Well, what a whirlwind of a week! I blinked and it was gone in a flash! At this rate, it will be Easter before we know it (but at least it will be a little bit warmer). Luckily, the welcome that I have had from staff, pupils and parents has been so much warmer than the weather and I feel like I’ve been here for a while already and learned so much – I even got an email from a member of staff saying, ‘Feels like you’ve been here for ages and that we’re in very safe hands.’; what an incredibly lovely message to receive.
I have had a wonderful experience of Gateway so far; so many pupils smiling and asking how I am, a whole school assembly where everyone was so engaged and eager to listen to start the first day back; a trip into Preschool where I found Mr Mitchener delighting the pupils with his ukulele, whilst they tapped along on their percussion instruments or sang songs with actions, and where I saw Mrs Whalley reading my favourite book, A Squash & A Squeeze, with our youngest children and singing nursery rhymes!
Being on the front door and in late care club has enabled me to start trying to get to know the children’s names (no mean feat when you’re my age!) and it’s been lovely interacting with the pupils in different ways. Yesterday, I even taught my first philosophy lesson with Y5TH – we started off by thinking about philosophy and big questions and then got onto setting up the ‘Balloon Debate’ for next week – which is essentially an ethical and philosophical debate, which sees figures who have had some strong impact on society vying for their place in the balloon.
What has also been amazing to see, is just how well Gateway runs and the dedication and openness of the staff. I have been incredibly impressed by how many great ideas our staff have, how willing they are to lead and take on things and just how organised everything seems to be on a day to day basis.
It sounds a bit crazy, but I can’t wait for Monday – I’m loving being a Head again – I’d forgotten what a privilege it is and what it feels like to be a part of such a lovely community – and that’s all down to Gateway!
Ms Sam Selby – Intermin Headteacher
