The Daily Grind

Today was school visit day on LfL.
We were to visit Blackridge Primary in West Lothian. It came with great credentials. A very good inspection in 2003, where ICT and leadership were highly praised. On meeting HT, Susan Ralston, and touring the school it became very clear as to why.
Susan had developed her vision for ICT [...]

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I haven’t posted for an awful long time – not because I haven’t wanted to; more to do with lack of time!
I’ve a little more time tonight though, as I’m at Stirling Management Centre doing my residential Leadership for Learning.
I’m looking forward to exploring further the whole concept of the leadership of e-learning within my [...]

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I’m looking forward to my annual visit to SETT this year.
I’ve made time to attend on both days. Other colleagues, I know, probably think that I could spend my time in better ways, but I beg to differ! Each year the seminars I attend inspire us to greater things as a school when I share [...]

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You all know that I spend far too much time mulling over aspects of my job.
However, even I admit that this weekend it’s gone too far.
All day I walked round with a smile on my face.
Why? Well, when I awoke this morning I knew I’d had a great dream but could I remember what it [...]

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It’s a day for Congratulations -
Firstly to Sat, our P6 teacher!!
He’s been accepted as a Glow (formerly SSDN) Mentor for our Authority. A really good development opportunity for him – and I’m sure we’ll get some positive spin-offs for the school as well.
Secondly to Andrew, our Education Support Officer for ICT!!
He’s moving on to work [...]

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On account of my “sheep-counting” last night, tonight’s entry will be short!
We had a great day.
Our returning pupils looked keen-faced and well turned out in their new uniforms. The day went calmly and quietly. Those pupils I had a chance to speak to were glad to be back; full of tales of their exciting holidays [...]

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I’m lying in bed (oh the beauty of wireless technology!), preparing to get an early night before “the big day” tomorrow.
(I actually don’t know why I’m bothering as I know I’ll be counting sheep all night. I realise that no matter how long you’re in this game the “first-day jitters” will always be there; although [...]

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Well, here I am on the eve of my return to work following a long 6 month Maternity Leave.
How do I feel?

anxious
excited
nervous
upbeat
ready

… but in truth – a bit sad. I love my job. I’m devoted to my staff and pupils and committed to doing the very best job I can. BUT – there’s something in [...]

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Have just spent the last 4 hours trying to timetable “McCrone” for the staff for next session.
Having done the same exercise for the past two sessions I’d just thought I’d got to grips with it, then the cruel twist for 2006 reared; ‘up it to 2 and a half hours’.
Ever fair, I go to the [...]

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Out at my Book Group tonight and remembered what is was like when you haven’t done your homework properly.
I’d put off reading the book; “The Case of the General’s Thumb” by Andrey Kurkov, right up until the last minute. However being on Maternity Leave meant that I could devote my whole day today to getting [...]

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