View from the Flight Deck - Jan 26

Added: 2026-05-05

[00:00:00]Heat.

[00:00:15]Heat.

[00:00:30]Hello everyone and welcome to today's episode of View from the Flight Deck. My podcast to students at Caroline Chisum School and it is January 2026.

[00:00:40]I'm so glad that all you students are here that you belong here. I hope you enjoyed some snow over this past week.

[00:00:48]And whether you're four years old and just starting your school journey at CCS or 18 and getting ready for what's next, today I want us to think a little bit about something really important. What matters most?

[00:01:13]January is a special time, isn't it? A new year often feels like a fresh start.

[00:01:17]People make resolutions, promises to themselves, like perhaps eating healthier, trying a bit harder, or learning something new. But here's a question. Do we need a new year to start something important?

[00:01:32]I personally don't think so. If something really matters, we can start at any time. But I do understand that the new year can give us a moment to pause and think, what do I care about most and what do I want to do better?

[00:01:46]For me, one of the things that matters most to me is this school, actually, CCS and all of you. It's more than just a building. Uh, it's a place where we belong, where we learn, and where we grow. And as I show other colleagues and headteers around our school, they are impressed by the building, but they're more impressed by how polite you are, how you talk to them, how you learn in lessons.

[00:02:11]It's not always easy. Sometimes it's challenging, but that's what makes CCS special. The people here they make it special.

[00:02:22]As you know recently something happened that reminded me uh about this question about what matters most.

[00:02:34]A former teacher here Aaron Phillips passed away really suddenly. Aaron was kind, he was generous and he was full of joy. And he loved music. He was much better at DJing than I am. Uh, and he cared deeply, deeply about others and how people learned. His life showed us what matters most isn't things like clothes or gadgets or toys you might get for Christmas. It's people. It's spending time with them. It's kindness.

[00:03:03]It's making a difference to their lives.

[00:03:12]And so at the start of this year, all our staff in our school came forward together in a big conference called the way forward, building our future together. And we were talking about how to make our school even better. How to make sure everyone feels included and supported. And one thing stood out. We all want our school to be a place where everybody belongs. And that's what mattered most.

[00:03:42]And so here's something simple you can do today. Say thank you. At the conference, teachers and support staff were asked to name someone who inspires them. And so many hands went up around the room that we ran out of time. It showed really how much we appreciate and think of each other. But perhaps we don't say it enough. So think about someone who makes your life better today. a friend, maybe a teacher, a family member, maybe someone you don't see very often, and tell them because a little appreciation really goes a long, long way.

[00:04:22]Before I finish, I want to share something exciting about next year from September. We're making two big changes to help you learn and grow even more.

[00:04:30]Firstly, we'll have a twoe October halfterm break and that means we will have more time to rest, to recharge, and to spend time with family and friends.

[00:04:41]And secondly, alongside that, we're introducing a 30inut tutor period every day. Why? And because we want to give you better personal development, learning experiences, time to talk about life and its skills, well-being, and the things that really matter beyond lessons. And these changes, they're all about helping you become the best version of yourself.

[00:05:10]Okay? If you're listening and you're maybe four, five, or six years old, I've got a question for you. Okay. First one is this. Who makes you smile at school?

[00:05:21]Is it your teacher? Is it a friend? Is it maybe someone who plays with you at break time? What I want you to do today is turn to them and say, "Thank you for making me happy. Wonder if you can do that." And I bet you it'll make them smile as well. And for those of you are older, 13, 14, or maybe in the sit form, 18 years old, here's your challenge.

[00:05:44]Take five minutes today and write down your answer to this question. What matters most to me right now? Is it the cost of coffee that you can now get from your cafe six? Is it your family, your friends, your future goals, or maybe your health and wellbeing? Once you've written it down, think about one small action, one small action you can take this week to show that it matters.

[00:06:09]Because those big changes, they start with small steps. And so as we start this new year, remember this. It's not about being perfect. It's not about having the newest toys and things. It is about people. It's about kindness. It's about making a difference because that's what matters most.

[00:06:36]Thank you for listening today. Take care of yourselves. look out for each other and let's make this year 2026 one that truly matters.

[00:06:46]Thank you and goodbye for now.