The New Year is often a time for fresh starts, new beginnings. Resolutions or renewed intentions to live differently in some way. This year is different. This New Year has not begun in the way any of us would have hoped. As we now find ourselves in a third National Lockdown, with most pupils once again at home, amongst the many challenges this brings, there is, among many, a sense of weariness. Weariness can take many forms and may be felt differently by different members of our school communities. Staff, children and parents will all have their own experiences of being weary. So too will we all have our own experiences of moments that lift the weariness. 
As I reflect on the week past, I recall moments of encounter that have lifted my weariness: 

• Waving my arms with pronounced exaggeration to the action songs on our ‘Rise and Shine’ family worship on Zoom.
• A bitterly cold, but beautifully bright, morning stroll along the waterfront.
• A family quiz on Zoom.

As you begin a new week, perhaps you can spend a few moments reflecting.

• In the last week, what made you smile?
• If you are feeling weary what might make a positive difference?
• Is there anything you could do to bring a moment of relief to someone who is feeling weary?