Not quite retired Executive Leader…🔸Coach 🔸Leadership Consultant 🔸Wellbeing Supermodel 🔸FCCT 🔸Ally 🔸Follow our travels on Instagram: travellers_tipsntrips
Rochdale, England
- Tweets 121,932
- Following 20,943
- Followers 29,018
- Likes 137,275
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5 days out of his winter hibernation & Hurricane is getting into his garden lockdown football exercise this morning...he’ll be posting his boxercise routine & tomorrow!
😂🐢 #teacher5aday #exercise #notice
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The phone call from a member of the public that every headteacher likes to receive...
An elderly woman slipped & fell in a local shop...3 of our students rushed to help, provided first aid, telephoned a family member & waited until she was picked up by family ⭐️⭐️⭐️ #ProudHead
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We provided work
We provided resources
We provided food
We provided sanitary & healthcare products
We provided care, love & support
We provided hope…!
It was a moment in world history & I’m proud of how my profession responded to support families
tes.com/news/schools-put-foo…
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In 15 school days, I retire from teaching & school leadership
My career spans 5 decades…1983 started as ITT…oldest ex-students are 52 yrs old…19 SoS for Ed…led through 21 Ofsted visits…been a HT/Exec HT for 18 years…worked with 1000s of amazing staff & countless students
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Message from my mum…
It’s with great sadness that I have to let you all know that Gilbert passed away peacefully this morning
We’ve lived & loved a lovely long life together, including many miles cycling & walking, as well as many more precious times with family & friends x ❤️
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I was watching the filming from the backstage Green Room with the attending political aides and others...there was no support there for his comments, including me as a privileged white male!
Well done for speaking up & I stand with you & your comments
#WhaiteAlly #HeForShe
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Dad’s home to enjoy his final days with family & friends inc meeting his newest great grandchild❤️
…we joined him in pyjamas & celebrated his homecoming with a pizza & champagne party!😀
Thank you to the amazing @TheChristieNHS & @fghedteam ward 11a for your care &compassion🙏
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Quinlan heard him scratching when he went into the garage…
…he’s out & about for his 67th year…
…looking a little groggy, but Hurricane is back!
😍🐢😍🐢😍🐢😍🐢😍🐢
#teacher5aday #notice
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I left primary school as the only pupil to have not been given a pen…
…during that heatwave summer of 1976, my friend’s mum Veronica Middlebrook (a teacher) gave me a pen & taught me to do joined up writing! 🙏
I’m going to Mrs Middlebrook’s funeral tomorrow 💔
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When I posted this photo 2 days ago, Dad thought it was amazing how many people had seen the picture…
…now that he’s no longer awake &/or responding, I find it very comforting to see the love & compassion on my Twitter feed for him❤️🙏
#teacher5aday #ThankYou
Dad’s home to enjoy his final days with family & friends inc meeting his newest great grandchild❤️
…we joined him in pyjamas & celebrated his homecoming with a pizza & champagne party!😀
Thank you to the amazing @TheChristieNHS & @fghedteam ward 11a for your care &compassion🙏
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I’ve been ‘lucky’ in my career
...would’ve been PP
...couldn’t write in y6
...bottom sets in y7
...left school with 1 O’level
...no place for me in 6th form
...but still managed to become 1 of the 97% of white HTs in UK
Don’t tell me inequality doesn’t exist! #DiverseEd #Ally
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A month earlier than usual...but look who’s woken up! 🐢
Hurricane says ‘Hi’ to us all for another year 😀😀😀😀😀
#teacher5aday #notice #Hurricane
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I’ve just walked around to Mum & Dad’s house to bed down next to dad for the night again…💤
…3 of our sons were already here sitting with dad, washing the pots, watering the garden, feeding the fish etc ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
#teacher5aday #ProudDad #PositiveMasculinity
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A ball has just arrived over the fence from our neighbour’s kids..what is Hurricane’s first reaction? #Hurricane 🐢
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Our youngest son did the same for @LPTrustUK last Christmas...after 6 years of growing it, he decided he was going to donate his hair
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During 2022…
I will retire from full time school leadership
I will curate my future part time consultancy
I will challenge inequality
I will model my wellbeing
I will support as many leaders as possible to build sustainably long, impactful & enjoyable careers
#Resolution
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A joyous day with our family & friends to celebrate the wedding of our eldest son Ryan & his amazing new wife Emily x
…a day filled with love & laughter ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
#Congratulations #Love
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Incredible images John. I’ve seen the significant impact on the corals & sea life around the world during last 30 years, but I’d not realised the impact of the sudden temperature change on our own beaches
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Again I’ve said NO to speaking at another all white male line-up conference
At best it’s lazy & worst it’s sexist, racist, ableist or homophobic
Although I have plenty to offer, there are so many great educational experts who don’t look like me who should be given the platform!
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Quick outfit change for mum & then one hour of rock n roll dancing 💃🕺 🎵 🎶
Who wants to be in their 80s & still being able to do this? #LifeGoals #teacher5aday #exercise #notice #DiamondAnniversary
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I’m officially old enough to retire & take my teacher pension today...but ‘we’ decided I need to do a couple more years before I hang up my boots
2 years ahead of leading schools, championing wellbeing, supporting others & challenging inequality #teacher5aday #ally #LoveTeaching
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This quote by @jacindaardern could have been written for me!
My imposter syndrome as a young leader was compounded by macho expectations of what a leader should look like!
I’ve always believed that it’s possible to be both compassionate & strong #WomenEd #RoleModel #HeForShe
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Before & after. He loved his long hair & actually liked the fact that people weren’t sure whether he was male or female, especially when we travelled in South East Asia & Northern Africa, where both blond & long boy hair was not the norm...11 months on and he loves his short hair
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I opened the bedroom curtains this morning to see my M&D weeding our drive…
“We noticed it yesterday at the party & thought we’d sort it because you’re going back to work soon and won’t be able to do it”
I love my M&D! 😍
#teacher5aday #notice
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Take your marks....Set.....GO!🐢
#Hurricane is positively sprinting around the garden today! #teacher5aday #notice
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Spent the last 30 minutes simply watching #Hurricane doing his thing with his current two favourite balls😀 🏀🏈🐢 #teacher5aday #notice
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He places the ball...
He walks away...
He takes his run up...
He sets his aim...
He shoots...
Goooooooooooooooooal! 🏀🐢
#teacher5aday #Hurricane #30DayChallenge #Exercise
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Ironically, kindness is an underrated quality in the leadership of others in our caring profession!
Be kind to yourself & be kind to all others
Kindness often gets neglected, when leaders face the challenges that high-stakes accountability can present #SLTchat #teacher5aday
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Whether it’s…
…Grandad
…Granddaddy Paddy
…or Grandpa POO
It’s happening May 2023!
#SoExcited #teacher5aday
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It’s been a lovely but strange Fathers Day without my dad…💔
…as usual Mel, the boys & my mum have been here for a meal❤️
…everything has been the same except Dad’s not here & I’ve now taken over his role as the oldest man in our family as Grandpa Paddy 😍
#MTPTproject
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38 years since first stepping into a classroom, I’m retiring from school leadership this summer
I’m going to spend a few years sharing some of my acquired experience & expertise as a leadership development consultant/coach
Interested?
Drop me a DM for a chat
Please Share😀🙏
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And we’re off on the first leg of our Indian backpacking trip! 🇮🇳
…a brisk frosty morning walk to the local train station
…train delayed! 😱😳🤣🤣🤣
Let the adventure begin! 😀
#teacher5aday
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It is safe to say that Hurricane likes peaches! 🍑🐢 #teqcher5aday #notice
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Yesterday was a magnificent celebration of 60 years of marriage for my Mum & Dad ❤️
...a card from the Queen, a visit to the church grounds, socially distanced visitors to our garden throughout the day & plenty of dancing, eating & drinking💃🕺 #teacher5aday #connect #notice
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Thank you for all of the support, guidance & good wishes I’ve received during my dad’s final days & over the first few days since passing 😀🙏
I’ve read many of the comments to my mum who has taken great comfort from the kindness of strangers…Twitter at its absolute best! ❤️
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Wednesday afternoon is our CPD programme for all staff
Every 3rd Wednesday the focus is personal mental & health & wellbeing
It’s directed time...so all staff must do something offsite to that makes them happy...picking their kids up, gym, study etc 😀
#teacher5aday #SelfCare
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Time to say farewell to Quinlan from my timeline for a while
Today we joined the army of parents/carers cris-crossing the country to drop off kids at Uni
He’s now in his halls at @BangorUni where he’s studying Marine Biology & Oceanography & preparing to change the world!⭐️🌍
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That’s all folks! x 😀
#teacher5aday #retired
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Stop Press: Sarah Cochran has spoken about having a 3 day week to save money in September…she’s failed to name any school leader(s) who have said this
Stop Press: Patrick Ottley-O’Connor suggested a Journalist/Broadcaster invented a story as click bait & to bash school leaders
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16 years ago today, I lost my sister Cathy to alcoholism
18 year old Patrick as best man at her wedding in...ironically only 9 months after I decided to be teetotal
At Cathy’s request, I use her story to educate anyone I can about the effects of this illness,esp on her children
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We take a family selfie every time all 5 boys are home at the same time...less & less now they’re following their own lives & dreams!
#teacher5aday #connect
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The moment Mel retired & walked out of school is captured by her inspirational headteacher @louiserees9 ⭐️
…as you can see, Mel is gutted to be leaving! 🤣
Mel is an amazing teacher, leader, mother to our boys & inspiration to me! ❤️
#teacher5aday #retired #WomenEd #HeForShe
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My final day employed as a teacher…
…tomorrow will be the first day I’ve not been in full time education as a pupil, student or teacher since 1969! 🤣🤣🤣
Good luck to all those preparing to go #BackToSchool & carry on keeping our education system running! 😀x
#teacher5aday
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The 2:30am get up this morning to visit the Taj Mahal for sunrise was certainly worth the journey & effort! 😍😍😍🇮🇳
#teacher5aday #notice #learn #India2023
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It’s dad’s funeral on Monday, so mum fancied getting out today to show me one of their favourite walks…🥾🥾
…20.5km, 30,000+ steps & 4.5 hours later & I can confirm that this octogenarian has not slowed down! 😳😳🤣❤️
#teacher5aday #exercise #notice
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All 5 boys (& girlfriends) & M&D here today for Sunday dinner 😍
I absolutely love it when our diaries align & we manage to get all 5 boys in the same place at the same time! #teacher5aday #connect
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It’s not just the kids in our house that Mel gets to do the ‘back to school in your new uniform’ photo! 🤣
Looking forward to finally meeting our students today!😀
#teacher5aday #notice #connect #NewBeginnings
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An amazing new HT, flourishing in her 2nd year of headship has just sent me a gift x 🙏
It’s the most wonderful book by @charliemackesy ‘The boy, the mole, the fox & the horse’
It’s just what teachers & leaders need right now...full of love kindness & hope!
#WomenEd #HeForShe
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After two very enjoyable years as Executive Principal @NorthLivAcademy & @NSTCareers I will be leaving this summer to pick up the reins @WesthoughtonHS from September 2020
Thanks to the amazing staff, students & community at NLA...& for the warm welcome I have received at WHS
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Hurricane has been fairly dormant for the past few cooler days...today he ventured out for a lap of the garden & a bite to eat 🍌🐢 #teacher5aday #notice
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I love teaching & I love teachers!
I love being a part of a wonderful Profession that makes a real difference to the lives of all children in our society...I’ve dedicated 37 years of my life to it!
I will not let the media or click bait keyboard warriors dampen my love!
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Just been contacted by my doctors surgery...
...my Covid-19 vaccination is now booked for the weekend 😀
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Quinlan’s chose Tapas for his celebratory tea…
…he’s off to @BangorUni to study Marine Biology & Oceanography
…of course he is! 🤣🤣🤣
…he’s a talented scuba diver who wants to make his mark on the underwater world! 🤿💦🦈
#alevels2022 #teacher5aday
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This week our family grew 7lbs & 13oz bigger…
…when we welcomed our 2nd grandson Myles Nicholas into the world! 🙌 ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
#Family #Grandchildren
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Goodnight Hurricane 🐢💤
The temperature has now fallen significantly enough to send Hurricane into hibernation😀
He’s now tucked up in his original box on a draught free shelf in the garage…
…we’ll hopefully see him again early to mid March 2022 😀🤞
#teacher5aday #notice
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Look who’s awake! 😍 🐢
Although Hurricane usually hibernates from early November through until late February to mid-March
…the recent warm weather clearly woke him from his sleep 💤
#teacher5aday #notice
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I had to venture into Dad’s shed today & noticed this sign…
‘Specialising in hurt feelings…please repay with hugs, kisses & smiles’ ❤️😀
Progressive Masculinity way ahead of his time…
As a child my family were cash poor, but love rich!❤️
A great @mtptproject role model⭐️
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Mute &/or Unfollow alert!
If you don’t want to see our month of backpacking around Zanzibar & Tanzania…then now is the time to block me! 😳🤣
At Manchester Airport & ready for our next adventure 😀🎒🇹🇿 🌏
#teacher5aday #learn #connect
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I’ve had DVTs twice following broken bones…& although no more likely than anyone else to get another, I routinely wear them when flying…
Question: Would you stand with me in a queue with my flight socks & sandals?😳
Mel’s now desensitised, but our friends aren’t convinced🤣
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We’ve enjoyed the most beautiful day with family & friends celebrating our grandson Alfie’s christening ❤️
#teacher5aday #connect
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One year since my Dad passed way, so we picked a beautiful summer day to scatter Dad’s ashes…! 🤣💦
…on Blackstone Edge on the Pennine Way, on the Yorkshire/Lancashire border ❤️
…a toast on the top with a drop of his infamous homebrew rocket fuel! 🥴
#RIPDad
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Why was Mel hysterical at sunset?
I’d gone to take another sunset photo
Mel went to change out of swimwear in the back of the bar
She came back to our table & bent over to whisper in my ear, “I’ve dropped my knickers somewhere”
…but it was not our table and was not me!😳😱🤣
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In the last 48 hours, we’ve...
- established our online learning provision
- hand delivered dongles & additional 75 laptops
- set up a mass testing centre
- started provision for 90 KW&V students
- & advertised for our new headteacher
What’s next Gavin?
So proud of #TeamWHS
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Good news…
…we’ve arrive safely in Delhi in time for the Diwali celebrations 🇮🇳 🎉
Not so good news…
…our luggage is enjoying a few days elsewhere in the world! 🌍😳😳😳
Not to worry…
…it’s now time to explore Delhi & soak up the festival atmosphere 🙏
#teacher5aday
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Hurricane’s not allowed to go out & chase cars during lockdown, so he’s had to settle for the nearest machine! 😂
Great workout for him & also Quinlan who had to constantly move him out of the way🐢
#teacher5aday #30DayChallenge
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Yesterday was my 7th completion of the #Yorkshire3Peaks in 34 years
As we walked passed Ribblehead Viaduct I was just telling the boys that I’d never seen a train go over it, but I think it would be awesome see…
…then this happened 😍🚂
#teacher5aday #notice
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I started school in 1969
I left school 40 years ago
I started my initial teacher training 38 years ago
I have taught across 5 decades
My oldest ex-students are 51 yr old
I now find myself to be the oldest man in school
Seize the day & make it count!😀
#teacher5aday #notice
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I’m probably not going to be very active on Twitter for a while…
…thank you for all of your good wishes & lovely messages
…please don’t fee ignored if I don’t respond 😀❤️🙏
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Tier 2 restrictions actually mean that we can now welcome Mum & Dad back into our garden for a socially distanced al fresco Sunday dinner 😀❤️😀
...I reckon we’ll be going to Tier 3 very soon, so this ‘first’ is likely to be the last for sometime!
#teacher5aday #connect
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Do you want to take 2 minutes out of your life to watch #Hurricane devour an apple?
Of course you do! 😀🍎🐢
#teacher5aday #notice
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I’ve supported the @CharteredColl from its beginning, but am delighted to have now been accepted as a Fellow of the Chartered College of Teaching 😀 #FCCT
Thank you @AlisonMPeacock for the nomination & encouragement 🙏
Thank you @LisaFathersBF for supporting my application 🙏
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Our eldest son gets married tomorrow to his fabulous fiancé❤️❤️
I believe the young’uns might say that the groom-to-be, father-in-law to be, best men, brothers & me have enjoyed a chilled evening of good vibes! 🤣
Ryan’s non-SW friendly choice of food!😱
#teacher5aday #connect
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Welcome all to Hurricane’s Coming Out of Hibernation party! 💃🕺🐢🤣🐢🤣🐢🤣🐢#WeAreFamily #Hurricane
#teacher5aday #connect #notice #exercise
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As a part of our Menopause Policy, a specialist in menopause health is training several staff as Menopause Ambassadors so that colleagues can speak confidentially to peers for support
…looking forward to the training 😀👍
#Menopause #WomenEd #HeForShe #teacher5aday #volunteer
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Great memory from M&D’s 60th Wedding Anniversary together 💃🕺
Today Mum celebrated their 63rd Wedding Anniversary…
…for the first time without Dad by her side! 💔 ❤️🩹
An emotional week, but she enjoyed our day together reminiscing about dad & their life together x❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
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We’ve arrived home safely from our Indian backpacking adventure…
…if not a little wet on the final 3/4 mile walk home from the train station!💦
I’m now tucked up in a hotel ahead of a keynote & workshop with a MAT & all headteachers in the South West
It’s great to be back!
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Mum has been finding things tough without dad recently…
…but look at the joy on her face when I took over my dad’s role as her rock n roll partner at a recent party…!❤️❤️❤️
…please ignore my gormless face & protruding paunch…at least it’s not as bad as my passport pic!🤣
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A couple of weeks in to term & all 160 staff are working so hard to give our students the best possible experience ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
We’re all tired...time for a little thank you & weekend pick-me-up! #ThankCrunchieItsFriday #teacher5aday
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Happy Anniversary to us ❤️
Yes it is 1st April, but we did get married after 12pm!🤣🤣
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Relaxing in the garden after an inspirational & important #DiverseEd conference & #Hurricane promptly came out to play
“The Tortoise, the butterfly & the basketball” 🏀🦋🐢
It looked like a promotion for a @charliemackesy or @DickKingSmith book! 🤣🤣🤣
#teacher5aday #notice
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Look who’s awake! ❤️ 🐢
69 years old & ready for the warm weather to begin his football training again! ⚽️☀️
#Hurricane
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Leaders:
What’s the first thing you’ll say or do with your colleagues tomorrow?
Will you remove barriers & create opportunities...or create barriers & remove opportunities?
Will your actions & words help create a culture of care...or culture of fear?
#CultureOfCare #Kindness
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Just had a great 30 min meeting with my two wonderful deputies...
...our broad plans now agreed, with homework for us to do before we meet again on Sunday 😀👍
Decided to message students, parents & staff tomorrow to provide some reassurance
An unusual end to an usual year!
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What not take 60 seconds out of your day to watch #Hurricane soak up the morning sun rays & charge his cold blooded batteries before a day of garden exploration & ball play ☀️☀️☀️
🐢 🏀 🐢 🏉 🐢 ⚽️ 🐢 🏈 🐢
#teacher5aday #notice
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Tomorrow I’ll hand over @WesthoughtonHS to an inspirational new headteacher Neil Coe ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I’ll remain working alongside Neil & his team throughout 2021/22 …
…but will also provide support, coaching & leadership development to other headteachers, schools, CEOs & MATs
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HE’S BACK!
After 2 weeks of cooler weather, Hurricane is back out & about working hard in the garden☀️🐢
M&D coming around for an outside lunch today following their 4 months of Covid enforced hibernation, so it’s looking like a great day!❤️❤️❤️
#teacher5aday #connect #notice
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Those that know me, know that I broke my back twice (diving 1979&1981) & neck (trampolining 1987) inc 6 months in hospital & learning to walk again😱
Since then I’ve done at least 1 dive/year…until my body won’t let me anymore!🤣
Here is 1st of 2022😀💦
#teacher5aday #exercise
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M&D were having breakfast with their back door open & this baby squirrel ran in & climbed up their curtains
Dad encouraged it to hop onto his arm & took it out to the garden
It’s spent the rest of the morning running back to him & giving him a cuddle! 😂❤️#teacher5aday #notice
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Bradley’s graduation today from @LJMU for his BSc Accounting & Finance degree
…so of course he’s now training to be a Maths teacher! 🤣⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
#Congratulations 🥳🥳🥳
#teacher5aday
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Who’s doing what tonight?
Were having a games night & pub crawl a home for the 5 of us
...with Sports Bar, Beer Garden, Tiki Cocktail Disco Bar & a ‘Tier 2’ Mexican Restaurant, where drinks will only be served with a substantial meal...& of course a Garage Club 🤣#NewYear2021
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I’ve been teetotal for almost 37 years, since the day before my 18th birthday
15 years ago today, I lost my big sister to alcoholism...she was a lovely woman who had a tough life...at Cathy’s request, I share her story each year at school to help educate
nhs.uk/conditions/alcohol-mi…
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A little more #Hurricane action from this afternoon 🏀🏈🐢#teacher5aday #notice #exercise #30DayChallenge
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Heartfelt ‘Thanks’ for the overwhelming support & love tweeted & DMd during my dad’s final days & since he passed away! 🙏
It was wonderful to commemorate & celebrate dad’s life yesterday at his funeral & then back at our house for what mum called ‘Gilbert’s Party’ ❤️ #RIPDad
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