10 Years of Boarding Toto the Wellbeing Dog, of Youth and Money - Australian Boarding Schools Association
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Vol. 14 | Issue 3 | Oct 2021
Toto the Wellbeing Dog, The Invisibles
10 Years of Boarding of Youth
and Money
Age and Experience The Right Way
in Boarding to be Tough
www.letzlive.org
Contents
2 Do You Look After Yourself? 36 Down The Track Youth
4 When Imaginary Lines Enterprises Engaging Young
Aren’t So Fine People Differently in the Red
Dust Classroom
5 The Border
39 Property Corner - The
6 Is a Communications Crisis
Importance of Colour
Really that Unexpected?
in the Boarding House
8 Sleep and Boarding
40 How do we Achieve a High
10 Boarding Staff Training- Standard of Cleaning Within a
VECTORS CREATED BY STORIES - WWW.FREEPIK.COM
An Essential Risk Control Reasonable Budget?
13 Law and Ethics for Australian 42 A Conversation We Should All
Teachers Be Having
Do You
14 Age and Experience in Boarding 43 Welcome Ken James
– Why Longevity Matters and
44 Parental Influence on
Should Make a Difference.
Motivation and Engagement at
Look After
16 For Success (and Happiness) in Boarding School
a Corporate Career, it’s Best to
46 Reaching for the Stars
be Pear-shaped:
48 Ballarat Grammar
Yourself?
17 A Confused Mind Says No.
Post-COVID Cure
18 Student Concierge Services:
50 Expand your STEAM Skills and be
Embracing the New COVID-19
Immersed at CASE Ocean School
World
53 Online Orientation Instead -
20 The Right Way to be Tough
Experiences from a Distance
How to Effectively Criticise and READING EXERCISING LISTENING
54 The Invisibles of Youth
Impose Consequences
and Money
Over the past few years it has
23 The Next Piece of the Puzzle…
become increasingly clear to me I know many people find it difficult to So many boarding staff forget the role exer- I must admit that pre-Covid I had never
56 Mood Food - make time to read, but I can’t encourage cise plays in a healthy life. We are often so listened to a podcast, even though my two
26 Whole Food Nutrition for Your
Mind and Brain Power!
Nutrition for Mental Health that the role of being leader of you enough to set aside the time to get lost busy looking after other people we forget sons kept telling me about great things
58 An Emotional Ride NEGS
28 Every Teacher’s Dream: Online
Equestrian the boarding community, or even in a book. Many years ago I undertook the to look after ourselves, and this was never to listen to. Therefore, I decided to use
Literacy Program Makes It Fun ‘Seven Habits of Highly Effective People’, more evident to me than over the last two the time walking to listen to things for
For Kids To Hit The Books 60 Period-proof Underwear – a staff member in a boarding course, and habit number seven, Sharpen years here in the ABSA office. So I took the me, speakers who would improve my life
30 Realistic Solutions for Healthy
Changing Their World by
Changing Their Undies
house, is becoming more and more the Saw, included one of my great loves time to do two things - firstly I left my car in some sort of way. I have laughed and
Sleep in Boarding: What Does
immense and this has never been - reading. However, Stephen Covey talks at work and walked to and from home - cried through some of the interviews
the Research Tell Us? 62 Welcome: New Principals & of only reading non-fiction books which a distance of between 2.5km and 3.5km on ‘The Howie Games’ (his recent chat
32 Toto the Wellbeing Dog,
Heads of Boarding more obvious than during 2020 will improve your knowledge, and I can’t depending on which path, and have dis- with Andrew Gaze post the Olympics is
63 From the Chair – Pauline Turner
10 Years of Boarding and 2021 with the added pressures object enough to this. Certainly, reading covered the delight of time to myself with priceless) and have loved improving my
34 Travelling to the Home Front non-fiction is great - my last two non-fic- no-one interrupting. It gives me time to basketball and business knowledge on
of dealing with the impacts of tion books were Norman Swan’s new book plan the day, to let go of the tough issues, ‘The Old Man and the Three’ by JJ Reddick
Covid-19 in boarding houses. ‘So You Think You Know What’s Good For and above all, to think about the things I with interviews of many NBA players as
ON THE COVER You’ and Chris Thurber’s new book ‘The love. I have discovered how beautiful the well as hearing from Bob Iger the Exec-
St Peters Lutheran College, Brisbane, boarders on the balconies of Ross Roy. Unlikely Art of Parental Pressure’ (and I’d sunset can be, how amazing it is to watch utive Chairmen of the Walt Disney Com-
CONTACT US
AUTHOR: recommend them both to you). However, the full moon rise, how very few days it pany - as an example. I am hoping many
Australian Boarding Schools Association. Richard Stokes it is with fiction that you can get lost and actually rains first and last thing of the of you subscribe to ‘On Duty’ and ‘Study
Postal: PO Box 3241, HENDRA, QLD, 4011 Chief Executive Officer enjoy stretching your imagination. Read- day (I have only been caught twice). Try Time’, the ABSA podcasts (I won’t mention
Office: Unit 6, 26 Navigator Place, ABSA ing books like ‘Boy Swallows Universe’ to find time to walk - it is good for the my favourite interviews, but wow - they
HENDRA, QLD, 4011 and ‘All The Shimmering Skies” both by heart and good for the mind. Secondly, we have been fun to listen to). So find your
P + 61 7 3205 4940 Trent Dalton, ‘The Dry’ and ‘The Survivors’ have brought in a Personal Trainer two thing in podcast world - my wife Karen
F + 61 7 3205 6567 by Jane Harper, and ‘The Dictionary of afternoons a week (and yes, I walk home enjoys ‘Conversations’ by Richard Fidler,
J
E absa@boarding.org.au uggling sudden lockdown, border closures, Lost Words’ by Pip Williams (can you tell after the session too). Mat is one of my there is a great one called ‘You’re Wrong
www.boarding.org.au
detailed and challenging regulations written I love Australian authors!) and ‘Where ex-students, is qualified and enjoys hearing About’ - you name it, there is a podcast
EDITOR by bureaucrats who have never been in a the Crawdads Sing’ by Delia Owens (one us complain about how sore he made us for every interest.
Richard Stokes, Chief Executive Officer, boarding house, anxious parents and students, of my all time favourites) just to name a from the last session. Yes, sometimes I go
Australian Boarding Schools Association vaccination and on-line learning have all few. Finding time every day to get lost in back to my desk afterwards to finish off These are just three ways I have discov-
GRAPHIC DESIGN impacted on the role a great deal. And guess who is words is good for the brain, and for the what didn’t get done before he arrived, ered to ‘Look After Myself’. What can
trishbiggsgraphicdesign.com.au usually pushed to the side - YOU! So, I thought I’d body - so try it! but most often I have enjoyed the full-bore you do for yourself? The first step is to
+61 403 471 903 take this opportunity to help you think about a re-set way to end a day. try something, and make time for it - I
PRINTING - a chance to look at what you can do for yourself so challenge you to, as you will find you do
Professional Print Services that you can continue with the huge role of looking an even better job of looking after your
sales@professionalprintservices.com.au after your boarders. boarders once you look after yourself. ■
2 | Lights Out - October 2021 3|
When Imaginary Lines
Aren’t So Fine com
The Border
ww.freepik.
ARLINE - w
TED BY ST
VECTOR CREA
The nature of this virus is unpredictable and unforeseeable. Googling “NSW Corona
Virus update” has become a part of my daily routine, refreshing the page every
few hours and watching with intent as numbers continue to upsurge. I find myself
reaching the end of an article and just longing for some kind of reassurance, some
Listen to me. Imagine you are doing the dishes
kind of hope. So far, I’ve been bitterly disappointed and as the number of COVID-19
and in the distance you see the trees, but you know that
cases increase each day, the days since I’ve seen my family also increase.
you must never pass the trees, otherwise you are entering forbidden land.
AUTHOR: your pass and drivers licence. The Police you leaders of the trees, stop prioritising AUTHOR: by my side. Walking past the girls’ rooms across the stage and receive my Certificate
Isabella Hawkins Officer tells you that when you arrive in your egos over the health and wellbeing Lara Brown in the boarding house and seeing them of Completion of Year 12, I will be able
Boarder town you must go and have a COVID-19 of others, especially those who are so Boarder packing their bags, ready to go home, is to look out into the overwhelming sea of
Wilderness School test. Why is this necessary? You can see called “dirty Victorians”. ■ Somerville House what really gets me down. Usually, I’m the families, and spot mine. ■
the trees from your house yet apparently first to pack up, I just can’t help it as I’m
you live in a hotspot. always so excited to head home. I even live
out of my suitcase for the last two weeks
Y A
ou feel like a prisoner. Despite You are locked away from your family. merican writer H.P Lovecraft once of school. But this time, I’m just two days
there being no COVID-19 cases Your children are at boarding school far said that “the oldest and strong- away from finishing my final full term of
found anywhere near you, you past the trees. You miss them. You try to est emotion of mankind is fear, school ever, and I haven’t packed a thing.
are treated like someone who get a pass to see them, but you are only and the oldest and strongest kind
has it. Even though you do everything allowed to be 70km past the trees. This of fear is fear of the unknown”. I’m so grateful for my boarding community
past the trees including your shopping meaningless number has made you feel who strive to bring comfort to myself and
and work, you have been given this label. upset for months. You’ve had 16 tests but Usually, when boarding is tough, I know the other girls who have been away from
This label that defines you. This label that apparently this isn’t enough. that in just a few short weeks, Mum and their families for months. But boarders
you don’t deserve. This label is known as Dad will be waiting out the front, ready to need their families and their families need
being Victorian. A few months into the line past the trees drive me home for holidays. But not this them. There shouldn’t be any borders for
being closed an announcement gets made year. I have come to realise that there is boarders. It seems pretty far-fetched right
You have done nothing wrong. You keep that they will be letting people from New a difference between simply not going now, but my one wish is that when I walk
your distance. You follow the guidelines. Zealand in. A place that has COVID-19 home for a while and physically not being LARA AND HER FRIENDS
You don’t want to hurt anyone, yet you cases yet there are none near you. You allowed to go home, or even receiving
have somehow committed a crime. When are still treated as a prisoner. It’s as if the some indication which may provide some
you hear the news that from tomor- decision to keep the borders shut is no skerrick of hope as to when I will be able
row you will be able to pass the trees longer for health reasons, instead it’s all to return home.
for essential services you feel a sense about politics.
of excitement, but as you think about Living in a small town just off the coast of
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it more and more you get struck by a The next day you send an email asking Northern NSW, a mere four hours’ drive
sense of guilt. Despite you not doing to see your children, but you receive from Brisbane, I find it difficult to fathom
anything wrong, the people who live no response. The leaders past the trees how my parents and home can be sepa-
past the trees, and the ones that are in don’t care how you are feeling. The Chief rated from me by just a border on a map.
charge of the trees, have made you feel Health Officer of the trees Professor Not being able to share the final events
like an imposter. It is not right that you Spurrier says “we have to learn to live of year 12 with my parents has been what
are experiencing this feeling. It needs with this virus” but how is she doing has stuck with me during this. Milestone
to stop. The borders need to be opened. this? This sense of frustration, sadness, events, such as my 18th birthday, Mother/
and guilt is something one should never Daughter dinners, and Father/Daughter
It’s the next day and you are just past the have to experience. No one should be dances are just another day or event that
trees. You are stopped and must show separated from their loved ones. So, I ask I’d rather not go to if I can’t have my parents LARA WITH HER DAD
4 | Lights Out - October 2021 5|
By having time on your side, you can Audit’ on a regular basis – at least half For example, are you raising boarding fees
carefully consider how best to respond yearly - as part of their everyday com- in the next six months, are you receiving
without rushing to meet a deadline and munications planning and reputation government funding, are your financial
it also means you have the opportunity to management programs. reports about to be published showing
consider the many different options at your a decline in revenue or are you making
disposal to manage the communications to So, what’s an Issue Audit? changes to school structure or governance?
Is a Communications Crisis both your internal and external audiences.
What do I mean by that? Well for example,
In an issue audit we look at an institution’s
current operating environment, its planning
Take the time to do an ‘Issues Audit’ and
detail all the known and the potential con-
Really that Unexpected? you hold control over the timing of the
release of news which in the event of if
being very bad news, can be very useful.
for the future, the regulatory environment
and the potential ‘left field events’ that could
all create a communications event such as
an accident involving a student, bullying or
tentious issues that you can and once you
have your issues listed, then you can start
thinking about how you might respond.
It also means you have time to consider a professional issue with a staff member. The aim is not to have answers for
In our last article (June 2021 edition) we looked at the fundamental elements of crisis how to frame the messages around the everything but rather to understand the
communications planning, recognising that an effective crisis communications issue, which again is very helpful if the Also have a look for the problems that landscape of what might or could occur
issue is likely to be bad news for your are already there and think about them and plan a proactive communications
plan needs to be an essential part of day-to-day business for any school. school community and potentially a mat- in a communications’ context – are they response around that.
ter of interest to media. matters that affect your students, staff,
AUTHOR: the organisation involved and usually for only alumni. Identifying which stake- parents, the community – are they mat- By taking the time to do an ‘Issue Audit’,
Julian Brophy, some time. holders are affected means you can then Knowing ahead of time provides a huge ters that could end in the media and pub- organisations make sure that they have
Perception Partners determine what messaging is required number of options but they are only there lic domain? prepared communication responses for
So, does knowing ahead of time to address their concerns as well as the for you to use if you take proactive steps to their internal and external stakeholders
make a difference when it comes most effective communication tool to identify issues early and keep a watching on contentious issues that could erupt
reach them. brief on potentially new issues that will without warning.
W
hilst COVID-19 has meant
to crisis communications? emerge from time to time.
we are all more aware of the From my perspective – absolutely. Know- It may be that the issue also will affect The benefit is that you are not trying to
crisis potential, the reality ing the issues that could come to the fore external stakeholders, such as school reg- This is why we recommend to our do this in the middle of a crisis – which
is that even in a post pan- at any time makes a world of difference ulators, local representatives, gov- clients to undertake an ‘Issue is something you really want to avoid at
demic future (still it seems a very long way and most importantly means you and your ernment agencies, other all costs. ■
ahead), being ready for the unexpected is organisation have many more options schools, and associa-
best approached as a core business activity. available to you in managing a conten- tions – by having
tious issue. time on your side
Underpinning effective preparedness that means you
for unforeseen events that can quickly Think about how much easier it is to can identify
escalate into communication issues for a respond either to your internal stake- who is affected
school’s stakeholders – or even seep out holders such as parents, students, staff and how to
into the public domain through social or alumni, or in the event that the issue address their
media or mainstream media reporting breaks into the public domain, to the concerns on
- is proactive planning and preparation. media, if you already have prepared and the front foot,
ready to go your messaging, statements this ensuring
One of the single biggest misconcep- and responses. their confidence
tions that many people have is that a in your organisa-
communications crisis comes without If you know about a contentious matter tion remains high.
warning, is somehow unexpected and before it becomes a communication issue,
couldn’t be predicted. that means you critically have the time Time also provides you
to prepare what your response is likely and your school the opportunity
Whilst this might be the case in regards to be, whether it is a letter to your school to mitigate any reputational damage that a
an accident or a global pandemic like the community, a public statement for the potentially contentious issue might inflict.
one we are enduring now, more often than website, a media release, or a social media
not the underlying issue that ultimately post on one of your channels. In my experience it is often how an organ-
finds its way into the public domain via the isation responds – and how that response
front page of the local news, is not actually Time means you can also consider what is judged externally – which determines
a surprise for the organisation involved. the implications are of the issue and how how well an organisation will weather
best you can address those proactively. In reputational damage even if the issue at
In more than 30 years’ experience as a considering what the implications are, you hand is damaging in and of itself.
journalist and communications consult- can also spend time identifying which of
ant, I can fairly say that the majority of your stakeholders will be most affected Being transparent, open and accountable
crisis communications issues I have been by the issue – for example, it might be an can all shape the opinion of both internal
asked to advise on have their origins in issue that only affects staff, or it might only and external stakeholders in a positive
matters that were already well known to affect parents and guardians or perhaps way, even if sharing bad news.
6 | Lights Out - October 2021 7|
4. Avoid caffeine, soft drinks, and large Boarding houses are particularly suited to
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meals before bed: Don’t fire up your promoting good sleep habits, which may
metabolism right before bed. improve the life-long sleeping routines
5. Have a dark, quiet, and cool (16-18 of boarders even after they leave school.
degrees) bedroom. This is a unique opportunity to harness
routine to promote wellbeing! ■
Sleep Resources
and Boarding
Creating a sleep-friendly environment is vital to improving adolescents’ wellbeing, and may
also assist in achieving the other goals we all hope to achieve ourselves and with our board-
ing community. While we have seen that boarding may be a good place to sleep, below are
links to resources which are great for kickstarting a conversation about sleep’s importance:
Alex Reardon studies psychology, and in particular adolescent sleep and wellbeing at the
University of South Australia. He is also a boarding supervisor at Westminster School, Ade-
AUTHOR: laide. He is passionate about improving adolescent mental health through promoting good
Alex Reardon sleep environments, and is supervised by Professor Kurt Lushington and Dr Alex Agostini.
Boarding Supervisor To contact Alex about his research, or the implications for boarding,
Westminster School email reaaj005@mymail.unisa.edu.au.
Why is sleep important?
Students, boarding directors, teachers and
parents alike; what is your most important
goal for the remainder of the year? Do
you want to: Headspace Information Sheet Matt Walker TED Talk:
• Improve grades and academic
https://headspace.org.au/assets/Factsheets/ https://www.ted.com/talks/matt_walker_6_
performance? Unfortunately, despite teenagers gaining in kitchens. Students suggested these
HSP225-Sleep-Fact-Sheet-DP3.pdf tips_for_better_sleep?language=en
• Build friendships and social less sleep than their younger counterparts, improved their sleep, and that they sup-
connections? their actual “sleep need” remains the same. ported this policy. Interestingly, they also
• Improve metal health and wellbeing? Guidelines from the Australian Sleep said that would not voluntarily put their
Health Foundation suggest 8-10 hours is phones down early, suggesting that this
Sleep is a fundamental pillar of our psy- required for ideal functioning. is an important area for boarding staff
chological and physical wellbeing. As indi- to be aware of.
viduals, and as members of a boarding What is different about sleeping in
community, many of the things we wish boarding? So, what does this mean for
to achieve would be aided by attaining boarding houses?
greater sleep, or promoting better sleep We all know that living in boarding is
in our students respectively. really different to the experiences of typ- Boarding may be the perfect place for
ical day students! Students are far-from- sleep! We have good routine, staff promot-
Why do adolescents struggle to get home, and surrounded by peers! How do ing good decision making, and expecta-
enough sleep? you think boarders sleep at night? tions around technology use. As boarding
staff, we need to leverage these inherent
Adolescents specifically struggle to attain Boarders are actually sleeping really characteristics to promote good sleep
sufficient sleep for two reasons: Biolog- well! We found that boarders were able practices in our students. What does a
ically, a teenagers ‘body clock’, is natu- to attain an average of 40 minutes more good sleeping environment look like?
rally delayed, and as a result, they have a sleep than their day student peers!
preference for evenings, while still wak- Keys to getting good sleep!
ing for school in the morning. Socially, When we asked boarders about the
adolescence is a time of new academic, boarding environment, two key takea- 1. Aim to have a consistent bed-time
extracurricular, activities, and new rela- ways emerged: and wake-time everyday… including
tionships and employment. These all Routine: In boarding, there is an abun- weekends. This helps align your body
disrupt and displace sleep. As students dance of routine. Sport, dinner, study and clocks to be sleepy during the night,
enter their final years of schooling, they socialising are all consistently timed. In and active during the day!
have commitments before school, activ- particular, bed-time and wake-time are 2. Minimise technology before bed, and
ities after, and social engagements after highly structured and controlled. This was once in bed—all technology should
that! Finally, when students are ready for beneficial to achieving adequate sleep. be away.
bed, these novel experiences are exciting, 3. Exercise during the day. Expending
stressful, or worrisome… it’s too hard Technology policies: Students were energy is great for health, and also
to sleep! expected to leave phones on desks or promotes a restful night!
8 | Lights Out - October 2021 9|
Boarding Staff Training-
An Essential Risk Control
A recent School Governance survey discovered that most schools
see Professional Development (PD) as a valuable way to provide staff
• induction of staff including replace- boarding schools.
development and better teaching delivery. They conduct PD regularly ment supervisors, casual staff, volun-
throughout the year, with slightly more PD conducted in Term 1. teers and contractors Health and Safety Training
• legal and regulatory compliance train-
ing (including in key areas such as This is a requirement under health and
AUTHORS: and managing PD data. schools need to better understand privacy, workplace safety and child safety legislation. Health and safety
Craig D’cruz - • The most challenging aspects of organ- what their boarding staff really need is required than simply having a policy. protection) requirements in every State and Terri-
Principal Consultant and ising PD are budget and managing to know, and they need to allocate a • school values and ethos (including tory require organisations to train staff in
Sector Lead, Education and staff replacements. suitable budget to allow for this train- Policies need to be put into practice by codes of conduct) how to maintain a safe work environment.
Jonathan Oliver - ing to take place. All boarding schools the staff. Policies need to be understood, • operations training (including board- There is a duty to protect boarding staff and
Principal Consultant, Sadly, anecdotal evidence indicates that will tell you that training is an essen- applied and reviewed, to ensure that they ing facility supervision and excursion boarders from workplace hazards. One
Risk and Compliance the provision of PD for staff in boarding tial part of inducting boarding staff on are effective in controlling the associated management) of the primary methods of protection is
CompliSpace facilities is far less than for teaching staff, the requirements of their roles, and risks. However, it is often the ‘understood’ • student health, welfare and safety training in relation to safe work practices.
yet these supervisors are responsible for for ensuring that these staff continue component that boarding schools, and (including anaphylaxis and general
the boarders for the other 18 hours of to grow and develop. But are they reg- many day schools, do not do well. first aid training) Child Safe/Protection Training
the day. ularly presented with the things that • human resources (anti-discrimina-
The survey also highlighted several other the boarding staff need to know, at the In order to understand the requirements of tion, anti-bullying and harassment This is a requirement of state and ter-
matters including: In today’s boarding communities, and now right time, and in the right format, to a policy, staff must be trained in how to use and internal grievances) ritory education regulatory bodies and
• COVID-19 lockdowns have caused a more than ever, boarding staff need to be ensure that they can learn and support the policy and the procedures effectively. • staff wellbeing and development. a requirement of child protection leg-
major shift away from face-to-face PD well-informed and have a deep under- and engage with the school’s culture? They must understand the required behav- islation. In addition, Principle 7 of the
and towards online delivery. standing of how regulatory requirements iours that the boarding school requires of While not all schools may see the need to National Principles for Child Safe Organ-
• COVID-19 lockdowns have signifi- and school policies impact on how they its supervisory staff and they must apply train their boarding staff in all these areas, isations states:
cantly changed schools’ choices of manage risks and how they care for the POLICY TO CULTURE-WHAT these behaviours in their day-to-day duty it is worth considering the legal liability Staff and volunteers are equipped with
PD content, with most schools now boarders. Boarding facilities continue to DOES THIS MEAN? of care of the boarders. issues that may arise where a school has a the knowledge, skills and awareness to
seeking content about online learning. become more complex, and the demands significant policy area such as health and keep children and young people safe
• More than half of schools feel only of the job continue to increase. Boarding You may have heard the phrase ‘policy to Basically, to make the words on the page safety but fails to train its boarding staff in through ongoing education and training.
“somewhat prepared” or “not prepared” staff need to have increasing skills sets, culture’ but what exactly does it mean? move across to become part of the culture relation to it or where a school has specific
to deliver PD online/remotely. through training, to respond to these All schools, not just boarding schools, of the boarding school, staff need to be policies on safe excursion management This includes the following listed indi-
• Whether they are ready for it or not, complexities within the boarding envi- have policies and procedures in place to trained in how to implement the policy but fails to train the boarding supervisors cators as evidence that Principle 7 is
many schools see online PD as a pos- ronment. These issues include increased manage risk. And for policies and proce- and know that they are expected to follow in relation to these policies. being upheld:
itive opportunity. complexity in: dures to effectively manage risk, they ulti- the policy in how they act. • The organisation provides regular
• Schools’ PD budgets are either remain- • the needs of adolescents, including mately must create desired behavioural If something goes wrong, there is potential opportunities to educate and train
ing the same or decreasing. mental health issues, the impact of outcomes or, put another way, affect the for boarder or staff injury or worse, and staff on child safety and wellbeing
• About half of schools subsidise PD for social media and technology, increased culture of the organisation. WHAT TRAINING IS REQUIRED this could result in serious reputational policies and procedures and evi-
teacher registration. Most of those that socio-economic and cultural diversity, AS EFFECTIVE CONTROLS? damage in additional to legal liability. dence-based practice.
do subsidise it are spending $400-1000 and physical health issues such as obe- Unfortunately, some boarding schools Schools should also consider that many • Staff and volunteers receive training
per staff member per year, and many sity and allergies (and many day schools) take the view So, what is worse – not having a pol- organisations are spending considerable in the rights of children and young
are spending $1000+. • the needs and expectations of that all they need to be compliant is to icy or having a policy and not training sums of money on staff training in all the people in relation to records being
• Most (but not all) schools keep track parents, including changes in par- publish a compliant policy. But, of course, staff in relation to the policy? It is not areas mentioned in the list above and con- created about children and young
of PD. ent/child relationships, parenting just publishing a policy does not achieve always well understood that schools sider the training essential to maintaining people and their use.
• Responsibility for managing PD is styles, and family structure, and compliance. To achieve compliance, a need a wide range of PD to support their organisational culture, compliance and
often shared and it is not always clear increased or decreased parental policy needs to create desired behav- policies and meet the requirements for the overall reduction of risk. Clearly Principle 7 envisages ongoing
who has primary responsibility. involvement and engagement. ioural outcomes, to influence the cultural legal and regulatory compliance. Some child safe training not once-a-year train-
• There is no single, commonly-used practices and behaviours of the boarding of the training requirements for school Here’s some more details about some ing, and not just training that provides an
system for recording PD completion If training is going to be impactful, school. To have this effect, much more boarding staff are: of the key subject areas applicable to overview of ‘our child protection policies’
10 | Lights Out - October 2021 11 |
but something that looks more deeply Just Face-to-Face staff offsite as staff absences often need
into issues such as factors that influence During the recent COVID-19 periods of to be covered by a casual staff member.
the development of a child safe organi- shutdown, schools have needed to develop
sational culture. their own PD or find quality online PD for So, will boarding schools increase both
The National Principles for Child Safe
Organisations are mandatory or soon to
their staff. The initial focus was on PD
related to the working from home and
online learning environments. ABSA has
the offerings of PD for their supervi-
sors and other staff and ensure that
their PD budgets allow for valid, good
Law and Ethics
become mandatory in some jurisdictions
with the other jurisdictions likely to follow
over the next couple of years. In any event,
they represent best practice.
helped to fill the void in this PD space
by offering a plethora of quality online
learning opportunities for boarding staff
including their valuable ‘certificate’ and
quality and effective training for the
people who care for the boarders for 18
hours or more each day? ■
for Australian Teachers
duty of care courses. Many boarding Craig D’cruz Principal Consultant and Sector
Excursion Safety Training schools are seeing the benefits of provid- Lead, Education and Jonathan Oliver Princi- The publication of a new book on Australian school
ing online PD both in terms of cost savings pal Consultant, Risk and Compliance law is usually an event to be celebrated. This
In a recent CompliSpace Webinar survey, as well as receiving a positive response Jonathan Oliver
the presenters noted that that 80 per cent from their boarding supervisors and Jonathan is a Principal Consultant working
work, by Mark Butlin, Noeleen McNamara
of staff in schools receive no excursion other staff in respect of the convenience with CompliSpace education clients in the and Kerrie Anglin, is no exception.
management or excursion safety training. of online learning, particularly where it areas of risk and compliance. He has more
Unfortunately, many boarding schools is self-paced. than 10 years’ experience in the school sector
conduct excursions where there is a lack as a teacher, compliance and legal adviser AUTHOR:
and more recently as a business manager.
of a policy framework for the supervisors Boarding Staff Want PD, Boarding Jonathan has been a solicitor for nearly 30
Andrew Knott
to follow on how to conduct the excursion Schools Want PD – Online and Special Counsel
years and has worked in both private practice
and activity in a safe manner. If there Holding Redlich
is no policy, there can be no training in
Face-to-Face and community legal centres. Jonathan is a
regular presenter on behalf of CompliSpace
relation to the policy. Surveys indicate that all staff, not just on issues relating to risk, compliance and
boarding staff, want good quality PD that
I
school governance.
Privacy Training helps them to do their job better. They Craig D’cruz t meets the back cover description:
see substantial value in the PD that they With 38 years of educational experience, “Coming to grips with law and policy
Privacy law compliance does not operate receive particularly regarding meeting Craig provides direction on education mat- can be daunting for beginning and
in a vacuum and compliance under the accreditation requirements, improving ters including new products, module content established teachers alike. Law and
privacy laws requires a lot more than their own duty of care standards and con- and training. Previously Craig held the roles Ethics for Australian Teachers provides
simply publishing a ‘privacy policy’ on tributing to their own wellbeing. Good of Industrial Officer at the Association of an overview of the professional, legal and
your boarding school’s public website or quality PD also has a positive impact on Independent Schools of WA, was a principal ethical issues teachers may encounter in
of a K-12 non-government school, deputy
putting a privacy collection notice on a assisting senior boarding supervisors the classroom and the broader school
principal of a systemic school and has had
form. As part of its risk management pro- to develop junior supervisors and their teaching and leadership experience in both environment. This book breaks down
cedures, boarding schools should ensure decision to ‘stay’ at the school where they the independent and Catholic school sectors. the relevant case law, as well as state and
that all staff receive training about their currently care for the boarders. Craig is a board member of a Uniting Church territory legislation and policy, through an
privacy obligations and the boarding school and is a regular presenter on behalf accessible and reader-friendly approach to
school’s expectations with respect to the Boarding schools want their boarding staff of CompliSpace and other educational bod- help readers navigate these complex issues.” • child protection and mandatory guidance, and identification of when
management of personal information. to be trained in compliance, they want ies on issues relating to school governance, reporting formal legal advice is appropriate.
staff to receive training that adds value school culture and leadership. The book reflects the teaching, as well • suspensions and exclusions
to the boarding facility, develops exper- as legal, expertise of its authors, and the • criminal law The book concludes with a substantial
OTHER ISSUES TO tise, makes the boarding houses safer for emphasis on ethics, as well as law, will be • cyber bullying list of References (many of which are
CONTEMPLATE everyone and reduces risk. of assistance to boarding house staff and • general ethical issues online-accessible); lists of Cases Cited
managers. It is very worthy of publication • teacher registration and Legislation Cited; and then an Index.
Poor Training Records Both schools and their staff want online by Cambridge University Press. • discipline of teachers The Index is detailed, and includes cases
as well as face-to-face training. Face-to- • protection of teachers. and legislation, so navigation is facilitated.
A survey of schools in School Governance face training will continue to be rele- Although not about boarding schools These useful features enable readers to
found that only 50 per cent of schools vant for many reasons including where specifically, most of the topics are highly Chapters are well organised, with head- focus on their own State or Territory for
maintain all staff training records cen- demonstrations are required and prac- relevant. Indeed, more so, because of the ings, side notes, learning objectives, and further detail, or to pursue a topic of par-
trally. Of the others, some records are tical skills need to be developed and for 24/7 responsibilities. scenarios for discussion. ticular relevance to them in greater detail.
kept centrally, and others are kept by staff. the benefits of networking and work-
Where the school does keep records of shopping with colleagues. Following a succinct “overview” of the Aus- So the book can be used as a “cover-to- Conclusion
staff training, over 50 per cent used mul- tralian legal system, chapters 1-13 address: cover” text, as a one-topic only consulta-
tiple systems within the one school. Poor Online training is great for staff conveni- • duty of care tion, or (once familiar with it) to “zero in” This book is strongly recommended. It is
boarding supervisor training records are ence, the potential for an increased variety • privacy for initial advice on a specific issue. very reasonably priced (a little over $70)
a significant risk to a school. of courses that are available and enabling • discrimination and can be obtained through a number of
self-paced learning. Online learning also • health and safety Although clearly not to be treated as legal online sites. It should be in every boarding
The Need for Online Training Not reduces the substantial costs of having • family law advice, it can greatly assist in general school staff library, read and consulted. ■
12 | Lights Out - October 2021 13 |
in the face of all the mental health and may not occur with the newer millennial Our ideas work.
social media issues that seem to arise teaching cohort. We, who have been here
on a weekly, and sometimes daily, basis. for some time, are loyal, dependable and We, those of age with experience, now
have a high level of expertise in so many need to find ways to share our infinite
Whilst not wanting to make out that we, areas to do with residential life and young wisdom with the new teaching millen-
Age and Experience in Boarding –
born and educated in the last century, as people as well as working in teams and nials. We need to mentor and empower
Gen X’s and Xennials should be heading with families to promote the school and our young colleagues to help us to step
for the aged care home just yet, many of us boarding. Families have so much confi- back. The millennials need to be ready
Why Longevity Matters and who have been in boarding for some time
may feel that our time is coming to an end
as being 15 and in the Z or Alpha Gener-
dence in all that we do, and we are always
thankful for their support and they value
the relationship too. These are skills and
to take over the long hours and also keep
the student ‘Gen Zs and Alphas’ busy at
school and off their phones and computer
Should Make a Difference. ation, seems a long way from being 40
or 50 - let alone 60. At least we recognise
the Rubrics Cube as our 70s version of a
fidget spinner! Somehow, we all manage
experience that cannot be taught at Uni-
versity or in a Masters’ degree and have
been learned by us over 20, 30 or 40 years
of teaching, collegial collaboration, mis-
games so boarding will always be full
of real relationships, social connection,
heartfelt belonging, fabulous friendships
and many happy days and nights, fun
to live harmoniously together under the take making, and just being with young times and events to be celebrated every
As each boarding year passes many staff working in the demanding role of a Boarding one roof, 24/7 for the school term. The old people. We are teachers, sports coaches, year. They need to be ‘on duty’ rather than
House supervisor in any capacity will ask the question – Can I go on for another year? wise expert and the young brave learner boarding house supervises, homesick on a timed shift as ‘on duty’ can happen
can combine well under the umbrella of experts, resident managers, bus drivers, at any time and you may be needed.
the school, under the roof of the boarding motivational speakers, event co-ordina- Community living, learning and relation-
AUTHOR: of confident, knowledgeable guidance and mobiles have replaced pretty much house and the care of the boarding team, tors, nurses, counsellors, travel agents, ships are the keys to building and shaping
Jane Horne and expertise and suddenly you again everything else we used to use or do for and with the appreciation and support crisis workers, night shift workers, a better boarding world – I hope I will
Head of Kunuwarra House, have renewed vigour for what may lie fun before the 1990s – last century! All of the parent. cooks, cleaners and life skill coaches. So, always have a role to play for young peo-
Geelong Grammar School ahead. You do this really well. This is now the knowledge they think they will need our experience is of great value to any ple who are moving into this constantly
a calling not a job. So, the cycle continues, can be sourced from their back pocket. We Gen X’s now work with millennials boarding environment and our many changing world. Even if I feel older, which
and the wealth of experience remains. Reach and Boardingware have sadly who have been raised on a computer but accomplishments, solid leadership and I often don’t, I know I am wiser and for
We who work in boarding full time are removed the regular chat to home and this device is not yet our ‘go to’ device all extensive knowledge should be celebrated. that I am forever thankful.
T
he constant demands of the role, unique and special people. have replaced the careful conversations the time. The current Alphas don’t think
the school, classroom teaching, with parents about trust and we no longer they have a life if they are not online in Many of us have changed or built a culture Yes, I am wise, but its wisdom born of
sport, co-curricular, the care of The experience we slowly and organi- tick off lists located in clipboards. Emails some capacity. We still love a good chat within a boarding house, developed and pain, yes, I’ve paid the price, but look how
the students, the concerns of the cally gain over the years, leads to more – 100s of them each week now dominate with an actual person. We met people in expanded multiple education and well- much I’ve gained. If I have to, I can do
parents, the inevitable long hours and senior roles and some mentorship of our day - have made our landline phone real life, (IRL) we dated and then usu- being programs, had a positive influence anything – Helen Reddy, 1971. ■
the lack of a full weekend off or a quiet millennials as they try the same job for sit quietly in the corner of the desk so we
uninterrupted night on a couch with the a while before it becomes a calling for don’t chat to families or anyone much any
family start to have an impact on why we
choose to remain in such a full on job that
them as it did for us many years before. more - it’s all done online.
One thing that always remains at the core “Age is an issue of mind over
matter. If you don’t mind, it
we all love. This combined with our own of working in a boarding house that can- Yet parents still want to meet, see and
personal health and wellbeing needs is not be taught or even explained are the know the person who will be in charge
something we, who have been here for relationships we make and the lives we of their child for up to six years. Does
many years, must consider. can change by being fully present. Seeing this person know what they are doing?
each child, listening through the tears and Can I trust them with my child? What if
doesn’t matter.” – Mark Twain.
So often we do say “Yes - lets go again heart break, suggesting new strategies my child gets sad? What if they get sick?
for one more year” as we know that our to growing teens, celebrating milestones How will they nurture my child in times ally married them, or they are still our on hundreds of young people and even
experience and confidence in the role that and just being involved with young peo- of need? The same way you do - with actual friends, not just on Facebook. We ‘saved’ a few lives along the way. We have
we perform will be hard to match, and the ple who are living a long way from home gentle experience, much care, constant sought longevity in our relationships and certainly changed some, hopefully for the
joy we find in the relationships we share has very special rewards that potentially support, mutual respect and admiration in our working roles rather than having better. We have built relationships that are
trumps anything else we can think of cannot be measured until the child is an for the skills we all bring to any develop- many different careers. As women many long lasting in hearts and in memories.
doing. The end of year hand-written cards adult. “I know it’s hard now, but it will get ing relationship. We love what we do, and of us did not think we would stay in the We have learnt to look after ourselves
and beautifully wrapped gifts are full of better and these will be the best days of we do it well as the relationships continue workforce for this long, but times changedfirst so we function well and grow in our
gratitude and appreciation and highlight your life one day. Trust me on this”. to grow stronger. as we grew up through the 80s and had roles and we have found ways to stay in
all you have done and how you have made our own families in the 90s, we adapted teaching and boarding by being able to
someone’s year the best year ever! Little Over my time in boarding there have been Whilst the ever changing cohort we care and went back to work and now we can balance commitments and combine work,
do they realise that we empowered them so many changes to a boarders’ day-to-day for seem to get younger, pluckier, more all work until we are well into our 60s family and leisure and keep our energy
and they did this themselves in the end. life. The advent of computers replaced self assured and super tech-savvy on the and possibly our 70s - but should we? levels high. We have also pivoted, shifted
The long holidays then arrive, a warm research in books and libraries and the socials, we continue to age gracefully with Do young boarders in 2021 and beyond, and adjusted as new teaching methods
and quiet destination chosen, the fam- need for hand written essays and mak- wisdom and knowledge at the heart of all require younger staff to care for them in have come along, or even disappeared,
ily reunited, and we soon find ourselves ing posters, screens have replaced the our decision making and care and support boarding? They absolutely need us all. and still had the full support of our parent
refreshed and ready for another year with joy of reading books and playing board for all who come into our orbit. Bounda- cohort plus we have been able to bring a
a new cohort arriving from all over the or card games, phones in hand have ries still need to be set and probably set For school boards and Principals, lon- fresh, new perspective to an old regime
country and overseas. New and nervous replaced the one on the wall in the hallway stronger than ever before to protect us all. gevity in boarding indicates a commit- when required. Our flexibility at staying
families who need your particular type that we used to line up for to call home This task is becoming more challenging ment and dedication to young people that new and relevant is also to be celebrated.
14 | Lights Out - October 2021 15 |
For Success (and Happiness) in a A Confused Mind
Corporate Career, Says No.
it ’s Best to be Pear-shaped:
...and here's why:
AUTHOR
Chris Croft
Chris Croft Training
you will - and this requires organisation.
Don’t try to keep everything in your head! P ush yourself out of your comfort zone:
this is where most of your learning
will come from, as well as getting the sat-
You need lists and systems, probably a
chris@chriscrofttraining.co.uk master list, a daily list, and everything isfaction of success, which then leads to
written in your diary. Write everything longer term happiness. Don’t be tempted
down! to stay safe, or be lazy, and turn down
challenges – you’ll pay a longer term price
P ositive - there are no successful pes-
simists. From Elon Musk and Richard S ow: you reap what you sow, so help oth-
ers at every opportunity, and be nice
for that in the end if you do.
Branson to, er, anyone you can think of,
they are all optimists. Because pessimists
don’t even START! And by the way intro-
to everyone. Don’t make any enemies, this
will only cost you in the end. Abundance
E volve your job towards where you want
it to be - by asking your boss if it’s OK
for you to do more of some things and
mentality – there is enough for everyone,
verts can absolutely be optimists, just as less of other things. This could be at your
and if you give ideas and help away, you’ll
much as extraverts can be, but may not appraisal or just generally during the year
end up doing better than if you keep it all – or both. Maybe you can slowly move
As I watch yet another Covid media conference, I’m reminded
be. And: other people respond best to
bosses who are positive and focus on the to yourself. your job towards towards your goals, and of the importance of CLEAR communication.
good behaviour rather than the mistakes. even towards your Ikigai if you know what
So start with a belief you can do it, and
that other people can do it - then thank H ard - work hard is important – though yours is. If you can get rid of 10% of your
not a problem if you love your work. job that you don’t’ enjoy, or excel at, and if
(And if you don’t love most of it most of the you can add 10% to your job of the things
AUTHOR:
Mel Kettle
I feel like a lot of people forget this. I tweeted recently about how a couple of
Especially those who rely on email to – what I considered to be non-essential
people, admire people’s skill, compliment Strategic Communication Expert communicate. – retailers were open during our latest
them on their victories however small, … time it’s time to start looking). Get used to that you want to do and are good at, you Speaker, Author, Mentor, lockdown.
be the nicest person ever. working hard and build a mindset that says can change your job by 100% in five years! Facilitator, Trainer I know I’ve said this before, but email
it’s normal, and good for you. But not TOO is for information NOT communication. One of the responses I had said “Retail
E asy to work with, including being low
maintenance (there’s probably a need
hard – you can burn yourself out if you go
above about seven on the stressometer. D o -> Get -> Feel: get yourself in the
good circle (where you do things you
is not on the list of businesses that must
When you are communicating with your close so it’s open for individual interpreta-
W
for a whole blog post on this! Keep your like, get thanks and results, and feel good ithout wanting to get into staff, suppliers and customers, ask your- tion by retailers if they open or not. Until
A
emails short, don’t ask for loads of infor- s if self-employed. Learn and develop about yourself and your work, so you do a comparison of the com- self these questions: there’s a more definitive list issued by the
mation up front, don’t talk too much, etc) yourself, your brain is all you’ve got. more…) rather than the bad one, where munication messages given • What is the main thing you want peo- state govt of essential or non-essential
and always get back to people when you It’s YOUR job to develop yourself, not you do the minimum work and get poor by state leaders and Chief ple to know? businesses, this will continue.”
said you would. your employer’s – though if they DO results, then you get negative feedback Health Officers, it IS a good opportunity • How are you communicating the
offer training, either it’s courses or online from your boss and your colleagues and to learn a few lessons about what works message and what communication “Individual interpretation”.
A ppear in control – you get judged on
appearances, a tidy desk and being
on time to meetings give an impression
learning, take it!! Take all of it, as much as
you can get. Treat everyone as a customer,
customers, and so you feel bad about your
work and yourself, which leads to…). Even
if you think the way you are currently
and what doesn’t work when it comes to
clear communication.
channels are you using?
• What do you want people to do? What messages do you send out that are
including your colleagues – it’s the opin- • What language are you using? open for individual interpretation?
of being ahead of the game. You’re more treated is unfair, don’t react and end up in Communication is a two-way process. • Where can they go to get more infor-
likely to be given that exciting important ions of others that keeps you employed. the bad circle, but take control, and start
mation if they need it? Perhaps it’s a good time to revisit how
project, and you’re more likely to be pro- Make sure you always deliver on the the good circle. Nobody else is going to
You have the sender, and you have the clear your communication actually is. ■
moted, if you are knocking your current basics (reliability, good quality work) and change what THEY are doing, but YOU can.
receiver. It’s a bit like playing tennis. It With so many of us struggling with Covid
job out of the park. also some delight factor – going the extra needs two people on opposite sides of overwhelm right now, it is more impor-
mile, surprising people with a better job Onwards and upwards! the court to work. tant than ever that our communication
R eliable – always keeping your prom-
ises, always doing everything you say
than they were expecting, including some
extras where possible. Chris ■
is clear.
16 | Lights Out - October 2021 17 |
space back to schools, alleviating the need Uniform Labelling
to allocate rooms for belongings on the As labelling is an essential boarding
premises and for a storage management school requirement, SCS ensures all stu-
system. It also allows schools to give their dent uniforms are named, using their
boarding houses a deep COVID-clean labels which are ordered online. Schools
before holiday lets and avoids exposing no longer need to allocate rooms for lost
Student Concierge Services: schools to the risk and insurance issues
in leaving student belongings onsite.
property storage, allowing them to be able
to put this space to better use.
Embracing the New COVID-19 World Items are housed in collapsible crates
and cartons and are collected at the end
of term and returned ready for the start
High School to University
Transition
of the next. SCS storage management is SCS can step in and bridge the gap between
a seamless process that is greatly valued the end of Year 12 and the onset of uni-
Danielle Pringle, Student Concierge Services’ Founder, knows all too well how by parents, as it ensures boarding life is versity. Alleviating the cumbersome need
valuable peace of mind is to boarder parents - the comfort in knowing their children made easier for everyone. to transport all possessions home, SCS
can securely store belongings during the
are safe, secure and well looked after in their school boarding house. ‘Having Laundry and Dry Cleaning transitional period and deliver to the new
been a parent of boarding school children, I depended on the boarding house as a student residence. This service has proved
This fast-growing SCS service is in high extremely popular with overseas and expat
substitute parent for our children - taking care of them as if they were at home.’ demand and has assisted hundreds of students. SCS can also assist with navigat-
students across Australia, saving time, ing border and quarantine requirements
AUTHOR: SCS services have had an overhaul, and, demand for both local and overseas stu- money, and worry. Regional dry clean- due to COVID-19 restrictions.
Danielle Pringle after surveying families, it is clear our dents in Australian boarding schools. With ers are slowly closing their businesses,
Director services will be even more important for the world opening up and countries forg- giving families little option for cleaning Contact and Testimonials
Student Concierge Services both schools and families going forward ing ahead with high levels of COVID-19 uniforms. SCS offers a helping hand and
into 2022. Secure storage gives schools vaccination, the demand for schools will peace of mind that uniforms will be spot- Our clients love to say great things about
the ability to let their COVID-cleaned and start to open too. Our network is devoted less and fresh on day one of term. us! Should your school require a testi-
clutter-free boarding houses over the hol- to providing boarding school solutions monial commending SCS services and
C
OVID-19 has changed how we see iday periods and offer assurance belong- for students and their families. Working Dry cleaning, washing and ironing ser- the support offered to boarding fami-
the world, and we, too, have been ings are safe. Laundry management and closely with schools, agencies, students vices are taken offsite by SCS, alleviat- lies, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
reviewing our business opera- transport, travel and labelling services and families, SCC specialises in support- ing the need for laundry facilities and info@studentconciergeservices.com.au
tions and seeing where support is ensure a superior product is extended to ing, recruiting and retaining students at processes in the school and freeing up +61 425 323 500 ■
needed in schools and, most importantly, prospective and existing students. Australian boarding schools. Offering a student time for study. Items are collected
for FAMILIES. full 360-degree service, SCC utilises its and delivered back to school promptly,
Social Media extensive education agency network to ensuring students are always neat, clean
Student Concierge Services (SCS) is an market and promote Australian boarding and presentable.
Australian-based boarding support ser- The Boarding School Parents (Australia) schools to international target markets.
vice assisting educational institutions and Facebook page is growing, with nearly
their boarding students; both domestic, 1000 members in this closed group. The In 2022, we will be proceeding with a vari-
expatriate and international. SCS pro- pandemic has proved there is definitely ety of events, giving schools opportunities
vides a vast range of services designed a need for a parent platform in this com- to showcase their boarding school offering
to aid schools in ensuring their boarding munity where families can gain support, in a varied environment. Due to COVID-19,
facilities are offering a first-class expe- ask questions and source information on events we were due to host with the NSW
rience and supporting the families on boarding schools and life as a boarder. Positive Rugby Foundation were cancelled
their journey. SCS encourages you to share this link with but watch this space in 2022!
your families. Boarding School Parents
SCS works with schools and universities Australia: https://www.facebook.com/ Education Engine Room is the podcast we
across Australia, supporting their board- groups/1731447680464992 are launching in October 2021, focusing on
ing offering. Boarding students and their education, the stories behind the choices
families give prioritisation and consider- If your boarding school has an article or and opportunities in and around education.
ation to educational institutions offering an event to share with this community, There will be a focus on boarding schools
SCS support services, enabling schools to please let us know, and we would be more and other relevant information. Watch this
value-add and attract students based on than happy to support your school. space and the link to our podcast will be
their comprehensive boarding offering. shared on release and added to our website.
Student Concierge Connect/
Since March 2020, we have been work- Educational Consultancy COVID-clean and Avoiding Risk
ing with schools and families, support- Exposure
ing them through COVID-19 lockdowns, Educating families on boarding school
ensuring children are home safely and options is our priority - the benefits both SCS stores student belongings safely and
have the support they need over this time. long and short term. There is always a securely offsite. This gives much-needed
18 | Lights Out - October 2021 19 |You can also read
