"It's one more journey 'round the sun... to the end of another year.

You think of all the distance run, at the end of another year.

So many years we've been around, we've been up and we've been down,

We've been lost but we've been found at the end of another year.

We speak of all we'd like to do, we think of all that we've been through.

I'd just as soon be here with you at the end of another year"...

The blog will go quiet for a few days while I unwind, relax, recharge and get ready for yet another brilliant year here in Leeds. I hope everyone out there manages to do the same. And remember when you are out there... think team, think family, think about the things that really, really matter and hold hands and stick together.
Take care.
Chris

After a week of leavers assemblies, proms and parties I received this e-mail from Geoff Roberts
who is Chair of Governors at the West SILC...

"Having been to two Leavers' Assemblies today, I find myself humbled by what I have seen and heard. We help educate some of the most challenged pupils in Leeds and it has been an education and deeply moving to see and hear about their achievements. Ranging from one lad who has never missed a day's school in his life, to another who represented the school at a whole range of sports, to others who have achieved academic success that might not have been thought possible, others who have learned social skills that come naturally to most of us, and so on... Some are going on to college, some will stay on into our sixth form and all will remember the time they spent with us, as I will remember the time I spent with them today. What a pleasure to be with pupils who have not lost the innocence of childhood, who find pleasure in the simplest things and who reward you with their recognition.

I cannot praise these pupils too highly, nor indeed the staff who cope with the huge range of needs with a smile and patience and forbearance that goes beyond expectation. Every one of them deserves a relaxing break and to come back refreshed and keen to make a difference to the lives not only of our pupils but of their families and friends."

I am grateful to Geoff Roberts for this very timely reminder. It is easy to forget the incredible commitment of colleagues in the SILCs and the real difference they are making for some of our most vulnerable and special young people.
Chris

"It's one more journey 'round the sun... to the end of another year.
You think of all the distance run, at the end of another year.
So many years we've been around, we've been up and we've been down,
We've been lost but we've been found at the end of another year.

We speak of all we'd like to do, we think of all that we've been through.
I'd just as soon be here with you at the end of another year"...

Bob Zentz, 1995

Last week, I attended the official opening of the multi-faith centre at Allerton High School by Colin Jackson. The event was brought alive by performances by some of their students who talked and danced to illustrate the importance of their faith and their beliefs. I moved on to the celebration event for the VI teams' 'No Limits' programme which has continued to open up some fantastic opportunities for children with visual impairment here in Leeds. I visited Temple Moor High School and Science College to see the progress they are making as their new school building develops around them. I also popped into Templenewsam Halton Primary School, to see my colleague Kay Crellin who is still releasing the magic, and into Cross Flatts Park Primary School to see their allotment ,which Yorkshire Water has transformed through their 'Million Green Fingers' scheme.

I had dinner with the RM board and members from the Education Leeds board before both boards met at Pudsey Grangefield High School where we talked about brilliant learning, brilliant learning places, e-learning, EVOLVE and the way we can further develop the relationship to help us continue to build brilliant here in Leeds. I also attended the Leeds City Council meeting for five hours to watch the democratic process in action before I attended a brilliant production of the 'Wizard of Oz' at Castleton Primary School. This was another celebration of the potential and talent in Year 5 and 6 at one of our fantastic primary schools.

Cllr Richard Harker and I visited Allerton Bywater Primary School to congratulate the team on the wonderful progress they are making, and I was invited to the 'Leavers Party' at yet another amazing school, Hunslet Moor Primary School, to celebrate yet another incredible group of young people now moving on to secondary school. I also attended the governing body meeting at Woodlands Primary School to talk about a more responsive and supportive approach to child protection cases, and the primary schools pilot we are developing to address in a more co-ordinated and holistic way an 'Every Child Matters' and 'Every Family Matters' approach in some of our most deprived communities. And finally, I met with Peter Roberts, chief executive and principal of the new Leeds City College, to talk about the opportunities and challenges we face with developing learning, skills and the 14 - 19 offer across the city.

At the end of yet another school year we can all look back proudly at what we have achieved over the last eleven great months, forty seven great weeks and three hundred and thirty great days. However, as the results of all our effort and energy turns into performance tables, performance indicators and traffic light ratings we know that we will need to redouble our efforts and do even more next year. We will face new challenges, new opportunities and new demands in a year where we need to continue to be unique, special and different, to be creative and imaginative, to try new things, to learn new tricks and to continue to make a real difference… whatever it takes!

Enjoy your summer holiday; all I ask is that you come to work next year to make a difference, to get things done and simply to be your brilliant best!
Chris