Fluttering leaves and the arrival of cooler nights are a sure sign the unhurried days of summer are fading and the busyness of fall is looming. This changing of the seasons also signals the start of a new school year. For many thousands of kids, parents, teachers, school and district staff and principals and vice principals, the beginning of September brings a range of emotions. Indeed, I suspect that for most people, the arrival of fall brings memories of their school days – whether it was elementary, high school or university. Does 'back to school' conjure up feelings of stress and anxiety or hopefulness and happiness? As educators and school communities, are we committed to creating the conditions for the latter?
How many of us would like a ‘fresh start’ in life? In a relationship, a career move, or a chance to reconsider a significant life decision or choice? September brings this for young people. Students get to begin again – new classes, new teachers and new goals. An authentic opportunity to reset and restart. In the first weeks of school, hallways are typically empty several minutes before the start of class as students arrive early, excited to connect with new classmates and teachers and they are curious about new learning. Whether you are beginning your first year in a role or you’re into your third decade as an educator, be mindful of the possibilities of a new year. While you may have lost count of how many times you have welcomed a group or taught a particular course or grade, for the people in front of you, it is an important first impression. Are you offering hope? Are you communicating a message of "you can do this, and I will help"? As a school community, how can you defeat the drudgery and discouragement sometimes created by repetitive routines and constant due dates (or meetings)? Do the defined structures and sameness built into a typical school day erode this excitement – in students and in educators? How might you sustain the optimism and curiosity so alive at the start of the term for an entire year?
While Labour Day often ended in a fitful night of sleep, I was always energized by the start of a school year. Despite enrolment uncertainties, unfilled postings and the hecticness of getting a large organization and community up and running smoothly, a new school year offers possibilities for positive change. I looked forward to the ‘welcome back’ staff gatherings and student assemblies and did my best to greet everyone with excitement, enthusiasm and passion. I was also aware that for some staff and students, back to school brings angst and uneasiness. I encourage all educators to be mindful of this trepidation, and focus on building relationships first. Highlight the joy, potential and possibilities in welcoming students to a new start, and work every day to sustain the 'new beginning' hopefulness all year.
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p.s. This will be another year of contract negotiations and unknown public health challenges. There will be distractions, imperfections and less than ideal conditions. Focus on what you can control - see the positive (schools are full of great stories), support one another, engage and connect with young people and help every student learn and discover who they are - this is the work. In the end, it will be the caring relationships you build with students and colleagues that will be your legacy.
p.p.s. For the first time in almost 40 years, I am not preparing for the start of a new school year. I will miss being a part of a community and the joyful energy of a healthy school. While this is an uncertain time, I will embrace the opportunity to reset and explore new possibilities.
p.p.p.s - the title of this post may remind you of the classic Earth, Wind & Fire song "September" from 1978. Revisit this happy and hopeful tune by clicking here.
