Just one more heave

6th May 2022

I hope that you’ve had a good week. Four days in work; five days of work?

I was never very keen on the phrase ‘we are all in this together’, not least because it was very clear that many of those espousing such sentiments didn’t know what being ‘in it’ meant and they certainly didn’t understand what facing real and present difficulties was; be that financial or domestically. That said, and without using that trite phrase, we are at that time of the year when we all need to lean into things. I think what I mean is that we all need to put our shoulder to that great granite block which needs pushing up the hill. We know that it would be easier if we stood to one side and allowed others to do it but, if we did that, we wouldn’t shift that metaphorical challenge one iota.

Sometimes, however rarely, I hear young people offering meek excuses for not doing just what they should be doing; especially when it comes to revision. It’s all too easy to stand to one side and expect others to do the heavy lifting -especially the staff body rather than taking that personal responsibility. In our world, in the world of education, especially in challenging times, we all need to be facing in the same direction and putting our shoulders (collectively) to that granite block. It’s only when we all do it together that we see any genuine movement, and consequential success.

As we enter the exam / SATs period and the final knockings of this academic year it can be tempting to stand to one side and allow things just to happen. Please don’t do that! Support the pupils and students and, critically, each other by doing what you need to do with energy and enthusiasm. You can be reassured that the schools and college staff will do all that they need to do and will be making every effort and sweating the small stuff. Please just do what you need to do to support the children and young people and the adults, who work with us, in these more challenging times.

I appreciate that the overwhelming majority of our community understand this message but it is worth repeating, just occasionally.

‘If everyone is moving forward together, then success takes care of itself.’ Henry Ford
For your commitment and your dedication to the children and young people of this community I thank you.