Barry House Staff
During the day, at recess and lunch, The House is supervised by several of the PE staff. One such staff member is David Kennett, a Shore Old Boy who left in 2005. He has a special place in the heart of the Barry Housemaster’s heart because he was his 2nd XV captain in David’s final year of school. To give you an insight into David’s context and role in boarding, we thought a little chat might be in order.
Family? Married to Naomi and father to daughter, Millie (6½ months old)
How long at Shore as a staff member? 8½ years
Why get into this line of work? I was always interested in sports and training, and improving performance in athletics pursuits. I was in the first Year 12 cohort to access the new (at the time) PDHPE programme, and that inspired me further to get involved in this as a life experience. Physiotherapy was also an avenue I was interested in.
Interests? Training hard, surfing, triathlons (I have competed in two Kona Hawaiian triathlons).
What can you offer boarding? I enjoy the more casual, non-classroom interaction with the boarders outside of training. It helps build an overarching school community relationship because the rapport in this context is easier to establish. I get the opportunity to educate the boarders on health and fitness, one-on-one, including such things as sleep, diet, exercise and well-being. The proximity that boarding enjoys to the gym means I have a closer connection with them than perhaps the Day Boys, and I am able to carry this over to the relationships I enjoy in Barry House. I can offer them advice and encouragement in the House on every shift, and this helps motivate them to make good life and health choices.
