Make-up, Congers, & Stingo

The Warden

Make-up. There is a line and for me that line is make-up. A simple internet search will reveal the extreme lengths some schools and their respected headteachers have explored to maintain a lively social media presence – skateboarding, dancing, singing, Chapel-ing, entertaining, larking, and generally doing all they can to lead their respective communities and help all maintain a positive, engaged, and engaging attitude. For me, this has demanded a steep upward trajectory on my ability to navigate the software capability of my Mac beyond Safari, iCloud, and my far too frequent eBay purchases. So, I now know how to record, edit, cut, splice, subtitle home-made film, record narration, and convert the lot into a suitable portable format. My front of camera ability requires significant work and I am certainly no Nick Broomfield but I am mildly pleased, or should that be [self-]satisfied, with my attempts to upskill.

I am not, however, at the stage where I think it would be appropriate to reduce the sheen with a little powder.

The opening of the Trinity Term has seen something of a digital transformation from the delivery of staff training on Tuesday to remote learning for pupils since Wednesday; not only have all adapted and coped brilliantly with what this paradigm shift has required but have embraced the opportunities it provides – of course, there is an element of novelty but it is equally allowing pupils and teachers to explore different ways of accessing and processing material, and ultimately learning.

In a society concerned with the effects of increasing isolation, and the self-imposed elements associated ironically with technology and social media use, it is reassuring to see the extent to which social contact is embraced, albeit in a digital form. On-line tutor periods, challenges, break time, or even Congers [aka congregational practice] all testify to the simple fact that however education develops, the real need to maintain relationships between pupils and their teachers will remain at its heart.

Nevertheless, if one of the legacies of the current situation for schools, and all who inhabit them, is nothing more than agility, then this will be a not insignificant gain.

The Dog

He can say what he likes but he is forever putting on the lipstick. I have seen him. Repeatedly. Particularly when it is cold. Smells of honey – don’t forget you can’t cheat the sneck. Not quite sure what the weather has been up to this week; I’m still sporting the winter fur and found myself struggling in the heat – this was not part of the agreement and certainly not mentioned in the brochure. By way of entertainment during my morning perambulations, I have invented my own little game to pass the time until such point as he lets me fetch something.

I have dubbed this amusement STINGO.

The native fauna is on the whiffy side with a few furry things dominating. If I can detect all 6 in one wander, then Himself can give me a treat, especially if I do not decide to check his Fartlek training and tail off after one at full greyhound. I only managed roe deer, hare, cock pheasant, lambs, and rabbit this morning – and just needed a fox for a full Kennel.

Nil desperandum.