I have never seen the kids so attentive in class — i think we can all reflect on this story. Thanks Linda for a beautiful class!

I can say the answer to that is yes…but only when certain conditions are met.

1. There needs to be set boundaries in the workplace – responsibilities clearly defined.

2. Professional conduct always maintained in the workplace by both parties.

3. Both parties are ‘doing their job”. No slacking-off, no cutting corners.

4. Mutual respect for each other in and outside the workplace.

5. No favors within the workplace that our outside the professional boundaries.

When you make this assumption as I have, then it also painful to take ownership for allowing certain behaviour to exist as indeed I am responsible for setting or shading the boundaries. In this case, it is nothing to grave, however, needs to be addressed.

My lesson learnt is that a professional code of conduct need to be clear….next challenge is changing the attitudes

Number 2- The negative behaviour – Ignore it for a little while if it’s not affecting learning. If it continues, explain why the behaviour is inappropriate and how it makes you feel. Always allow time for the students to take in your requests.

Number 3. Continual disruptive behaviour requires an individual approach in the form of a positive behaviour improvement plan. This requires an analysis of the function of the behaviour for that particular student and teaching strategies aimed at providing alternative behaviour for the student. Always remember, the behaviour is NOT the child, and a child is NOT their behaviour.
Love them all, and see the light inside each and every beautiful child.

We have 60 children enrolled in the programme and no doubt it will be a good year. Approx 50% of the children are in the second year with us. First social development class was a story about a turnip and the prejudice it received from other vegetables for being darker and fatter. Good story to start the year. We are all the same, and like Kevin pointed out ‘but different’.

I recently had a staff member tell me they had an issue with the print quality of the Spanish student books in our Spanish School – while printing it cut off part of the page. I looked at the copies and looked at the original book, there is clearly enough margin for this not to happen. They asked if they can tear the book out of its binding and re photocopy.

When I showed them how much margin there was in the book, and explained that obviously whoever was printing wasn’t doing it right….the person then informs me that we get the copies done from his personal company,…..so I then ask what is the issue and why they needed to discuss this with me if clearly they can know how to resolve this..he said oh I was just pointing out things we can improve.

There is clearly an ability to make effective decisions for personal gain – i.e. use his company (Prices are competitive); however, have failed to see that he is responsible for the actual complaint he was making about the print quality.

The above is a small example of the oddness that you sometimes face when managing people. I am a very big believer in empowerment, however, I am struggling whether too much empowerment has been given without ownership. Thoughts/suggestions?

Tupac Amaru has opened the doors for us again to host Robin Hood there this year. With Jennifer being a full-time teacher there in the day will minimise the pain we usually have with classrooms. Donations of sport equipment to the school helped sign the deal.