On duty this week, I saw the first daffodil of the spring flowering next to Mrs Bradley’s office in the Hanover House garden, normally tended so carefully by HRMS. At the moment, the members of HRMS tutor group are mostly learning remotely, staying at home to protect the NHS and save lives. Only a few students are in school, accessing remote learning in Frontline. Following the weekend’s snow, the daffodil was a reminder that spring always follows closely behind the bleak midwinter.

It has become too tempting recently to focus on the bleak and dark, and not on the fresh and green. Throughout this week, I have made myself look out for the positivity, and focus on the signs of recovery – which was why Mrs Wilson walked past me, crouched in the wet grass, getting up close and personal to a daffodil with my iPhone (yes, I know, phone out in school – I’ll give myself the C1!)

Here are the green shoots I noticed this week:

• 50 students achieved their Headteacher’s Commendations this week, for reaching 125 Conduct Points
• Our first two Year 9 students achieved Trustees’ Commendations, reaching 175 Conduct Points
• We have a record number of applications for Churchill Sixth Form, including over 60 students from outside our Academy (also a record)
• Our students from all years are engaged with their remote learning, producing fantastic results despite the difficult circumstances
• All of the over 400 lateral flow tests carried out at the Academy so far have returned negative results
• Local communities have donated food, toiletries and essentials to help families in need
• Bristol airport, having closed their duty free, donated stock to the Churchill staff to keep us all going
• Both my parents had appointments for their first vaccinations this week – two of the nearly eight million doses issued in the UK so far
• The Prime Minister has given a timeline for schools re-opening
• The rebuilding of the Lancaster House block is progressing well and is due to be ready before we welcome more students back to school
• Contractors are on site repairing and replacing the fence around the Academy’s perimeter – and this will also be complete before we fully re-open
• The Academy Hall has a brand-new, shining floor
• When I walked out to my car to come to work on Monday morning, although the sun hadn’t risen, it was light. And, driving home, darkness had yet to fall.

There is darkness all around us in the world at the moment. Things are challenging for everyone. But, if you look, there is always light – if only we’re brave enough to see it. If only we’re brave enough to be it.