The August Bank Holiday has always been a funny time of year.  Rather than being an ‘extra day’, it seems to have a different significance…signposting the end of the summer holidays!

I don’t think you ever get used to going back at the start of September.  The end of the holidays is always a difficult time.

With only a few days to go, it will mainly be taken up with paperwork I have to catch up on and writing training for the INSET days. The holiday appears to be over in all but name.

Having two games of cricket over the Bank Holiday, both of which we won, eased the pain! But am I rejuvenated?  Well, I will have to see …

I have always been a keen postcard sender, I make a point of taking pre-printed labels with addresses on wherever I go.  Really quite organised for me, but it is a method which I routinely stick to.

In return I often receive cards from colleagues and friends from all over the world. One from Emma, the young, inspirational member of my staff, another from a close friend who teaches geography, both from Australia. Another from Croatia, two from France, I could go on.

It always strikes me that such a simple card – merely a few words and a picture – generate such feeling. I am always happy when I receive a postcard. 

Perhaps the simple things in life are the most effective?

Maybe I should try a simple approach during the next term’s work as SENCo – my seventh year in the role.

I will aim to do something simple and positive each day. Watch this space.

I have just got back from visiting my friend in Paris. I had kept in touch with Gemma since first meeting her at a conference three years ago; I was presenting some of my research and she was an undergraduate showing delegates round and answering questions. Gemma was extremely helpful at the conference and took a surprising interest in my work. She even lent me her umbrella, as I recall, when it poured down on the last day!

Gemma’s degree involved marketing and languages, spending a year in Germany and then teaching English in France. When she invited me to Paris I welcomed the opportunity to visit the city, which I had only been to once before – very briefly, over 10 years ago. I was keen to explore it again as it had always struck me as a pretty amazing place.

So, with a French-speaking guide who knew the city well, I was eager to see the sights. Luckily, shaming the weather I left behind, there was glorious sunshine.

As I walked under the Eiffel Tower I became interested in the close-up perspective of structure, as opposed to the iconic images that everyone knows of the tower from a distance.

I wanted to take some pictures and decided that Paris from an unusual angle would be interesting. I like the idea of students back at school trying to identify famous landmarks from surprising angles and close-ups (see above). It will hopefully engage them in thinking about things differently.

I like to see things differently. Gemma provided clarity by knowing the city well and being able to speak the language. This allowed me time to think deeply, reflect and to consider the different angles.

A brilliant few days, a place of great inspiration. One I was sad to leave behind, as I returned to preparing for the new academic year…where has that holiday gone?