From the Head

Student wellbeing came into sharp focus at Girton last year when experts predicted that “the other curve”, being that of mental health, would be the next big challenge once the coronavirus itself became contained. 

Young people are predicted to bear the brunt of the mental anguish caused by the Coronavirus pandemic, and as always, experts paint a clear case for early intervention and support.

The establishment last year of services in “65 Wattle” and the provision of a single point of access to student psychological services was a timely move that has served us well. The use of our School Psychologist, Provisional Psychologists, and the recruitment of a full-time School Nurse has helped us support students in various ways. 

To ensure we continue to offer the best possible systems and support for our students and to ensure that 65 Wattle can achieve what it needs to in the future, an independent external review has been conducted on our psychology, counselling, and wellbeing services at Girton.

Firstly, may I thank the many staff members in the wellbeing and student support areas across the school who graciously contributed to the review. 

Secondly, I would like to confirm that we will be adopting the primary recommendation from the review, which is to replace contract psychologist services at the school with a full-time registered psychologist into the role of school counsellor, to be located within 65 Wattle.

The major benefit of adopting this recommendation is that for parents, there will be no ‘fee for service’ for school-based psychological services, which removes a potential barrier for parents and students seeking help. This is a significant outcome of the independent review, resulting in improved services for our families. 

The other outcome of adopting this new service model is that our much-loved and loyal School Psychologist, Mr John Pease, will conclude his contract with the school at the end of June. John will continue working in his private practice, The Wilson Centre, where he will prioritise support to Girton students, whether they be his existing clients or new referrals.

John has contracted his services to Girton for over seventeen years and supported generations of Girtonians. While he is not ready to retire, this juncture presents an opportunity for John to continue offering his valuable services to young people while spending more time with his beloved grandchildren. 

John’s work in psychological support and educational testing has been invaluable, and we are grateful to have had the services of someone who so clearly loves the school and his work. Our Heads of House have been significant beneficiaries of John’s expertise over many years. With children who attended and taught at the school and a father who was on the Girton School Board in the sixties, the Pease name is inextricably woven into the fabric of the school. Several family members were part of the Friends of Girton group who helped re-establish the school in 1993 and two of John’s sisters were Girton College Captains. Former Headmistress, Mrs Jean d’Helin (1952 – 1970) tutored John in mathematics.  

The new full-time role will be advertised externally next week with an anticipated start date of Term three. Additionally, a second part-time appointment of a registered psychologist (School Counsellor) will support Junior School students.

I take this opportunity to publicly thank John for his outstanding commitment to the wellbeing of our students. I wish him all the very best in his professional and personal life beyond Girton. 

Dr Clayton Massey

HEAD