We talk a lot about schools being closed. It is buildings that are closed. School communities of children, staff, parents and partners are all learning together how to care and be resilient.
#day51oflockdown
#ourchildrentheirfuture
#abplace2be
Today’s adventure at Holyrood Palace. Princess Anne so interested in rural education. Everyone so incredibly kind. Humbled, pleased and tired.
#OBE
#servicestoeducation
#ruraleducation
I am delighted to be a granny. Clemmie arrived yesterday. We are delighted grandparents and cherish this little miracle. Well done to her amazing mum
@patersonki
. My heart is bursting with joy.
Yesterday I was delighted to be offered the role of Visiting Research Fellow at University of Highlands and Islands. Looking forward to contributing to rural education during my
#StrathEdD
journey at
@_toddlwalker
@ThinkUHI
.
@ArgyllCollege
. Thank you Professor Morag Redford
Sunday night before last week of working as Chief Education Officer. Emotions running high and excitement for the future. I have had a blast. As always last word to Dr Seuss
#abplace2b
39 years in Education in this special place and have enjoyed it all, even the more challenging times. Our staff are amazing and during 2020 have gone above and beyond. So proud to have been the Chief Education Officer in Argyll.
Congratulations to Anne Paterson on her well-deserved OBE for services to education! ‘Team work has always been core for me and is something I will value for ever’. Hear more from Anne about teaching and learning in Argyll and Bute -
#abplace2b
As we move into a new academic session it is important for all our teachers to remember to look after themselves. Focus not on the to do list but on what you want to be.
#ourteachersareourchildrenandtheirfuture
Many wee ones will be joining ELC this week. For those of us working with these children and families remember the power of love. Professional love is so important.
Two weeks ago our daughter became very ill. Been an anxious time but through the amazing care of the NHS and Scottish Air Ambulance she is well on her way to recovery. Seeing her with her 2 year old this week was a real privilege.
Going through Twitter feed and just blown away how many education staff have been involved today across Scotland in Professional Learning. We are so lucky to have such dedicated staff
@JohnSwinney
@GayleGgorman
.
#thefutureinsafehands
All school and ELC colleagues enjoy your children and young people over the next two days. Make memories of fun learning and most of all building on your special,relationships.
#ourchildrentheirfuture
@abc_OCTF
@EYArgyllBute
P1 August 1965 this wee girl went to school happy, loved and secure that she could achieve. In 2020 she would be classified FSM, PEF, and in poverty.
#thefuturecanbebright
#loved
#GIRFEC
A message for all these wonderful colleagues returning into a school or ELC building tomorrow. There will be challenges but also amazing opportunities. Thank your for what you are doing to support our children and young people across Scotland.
#ourchildrentheirfuture
My colleagues in Argyll and Bute know how much I admire the work of Rita Pierson, Be a Champion for our children over the coming months of new ways of learning and teaching. Thank you each and every one in our school communities you have made me proud.
#ourchildrentheirfuture
The view from my desk today. Calm Loch Fyne helping to keep me calm as another day of giving support from a distance begins. To all my colleagues across Scotland stay safe and stay calm
#StayHomeSaveLives
I was reflecting on this diagram and I have moved through the zones . Last week I was back operating in the fear zone. Next week needs to be about learning.
It started with Couch to 5km as a challenge in October 2019. Today I took part in my first Triathlon. These two wonderful ladies supported and encouraged me . A lot of imposter syndrome this morning, but I did breaking my own personal best.
Was reminded of this today when I listened to the nonsense of children being behind and need to catch up. Behind what and catch up on what? I am beyond words that are acceptable. Rant over!!
We have been a home without a cat for the last couple of years. But this wee girl came to join us today. I am besotted and maintain she will be a fabby writing companion.
#catsarecool
Argyll and Bute Council’s education service has made significant improvements over the last 12 months, and staff are working hard to continue to raise attainment in schools, an HMIE report has found. More:
Good morning world. After two very difficult days a run and some lovely flowers made my heart sing. Thank you to our amazing education team in Argyll and Bute as we enter another day of unknown.
#staysafe
When I retired My husband got me a new desk for new challenges. Since January I have used it everyday at some point. After a writing session this afternoon I thought how much I love this wee spot.
#happyspot
#StrathEdD
Wishing all Argyll and Bute schools and ELC a great Spring Break. You have all been amazing in your response to the challenges brought by COVID19. Relax and make the most of your daily exercise. Stay safe.
@abc_OCTF
@EYArgyllBute
Today during coaching I was asked what a successful end would be from my day job when I retire at the end of the year. Tonight I saw this tweet and a quote from
@BreneBrown
a successful end would be to feel I had achieved this as a leader.
@MarthaSimpsonCo
39 years today I became Mrs P. The laughs, adventures, love and friendship over the years has been legendary . Thanks JP for my favourite fizz, served perfectly. Next year we might party!!!!
Last day of sharing my memories over the past 39 years in Argyll and Bute Education. Today about collaboration and team work. Thank you to all the teams that I have worked with and who have supported me to achieve so much.
As part of EdD research on Rural Education I am looking to define a rural place. I am currently thinking about this on my morning walks. Any thoughts, academic readings to challenge my thoughts? Photos support my evolving thoughts.
#portraiture
#StrathEdD
Couldn’t be prouder of my daughters and all they have given to the children and young people they have taught this academic year. A very hard year but their innovative and caring skills shone through. Have a great holiday.
@patersonki
@musicmisspat
#proudmum
#proudeducator
Sitting enjoying a wee glass reflecting on what a great week it has been as Chief Education Officer. For me it is the working with people with one common aim , making it better for the children and young people.
A year ago I became granny. What a special year. Today C let everyone know that Granny’s knee was definitely her place. Poor E was popped off and C climbed up in her party dress.
#grannylove
#preciousgirl
#familyfun
Beautiful walk and first picnic of 2024 on day 14 of
#100Daysofwalking
. Time to refill the soul. J keen to test out his Christmas present of wee stove. 3 mins to boil kettle.
Covid restrictions enabled online professional learning to flourish. Remote and rural colleagues had equal access to quality learning. Daily I see this disappearing as professional learning moves back to urban based centres. Thank you to all who continue to ensure online options.
Was going to achieve so much this afternoon!!! Instead I napped on the couch listening to music. Been a busy past week . Sometimes we just need to listen to our bodies and rest.
Today I knew I couldn’t face working at a screen. I wanted to make some head way with EdD work. So flip chart, coloured pens, emerging themes and new reading identified. All under the watchful eye of a new supervisor.
#StrathEdD
#blackcat
#thematicanalysis
Our natural world is such a healer. 4km run this morning accompanied by bird song and spotting. Cuckoo, woodpecker, eider duck, mallard, chaffinch, sparrow, blackbird, robin, blue tit, oyster catcher, seagull, heron gull, goose to name a few.
#thankfulfornature
#ABplace2be
Been a bit quiet on the morning walks this week. We have had a family health situation which is focusing the mind. Many anxious hours but time to reflect this morning on this amazing view is bringing some calm. Keep your loved ones close as family matters .
Finally delivered my local cards this afternoon and celebrating with the traditional Tio Pepe. Beginning to feel and taste like Christmas. Wishing all my Twitter contacts a very Merry Christmas. Thank you for all your professional support and challenges in 2021.Slainte.
Today is one of my favourite annual events.
@EYArgyllBute
Early Years Conference. Today we explore being creative,curious and connected. Being joined by Professor Laevers and
@kate_wall98
. Time to ge this show on the road.
FINLAND SAYS "LET THE CHILDREN PLAY".
I'm an American who lives in Finland, the world's "happiest nation". I moved here because children are allowed to be children. The world has much to learn from this amazing country, and vice versa.
@pasi_sahlberg
After a day of results analysis and discussions I spent my birthday evening with my amazing girls spoiling me. So proud of these lovely human beings .
@musicmisspat
@patersonki
Not too shabby for a Wednesday afternoon in January. Sitting in our lodge on Stewart Island overlooking Oban Halfmoon Bay sampling the local grapes with my best pal and soul mate.
#paradise
#holidayofalifetime
#NewZealand
"Sometimes it's better to take life as it comes, set your sails according to the winds that blow, go with the tide, follow your instinct, choose the grassier, less trodden road for its own sake and not in the hope it might lead anywhere very special." ~C.R.Milne
#SundayThoughts
My lovely dad would have been 88 today. An Argyll farmer and family man. He only left Argyll to serve National Service. An outrider at the Queen’s Coronation.
Yesterday under all risk assessments I visited this wee rural school where the wellbeing of the children was so integral to their learning. Much to be proud of during uncertain times.
#ruralschoolsmatter
Apologies today to my
@StrathEDU
PLTE tutor group as I have a new sidekick. She is very keen on practitioner enquiry. I hope she is not too vocal in our seminar. 🐈⬛🥴
Scotland eyes outdoor learning as model for reopening of schools | Scotland | The Guardian. We need to be thinking on how this can be done safely.
@EYArgyllBute
.