Connection Isn't Cancelled

It has been just over a year since the world slowed down...very quickly. So what has stayed the same?

Within education and our boarding schools it is our connections with our resilient families, our lively students and our school community that lies at the heart of what we do everyday. Whether it has been online, on-ground or on the phone we have ensured that we have continued these connections no matter what. These relationships are our foundation, our core business. So what can we do as teaching and boarding staff to ensure that our classrooms and boarding houses can weather any storm?

When it comes to relationships, like any strong structure, they don't appear overnight. The Sydney Harbour Bridge, Taj Mahal or The Empire State Building. The same goes with building and nourishing our relationships, they are built and fostered over time.

“I define connection as the energy that exists between people when they feel seen, heard, and valued; when they can give and receive without judgment; and when they derive sustenance and strength from the relationship.” - Brené Brown

So how can new boarding families and schools start establishing relationships sooner rather than later?

When should the relationship building start?

The new student orientation process for schools/boarding residential colleges normally starts Term Four each school year, although why not start the process gently now?

What can boarding schools and staff do to start these relationships earlier without having to change majors processes?

1. Read the student’s enrolment file – so much information lives in these files and helps to start forming a picture of the student’s learning and life journey.

2. A phone call to each new family – Place 1 or 2 phone calls in your calendar per week for the next term/6 months to make contact with new 2022 boarding families. This will be very much appreciated by each new family and help to start building connections before they step foot on campus/grounds.

3. Share something personal about who you are/hobbies etc – building a relationship is a two way street, the more human they know you are the easier it is to forge a relationship!

Boarding life moves at lightning speed, I encourage you to put aside a brief moment to connect.

Teneeka Hill | My Parent Connect

Boarding Transition Facilitators