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Dear colleagues
Welcome to our new term’s series of ‘Called, Connected, Committed’ resources and may I start by thanking each and every one of you wholeheartedly for the incredible job that you are doing in leading your schools through such complex and challenging waters, particularly over the past 10 days. As leaders you have had to face so many significant decisions and will of course continue to as each day progresses, and from our national team, we want to start by applauding and thanking you, and your whole staff teams for all that you are doing. What has been achieved in just a few days is quite remarkable.
All of this has happened because you are seeking to put your vision into practice and to ensure the very best experiences for your children and staff, despite all the changes. Over the past few weeks, I’ve been listening quite a bit to Brene Brown’s podcast – Dare to Lead. Her latest guest was President Barack Obama (I wonder if I can interview him on CCC soon!). The interview is a fascinating insight into the tensions and challenges of leadership – particularly interesting on the balance between work and family in fact. The podcast title is based on her book ‘Dare to Lead’ (which although not directly written for education, has some great insights in it). In this book she quotes again the famous words of Theodore Roosevelt about being ‘in the arena’:
"It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat." (Theodore Roosevelt, April 23, 1910)
In many ways this is quite a dramatic read for a Monday morning, and has some pretty graphic imagery. However, I share it because leading in these circumstances is about choosing courage – this is a personal choice for you today, but it is also a choice your staff, pupils, parents, governors are all required to take as we move forward together. Please know that, despite any criticism you might face, your courage is exerted in a very worthy cause and is hugely valued by so many.
The next episode of the CCC podcast will be back next week, with a great interview with Dr Kate Middleton about wellbeing of staff and students. However in the meantime, I’m delighted that our main message this week comes from Nigel Genders, Chief Education Officer, in a blog that he published a few days ago, which amidst all the busyness and decision-making, calls us back to the Vision for Education – for Wisdom and Hope in particular.
As you continue your leadership journey this week, you will no doubt face things ‘in the arena’ that you do not yet know about, but may you know you are part of a bigger story, a wider mission and a larger family seeking to provide education for ‘life in all its fulness’ for around 1 million children across the country today.
Thank you for all you are doing – it is making all the difference to the communities you serve.
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Andy Wolfe - Deputy Chief Education Officer (Leadership Development)
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Starting term amid COVID-19 Uncertainty: schools need collaboration, wisdom and hope
Chief Education Officer Nigel Genders has written about the complexities of the current situation, and how - more than ever - we need a vision for wisdom and hope.
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'My prayer for this new year, and a new term, is formed around that core strand in our vision, for wisdom... This wisdom for living is itself underpinned by hope.
Not simply the hope which comes from the vaccine programme which is now well underway (and which must reach all school staff along with other key workers as soon as possible) but a certain hope in God’s future for the world, in God’s ongoing love and compassion for all people, and for the whole of creation, and in God’s promise of life in all its fullness.'
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Resources for further reflection
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'Schools are facing seemingly impossible decisions with pressure on both sides.'
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In moments like this, we desperately need the peace that passes all understanding. Why don't you take a moment to let this stunning song wash over you today?
Ukuthula - Peace Kulumhlaba we zono - In this (broken) world of trouble
Igazi like Jesu lin yenyez' - The blood of Jesus flowed (so that you could have)
Ukuthula - Peace
Usindiso - Redemption Ukubonga - Praise Ukutholwa - Faith Ukunqoba - Victory Induduzo - Comfort
Thanks to Andrew Teale, Hereford DDE, for recommending (via Twitter)!
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'The need to root ourselves in our Christian perspective on education, especially in the most difficult of situations.'
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In the Foundation, we believe that when we know our why this can make a real difference to how we approach and undertake our roles and tasks. This video from comedian Michael Jr demonstrates this through a powerful musical illustration.
'When you know your why, your what becomes more impactful, because you are walking towards or in your purpose.'
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'We need to move to a deeper mutual understanding'
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This poem 'Disagreeing Well' asks whether it is possible to live together well, despite our different opinions or disagreements? 'Good disagreement is not just sweeping our differences under the carpet...'
A good one to use with older children and young people, too, perhaps.
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'This wisdom for living is itself underpinned by hope.'
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This inspirational poem by Lemn Sissay is a reminder that every day, you truly are Making a Difference - to your young people, staff, parents and wider community - giving hope in what can feel like a bleak and disheartening landscape.
The spark is igniting in dark WE are lightening
Moreover, as we witness the threat to the very foundations of the values on which societies are built, this poem reminds us of the critical importance of 'shaking and waking and breaking indifference'.
As Nelson Mandela said:
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'A certain hope in God's future for the world, in God's ongoing love and compassion for all people.'
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This modern hymn 'Lord from Sorrows Deep I Call’ speaks about those moments when everything seems in turmoil and calls out to God for refuge and above all, hope. You may find these words, taken from Psalm 42 echo some of your own questions in this moment.
Storms within my troubled soul
Questions without answers
On my faith these billows roll
God, be now my shelter.
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A Prayer for School Leaders
Wonderful Counsellor
When we run out of wisdom,
We are so thankful that we can come to you -
Fount of all knowledge,
Holding the answers in your hands.
We ask for your guidance
As each and every day we face new challenges and problems to solve.
Lord in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.
Mighty God
When we run out of strength,
We are so thankful that we can come to you -
Our fortress and refuge,
Holding our community in your hands.
We ask for your protection
As each and every day we seek to keep our pupils, staff and families safe.
Lord in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.
Everlasting Father
When we run out of hope,
We are so thankful that we can come to you -
Our guide and way-maker,
Holding all our futures in your hands.
We ask for your direction
As each and every day we look to prepare for uncertainty.
Lord in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.
Prince of Peace
When we run out of confidence,
We are so thankful we can come to you -
Champion of justice,
Holding the whole world in your hands.
We ask for your grace
As each and every day we tackle discord, inequality and fear.
Lord in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.
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