I thought I would share my own personal reflections looking back on Term 1, my first term teaching at CCSC. Many words come to mind such as teamwork, passion, vision, family, enthusiasm, positivity, nurturing, innovation, inspiration, fun, laughter, motivation, collaboration … and the list could keep going! I feel very fortunate to have joined the CCSC team and family. I use the word family, as this college does very much feel like one big family. The kindergarten students are treated just like younger siblings and the Stage 2 and 3 students have been nurturing role models to the younger students. The teachers are like a big group of parents who educate, support and nurture students, as if they were their own. As teachers we learn, play, train, and even eat with our students. In the cafe, it very much feels like a big family enjoying a meal and this is the time to hear very interesting and personal thoughts and stories and get to know the students on a deeper level.
The smiles and greetings from both staff and students as you walk by, has been very refreshing and impressive. It is obvious that the students care about each other as well as the teachers and the teachers really care about their students and each other too. I’ve been told to “have a nice day” by students I didn’t even know in the first few weeks and when I made a kind comment to a student, I usually received one back. I feel that students here see their teachers as real people and not just “information providers”. This positive and caring atmosphere has made it very easy for myself, being a new teacher, to settle in and feel welcome and valued in this new environment. I’m sure this is how it also must feel for our new students and they are fortunate to be coming to a place like this, with such a friendly vibe and culture.
As a teacher, I am given freedom to be creative and innovative and my thoughts and ideas are valued. All teachers are well listened to by each other and there is a real teamwork approach towards our college vision of creating an environment where both students and teachers can be the best they can be. I know after my first term at CCSC I have been inspired to work on becoming the best I can be, in all areas of my life. I am grateful and proud to teach here and I am looking forward to many more years to come with balance in learning, life and play.
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