A Headteacher’s day is relentlessly complex. The demands are tough. The stress can be high. Emotions can be pulled in multiple directions all in a matter of minutes as a result of internal staff conflicts, budget problems, a child protection issue, a parental demand, a Governors meeting, an Ofsted call. It can be exhausting and sometimes a thankless task. It takes an exceptional kind of person to take on the role of a Headteacher. It requires huge personal sacrifices. Time, energy and contribution of self. The pay isn’t bad but the value that is squeezed from a Headteacher is massive compared to the financial reward on the 25th of the month. This Thinklestick is for all the Headteachers out there who are working hard to cultivate the best possible learning environment for the children they care for and serve. The Headteacher Tree is designed to remind you to take time at the end of every single day, in solitude, to reflect. It might be the very last thing you want to do after a 13 hour shift, but it will pay dividends. Insight and reflection, daily, can help the stress levels reduce. If you leave work still entangled in a nasty toxic weed caused by a problem outside of your control it can take over your entire evening and niggle at your mind as you are trying to get off to sleep. 10 minutes at the top of the TREEHOUSE OF PERSPECTIVE can help you see that great things are happening in your school. The WEEDS will always need work, but there are many flourishing areas too. Take a deep breath and remind yourself that you are doing a job that not many people would do. Sometimes the garden may seem like chaos on the ground but keep the bigger vision and pat yourself on the back for all that DID go well today. How many happy children did you see smiling in your school today? You helped that happen.
And if you pass a Headteacher today, and they are doing a good job, spread those thank yous like they are free, because they are. Our Headteachers need nourishing too.
Headteachers... thank you.
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About the author
Joanna Louise Wright
Joanna Louise Wright is an emotive writer and teacher with a real passion for self-development which weaves into all of her work, touching the hearts and minds of her reader and audience. Born in London and now living in Reading, England, she runs a successful dance school by day and is an author by night.
