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ST EDWARD’S CHRONICLE
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
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
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
Gemma Ferrier
School Nurse
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.
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
during the year on issues
pertinent to my role as a
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.