Endings

As we approach the end of term in Scotland, this is my message to staff:

It was such a privilege on Thursday to hear the brilliant leaving speeches for staff.

 It got me thinking about what I would say about myself in a leaving speech.

How often do we stop and reflect on what we have done and what we have been to others? Probably not enough.

As teachers, we are naturally inclined towards celebrating the successes of pupils and making them feel good about themselves.

But how often do we look at our own achievements and give ourselves a quiet “thank you” or “well done”.

 Do you, like me, tend to focus on what has not been done, rather than what has been?

 I was chatting to a pupil the other day about the concept of whether we were “glass half empty” or “glass half full” types and they brilliantly said: “but sometimes the glass IS half empty, if you have drunk from it and sometimes it IS half full, if you have filled it half way from the tap.”

 Of course, it can be both. And our thoughts can be both: sometimes more positive and sometimes more negative.

 And so, as we go into this holiday, I set you a challenge. Fill your glass with a favourite drink and write yourself a congratulatory piece about all you have done and achieved this year.

And then drink a toast to you.

I am immensely grateful for all that all of you do and have done. You should be too.

 Have a fantastic summer.