February 2025 – Happy Schools

The Power of a TO DO List

February 27, 2025

For many people, the idea of a to-do list evokes images of rigid structure and micromanaged time. If you’re someone who doesn’t like lists, you might feel that they stifle creativity or add unnecessary pressure to your day. However, when used properly, a to-do list can be one of the most powerful tools to increase productivity, reduce stress and provide clarity—without limiting your freedom. Here’s why even list-averse individuals should give it a try. 1. Reduces Mental Overload Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the sheer number of things bouncing around in your head? Keeping track of tasks mentally can lead to stress, forgetfulness and anxiety. Your brain is better at making decisions than remembering things. Getting things out of…

Set Me Up Sundays

February 20, 2025

Steve Francis

Effectiveness

Sunday evening can be a time of dread as we realise the weekend has quickly passed and we have a busy week ahead. That feeling is commonly known as the “Sunday Scaries”. Most of the time the last thing we want to do is return back to the grind. But the Sunday blues aren’t compulsory and by taking a few key steps, you might be able to avoid them altogether. By adding a small amount of life admin to your weekend, you can nip your Sunday Scaries in the bud and set yourself up for success in the week ahead. Allocating just half an hour on Sunday to life admin can alleviate the strain of the week ahead. It can…

Attributes of Gr8 Teams

February 13, 2025

Stevef

Teamwork

Schools are complex places and teamwork is vital. Staff in schools are members of many teams. These include teaching teams, year level teams, faculty teams, special needs team, front office team, curriculum teams, project teams and leadership teams to name a few. Teams have the potential to be powerful problem solving groups. However, working in teams often involves meetings and they have the potential to be monumental time wasters and time is a precious resource in schools. It is vital that we use time efficiently. Meetings need to have a clear purpose and operate effectively and efficiently. If this isn’t happening, all participants need to take responsibility for raising the issue and openly discussing their concerns and how improvements could…

9 Reminders for Meet the Teacher Events

February 2, 2025

Stevef

Communication

Meet the teacher events at the beginning of the school year are an important time for building partnerships with parents/carers. These events can set the tone for working together productively throughout the year. Even if you dread it and don’t want parental involvement in your classroom, it is worthwhile investing time in planning for a successful event. Whilst some of these strategies are more relevant for primary classrooms, a version of them could be considered in secondary schools. It is human nature to quickly form an opinion about a person when we first meet them. Starting off on the right foot and making a good first impression can go a long way in building trust and will be especially beneficial…