Together We Thrive: Navigating Challenging Times at Infinity Academies Trust
CEO Thought for the Week
Dear Infinity Academies Trust Family,
I hope you've had a good week and its lovely to see a glimmer of sunshine on a Friday morning.
As I'm sure you've seen in the news and witnessed first hand Education nationally finds itself in challenging financial circumstances. We at Infinity are definitely not immune to the growing pressure of underfunding and growing costs so I want to take a moment to reflect on the incredible strength and resilience that defines our community and how it will be the anchor that keeps us secure in these troubled waters. The future is daunting for all public services, but it is precisely during such times that our true character shines through.
1. Prioritising Time: Time is our most precious resource. As educators, administrators, and support staff, we wear many hats. Balancing lesson planning, admin tasks, and personal lives can be daunting. However, let us remember that time spent wisely is an investment in our pupils’ futures. By prioritizing our time effectively, we can create meaningful learning experiences and foster growth. The recent TA conference was a great example of this as we focussed on the best way to scaffold and support pupils by just stepping in at the right moment and avoiding over-reliance thereby enabling us to support more children with just what they need.
2. Supporting Colleagues: Our strength lies in our unity. When one of us faces a challenge, we all rally to support them. Whether it’s lending a listening ear, collaborating on a project, or simply sharing a smile, our collective support makes us stronger. Let’s continue to be each other’s pillars, lifting one another up during both triumphs and trials. Remember that during challenging times we need to step up not back in our support and encouragement of each other.
3. Sharing Resources: In times of scarcity, resourcefulness becomes our superpower. Let’s explore creative ways to share resources across our academies. Whether it’s lesson plans, teaching materials, or best practices, our collective knowledge is a treasure trove waiting to be tapped. Collaboration isn’t just about convenience; it’s about maximizing our impact.
4. Our Unique Individuality: Infinity Academies Trust celebrates the individuality of each school within our network. Our schools have distinct characters, strengths, and community ties. Let’s value this diversity and tap into it. We can learn from one another, adapt successful strategies, reach out for support and collectively achieve our ambition for all pupils.
5. The Infinite Game: Our journey is not a sprint; it’s an infinite game. We don’t play to win; we play to keep playing. Let’s focus on the long-term impact we make on our pupils’ lives. By sharing our expertise, supporting one another, and maximising efficiencies, we contribute to a legacy that extends far beyond our time in school.
As your CEO, I am immensely proud of the dedication and passion each of you brings to our trust. Together, we thrive. Let’s continue to be the beacon of hope, resilience, and innovation for the benefit of each other, our children and their families.
Have a great weekend!
Gavin
PS- Well done to the Long Bennington team who had the call this week. You did an incredible job not just in the inspection but in consuming the most chocolate I've ever seen in a staffroom!! Great work everyone! 😉