The Chronicle, Summer Term 2017

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ST EDWARD’S CHRONICLE

very supportive of each other and will share concerns they have about others in the boarding house. Also, the boys are supported by an outstanding Assistant Housemaster, Mr Cottrell; Matron, Mrs Carter; and Resident Tutor, Dr Roche – they always keep their finger on the pulse of the House. The senior boys in the House are a fantastic barometer for current issues and working closely with them helps me to stay connected with their concerns. In addition, Mr Cope circulates bulletins highlighting issues of which we need to be aware. The most enjoyable aspect of my role is working with the pupils and colleagues – they are inspiring and excellent company. I learn something new every day. Making a difference – small or big – is incredibly rewarding. Beth Steer Head of Pupil Wellbeing My role is Head of Pupil Wellbeing which includes being Head of PSHE, running the Peer Listening scheme and being part of the Chaplaincy Team. I am also a Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead along with Rachel Bellamy. I have meetings with the Peer Listeners to find out how they’re getting on and I do small group work in Houses as and when it’s requested by the HM. I see the whole Sixth Form a couple of times a term for their PSHE lecture series (which has visiting speakers on various issues) and often afterwards pupils will want to come on their own or in small groups to talk about the issues raised. More often than not though pupils just pop in for a conversation! I meet with James Cope and Rachel Bellamy every few weeks to think about the School’s safeguarding policies. Given that I work in the same department as Rev Kerr and Mr Bunch (who is the newest addition to the Peer Listening team) we are able to catch up on pastoral issues fairly often. Mr Bunch and I have

also been meeting with the Counsellors this term to plan the new Peer Listening training scheme. I recently attended a training day in London on adolescent wellbeing and mental health at which the keynote speaker was Dr Martin Seligman, a pioneer in positive psychology. It’s an area of research and understanding that is constantly evolving and so there are always interesting books or lectures to look into. I also find other members of staff are hugely committed and helpful in this area; rarely a day goes by when I don’t get sent a link to a video or article that’s relevant for PSHE. Pupils and teachers have a passion for areas surrounding Pupil Wellbeing. This is particularly evident whenever we have a Sixth Form PSHE lecture; the speakers that we’ve had have inspired devised drama pieces, EPQ topics, heated debates in tutor groups and positive action in our school community. It’s a privilege to see the adults and young people here so engaged with the issues that surround healthy adolescent development.

Lisa Walls House Cleaner

I first come into contact with the pupils at breakfast time in the Dining Hall when I have my breakfast and then again when I go into Kendall to start work. I make sure the pupils have a clean home at Teddies and a pleasant environment in which to live and work. Also I keep my eyes and ears open and can discuss any concerns with someone in the House team. The thing I most enjoy is knowing that I am making a difference to the pupils. Over the many years I’ve

been at Teddies I’ve made many friends throughout the School.