy is to dabble
or any ability at work or in one’s personal in quite a few things rather than trying
life. To be a great salesperson or a great to be really good at one thing.
negotiator, or a great graphic designer,
how single-minded should we be? Let’s Only if there is a chance that you can be
imagine there are three outcomes from world-class, as good as John Coltrane (who
this process of working hard to be as good I love) or Charlie Parker (who I don’t really
as we can be. and they result in us being …. get, sorry folks!), only THEN should you
- Being quite good give up your whole life to pursue some-
- Being very good thing, …and luckily for most of us that’s
- Being world class not an option! I’m happy to dabble in the
BACKGROUND PHOTO CREATED BY PRESSFOTO - WWW.FREEPIK.COM
sax and then enjoy the works of John Col-
I think for most of us the third option trane on spotify and sonos, …so I can get
is not really a feasible outcome, let’s be maximum happiness from both!
honest - but of course we don’t KNOW if
we’ve been born with that talent - and Are you focusing too much on one part
in the film the young lad may or may not of your life?
have the ability to be world-class rather
than just very good. And almost certainly Are you letting other people push you,
to become world-class at something you
have to give up everything else - you have …or are you letting the pressure of friends
Is it worth trying to
to give up pretty much the rest of your life or advertising make you feel that you
to get there. And if you’re not completely ought to be better at something?
certain that you can get there that is a big
be the BEST? commitment, a big risk to take!
For us mere mortals, for example me and
the saxophone, the choice is between
Maybe it’s okay to be reasonably good
at lots of things, and to get maximum
happiness from that.
being quite good and being very good, By the way I’m not against training,
and I would have to give up almost heaven forbid! Certainly it’s worth doing
I finally got around to watching the film Whiplash last night. It’s about a young drummer everything in my life to go from quite a bit of training to improve your sax play-
and his music teacher, and how the music teacher drives the young lad really hard to good to very good at the saxophone, ...and ing or your tennis or your skiing skills. (I
I’ve decided not to do that! I’m quite good, have a marketing coach at the moment
be as great as he possibly can be. In fact he pushes him too far and it all gets a bit out and that’s as far as I will ever get. But and I’m loving that). In fact you would be
of hand (I won’t spoil the ending!). Very good film, well written and well acted, and it I’m fine with that because being quite mad to go skiing without any lessons at all,
good allows me to get probably 90% as or to become a manager or a salesperson
made me think about a couple of things to do with management and life and happiness much enjoyment as I would get if I was without any training at all. Imagine going
very good. into a negotiation without any training -
AUTHOR the process - "it’s for their own good". I think you should do what’s best for the young lad gave up everything to be lamb to the slaughter! Just do the training
Chris Croft Clearly in the film the teacher drives other people even if they don’t always the best drummer he could possibly be. And you could perhaps argue that I get until you get to a point where you can
Chris Croft Training his protégé too hard – but where is the appreciate it. I think in the end if you Clearly he was born with talent and it MORE enjoyment from being quite good enjoy the activity, but don’t let it become
line? Do people always know what’s good add value to your customers you will would be a waste if he didn’t maximise than I get from that being very good, an obsession to try to beat other people or
for them? When I’m running a training do better commercially, even if at the his potential, but what if he has to give because I can play in a local band in a become the best, trying to totally master it,
course is it okay for it to be less fun but time it means taking some difficult or up his social life and his friends, his girl- pub and just relax and enjoy it. It’s not to the point where it makes you unhappy
I
think the obvious thing that the the people learn more from it? Is it okay unpopular choices. friend, going to the cinema with his Dad, competitive, I’m not beating myself up or squeeze out other activities. Do a bit of
film is about is whether it’s okay to to give them feedback they don’t want to in fact all his other activities, and has to trying to be better, and I have loads of training on everything rather than loads
push someone really hard in order hear? What if they rate the course lower But what really what interested me about drive himself almost mad, in order to be time to get enjoyment from all the other of training on one thing only.
to help them to achieve their poten- but I know I’ve done a good job for them? the film was something completely dif- the best drummer he can be? Is that a things in life. I can have friends and a wife
tial, even if they’re not very happy about These are tricky questions – in general ferent, and it was to do with the fact that good idea? It seems to me that we want and a social life and do other things like Onwards and upwards! ■
18 | Lights Out - June 2021 19 |Students can spot a phoney in five • That Housemasters and House Staff APPRAISAL PROCESS
WHAT MAKES A GOOD HOUSEMASTER? minutes. are regularly seen. The Appraisal Process for Housemasters
It is a simple question, but can lead to a complicated answer. Trying to articulate • That House Staff get to know their can be a little bit ‘scattered gun’. Using
such a demanding job in a few words is difficult bordering on impossible. It is Housemasters need to be honest and students and students get to know the ACTIVE approach, questions around
often mirrored in how to also appraise our Housemasters or boarding staff as willing to admit to their mistakes. I House Staff. Housemasters Appraisal can be orientated
well. It is a job as complex as spinning plates where once one area is managed, have made a number in my ten years. • That Housemasters are willingly
The ACTIVE
to the seven specific standards outlined in
another can start to wobble. However, students are more than available regardless if they are on ACTIVE. From there a Goal/’work on’ can
After being involved in boarding for ten years, both as a Housemaster and Head willing to accept my apology and in duty or not to support House Staff be orientated around one or two of these
fact this has enhanced relationships. or students if there are significant
Approach
of Boarding, I have had time to think about the qualities of a good Housemaster. specific standards.
I have always thought a good starting point is someone who is actively engaged Strangely I have found parents less issues. If not, then they will deal
forgiving. It is also important that the with them as promptly as they can. For example, a sample of Student Voice
with the life of the House and takes an interest in the students. It seems obvious.
House community know where you Questions could look like:
but in the last ten years I have also seen Housemasters who don’t know their
students and see their role as being no more than just being present. They don’t stand on things. They may not always ENABLER (students asked to rate on a 1-4 scale -
go the extra mile and more often than not are just ”too busy” to deal with the agree with you on everything, but the “If you want someone to be for you, never 1=Strongly Agree, 2=Disagree, 3=Agree,
small stuff. They have not been successful Housemasters. difficulties occur when your goalposts let him feel he is dependent upon you; 4=Strongly Agree)
AUTHOR: change or there is a lack of consistency. rather, in some way, make him feel that
Grant Muirhead With the idea of being active in the life of a House this led me to the acronym ACTIVE you are dependent upon him.” - George ABLE
Deputy Headmaster In Summary C. Marshal 1. Does your Housemaster clearly
Whanganui Collegiate School
(Able, Caring, Integrity, Visible, Enabler) House Staff are people of principle and communicate the arrangements of
are honest. This includes: The boarding environment is a great the week/day?
• Are accurate and are not quick to environment to foster student leader- 2. Are the routines and duties of the
WHAT IS BEING ACTIVE? and the reputation of the House and School. goals and responsibilities and the ability to judge.. ship. With parameters, students can House running efficiently and fairly?
Students will respond to this. They can make their own decisions as long as they • Being accountable to mistakes. learn to lead and be led. It is great to CARING
ABLE forgive a lot of chinks in your armour as know you are there to guide and facilitate. • Are willing to deal with awkward have students lead projects. Often you 1. Do you know who to approach when
“The most effective way to do it, is to do long as they know you are there for them. issues. can see them doing things not as well you have a concern?
it.” - Amelia Earhart This is not about always being on their side. This is also true of House staff. No one • Are willing to move forward with as they could be, but sometimes it is
2. Do you find your Housemaster
Young men and women make mistakes, but likes a micro-manager, but it is important students, parents and/or staff better to grimace and let it happen as
approachable?
Let’s start off with the boring stuff. as long as they know you won’t let their that they know their responsibilities. They despite the outcome. there are some great learnings here.
mistakes define them and the door is open. also need to be that team mate that will • Are effective custodians of the val- More often than not students will sur- 3. Does the Housemaster provide and
A Housemaster does have to be an effec- be willing to step up when things don’t go ues of the House and School. prise us by what they can do with their encourage a safe environment in
tive administrator. The paperwork has In Summary to plan as they inevitably will not. • Can keep a confidence as required opportunities. the House?
to be completed, rolls marked, parents • Being approachable so as students can or appropriate. 4. Does the Housemaster deal with situa-
kept in the loop, records completed and discuss issues with confidence. In Summary • Are consistent. Enabling students helps develop their tions fairly, promptly and consistently?
archived. Students need routines, in fact • Being aware of issues facing students. • Working alongside student leaders individual strengths and sets the tone TEAMWORK
they like routines. Parents also like to • Having systems in place to ensure that and ensuring that their voice is heard VISIBLE of the House. It certainly makes your 1. Are you aware of the House Values?
know what is going on in a timely man- students feel safe and have a sense of and implemented. This could include “The little things? The little moments? job easier and can also be the most
2. Do you have a sense of belonging/
ner. And the front office yardstick of how belonging. (Open Door, Duty system, facilitating regular meetings with sen- They aren’t little.” – Jon Kabat-Zinn rewarding part of being a Housemaster
pride in your House?
good you are is often based around how Peer support.) iors, establishing committees etc. seeing students step up.
efficiently you have completed that form. • Having systems in place to ensure that • Establishing a sense of belonging in The value of just ‘being there’ regard- INTEGRITY
students are tracked. the House. This could include regular less of whether you are officially on In Summary 1. Do you feel confident in talking with
In Summary • Being calm. activities, instilling and explaining the duty or not cannot be underestimated. • Ensuring that students are heard. someone from the House staff even
• Fulfilling administrative tasks as • Get to know your students. (Where House Values. Just about every night, regardless as to • Ensuring that students feel emo- over sensitive issues?
required. they are from, their family, their inter- • Working alongside House staff. This whether I was on duty or not, I would tionally and physically safe. 2. What is the most important quality
• Establishing the routines of the House. ests, etc.) could include encouraging their pro- spend some part of the evening wan- • Ensuring that students can manage you want from a Housemaster?
• Establishing a roster to provide ade- fessional development, being open dering around with a coffee cup and themselves and take responsibility VISIBILITY
quate duty of care. TEAMWORK to hear their views, being approach- just catching up or I would start my day for their actions. 1. Do you feel that someone from the
• Providing effective levels of communi- “Teamwork is the ability to work together able and providing clear duties and walking around the dorms to say good • Ensuring that students are given House Team is readily available?
cation to all stakeholders. (e.g. Notices, toward a common vision.” responsibilities. morning and make sure everyone was responsibilities and are able to learn 2. Do you regularly have contact and
School Box). • Working alongside other Housemas- getting up and well. This did not take from their mistakes and actions. talk to your Housemaster?
• Dealing with issues in a timely manner. I have often said that, “You can be the ters and Senior Exec. by sharing good a large amount of time but I think it
• Calling on support and advice as worst Housemaster and still have a great practices, being open to advice, and to had a bigger impact. It is important to reflect on what we 3. Do you regularly have contact and
required. House if you have the students on board.” ensure there is school-wide consistency. can do and what we should be. talk to a member of the House Staff ?
• Facilitating House events and ensuring It is important that House Staff have a ENABLER
CARING It is probably not totally accurate, but it that the House is represented in these sense of presence and availability and I need to point out, I never achieved 1. Do you feel that student opinion is
“People don’t care how much you know until highlights how you must have the students events both and to the best of their ability. that students always have access to a all these things. At times, I was just valued in the House?
they know how much you care.” - Theodore with you around the culture and values of • There is a sense of fun in the House. member of the House Team. far too busy getting through the day. 2. Do you feel that you are learning to
Roosevelt the House. The best way for this to happen is If I had reflected more on what a good become resilient and independent?
let the students set the tone and culture. This INTEGRITY In Summary Housemaster should be, then I am sure GENERAL COMMENT
A Housemaster must be a kind person. They may need a bit of massaging and ‘the plant- “If you have integrity, nothing else matters. • Setting up an effective duty roster I would have done a better job as a As a key stakeholder what would be a
need to show empathy and have a genuine ing of seeds’ but it is important that there If you don’t have integrity, nothing else so that there is adequate supervi- Housemaster. piece of advice you would give to your
sense of care for their students, their staff is sense of ownership. Students respond to matters.” – Alan Simpson sion for students at all times. Housemaster?
20 | Lights Out - June 2021 21 |You can also read
