The Chronicle, Summer Term 2017

12 ST EDWARD’S CHRONICLE

Gemma Ferrier School Nurse

I meet with the House Staff weekly to keep up to date with what is going on the House and how I can best support them. I attend regular study days nurse and also issues affecting teenagers. Listening to the pupils is also so important as they are able to tell me in much more detail things that are affecting them and that are important to them. I love the variety – working in the Health Centre you can never be sure who is going to walk through the door or why they might be coming to see us. Learning how to support pupils from a health and pastoral perspective as they journey through School and develop their independence is a huge and ongoing learning curve which makes my role fascinating. during the year on issues pertinent to my role as a

I am one of the Nurses working in the Health Centre at St Edward’s. We see pupils with a very wide range of physical and mental health problems and issues. I am also the House Nurse for Tilly’s and Corfe. I work with the House Teams to provide extra health and pastoral support to the pupils and staff. Spending time in the Houses is a great way to get to know some of the pupils better and get more involved in school life. I see pupils when they come to Health Centre. I go into each of the boarding houses at break time once a week on the same day, so that pupils get to know my face and when I am around. We have a great team of Nurses in the Health Centre. We usually have a team meeting every fortnight to share experiences and any concerns. I also attend meetings with James Cope and Matthew Cheetham (school GP) on a fortnightly basis.

Jeremy Mather Housemaster

I’m lucky enough to see pupils pretty much all day every day! The Cowell’s team and I try to be in House as much as possible. Working with the pupils is what I love about being a Housemaster. The most enjoyable time of every day is sitting on the landing and chatting to the boys and colleagues. House events such as House Chapel, a charity event, annual dinner, curry nights, and various trips are always good for spending time with the boys. Often there is some distance from the

always useful in developing the best possible pastoral care for the pupils. There is a very supportive team of professionals at the School who have a huge amount of experience, and drawing upon their advice and guidance is crucial to our pastoral success. I have many inspiring colleagues and if you work in a boarding school it is likely because you enjoy working with people. Many colleagues are easily contactable by phone – and it is always good to talk! Otherwise, there are emails … probably too many. Working in a boarding house provides an opportunity to discuss with pupils what is on their mind in a relaxed setting. I am constantly impressed by how refreshingly open the boys are about issues that are affecting them and their friends. They are

stresses and strains of school life and they provide an opportunity to connect and develop our relationship. Face to face is my preferred way of connecting with colleagues. We have various cyclical meetings that are