January 2021 – Happy Schools

Morning Routines Set Us Up For Success

January 28, 2021

Contrary to some trains of thought, routines are not about rigidity and control. Our brains like patterns. Setting and following a daily routine supports your mind by giving it the structure it needs to achieve your goals. But that’s not all – routines are good for your heart and soul! They contribute to feelings of familiarity and reassurance and help you respond better to change. How do you set up a routine that works for you? Well, don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater. Creating a routine isn’t about completely overhauling everything you do and arbitrarily putting a whole new “system” of how you “do mornings” into place. Some commentators suggest massive lists of tasks for a magnificent morning…

Setting the Boundaries for a Successful 2021

January 21, 2021

Stevef

Efficiency

The start of a new school year can be an exciting time. Hopefully you have returned to school after the holiday period feeling rested and recharged. We often forget how exhausted we were back in November. Looking after ourselves and making good choices for our well-being are OUR responsibility. It isn’t the Principal’s job to look after YOUR well-being. It is YOUR responsibility! PS The Principal and other leaders’ responsibility is to lead a school culture that supports you to do your best work! One of the challenges of working in education is that it can be difficult to disconnect from our work and switch off. Mobile technology for example means we are more connected than ever. This can allow…

The Language of Encouragement

January 14, 2021

Stevef

Communication

The language of encouragement is open to all. It is easy to learn. You can start right away. It makes schools hum. Encouragement builds wellbeing. It expects the best for the other person. It makes their spirit sing. Give a compliment – You look…, You are…, You give…, You make…fill-in your own words to give a sincere compliment to those you live with, work with or meet in your everyday duties. Praise an action – Earnt praise is powerful and is crammed full of positive reinforcement. Tell the person what you admired in their action and why. I believe in you – No matter what the critics say, I have faith in you to be the one best able to…