School Tour 2024: A Remarkable Journey

Today marked the conclusion of the 2024 section of the school tour, and it was an absolute privilege to engage with Years 4 and 5 today at St Johns in Perth, meeting wonderful staff and amazing pupils during the past three months.

Firstly, I extend my deepest gratitude to each and every one of you for allowing me the precious time from your school curriculum to share my presentation. Your warm welcomes and attentive participation have been truly appreciated. It has been an honour to interact with all the pupils and staff.

Reflecting on the tour, I am delighted to share some phenomenal achievements. I have visited over 40 schools, some on multiple occasions, and had the opportunity to present to nearly 4,000 pupils. These numbers are incredible, and I am thrilled with the impact we have made together.

Throughout this journey, I have gained valuable insights into the diverse educational environments across schools. From newly built campuses to those established in the 1970s, the passion and dedication of the staff are evident. It is also so good  to see pupils enjoying their time in school. Despite the challenges, including the need for building repairs and the lingering effects of COVID-19 on young minds, the commitment to education and mental well-being remains strong. By continuing to support each other and fostering global conversations around mental health, we can hope for a brighter future.

I would also like to express my sincere thanks to the families and businesses that have supported this tour. Your contributions have been invaluable, and sharing your names with the pupils highlights the importance of workplace safety and well-being. As I explain to them, the Health and Safety at Work Act protects us not only physically but also psychologically, which is crucial.

I am excited to announce that the tour will resume in the new year, starting with 18 schools across Fife and then heading further south. The tour has been extended to mid-May to accommodate school holidays and ensure we reach as many schools as possible.

Lastly, I want to thank everyone on Linkedin and Instagram who has sent messages of support. Your encouragement means the world to me and reaffirms that I am on the right path.

I will leave you with an inspiring quote from an S2 pupil this week: “ Tina spoke about looking after her sisters and I asked her at the end about this. My sister and brother  are looking after me and the talk made me feel like I’m not alone and that I anyone can get in the same place as my family. It meant a lot ”

Thank you all for being part of this incredible journey 😊

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” - Nelson Mandela