Staff Darts brought out the competitive side in Miss Hillary who stormed to victory. Mr Kirk kept a close eye on the leaderboard whilst darts were thrown with varying levels of accuracy. What a wonderful way to finish a week at work!

Across the last few weeks our staff have been working extremely hard to provide the high quality lessons to all pupils despite the darker days and longer nights. To support them we have a full range of wellbeing mechanisms from flu-jabs and health checks to our fantastic Teach-Meet.

On Tuesday one of these fantastic sessions was a mince pie and truffle making event. With staff from across the school coming together to make some treats that could be shared with others during the Teachmeet. There was fun and laughter form all staff showing their dedication to follow one of our Top 5 Mental Health tips of trying something new. Well done and thank you.

On Wednesday we held our annual staff Teachmeet. This event is perhaps the most anticipated of the CPD year as a unique blend of Pedagodgy and Festive fun. This year the theme of the event was focused on using Show Me and other strategies from Teach Like a Champion by Doug Lemov. The event was one attended by all staff as we shared in some Christmas festivity and a rendition of the 12 Days of Etone.

This week, a wonderfully engaged group of colleagues participated in our festive Present Wrapping Wellbeing Workshop.  There was a wonderful,  warm and collaborative atmosphere, allowing everyone to fully enjoy the creative process. During the session, staff explored a new folding technique — method that requires just one piece of Sellotape to complete a beautifully wrapped gift. The room soon filled with conversation, laughter, and an array of thoughtfully decorated presents, each reflecting personal style and attention to detail.
Thank you to all who attended; your enthusiasm made the workshop a delight.

 We look forward to offering more wellbeing opportunities for staff in the coming months.

In October, it is National Teacher Day. This week there will be treats and staff give aways to say thank you as well as cakes provided by Leadership to show how much they appreciate the hard work of the Etone staff.  All staff have been asked to nominate a colleague for a very special thank you during this week too and we will be also shortly be  celebrating the results of our summer staff photograph competition. Watch this space!

In September, it was National TA Day and staff and pupils said thank you to all of our wonderful teaching assistants who do so much to support our pupils at Etone each and every day.  Pupils and staff both wrote thank you cards and personal messages to our teaching assistants who also received a lunch and treats throughout the week.  

On Wednesday it was the final CPD of the year and one with a square focus on Wellbeing.

Whilst the strategy is to support all members of the team, Etone is a truly special place. Where else would leadership provide a spread of delights for staff as a personal thank you for their efforts and support over the year?

Following a short wellbeing session highlighting the use of AI, it was time to say goodbye to the few staff who are departing to pastures new.

With all staff moving onto promotions, out of area or “hanging up their chalkboards” it was an opportunity to celebrate their time at Etone College preparing them for the next step.

Whilst ends of the year are always tough in education, it is heartwarming to see and hear the shared devotion and sentiments across all staff as we reminisced, congratulated and gave good luck to those members of staff.

Whilst their time at Etone may have come to a close for now, they will always remain a key part of the Etone story.