February came in like crazy. Who would believe you could jam pack so much into one very short month? There was Teacher Appreciation Week where lovely snacks appeared each recess time from the Wellness Committee and our Administrators treated us to drinks and subs for lunch on Friday. No sooner had we done all this and Valentine's Day rolled around with a drop-in for the younger kids and a dance for the older ones. Judging from all the giggling and grinning, music and conversation, dancing and such, Cupid may have been around. But how would you know for sure?
The Sochi Olympics were awesome! Our school had a series of activities where each class chose a country, researched it and their Olympic athletes. They followed the country and tallied the medals as the events rolled out. Everyone followed the Canadian athletes especially our own Caitlyn Osmond as she skated for her silver medal. And Hockey - Men's and Women's Gold - don't get no better than that! Our school celebrated with a Winter Olympic Day on the 21st with Opening ceremonies replete with flags, colors and hats from countries all around the world. Banner-making, indoor games and outdoor competitions kept the children active and happy. We topped it off with hot chocolate and giant chocolate chip cookies yummmm!
Just when you think that would be enough, the next week was "Stand Up Week" with a variety of Anti-Bullying activities that saw a mass of pink t-shirts in the Gym for our annual Anti-Bullying Assembly. Students watched videos, read poetry and performed some dances celebrating the theme. The RCMP spoke to the children as did other special guests. Thanks to the Safe and Caring Committee for being so, well, caring... and creative... and inclusive.... and ....well, you know what I mean!
Wednesday, March 12, 2014
Sunday, September 8, 2013
Back to school
Had a great summer with lots of sunshine, digging around the garden and mini-projects. My grand daughter spent a full month with us this summer which was absolutely wonderful. I also got to visit my sister on the island and spent a few weeks catching up and kicking back before the new school year.
What an exciting time of year! Even though the summer went by all too fast, there's something about September that just gets you going. A new school year, new beginnings, new projects... new school board. That is something teachers and support staff are watching very closely.
I am also keeping a keen eye on the Municipal elections. My significant other, Leo Hanrahan, is running for a position on Council here in HV-GB and I'll be into the campaign "face and eyes" as they say. There are eleven people vying for six council positions so there's a bit of a race. It's good to see lots of interest with people putting themselves forward to better their community. The 24th of September will be here before you know it! These are interesting times indeed!
What an exciting time of year! Even though the summer went by all too fast, there's something about September that just gets you going. A new school year, new beginnings, new projects... new school board. That is something teachers and support staff are watching very closely.
I am also keeping a keen eye on the Municipal elections. My significant other, Leo Hanrahan, is running for a position on Council here in HV-GB and I'll be into the campaign "face and eyes" as they say. There are eleven people vying for six council positions so there's a bit of a race. It's good to see lots of interest with people putting themselves forward to better their community. The 24th of September will be here before you know it! These are interesting times indeed!
Friday, April 26, 2013
Desiderata 2
Another quote from the Desiderata, my guide for this lifetime.
"As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all persons."
Trying ... to find compromise, to be the willow instead of the oak, to give some quarter, to accept or celebrate differences... these things help us get along with others. And living in peace together is paramount to our happiness. However, for me the key to this quote is "without surrender". We can give a little to get a little; but we can't surrender what we know to be clear and right and true!
Being on good terms with friends is easy. But, for those who would do you harm, those whose ideas and values you do not share, those who seek to control the people around them - being on good terms is a real challenge! For those people, we have to take a step back and decide just how much compromise we are willing to make. How much is too much? When we stand up for our values, we sometimes do so at the expense of "being on good terms" with someone. Uncomfortable? You bet! But how can we do otherwise and still retain our self respect?
The other thing I like about this quote is "all persons". Every person is important, even if you don't like him/her. Someone once told me that the best measure of a person is how they treat someone who can do nothing to help them. It's one thing to be kind to the boss; but how you treat the busboy, the homeless, the sanitation engineer is even more important and perhaps more reflective of the real you.
"As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all persons."
Trying ... to find compromise, to be the willow instead of the oak, to give some quarter, to accept or celebrate differences... these things help us get along with others. And living in peace together is paramount to our happiness. However, for me the key to this quote is "without surrender". We can give a little to get a little; but we can't surrender what we know to be clear and right and true!
Being on good terms with friends is easy. But, for those who would do you harm, those whose ideas and values you do not share, those who seek to control the people around them - being on good terms is a real challenge! For those people, we have to take a step back and decide just how much compromise we are willing to make. How much is too much? When we stand up for our values, we sometimes do so at the expense of "being on good terms" with someone. Uncomfortable? You bet! But how can we do otherwise and still retain our self respect?
The other thing I like about this quote is "all persons". Every person is important, even if you don't like him/her. Someone once told me that the best measure of a person is how they treat someone who can do nothing to help them. It's one thing to be kind to the boss; but how you treat the busboy, the homeless, the sanitation engineer is even more important and perhaps more reflective of the real you.
Monday, March 25, 2013
Family Fun Day 2013
It's been blowing a gale all weekend here in HV-GB but that didn't stop us from going ahead with our Family Fun Day on Sunday.
Nestled amongst the trees, we were sheltered from the wind and took advantage of the beautiful trails at the Birch Brook Nordic Ski Club. With skiing, snowshoeing and sliding to choose from, the outdoor activities were great!
The children returned from their excursions to take part in crafts. cards and other indoor activities like the much anticipated Easter Egg Hunt. The adults sipped a cuppa and enjoyed each other's company and some good conversation. Being something of a foodie, the Pot Luck Dinner was the highlight of my day - ham, turkey, salads, dips, chili, caseroles, meatballs with rice and an absolutely delectable selection of desserts to top it all off ! Yes, it was well worth it. Should have wonderful days like this more often!
A big thank you to all who brought food and participated in this annual event sponsored by the Lake Melville Branch of the NLTA. Special thanks to Geralyn who helped us with funding and to Betty Ann and the Birch Brook Club who are always so welcoming and supportive of our branch. Thanks as well to Alex and Nicholas who helped with crafts and to Renee for taking some pics of our day!
Nestled amongst the trees, we were sheltered from the wind and took advantage of the beautiful trails at the Birch Brook Nordic Ski Club. With skiing, snowshoeing and sliding to choose from, the outdoor activities were great!
This year skiing was by far the most popular!
The children returned from their excursions to take part in crafts. cards and other indoor activities like the much anticipated Easter Egg Hunt. The adults sipped a cuppa and enjoyed each other's company and some good conversation. Being something of a foodie, the Pot Luck Dinner was the highlight of my day - ham, turkey, salads, dips, chili, caseroles, meatballs with rice and an absolutely delectable selection of desserts to top it all off ! Yes, it was well worth it. Should have wonderful days like this more often!A big thank you to all who brought food and participated in this annual event sponsored by the Lake Melville Branch of the NLTA. Special thanks to Geralyn who helped us with funding and to Betty Ann and the Birch Brook Club who are always so welcoming and supportive of our branch. Thanks as well to Alex and Nicholas who helped with crafts and to Renee for taking some pics of our day!
Sunday, March 24, 2013
BGM
BGM is happening over the Easter break. It's a wonderful opportunity to meet and talk with teachers from all around the province. We will discuss issues which are important to us as teachers and by extension to the education of our children. As a candidate for Provincial Executive, I am especially looking forward to talking with other teachers and getting their input on things which matter to them.
The Provincial Executive Council is the political arm of the NLTA. It oversees the activities of the association and makes decisisons which affect us all. I feel that the election of the Executive is the most important piece of business we have before us at BGM. Having served one term on Executive, I learned quite a lot and am eager to once again serve the teachers of Newfoundland and Labrador.
While the focus of the Executive is province-wide, having an Executive Member from Labrador brings another perspective to discussions at the Executive table. It also provides teachers in the "Big Land" with the opportunity to serve on a standing committee, a rarity in our neck of the woods. I hope the teacher-delegates at BGM find me deserving of their confidence and their vote.
The Provincial Executive Council is the political arm of the NLTA. It oversees the activities of the association and makes decisisons which affect us all. I feel that the election of the Executive is the most important piece of business we have before us at BGM. Having served one term on Executive, I learned quite a lot and am eager to once again serve the teachers of Newfoundland and Labrador.
While the focus of the Executive is province-wide, having an Executive Member from Labrador brings another perspective to discussions at the Executive table. It also provides teachers in the "Big Land" with the opportunity to serve on a standing committee, a rarity in our neck of the woods. I hope the teacher-delegates at BGM find me deserving of their confidence and their vote.
Sunday, March 17, 2013
Desiderata
The Desiderata is sort of my philosphy for life. I plan to extract something from it every few days and share with you a few of my musings.
"Go placidly amid the noise and haste and remember what peace there may be in silence."
This is so true. How often do we spend our days bombarded with noise? I think of the cacophony of the cafeteria, the hustle and bustle of the corridor, even the white noise from flourescent lights, computer towers or Smartboard projectors as they whir and cycle. Except for a power outage, we rarely experience silence.
One notable exception - Wednesday afternoons. For fifteen wonderful, peaceful minutes everyone in the building engages in SSR (Sustained silent reading). What a relief! Over-stimulation has become such a part of our daily routine that we hardly even notice the noise as the days rush by!
Go placidly amid the noise and haste... hmmmm... slow down, take a deep breath and look for that inner peace that keeps you centered no matter how much is going on around you.
"Go placidly amid the noise and haste and remember what peace there may be in silence."
This is so true. How often do we spend our days bombarded with noise? I think of the cacophony of the cafeteria, the hustle and bustle of the corridor, even the white noise from flourescent lights, computer towers or Smartboard projectors as they whir and cycle. Except for a power outage, we rarely experience silence.
One notable exception - Wednesday afternoons. For fifteen wonderful, peaceful minutes everyone in the building engages in SSR (Sustained silent reading). What a relief! Over-stimulation has become such a part of our daily routine that we hardly even notice the noise as the days rush by!
Go placidly amid the noise and haste... hmmmm... slow down, take a deep breath and look for that inner peace that keeps you centered no matter how much is going on around you.
Sunday, December 30, 2012
Holidays
It's Christmas until January 6th! I'm traditional that way... love to see everyone all throughout the season! The high point has to be Christmas dinner, graciously prepared by my sister, Krista and her extended family. The best gift of all - spending time with people we love! The excitement was doubled this year when two tiny ones showed up - Rebecca and Hayley. They say Christmas is for kids and surely it is; but I have to say, adults have a pretty good time too. We started a few new traditions and let go of some old ones. Pudding will henceforth be cooked on Tipp's Eve instead of Christmas Eve so we can be free to visit relatives and friends on the 24th.
When I get back to school, my students will share their excitement as well. My rule - tell me about something special that you did over the holidays... tobogganing, visiting Nana's house, making cookies with Auntie, going to church or to the cabin. I like to put the emphasis on how we spent our time not how we spent our money. It may be intangile, but time is the most precious thing we have, the best gift we can give and the greatest treasure to receive.
I'm pondering the New Year and thinking that 2013 will be an eventful one with lots of possibilities on the horizon. Don't know if I will make any resolutions, but I know there will be opportunities for change and growth. I will just try my best to be my best. Yeah, that should work!
Happy New Year to All! Be kind to each other!
When I get back to school, my students will share their excitement as well. My rule - tell me about something special that you did over the holidays... tobogganing, visiting Nana's house, making cookies with Auntie, going to church or to the cabin. I like to put the emphasis on how we spent our time not how we spent our money. It may be intangile, but time is the most precious thing we have, the best gift we can give and the greatest treasure to receive.
I'm pondering the New Year and thinking that 2013 will be an eventful one with lots of possibilities on the horizon. Don't know if I will make any resolutions, but I know there will be opportunities for change and growth. I will just try my best to be my best. Yeah, that should work!
Happy New Year to All! Be kind to each other!
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