A sign, an image, a symbol of things to return, swallow migration has always been the preface to the opening of schools in Greece. This is possibly one of the very few things I remember from my primary years, along with some fragmented images and memories of instances and feelings. Memory is a perpetually novel and potentially deceptive experience; the swallows can be more dependable.
Unavoidably, I am thinking of the start of school, swallows or no swallows, a life rhythm has been established after so many years in education. Although it makes me a little sad that I will not be shopping for schoolbags, books, stationery for me or anyone else, I am thrilled to be starting the school year alongside students and teachers with my website, my consultancies and my projects.
Watch this space for more information and details, but in the meantime here are the mantras I have compiled from some of my readings for myself, my colleagues and their students as they start another school year:
- Tolerate uncertainty.
- Lean into discomfort.
- Embrace the suck.