by Pauline Stephen

Hopefully most of you managed to find the sun this summer, although it wasn’t an easy task!  Those of us who work in schools can claim two New Years.  The one we all get at the end of the calendar year and the start of a new school session.  There is nothing quite like that new pencil case feeling.  Just like our children and young people who get excited (mostly!) about the start of the session, it is a time of optimism and expectation for many of our staff.  Plans are made, exciting lesson ideas are drafted and there is the fun and sometimes challenge of meeting and getting to know new and not so new young people and colleagues.  We saw some improvements in our exam results this summer and our schools will be keen to build on this success.  Our relentless focus on improving outcomes for our young people hasn’t gone away.  We know that part of ensuring this success, is supporting and developing our staff.  Keep tuned to the Angus Children and Learning Blog for updates on opportunities to learn with colleagues.  The Blog is a great way for us to share ideas and adapt them for our own settings.  There is a lot of great practice going on around Angus that is truly making a positive difference for our children, let’s share it and grow it.