As a boarding school presents a first real taste of independence for many children, it is also important to teach them the importance of community as they live, laugh and learn among like-minded peers. Here in TISB boarding we treat each child as an individual. We teach our students the importance of healthy competition and sportsmanship by encouraging them to take part in extracurricular opportunities after school clubs and weekend activities.
This week’s #MeetTISB features the Deputy Heads of the three boarding houses, Mr. Johnson, Ms. Gail & Mr. Max who diligently work to provide a safe and memorable boarding experience to our boarders.
Born and raised in the Somerset, England. Mr. Max, Deputy Head of the BIH, completed his BA in Classical Literature and Civilisation at the University of Birmingham. Since graduating he has worked at a number of schools and camps. A keen hiker and ex rugby player, he enjoys the healthy competition sport can bring to education. “For my sins, I am a Tottenham Hotspur fan”. He joined TISB at the beginning of the academic year. "From my first day on campus, the sense of community fostered by student and staff alike has struck me. I have enjoyed getting to know the variety of cultures represented in the senior boarding house. This sense of community in a multi-cultural setting is testament to the inclusivity of the school."
Mr. Johnson, Deputy Head of the JBIH was born in Bangalore and finished my course and Training in hospitality industry, working his way up from a beginner (steward) to a general manager and operational manager in different hotels and resorts across South India, including Bangalore, Kerala, and Ooty. With 16 years of experience in the hotel industry, he has gained a wealth of knowledge and skills in this field. After his career in the hotel industry, he joined TISB, where he has been working for 8 years. “ I was able to transition my skills and experience to a new field and continue to contribute to the success of an organization.”
Ms. Gail, Deputy Head of the GIH was born in Kolar Gold Fields in Karnataka, but since her dad was a mining engineer in a Manganese Ore Mines in Nagpur District she lived half of her life in Nagpur. She worked as a primary teacher for 23 years and later her love for kids made her change her profession and took up House Parenting 17 years ago She joined TISB 2 years ago..
We reached out to them to hear about their journey & experiences.
What do you think sets your boarding school apart from other schools?
Mr. Max: The amount of academic and personal support. We have over 80 members of staff that live on campus, including the entirety of the senior leadership team. Whether it be a college counsellor or a physics teacher, help is never too far away.
Mr. Johnson: Definitely the Alumni Network! Our strong and supportive alumni network makes us stand out. Graduates who have gone on to successful careers and achievements can serve as role models and mentors for our current students, and it also helps to build a sense of pride and connection to the school.
Ms. Gail: In TISB boarding we maintain a trust with each of our boarders. We have strong community values. We do our best to provide our boarders with a home away from home atmosphere with all of us living together as one big family. We offer our boarders an experience to immense themselves in their education and to grow within a supportive and diverse community and to position themselves with success after school. They are taught to face challenges and problems in their lives. We do our best to make them strong individuals, efficient in leadership and to become self-initiative.
What are some of the challenges that boarding students face, and how do you address them?
Mr. Max: Boarding students face unique challenges such as homesickness, managing time, and cultivating independence. TISB provide resources to help students adjust to life on campus, such as counselling services, community building activities, residential staff. A holistic approach that prioritises emotional, social, and academic well-being is needed to help boarding students succeed during their time on campus.
Ms. Gail: Since homesickness is one of the major challenge we a lot a buddy from the same grade for a new student who joins boarding. We encourage them to make friends and help them to gel with other students, we talk to the student one on one and at times even pamper them as they would have got from their parents when staying at home. When a student is at home, they have their parents to take care of their personal needs. But once they come to boarding they have to be responsible for themselves. Here the house parents very patiently and positively guide the students with the changing phase of dependability and to move forward to a better hosteller life.
Can you tell us about the activities and events that boarding students participate in?
Ms. Gail: Our boarders have participated in a number of activities both on campus & off campus this year like our Talent Show, Karaoke, Just Dance, Treasure Hunt, Camping with Bonfire, Barbeque Dinner, Pyjama Parties, Pool Party & the movie & dinner trips.
How do you help boarding students adjust to life away from home and maintain connections with their families?
Mr. Max: We understand that extended separation is difficult for both students and parents. That’s why we prioritise support and the mental wellbeing of our boarders. We allow the students access to their phones twice a day, during this time they are encouraged to phone home. The boarders have 24/7 supervision, they can approach staff for help at any hour. If the boarding staff cannot provide the necessary support, we can refer the student to our school counselling services. Our boarding staff have many years of experience in providing support to capable students and so most support can be offered in house.
How do you create a sense of community among the boarding students?
Mr. Max: Building a sense of community is central to everything we do. At weekends and on trips, boarders are encouraged to socialise with their seniors/juniors. This pan-boarding approach promotes a healthy sense of belonging.
Mr. Johnson: We also have trained staff members available 24/7, providing regular health check-ups, and offering counselling services for students who may be struggling to adjust in the boarding setting emotionally.
Ms. Gail: We encourage students take one day at a time and to give themselves the space and time to adjust in the boarding. While they start making new friends, we encourage them to stay in touch with their old friends back home. We also allot a senor student as a Mentor for our junior students.
How do you balance academics and social activities for boarding students?
Mr. Max: Striking a balance between academics and social activities is built into the curriculum of activities offered to the boarders. Evenings are equally split between academic ‘golden hours and opportunities to build social skills among peers. Whenever a crossover between the two domains is possible, we jump at the opportunity. An example of this was in our trip to the Bangalore science museum. An event enjoyed by all.
We have an internal boarding leadership framework that promotes responsibility in students that are willing to stick their head above the parapet. Each grade has a representative that sorts to voice the views of their peers. These representatives are led by the head and deputy head of house. Having student leaders adds another level in which we can proactively identify and deal with safeguarding issues.
How do you work with parents to keep them informed and involved in their child's life at boarding school?
Mr. Johnson: Maintaining open lines of communication and creating opportunities for parent involvement helps us to maintain strong relationships with parents and support the academic and personal growth of the students. We send out regular updates to each parent.
What are some of the biggest challenges you face as the Deputy Head ?
Mr. Johnson: As a head of boarding, there are various challenges such as maintaining a healthy community culture, managing student behavior, ensuring student safety and well-being, fostering student engagement, and managing staff., But I believe the key to addressing these challenges is to prioritize communication, collaboration, and a student-centered approach that focuses on meeting the needs of each individual student while fostering a strong sense of community
Ms. Gail: As Head of House for GIH, I face many day-to-day challenges as we are accountable for caring for students round the clock, I need to ensure that all staff are working together and are sharing relevant information, as it is our priority to provide the best possible care for our students. Some more challenge are student’s family factors, Students attitude and behaviour and their health issues. I face each challenge as it comes with a positive mind and do my best to sort out each issue by having a one-on-one communication and discussion with the student. I always make myself available for the students whenever the need arises.
Quick Q &A
What is your favorite song at the moment?
Mr. Max: Never gonna give you up – Rick Astley
Which silly subject would you introduce to schools?
Mr. Max: Map Reading.
Ms. Gail: Washing Dishes and Laundry to help the students to be independent and take responsibilities for themselves.
Which is your favorite spot-on campus?
Mr. Max: The soon to be completed golf course.
Ms. Gail: The Cricket Pavilion
What will the storybook of your school life be titled?
Ms. Gail Best Years to Remember
Mr. Johnson: Chasing Dreams and Overcoming Obstacles my school life story
Tell us the funniest question a student has asked you?
Ms. Gail: How have you been Married and staying with one person for 30 years
Mr. Johnson: How you look young at this age and secret behind it?
What one piece of advice would you give to your students?
Mr. Max: Manners maketh man.
Mr. Johnson: Learning is a lifelong process, and its essential to stay curios and open minded throughout your life Don’t limit yourself to just what you learn in school or university, but also explore new fields and areas of knowledge that interest you.
Thank you for your time!
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