MANX MAX

Monday, May 15th (Day 73)

RockKidz concluded their visits to my three schools with a trip to Laxey School today, leaving a lasting impact on the children. They always leave a school 10% happier than before, even in already happy schools.

I joined the Heads of School from my three schools for an “Away Day” meeting, looking at quality assurance of “quality of education” and in particular, curriculum.

Later, a teacher on maternity leave called in to discuss their return to work, which made for a fun meeting with a baby present.

At Dhoon School, Class 3 started their cycling proficiency week, and I reviewed their progress through photographs.

Rock Kidz kindly invited me and the Head of School from Laxey School to dinner, and we enjoyed a great meal at a lovely restaurant; the delicious Big Blue Boy Burger was a great choice.

Tuesday, May 16th (Day 74)

The Isle of Man Department of Education arranges an annual “wellbeing check” for headteachers. Today, I met with my counsellor, appreciating the valuable support provided by my employer.

Wednesday, May 17th (Day 75)

Laxey School had visitors from Junior Achievement, and the Isle of Man Search and Rescue Dogs team delivered an educational talk to our children.

The highlight of the day was the Governors’ meetings for Dhoon and Laxey Schools, providing valuable feedback and challenges.

Thursday, May 18th (Day 76)

The focus of the day was senior position recruitment at Willaston School. We interviewed – and appointed – candidates for Projects and Innovations and a new Assistant Head of School, who will greatly support me and the Head of School.

Friday, May 19th (Day 77)

I visited all three schools for the Celebration Assemblies, sharing in the children’s successes and achievements.

Monday, May 22nd (Day 78)

Our new caretaker at Willaston School started their role after a months-long vacancy. I met with the caretaker for an induction and was confident in our choice.

In the afternoon, I joined the first of three Sports Days – which will be taking place during this week and next – beginning at Laxey School where the children and families had a wonderful time.

Tuesday, May 23rd (Day 79)

I attended an all-island budgets meeting for headteachers, discussing changes in the budgeting process for schools in the Isle of Man.

Wednesday, May 24th (Day 80)

It was Dhoon School’s turn for their Sports Day, which turned out to be a huge success despite the blustery weather.

I attended a Governors’ Meeting at Willaston School, where we discussed important matters like safeguarding and site security, as well as plans for a new mobile classroom.

Thursday, May 25th (Day 81)

I dedicated the day to catching up on emails, admin work, paperwork, budgets, and correspondence, feeling more in control of things.

I had an appointment in the afternoon but was delighted to hear all about the success of the “Slow Dhoon” Road Safety Campaign which was launched at Dhoon by the school council. Well done to all involved in this initiative!

Friday, May 26th (Day 82)

I attended the Celebration Assembly at Willaston School in the morning and visited Dhoon School for their High Five Celebration Assembly in the afternoon, celebrating the children’s achievements.

Looking forward to a long weekend with the Bank Holiday on Monday.

Tuesday, May 30th (Day 83)

A challenging day for my daughter’s health with another “Alder Hey” visit. The long day ended with a late evening flight back to the Isle of Man.

Wednesday, May 31st (Day 84)

Received news of a scare involving our lollipop man at Willaston School but was relieved to know he was fine, thanks to my capable staff.

Attended the final of my three Sports Days, today at Willaston School, grateful for the dry and bright weather throughout all three events.

Colleagues from Laxey School and Dhoon School used Pobble for cross-site writing moderation in their staff meeting time.

Thursday, 1st June (Day 85)

In the morning I headed to Laxey School. A working group of colleagues from Manx Schools was due to meet to look at the island-wide policy on off-site trips and residential visits. This was a really useful meeting and lots of pertinent points were raised and made. Fingers crossed we can now get to an agreed policy position. 

I finished my day at Dhoon School catching up with staff and children and getting on top of my admin work. 

The end of the day signalled the start of half-term for the children. Teachers are in tomorrow for INSET – we are focussing on assessing children’s progress and reporting at each of my three schools – before stepping away from the chalkface for a week. 

This blog only captures a snippet of what goes on across my three schools each day – there is so much more from sporting activities to trips out and excellent teaching and learning in classes. Far too much mention all of it! And, as ever, there is a whole chunk of stuff I choose not to include: child protection issues, MARFs, firefighting, personal stuff, staff matters, parent matters, good news, bad news and everything in between! But as I sign off for half term I do feel like the schools are in a good place. Over half-term there will be hive of activity at Willaston including new flooring, painting, the completion of our new entrance area and lots of caretaking work too. Exciting times. 

But for now…. beer.