This year I embarked on a new journey, a new phase of life. After 11 years of teaching just girls I took on a new job at a Boys School over at the Shore. What was I thinking? Despite a lot of constraints why did I accept this job? Were my head and heart in unison or chose to differ with this decision? Did my heart rule my mind or vice versa? Why was it easy to say "Yes"? Further away from home yet why do I look forward to waking up early and heading off to work.
So here is the why -
An HR who works 24/7 and only has the welfare of her staff at heart
Dynamic Principal who ensures you are made to feel comfortable even before he starts the interview
An SLT who are visible and in action at all times
An HOF who trusts you enough not to micro manage you
A beginning teacher in whom I see my reflection
Small technology office but one that is filled with warmth and big hearts
Big class sizes, yes, but I SEE students who want to be heard and acknowledged
Aligned visions- Emphasis on student learning and raising achievement and just that. Keeping the main thing in focus.
Freedom and autonomy to change things if it benefits students
Provide the resources if it can add value
Offer opportunities to develop
Immediate feeling of pride when you associate yourself with the school
Feel valued and respected. Feeling of belonging
No red tapeism, no jargon, no pretenses
Supportive of personal and professional endeavours, commitments
Being human is behind everything at school. Empathy, kindness is shown in words and actions
Most of all I saw a potential for me to learn, to grow and challenge myself, my teachers and my students
So, which school is this you might be wondering? I am proud and delighted to be appointed as HOD Food Technology at Westlake Boys High School (WBHS).
A place where action supersedes words, where everyone walks the talk, where staff seem happy, where stories are not just told but heard and seen. A school where biculturalism is truly celebrated and acknowledged, where special effort is made to uplift the success rate of priority students and create an inclusive, loving atmosphere for International students. A place where I was meant to be in this phase of my life for a reason.
So, although, there are challenges and my journey has just begun, I am here and ready to take them on. Despite it being a huge school, it feels like I am amongst a close knit family who have each other's back, who are eager to preserve and sustain what you have.
In my 13 years of teaching, I was never officially welcomed in any of my previous schools as I had always started midyear. I believe I have connected to my new school on several levels. The welcome and powhiri was a spiritual experience for me and i was truly amazed and uplifted.
When you embark on a journey, cherish every moment, every twist and turn for at first it might shock you, challenge you but remember will also bring you pleasant surprises, new learning, rest stops, friends who will follow or lead you and things to celebrate!!