Staff Spotlight: Joanna
Hargreaves, Hopeman Matron
Friday 09 August 2024
In our Staff Spotlight series we are speaking with our fantastic Gordonstoun staff and getting an insight into what makes them tick.
Today we are chatting with Joanna Hargreaves, or Mrs. H as she is affectionately known; the facilitator of hugs and biscuits.
Tell us a bit about yourself, what you do and how long you have worked at Gordonstoun?
I have loved every minute of my 17 years at Gordonstoun; all within Hopeman Boarding House. I hope I’m still the person I was when I started, and continue to make people happy. Over those years I’ve worked with a number of House Parents (HPs), parents and students, and I’ve met some lovely people. The students here are amazing. They are so kind. I look after them and in return they look after me with cups of tea! I keep in touch with many past students and often get cards and letters - one former student even made me lots of little signs to use on my office door when I’m out. I enjoy sewing, and walking my dogs, and I love being at Gordonstoun.
What do you enjoy most about working at Gordonstoun?
The most rewarding thing I think is helping to support the students, both in the school and in the boarding house. I love spending time with them, having fun with them and having jokes with them, but I also love making sure they are supported and cared for.
What is happening in your department right now?
Last term there was lots going on, including the Year 13 dinner, leavers ball, study leave and exams. It’s important that we support them and make sure they have what they need. We had a surprise leaving event for our outgoing HP Kelly, who I’ve loved working with, and this term we welcome our new HP Katie, which is exciting.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
To care for the students and for them to reciprocate that care back is a great achievement - I do love my job and it is a proud achievement. My family are everything to me too. My husband and I have been married for nearly 40 years and we have two sons and three grandchildren.
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
That everybody around me feels cared for, supported and if they are happy, I’m happy.
What is something surprising about you?
One day I’ll have to leave Gordonstoun, and that will be very difficult.
I want to travel and that will be the next stage. There are a lot of places within the UK that I want to visit with our campervan. Having loved Italy (specifically Venice & Rome), Prague, and Budapest, I am looking forward to experiencing Krakow in October! There are so many countries and cultures I look forward to experiencing, with Canada being at the top of the list.
What talent would you most like to have?
I used to, when I was younger, make my own clothes. But, as time has gone on, I haven’t had as much time. So making time would be good. I’d like to be good at art. I’m absolutely awful at art, but I’d like to be able to draw and have the talent that some of these students have; they are amazing.
Is there a quote or saying you live your life by?
If my family is happy, I’m happy.
If everybody is happy, I’m happy.
This isn’t always possible in life but, kindness, health and support for everyone is important. I think that if any of us can help towards this for others, then that’s the most important thing.
What is your guilty pleasure?
Marmite. No other spreads, just marmite. It cheers me up.
Thank you Joanna for taking the time to talk to us!
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