Teaching and thriving where I am.

Connecting teachers online impacts student learning | EDtalks I am wondering what it is that prevents teaching from reclaiming virtues. Truth, honesty and kindness seem to be a struggle with some youngsters. With the current trend to meet every learners' need, attempt every 'new' and 'trendy' initiative it appears that two key principles are at stake esp in secondary schooling. It is not new that coherent thinking across all subjects, and the pursuit of excellence is an aim but often out of reach. I'm not sure if I can even begin to find an answer... One thing i know is that i want to be more responsive to shifts in learner needs, improve the uptake on feedback and find ways to grow student self efficacy.

The power of one moment is incredible! The power of one moment lasts a lifetime! The decision to be baptised is a specific moment. Watching and witnessing three strangers get baptized today has reminded me of this phenomenon. Why was I was glued to the big screen being beamed in church? Why did I feel so impacted as the gasping faces of these people came up out of the water; each with that momentary look of vulnerability, newness and sheer delight? Baptism is a step of faith. Like the newborn baby who at that specific moment of birth gasps its first breath of air. That moment/ the start of the new atmosphere- the shock entry into the physical natural world. That fleeting moment as a person surfaces out of the waters of baptism, that momentary evidence of a statement and step of faith...the gasp, like a newborn, into the eternal heavenly world. I'm so glad i was watching, i'm so glad my heart felt overwhelmed and delighted at the memories of that decision. I was that person once

Co- Constructed learning days... This is not a dream, it's an emerging reality. Learning leaders and learners need to agree to self construct their school day from a range of recommended learning courses. Focused requirements for this open plan learning architecture can have all stakeholders as advisors to this design. Resiliency and elasticity will be needed. A dream school...Open to learning environment, open to learning time table construction, open to learning conversations 1. One with flexibility options for the compulsory courses. They choose their start times, lunchtime slots and exit times....as long as they meet the course requirements of ( x ) contact hours required. 2. Subjects have team teachers so the same course is offered by a range of teachers... 3. This will appeal to senior students first...start earlier so they can leave earlier for sport or other commitments- or to ease traffic congestion start later and end later...more time for other things that require

These flowers came to me today because of you Lynne. How beautiful of Trish and Gianni to care for me because of you . This is tough! I have shed my private tears, rested in my husband's embrace...asked many "why's", prayed prayers of faith, trusted God for the soothing of her soul and silently known that her journey here on earth is over! I've come to school composed because its not about me- its now about these young ones, "these chickens" as Lynne would say who need to know that through pain and tears, life goes on. Losing a friend and colleague to a vile devastating condition such as Motor Neuronsdisease is an awful journey to walk. I have done this before...but the pain and heartache feels like a gaping cannonball in my chest. Today of all days is the anniversary of my beloved Father's passing away. He needed to be with Jesus- His was a release into life."I still miss you Daddy"." I'll love you forever. I console myself

This is the third 5 day teaching week. Classes are full, bodies are hot and the air is stuffy. Teachers who have an air conditioned class please consider the heatwave that oils itself all over us mortals who dream of cool air... Athletics day has come and gone and the sense of student connections  and relationships is blooming. Seeing mass participation was so delightful...May we never loose the delight and planning of a school inter house  athletics day. Yeah some students lack the desire and commitment of athletic events but on the whole the attempts to be fully involved and enjoy the sights, skills and sounds of this event is one of the ways that reminds me that job satisfaction is often beyond the classroom wall. The neat thing about the day in class after a big sport event is the many conversations that happen. They love it when you comment on an event you watched. Praise them for cheering their peers on, praise them for actually showing up, praise them for making an effort to dre

It's been two weeks since the learning year started for students. We've only had two 4 day weeks and yesterday a student remarked 'feels like I've been here forever!' She is a new Y11 student to our school. This comment encouraged me as she went on to say that everyone is so kind and helpful.Wow! Take a bow Elim...this is how it should be. This is how it needs to be for every student at school. Many staff including myself have been back at school for 4 weeks. We want our Orinetation 1st Few Days program that we design for the entire College to be a highlight and a habit that will last all year. Students get to attend keynote sessions from key staff members that allows them all to get ready for the school,year. All are introduced at the same time to core values and principles at our school, all students are given opportunities to reflect on learning habits that will best serve them. Its not perfect but it feel good and before survey results are analysed, the uptake

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