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)