2nd December 2021
HEADLINES
By James Saunders
As I sat in a room full of headteachers earlier this week our conversation quickly became dominated by two things: changes to the pandemic guidance, and the challenges we continue to face in schools as a result of the fallout from the pandemic. I was somewhat comforted that the challenges we are facing at Honywood are replicated across the county in all schools. These challenges often transcend the remit of schools - however, schools are left to pick them up with little support. That comfort quickly faded when I realised the magnitude of the issues that society is currently facing.
response? Are we saying something we would not say in public or to someone’s face?
The periods of isolation during the pandemic have pushed us deeper into the digital world. Some of the issues that schools are currently struggling with stem from the use of technology - or should I say the inappropriate use of technology. You may have heard recent reports in the media about children using social media platforms to harass and bully teachers. That is just one aspect of what schools are facing. Digital footprints: the impressions and traces we leave behind when using the internet can often haunt us. One way to avoid people using your social media against you is to ensure privacy settings have been checked and that accounts are locked down. There is a better solution - just maintain excellent conduct and respect and cultivate a dignified digital persona.
I had a sense of deja-vu on Monday; a feeling that we have been here before. I found myself yet again writing about changes to our restrictions in response to government guidance. The landscape is shifting and it feels very much like it did this time last year. We may have to remain agile to developments which may mean cancelling things in the calendar. We have had to make the decision to cancel our Christmas dinner. A number of factors informed this decision, which I anticipate will not be popular. However, we are not alone in this thinking - in that same headteacher meeting this week all the other heads were doing the same.
Many employers veto applications by looking at social media accounts before they shortlist for an interview. One in five applicants are being fired before they even start. Some of the reasons are: use of aggressive or offensive language; bad spelling/ grammar or too many selfies. There is a simple thing we can do to avoid this. Respect ourselves, others and the world around us. When posting online we should ask ourselves: are we being courteous? Are we providing a measured
If we assume that everything we do online is public then we must acknowledge that people will form an impression of us based on this content. I am not saying whether I think it is right or wrong for employers, or indeed anyone else to judge people this way. However, that is what is being done. The message to us is clear: be mindful of how you conduct yourself online as the footprints will always lead back to you.
Looking ahead you will have heard about the need to conduct on site lateral flow testing in January. Once we get more information about this we will communicate the arrangements. We expect there to be a stagger to the start of term which could involve a few days of remote learning as we phase groups back in. I am going to keep things short this week. Don’t forget to stay home tomorrow as it is a non learner day and enjoy your extended weekend. James Saunders