YPL Counsellor selections

[alt_sinistra]

Good evening, everyone. I'm sorry to be later with our announcement of the YPL counsellor selections than I'd hoped, but we had some extremely difficult choices to make this year. All our applicants turned in thoughful and interesting applications, and in many cases it came down to final details in our interviews.

We also deeply appreciate an anonymous donation that allowed us to take on one extra counsellor and solve a challenging decision among the selection committee.

For those of you selected, please stop by during my office hours to discuss the possible schedule, and there will be a brief meeting of YPL counsellors from all years to discuss summer plans at 4:15pm on Wednesday, May 30th.

Many congratulations to our new additions to the YPL counselling staff.

Susan Bones
Katrina Bundy
Michael Corner
Ernie MacMillan
Draco Malfoy
Harry Marvolo
Pansy Parkinson
Padma Patil
Sally-Anne Perks
Dean Thomas
Ron Weasley

And of course, the best of wishes to our NEWT students as they begin their exams.

Comments

Private message to Seamus Finnigan and Stephen Rosier

[alt_sinistra]

Good evening to you both -

I wanted to write and briefly explain the decision of the committee, as the list above likely does not reflect the outcome you'd hoped for.

Mr Finnigan, you submitted a thoughtful application, and your interview was equally solid.

However, concerns were raised both about some of your choices in both last year's CCF training (particularly relating to Miss Bundy) and this January's CCF event (the matter of the broom). Your actions in both cases lead the committee to be uncertain about how you might handle challenging situations with younger and more vulnerable students.

We know that being able to handle a complicated situation smoothly is a skill that takes time to learn. We will certainly continue to offer you chances to demonstrate your skills and problem-solving approaches. And we will gladly continue to consider you for future leadership opportunities within both the YPL and CCF in other roles.

Mr Rosier, should you have additional questions, I expect to be in New London on Tuesday afternoon (or the following one), should you wish to discuss the matter in person. Likewise, I'm available by firecall around my teaching and exam review commitments. Mr Finnigan, should you wish to discuss further, I'd be glad to arrange an appointment outside my office hours when we can talk privately.

Private message to Daphne Greengrass

[alt_sinistra]

Miss Greengrass -

I know that our decision above is not what you'd hoped, so I wanted to write and let you know that it was an extremely difficult choice. Should any of our existing counsellors need to drop from the programme this summer, you are the top of my list for a replacement.

A large part of our concern had to do with our discussion of the slips in the quality of your work over the past few months. I understand Professor Slughorn has had a word, but if I can be of help, please let me know. You're a bright and talented young woman, and I know the past term is an exception to your usual high standards.

If you'd like to discuss further, I'd be glad to - just arrange an appointment outside my usual office hours so we'll have some privacy.

Private message to Horace Slughorn

[alt_sinistra]

Horace -

Thank you again for your feedback on the students in your house. As you can see, I ended up offering the places to Miss Perks and Miss Parkinson.

I understand, from the little I've been able to catch in conversations this week (around doing the interviews) that you've had a word with Miss Greengrass. I've let her know, above, that it was a very difficult decision, but that she would be next on my list should someone need to give up their place for any reason.

[alt_pansy]

Thank you, Professor Sinistra, I really appreciate the opportunity!

Private message to Raz

[alt_sinistra]

Good grief.

I knew this year's choices were going to be complicated, but I'd no idea how much. We're finally settled, but today has involved four firecalls, three panicked newts with last minute questions, two sets of documentation by owl to go to New London, and a partridge in a pear tree.

(All of which, by the way, is helping your argument that I should let it go to someone else. If you were wondering.)

Thank you, love, for getting me to stop thinking about it last night for a while. It made all the difference to my temper today. And Campanella and Helena and I sorted things out much more easily after we'd all slept.

No stargazing tonight, far too cloudy, so I'm planning on option b: a nice mindless book, some new music to listen to, and more than a smidge of alcohol. I suspect I'm not great company, but you'd be welcome if you like, and I'd understand if not.

I Solemnly Swear That I Am Up To No Good

[alt_justin]

Oh, I say!

Congratulations, Ron, Sally-Anne and Pansy!

-Justin

[alt_padma]

Thank you very much, Professor, and the members of the selection committee. It's an honour to be chosen to represent the programme. I'm sure we'll all do our best.

[alt_ron]

Thanks, Professor Sinistra. That's wizard!

Private Message to Professor Sinistra

[alt_michael]

Thanks.

I still can't quite believe it. I mean, my Mum's real proud and it's great and all. I mean, I'm glad for the opportunity.

I'm just sort of surprised.

I'll try not to let you down.