The term has started again, with the buzzing energy that is the build-up to NCEA exams for seniors and the count-down to Outdoor Ed week for the middles. My own tamariki in the Junior school are ticking off calendar days till their overnight camps; whilst I make a list and check it more than twice to ensure I’m not forgetting anything.
So far this week coming has Milo & Stories on Wednesday night (we’ll walk up to the library in our PJs) and dress as a book character Friday. That means sewing up at least three costumes during my duty-free lunchtimes. DD1 wants to be Moana, DS3 wants to go as cat-boy and DD2 wants to be a flying lion. The other two haven’t decided yet; for me, I’m leaning towards Hermione or Professor McGonnagal - although Thing One or Thing Two might be easier.
But I digress … whilst Term 3 was busy finishing I was appointed to an ‘in-school’ (but more sideways) role for our Kahui Ako – the Southern Area Schools COL. I’m really excited to start getting into working together with the other English and Humanities teachers to support all staff as we work towards the bigger goals set by the schools. We had an amazing Jumbo Day late in term 3 and what a buzz to have all the staff from all five schools meeting in one place. Just phenomenal!
I have seen our across school teacher work with an amazing energy and passion as the COL has gotten off the ground since Term One. I have so appreciated her enthusiasm and vision as she works for the staff and students within the COL. This enthusiasm and also the willingness to go outside her comfort zone was part of my inspiration to apply for this position as it came up. Working together collaboratively for the good of our students can only be a positive thing. With the advent of technology that joins rather than divides and the willingness of teachers to put themselves into a learner role if necessary – we can work towards furthering the amazing opportunities Area Schools already offer their tamariki.
Ehara taku toa i te toa takitahi, engari he toa takitini ke.
My strength does not come from me alone but also from others.
