2019 ‘Boarder’s Wellbeing Conference’

This term, I was able to attend the 2019 ‘Boarder’s Wellbeing Conference’ at Knox. One idea in particular, has continued to resonate with me. It was something which our very own Head of Counselling, Dr John Burns, quoted from Business Management visionary Peter Drucker: ‘Culture eats strategy for breakfast, so don’t leave it unattended.’  This is a confronting statement. Is it true that a community’s cultural tone is more significant in leaving an impression than even the most idealistic or detailed strategies? What is the ‘nutritional value’ of our boarding culture at Shore? What possible role could an individual play in shifting something so intangible yet weighty? I am sure that I speak for all boarding staff when I say my priority is always the good of the students in my care, so I ask myself, are my ‘Wellbeing strategies’ actually impacting culture? In discussing this question with students, staff, parents and the psychology team I have condensed my thoughts into two truths:

1. Institutional change takes time, but does start small.
2. Making sure everyone feels known, valued and supported is key.

 ‘Proactive Pastoral Care’, the framework of wellbeing I use, is divided into 6 domains:

1. Staff are supportive
2. Students feel contact and friendship between students of diverse cultures and backgrounds
3. House connectedness
4. Affirming diversity
5. Rule clarity
6. Reporting and seeking help

So, what might we do to address these domains?

I think developing our sense of respect is key, imbedding this concept into an inherently transitory community must come from all ‘stakeholders’, staff, students and parents. Each recognising they are intrinsically dependant on the other.

I have decided I am going to aim to do 3 things this term to play my part in fostering a culture of respect.

• Speak to every student in my house about stories from their childhood (thinking about diversity of backgrounds and experience) by the end of the term, for at least 10 minutes each. Staff are supportive
• Pick some favourite quotes about respect with my tutor group, print them and put them on noticeboards to make tangible expectations of respect and spark thought and discussion. Rule/expectation clarity
• Set challenges for students (a few students each week) to ask ‘how are you going?’ to a peer from another year group. Friendship between students

These ideas are by no means revolutionary. However, the more I learn about wellbeing, especially in boarding, the more I realise it is about everyday relational moments. So yes, culture may eat strategy for breakfast, but that is ok, in fact it is good. Because respectful, proactive pastoral care adds the ‘essential vitamins and minerals’ to the Shore boarding culture diet.

Rachel Pickering
School House