Like many of you, my family spent time in Canada's national parks this summer to unwind, explore and make new memories. Our favourite walk is up Red Rock Canyon in Waterton, where all you need is a pair of grippy shoes, a sense of adventure and a little bit of bravery in tricky terrain or higher water.
For the three of us, we tend to take turns in the lead, scoping out the best path of rocks and ledges to move through each beautifully lit bend in the canyon. With our return to school on my mind during our walk two weekends ago, I noticed how that when I was the leader, my daughter (who is 8) would inevitably follow my step choices almost like a shadow jumping along from rock to rock. Since we are different heights and I am aware that I don't always make the most logical choices while hiking, I encouraged her to find her own path if it made the going easier. She said "Okay", but when I turned back, she was right there, pushing herself to match my wet footprints. This got me thinking of how important our work in schools is. Even when comfortable and encouraged to follow their own paths, students will often choose (even if automatically) to follow their teacher's (and parents') lead. If you equate every supportive comment or seemingly small bite of instruction with a leap or a handhold in new terrain, it all adds up to a phenomenal amount of trust. Back in the canyon, I was equally awed by reflecting on the times my daughter was the leader. To keep up with her, I automatically put my feet where her littler ones had been. This affirms that adults can learn so much from children when they have the room to lead. Sometimes it is enough that another person you trust is going before you. In our Catholic school, may you feel strength in a community that has responded to Jesus' call to "take up the cross and follow me" (Matthew 16:21-27). At our district Spiritual Development day on August 31, our Superintendent, Chris Smeaton, reminded staff of what our guest, David Wells, emphasized: "Nowhere in the Gospel does it say you need to be successful or popular." Through our prayers, words, and actions, we can tend to the fires burning within us and become the children of God that He intends for us. Catholic school is a wonderful place to be.
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About MeI have been a Catholic school teacher for 20 years (yikes!!), and administrator for almost 7 of them. Although my knowledge and experience have changed many of my perspectives over the years, some basic things hold fast: I have more to learn, simple is generally better, and all kids are worthy of love. Archives
January 2018
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