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
TBC
(Sept-Oct)
Live Session 2
TBC
(Oct-Nov)
Live Session 3
TBC
(Nov-Dec)
Live Session 4
TBC
(Nov-Dec)
Meet Your Hosts
Mindi Dryer
Mindi Dryer is deeply passionate about pastoral care, focusing on ensuring that each student can thrive in their unique way. She believes that fostering strong relationships within a Boarding program is essential to enabling students and staff to achieve success in other areas of school life. With a wealth of experience in coaching, team building, and restorative practices, Mindi is eager to bring her skills and insights to her role as a Residence Coordinator, where she looks forward to supporting and guiding the community.
Simon Johnston
Simon Johnston is an experienced educator and advocate for comprehensive student care. Currently serving as the Assistant Head of School and Head of Boarding at Dulwich International High School, Suzhou. Simon has a rich background in international teaching, with a strong focus on pastoral care and curriculum development. With over eight years of experience in diverse boarding environments at high-profile schools, he has dedicated his career to enhancing the pedagogical landscape. His focus is on creating teaching systems that recognise and nurture the academic, emotional, social, and personal growth of students, ensuring they are well-prepared for the complexities of the future, Inside and outside of school.
How to Join This Community
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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.
I am impressed by the sharing on Instructional Coaching and have been implementing this in my school and this is a very useful form of support to teachers, especially new ones. It is very important to learn from and be inspired by peers. The sessions are very well run!
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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