Where are we heading?

1. Where are we heading? Dennis Richards

2. Accident and Near Miss News

3. Machiavelli Quote • It must be considered that there is nothing more difficult to carry out, nor more doubtful of success, nor more dangerous to handle, than to initiate a new order of things. For the reformer has enemies in all those who profit by the old order, and only lukewarm defenders in all those who would profit by the new order, this lukewarmness arising partly from fear of their adversaries, who have the laws in their favour; and partly from the incredulity, of mankind, who do not truly believe in anything new until they have had actual experience of it.

4. Ed Smith, Captain Middlesex CCC • “A good leader is looking for a trend before it’s obvious to everyone else. Any club, every institution, needs leadership. The very concept of leadership is the opposite of management by muddle, keeping everyone happy for the sake of it, self protection. You need to be brave as a captain; you need to have self-belief and a thick skin”.

5. Blueprint for St Aidan’s Ethos • Religious Studies to be a high status, properly funded, properly staffed “academic” area in its own right on a par with English and Maths, i.e. taught across the age and ability range to the highest level possible.

6. Blueprint for St Aidan’s Ethos • Religious Studies personnel to take the lead in a large percentage of the issues covered by Personal, Social, Citizenship and Health Education. It gives both areas of the curriculum credibility, the staff know what they are talking about.

7. Blueprint for St Aidan’s Ethos • Ensure the school is looking outwards. In crude terms, “putting your money where your mouth is”. Taking on charity commitments till it hurts. Emphasize the global dimension in the curriculum. Establish links with other schools across the world

8. Blueprint for St Aidan’s Ethos • Chaplaincy. Have a model which is “user-friendly”. A role which supports the welfare services in the school rather than threatens them…… • educational • pastoral • worship

9. Blueprint for St Aidan’s Ethos • The individual. Having had a Brethren childhood I understand how easy it is and common for children not to like themselves very much. This is the most significant task in a faith school. Check where the Learning Support Department is in the school, check which teachers are teaching which groups, and above all check where the school is placed in relation to Art, to Dance, to Music, to Drama and to Sport.

10. Love God Love your neighbour As you Love Yourself

11. Mark 8 v 22-25 • They came to Bethsaida, where some people brought a blind man to Jesus and begged him to touch him. Jesus took the blind man by the hand and led him out of the village. After spitting on the man’s eyes, Jesus placed his hands on him and asked him, “Can you see anything?” • The man looked up and said, “Yes I can see people, but they look like trees walking about.” • Jesus again placed his hands on the man’s eyes. This time the man looked intently, his eyesight returned, and he saw everything clearly.