Jobs to do and can't get going!

[PumpkinPie2016]

Obviously I need to get my arse in gear 🙈 buy hoping for some solidarity too 😂

I go back to work a week on Monday (I'm a HoD) and I have things I need to do like planning an INSET session, writing a unit of work and a few other things.
I've been trying to make a start the last few days and basically have done pretty much nothing- oops!

I've been having such a lovely summer with DH and DS so until this week, I haven't thought about it.

Is anyone else just burying their head in the sand and hoping it might do itself 😂

We do have 2 INSET days but they are absolutely rammed so no time for me to actually sit in peace and do anything. I also have some new staff who will obviously need support.

Clearly, I am going to have to make myself get it done this week, but the motivation is seriously lacking!

Not burying my head as such, but I know how you feel.

I'll be child-free for a few days before we return, though, so I hope that I'll get off my backside to do some work then. One INSET day here, which is full, then I have a Y7 form this year, so no time on day 2, either, as I'll be with them all day.

All the data analysis from the exams, paperwork for new units, a unit to plan and we've changed tech expectations so I'll need to get my head around using the new tech before we return, too.

It's been so nice to have an extended break, but I am looking forward to being 100% on again - I get more done that way.

I've not done anything until this week. All I've done my results analysis ready. But nothing else like rewriting 3 topics, creating knowledge organisers and homework tasks. I'm a solo parent and haven't got any child free days so probably won't get anything done.

Get dressed in your work clothes or something smart. Go to a desk, don't try to work from the sofa or similar. Natural light if possible otherwise good light.

Try to do some quick wins and jobs you like, and shamelessly reward yourself at regular intervals. Set a cut-off time when you'll stop working and stick to it.

Oh and put away your phone!

Good luck!

Thank you for the solidarity and advice 🙂🙂

I have been baking with my son this morning. This afternoon the weather looks rainy and it's windy and cold, so after lunch, I am going to do a bit. I have a space in the study.

I think once I am going, it will be fine 🙂

I'll post a progress update later 😂

Following for solidarity! I might open next year's planner in a bit to start me off.....

I've actually managed to make some headway this afternoon 😁

Department action plan done.
Retrieval homelearning mapped for Y7-9.

It's a good start!

Did you open your planner @pinkflamingo83 ? 😂

That's a lot, well done!

Solidarity with all.

Trying not to let me anxiety bubble over as I can't think of anything to do, but know I'll be inundated once we start!

No @PumpkinPie2016 I didn't want to panic the planner with too much action, so it has been moved from its summer home (a bag on the backseat of the car) to hanging in said bag from a door handle downstairs.

Well done on huge progress today :)

@pinkflamingo83 that made me laugh 😂😂

I hope the planner has coped with the first small step towards being used again 😂

It's important not to stress the planner.

Do you always try to write very neatly on the first pages of your planner or is that just me?

I am waiting to see whether my new job provides one or what.

@JobbyNeuf I always write neatly on the first couple of pages of my planner 😂

It generally becomes untidy though once term starts 😁

I used to be the same. I have terrible handwriting so used to make such an effort not to mess up the first page. Then it all went to pot, of course. Scrawling down things as quickly as possible so as not to forget. And using codes in case any students saw what I'd written!

I have planned electronically for quite a few years now, much easier to delete and correct any errors! (And use pretty colours.)

I'm going to start on Wednesday as I have a free afternoon.

Might go into school on Friday to do some photocopying and eat the rush then I can have a relaxing weekend.

My new boss sent a few e-mails this morning. I think she's working on timetabling. She also said she will share the policies with me asap. And more (updated) files are appearing on shared drive (although nothing interesting yet). Fingers crossed I have something to get my teeth into / to calm my nerves soon.

Good idea...but will others have the same? Also, can you check somehow in advance that the copier is working and there is paper?

Just speaking from bitter experience...

Yes copier is working and paper delivered the last week of term.

We're only a small village school and I know lots of staff went in the first couple of weeks whilst I went on holiday straightaway.

@Bg2015 that sounds ideal! And your school sounds really nice. I'm moving from a huge school to a small one and really looking forward to that part of the new job (as well as others.) Good luck with your working / getting ahead days this week!