And just like that, summer 2023 has come to an end. Sunsets are getting earlier and sunrises later, and the ice cream van has begun circling the streets a little less often.
And the schools have returned for a brand new academic year!
We hope the first week back was a positive one for you, the staff, and all pupils, despite the challenges of the year beginning earlier than usual with the last minute announcement of the RAAC problem.
Last year was tough, but hopefully we can put the challenges to one side and look ahead to all the wonderful possibilities that this year holds.
A busy summer with positive outcomes
The GCSE and A Level results days were a busy period for all of us! But absolutely worth the hustle and bustle.
This summer, you might have seen and/or heard Chris Zarraga, Director of Schools North East, discuss the results day outcomes on:
Sky News
Times Radio
Look North
BBC Radio
The Chronicle
The Independent
The Observer
Tes
The Telegraph
…and more!
The reporting of Chris across these various forms of media helped amplify the concerns of North East schools about the support you need from the government to meet the challenges of the post-covid reality.
And it didn’t stop there.
Just this week, Chris once again featured on BBC Look North and ITV Tyne Tees to discuss the ongoing crumbling RAAC issue, as well as in the Northern Echo and the Chronicle.
If there’s an issue to escalate for the good of our schools, rest assured we’ll do it.
What does the 23/24 academic year have in store for us?
We all know that the 23/24 academic year won’t be plain sailing from start to finish – we’ve all been in this game long enough to know better! However, belonging to the amazing community of North East schools means that we can still stay positive and hopeful, and take each challenge as it comes.
Plus, you know you have the support of Schools North East throughout it all.
As well as many exciting events to keep you motivated and one step ahead of the game, we’ll continue fuelling movements throughout the region, giving all school staff a voice in the national debate, and empowering you to be the leaders of your own profession.
This academic year, just like all preceding academic years, we will be:
The Voice of our region’s schools
The Glue that binds everyone together
The Bridge that connects our invaluable community to the rest of the world.
We’re excited to be back! We hope you are, too. Together let’s see what 23/24 has in store…
