One of the things that I like to do at the start of the school year is sit down and consider the bigger picture of what is needed this year. I like to give myself the space to take a step back, observe and then from there start to respond and develop my plans for the year. I often ask myself: What is going on for this group of children? How do they work together? Where do they struggle? What plays out between them? Where do they need more support?What is it that is important

I was working with a group of Year six students who were about to go to high school. We were talking about what they were looking forward too and what they were feeling a bit nervous about. We were discussing how life is full of moments that can challenge you, that everyone experiences this and at every opportunity you can make choices as to how you respond to this. I got the kids to share what qualities they hold strongly now that they would like to maintain, grow and sti