Teaching and thriving where I am.

Fabulous Friday! As part of our introduction to the new school year, staff take and make time to have communion together, often at Howick Beach. This morning was particularly special because I had the privilege of meeting Moselle and Minhi, two beginning teachers who will be teaching at the Junior campus. I was wowed by their statements of faith, their enthusiasm for the profession and the fact that they both enjoy running! So with eager delight I introduced them to the fabulous Karen Symons who could not hide her eagerness to get them on board the Elim running team. ( which isn't really an official team...we just love indulging in running stories...aka THE MARATHON,) Raewyn shared a heartfelt message about the impact of kindness and fellowship, it blessed me to hear her recall a time a few years ago when my Grant exhorted teachers to capture the blessing and power we have in the lives of our students- Gods children.  Mark led us in song and I know the Holy Spirit was

Teacher Only Day number 2. Call back days are quiet crowded with essential admin, core meetings, confirmation of and some curriculum planning, discussions of books that were read over the summer holidays, and various activities that help promote school culture and the vision of the school. Departments and teaching teams buzz with collaboration and innovative ways to introduce themselves and their subject to the students in the coming week. It is quite amazing what can get done in a day so soon after a long lazy and wonderfully HOT summer holiday. The formal commencement dinner is an annual staff event and it is without fail one of the key highlights of my year. There is inviting staging, deliberate seating plans designed to make new connections, a brilliant musicial duo and of course yummy food. The pinnacle event of the night was an awe inspiring keynote address by Mr Alex Snary . Trish had introduced him as a modern day Atticu Finch. His story about how he has given his life

Teacher Only Day Number One  started with a beautiful Powhiri, The 'karanga'  by Kareena and the reply by Emily were both piercingly beautiful and deeply meaningful as Jessamina had written a specific Elim call for our brand new start to the School year.  I'm glad I've been back on site for over a week now as a lot of cleaning, sorting and arranging has been needed. Besides many post holiday conversations,remembering log-ins( to mull over NCEA results) and passwords for data access and how to print again from a mobile device need to be recalled. PHEW- the rhythm of busyness and numerous interrupted conversations and the teaching habit become familiar once more. I'm in the Oasis. Elim- my Teaching home. " Dare to be wholeheartedly involved and committed to your God given career." Steve Green, Pastor at Elim East really encouraged and implored each one of us to make this a great year. Choose not to easily and naturally hanker back to the "good ol