Bursting with Pride

It's been a good few weeks for all of the children and following Matthews news yesterday, I was inspired (if that is the right word) to create this picture.

What news is it that fills me with such pride?

Rachel had a 1:1 with the headmistress. It's clear that despite only being 29 this year, they have ambitions for her to take on a deputy head role as a stepping stone to becoming a head teacher one day. Understandably Rachel is uncertain as to whether she wants to step away from teaching so early in her career, but even so, this is recognition of her talents and hard work.

Matthew went straight into the outdoor education industry at 16, starting out as a kayak instructor, progressing to river leader, assistant chief instructor, chief instructor and for the last 2 years, centre manager. Only issue has been that these roles have all been in the South of France and are temporary as they have a relatively short season over there (April to September). In between, he takes whatever work he can get with the same company but it is short term and poorly paid. They have at last recognised that they are not making best use of some of the talent they have and are identifying people who can be groomed to take on senior management roles in the company. These are permanent roles and relatively well paid. Only 2 people out of over 300 have been chosen and Matthew is one of them. I'm so pleased for him,.

Luke has been at the same school in China for 4 years now and was recently made director of studies. OK, it's a grand title but it does give him additional responsibilities and status and for a lad of 25 who couldn't spell his own middle name until he was about 11, that's no mean achievement.

Rosina should fly back from Australia on July 4th but has decided she wants to stay until her Visa expires at the end of August. She has found a job, is working part time until June when she will switch to full time and is using her money to pay for her own return flight as the flight I have already paid for cannot be moved back beyond June. An independent spirit.

4 children that I am very proud of.