Why can't we be like storybook children? (Nancy Sinatra and Lee Hazlewood)

Photo by freestocks on Unsplash

Feeling pretty good after a recent trip north to support one of my campuses. 

Having worked there five years ago means that I know some of the staff, and all of the senior students. That's a real advantage.

It was pretty easy to pick up where I left off with those students - it also helps that I am there briefly, for two days, and then head back to the Hawke's Bay. It's different when you're there every day!

I loved working with a few students on their English essays, visiting the vibrant primary school, being in the Learning Centre for a while, meeting new staff who weren't on site during my last visit, and working with the Campus Principal.

Getting the relationships right is so key to working with people. I'm very thankful that I have my mother's natural joy of meeting people, and my father engendered great loyalty from those he managed, as well as making lifelong friendships with those he worked with. I had some great teachers and examples to draw upon.

Next up for me is a return to my home campus for a week and then a trip to another of my Noth East campuses. Looking forward to it already.

Long ago and far away I heard your voice (Blue Oyster Cult)

Our post covid-19 world will take some bedding in for lessons to be learned.

However, Dan Rockwell's poster statement (above) bears thinking about right now, as he says - Leadership is all about people, now more than ever.

Why is forward-facing kindness important? 

Because education is all about relationships. 

George Couros also mentioned this in a recent blogpost:

"You have a focus on relationships first (staff and students). – One of my favorite principals in the world stated that if you were exceptional with connections but weak with content, you could last a longer in education than if the reverse is true. Of course, we want educators with both, but focusing on the relationship piece is paramount, this goes beyond students as well. I know some very gifted educators, who are great with children but struggle with other adults. The focus is on finding school teachers, educators that are focused on the benefit of every child in the school, not only ones they teach directly. If the word “relationships” does not come up in your interview, I would be concerned."

Relationships and communication. Without those two elements, good will struggles to exist.

Have a think about how you were treated during covid-19.

See what I mean? Relationships right?!