With two of her three children leaving home for university this year, Head of Modern Languages and French teacher, Bronwyn Radcliffe, and her husband Tim, were on the cusp of becoming empty nesters. However, the Radcliffe’s nest is back to overflowing since they moved onto the St Andrew’s College campus and Bronwyn took up the role of House Manager of Thompson Boarding House – in addition to her teaching duties.

Now she has the oversight for 58 girls from Years 9–13 and is relishing the challenge of the new role. “The girls are great, and I’m excited to be working alongside Director of Boarding, Matt Parr, and the other boarding managers and staff. Everyone has been hugely supportive, particularly my Assistant House Manager, Jo Ah Kuoi, who does an amazing job of looking after the day-to-day running of the House and has a really lovely manner with the girls.”

Bronwyn’s role is to provide oversight for the House. She checks in daily with the staff and tutors, addresses any issues that may arise, is an intermediary between the boarding staff and day school, and is a familiar, friendly face to the girls in Thompson House. Her experiences of parenting, and being a Dean, have already proven invaluable, she says. “I have good and established connections with the Middle School and Senior College teams, the Guidance Counselling team, and the other Deans. Knowing the systems of the day school so well is definitely an advantage.”

Ensuring Thompson House is a ‘home away from home’ for the girls, which meets their different needs and challenges is a focus, says Bronwyn. Her husband Tim, who works in aviation security, and youngest son, Max, a Year 12 student at Christchurch Boys’ High School are also enjoying living on campus, she says. “It is great having all the amazing facilities on our doorstep.” The family’s little rough coat Jack Russell, Aggie, has also moved in, and has been adopted by the girls as a boarding house dog.

Bronwyn is excited about what lies ahead in her new role. “It’s a new challenge, with a great new team of people to work with. I enjoy the whole culture at St Andrew’s and feel a real sense of belonging. This new role adds another dimension to that.”