St Edward's Chronicle October 2016

23 ST EDWARD’S CHRONICLE

and they know we are working in their best interests. Unlike any other role in the School, the Matron post is almost exclusively pastoral; we do not have a disciplinary role. It is important that whatever is going on in their lives, and whatever pressures or disciplinary processes they are encountering elsewhere, they have someone to turn to who will support them through everything and who will not judge. Every young person needs someone like that in their lives. Is the role evolving? Yes. We have a big influence on the young people in our care and we take it seriously. There is now explicit training in counselling, coaching and mental health available for most staff, not just Matrons, but given how much time we spend with pupils, it is exceptionally useful for us. There is a greater emphasis on House-based Personal, Social and Health Education. We play a significant role in instilling basic values in our pupils, and every day we have conversations with them covering all the big life topics: community living, responsibility, friendships, coping with stress, identity, sex and relationships. If we can help steer them in the right direction and unravel some of these things, then we are getting things right. We also receive training in basic triage so we can help with asthma, hay fever, anxiety – the day-to-day

What sort of skills are useful for the role? Above all else: a sense of humour. Fortunately, our pupils are tremendous company and are generally great to be with. We need to be so many different things: organised, resourceful, energetic, kind, approachable, efficient, in touch with teenage culture, a good counsellor, adaptable, good at juggling and finding solutions, observant, firm but fair, a team player, excellent communicators … the list is endless. Do pupils appreciate the efforts you make on their behalf? For the most part, yes. We generally find that they have a great deal of respect for us because they can see how hard we work, ‘My House is the best! We always have a great time and our Matron is hilarious. Even if you’re having a bad day, you can always rely on her to put a smile on your face.’ Maddie Catchpole, Avenue (Dragon)

Cassie Cooper

concerns which fall below the GP’s radar. If things are more serious, of course, we can call on our colleagues in the Health Centre. We are also being offered training in neuro-linguistic programming: looking at how we react the way we do in certain situations and how we can train ourselves to do things differently: ‘respond rather than react’ is the current mantra.

Left to right: Linda Wang ( d’Overbroecks ), Macy Jilla ( Morna International College ), Pim Kanthamanon ( Heathfield International ), Jacqui Motion, Ella Morris ( Dragon ), Kitty Dodd-Noble ( Downe House ) and Aliya Jones ( Swanbourne House )