Overseeing boarding or residential life requires more than managing routines; it’s about creating environments where students feel safe, supported, and seen. This community is a space for professionals working in boarding schools or residential settings to reflect on practice, share approaches, and raise questions specific to this unique aspect of school life. Topics may include pastoral care models, wellbeing strategies, staff development, and the evolving expectations of students and families. Members bring a range of perspectives, from heads of boarding to house parents and safeguarding leads. The focus is on real conversations that support a whole-of-life approach to student care.
Hackathons · Pop-up communities · Affinity Group deep dives
Members propose new themes, spin up sprints, or keep their group going.
Live Session Schedule
These are crucial opportunities to connect, share ideas, and learn from each other.
All live sessions take place on Microsoft Teams
Live Session 1
September 30, 2025,
Tuesday,
10:30 – 11:30
(GMT +8)
Live Session 2
October 14, 2025,
Tuesday,
10:30 – 11:30
(GMT +8)
Live Session 3
November 4, 2025,
Tuesday,
10:30 – 11:30
(GMT +8)
Live Session 4
November 25, 2025,
Tuesday,
10:30 – 11:30
(GMT +8)
Meet Your Hosts
Mindi Dryer
Hi, I’m Mindi, and this is the start of my 20th year overseas at International Schools!! I have a teaching degree in PE & Athletics and a Masters in Leadership. I am naturally drawn to the pastoral roles and fell in love with the Head of Boarding role 9 years ago. I am currently in Thailand but have also worked in Boarding in Jeju, South Korea. In addition, I have taught in Beijing, Guangzhou & Seoul. I’m excited for the networking opportunities in this community and look forward to sharing ideas!
Simon Johnston
I’m Simon Johnston, Assistant Head of School and Head of Boarding at Dulwich International High School Suzhou. I’ve worked in residential education for over nine years and in teaching and leadership for fifteen years across New Zealand, East Africa, and now China. I’m passionate about creating holistic boarding programmes that connect pastoral care with academic success, and I’m currently completing a Master’s in Residential Education with a focus on student well-being, belonging, and leadership in international boarding.
How to Join This Community
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The amount of good advice that was given!! So helpful and can be implemented immediately.
The conversations between members and hosts are very good, and the content of the topic is very relevant. Everyone can communicate and feedback different opinions to learn.
After hearing our peer present his situation, we all asked several clarifying questions. For instance, I was curious about the type of evaluation process he would use. We could then ideate with him and share our experiences based on a variety of schools where we had all worked.
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