Introducing our Girls' Housemistress, Ms Judy Barnard
Judy Barnard in conversation with Olly Langton:
Judy Barnard joined us this term as the Girls’ Housemistress and, after an action-packed first half of term, we met to chat about her life and her new role at Belhaven.
JB: I am delighted to have joined the warm and welcoming Belhaven community as Housemistress of the Girls’ Boarding House. It has been a wonderful whirlwind of settling in, getting to know the girls and finding my feet.
OL: Tell us a little about your career.
JB: It seems that boarding has always been a part of my life. My parents were both involved in girls’ boarding, so I grew up knowing the beat and rhythm of boarding school life. I worked as a boarding assistant while I was studying for my bachelor's degree in Primary Education an in my first year of teaching. Since then, most of my career has involved a boarding element. My own family now share in that life, and we all appreciate the unique sense of community that boarding brings. Most recently, I was the Director of Junior Boarding at The Diocesan School for Girls in South Africa. Those experiences confirmed for me what a privilege it is to be a part of a child’s boarding journey – helping them grow in independence, confidence and friendship while being a part of a caring community.
OL: If you had to choose a colour, which coloured crayon would you be in the Belhaven pencil case and why?
JB: If I were a colour ... it would be a tough decision between dark blue and sunshine yellow. I like the calm, inviting and confidence of a dark blue. It makes me think of the steady ebb and flow of the sea; it is reassuring and dependable. It also works well with other colours. But I would also like to be sunshine yellow - bright, happy and full of warmth, the sort of colour that brings a smile and makes people feel at ease.
OL: What would be the title of your autobiography and why? Who would play you?
JB: The title of my autobiography would be ... Don’t shoosh me! - because I believe in being brave when you feel small, trying new things even when you are scared and not giving up. If there were ever a film version, I think Sandra Bullock would play me – she brings warmth, humour and a touch of gentle chaos to every role.
OL: What have been your first impressions and what do you therefore hope to bring to Belhaven?
JB: From the very first time I visited Belhaven, I was struck by the genuine warmth and sense of community. There is a wonderful balance of energy and kindness among the children, staff and parents. It is that spirit of inclusivity and open heartedness that I would like to nurture in the Girls’ House by creating a space that feels both lively and safe, where the girls can be themselves and feel valued. I would love the house to be a place that, when girls come back to visit one day, they reminisce about the wonderful, warm moments they had together in the dorms, Rosie Room and around the kitchen table. Above all, I want the girls to feel that this is their house – a true home where they belong.
