A colourful week
11th October 2024
I hope that it’s been a good week. I know that we’ve all faced the challenges of working in schools and college at this time of year ‘head-on’. It’s a tough time of year and seemingly endless half term.
I am thinking that this week I should focus on colours.
Yellow. #Hello Yellow and the focus on World Mental Health Day. A day dedicated to discussing one’s mental health and allowing all to feel more comfortable in talking. And why not? – that’s worth putting on a yellow tie for. Thank you for all that the staff and pupils and students did in support of the day and, in turn, supporting their friends, colleagues, the pupils and students in facing up to the challenges of 21st Century living. There were some amazing things done across all four institutions, some strange yellow attire but a lovely warm and welcoming atmosphere. Thank you all and a special thank you to the Oakwood staff who allowed me to take a wellbeing Wagon wheel as I left the site yesterday morning. It’s been ages since I’d eaten a Wagon wheel and it was a real treat!
Black. We are right in the middle of Black History Month. In my time working in schools and recognizing the impact, influence and history of Black Britons and beyond there’s been a noticeable shift: from education (which continues to be important) to a recognition and celebration. This came this week when the sad death of Lord (Herman) Ouseley was announced. Lord Ouseley was a tireless campaigner who worked across all levels of government to bring an understanding of the challenges faced by the UK’s black population into the heart of the political establishment. He was particularly important in establishing and promoting anti-racism in sport and he fought not only for black players but against anti semitic chanting, and remained chair of Kick It Out for 25 years.
We really should take time to recognize and celebrate the diverse country and community in which we live and serve. Britain is a better place for its diverse population. And will be a better country if we can continue to recognize and celebrate all of our achievements; whatever our background.
Red, Green, Purple: Did you get to glimpse the Northern Lights on Thursday evening? Wow! They were breathtaking and a wonderful natural light show; free of charge, open to all and truly amazing. Many of you will have been out and will have taken some terrific photos. These were my best efforts but, as always, it was so much better in reality, rather than through a lens. Something to lift the spirits at this time of year.
‘Colours, like features, follow the changes of the emotions.’ Pablo Picasso