There have been many, many reasons - some of which are valid (in my eyes) and then there are other reasons.
But the purpose of this post is not to dwell on what has happened, but to re-boot myself. I wish to create a complete internal reflection and refraction so that my term one craziness can appear from the outside to be a be-oot-e-fool rainbow. *science joke*
So... to reflect and refract on term one in a positive and rainbow-inducing way.
R: I will start with the best conversation I had today - with an ARCHITECT who is talking to our school community about our VISIONS FOR THE FUTURE! oh my, such fun! So exciting to know that these conversations are happening - even if they may not be acted on for many years. AND exciting to hear the architect (and the proprietors board) reflecting what is currently bashing about in my head regarding "modern learning environments".
O: #educampwelly was definitely a rainbow inducing moment in term one. I loved every minute of it. From being part of the organising group to setting up on Friday afternoon, to connecting with so many like-minded teachers. It was a great event, and I am proud to be part of #wellyed
Y: Launching the Awhina group at school was another bow on the rainbow. This year we had a challenge to create a model of the solar system - and watching my students, with their parents AND their younger siblings was a "warm the cockles of your heart" moment. I am looking forward to building on this next term.
G: Being stressed about too many students in Kapa Haka (how can this be a problem??) This has been amazing - over 70 girls signed up, and still about 50 turning up for practices. Ka pai!
B: Sharing BYOD and blended learning ideas with other Science HODS at St Patrick's College - sharing practice is always a good way to recharge oneself.
I: Actually saying "no" to opportunities. There are many possibilities that come my way, and this term I have had to realise that although I would LOVE to take on more challenges, I need to look after me first, and my students are the next major priority.
V: Having a parent pass on a comment from their daughter - that they are so happy they have me as their teacher this year because I don't just write stuff down or copy from a text book. That she appreciates that I am a "modern teacher". Bless.
To have a rainbow, there must be rain. And as I know, the sun needs to be behind you.
As I head into the next term, I am going to have the sun on my shoulders, the storm behind me and a rainbow in my vision.
Image from https://www.pinterest.com/pin/179229260146187402/
Get metaphor. Good on you for knowing that if you don't look after yourself first and foremost then your students will not get the best from you.
ReplyDeleteThanks. It can be hard to turn away from great opportunities though! So very true, if we cannot look after ourselves, how can we help others? AND how can we show our students that they need to look after themselves first as well? Have a great holiday.
DeleteThat was supposed to be: great metaphor!
ReplyDelete