On the surface, schools appear to be highly regimented, structured environments, regulated by bells and pre-determined schedules.
But in reality, the only constant, is change.
Each school year brings new challenges, new initiatives and new possibilities. It is the unpredictable and fluid nature of a school community that I love.
It is challenging. It is invigorating.
And it is exhausting.
But, it is never boring.
In two weeks, I will be making the move to a new school. After only two years at my current school, I must admit that this is a bit of a daunting prospect. It has taken me two years to gradually learn the stories, the context, of my current students and staff.
As someone who values relationships as an essential foundation of a school community, that understanding and insight is partially how I gauge my success as a leader, and set goals for the year ahead...
But as poet Robbie Burns and later author John Steinbeck so aptly noted, "the best laid plans of mice and [wo]men often go awry..."
So, plan B.
Fortunately, I have also come to the understanding that my most rewarding opportunities have come from unexpected change and challenge.
So despite being somewhat daunted by the prospect of learning the stories of a new school community, I take with me incredible learning and rich experiences, and I am excited by what lies ahead.
It is with enormous gratitude and appreciation that I look back on the last two years.
And in the end, I am not starting again. I am simply continuing the journey.
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| Relationships- the measure of my success. |
