This week we would like to bring to your attention a fantastic teacher from Upper Batley High School (UBHS) who is going over and above to raise money for the Phoenix Project (the transformation of the school's Forest School outdoor learning space), and raise the profile of the importance of men's mental health.   Mr Linney helped to set up the Go Fund Me page for UBHS to raise funds to rebuild the Forest School following the terrible arson attack that took place during the school's summer break. So far they have raised almost £2000, which is superb! Well done Mr Linney and Team UBHS - please make a donation if you can, every £1 helps! https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-us-rebuild-our-forest-school   Mr Linney has also taken on the Chad 1000X workout both to raise funds and awareness of the importance of mental health and resilience. This challenge takes place to raise awareness and remind us of the power of mental resilience and the importance of supporting those who struggle in silence. The workout includes 1,000 box steps whilst carrying a 20kg rucksack. “Chad” represents the grind of perseverance — one step at a time. The repetitive motion is symbolic: progress can feel slow, effort can feel endless, but every step matters. Mr Linney explains why it matters below and was very proud to complete his challenge in 60 minutes and 38 seconds. Well done, Mr Linney!   Why it matters: Mental resilience: Completing 1,000 step-ups requires focus, patience, and determination. It’s an opportunity to train your mind to stay calm and to finish what you start. Physical resilience: The legs, heart, and lungs are tested in equal measure. It’s not about speed, but consistency and discipline. Community: Many gyms and organisations complete “Chad” together to raise awareness and to remind participants that no one should carry their burdens alone.   Move with purpose and honour resilience — in body and in mind. Life can throw us all curveballs. Yet even when things seem tough, there’s a lot we can do to look after ourselves and others. Throughout Movember, across the country and the world, people are raising awareness about the importance of men's mental health. There are so many strategies that can help men cope and live happier, healthier, longer lives –no matter what life throws at them. We think about all of the great young men who study in our Trust family of schools, and the great men who work in our schools. Support is here for you all, you are never alone. 

Our Trust leaders and Headteachers wore their odd socks to support anti-bullying last week. Bullying has no place in society or in our schools, and when it occurs in our schools it is dealt with swiftly. Every individual is unique, and it is those differences which should be shared, celebrated and respected in life. The culture of a school flows directly from its leadership and it is up to us to model the behaviour we expect from every individual in our learning communities. Schools are places where children learn, thrive and achieve, and where children grow in confidence and self-esteem. Our schools achieve excellent educational outcomes, and are also about children learning to be the best version of themselves as they Believe, Achieve and Succeed. In all of our schools we follow the Batley Way. This is all about treating every individual with respect, and treating others and you would wish to be treated yourself. We respect each other, look after each other and care about each other. Every school is a great place for children to learn, and adults to work.    Last week we had a real focus on anti-bullying across our Trust family of schools to raise awareness of the types of bullying, the impact it can have, and how to stop it. We have some fabulous initiatives in place, all based on an ethos of respect.   Respect is at the heart of everything we do and our 3 basic principles in every school are:   Respect Self Respect Environment Respect Community   Our schools have Learner Leadership Teams, Anti-Bullying Champions and Ambassadors, Listeners, Wellbeing Wizards and so much more. We champion anti-bullying through everything we do each and every day. Bullying has no place in our schools, instead it is a culture of respect and celebrating difference for we are all unique in our own special ways. As a great woman once said, 'we have far more in common than that which divides us.'