Today, our new Reception cohort started school. Nervous children and adults tentatively began their school journey and I was reminded of the significance of this milestone. Compulsory education is a privilege we often overlook. First days remind us of the significance of our school years and how they shape us. As teachers, we are very aware of the crucial role we play in those years. It is an extraordinary privilege.
As a staff team, our nervous return began a few days earlier. Yes – even teachers get nervous before the start of the school year! The break in routine spent living our other lives leaves us well-rested before the arrival of our new cohorts, ready to be supported and shaped into their brilliant best. We feel the weight of our station and work together to reflect and improve at every opportunity. The days before the pupils return provide space to do that and our collegiate team made the most of the shared time ensuring classrooms and plans were tip-top.
Five years into leading our school, my own nervousness has been replaced with an excitement for the return. Schools without pupils are eerie places and whilst the summer break affords much needed maintenance time, it is so much more fun when our children are here. I feel a great sense of calm now we are complete. Our Reception cohort are in – they have learned the right way to use the playground, our Y2s are currently singing ‘Heads, Shoulders, Knees and Toes’ in Spanish next door and my Head Boys and Y6 ambassadors did us proud in assembly this morning. Whilst the school year will inevitably present its challenges, they are ones we are wholeheartedly ready to face and we look forward to working in partnership with our parents through this academic year. Here’s to a great one!
