VES End of Week Team Update | A full first full week!
What a really good first full week of the new academic year - and full is definitely the word!
As predicted, we are already basically at capacity on Mondays and Wednesdays. It was no small thing to handle those numbers so well while keeping VES warm, calm and welcoming - thank you!
For now, the ‘solution’ is to keep gently steering students who can already manage a basic conversation in English towards Tuesdays and Thursdays, where we still have space. Teachers, class assistants and Front of House can all help with this - every little nudge appreciated!
Spotlight this week: What do people bring?
Another big win this week was seeing several VES students step into significant volunteering roles. I know I bang this drum quite a lot - but I really believe in it!
When someone first arrives, it is natural to notice what they need. But over time, I love us asking another question too: What does this person carry? What might they have to bring?
Everyone has gifts, skills and experience to contribute. So it is brilliant when people move from being welcomed to welcoming others; from simply attending the community to helping shape it. Belonging becoming ownership.
Thank you for helping make VES a place where people are not only served, but noticed, trusted and given opportunities to flourish.
One small team ask
We are currently a short on team for Tuesdays. Several potential new team members are exploring VES, so this will be short-term - but if you could offer any Tuesdays, even just until half term, please hit reply. All offers very gratefully received!
Dates for the diary
Half term: Monday 19th October – Friday 30th October. Classes then restart Monday 2nd November
Last VES session of the term: Thursday 17th December
VES Dashboard — Week at a Glance
● 18 classes and 3 crèche sessions delivered across 4 days
● 250 student sessions enabled, 26 brand new students registered
● 53 team sessions given
● 351 total weekly participants
● +18% compared with the same time last year
That is a lot of people welcomed, taught, encouraged and helped to take good next steps in four mornings - thank you!