This is my story by Mike Simmonds These Blogs first appeared on www.transforminggoverning.org.uk between January and July 2011 The blogs of Gordon the Governor January to July 2011
Mar 10, 2016
This is my story
by Mike Simmonds
These Blogs first appeared on www.transforminggoverning.org.uk between January and July 2011
The blogs of Gordon the Governor January to July 2011
GORDON the Governor This virtual blog is of a fictional governor in a fictional school but dealing with events that have or are imagined to have taken place. Names and characters are the product of the authors’ imagination and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, is coincidental. Through the experience of Gordon the Governor you will encounter issues, dilemmas and attitudes that may well be experienced by any Christian who serves as a school governor. Discovering answers and ideas to help the reader is one of the main purposes of the blog.
©GOvernor Ministries & Transforming Governing, 2011
Happy New Year 2011 7th January 2011
So how was yours? Without going into details I had flu. Man flu my wife called it. A near death experience more like it! Missed Christmas dinner and we cancelled going away for New Year. Quite depressing really.
But Christmas and New Year are already fading as we get back to normality and begin to focus on the important things in hand. Miserable weather makes getting to work less than enjoyable -‐ and all those wet playtimes at school will have teachers tearing the hair out no doubt.
I must do something about my negative blogging! After all there are things to celebrate. So here are 5:
1. A new year with opportunity to serve God in the school where he has called me to be a governor.
2. An appreciative email from a member of the school staff thanking me for joining the governing body.
3. Last evening’s governors social -‐ cheese and wine -‐ at one of the governor’s homes. Interesting how interesting people can be when there is no agenda to get through!
4. Being able to share with a fellow governor my story -‐ albeit in about 6 minutes. He seemed really interested in the role faith has played.
5. Reading Michael MacIntyres autobiography over Christmas. A laugh in almost every paragraph.
What are your 5?
Big envelope 18th January 2011
An envelope arrived the other day from the Clerk of the Governors. More paperwork to mull over. I wonder if all this could not have been sent electronically by email and saved a few trees.
I will ask my Cell group to pray for 4 things, I think:
1. That I will be able to absorb and reflect on the things I read and must get my head around
2. For the relationships I am beginning to form to develop
3. For the whole BUDGET discussion and what happens if we have to make cuts.
4. What the governments plans for Academies should mean for my school
Governors meeting next week.. Must be prepared.
A quiet night at a governors meeting! 26th January 2011
Pausing at work for a much-‐needed cup of coffee I thought, I must blog about last night's full governing body meeting.
A full house -‐ apparently that doesn't happen every time. I can't imagine why you'd become a governor if you weren't going to be committed. I guess it would have to be pretty serious for me to miss one. Does a burst pipe at home qualify as an appropriate excuse: "Sorry to be absent but my pipe needs me!"
Back to last night. Very interesting. We had to take in a lot of information and it was a real challenge to think about what questions to ask. I guess all I can say for now is that I will (I hope) understand more of the paperwork better next time. I was strangely quiet for almost the whole 2 hours. My wife doesn't believe me!
Budget setting looks scary. The Finance Committee have the task of scrutinizing the possibilities or will they be challenges? Not my field of expertise -‐ being numerically challenged. And, I must read up on Academy conversions. We have a meeting booked now to explore that.
I got chatting to two other governors after the meeting. I sensed God answering prayer that I might build good relationships. We had more in common than I anticipated.
Now I have made arrangements to go into school for a VISIT!
Strange how my head is buzzing with an excitement about school governing that I never would have imagined. Maybe I need to get out more!!!
Silence! 4th March 2011
I cannot believe I have not added a single blog for the whole of February! I have been so busy at work and frankly not a lot happened that involved me at school. Still that's not enough of an excuse. My apologies.
The one thing that did happen was that I spent an incredible morning in school and -‐ as far as I can recall -‐ I will tell you about it. That afternoon I flew to America where I spent two weeks at our office there, with not a lot of free time. But I digress and must get on and finish this along with my ham and cheese roll this lunchtime.
The first part of the morning was spent with Jane Hope, the headteacher. I've said it before, but what a great lady. I discovered she has a passion for historical novels. So happens I read them as well. So we talked about 'The Red Queen' by Phillipa Gregory which led to the current series of 'The Tudors' on TV! Which in turn meant she told me all about the current project work in Year 5. So off we went to see them.
The classroom was mazes of artwork and, of course the children. 25 of them in a room that would just about hold 22. I could see for myself how cramped they were but cheerful enough! Some were writing and others creating some models of Tudor houses. I wasn't sure how to interact but soon saw that Jane bent down and asked some children a question so I followed her lead.
I certainly don't remember class being like this when I was at school. Nor was there an electronic white board! But I was concerned about the lack of space and a very nasty looking stain over about 1/3rd of the ceiling. Afterwards I mentioned it to Jane and she encouraged me to put it in my report so that there would be some discussion at the governors meeting. On a positive note I was expected to report on the display boards and I was very impressed.
Next we spent some time in the playground, The noise! The energy! The cold! I was glad to make it back into the staffroom for a much needed coffee.
After playtime it was Assembly. I thought they were usually at the beginning of the day but apparently not. The Deputy Head led, after the children arrived and sat on the floor. Can't imagine why he stood so
close to the front row of Reception children. They must have cricks in their necks.
I listened attentively, hoping I'd find nothing to concern me after all I was not keen to get known for being critical Assemblies so early in my role as a governor. I need not have worried. I even learnt something myself about the context behind one of Jesus sayings in the Sermon on the Mount!
Next up was a meeting with Felicity Smith, the Chair and my Len Gildersome, my buddy. Frankly I had not seen much of him since I joined the governing body! They were keen to know how I was getting on. They also wanted to ask me what I thought of the coalition governments plans. Having little idea they showed me some material from the National Governors Association, suggested I looked at the DfE website and asked if I'd be prepared to make a presentation on converting to Academy at the next Governors' Meeting.
I have my work cut out and have set aside some time over the next week or so to read up and prepare. Quite looking forward to it really. I've also collected some other info. that I've come across over the weeks.
And that was my morning! I felt invigorated, challenged and realised I might well find this governor role fascinating.
Academy 15th March 2011
I am perplexed. The world seems to be in turmoil. Japan, Libya to name just two countries that are affected by entirely different disasters. My prayers seem on the one hand futile and the other essential. Lord have mercy. God have mercy. Perhaps it is true that God is found in the response to disaster -‐ Lord show your mercy through every effort made to meet the needs of those affected.
Perhaps all that is happening should put into perspective what we face in our own lives. That must be true of education too. I am struck by the core challenge to provide for the most vulnerable and to enable all and everyone to 'achieve their potential'. But surely there is more to education than that. What can we do to enable children to discover their place in the world, develop their gifts, passions, intellect and skills? How can we ensure that the so called 'secular values' that appear to have pre-‐eminence in the education system do not hinder the spiritual development of children -‐ and especially the opportunity to discover God?
I realise this blog is getting heavy! I intended to write about my research on Academies. But more and more I find myself pondering these questions. Not long now before I have to make my presentation to the governors so I must get down to work soon.
Meanwhile I am confident that God can be found in the classroom, the battlefield, the devastated coastline.
Much ado about something 30th March 2011
I have just arrived at my office -‐ later than usual because of a last minute meeting this morning at the school. Let me tell you what happened.
Yesterday I had a day off so trundled down to the school to pick Amos and Abigail up. I don't usually get to do the school run! I could hardly
believe the reaction! Not from my two kids who seemed to love Dad coming to the school gate but a group of very vociferous parents. Talk about angry.
Apparently one of their children, whom I will call Tom, was 'picked on in Assembly for no reason and humiliated in front of the whole school'. Tom was usually well behaved and other children had told these parents that he had not 'done nothing wrong'. The teacher concerned (who will remain nameless) was 'always picking on him because she didn't like children like him'.
This was not good. I'm a parent governor but the role is not about representing the complaints of individual parents. I knew I must be very careful about promising anything. But, that was never going to satisfy them. One of them actually poked me in the chest and shouted 'what are you going to do about that then -‐ she should be suspended. Tom is traumatised.'
I waited until I got home and rang the headteacher who was in a staff meeting so it wasn't until after 5.30pm that Jane Hope phoned back. I was about to go out so asked if I could call in at 8.15am the next morning.
So I met with her this morning. I explained what had happened at the school gate and assured her that I was not personally on a witch hunt and wondered what we could do to resolve the anguish.
Of course Jane was well aware of all of it. She had personally spoken to the children involved and especially Tom, as well as the teacher and the Teaching Assistant who had been in the assembly. Tom -‐ who apparently is not as well behaved as his parents liked to think -‐ had actually been pulling the hair of the girl in front of him and had continued despite two warnings from the TA. The teacher concerned was one of the best on the staff and it was ridiculous to think she would have some kind of attitude towards this or any family.
Now what? How can I avoid being drawn in, the suggestion of a cover up, or any other response of these parents. Jane suggested that in such circumstances she would normally have each of the parents come in turn to meet with her. She would attempt to mediate and resolve the matter and if not suggest a meeting with the Chair of Governors and try to avoid a formal complaint. The governor who had raised the matter would not normally be involved in this informal process, She thanked me
for my sensitive approach and agreed to keep me informed of the outcome.
Must admit I have prayed for wisdom more in the past day than for a long time!
Academy thoughts for Easter! 14th April 2011
Holidays have begun! Some of my friends have been at Spring Harvest this week, others next week. I’m off
for a couple of weeks this weekend getting away from it all! But first...
I’ve been looking into Academy status and made my report last week at a governors meeting. For me the jury is still out but these seem to be some of the things to consider:
1. It is the governments’ agenda and seems to be gathering momentum. There is probably some benefit in opting in sooner rather than later. People tell me the package offered was better for the early converting grant maintained schools some years ago.
2. With declining and/or major changes to what the Local Authority can offer, as more schools gain the so called ‘top slice’ through Academy Funding to use for all those services you need (HR, Governor Training etc.), it might be better to have control of your own purse and buy those services from the LA or some other providers.
3. There seems to be something significant in the new start that Academy status brings which is really valuable in raising the profile, morale and possibilities for educational improvement.
4. Surprisingly it would seem that rather than driving schools apart in a competitive market it is creating some genuine inter-‐relational activity as schools realise that can’t go it alone. This does appear to be raising the possibility of real partnerships at a very local level.
5. There are of course the so-‐called freedoms of curriculum, extra money, owning buildings etc., though with accountability through Ofsted etc. I am not sure they are real freedoms and the extra
money – well that sounds good but will it continue or will there be further cuts down the road?
It is hard to find real reasons – apart from ‘ideological’ ones – not to convert. Many schools are apparently ‘waiting to see’. Others are not entrepreneurial enough to take the plunge. More like ours are just naturally cautious.
As a Christian I like the idea of schools working together – Academy chains (where schools join together to become individual academies) with all the benefits of sharing expertise, training etc. whilst remaining separates schools.
I also like the opportunity to explore what the curriculum should look like in my school and perhaps the opportunity to input Christian values and virtues into the discussion. But I would need help with that.
I am concerned that being driven by large sums of extra cash might bring short term advantage but be a shaky foundation to build on.
I am also concerned that ‘back office’ staff will be unable to cope with the range of additional responsibilities and that the Head as a kind of CEO could become yet more remote from the classroom.
But I am mindful of the potential partnerships with business, churches and others that could be positive. And, who knows there may be some significant faith based possibilities. Must keep praying about this.
Happy Easter as you celebrate what Jesus did for us all.
A Surprising Classroom Practice 17th May 2011
All those Bank Holidays, Easter and, of course the Royal Wedding are behind us. It is time to catch up on some really important school governor business.
Last week I visited the school at the end of one afternoon. The class that I sat in for the last half an hour just fascinated me. I watched with incredulity as the children, aged about 6 & 7, interacted with the teacher; cleared up from a rather messy afternoon painting models they had made and then sat quietly on the carpet for their story.
Unexpectedly it was a parable Jesus told although the modernisation made it hard for me to identify! Then they closed with a short prayer that they obviously all knew.
After the children had excitedly donned their coats and made their way out to meet the parent or carer who was collecting them I had a few moments with the teacher. It turns out she is a Christian and although there had been some criticism of her ending each day with a prayer it was now her regular and largely accepted practice. She said: “I just had to weather the criticism for a while until the winds died down or maybe Jesus stilled them!”
Back with Jane, the Head, I asked her what progress had been made in considering Academy conversion. Apparently most of the schools in the area are talking about the option and she has a meeting of all the Heads shortly. I indicated that I was growing enthusiastic preferring to join the steady move towards change against the likely impact on how much the Local Authority could continue to provide.. I suggested that we needed a vision that was not about extra money and to ensure it was in the context of growing partnership with other schools. She agreed.
On the way home I wondered how I had been able to express myself so confidently, I suppose having spent a lot of web searching/reading time I’m beginning to grasp the issues and maybe God was with me!
Summer Term 6th June 2011
Today is the Queen's official birthday. I guess for many it passes by unnoticed. I hope the same won't be true of the rest of this summer term. So much will happen in the lives of the children that should be celebrated.
SAT's are behind us. The holiday's in front. There are school trips, sports days, presentation evenings and the all important summer fair! Plenty of opportunity for us governors to be more visible and play our part.
Behind the scenes we will be thinking about converting to an Academy. Big decisions to make before the end of term. I must make an appointment to go into school and see some of the 'learning' that will be taking place as well.
What about your school?
(c) sxc.hu/malko
End of year reflections 17th July 2011
Hard to believe that I have ended the school year with less blogs than when I began. I'm afraid that's not because of a lack of interest but a lack of time. Like most governors I seem to have too much on my plate. I recently spoke to my Church leader and he has agreed that in September I will lay down one of my church responsibilities do I can focus more on more governing.
I look back on the year and can honestly say that I never expected to find the work of a school governor so absorbing. A challenge too. And I have really enjoyed so much of it. I wonder what impact I have had, but think I can give you 5 reflections:
1. The multi faceted life that a school passes through is often at a faster pace of change and challenge than I imagined. I am left wondering how teachers keep up and still plan, teach and mark. They deserve more support and recognition.
2. Governance is a responsibility that few of us are qualified for but nevertheless the opportunity to engage seems to work! We have seen some important steps taken as a result of the discussion and decisions made for example, we carefully considered an opportunity to increase the school roll. There were good reasons for and against.
It was, I think, valuable to have that debate and for the head -‐ who had a view -‐ to share in a decision that we will stand by. We have!
3. Government policy is a challenge. Academy: to be or not to be? Pensions: to strike or not to strike? SAT's: Fair or failing our children? It is easier to be negative. I find myself as a Christian wondering whether falling into negativity and opposition isn't the easier path -‐ follow the crowd. Or, should I be looking for the opportunities, seeking to redeem both the attractive and potentially disastrous?
4. I have focussed most of my attention on trying to develop good relationships with the head, staff and governors. Not easy when you can't spend much time at the school. I was encouraged when a governor singled me out after a meeting recently and shared some pretty tough stuff she was going through. Why me, I wondered until she asked "will you pray for me"!
5. I managed to attend a meeting that Transforming Governing was holding earlier this term. The question they raised was 'What is Education for?’ I was struck by a focus on how viewing every child as created in the image of God will change how we treat them, teach them and develop them. Then education is not primarily about attainment and achievement but enabling them to develop as whole people.
Summer holidays are for governors too! So I will not be blogging but watch this space for when we go back to school in September. Another year, another opportunity to bring signs of the Kingdom into school life.
Have a great break yourself. I hope you have some beneficial rest and relaxation.
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