CEO Thought of the Week
 
Let’s be honest for most of us Christmas is brilliant! It's a time to have fun, party, and say thanks. It’s the one holiday of the year where the whole world around us stops at least for a few days and we can focus on our nearest and dearest.
 
It's also a time where we are surrounded by lights, on our houses, streets, and trees. They make everything look different- pretty, bright, and even normal everyday objects become a source of wonder when they're lit up. The lights also remind us of something important: the hope and beauty that are always there, even when things get dark. It reminds us that we have a light to share with others by being kind, generous, and caring and that our light reflects the love and grace that we have received. The light that we celebrate at Christmas is the light of Jesus, and it’s his example that we try to follow.
 
But how can we be a light in the world? How can we live out the spirit of Christmas every day? In my experience we do, we work hard to make the daily lives of our children positive, and we continue to put light out into the world when quite often we’re met with the opposite. But I wanted to give us just a little reminder of the form that light can take and remind us that we have children, families and colleagues who need our light particularly at this time of year even when we’re tired and exhausted at the end of a long term and we need light ourselves. So below are just a few suggestions as we run up to the end of term to ensure our light continues to shine brightly:
 
- Be kind. Kindness is a simple but powerful way to show respect, care, and empathy for others. It can make a difference in someone's day, or even someone's life. Kindness is about our words, actions, or gestures- choose them deliberately and wisely. Kindness can be as easy as smiling, saying thank you, or giving a compliment. It can also be as hard as forgiving, saying sorry, or listening. It’s catchy, and it can spread joy and good vibes across our schools and beyond.
- Be generous. Generosity is a willingness to share what you have with others, whether it is your time, money, skills, or stuff. It is a way of saying thanks for what you have, and a way of helping those who need it. Generosity says “I’m willing to give what I have and all that I can”! Generosity is rewarding, and it creates a culture of trust and of teamwork.
- Be thankful. Thankfulness is an attitude of appreciation and recognition for the good things in your life, both big and small. It is a way of knowing where your blessings come from, and a way of expressing your joy. Thankfulness can be practiced in many ways and it’s always a choice. We must consciously, stop, take notice, and make ourselves be thankful for all that surrounds us. Thankfulness is transformative, and it promotes our happiness and well-being.
 
As we celebrate Christmas, let's remember what light means, and let's shine our light in the world. Let's be kind, generous, and thankful, and let's inspire others to do the same. Let's be the light of Jesus, and let's rejoice in his light.
 
I want to say a “huge” thank you for all you have done this term, for all the things that you feel may have gone unnoticed but still did them anyway and for caring for one another. I am truly thankful for the people that I get to work with (all 400 of you!) and am incredibly proud of the light that collectively we put out into the world every day. You are all awesome! I really hope you have time to rest and relax over the Christmas break, to prioritise yourself and your family and to reflect on your many achievements this year. I look forward to 2024 with a sense of positivity that says not matter what the world may bring the Infinity family stands ready and able to make a difference!
 
Merry Christmas Everyone!
Best Wishes
Gavin
 
PS- I know there are still 3 days left but this is the last Friday bulletin! 😊