Leading a boarding community through a pandemic : an unknown challenge

Leading a boarding community through a pandemic : an unknown challenge These have been truly testing times for communities and countries all over the world. Many of us will have never had to face the fallout of a global pandemic, and as such it has put undue pressure on schools all over the world, particularly those with boarding communities.

These have been truly testing times for communities and countries all over the world. Many of us will have never had to face the fallout of a global pandemic, and as such it has put undue pressure on schools all over the world, particularly those with boarding communities. Students and staff have found themselves in unprecedented situations : travel may have been suspended with no way of returning home. It is during times like these, that schools and boarding houses show their true values and sense of community. How can boarders well being and academic progress be monitored and nurtured from long distances and during an unknown period of time?

Be it the few students who have remained in your house or the boarders who are scattered all over the globe, it goes without saying that the daily interaction that they would have had with you needs to be maintained. Evidently, this takes on a different dimension: Microsoft teams meetings, Whats app or WeChat messages from the duty phone allow for those checking in conversations to be had. For those students left in our care: the small things are the greatest indicators: the breakfast chats, the communication throughout the day, the activities outdoors : it is important to keep the spirits up.

However, virtual schooling ensures that students are kept on their toes. Lessons continue with gusto and pace. Flexibility ought to be provided on the schools part : online lessons recorded and time differences taken into account. Yet, boarders need support, even in their home environments to maintain the stucture that has been so rigorously implemeted and provided to them thus far. Boarding teams across the world will be spending their days monitoring attendance and providing tips to their cohorts to ensure that they maintain their drive and achieve their goals.

Boarder’s  well being is always of the utmost importance, but it takes on an even greater importance at the time of writing. The same can be said for communication with parents and guardians. It is always reassuring for as much information to be provided as possible : key contacts at school, reassurance as far as academic expectations are concerned and providing a shoulder to lean on. Activities away from screens will never have been more appreciated than now ! All boarders must be encouraged to keep both body and mind healthy.

Times like these require communication and support in abundance. Boarders are often noted as being resilient, independent learners, and ready to stand on their own two feet. Boarding communties around the world need to ensure that their message is very clear: we standby ready to help, and we’re always ready for a dialogue of any kind.

Shane Higgins
Director of Boarding