1, Be kind to yourself
Don’t schedule anything for first thing Monday morning that you know will cause anxiety to you or colleagues on Sunday evening. Sometimes, of course, it might be unavoidable – and you can’t predict when Ofsted will call – but for those things (meetings especially) which you have control over, plan them for when the week is in full swing. Having said that, for some colleagues, tackling a challenging situation first thing on Monday rather than allowing it to linger might be a better option. So, keep in mind what works best for those involved if you can.
2, Put on a happy face
It is probably not what they advise in wellbeing circles but sometimes as headteacher you just need to smile. Your staff look for your cue as to how the week is likely to develop. If you are happy and ready to go on Monday morning then they are more likely to feel positive too. Play your favourite tunes in the car on the way to work or decide on next weekend’s treat for yourself – you never know, you might not have to put on a face at all in the end.
3, Meeting and greeting
Make it your priority to say good morning to everyone. The feasibility of this of course depends on the size of your school, but at least try to touch base with one person from each year group or support group as they arrive on Monday morning – and don’t forget the site supervisor.
Just a little greeting gives your colleagues opportunity to raise any issue that might have occurred to them over the weekend or share something that’s bothering them. It is so important to nip those problems in the bud.
While you are catching up with your staff, take note too of the building. It is not officially a learning walk but as you pop your head into the classroom to say good morning you also have a chance, without being intrusive, to take a look at what is on the walls. You can show a friendly interest in what is being set up for the day and it is ideal if there is something to celebrate or congratulate. Your morning meet and greet is an excellent way to show that you are keeping in touch without it being part of an official monitoring experience.
Monday might also be the day that you eat in the canteen with the children or visit the midday supervisors as they arrive. Raising your profile on a Monday and reminding everybody that you are there if needed can help set the tone for the week and the routine can be a useful scaffold to get you back in the swing too.
4, Staff meeting first thing?
Monday morning might seem to be the best time for a bulletin meeting for the week ahead – but is it? Some staff might appreciate an early morning reminder but equally there are those who are keen to get in their classroom and make sure everything is prepared. Consider rescheduling to a Tuesday perhaps or even just handling this kind of information via messages or whiteboard information.
5, Touching base
A staff meeting first thing might not be best for Monday morning but meeting up with your leadership team at an early stage can provide a reassuring start to the week. Check on what is happening and try to build into the agenda some positive news and feedback.
6, Start the week with a happy bell
Why not have music instead of your bell on a Monday morning? You can vary the music and ask for suggestions from your staff and pupils. It is surprising how music lifts the mood and this approach can provide a talking point other than what you did or didn’t do over the weekend.
7, Expect the unexpected
We never know what will greet us on a Monday morning and, if possible, it is worthwhile ensuring that nothing is scheduled for the first hour or two to allow for any unexpected situations that arise. There are also likely to be parents who urgently need to see you after some weekend revelation or event. And if there isn’t, it is a good time to check your weekly, monthly, annual plans and see how you are progressing.
8, Monday treat
Many staffrooms have a Friday lunchtime treat, maybe cakes or buns or a trip out for lunch. How about building in something for Monday instead? Perhaps not the trip out but why should treats be for Fridays?
9, Monday morning assembly
Ease yourself into the week. If you still have assembly first thing, consider how you can make it an enjoyable one that sets the tone. This is your chance not only to greet your staff but to greet the children too. You might want to carry a particular theme across the year for Monday assemblies – for example a poem to share or a favourite song nominated by different classes. Something simple and enjoyable that can lift the mood. The temptation is to fill the assembly with messages for the week but your audience might not be quite ready for taking in all the facts you want to share. Is there a better time and place to do this?
10, It’s a fresh start
As far as you and everybody in your school is concerned, Monday morning is not the end of the weekend but a fresh start for the week ahead. Try to see it as an opportunity to address any unresolved issues from the week before. Do not hover too much and be decisive. Try ticking off something that is on that awkward to-do list and give yourself a sense of achievement.
Suzanne O’Connell is a freelance education writer and a former primary school headteacher. Read our previous top 10 tips articles via www.headteacher-update.com/content/category/top-10-tips
Headteacher Update Autumn Term Edition 2023
This article first appeared in Headteacher Update's Autumn Term Edition 2023. This edition was sent free of charge to every primary school in the country in September. A digital edition is also available via www.headteacher-update.com/content/downloads