Jenn Knussen 💜
@JKnussen
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Retired HT. Determined to reduce the impact of ACEs. It's all about the bairns. Views are my own.
Scotland, United Kingdom
Joined March 2018
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Twitter has become really negative.
Here's a picture of my roses to cheer you up
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Thread:
Today a Virtual Head Teacher meeting was interrupted by a Primary 1 child who came into my office to tell me he had lost a tooth. (Everybody was fab. Many "Awws" and reassurances about the tooth fairy).
On reflection. That interruption was HUGE on so many levels.
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Why can we not "diagnose" the positive things? I have a wee lad, diagnosed with ADHD, in my school. How can I officially diagnose him as hugely insightful, articulate, loving.compassionate, clever and courageous; a loving wee boy with a heightened sense of right and wrong?
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If a system is so rigid it cannot meet the needs of a child, then it is a broken system. Unfit for purpose.
Systems should flex and adapt to meet the needs of the child. Not the other way round.
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@secretHT1
@nadhimzahawi
@sajidjavid
Here's the response from the Royal College of Nursing.
I hope governing bodies in education do the same.
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I'm going to offer an opinion on behaviour charts.
I hate them.
Would we put names of children who made mistakes in reading, on a wall in a classroom?
Treat mistakes in behaviour like those in learning. Explain what went wrong. Model and explain/ discuss how to get it right.
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@DavidNautilus1
If we see these behaviours as 'distress' rather than 'challenging' our first response is to offer comfort.
That bairn is lucky to be with you ❤️
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Tomorrow I am going to a posh restaurant. I don't do this often.
My son is the Chef de Partie.
He took a step down from Sous Chef so he could LEARN in this new post.
He's a strong, creative soul & has fought many battles.
My reservation is "Dave's Mum" & I couldn't be prouder.
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Been reading up on attachment and trauma. Trouble is... every paragraph I read, a child springs to mind. I'm reading "him/her" but hearing a name in my head. 30+ years of teaching, all making sense.
As always, I'm resolute: It's all about relationships.
It's all about the bairns
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A wee taster of the nativity we are working on....
One of the things I'm loving, is the nonsense. No nerves, just bairns bopping about!
Stay tuned.... we'll put this "live" on youtube (or something) later this term.
Meanwhile, enjoy the Three Kings and the Camel.....
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@ScottPughsley
1st issue: Since when did schools send children home because of nails?
2nd issue: The pressures on Primary aged children, that they feel nail extensions are necessary to look the part.
This may be unpopular, but Primary School Proms? Really?
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Two hardest moments in my career, to date:
1. P1 child with no English. From Afghanistan. Fled for their lives. Couldn't understand anything I said to comfort her, and was frightened for her life, due to her experiences before she moved to Scotland. I wept.
2. Tomorrow.
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Whatever you call it... children need to know their rites of passage are acknowledged by the grown ups. Celebration, reassurance & time are vital to these moments.
Even if we're in "A very important meeting".
(His cameo appearance was the best AOCB EVER!! ) ❤️
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Punishment just gives you another "3 R's" in education: Resentment, Retaliation and Rebellion. This was said to me, by an Ed Psych, about 25 years ago, and radically changed my thinking. Safe space, regulation, relationships and repair work far better than punitive reactions. ❤️
What if we did away with the notion of punishment altogether? Is that idea too radical for our culture to contemplate? What if the thing children need is HELP in developing boundaries and everything else. High challenge, High support is key.
@margl43
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By tomorrow morning, my fabulous DHT & I will be retired.
I'll miss the bairns so much, but I'm looking forward to writing, harping, and not being stressed.
Tomorrow, my fabulous DHT
@susanpetrie10
and I fly out to Zante to celebrate.
We've worked very hard.
#retirement
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@Godbold
Nearly 9 years ago, our school stopped using the word 'challenging', in terms of behaviour, and replaced it with 'distressed'.... and the difference was palpable. A child is not challenging anyone/ anything, they are displaying distress. A tiny change, with massive impact.
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To all in education. ❤️
😢It's awful. This is NOT what we trained for. This is not what we do. We're overwhelmed. It's pointless!
😍It is what it is.We've got this, because we are resilient & resourceful. It's all different. Our work is crucial!
It's all about the bairns xx
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I'm planned. I'm anxious. I'm excited. I'm anxious. I can't wait. I'm anxious. Have I covered everything? Will I get the individual risk assessments right? Has the Jannie put out the sanitiser? Is the signage in hand? What about my nursery new starts? Will I be able to do this?
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If we had ignored this event we'd have silently "told him" that his important events are not important.
He got the opposite message. He mattered. Not just to me, but also to my HT colleagues.
@pauldixtweets
calls this "Deliberate botheredness". We've always called it mattering.
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@kyleredford
His work had a huge impact, here in Scotland. We were amazed by 3 of his films. Many connections were made, and friendships cemented because of his work. I can't thank him enough for that. Sending you and your family much love and sincere condolences. He left a beautiful legacy.
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@TTRadioOfficial
Nobody outside the profession really understands.
I was speaking to a group of children.... they really thought my day finished at the same time their's did.
They were genuinely surprised 😮
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I was in our nursery, this afternoon, & was smothered by hugs from my littlest learners. Advice-stay 2m apart. When a 3 year old throws their arms round you, do you tell them not to? Push them away? Become remote? Impossible!!
I hugged them back.
I hope I did the right thing.
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Just had the loveliest email from a wee button I taught, many years ago. She's a teacher, now, and her email made me well up. She remembers the kindness. That's what she spoke about.
Teachers ... if you ever doubted it, your kindness is what your bairns will remember. ❤️
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Word is leaking out, & my job is going to be advertised in the next 10 days, so... here goes.
I am taking early retirement.
I will write a book about what I've learned.
I'll miss the bairns, but that was going to happen whenever I moved on.
Looking forward to new adventures.
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The response to
@Mike_Fabricant
on behalf of nurses.
It would be good if the governing bodies in education did the same.
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To every child : I will not judge you, nor presume to know what motivates you. I will not allow your experiences or mistakes to define you. I will sit quietly, while you resume your composure. I will give you time and space to regain your dignity, and be there when you need a
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Another "Nativity Mayhem" clip 😃
A wise man & his camel, having a dance. They had a blast. I nearly had a fit when they fell! Fortunately... they both come up giggling!
Not sure if this will make the final edit. What do you think?
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I'm seeing many tweets from new teachers/ students. Set your work/life balance. Be authentic. Bring your whole self to work. Read
@pauldixtweets
@Markfinnis
And love the bairns who show their distress.
Love them with your whole heart.
It will change their lives, and yours ❤️
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#NoWrongPath
. When other bairns were waiting on their highers, the only worry in my mind was my beautiful son's emotional health. He was suffering from deep depression. It's not about career paths. It's about relationships ❤️ Without those, you're isolated. There. I've said it.
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Today I received a huge card from a wee one who has captured our hearts. Yes, there have been many difficult moments, but her message to my team speaks volumes.
And yes, I did have a quiet cry in my office, later on! ❤
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Two Primary ones, a gymnastic horse and a HUGE crash mat. I can't stop watching this!
#PitteucharEastNativity
* No angels were harmed in the filming of this production*
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I'm going to put my cards on the table. This afternoon, I could have wept. My plans! The time spent planning!! On reflection, if bringing the bairns back in full time is safe, I'm up for it. If it doesn't pan out, because of the caveats, I've also got plans for that.
1/ When it looked like the virus would make it impossible for kids to return to school full time in August, we developed a contingency. The contingency is still there should we need it. But our success in suppressing virus makes it possible now to plan for full time return.
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I *had* planned to do a lot of errands/ chores today, but when the weather was so lovely, abandoned that plan and headed to the coast. I am making a concerted effort to prioritise things I love, this summer.
I'm so glad I made that choice, given the display these guys put on!😍
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Really interesting discussions, recently, around children's behaviour. In every subject in school, mistakes are seen as an integral part of learning. We support, reassure, help, model how to do it right, give the child a chance to practise. Mistakes in behaviour need this, too.
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He has a good relationship with his HT.
The PSA also underdstood his need to tell me.
HT colleagues immediately "got it" and built his self esteem & importance of the event.
He felt very important.... and as a Primary 1, a bunch of HTs telling you things will be good is amazing.
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@RogersHistory
My dad was part of this. Beyond that, I know very little.
He never spoke of it. Yet he carried it with him for the rest of his life. 💔
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A tiny group of parents complaining on FB that we didn't do a dress up day. Where to start?
How about- Hallowe'en is on SUNDAY?
Also: cost of the school day/ bairns who hate fancy dress/ how can they take part in the fab lessons my team had planned, if they are in fancy dress?
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I rarely share personal details on twitter. But my boy is coming home to stay, this weekend. Between lockdowns and our work patterns, this has not happened for over 20 months and it was sair.
I couldn't be more excited.
#SoppyMumMoment
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I'm on holiday....and feeling chilled. Cycling in Lincolnshire (because it's flat 😉).
This year has been tricky.
The year before was tricky.
The year before that was incredibly tricky.
No work related tweets from me, for a wee while.
I'm switching off 😍
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Tonight, I am vexed. Angry about the story around one of my bairns. I am SO very grateful to my compassionate team who are willing to forgive his mistakes and seek a way forward to support him.
Their compassion has made that bairn's life a little bit better. They are heroes 🙏❤️
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That moment when you've spent all evening researching stuff, to help you understand a child's behaviours; Dopamine, Cortisol, oxytocin, seratonin, and you can't wait to see them, tomorrow, because you've got a better insight into how you can help.
#worthit
#behaviourGeek
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I witnessed the power of connection, yet again this week. Children lean so heavily on relationships with adults in schools. It doesn't matter what the adult's role is. Celebrate PSAs, volunteers & Office colleagues. Unsung heroes of school life who are worth their weight in gold.
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Have watched my PSA team rally round/ cover each other/ run themselves ragged, to make sure a vulnerable bairn is best supported.
I'm unable to find words which truly express my feelings of gratitude and respect.
Actually... my whole team is fabulous. I'm hugely grateful 🙏 ❤
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Today I told a wee P5 boy (in the middle of a difficult meeting) that we loved him very much and we needed him to know he belonged with us (as a school). His wee face lit up, and then the tears started, so I gave him a hug.
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"I wear the mask to protect those closest to me. " - Batman.
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I wonder if all the teachers and support assistants, who knock their pan in for the Nativity, REALLY understand the impact of their work? Tiny children making it "totally Christmas" for SO many grown ups. Shout out to those who have been involved, in any way, in school nativities
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I'm a strong, forthright lass. This will not be news to any of you.
But, tonight, I've had a complete "Aww, sod it all" moment.
Everyone's allowed a wee buckle, now and again, when we doubt our strength will be enough.
Hang in there... This, too, shall pass!
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I am so proud of these 3 of our bairns. They set up a venture and it took off. They have made the local press, and decided to give the proceeds (nearly £300) to Children's Hospices in Scotland. Levi, Lyle & Jacob are absolute stars!
#LittlePeopleMatter
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@Claire_R123
This is the message we gave to our parents.... it's not our original work; I found it online, but it seemed right.
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Today I'm having coffee with one of my former teachers. After 35 years, the opportunity to thank him for the difference he made to my life.
#bethatperson
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Has anyone else suffered "acute intolerance", as a covid symptom? The urge to call out lies/ tell people how it is/ give some folks a sense of perspective?
'Asking for a friend', obviously.🙄🤣😇😭
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BREAKING: A hugely valid opinion from someone who struggled at school, had a number of adverse childhood experiences, who now helps other youngsters, after a dazzling career, from which he could have retired and never helped another soul?
#bekind
@tombennett71
BREAKING: famous person with no expertise in the exclusions process, has opinion about it. More famous person opinions/ column inches filled as we get them.
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Social distancing: Primary School & nursery is impossible. Reassuring a tiny person is fundamental to our values. Since schools resumed, I have been (willingly & knowingly) putting myself at risk. But if a bairn is upset/ displaying distressed behaviours, what else can we do?
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@NicolaSturgeon
You're getting unfair flak on here. You listened to advice. For what it's worth, it was good to know about meetings planned & when announcements would be made. It was a hard message to hear; a hard message to deliver. Hang in there. Decisive leadership based in science! 👏👏
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In the starkest moments of bereavement, last week, my
#ACEAwareNation
friends gave me hope. My beloved Dad passed away, the day before the conference. He was so proud of my work, I felt I had to attend. I wasn't sure about going but ended up feeling surrounded by love. Thank you
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Tonight, every bin is emptied, every old candle replaced. I will open the back door at midnight and ask the Old Year to leave, taking with it everything bad. I will open the front door with my chin held high & and welcome the New Year in.
I wonder about ritual and tradition ...
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If you're watching the
#Coronation
please take note of how music and art make ANY big event special.
And don't allow cuts to the Expressive Arts. 🙏
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Relationships, empathy, compassion and trust. Connections. This will come as no surprise!
@suzannezeedyk
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After 2 missed birthdays, I got to celebrate my bairn's 24th birthday with him, this evening.
I'm so proud of the way he has coped during the last 2 years. It has been so hard on youngsters and they deserve huge recognition for that ❤❤❤
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I really. really hate it, when schools become political pawns. Please understand, we want our children back, and missing our bairns is heartbreaking. We're busy planning for every eventuality. Poverty is not the fault of schools.
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Took mum out for dinner to the place where my son is Chef de Partie.
He started in Subway and worked his way up, through various jobs, to this. I am so very, very proud.
He is a lifelong learner and has worked hard. I'm having a total
#proudmummoment
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Nearly there... our bairns come back to us tomorrow. To say I am excited beyond words, at the prospect of seeing them again after so long, would be an understatement! 😃
#CannaeWait
#WontSleepTonight
#ItsAllAboutTheBairns
❤❤❤
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Last area HT meeting and my boss and cluster colleagues persuaded me to play my harp. Best audience. Ever!
I'm going to miss those awesome people. Thanks to
@chrisdeaves
for the pic and to everyone for their kind wishes 🎶🎶😍
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Teachers: Things are almost 'back to normal': don't forget the courage you showed. Manning hubs, long before PPE/ vaccinations. Online learning/ working with children we didn't know... it was terrifying. Nobody clapped for you, but everyone applauded you. You have such strength❤️
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We NEED and absolutely HAVE to change our perceptions. He's a wee rocket, and can be very demanding... But his potential is huge.... One day, this little guy could rule the world.. and make this world a better place. His values are sound, his patience is short. Like many of us ❤️
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So proud of my team! Like Debbie, they are awesome. Connection is key. It takes time to build the trust and relationships with little people but it is SO vital to their wellbeing.. and ours! ❤
This week son left school distressed by a demand for compliance then at work I watched a child who is flourishing, he had someone who put connection before compliance - it’s taken time but you can see he wants to do well for her and is smiling while he does it! No brainer surely!
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A lovely article. Thank you 😊
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I'm wondering what the political landscape might have been if John Smith hadn't been so suddenly removed from it.
He was fuelled by a real desire to do the right thing.
I still miss his voice in politics.
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@emrichie11
@gavmacn
@TommyShakes
The humour is unique. I love it. Scots do a grand 'play on words'.
One of my best mates plays in a traditional Scottish Dance Band... called Ceilidh Monogue. It cracks me up every time!
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Heading off for an early night. It's going to be a big couple of days for our school. Wish us luck as we share our successes and challenges with
@EducationScot
Have a fabulous week, everyone xxx
#AllAboutTheBairns
#BeThatPerson
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Some bairns need a fresh start, where they feel they belong. We're at the start of such a journey.
It may be a bumpy ride but they know they already belong with us.
Schools need to bend and flex to meet the needs of a child. Not the other way round.
Grateful to my team. Again!
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While out walking in the woods , this morning, I passed a large group of kids. I heard the racket they were making, from some distance. Wasn't sure what they were up to.... Turns out they were Den making. A huge bunch of kids collecting branches. How bloody brilliant ❤️ ❤️ ❤️ ❤️
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It has been fab, seeing the bairns back with us. I love them & I'm delighted to see those smiles again.
But I have to concede: after months of virtual working, I'm exhausted.
The start of term feels like the end of year, in terms of energy.
I need to be strong for the bairns.
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I wasn't sure whther to post this or not.
But it's been brutal since March, and let's be honest, we could do with a bit of a laugh,
Enjoy that laugh with me, making a spectacle of myslef.
Happy Christmas xxx
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My dad died 5 years ago. He'd have been 100 today.
Raising a glass to one awesome Dad this evening.
Today, I spent all day gardening.... my dad loved my garden, and I learned everything from him.
I'm blessed to have had him in my life for so long. ❤️ Truly blessed ❤️💔
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P1 moments:
P1 child: You were in charge of the nursery.
Me: Yes, and I'm in charge of the school too.
P1: (massively overstated body language!) Whoa... BIG job!
PostScript: this child will rule the world, one day, and the world will be a better place for that!
Love those bairns
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It has been a long holiday. Much needed, considering the losses & hassles last year brought. And whilst I haven't missed the stress or paperwork at all, I have REALLY missed my bairns and their families. Missed the smiles, the hugs, and the odd wee one that needed the extra mile.
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Ok. What if SQA didn't moderate all the results, and youngsters got the opportunity, on "probation" to start their chosen professions/ FE courses? Would that be too radical? I know many Secondary colleagues who know their pupils' work, to the nth degree. Exams are not everything
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Wee boy today needed much love. Even more than usual. Thanks to our amazing team
@PitteucharE
we managed to get the little guy through the day, build him up, make him feel loved and valued. Our reward? Smiles and hugs. I hope my team realise their wonderful impact.
#compassion
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Let's take a moment to thank the teachers, and acknowledge the dedication of the players & their families. Let's also just take a moment to value music in education. In EVERY child's education. ❤️
This is the moment
@nlcpeople
schools' pipe band brought Grand Central Station in New York to a standstill ahead of Tartan Week. (credit:
@FJMcNally
)
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Here are our P1s teaching residents at a local care home to sign and sing. Such a moment of joy.
#BSL
#inclusion
#Happiness
#childrenleadinglearning
It's all about the bairns ❤️
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@Sapere_vivere
We are in the transition phase. That bit where we follow EU laws and regulations, but have no say in any decision making. Some victory!
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Stressful time of the year. Too many tasks and not enough time to do them. Thank you to all the little people who made my heart swell, today. We speak about how much we might mean to a child. Need to acknowledge how much every child means to us.
#allaboutthebairns
#bethatperson
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Just spent 2 days with
@EducationScot
colleagues. A truly Supportive Visit. Professional dialogue/sharing ideas. V positive feedback on our work & plans to develop it even further. I'm buzzing! Grateful thanks to our visitors for making it such a productive, affirming experience.
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When a child has to leave to go to another school, and you have loved/ helped/ healed them over a number of years. 💔 Heartbroken, proud, worried and unsure. Tomorrow looks like it might be a bit emotional, having to say 'goodbye'. Hope we don't lose contact, though ❤️
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#10YearsConnection
@suzannezeedyk
@connectedbaby
Thank you for the opportunity to tell our school's story about the language of connection. I'm very grateful 🙏
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Here it is... after much anticipation.. Our Primary One Nativity.
Sent with love from all at Pitteuchar East Primary. Enjoy!
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Another late night putting the finishing touches to our P1 Nativity. This has been a labour of love. Just watched it from start to finish, and cried! I'm blaming hormones & tiredness, but when the link goes live on Monday night, I hope you'll love those bairns as much as I do. xx
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Six years ago, to the day, I fell hopelessly in love.
My husband shared my hopes and dreams.... and this beautiful harp has been with us every since. Played for hours at a time, almost every day. I have never looked back.
#Harp
#selfcare
#music
#FollowYourDream
#Salvi
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I've spent yet another night working on a virtual nativity, with my amazing husband. We're knocking our pan in to bring our children & families a wee bit of joy, this Christmas. Stay tuned.... xxx
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