Be proud.

Contrary to the above, and unlike me, I recently saw a tree:

Like a tree in June
Full to bursting with pride
I see you
Be proud

The tree is not seeking merit, but just fulfilling, being healthy and alive…

At work this week a scholar finished a discussion with me by saying “Have a great day sir”…  

Walking in the school recently I allowed myself a scintilla of optimism; ‘Be proud’!

The people I work with do an admirable job, I am often in awe of their commitment and drive. They should indeed be allowed a small glow of pride!.

A dose of healthy pride is a good thing. A feeling of satisfaction and self-respect derived from one’s endeavours, abilities, or character. Pride can be a motivating emotion that can encourage continued effort. An authentic genuine feeling of worth and dignity that can energize a quiet implicit realistic humble confidence.

I was recently nominated for recognition of my contribution towards our school’s ‘Community’; “Building a sense of belonging in a reflective and stimulating environment. Celebrating care, kindness and difference, allowing positive relationships to flourish and ensuring communication is excellent.”

I guess what I do helps to reinforce something of the above. Of course, we all daily add to our sense of community and belonging in the many small things we do.

GraphicRepro.

I believe that providing a graphic repro service to staff and students helps to visualise and reinforce a culture of teamship and belonging.

Part of my Design & Reprographics role is to create and maintain a strong visual identity that relays the tones and qualities of our community, while promoting our cultural ambitions and expectations. We create and maintain a consistent design identity and style, echoing graphic devices across all materials, and adding value to material created. As well as bulk reproduction, we create department-specific graphics and resources; signage, certificates, posters, cards, worksheets, passes, stickers, etc.

Graphic Repro and ‘belonging’: identity, community and culture.  

Identity: uniformity in design across materials maintains a professionalism.

Community: consistent, appealing, memorable design fosters trust and credibility.

Culture: visual familiarity can generate a deeper connection and improve teamship.

Like a tree in June
Full to bursting with pride
I see you
Be proud

*‘Pride comes before a fall’, it’s one of those tenets that tends to colour my worldview. It tends to produce an underestimating fear, a paralysing worry, a hindering reluctance, and perhaps many missed opportunities. I try to be proud, but I’m aware that an autumnal fall is part of the cycle.