Mark Unwin - Creating the Best Education
Hello,
I hope this newsletter finds you all in good spirits as we continue our collective mission of ‘Creating the Best education’ within Create Partnership Trust. Today, I want to take a moment to reflect on the power of friendship and caring, and how these qualities align with our Trust values of collaboration and integrity.
Over the last few years, I have been moved by an incredible story that touched the hearts of many. Kevin Sinfield, a former rugby legend, has been consistently demonstrating the true essence of friendship by embarking on a series of remarkable journeys to support his ex-playing partner, Rob Burrow, who is battling motor neurone disease (MND).
Kevin and Rob are two of the greatest players to play one of the toughest and most demanding sports. They are both internationally recognised as greats of the game. Kevin Sinfield is a former England Captain and one of the most successful players in Super League history, having captained his team to seven Super League championships and two Challenge Cup successes. He holds records as the highest points-scorer in Super League history, the third-highest points-scorer in British rugby league history and Leeds' record points scorer. Despite being “the smallest player in Super League", Rob Burrows is a World-Cup winner, England and Great Britain International and one of the most successful players in the game’s history, winning eight Super League championships, two Challenge Cups, being named to the Super League Dream Team on three occasions and winning the Harry Sunderland Trophy twice. Kevin has gone on to coach the England Rugby Union team, while Rob’s life is dominated by his battle against Motor Neurone Disease.
Despite the challenges faced by Rob, Kevin committed himself to raising awareness and funds for MND research, undertaking gruelling physical challenges and tirelessly advocating for his friend. Last year, Kevin undertook a series of 7 Ultra-Marathons in 7 days to run from Newcastle to Manchester (Kevin Sinfield's Ultra 7 in 7: The Inside Story - YouTube ) and last weekend I was really moved as Rob and Kevin completed the Leeds Marathon together (Kevin Sinfield carries Rob Burrow over Leeds marathon finish - YouTube). For those of you that don’t follow Rugby League.
This story resonates deeply with me because it exemplifies the qualities we hold dear within our Trust. Collaboration lies at the heart of our values, as we believe in the power of working together to achieve greatness. Just as Kevin stood by Rob's side, our collaborative efforts enable us to support one another, uplift our students, and continuously strive for excellence. By fostering a culture of collaboration, we create a supportive environment that enables personal and professional growth for all.
Integrity is another value that shines through in Kevin's actions. His unwavering commitment to supporting Rob, even in the face of adversity, reflects the highest standards of integrity. In our Trust, integrity guides us in our decision-making, ensuring that we act ethically and always prioritise the well-being and success of our children. We uphold the values of honesty, fairness, and transparency, fostering an environment built on trust and respect.
As we go about our daily work, it's essential to remember the impact we have on the lives of our children and colleagues. The relationships we build and the care we demonstrate create a nurturing and inclusive community within our Trust. Let us take a moment to recognise the importance of our friendships and connections, both personally and professionally. Through kindness, empathy, and genuine care, we uplift one another and create an environment where everyone feels valued and supported.
Just like Kevin Sinfield's dedication to Rob Burrow, each act of kindness and support within our Trust has a profound impact on those around us. Whether it's offering a listening ear to a colleague in need, extending a helping hand to a struggling student, or collaborating on projects that enhance our educational practices, our collective efforts make a difference.
In conclusion, I encourage each of you to reflect on the power of friendship and caring within our Trust. Let us continue to embrace collaboration and integrity in all that we do. Together, we can create an educational environment where our children flourish, staff thrive, and our collective impact reaches far beyond the confines of our classrooms.
Thank you for your unwavering commitment and dedication to our shared mission. Your efforts make a meaningful difference in the lives of our children and families, and I am honored to work alongside such an incredible team.
Wishing you all the very best.
Best regards
Mark