Make me a channel of your peace

What a day. It began with the final preparations for the Bishop’s visit. The itinerary was precise but took no account of the Bishop and his humility and wishing to meet the students. It all appeared to flow well, the building was blessed and Mass was celebrated. A joyous occasion, uplifting and a real boostContinue reading “Make me a channel of your peace”

Four weeks and counting!

So I’ve been back at work, or at least joined by others, for four weeks! One month done and now the build up to Bishop Alan’s visit to bless the sixth form block. Lots of preparation is afoot, with practices, plaques, and floral arrangements arranged. It really will be a holy and joyful occasion! MoreContinue reading “Four weeks and counting!”

First week completed

So it was back to school on Monday, a new term, new academic year and a new Headteacher. You could feel the buzz around school and INSET for the first two days there was real sense of doing things together. I, after 13 years, had the opportunity to welcome support staff and also on dayContinue reading “First week completed”

OH 60 Day 6

Nothing planned by me today, as I had to go to work as it was GCSE results day. Nail appointment later in the afternoon in readiness for tomorrow’s treat. Kevin had arranged to play squash with his chum of over 33 years, the first person he played against when we moved to Essex. I settledContinue reading “OH 60 Day 6”

OH 60 Day 5

Back at work this morning for me, leaving the new sexagenarian at home. I had to visit the graphic designer/branding consultant and enjoyed the amble through the little gardens in Chelmsford. Getting home early afternoon there was an unknown car on our drive and I wondered who Kevin had round. He was entertaining 3 ladies!Continue reading “OH 60 Day 5”

Term seven

I’ve been reading twitter and other blogs of school business managers/leaders and a few talk of term 7 as a reference to the summer break. A time for us to reflect on the last academic year and enjoy solitude and quiet to get to grips with outstanding jobs: although the fire alarm testing on WednesdayContinue reading “Term seven”

Thirty years ago today

Thirty years ago today, Andrew John arrived safely into the world. A full head of black hair and a giant leap into the unknown. He has made us laugh, cry, shout, beam with pride, laugh some more and cry more tears as we have said goodbyes at the school gates, Brunel University and off toContinue reading “Thirty years ago today”

Hard day’s night

What a week! I don’t feel that I have achieved very much at all. Everyday has brought a fresh challenge, some more daunting than others I’ve retreated to the garden of an evening, watching for the little changes to the shapes and colours. Changes to Data Protection come into force next Friday, and there isContinue reading “Hard day’s night”

GDPR, walking, negroni and unexpected time spent, then back down memory lane.

Had to attend an information session regarding GDPR, the beefed up Data Protection regulations coming into force on May 25th this year. Now this will have been my fourth session, so I am well versed in why, when and the fines. What I want to know is how the hell I am to do itContinue reading “GDPR, walking, negroni and unexpected time spent, then back down memory lane.”

Thank you

Twists and turns a plenty this week, trying to balance the budget. It’s been stressful and after months of sleeping well, these last few weeks have provided sleep deprivation. One of the ways to try to balance the budget is not to replace staff who have left: never an easy decision. Even harder is toContinue reading “Thank you”

A trip to the City

Today I travelled up to London on a beautiful sunny day to a reunion of a few from the Bank that I used to work at. The bank closed in 1990 but my memories of working there are so fond. Wonderful people, and I met Kevin there with a job I loved. I know thereContinue reading “A trip to the City”

January-sick and tired you’ve been hanging on me….

2018 has been momentous so far, and January has seemed very long, but February has settled in nicely and hopefully Spring is around the corner! The last ten days have been very busy at work and there hasn’t been much time to do much. Last year at this time we were preparing to go toContinue reading “January-sick and tired you’ve been hanging on me….”

Perceptions

This week has been a strange one, lots of excitement and opportunity and not much time to get things done. Early mornings and late nights with a foray into the unknown. A night at home with Kevin spending time with his mum, an opportunity for reflection. This week I’ve been told I’m scary at work,Continue reading “Perceptions”

Surprise, surprise

And still the surprises keep coming this year! Some unexpected news at work meaning opportunities and challenge. Great to look holistically at situations. Watching our children grow into the adults they have become is awesome. We have caught up with good friends this week, where laughter and food have been plentifully enjoyed. Good news quiteContinue reading “Surprise, surprise”