Last Day

A humbling last day.

My last day at my present school showed the best and the worst of this school.

This wonderful group of students presented me with cards and gifts and a photo of themselves.  My year 9 class and a awesome group to teach.  As well I got a table full of presents (too many chocolates) and many wonderful messages.

Many of these students will do something special one day.  They are tremendous people.

Other classes were equally as overwhelming.  The children at this school are just wonderful.

The most humbling message was from a student in the photo above.  Part of her message is shown alongside.

The best part is "Thanks for getting me used to not being spoon feed."

Sometimes we as teachers forget our influence and this class in particular has made me realise our importance.

The worst was the reminder of how management's unreasonableness can effect how we feel.  Impossible time expectations again.

Things are Happening

Lots Happening

The last week of my teaching in Sydney is here.  I told my pastoral care group I was going and it was all over the school in 30 seconds.

It feels hard.  I know nearly every student at the school (there are only 350 secondary students) and as they have found out I am leaving they all want to make a comment.  Most comments are hugely humbling.  I have loved teaching at this school and have worked hard to make positive learning relationships.

I have not given a detention, a litter imposition, any lines or a punishment.  I have only rung parents with good news.  In a school with so much negative control, being overwhelming positive and working hard at developing constructive relationships, has meant I have a huge amount of 'mana'.  

It has been simple really.  Be positive and friendly and it will be returned.

I have students been put in my class because they have created concerns elsewhere and they act appropriately when the environment is positive.  This has reaffirmed my inherent belief that students can be 'managed' by using positive reinforcement.  

We don't have really hard students but all our students are not angels.  The most difficult students I have are the most annoyed I am leaving.  

"Who will look after us?"  they ask.  

I hope I can always teach like this!

On another tack.  I rang Bangladesh tonight to see if I exist or if this job is a figment of my imagination.  I spoke to Mr Babar.  He knew all about me, my wife Stella and was hugely reaffirming.  

People like this are so important in organisations.  Even talking to them over a long distance phone call you finish feeling hugely impressed and with a renewed optimism regarding your role in the organisation.

Bring on Bangladesh! (and Mr Babar)

Getting Ready

Well its only a few weeks to go!

My soccer team got beaten in the final of their competition so obviously it is time to go.  I have enjoyed teaching at my present school.  After not having a full time teaching job for 20 years or so it has been a challenge to have a full time job with teaching all day.  I have found it easy compared to the stresses of management and nice to establish relationships with wonderful adolescents.

It is going to be hard to say good-bye.

But poor management around me is frustrating and it is time to get out of this place and look for new horizons.  I love teaching in this school but I find working there a challenge.  More space is needed.

I told some students I was leaving today, it was hard!  So many conversations in the next 7 days.

Bangladesh seems near and far.

Near in that I think about the teaching and have many email conversations with people (I don't know) there; but far in that I don't have a visa, a ticket or any sense of that is going to happen.  Trying to sell stuff and losing money because of that.

Rental of the house to sort out, tax to sort out, visitors coming and still teaching full time!  Whwee!