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1/16
Sunday thoughts.
Long thread...
Sunday thoughts.
Long thread...
2/16
Every ounce of energy in our school is going into making the school safe... and providing great learning experiences through the day... and keeping everyone in our community happy.
This is no mean feat.
Every ounce of energy in our school is going into making the school safe... and providing great learning experiences through the day... and keeping everyone in our community happy.
This is no mean feat.
3/16
I worry about the toll on every member of staff who are working so hard to ensure that everything is on an even keel for the children - who come first. Being there for them right through every minute of the school day.
I worry about the toll on every member of staff who are working so hard to ensure that everything is on an even keel for the children - who come first. Being there for them right through every minute of the school day.
4/16
Putting their energy into the school day experiences for each and every child... responding to the needs of every child... learning/emotional/physical needs.
Putting their energy into the school day experiences for each and every child... responding to the needs of every child... learning/emotional/physical needs.
5/16
As well preparing and delivering remote learning for those isolating at home... and communicating with their families to ensure all is okay.
A staff team who have got their heads round the technology with incredible positivity and enthusiasm literally overnight.
As well preparing and delivering remote learning for those isolating at home... and communicating with their families to ensure all is okay.
A staff team who have got their heads round the technology with incredible positivity and enthusiasm literally overnight.
6/16
Staff who are now effectively isolated in bubbles with their class. Dealing with the highs, lows and fallout that intense bubble life inevitably brings, especially as children/colleagues become tired.
Staff who are now effectively isolated in bubbles with their class. Dealing with the highs, lows and fallout that intense bubble life inevitably brings, especially as children/colleagues become tired.
7/16
Staff who are carrying their own load of personal covid worries about family, friends, life. Dealing with the emotional toll that this brings - without letting it impact on their teaching and work with the children.
Staff who are carrying their own load of personal covid worries about family, friends, life. Dealing with the emotional toll that this brings - without letting it impact on their teaching and work with the children.
8/16
Staff who have, through their own volition, stuck rigidly to all the covid safety rules, who haven't socialised, haven't taken any risks for fear of the impact that a positive result could have on the school (let alone on them personally).
Staff who have, through their own volition, stuck rigidly to all the covid safety rules, who haven't socialised, haven't taken any risks for fear of the impact that a positive result could have on the school (let alone on them personally).
9/16
Our mantra has been, throughout, keep it simple.
Focus on the simple things that bring joy, pleasure, happiness as well on learning and take the time to enjoy. Get outside as much as possible. Don't feel guilty. Do what you know is right for the children in your class.
Our mantra has been, throughout, keep it simple.
Focus on the simple things that bring joy, pleasure, happiness as well on learning and take the time to enjoy. Get outside as much as possible. Don't feel guilty. Do what you know is right for the children in your class.
10/16
It's been the right approach so far for us... as much as anything is 'right' these days. We are all doing our best.
A photo montage of the last half term and feedback from parents reflects how wonderful it has been for the children.
It's been the right approach so far for us... as much as anything is 'right' these days. We are all doing our best.
A photo montage of the last half term and feedback from parents reflects how wonderful it has been for the children.
11/16
But I am not piling anything more on this wonderful team of people who give everything during the school day. They are not running clubs. They are not doing 'catch up' lessons. They are not being subjected to ridiculous performance management expectations.
But I am not piling anything more on this wonderful team of people who give everything during the school day. They are not running clubs. They are not doing 'catch up' lessons. They are not being subjected to ridiculous performance management expectations.
12/16
This is a marathon, not a sprint. I need a team who are going to survive the year... physically, mentally, emotionally. I also need to survive this year. This is going to be no mean feat too.
This is a marathon, not a sprint. I need a team who are going to survive the year... physically, mentally, emotionally. I also need to survive this year. This is going to be no mean feat too.
13/16
So I will also be keeping it as simple as possible. I am not going to jump through ridiculous hoops for anyone who has not walked in our shoes for the past 8 months. Frankly - they can get stuffed.
So I will also be keeping it as simple as possible. I am not going to jump through ridiculous hoops for anyone who has not walked in our shoes for the past 8 months. Frankly - they can get stuffed.
14/16
I am going to try to stop losing sleep about the budget. People come first.
I will try to find a moment each day to do something strategic... something with the children... something that is not operational and micro-management.
I am going to try to stop losing sleep about the budget. People come first.
I will try to find a moment each day to do something strategic... something with the children... something that is not operational and micro-management.
15/16
It does feel like schools are battening down the hatches - and becoming isolated as we all struggle on. However, I know that I am not alone... and know that each school leader is doing their best in the worst circumstances.
It does feel like schools are battening down the hatches - and becoming isolated as we all struggle on. However, I know that I am not alone... and know that each school leader is doing their best in the worst circumstances.
16/16
Each school walking its own path through this pandemic. We can't and shouldn't compare or judge schools in this situation.
Be kind. Support each other. Be there if you can, and if you can't reach out.
End.
Each school walking its own path through this pandemic. We can't and shouldn't compare or judge schools in this situation.
Be kind. Support each other. Be there if you can, and if you can't reach out.
End.
