Scotch College

Boarding house matrons - mums to many

Being a mother to about 50 boys is a concept that might bring apprehension to the heart of any mother who finds that bringing up one or two sons is more than a full-time job.

But that's exactly what each of our boarding house matrons does. The matrons - Mrs Evonne Bills (McMeckan House), Mrs Denise Russell (School House) and Mrs Laurice Stanley (Arthur Robinson House) - play a vital role in the morale of the houses, and "it's never boring", according to Mrs Stanley.

All our matrons have had children of their own, and slip readily into the role of "surrogate mothers," as Mrs Stanley describes the role. "I can see the boys going through exactly the same stages my son went through, and it helps me to understand and lend a hand when it's necessary," she says.

Well, what does a matron actually do? "Our matrons bring an important feminine touch to an otherwise predominately male environment," says Dean of Boarding, Mr Doug Galbraith. "In a motherly way, they organise, nurture, advise, counsel, comfort, provide friendship, overcome loneliness and administer first aid," Mr Galbraith says.

"They're always there, 24 hours a day, with an overseeing but not overbearing presence," he says. "In short, they do what mum would be doing at home: providing a wealth of support, affection and practical help in a hundred different ways - including persuading the boys to keep their rooms tidy!"

Denise Russell says it's wonderful to help young people. "It's a privilege to look after other people's children and help them prepare for their future," she says. "I adore my boys, and nothing is too much trouble to do for them."

Matrons' support includes reassuring a young boy who has had a "bad dream", and needs a comforting word and a cup of Milo at 2am, supervising after-school snacks, and helping a Year 10 boy to write a proper reply to a formal invitation. It also includes keeping a watchful eye to make sure boys are putting out their clothes for washing and dry cleaning, or driving a young boy to Saturday sport or to a dental appointment or ensuring they get on a bus or plane at the end of term.

Matron is one of the first people a new boarder and his parents meet when they arrive at Scotch. Years later, Old Boys revisiting the boarding house make matron's office their first stop. When new boys start, matron meets the boy's parents, and discusses any special needs the boy may have. Each matron has an apartment close to the younger boys' accommodation, to which the boys have ready access at all times.

As Evonne Bills says, "It's very fulfilling to encourage boys to be well groomed, develop good manners, and to manage their study time so that they have also have time to enjoy what Scotch has to offer, free of stress. I enjoy being part of the energy of the boarding house, and playing a role in helping the boys to become exceptional men."

David Ashton