Nice to see you, to see you nice!

 It has been a while since I last did a blog post. But hopefully from now on my posts will be more consistent. A LOT has happened, and I will fill you in.

Year 3 of my teaching journey has started and what a journey it has been! I am now on my fourth school in the North West after three maternity cover stints at various schools across the East Midlands. Just when I thought I had found my dream school. Life happened, had to move and have now find myself in yet another maternity cover role. This time though it is different! I’m in a new school in the middle of the pandemic. Not only do I have to remember school policies, but also to follow the one-way system as well as my mask whilst trying to navigate a new building… Oh can I just add, the school has a week A and Week B timetable! (#MindBlown)

 

Yes, the first couple of weeks have been manic to say the least. However, I have found that the sense of belonging did not take long to establish. On Day 1 I was directed to get my badged PE uniform that each member of the PE department has to wear. The school colours scream unity and togetherness to the students, whilst also reinforcing the message of equality within the department - which I love! Similarly, all the kids also have a PE kit. This a sense of belonging I have yet to find as a teacher until now. The culture of PE is valued amongst students (by almost every student) however, in the current world affairs it feels as though activity time is very low which makes it difficult to have the momentum that we would’ve wished PE had.  

"If not you, then who? If not now, then when? - this is a quote I recently heard which has gave me motivation to be the best version of myself in every aspect of my life. 

Another interesting aspect of my new is how organised the school and the PE department are. There is a sense of togetherness and genuine collaboration. I have yet to experience such organisation in the schools I have been in so far. There is constant communication between SLT and staff members, this is not only done for fulfilling our directed time, but because it is genuinely needed. In times of uncertainty we more than ever require and crave some continuity and routine. The organisational culture that I feel my current school possess constantly reminds us of the core values that are central in our school lives.   

 

Lockdown was not all doom and gloom. I got married. Moved to Manchester. Started a podcast - yes! A dream of mine has come through. To give you a brief description, the podcast explores the experiences of a Black British woman today. You can check out ‘Melanin and Me’ on all of the big platforms including Spotify, Apple Podcast and Google Podcast.

 

Finally, for the first time ever in my life I have been consciously practising self-care.