As we step into a new academic year, I’ve been taking time to reflect on what makes our profession so special—and, yes, so demanding. Teaching is a job that constantly asks us to give of ourselves: our knowledge, our creativity, our energy, and often our evenings and weekends too. And yet, it is also a role that gives back in ways few others can—through the relationships we build, the culture we create, and the moments of growth we witness in our students every day. It’s these moments that remind me why I feel so proud and privileged to be part of this team.
Towards the end of the last academic year, I completed my Master’s in Education, finishing not only with the degree but also with a nomination for an academic award for my research. Balancing the demands of study alongside full-time leadership was challenging enough, but doing so with a baby due just two weeks after the final submission deadline added a particular urgency! The experience was both humbling and affirming: it reminded me of the power of perseverance, the importance of intellectual curiosity, and the value of maintaining a sense of perspective when life and work converge in unexpected ways.
This year, I meet the back to school hype with renewed focus and energy. I feel especially privileged to lead such a talented English department—an exceptional team whose commitment, creativity, and professionalism inspire me daily and had me excited for the days to come. There is a unique strength in working alongside colleagues who bring different skills, perspectives, and passions to the table. Championing those strengths and ensuring that each person feels valued and supported is, I believe, one of the most important responsibilities of leadership. A strong team culture, built on trust and mutual respect, enables us to face the inevitable challenges of the profession with resilience and optimism.
Culture, more broadly, is the cornerstone of what we do. It is what shapes our classrooms, our curriculum, and the experiences of our students. A thriving school culture is not simply about academic outcomes, but about belonging, wellbeing, and the collective energy we create when we work together. Embedding kindness, curiosity, and ambition into our daily practice allows both staff and students to flourish, and it is this cultural foundation that sustains us through the pressures of our work throughout the year.
Teaching is not without its difficulties. It is a vocation that can easily consume more of our time and energy than is sustainable, and for those of us with young families, the tension between professional dedication and personal presence is particularly acute. Yet these challenges also underline the importance of balance, boundaries, and wellbeing—principles I am determined to keep at the heart of my practice this year.
Looking forward, my optimism lies not in the absence of difficulty, but in the strength of the team around me. I am excited to continue building a department culture where people feel empowered, celebrated, and supported to do their best work. Leadership, at its core, is about enabling others to thrive, and I feel confident that by investing in each other’s skills and passions, we can deliver something truly extraordinary for our students. Here’s to a year of collaboration, growth, and shared success!
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