We don't normally devote a whole blog to one person, as we really are a community here, but this time out we had to, as this week we say goodbye to our beloved Lead Nurse, Jo Field. This one is going to be a little emotional folks, so have the handkerchiefs ready!
'Sister Jo', as she is known to one and all, has been looking after boarders at Ashford for almost 9 years: bandaging up everyday wounds; spending long, wet and miserable afternoons at the sports fields; longer, more miserable nights at A&E; consoling the homesick, cheering the lonely and just generally being there when we needed her - even if what was really needed was a strong dose of Kentish wit!
Over the last week, various members of the staff and student body have been saying their goodbyes to Jo (though she was at pains to repeat she wasn't actually going anywhere until this week!) and there were emotional farewells across the boarding community with queues of students lining up for one final hug. We'll hear some of their testimonials later. But, for now, let's hear from Jo herself, who took time away from her handover admin to answer a few questions.
- How long have you’ve been here now Jo?
Now just starting my 9th year
- What were you first impressions of the school?
Having come from another large, physically spread out
boarding school - more friendly staff and happy kids. School really just getting
used to having boys on the roll - as was all girls until 2008 (I think?!).
- What’s changed the most in your time?
The Medical Centre!
We were in one room and tucked away like a secret squirrel! It wasn’t
really a very welcoming place despite the nurses best efforts and was very
cramped . However, we quickly moved to the current premises [The Med Centre is now a welcoming sanctuary, taking up one side of our central quad], became a more
professional, but equally comfortable, place for the pupils and staff to attend.
Poor Mandy was working alone when Sarah and I started on the same day in the
January and the new crew emerged. Zoe JP was employed as the nurse at Prep in
Sept 2012 to complete the team. The MC staff are now an integral and visible
part of school and this has been a huge benefit to everyone across both sites.
- What are you going to remember most fondly about boarding? Developing relationships
with the boarders and starting the Link nurses for each house. It’s a
massively rewarding and enjoyable part of my week to visit Alfred and ASIC (my
2 houses) and I know Sarah and Mandy feel the same about Brabourne and Brooke and Refuge. Being
invited to and included in boarding activities:- ASIC medical resus challenge
(when the pupils beat me!!) Chinese New Year meals, Christmas parties, Summer
BBQs etc…..
- What one memory sticks in your head? recently asking for feedback from some boarders to provide
support for my nursing re-validation - one boy has written ‘like a mummy.
I had to walk away quickly so he couldn’t see my tears…..
- What are you going to miss? every single boarder, for their own little idiosyncrasy.
Zachary learning the piano…Bruce and his fashion sense (or lack of it, if you
ask me!) [did we say something about the wit?!] Jana and her chatter, Emily and her cheekiness (I know you like me a
little bit really!) Daniel’s impeccable manners, Garren's constant food supplies,
Sen and co. competing for ‘weekly room captain’ title, Peter's attempt at my
Kentish accent (keep watching the video I recommended!) John and Ed telling me
they are happy, Jack always ‘resting’ on his bed at prep time, Jamie always
half asleep……the list is endless!
- If you had a message to leave for boarders as you head off :’(... Be happy with life…..take the failures with the successes
and develop your resilience…I’ll miss you all SO much (trying not to cry as I
write this!). Thanks for having me!
Thank you so much Jo,
And now some of us have a few words for you:
"The most memorable thing about you for me was going to the Heart Start training program together. You are a great driver! You taught us so much, and I realize that you are very supportive and amazingly kind to me and my friends. Even though you are leaving Ashford School and going to an unfamiliar new place, you can always make things better and people around feel warm. Hope you have a great time with your new job and the job is just what you have always liked to do." - Joyce
"Thank you so much for looking after me when I was unwell and feeling low. Your smile radiates to everybody around you. You are an awesome super nurse." - Holly
"Be Happy Everyday, Jo.. You will be hugely missed by us." - Claire
"Thank you very much for always being here for me. We will remember your funny jokes and sunny smiles." - Renee
“Thank you so much for looking after us when we are not
feeling well. We will miss you a lot. Good luck! Remember Ashford School
and please come back to see us again.” - Tianyu
“Thank you for taking care of me for more than 3 years! I
always received really warm care from you and the medical centre. We are
going to miss you a lot, so you should come and visit us from time to time!
Jason also misses you and is really grateful to have met you. Lots of love - Mook”
“Thanks for taking care of me when I’ wasn't feeling well
in school, stay happy and healthy. I will miss you.” – Demi
“ Thank you for helping me when I was sick. And I felt
warm every time. I won’t forget your laughing and smiles. I hope
you will be happy forever and good luck!!!” – Kelly
"Thanks for keeping me company among all the these Mancs, Gooners and Spurs! Will miss our chats greatly!" - Special K
You've obviously touched a lot of hearts here Jo. We're going to miss you heaps! All our very best wishes for the new job and for the future ahead. We'll try to be good! Take care.
Love and hugs,
Ashford Boarding.
