Early mornings

I am an early morning person, I have to be with two dogs to walk before school in the morning. Whilst I get to experience the odd dramatic sunrises and early morning songs, I most enjoy the space and time to think, in solitude, before my time is no longer my own. I often find the solutions I need to solve and create challenges and opportunities, always striving to make my school a more inspiring place for learning. In fact, it is the best time for my own creative thinking, it is just a shame i waited until I had dogs to make the most of an early morning walk. Now, without it, I am restless and fidgety with a foggy brain for the whole day!

Three beautiful things:
1. An e-mail - from a pupil desperate to show me some learning they have been doing at home. She was so proud of what she had achieved and rightly so!
2. Time - I haven't stopped since being seconded to a school in crisis last Easter. This half term, I have finally relented and given myself a gift of time without feeling guilty. Finally, my home is beginning to look loved again (including getting rid of the cobwebs and dust, just in case any more frogs come visiting!).
3. Passing - last Tuesday's visit to Bournemouth was spent being assessed to see whether I can be a National College Cluster Facilitator for their Middle Leadership programme. I was very pleased to find out today that I have indeed passed and am able to facilitate training for more clusters. I find this part of my work both humbling and inspiring. To think that I can offer something to others in my profession who aspire to become leaders of learning, it is a real honour and a privilege, to say the least.

One thing to be grateful for:
I have good friends who care and understand.