So, this is my last blog of this half term. Summer 1 is over and it’s not been what we expected at all.

I want to start by saying ‘thank you’ to students and parents for being part of our consultation process around Covid-19. It’s so important to hear your thoughts and views. What is important to note is that we are listening and working through THE best possible plan to keep us all safe.

This week has been Mental Health Week and we’ve all been working hard to keep ourselves busy but, more importantly, happy. I thought I would share with you what makes me happy:

1. Water
I love it. The sea, the pool, a pond…anywhere I can get a cheeky swim.

2. Running
Covid-19 has got me running. And because I can’t get a swim, I’ve used my exercise time to run and do some yoga (I don’t have a picture of being upside down thankfully) but I have really appreciated the fresh air.

3. Food
Any kind, anything. Making – but not baking. I would love to say the next picture is mine – but it’s not. Its Mrs Quinn’s. But it looks amazing – Mr Quinn is so lucky.

4. My family
And when I’m not happy, they give me time and space or simply do something a little crazy to make me laugh.

5. My work family 
Need I say any more ……… just amazing.
Am missing you all, kids and staff.

That’s actually me on Thursday, meeting a family ready for transition.

6. Talking
I love it.
Mr P is always telling me to stop talking …….

7. My dog – Archie 
He has some issues around behaviour and barking, but on the whole a good dog walk is brilliant for my mental health and for his.

8. Gardening
Love the fresh air.

9. Laughter
Always the best remedy for feeling blue.

10. My friends 
This was sent to me by a very dear friend who is always there for me – in good times and in bad.

11. And finally, I’m thankful for being alive 
Today more than any other day as we remember the 22 victims of the Manchester Arena attack and our thoughts are with the families and friends they left behind.
When we are all feeling down, I think it’s important to remember we will get through this together. Unfortunately, they will not.

So that’s it for me. The Springboard staff are having some well-deserved time off so we will be in touch next week and they will be having some time to do things that make them feel happy.

Mr Bright is delighted to announce the winners of our DT competition ‘We Can Make It’..

The entries were fantastic and choosing the winners was very difficult – we had some incredible animations and videos entered from schools and colleges across the New Bridge Group to celebrate our NHS.

A lot of time and effort went into creating the animations and we’d like to thank each and every young person who took part in the competition.

In the end we had to choose a winner. Well, it’s joint winners actually:

Joint 1st place:
Matthew from Medtia and Josh from the Learning Centre

Runner-up:
Kai from Medtia

We will post the winning vouchers next week. Once again, well done to everyone for taking part!!

We will be sending out an update on the new schooling consultation and next steps before the end of next week.

Have a great week. Happy half term and Eid Mubarak to everyone celebrating this weekend.

Mrs Tootill
Head of Springboard Project

You can find our all blog entries here

You can also contact the Oldham Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) team directly on 0161 770 7777 and the Tameside team on 0161 342 4101.