4 March 2022

With so much uncertainty around at the moment, I returned to good ol' Covey's circles of concern with the staff at the end of last week. So I thought I'd share them again as I have found this thinking so useful over the years. They are rather old now but I think they have kept relevant over time.

There is so much to concern ourselves with but, if we can stay focused on the circles of 'stuff' we can control and/at least influence, we can sieve a lot of other matters out. So that's what your school team will endeavour to do to keep the ball rolling as smoothly as we can.

I initially was concerned about our children not coping with wearing masks from Years 4-6. They are so much more flexible and resilient than we often give them credit for - it must also be the encouraging messaging they are getting from home as well as school, I'm sure. When I have spoken with colleagues, they have experienced something similar.

We received communication from the YMCA who are obviously experiencing a lot of camp and outdoor activity postponements across the country. To quote:

"In times of chaos, we should look to experiences that both create a sense of ‘business as usual’ as well as enhance our young people’s inherent individual ability to cope with change and the challenges that the world throws at them."

With Year 5 & 6 Camp postponed until Wednesday 7 September to Friday 9 September and Year 4 Camp on Thursday 8 September, it's our aim to keep on giving our children the business as usual as much as we can. This includes plenty of outside learning, being in the elements and enveloped by nature.

Although feeling a little Autumnal lately, I think we still can squeeze in some time for Vitamin D and fresh air, appreciating what a great environment our children have on their back doorstep. 

Beats a screen any day of the week!