September 2021 – Happy Schools

Formula For Success – Keep It Simple

September 30, 2021

Teachers (and other staff who work in schools) are often our own harshest critic. We are often self-critical and can be REALLY tough on ourselves. We can feel like there is always more that can and should be done and it can seem like our work is never ending. The following simple strategies are the formula for success. Which ones do you do well and which ones do you need to add to your repertoire? Live beneath your means. Return everything you borrow. Stop blaming other people. Try not to judge others. Go an entire day without criticizing anyone. Be the first to forgive. Presume that other people mean well and are trying their best. Admit it when you make…

Who Moved the Goal Posts?

September 23, 2021

Stevef

Engagement

To outsiders, working in a school probably seems simple enough! The aim or purpose won’t have appeared to have changed. Schools and staff in schools work towards helping young people learn, achieve their potential and become citizens who contribute to society. The big picture remains the same. However, most who work in schools feel inundated with change. The ‘goal posts’ appear to be constantly moving. This constant state of flux can be stressful, unless people have a way of looking at change that helps them to understand it. I believe Dr Spencer Johnson’s book ‘Who Moved My Cheese?’ is essential reading for all who work in schools. The story, a parable about change, involves four interesting mice characters who are…

Mastering the Art of Active Listening

September 16, 2021

Stevef

Communication

According to Stephen Covey, being a good listener is the fastest way to build trust. Often in schools we are so busy, that we don’t really listen. Mastering these active listening skills can build trust and make our lives easier. Be fully present – Give the other person your full attention. If you have found your attention wandering off, come straight back to your speaker. Listen with your intellect, mind and heart and remain respectful at all times. Most of all, avoid the temptation to think about your response in advance. Avoid jumping to conclusions and making assumptions – Learn to listen ‘cleanly’. This means actively seeking to understand the other person’s point of view without adding your own judgments…

Reaching Out To Parents

September 9, 2021

Stevef

Communication

Some parents can be time consuming and add to our stress. In most schools, five percent of parents consume 95 percent of your time. However, reaching out to have them onboard can make our lives easier. Try these proactive approaches. Avoid Doing Battle Logging and taking notes on parent phone calls is a good practice in case you need to recall the details of a conversation (or if one took place). If parents get overly angry, emotional or offensive, I end the conversation quickly but diplomatically: “I hear you’re upset but I no longer feel comfortable speaking with you on the phone. We should meet face to face, but with an administrator also present.” I then report to my line…

Eight Steps to Happiness

September 2, 2021

Stevef

Engagement

The following tips for living a more meaningful and fulfilling life are from ‘Eight Steps to Happiness’ by Dr Anthony Grant and Alison Leigh. Practise random acts of kindness- Random acts of kindness has been scientifically shown to increase the happiness and wellbeing of both the giver and the recipient. Do something nice for a different colleague every day this week. Be mindful – We’re enticed to want more, buy more, use more, consume more. Our heads become so full of this chatter that we take for granted the good things in the here and now. To become more mindful try: Connection: Connecting with the present, engaging fully through all senses. Diffusion: Letting thoughts come and go without getting caught up with…