Last Friday all schools across our trust came together for an inspiring celebration of achievements, centered around the theme of resilience. The event, held at The ICC, in Birmingham was a remarkable gathering that showcased the incredible spirit and determination of the entire staff community.
The event kicked off with a keynote address from our CEO Lynsey Draycott followed by the inspiring story of Jamie Andrew. As a mountaineer Jamie was certainly someone who knew how to cope with challenge. But in 1999, an incident occurred that was to change his life forever and to provide him with a level of challenge that many would consider to be a fate worse than death. However, with resilience and determination, quadruple amputee Jamie was to embrace this change and not only managed to rebuild his life but has gone on to make some utterly remarkable achievements.
His powerful words inspired everyone in attendance, emphasising the importance of overcoming challenges with inner strength and the support of others. Jamie shared personal stories of resilience, illustrating how setbacks can be transformed into stepping stones for success.
Throughout the day, we celebrated the achievements of staff across all schools where individuals were recognised for their outstanding achievements and contributions. Awards were nominated by colleagues, headteachers and our pupils. The joy and pride in the room were palpable as colleagues cheered for their peers and celebrated the collective success of the trust.
Our second guest speaker was Jason Fox, known for his role on SAS: Who Dares Wins and his extensive background in the Special Forces. Jason delivered an impactful talk on resilience, drawing from his experiences both on and off the battlefield. His message was clear: resilience is not just about enduring tough times but about finding strength, purpose, and growth in adversity.
After lunch we were treated to a very special guest session from none other than Mr Motivator who joined us to award the ‘Motivator’ Award. His “Movement is Medicine” session was a fantastic addition that truly energised everyone in attendance. He not only got everyone moving but also highlighted the importance of physical activity for wellbeing. Mr. Motivator’s enthusiasm encouraged everyone to step out of their comfort zones and embrace the joy of movement.
To close the conference, we had the pleasure of welcoming back our very own staff band, consisting of staff from across our trust schools. It was a pleasure to get them back on the stage.
Thank you to all our guest speakers for your invaluable presence. This year’s celebration set a positive tone for the future, encouraging everyone to continue embracing challenges and striving for education, without exception.
