This week I’m writing my message from the ICC in Birmingham, which feels very strange. It’s the first time I’ve spent even a full day out of school since January, let alone three, and I must admit, I’ve missed it.
That said, it has been an incredible few days. With three days of seminars, keynotes and breakout discussions alongside 350 other IAPS Heads, it’s hard to pick out the highlights. But three voices spoke to me the most, and they’re the ones I’m most likely to explore further and, hopefully, the ones that will influence Pennthorpe in the months and years to come.
Firstly, Dr Kate Hayes, a leading sport and performance psychologist who has worked with the England Women’s football team, Team GB and Harlequins Men’s Rugby team. Kate spoke about the four key steps to building a ‘winning team’. It was not only fascinating to hear from someone who has worked with some of the world’s top athletes, but also inspiring to understand how these building blocks are so clearly transferable to a team of teachers in a school.
Secondly, Colonel Oliver Lee OBE, former senior Royal Marines officer, author and chief executive, spoke about the relationship between leadership and followership, the power of vulnerability, and the importance of leaders knowing themselves and their people well. It was emotional, incredibly insightful, and something that will stay with me for a long time.
And finally, Steve Chalke MBE, founder of the charity ‘Oasis’, former UN Special Adviser and hugely experienced educational leader. To try and summarise Steve’s talk in a paragraph would do it a complete injustice. I was so enthralled and inspired that even my notes were limited (for me, that’s rare!). His key message centred on finding, knowing and holding on to your purpose. He compared it to the lettering in a stick of rock: it runs through everything, it cannot be removed, and whatever happens, it will always be there.
I like that. I like it a lot.
As an educationalist, the idea of inspiring children to find their purpose and build their lives around what really matters to them is ambitious but wonderful. Who knows, maybe it’s even my purpose.
If you find yourself with any spare time over the weekend, and any of the above appeals to you, I’d encourage you to explore their work further.
One final thing to share from the conference was the wonderful message delivered by the IAPS CEO, Emelie Darwin, at the start of the week. She reminded us that “long after your children forget what they learnt at your school, they will still remember the way it made them feel.” This is so true and really resonated with me.
What an incredibly grounding thought.
Pennthorpe is built around making every child feel safe, valued and seen. The idea that your children will still remember these feelings as adults is something truly special, and something we are lucky to be a part of.
Back at Pennthorpe this week, Mrs Gould tells me that despite a few sniffles here and there, there has been the usual upbeat spirit throughout the school, especially on Thursday when we hosted our Year 3 and 4 sports tournaments. Not only did we achieve great sporting success, but I’m told the sight of over 100 happy faces enjoying match tea afterwards was a real moment of celebration and pride for all the staff involved. I can’t wait to hear all about it next week.
This Sunday brings the long-awaited Run Barnes Green half marathon, 10K and 5K. I can’t say I’m looking forward to it, but the feeling of crossing the finish line and ticking off a half marathon is one I eagerly await. Thank you for all the messages of support. I hope to see lots of you there on Sunday.
Next week sees a new event in our school calendar: a whole-school Class and Form Teacher Parents’ Evening on Monday evening. This is an opportunity for our entire community to come together at the start of the year, talk through how your child has settled into their new surroundings, and ask any questions you may have.
The communication and relationship between the school and you as families is so important, and we want to establish this right from the start. I look forward to seeing as many of you as possible for a drink in the library, conservatory and terrace area before or after your appointments.
Finally, next week also brings our first Open Morning of the new academic year, and I’m delighted to say we currently have 15 families signed up. This is still growing, but it’s already more than we’ve had at this stage of the year in each of the last three years.
Some of the most powerful voices prospective families can hear about Pennthorpe are yours. So, if you’re available between 09:30 and 11:00 next Thursday (1 October) and would be happy to come in for a coffee and an informal chat about your Pennthorpe experience, please do drop me an email.
