North East: Lindy Themistocleous - Boarding School Matron
Lindy Themistocelous, Senior Boys’ Boarding Matron at Barnard Castle School, was nominated for an Awards by one of her colleagues. Lindy was praised for her selfless commitment to her students, having opted to stay at the school and look after boarders who were unable to return home when the UK lockdown was initiated, rather than go to live with her own family.
Remaining at the school until the end of the summer term in late July, Lindy also supported boarders who returned to Barnard Castle in August to quarantine and cared for 13 students unable to return home during Christmas 2020.
Stuart Nicholls, who oversees marketing and communications at the school, said: “Lindy embodies every quality a boarding community could ask for in a matron. She maintains a quiet, calm and unflappable presence, balancing that vital role of being the boys’ mother away from home, with calm authority. Her willingness to go above and beyond the call of duty this year has been instrumental in allowing boarding to flourish at Barnard Castle and she has undoubtedly improved the lives of our boarding children throughout this challenging year.”
In response to hearing that she’d been named the North East regional winner, Lindy said: “I feel so honoured and humbled that I was put forward, and I am incredibly grateful be named a regional winner."
“To all my boys in the boarding house, past and present – it is because of you that I love what I do. You are all amazing and each and every one of you has a special place in my heart."