Remember the song?
You know, right from the very beginning we have spoken of IFS-ITS as being a ‘family’. In a family there are joys and struggles, ups and downs, laughter and tears, but underlying everything is an atmosphere of care and support. Between siblings, at times, there will be rivalry, but when it comes down to it, blood is thick than water, and when the chips are down, siblings will support each other. In the family structure the adults – parents, grandparents, aunties and uncles – provide boundaries, form, guidance and role modelling. There are many challenges for a family and generally it can be a complex unit. As children grow up they will challenge authority, later the adults will have to begin to see their offspring no longer as ‘children’, but also as adults.
At IFS-ITS our aim has been to follow the ‘family’ kind of structure, such as healthy rivalry and competition between players, but should it get tough, we expect our students to be there for each other with compassion, empathy, understanding and support. All of our college staff, as in a family, provide guidance, positive role modelling, care and support, and when there are misdemeanours to address, they must deliver the consequences.
I’m sure, like me, many of you will have been following the story of the death of Robin Williams this last week. The following is a small part of a letter written by his daughter Zelda Williams. “Dad was, is and always will be one of the kindest, most generous, gentlest souls I’ve ever known, and while there are few things I know for certain right now, one of them is that not just my world, but the entire world is forever a little darker, less colourful and less full of laughter in his absence. We’ll just have to work twice as hard to fill it back up again.”
It’s really not until we lose, or have the potential to lose, someone we love dearly that we experience the real depth of feeling we carry for one another. Over the last couple of weeks I have been dealing with a crisis in my own family. I want to sincerely thank those who have offered their support, in particular my colleagues, who respectfully did not probe for detail or clarification of the issues, rather simply said that they were there for me. Thank you. And also our wonderful principal Laura who has been incredibly supportive in my hour of need, thank you Laura. Do you know how lucky we are to have a principal like Laura steering the ship?
And so it is in the IFS-ITS family, regardless of age, position or need, we look out for each other, offering support and care, where and whenever it is needed. Where else would you want your child to be, or to work?
Here is a poem I thought you might enjoy.
Quilt
By Janet S. Wong
Our family
is a quilt
of odd remnants
patched together
in a strange
pattern,
threads fraying,
fabric wearing thin –
but made to keep
its warmth
even in bitter
cold.
Warmest greetings to you,
Rodney
chontelle says
Dear Rodney,
I wish you strength, courage, trust and Hugs
Thank you for your words and all that you do for our precious children.
X Chontelle
Anne says
We are so lucky to have you teaching our children Rodney. Your kindness and gentle spirit shines through, the kids obviously adore you and you are a wonderful role model for these boys.
All the best
Anne
Xx
Katie walker says
You are a kind and gentle soul Rodney.
My sons adore you. ??
Thank you for being you.
Katie walker says
That was meant to be a smiley face next to that previous comment…NOT question marks! Strange.
Michelle waters says
Hi Rodney, sending positivity and healing your way. We too are going through an extremely challenging time. I was asked by a friend the other day “How is Nate coping? ” and I said he loves going to college it is like one big family. That is exactly how I described IFS. It is because of the amazing staff and nurturing environment that during those college hours life is normal for him so thank you for sharing.
Angela Hudson says
You live that ethos Rodney, thankyou for being such a fantastic leader. Its good to know youre receiving the type of support you offer to others
Lamese Larney says
Thanks for your continual consideration, effort and care. You look after our children so here is a trust that is beyond vocation. If you need anything please don’t hesitate to ask.
Rodney Evans says
Many thanks to all our college community and in particular, to those who have posted supportive feedback to my blog ‘We Are Family’, it is very much appreciated.
Rodney
Susan Felsch says
Hi Rodney,
It doesn’t occur to you, those who care so much about others, are also in need of understanding & compassion because they are going through their own battles.
You always give of your self, no matter how in need you are of a shoulder to lean on yourself. IFS is so blessed for having you in our college and our children even more blessed for having you in their lives.
Susan Felsch
Donna says
Our thoughts are with you and your family Rodney.
We know first hand the true meaning of ‘We Are Family’ at IFS and are truly grateful.
Winnis says
How lucky we all are to be involved with the IFS college here at Mt. Penang on the Central Coast – whether a student, a parent, those just following the progress of this fledgling college and particularly the amazing staff who are the most caring and dedicated one could wish for to guide their children through their early years. Your sentiments Rodney are so typical of the depth of commitment and warmth that exudes from all involved there – the IFS Family Quilt says it all.