Building a career on pastoral care

When Mrs Heidi Broadbent first started working at Trinity’s Boarding House in 2007, it was a decision based on convenience. Of course, the School’s Christian ethos appealed to her and she was excited to get stuck into pastoral care work, but living next door to the Boarding House made it an incredible opportunity to take advantage of the position whilst also caring for her young family. 

That was seventeen years ago now and now, as a Mathematics teacher, Assistant Registrar, and Senior School Housemaster for School House, Mrs Broadbent says that her place at Trinity has gone well beyond that initial convenience. 

“I love the way things are done here, I love the staff I work with, and I love the type of kids we have here.” 

The Boarding House has since closed, but Mrs Broadbent says that her time there shaped the kind of educator and pastoral carer she is today. 

“It was like working in a family. There was so much compassion, people helped each other and I loved being able to pastorally care for the boys when they’re away from home.” 

“Being a mum, I imagined my kids in their position. How can they be loved and cared for? I liked thinking that I was making their time away from home better and easier to manage.” 

She was able to bring her own family into her Trinity family, too, setting up the cot for her then 6-month-old son in a spare room. 

“When the students had breaks, they would play trains with him and help him walk down the corridors. It was good for them, particularly those that had little brothers they’d left behind at home. At one point we also had a Boarding House dog! These things made the Boarding House more of a home and not an institution.” 

There’s a long list of things that Mrs Broadbent loves about Trinity, but she says that a common thread through her career is the way that senior staff have had full confidence in her for each step she’s taken.

Something she has deeply appreciated is their ability to see her potential before she sees it herself. While she taught Mathematics, she was encouraged by the Headmaster to take on the role of Middle School Housemaster. Then, she was encouraged again to become a Senior School Housemaster. 

“I didn’t need to look for those opportunities myself,” she says. “I appreciated the way that the senior staff were watching and thinking about who might be good for the role and encouraging us to take that step. I wasn’t sure if I wanted to take on those roles at first, if I was ready, but they backed me and they were right.” 

As she transitioned into each of the roles she’s taken on at Trinity, she has had the support of leadership, her colleagues in the Mathematics department, and her fellow Housemasters. 

“So many people here are ready to help you, sharing ideas, sharing resources, jumping in to help when you need it.” 

And, for Mrs Broadbent, Trinity’s Christian ethos is still a central factor in her enjoyment of her roles. 

“I feel like I’m on the same page as the School’s mission. Being here gives me the opportunity to talk about my faith openly. I love being able to do that. I’ve worked in the State school system where you’re not able to be open about your faith. And, I love how the Headmaster leads by example, bringing the gospel and Jesus into everything he does and talks about, whether talking to staff, on quad, in his newsletters.” 

This was a key factor in her decision to send her son – the same one that learnt to walk in the halls of the Boarding House – to Trinity. 

“It’s a place where he’s free to express his beliefs, ask questions, and grow in his faith,” she says. “It’s great that the School makes it more accessible for staff to send their sons here – you put more in, you feel more a part of the community.” 

“I’m not just a staff member, I’m a Trinity parent too. I see things from a different perspective. I have a lot more interaction with other parents because of that and I see what it’s like to have a son go through all the requirements of Trinity … that gives me an appreciation of what the boys under my care are managing day to day.” 

Being a Trinity parent also helps her role as Assistant Registrar as she shares her experiences with prospective parents and their sons. 

“My son’s done the Field Studies Program, so when I’m talking to parents of Year 4 boys who are daunted by that experience, I can speak to that. As a parent, being able to speak to the sport or other Co-curricular commitments is helpful in interviews.

“It’s great fun promoting the School, because I love the School. I can spruik the School with confidence and I get a real buzz when I get to offer them a spot here at Trinity.” 

Moving forward, Mrs Broadbent is looking towards the changes that the Renewal Project will bring for her and her Mathematics colleagues. The team has grown so much that they’re not able to fit in the one staff room anymore. 

“Being all together is such a great, collegial feel. I’m really looking forward to all being able to be in the same room collaborating easily again.”

Want to know more about working at Trinity? Check out all the employment opportunities available.