For all of us involved in education, September is a time of new beginnings. Despite many years in teaching, I never fail to have butterflies on the first day back, a heady mix of anticipation and excitement for the year ahead, which lies waiting full of promise. With each school year come new resolutions and ambitious hopes. The real challenge, as we know, lies in staying the course in the weeks that follow. As the new term gets underway those resolutions can be easily forgotten. Sticking to our goals and the promises we make ourselves takes real commitment. Commitment to stay the course and not allow the urgent to crowd out the important, but also commitment to believe in ourselves and stay true to the ambition we have for the year ahead.

After 18 months of Covid-19 disruption, this start of term feels especially new and exciting. As we begin the process of returning to a new normality, I want to commit to being optimistic and resolute in the months ahead.  Walt Whitman said “Keep your face always toward the sunshine and shadows will fall behind you.” Remaining hopeful even when there are shadows takes commitment and strength and I know without doubt that our school community has that in abundance. It’s going to be a fantastic year.