We have a lot of gifts here today – that’s the generosity bit.
Amy has some fascinating thoughts on finding balance amidst the hurdy-gurdy of school life too – that’s the bit about chaos.
And I’ve been thinking a lot about asking for support … and also occasionally taking it – that’s the bit about a helping hand.
Hoping this week’s goodie bag gives you a hand too!
GIFTS
Bullying eh?! For School Leaders, both the reality and the perception of it can be the bane of our existence. And yet, for all of our toil, the stats tell us we’re just not making any progress. We can do better than that.
This FREE Video Tutorial will outline the fundamental mistakes we’ve made in attempting to combat bullying (spoiler – you’re going to slap your own forehead quite hard) and provide you with a way to both feel and prove that your school is making a difference when it comes to student safety.. Register here
Are you a School Leader who is interested in finding out more about the benefits of a Real Schools Partnership?
If so, join Simon for a webinar on Wednesday 21st October at 10am. To register, simply click here.
Over the next 6 weeks Amy and Adam are running a 6-part webinar series covering all things Teacher Wellbeing.
This week, Tuesday October 13th at 3:45pm is Week 1 and Amy and Adam are sharing what Teacher Wellbeing is and isn’t. If the current approach to Teacher Wellbeing is leaving you wanting more, than this may just help to fill that gap. Register here.
This week Amy will be dropping by at her usual time slot, 5pm Tuesday, to answer this question: ‘I am trying to break the habit of taking marking and school work home with me every day so I have more time to do other things but I don’t know how. Can you help?’.
A question I am sure many teachers have asked themselves at one point or another.
Join Amy live at 5pm on the Real Schools and Reals Schools Academy FB pages to see what she has to say.
OPPORTUNITIES
The Inner Circle began in 2020 and it’s been a roaring success.
Further, I’ve had such an amazing time working with 12 School Leaders who are committed to installing a restorative future for their schools. And the good news is that we’re now taking registrations for 2021!
All you need to do is head to our dedicated TIC website and sign up – we’ll do the rest. Remember that there are only 12 places available … so don’t mess around.
Alternately, drop me an email directly at adam@adamvoigt.com.au and I’ll flick you a
copy of the TIC Prospectus.
THOUGHTS by Amy Green
There is a fine line between balance and chaos.
This week I was lucky enough to take a little break and head to Byron Bay for some much-needed sun and sand. It was time to relax, rest and
recharge. I was in need of some balance after a busy and chaotic term.
It occurred to me though that maybe balance isn’t about switching off, but instead learning to go with the chaos. The ups and downs, the craziness of being a teacher, the rushing from meeting to meeting but then pausing to chat to a colleague, playing a game outside with your students or reading your class novel longer than you planned is balance. Standing still and feeling like we have achieved balance isn’t the goal, but finding balance in the chaos is.
Next time you feel like it’s chaotic, you are busy running from one meeting to the next, or you find your to do list getting out of control (like I did yesterday), go with it. Balance is in the chaos.
EPIPHANIES by Adam Voigt
It’s ok to ask for help.
I spoke with an Assistant Principal last week who was interested in our Beginning Teacher Partnerships.
He loved the idea and said it was exactly what his new-to-career teachers needed. But he also revealed that he’d been reluctant to call us as he felt guilty about outsourcing this responsibility.
I get that. I’ve done that. But I also get how unhelpful it is to think that we have to do all things and be all things for all people.
The result of that thinking is burnt out school leaders and staff members who don’t get the tailored help they need. So, there are no winners.
It made me realise that I have, far too often, refused help in the vain struggle for self-reliance or some imagined need to be seen as having it all together.
There’s nearly always somebody out there who is both capable and willing to give you a hand, for no other reason than your work matters so much.
Take it.
Warm regards,
