Coming together nicely

Although I have not been on top form today, it has been a good day. I have be priviledged to see how all of the activities over the past three days have rapidly built into something which, individually, and collectively, have become really quite special.

I have struggled to choose a shot today but this is one of my favourites. Our Year 7 girls have been practising a Malaysian inspired dance and I have watched them progress from nervous and uncertain, to confident, with strong performances from yesterday morning to this morning. They perform the dance with grace and commitment (Strong arms girls, strong arms!). Costumes have been made for them as well which look stunning, and the dance will be performed in low lighting, with each of the girls holding two (electric) tea lights. Hence the shot - taken with my camera hanging upside down, on the gorillapod, from a wall mounting for a TV in the dance studio. I particularly liked this one, which is in the first few seconds of the dance, as the light trails have created a pattern which looks similar to Eastern style text.

I've also watched our Year 10 boys playing a game which is a hybrid of volleyball and football, with a smaller, raffia/bamboo ball, which appears to be technically challenging. Some of the other year groups have been less than enamoured with the game, but the boys today have really taken to it, with flair and aptitude. I've had the chance to take some really action shots and test my skills a little in terms of keeping with the flow of the game and get the 'right' photos as they happen - I am pleased with my results, but clearly can't share them online as they all include images of our students. Ican't tell you how many times I heard "heads up" as the ball came towards me - but fair play to the boys, they did try to protect me from getting a smack on the bonce. Really lovely to see them SO focussed on it - and the images capture that which has made me really happy.

Aside from that, Kieran didn't kill me for yesterday's unflattering blip. For that I am grateful. But I have my picture for the end of term caption competition, as I was priviledged to watch "The Boss" try to climb the steep embankment up onto our top field in his shiny work shoes. As he slid back down the slope, trying to keep his balance, I pointed out to him that there were steps he could walk up. But, with the determination of someone who was not going to lose face, he tried again, and slipped again, but this time I got a shot! Colleagues - noticeboard, Monday - the wine is on me for the best one!

Home by 5.45, bed by 5.50, woke up at 9.45pm. BP low, hands swollen, cough and cold back with avengence. Supposed to be going to the Lake District on Sunday to do a walk with some of the staff and our Malaysian visitors - not sure yet though.