As you may be aware this year our Trust charity is Papyrus, an important organisation that looks to provide support to young people in an effort to prevent suicidal attempts. Whilst a very sensitive topic, the aim of the charity is an important one.

To support Papyrus, we are teaming up with Three Dads to complete the Hadrians Wall Walk in May. This will see nearly 70 members of the trust follow the 84 mile long historical path, coast-to-coast.

With 12 members of Etone staff taking part in the challenge we were excited to take on our first practice this past weekend. Travelling through some very muddy fields and equally stunning valleys of the Derbyshire Peaks.

Whilst not a competition at all, Etone members smashed it walking over 26km, in the quickest time with the highest elevation. Please do support us if possible by donating to our fund here: https://www.justgiving.com/page/etone-college-10?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL

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!