PASTORAL CARE Deputy Day Housemasters off to good start
In a first for dayboy Houses, this year College has introduced Deputy Day Housemasters to assist Housemasters and provide greater pastoral care. Caroline Black stepped into the role in Jacobs House, working with Housemaster Matt Thatcher who, she says, allows her considerable scope to initiate projects – including the inaugural charity dog walk from the College gates to the Christ’s College Cricket Grounds in Hagley Park to kick off 2020. “The boys were very clear they wanted to raise money for youth mental health, and that’s the area that the funds will go.” Caroline is also looking forward to Jacobs holding its third House quiz, a whole House event, which was first held in 2016. Her time spent in Jacobs House is pure pleasure, she says. “Every Wednesday I’m there all day, from House assembly, to playing table tennis with Year 9 and Year 10 boys at break or lunchtime, or talking leadership matters with the older boys. I love bringing the Jacobs community together, being with the boys and being with their parents. This role has meant I’ve been able to get to know a lot more of them very well.” Graeme Christey stepped up to be Harper’s Deputy Housemaster because he “wanted an insight” into the real role of the Housemaster.
“I wanted to do this so I could make an informed decision on whether I would enjoy such a role in the future.” Running the House on Wednesday for Matt Cortesi has certainly provided more than a glimpse. “Even with the small amount of work I'm doing in the House I'm gaining increased respect for the leadership shown by many boys. I'm enjoying working with many of the senior boys, especially on things like Wig Wednesday. Activities like that are a great way to get to know more of the boys personally. “And I've realised what a very big job Matt is doing for the boys and their parents, and on behalf of the staff here at College. “The Housemaster job requires a huge commitment of time and energy to do it well.” Dr Briar Wait is Deputy Housemaster of Corfe and is finding the more time she spends in the House the better her relationship with the students. “The more I give, the more I get back. I’ve gained a greater insight into the day to day lives of the
students and the more I know them, the more I can respond to their needs and support them. Corfe has a great bunch of people in it.” She enjoys the way she and Housemaster Ian Stevenson “bounce ideas around, which ultimately brings a balance.” Briar says the challenge of the role is having to deal with new situations and figuring out how to handle them. Like the others, she has learnt how much time and effort goes into the Housemaster role. “The House environment is like a family, and it's not a role that can easily be switched off. College is very lucky to have people who give so much to this role.” Nikki Bleyendaal is Deputy Housemaster at Julius House, where she has had a presence for many years. “The opportunity to take on the role in an official capacity was the obvious next step, and is a great chance to get to know our students and encourage and support them in both academic and non- academic pursuits.”
“Themore I give, themore I get back. I’ve gained a greater insight into the day to day lives of the students and themore I know them, themore I can respond to their needs and support them.” Dr Briar Wait
Christ’s College Canterbury
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