Something fantastic happened to me today. A kid walked up to me and said: “Where were you yesterday? I missed you!” I was caught off guard by the question. It was so unexpected, so out of context, that I think it ranks as one of the best moments I’ve ever experienced as a school leader. […]
“All we need is another photocopier.” When I started teaching, I promised myself that if I stayed long enough to become a school leader, I would install a second photocopying machine to improve staff morale and wellbeing. Nothing was more frustrating than having to join the queue of grumpy, pre-caffeinated teachers waiting for their turn […]
As well as packing away the Christmas decorations, one of the things I enjoy doing each New Year is having a good declutter. I feel like I’ve spent my life moving house (I’ve just counted: I am currently in my 22nd house), so I’ve built this habit more out of necessity than anything else. Both […]
I do not intend to become a book reviewer, but I have a short story about how I decided to keep just three books this year. Curating the Keepers As readers, there are a few books we read each year that leave a lasting impression. They will change how we understand or feel about something, […]
The Corner Office I watched the TV series Suits for 10 (ten!) seasons and couldn’t get enough of it. Looking back, I now question why. Sure, I loved the childish interplay between the main protagonists, Harvey Specter and Mike Ross. Louis Litt was fun. And I loved to hate Megan. But what else? Did I […]
I Love You Every so often, my wife ‘advises’ me to go for a long walk. Is she trying to tell me to shape up? Or does she sense I need to clear my head? I am sure she will love me whether I go or not, but I go because I think I need to […]
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity opens up to go to the most prestigious chocolate factory in the world. Everyone wants to go, but there are only a few places available. So, a lottery is set up in the style of a treasure hunt for one of five Golden Tickets, hidden away in […]
This timeless story is about four people: Everybody, Somebody, Anybody, and Nobody. It starts with Everybody saying that the education system is broken and something needs to change. It’s assumed that Everybody will kick things off because they always go on about it. Everybody says nothing will be the same after COVID-19, AI will change […]
This morning, I held a door open for a colleague following behind me to get a coffee. But I completely misjudged it! I thought they were closer than they actually were. Thus, it became very awkward, as it was too late for me to stop holding the door, and they then felt obliged to commit […]
Part 1 – Back to school The hustle and bustle of the week before the new school year affects all families differently. This morning, for example, I tried squeezing last year’s school shoes onto my daughter’s feet. Neither of us particularly enjoyed the experience. As parents, we know that we have to sort out things […]
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