Celebrating Those Who Support Our Community

As Mothering Sunday approaches, we want to take a moment to celebrate and thank all the incredible staff who provide care, guidance, and support within our school community. Whether through our dedicated pastoral team, boarding staff, medical professionals, chaplaincy, teaching and support staff, we are fortunate to have so many individuals committed to the wellbeing of our pupils.

At the heart of Senior School wellbeing is Mel Cordon-Lloyd, our Health and Wellbeing Lead. Mel takes great pride in helping pupils develop confidence in managing both their physical and mental health, working alongside a dedicated team of nurses and counsellors, “In my role, I directly support pupils and guide them through personal challenges. Every aspect of this job is rewarding, especially the opportunity to make a real difference in their lives.”

Supporting our pupils with compassion are our School Nurses, Emily and Julie, at the Senior site. Whether managing physical injuries, medication, or emotional concerns, they serve as trusted adults in times of need. Emily shares, “I absolutely love my job as the school nurse! Every day brings something new, and I truly enjoy the variety of tasks I get to manage. Being able to help day pupils and boarders with their physical health and be a trusted adult for advice or support with emotional and mental health, is incredibly fulfilling. The opportunity to make a positive impact on their lives, whether big or small, makes every day unique and meaningful. I am grateful to support and care for the pupils in such a rewarding role within the dynamic school environment”.

At the Prep site, Katrina, our Medical Care Lead, ensures children feel safe and supported, “Many see me as a trusted person that they can come to if they feel like they need a chat – an alternative to their teacher. Also, if they need some time out, my room is a space where they can come and relax for a short time. I love creating a positive, cheery environment for the children to visit, with cheery colours and fairy lights. Not only when they are poorly or if they have hurt themselves, but if they need some general ‘life TLC’. I particularly enjoy seeing the excitement in their faces when I decorate my Medical Care Room into a bit of a grotto at Christmas – always get extra visitors then!”

For pupils living in our Boarding Houses, especially our international boarders, our boarding staff play a vital role in their wellbeing. Mrs Mulready, Head of Girls’ Boarding, really enjoys her role supporting the girls. “By creating a nurturing and supportive environment, I help the girl boarders to feel safe, valued, and understood, which in turn allows them to flourish both personally and academically. Whether it’s offering guidance through challenges, celebrating their achievements, or simply being a reassuring presence, I strive to ensure they always have someone to turn to; a mother figure when one is needed. Through the little everyday moments – chats in the common room, shared laughter over games, or a listening ear after a tough day – I help build their confidence, resilience, and sense of belonging.”

Across both school sites, Rev Helen, our School Chaplain, provides spiritual and emotional support. In addition to her chapel services, Rev Helen is also a key pastoral member of the team offering wellbeing support across the Senior site with lunchtime clubs and an open-door policy, and for Prep pupils, she hosts her weekly ‘Chat with the Rev’ sessions. Rev Helen also provides bereavement support, including ‘Time to Remember Spaces’, and creative well-being events for our boarders who may find themselves a long way from home.

Rev Helen is also heavily involved in our ACHE Mentor Programme and at the front of the chapel, she offers a space for pupils and staff to come and light a candle, write a prayer and enjoy a moment of calm. Rev Helen says, “I enjoy being alongside the pupils and staff, being present and available for them when needed and encouraging all in their spiritual wellbeing. My role as chaplain is to be there for all who need me. I hope most of all, pupils know they can come to me about anything, at any time and find a listening ear and a safe space, and at times for them when life might feel difficult, having a chaplain to talk to or just to be there to sit alongside, is a support they always have from me.”

For Mrs Jobling, Mother’s Day has not always been a joyous occasion. After losing her mother at 10 years old to Cancer, Mother’s Day was very difficult, “I always called my Dad ‘my Mum and Dad’ and I found it upsetting when asked to make a Mother’s Day card at school, and my teacher would suggest I make one for my grandmother, which singled me out. As I have matured and had three children of my own, I now enjoy the day, as it has a new meaning. My door is always open to any pupil who may have been through a similar experience, that would like someone with personal understanding to talk to.”

The Senior School Learning Support Team assists pupils, in and out of lessons. Alongside Mrs Flowers and Mrs Ward, our lovely school dog Bumble is around to help the team – he makes people smile and stop for a chat when they see him, bringing a little bit of doggy joy to people. Bumble is often a reminder of home when pupils are in school, and they enjoy talking about their pets and having a shared topic of interest. Mrs Flowers is always available to speak to, but many pupils enjoy a chat with Bumble as well, “Stopping to chat to, or about, Bumble allows pupils to have an informal conversation with staff and other pupils. For some, he is a good excuse to get some fresh air and a new perspective on the school day.”

The Libraries, led by Mrs Yigit in the Senior School and Mrs Morse at the Prep, offer pupils a welcoming environment beyond books and study resources. Mrs Yigit comments, “We support pupils in more than then obvious ways of helping find a book to read or resources for homework. We give them a space to feel safe and feel like they belong. The wide range of diverse reading materials means that a pupil should be able to find a book that reflects them. We offer a space to escape, whether that is in the literal sense or for them to lose themselves in a book for a little while.” The library team have expressed their love seeing pupils flourish, grow in confidence, find friendships and develop a sense of belonging just from hanging out in the library, and welcome any pupils who do not use the service to pop along at any time for a warm welcome.

As Deputy Head Pastoral, Miss Mitchell overseas the Pastoral teams, she commented, “I am fortunate to spend much of my week listening to young people, helping them navigate challenges, and guiding them toward making positive choices. I really enjoy working alongside our young people, talking to them about their day to day lives and experiences, future aspirations and watching them find solutions that make a difference to them. As a mum to three children aged 12, 17 and 19, I recognise the challenges young people face as they grow into young adults. Spending time with my children and really listening to them helps me to understand them (and hopefully I can help solve some of their problems along the way).  This Mothering Sunday, my children will join me on our annual tradition, a picnic and blustery dog walk along the coast path at Zennor. They can’t wait!”

As we celebrate Mothering Sunday, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the staff who provide care and support within our school. Whether through pastoral roles, boarding, medical care, chaplaincy, learning support, or simply offering a listening ear, their contributions make a meaningful difference every day.

For any pupils seeking additional support, please know that these staff members, and many others, are here for you. You are never alone, and there is always someone to listen.

We would also like to thank those staff members that have shared their stories and experiences.