As a housemaster this time of year is always exciting. There is the anticipation of taking a vast array of students with increasing maturity from previous years alongside new boarders who come with their insecurities and enthusiasms.
The prospect of developing a house, and in particular a house spirit that will provide the pupils with lasting memories and a sense of belonging makes this work a unique prospect.
This house spirit we strive for has to start with the staff and their input into the children. I have 10 staff in my boarding house, and this year I have 5 new members of staff. I have now three days of induction where I need to cast them the vision of the house, enthuse them with the work and develop their skills so that when the pupils return on Thursday evening the work can begin in earnest.
I have spent many moments through the summer connecting sport with the boarding house, and looking for lessons I can apply to my work.
Eddie Jones, Jim Mallinder, and Trevor Baylis have all achieved amazing things with their respective rugby and cricket teams. Claudio Ranieri has taken Leicester to the top of the premier league, totally unexpected. When you listen to the players, what do they say are the key features of the coaches?…. The answer is; Man management skills. It is not necessarily competence in their sport, although undoubtedly it helps. Each coach makes sure his players are valued in their team and that they know the role they are trying to achieve.
As we start the new boarding year I will be investing time in my staff and student leaders to ensure they know their role, and they are valued in my team.
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