As many of you know, our college has grown significantly in the short time from the end of last year and this brings a whole new set of challenges for all. The recently completed NSW Government State Census revealed our total student enrolment as of 14 February was 233, up from only 76 at the beginning of 2013.
I have a sense of the movie Groundhog Day as I observe many of the issues we are working through at the moment, are similar to those we have worked through before. This week I reminded our staff that over half of our college population, both teachers and students, is new. Looking back to first term last year, it was extremely challenging as Laura and I asked our teachers to teach in a way they had never taught before, we asked our students to learn in a way they had never learned before and we asked our parents to trust us.
Yes, it did take some time and to be honest it was not until term three that things really settled down and started running very smoothly for teachers and pupils. Why was this the case? We had built a new culture – a new set of expectations and it takes time for us to adapt to new environments.
So why I am highlighting this in my blog? Put simply, we need to be patient and trust in our intention which will lead us to the outcomes we desire. We need to focus on the big picture and continually strive towards it. Then the little things are just that – little things that need to be worked through, yet in a short time will seem so minor, as the major shccsc we have made become clear.
New teachers, new coaches, new students and new parents. I would encourage you to reflect on even the first few weeks of your new environment. How much passion do you experience each day? How much joy do you witness? Do those around you appear to be here for a purpose beyond themselves? I believe so, and I invite us all to give ourselves a break, step back now and then and realise how much has already changed in such a short time.
Welcome to IFS.
Thanks for the insight Paul,
From a parents perspective i haven’t been affected by implications and adaptations you talk about.
I have noticed the growth in my child in such a short space of time , i have noticed the passion and dedication ALL staff and coaches have, i have noticed the advantages to the style of teaching and i am proud to be part of IFS
Thanks for the insight Paul,
As a new parent , i have not been affected by the implications and obstacles , i have noticed the growth, joy and passion in my child in such a short space of time, i have noticed the dedication and passion ALL staff and coaches have displayed, i have noticed the positive approach to learning and the culture of IFS. I am proud to be part of the IFS community.
Cheers
Chontelle Singh
Thanks also Paul. I have only seen a positive growth in my son. His confidence in himself is possibly the greatest growth I have seen, along with his change in attitude, a massive shift in his passion and being new to the college, we couldn’t be happier with the decision to change colleges and fully support IFS.
Thank you Paul,
From a parent who has been at IFS since the beginning ( and proud to say that 🙂 )…. I see nothing but growth in my child. Onwards & Upwards…Whhhooohooo, what a ride. Very honoured to have you as a mentor in my child’s/childrens lives…….And just to add, …… Kudos to Laura and everyone who gives their passion to IFS. xx Terry
This is so true. My son has improved in skill and confidence on the soccer field, and although is enjoying this new style of learning, sometimes struggles with it as well, so it is good to be reminded that this is new,and eventually the little things that cause the troubles will be just that. We are loving the college and for the first time ever my son is happy to be at college, which is, as a parent, heart warming to finally see.
The friends he has already made is great, just the other day after Friday Futsal he was shooting some goals with a boy in year ten, which was so nice to see.
It has only been such a short time but already the results are evident. We are so fortunate to be a part of this college. I have witnessed the love care and attention of the teachers and coaching staff and I know that my son is in great hands