Headteacher's Blog #9

 November is a particularly demanding month in schools. Mock exams, darkening evening, illness and fatigue combine to make this month the annual marathon. This is also the month where tempers fray and the fragilities of the relationships between adults and the young people whom they serve sometimes become apparent. The lead up to Christmas brings some relief and by the time the end of the term comes November disappears under a deluge of mince pies and turkey. It is routine that gets you through November and we are working hard at developing those routines here. It is very much the focus of our work this year.

On Wednesday this week we had an unannounced fire drill. I am pleased to inform you all that it was excellent, our young people were silent, respectful and calm. To get 1700 young people and staff silent on a field while we practiced our procedures for emergency is no mean feat, and to see it done so well was a reassuring moment for me. We have come a long way in a short time, and I felt proud as I surveyed the field and watched our students walk silently and in single file back to their classrooms. In November, you take the small victories. I was proud to be LSA.