Each year for a couple of days before the October half term I have attended an In-Service training conference with the staff of Holy Trinity School at The Haven Hotel in Poole. It is located in one of the most beautiful parts of the country. From my bedroom window you can see the Isle of Wight and the old Harry Rocks. It is magically beautiful both at sunset and sunrise. Part of the conference is always held out on the sand dunes. It is a tough life but someone has to do it!
As I drive down here I often wonder why I am doing this (apart from the pleasure) when my diary is so busy – is this really a good use of my time? But each year I experience the same thing: spending quality time at a leisurely pace with others strengthens friendships and helps you understand each other so much better. During the last Ofsted Inspection I was often asked in my role as Chairman of the Governors “How do you know?”… The answer is because I have spent time with the Holy Trinity staff and I know them well individually and as a group so I can help guide the school to make good decisions because I know what it is like to walk in their shoes.
I will be thinking of you as I walk along the beach tomorrow morning at 7.00am before my cooked breakfast. Please think of me working very hard.