IBSC Ideas Lab
Professional Conversations for Senior Boarding House Staff, House Directors, Housemasters, and Directors of Boarding in Boys' Schools
Starting February 14, 2024
IBSC Ideas Lab invites senior boarding house staff, house directors, housemasters, and directors of boarding of member schools to connect virtually using the free online tool Zoom. Limited to 14 participants plus the facilitator, this IBSC Ideas Lab includes three one-hour sessions for participants to discuss relevant topics.
Designed as an interactive exchange among colleagues, IBSC Ideas Lab engages dedicated educators who learn and grow together. Before each session, participants engage with relevant resources to provide a foundation for discussions. Together we surface fresh ideas and build mutual support structures and enduring professional friendships.
Available exclusively to IBSC member schools, first-time participants who can commit to joining all three sessions get preference in registration to support the success of each small group. No more than two participants from one school may register for an IBSC Ideas Lab.
Who Should Attend?
Senior boarding house staff, house directors, housemasters, and directors of boarding of IBSC member schools
Format
IBSC Ideas Lab attendees participate in three scheduled one-hour calls using Zoom. Kevin Leathem, deputy head: pastoral affairs at St. Alban's College (South Africa), facilitates each session.
Conversation Topics
Conversation 1
Mental Health and Well-Being of Boys in Boarding
Wednesday, February 14, 3:00 PM EST, 8:00 PM GMT, 10:00 PM SAST
Thursday, February 15, 7:00 AM AEDT, 9:00 AM NZDT
Check the event time in your time zone.
Exploring the vital aspects of mental health and emotional well-being in adolescent boys, discuss comprehensive strategies for identifying challenges and supporting boarding boys’ mental health. Delve into methods for building resilience to navigate life's stresses and emphasize cultivating emotional intelligence and empathy—crucial for boys’ comprehensive development.
Conversation 2
Safe and Inclusive Boarding Environments
Wednesday, February 21, 3:00 PM EST, 8:00 PM GMT, 10:00 PM SAST
Thursday, February 22, 7:00 AM AEDT, 9:00 AM NZDT
Check the event time in your time zone.
Focusing on the creation and maintenance of a boarding environment that is both safe and inclusive, examine effective strategies to ensure every student feels included and secure, regardless of background or identity. Also address challenges such as bullying and harassment as we share practical approaches for prevention and response. Discuss the importance of nurturing positive behavior, mutual respect, and kindness among students.
Conversation 3
Academic Success and Personal Growth of Boys in Boarding
Wednesday, February 28, 3:00 PM EST, 8:00 PM GMT, 10:00 PM SAST
Thursday, February 29, 7:00 AM AEDT, 9:00 AM NZDT
Check the event time in your time zone.
Focusing on the academic and personal growth of boys in the boarding school environment, explore effective techniques to engage boys in their academic pursuits, ensuring they realize their full potential. Discuss the development of crucial career and life skills, such as leadership, teamwork, and critical thinking. Additionally, examine holistic education approaches that integrate extracurricular activities, sports, and arts, aiming to support the well-rounded development of every student.
Registration
IBSC member rate: US $150
Refund Policy
IBSC will refund 90% of registration fees if a written request is received two weeks prior to the class. No refunds will be made for cancellations received after this time. Schools seeking to register an alternate to replace a participant unable to attend should contact IBSC@theibsc.org.
Please note: Participants will receive detailed call information and meeting invitations after registration closes.
Facilitator
Kevin Leathem
Since 2022, Kevin Leathem has served as deputy head: pastoral affairs at St. Alban’s College in Pretoria. With a career deeply rooted in the education management industry, he has extensive experience and proficiency in research, customer service, staff development, educational leadership, and teaching.
Before his current role, Leathem played a pivotal role as the diversity and transformation manager at the Allan Gray Orbis Foundation. This position underscores his commitment to fostering inclusive environments in educational settings. He further honed his expertise in educational leadership at Jeppe High School for Boys (South Africa), where he served with distinction from 2006 – 2019, first as an educator and head of department and later as deputy principal.
Leathem holds qualifications in English literature and economic science from the University of Johannesburg, reflecting his diverse academic interests and capabilities. Additionally, he participated as an IBSC action researcher as part of the 2017-18 cohort, contributing valuable insights on adaptability in boys’ education to the broader IBSC community.
Leathem has a strong commitment to nurturing the next generation of leaders and thinkers, making him a respected figure in the field of educational management and leadership.