I recently listened to a Ted Talk by Sir Ken Robinson. He spoke about people who enjoy their work and those who simply endure their jobs, waiting for the weekend to arrive. I can honestly say, I have never been bored at work.Time passes quickly when we are doing something we love. Each day is an adventure and a challenge. I love what I do.

It is wonderful to be surrounded by our students once again. One student on the first day of school, enveloped me in a hug and said, “I missed you every single day this summer.”  Another on Wednesday morning rushed to me and exclaimed, “Guess what? I woke up today!” And yet another, new to the school, announced unprompted, “I can tie my own shoes!”

How can our days be anything but enjoyable surrounded by such innocence and delight?

“If you don’t think every day is a good day, just try missing one.” Cavett Robert

 

 

Despite facing the end of summer, I have always enjoyed this time of year. Purchasing new school clothes, cracking open a new book, organizing school supplies, planning for the year ahead: the back-to-school buzz.

But as our district administrators joined together on August 22 at our opening meeting, it dawned on me… what I really enjoy is the sense of community the school year brings. As we come together as a staff, both old and new, and as we gather with our students on the morning of September 4, our family is reunited and our sense of purpose confirmed.

Together we will touch the lives of our students… together our enthusiasm and passion will generate momentum… together we will journey through the highs and lows of the upcoming school year… together we will teach more than the curriculum…

In Theodore Roosevelt’s words, “Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.” Together, we can move mountains!

My wish for you this summer: some downtime.

Enjoy the sunshine, the company of family and friends, the absence of a schedule. Enjoy your travels, your rest, your reading, your play. Enjoy a well-deserved break.

Happy summer!

 

Saturday morning I awoke to a strange sound. When I investigated, I discovered a rabbit playing with the chain attaching the barbecue to the patio. I took a few minutes to watch this rabbit; I watched it dig and scratch, twitch and jump; I watched this rabbit play.

Have you ever watched kids play? Pure, concentrated fun. Sometimes they become so engaged in their play, they forget about their need for food or bathrooms. Their primal need for play takes precedent. On Friday our floor hockey teams played against the staff. Exuberant, competitive spirits – kids AND adults – revealed themselves as the spectating students roared their approval.

As summer approaches, we too, must find some time for our favoured source of play. Whether it be putzing around a campsite, playing music in a garage band, exploring the sites of an ancient city or throwing the baseball around with your kids: find time to play.

Perhaps Plato said it best, “Life must be lived as play.”

When I look back at this year, I remember feelings of apprehension and excitement beginning at a new school. I remember the heartbreak of moving into the office of a colleague taken from this world much too soon. I remember meeting a new little student and knowing in my heart that something was dreadfully wrong. I remember trying to learn at least five new names a day. I remember relishing in the enthusiasm of our staff.

And though I did some things right this year, I also have a list of things I will certainly do differently next year. That whole hindsight thing, you know? Reflection is a powerful tool for adults and students alike. Consider asking yourself and your students these questions…

What are you proud of? What will you do differently next year? What new challenge would you like to tackle? What was the best part of the year?

I appreciate that we begin each year anew. I appreciate the chance to start over and try again. I appreciate the opportunity to rest, rejuvenate, and imagine new possibilities. Not all professions have the luxury of a fresh start each year.

One more reason I love my job.

Each day holds precious moments. Sometimes these pleasures are so small they are easy to miss.

On Monday as I was leaving school, I heard – before I saw – the icecream truck rounding the corner. Three neighbourhood kids also heard it coming: they were quite literally jumping up and down on the curb side awaiting its arrival. On Tuesday, a grade three student held a freshly printed page to his cheek and said with unexpected tenderness, “Ah… so warm.” On Wednesday, a particularly spirited student sitting in my office noticed a book on my shelf, Tools for Teaching, and said, “Can I read that? So that’s where you got all your tools. I want to read that.” On Thursday, I savoured the professional dialogue, the enthusiasm and the energy of colleagues. On Friday, in the midst of June paperwork, a grade four student who has had a challenging year, came to recite a poem to me. I told him it was the best part of my day. It was.

These moments, though small, are truly what make our job, our career, our vocation, so wonderful. These moments help us to see beyond the paperwork and deadlines. These moments help us remember why we chose this noble profession. These moments make our days both meaningful and joyful.

Stop. Take note. Don’t let a precious moment go unnoticed amid the hecticness of this June day.

10. It feels like we just started this year… wow, time flies.

9. There doesn’t seem to be enough time in the day!

8. This year, we made a positive difference in the lives of our students.

7. And yes, there are things I will do differently next year.

6. It is a stressful time for those whose jobs are uncertain.

5. Each year is what we make of it.

4. Everyone is tired: students and staff alike.

3. The countdown is on, whether you admit it or not.

2. Somehow everything that needs to get done, will get done! It’s true.

And finally…
1. We are approaching a well-deserved break. Hang in there…

I love books… for many reasons.

One of the greatest appeals is their ability to spark conversation. Whether it be Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day by Judith Viorst, The Giver by Lois Lowry, or The Diary of Anne Frank, books can be a catalyst to deep discussion. Some kids are reluctant or unsure of how to answer direct questions. Some kids have limited exposure and experience. Some kids are isolated from those around them, physically or emotionally. The power of story is the ability to invite, provoke and spark conversation. Literature exposes our students to new experiences and can be an effective tool in the development of their moral compass.

Through their reading and subsequent conversations, children have the opportunity to make sense of the world around them and explore themselves in relation to the world. When my father was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis when I was a young teenager, my friends most certainly did not understand. I found comfort within the pages of a book. I read and reread the stories to remind myself that I was not alone in my experiences. I found some of my questions answered and was able to formulate others to ask the adults around me.

In 1896, Charles W. Eliot said, “Books are the quietest and most constant of friends; they are the most accessible and wisest of counsellors, and the most patient of teachers.”

What books do you find effective with children? Share your favourite… my bookshelf always has room for more!

 

This weekend I was surrounded by nature: the grandeur of the Rocky Mountains, the new-growth green on the trees, glacier blue icicles, the shimmering ripples of the mountain lakes, the river rapids carving smooth craters in the stone. As we were driving, we listened to Sarah McLachlan’s “Ordinary Miracle.” The song and the surroundings were a perfect fit.

“The sky knows when it’s time to snow
Don’t need to teach a seed to grow
It’s just another
Ordinary miracle today”

Though my job doesn’t afford me the luxury of working in the natural world, I am reminded to look for ordinary miracles wherever we are, despite our surroundings. A child learning to read. A school day running smoothly. The synergy of colleagues. The company of friends. The embrace of a child.

“Life is like a gift, they say
Wrapped up for you everyday
Open up, and find a way
To give some of your own”

What gift, what miracle, will you open, unravel or discover today?

“The birds in winter have their fling
And always make it home by spring
It’s just another
Ordinary miracle today”

Earlier this week, I saw amateur footage of a family of ducks crossing 167 Avenue. While they were crossing this busy road, the mom and dad were on either side of the ducklings: one at the front, one at the back. The ducklings squawked joyously upon their arrival on the grass. After crossing, mom and dad both took the lead, the danger now behind them. Truly remarkable.

“The sun comes out and shines so bright
And disappears again at night
It’s just another
Ordinary miracle today”

Miracles surround us: if only we allow our eyes to see.

Ordinary Miracle music video – Sarah McLachlan

I arrived at school earlier than usual this week. Each day, several of our students were already at the daycare – by 6:30 a.m. I also know that those same students are some of the last to be picked up at day’s end. No wonder they are tired and antsy during the school day. This week, I also had tearful visits from both students who lost their mother unexpectedly this year. Three other boys, grades one, four and five, were in the office a few times – not because they were in trouble, but because they were not being productive in the classroom.

What’s the commonality? All are struggling because of circumstances beyond their control and beyond their years. Understanding their circumstances helps us to deal with these students with patience and care.

Today we celebrate mother’s day. For many, this is a day of joy – honouring a significant adult in their lives. For others, this is a day of pain – highlighting what’s missing.

Linda F. Winfield has said, “Resilient children have at least one significant adult in their lives.” Perhaps we are that significant adult in a child’s life. And perhaps we need to convey the same message Christopher Robin gave to Winnie the Pooh, “Promise me you’ll always remember: You’re braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.”

As we sat to prepare class lists for next year, the topic came up: what does this child need? Perhaps they need YOU.