We were delighted on Friday evening to be invited to speak at a launch event for a new book about the importance of community, history and heritage. The book captures the stories of people’s cultural heritage, the importance of family, friends and community, and outlines the hopes, dreams, ambitions and aspirations of so many individuals both for themselves and for generations to come. When there is sadly so much division across the world today, books like this are needed more than ever, so that we can celebrate difference and diversity.    The individuals whose life stories are recorded in the book, have helped to shape the communities in which they live and now call home, and their stories evidence how community makes us, and why the unity in community is key. The commonalities between these personal stories are so endearing.   People talk about friendship, love, and the kindness shown to them by others, and in so many cases by strangers. The importance and significance of family and community values resonate clearly. A common theme for so many people is the importance of a good education. A great education informs our thinking, our decision making, how we understand and respect different cultures and different people, and informs the choices we make. We should all be continually learning each and every day, and a great education can never be taken away from us. The more we learn, the more we realise there is to learn.    As a great man once said; ‘Education doesn’t change the world. Education changes people and people change the world.’

Welcome back everyone to the start of the new school year. We missed you!   At the start of the new school year it is the time for new beginnings. Time to make some new friends, especially for those young people just joining our Trust family of schools, and those moving up into a new year group and maybe starting the year with a new teacher.   September brings an opportunity to attend every day, and to make the most of the experiences school brings. That may be new friendships, learning new things, trying new activities and joining new clubs. School is welcoming, rewarding and provides the opportunity for you to be the best that you can be.   For each and every one of us the new term is about being the best version of ourselves. We don't need to be better than anyone else, we just to be the best that we can be. This September, unlock your own unique potential! You have so much to offer, so much to give and we are thrilled that you are here in the Batley community.    Batley=Brilliance. This is going to be a great year!