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Happy Bank Holiday Monday 👋🏾,

I'm back home from Bermuda and fighting jet lag.

I still had to get up early with Zeek this morning, as he burst into our room telling us he was hungry. That seems to have been the theme tune of our summer holidays.

And after Sheriden flew home with him by herself, then held it down all week, the early start was the least I could do.

Let me take you back to last Monday.

The family part of the holiday was over. I was staying on for work.

Before we set off for the airport, I tried to brief Zeek. He likes to know what's going on.

I told him I was staying behind.

"What, you're staying behind? You have to come home with us."

I explained that Dad had work to do. And that this work paid for the holiday. LOL

Then Monday evening came, and we were at the airport.

Zeek walked up to me and gave me a hug. Then they went through security, and I couldn't see them anymore.

I stood there on the sidelines.

Here's the thing. I travel for work a lot. Zeek is used to seeing my case by the door and me jumping into a cab.

This time, they were leaving me. For some reason, it felt harder to say bye.

Maybe because I knew I was the one being left behind.

Back at the house, everything was quieter. I was staying with two great friends, and there were still two young kids around. But it made me realise just how much noise my son makes!

There was no time to sit in it and be sad. I had a two-day training session at Warwick Academy to prepare for. Time to lock in.

Tuesday was the pre-visit. A walk around the school, a tour, and some time with the principal to make sure the week ahead worked for everyone.

The first day was the staff audit. I met a range of teams to hear what was going on in the college and get their views, so it all fed into the digital strategy I'd be creating alongside the senior leadership team.

The night before the main delivery, I was nervous. I kept thinking, why am I nervous? I've been doing this a long time.

I've come to accept it. It's because I care about what I do. I want it to be useful, and I want to be at my best.

I never want to be one of those people who come in on an inset day, talk for an hour, and leave staff thinking they could have done a lot more with that hour.

And I guess there's a bit of imposter syndrome in there too. So I did what I always do with it. Pushed it back down and made sure I was prepared. For me, that's the best way to deal with imposter syndrome.

The Friday went really well. One of the feedback forms said they loved my charisma. (Are they really talking about the same person?)

As I was driving back to the airport, looking at the incredible scenery of the island, it got me thinking.

Nine years ago, I left teaching with no plan. Just chronic pain and a body I couldn't rely on. I had nothing.

Now I'm flying across the world, training schools in Bermuda.

It's a reminder that a lot can change over time, if you're willing to put the work in.

The flight home was difficult. It was uncomfortable, and I had a bit of a flare-up. Nothing too crazy, but I'm feeling the effects of it today, along with the jet lag.

I need this pain to stay exactly where it is, because I've got a lot on this week. School visits and training booked in, just as everyone heads back for the new term.

I know a lot of teachers read this newsletter. So to every teacher, student and school leader going back this week, I want to wish you the best of luck and success this term.

And parents, I know you're over the moon about the kids going back to school. The food in your house will last a bit longer. Ours is a different story.

Like every teacher planning the term ahead, I've been thinking about my own goals for the next four months. I'll share them with you next week.

What about you? What goals have you set for the term?

Reply and let me know.

Right, I'm off to try and get back on UK time.

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Have a great week!

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