A DAY IN THE LIFE OF JONATHAN BELBIN -----HEADMASTER OF KIMBOLTON SCHOOL-----

I get out of bed, every day, at 5.50 in the morning and go for a ride around the School grounds, after which I take the family dog—Skye, a Welsh Border Collie for a walk. Then it’s the turn of our puppy, Ted who goes for a run around the grounds too, Ted being a puppy does ‘puppy things’, a bit like some of the younger pupils!

After I, Skye and Ted have been fully exercised it’s a short cycle ride to Budgens to collect my copy of the Times, sometimes, if the delivery is late, I call in on the way into school. My breakfast is pretty much the same every day: porridge, yogurt, nuts and grapes; whilst breakfasting I usually listen to ‘Duo Lingo’ French----we have a house in France.

After breakfast I cycle to my office ready for 8 o clock, then the day begins for real!

As with most people in any job, it’s the dreaded emails first, then I don my coat and go out to greet the parents and pupils as they arrive to start their day, this takes some 20 minutes as I love talking to parents and pupils at the beginning of the day in case anything is on their minds. I always ensure that I’m visible to parents, pupils and staff members, it’s the key to being a Headmaster.

From 8.50 I’m busy seeing anyone who wants to see me, could be staff matters, lesson programming, in fact anything at all that I am required to be consulted or to give advice on.

From 9.30 I am likely to be meeting prospective pupils and their parents-----when I go out of my office to meet and greet the parents and pupils, I give my fullest attention to the prospective pupils, to put them at ease in what might seem to them to be a daunting situation; one of the pupils gives them the tour of the School as this really helps relax everyone and is obviously excellent experience for the pupil giving the tour-----any pupil who wants to can give these tours.

From 10 o clock, more emails and correspondence: in this my wonderful P.A. Jane is absolutely key, like all good P.A.s she could probably do my job herself!

10.40 sees the start of School Assembly, 800 pupils with a rotation of a year group sitting at the front, I’ve no idea what they do at the back! This starts with the School Director of Music playing the organ to settle everyone down and then I sweep in with my full gown on, and then invite the pupils to be seated. The service is variously religious and secular, thus catering for all beliefs. During this assembly, certificates and medals can be presented and any special news can be communicated.

11.05, sigh of relief: back in my office with a cappuccino! At this time, staff can call in unappointed to discuss anything they need to, School trips etc.

Academically, I teach 3 lessons every week, mainly history which is my favourite subject. I was a History Master having taken it for my degree at Bristol University. Prior to Kimbolton, I was Head of History at Kelly College Dartmoor and Monmouth School, Wales. After that, I was Deputy Head at Kent College for 6 years and then I arrived at Kimbolton in 2002.

As part of my duties, I have appraisal interviews with all members of staff, mostly listening and giving future career advice. There are 100 members of the teaching staff, that’s 25 minutes 3 times each week, I need to know my staff!

My lunch time is 12.45 for 20 minutes!

Between 13.10 and 14.10, I’m available for pupils to visit me to discuss any matters that they are concerned about.

In the afternoon, it’s my time to observe a lesson, sending positive notes to the teacher concerned later. I love to watch sports matches and games. I also teach PSHE: Personal, Social & Health Education and see all of the 1st and 5th Form pupils over the course of the year, encouraging ‘Assertiveness, Self-Esteem and Anti-Bullying’.

Later in the afternoon, it’s more emails, again!, various meetings: heads of departments etc. By 5.30 the day has ended, apart from concerts, talks, plays which begin around 7 o clock, by then I’ve been home and reinforced with a light tea, cheese and biscuits, literally!

You’re thinking, and you’re right, not much time for anything else: I usually have 3 books (history books, sporting books, novels or a biography---currently, Chips Channon’s diaries ) on the go, I read the Times every day. I’m in bed by 10 p.m., read for a while with ‘lights out’ at 10.30.

Favourites:

Film, Sixth Sense

Pop music, Kate Bush

Classical, Ma Vlast by Bedrich Smetana

I collect Wisdens and the most famous person I’ve ever met, excluding Sir John Major is Mike Brearley.

My wife, Heather, who used to teach at the Prep School is into Agility Training for dogs, we work very much together as a team and Heather always supports me on the many social and formal functions that I attend.

Jonathan and Heather have 3 children:

Natalie who is a designer

James who teaches at Kimbolton School

Danni who is a lawyer.

Jonathan and Heather’s plan is to spend more time in their house in S.W. France as well as being based at Canterbury where they have a house.

On being pressed: ‘The plan is that there isn’t a plan’!

Jonathan’s sign off comment:

‘Only with the support of my wife Heather, could I have done what I’ve done’

Canine Corner - Stereotypic Behaviour in Dogs

A behaviour that is performed repetitively and that has no obvious goal or function is referred to as a stereotypic behaviour. The terms ‘Abnormal Repetitive Behaviour’ or (in dogs) ‘Canine Compulsive Disorder’ are also used. This condition is broadly similar to Obsessive Compulsive Disorder in humans.

Stereotypic and compulsive behaviour can take many forms and have many different causes. Often, the behaviour is a coping mechanism for a dog who is stressed or frustrated. Common stereotypic behaviours in dogs include tail chasing, circling, shadow or light chasing, overgrooming, paw licking or self-mutilation, swallowing inedible objects such as stones and socks (also known as Pica), floor licking, and pacing. Occasionally, dogs may show self-directed aggression and may bite their own legs or tail. Compulsive water drinking is also sometimes seen. When a dog displays one of these behaviours, a collaboration between its owner, vet and behaviourist is usually required as these cases can be quite complex. Getting to the bottom of what is causing the stereotypic behaviour is the goal, but this can be tricky in some cases. Potential causes of stereotypic or compulsive behaviours include:

• Medical problems, including pain

• Neurological problems

• Stress or anxiety

• Frustration

• Living in an inadequate environment with a lack of mental stimulation

• Lack of exercise

• Attention seeking

Some breeds of dog are certainly more prone to showing stereotypic behaviours, these include German Shepherds, Dobermanns, English Bull Terriers and Border Collies. However, dogs of any breed can be affected. Although dogs can be born with a genetic tendency to show stereotypic behaviour (another good reason to meet your puppy’s parents!), there are things you can do to reduce the chance of the behaviour developing. Ensure your dog is healthy and pain-free, keep stress to a minimum and ensure they have adequate exercise, attention and mental stimulation.

Stereotypic behaviours often show up during puppyhood and adolescence, so if you notice any abnormal behaviour in your young dog, speak to your vet as soon as you can. If your older dog starts behaving oddly, don’t ignore it- abnormal behaviour can be a sign of an underlying health issue, so the sooner this is treated, the better.

If your dog is already showing stereotypic behaviour, don’t allow them to engage in the behaviour for long periods. Never punish them as the increased stress could make the problem worse. Distract them if necessary, by engaging them in a different activity such as training, scent work or a game. Don’t encourage the behaviour and never use laser pens, mirror reflections or torches to play with your dog- what starts as an innocent game can quickly develop into a compulsive behaviour. Many dogs who show stereotypic or compulsive behaviour improve with behaviour therapy, sometimes combined with medication from their vet.

Laura Travis BSc (Hons) PG Dip CABC - Clinical Animal Behaviourist

Baby and Toddler Activities

Grafham Little Fishes, Stay and Play Session for 0 to 4year olds

All welcome on Wednesdays 10.00 to 11.20, term time only, in Grafham Village Hall. Just turn up for free play time, followed by a short bible story, action songs and simple craft. For more details, contact Jane Rowley 01480 890986 littlefishes@eastleightonstone.com

Family Fun Friday St Andrew's Church, Great Staughton, 9.00am - 10.30am term time only. Tea, coffee, playtime, story time, singing. Contact Sylvia - 01480 812022 for more details.

St Neots Toy Library - Mon to Thurs 8.45am - 4.30pm, Fridays 8.45am-1.00pm. At The Butterfly Children’s Centre, next to Winhills School and The Eatons Children’s Centre next to Bushmead School. Telephone Lyanne 01480 358350/Jaci 01480 358340.

Rhyme time - rhymes and stories for babies and toddlers aged 0 - 2 years. St Neots library. 2 sessions 10am & 11.15am term time only on alternate Fridays

Baby Gym classes

Promoting tummy time, sensory stimulation and adult two baby bonding bonding., Classes operate term time only, Friday mornings : 10.30am - 11.15am, Open sessions, no booking required., £5 per session, pay as you go (Cash only)., Operates at Huntingdon Gymnastic Club, Mayfield Road, Huntingdon, PE29 1UL, Run by Beccy Chapman Bsc WAHpc, Like Us on Facebook to keep updated, search: ‘baby gym 8-weeks to walking’

Riseley All Saints Church Junior Jivers - music and movement session followed by stay and play every Thursday at 930am term time only - Contact: Samantha Toseland Tel: 07880 700894

Young People’s and Children’s Organisations

Tennis4Tots/Tennis4Kids, Sallie Aylott 0781 2559904, Aged 2½ + , Wednesday afternoons, Tilbrook Village

Hall

Linda Allen School of Dance – Ballet, tap and modern jazz from 3+ years - Spaldwick and Kimbolton

Ladies ballet and tap in Kimbolton, 01480 861332, lindaallendance@btinternet.com www.lindaallendance.com

Guides, Brownies and Rainbows - Kym Valley District, for information call - Esther Crook on 07713 165935

Kimbolton Guides, Kimbolton Brownies , Kimbolton Rainbows - Kimbolton.guides@outlook.com

Gt Staughton Guides, Gt Staughton Brownies, Gt Staughton Rainbows, Guides, Brownies & Rainbows—Bushmead District, Upper Dean Brownies & Rainbows, North Beds. Division, Karen Jones: email: div.nbeds@bedsguiding.org.uk

Little Staughton Guides, Little Staughton Brownies

1st Kimbolton Scout Group, Contact: Jenny Hassell - 07541 196834

1st Brington Scout Group, Contact: Tim Collins - 07881 821649

Stageworks Studios, St Neots. Dance, drama and singing classes for ages 3+. 01480 223331

Motion Dance Academy, Hinchinginbrooke Shcool, Huntingdon - 07887 932294, Miss Mollie www.motiondanceacademy.co.uk missmollie@motiondanceacademy.co.uk

Nurseries, Playgroups, Pre-Schools & Kids Clubs

Crosshall Nursery School 01480 475980

Crosshall Kids Club 01480 219518

Inn Farm Priv. Day Nursery 07802 826798 www.innfarmdaynursery.co.uk

Keysoe Playgroup – Keysoe Village Hall, MK44 2JE, Thursdays 9.30-11.30, £2 per family, healthy snacks, hot drinks, biscuits and craft activity included. Lovely friendly group with lots of toys for your little ones. Come and join us. Term time only.

Kymbrook Pre-School, Kimbolton Road, Keysoe 01234 376100 www.kymbrookpreschool.co.uk

Piglets Pre-School, Gt Staughton 07759382575 www. pigletspreschool.org.uk

Playtimes Pre-School & Out of School Club, Spaldwick 01480 890077 www.playtimesplaygroup.co.uk

Bystander please call Julie on 07928 778457