I'm currently reading a book called Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain by John J. Ratey. Scientific research proves that exercise literally remodels our brain for optimum performance. The impact of exercise prior to learning is to prepare our brains for development and … [Read more...] about I thought I was coaching football, but what I’m really doing is growing kids’ brains…
What’s your intelligence?
This week students in stage 4 (years 7 and 8) started their English and History project on our 'neighbours' China. For English they have read the book Mao's Last Dancer and our History focus will be Ancient China. For this project students will be completing a variety of tasks using a Pirozzo grid. … [Read more...] about What’s your intelligence?
Coaches being Coached
I've been at the AIS again for the FFA A Licence part B coaching course. It included a football conditioning component led by genius educator Raymond Verheijen. He is the master of periodisation and developed the perfect football conditioning model, which actually became the sub topic of the four … [Read more...] about Coaches being Coached
A pat on the back
What a busy start to the term it has been. I seem to always say that at the start of each term but this one has been exceptionally busy! Welcome to our new students and their families, I hope you enjoy your time with us. The term started with a visit from the NSW Board of Studies. What does that … [Read more...] about A pat on the back
Building on our Self Belief
On and off the sporting field, a key element to success is self-belief. At IFS we are working to build on our students’ feelings of self worth and belief. Our mentor sessions are a great opportunity to do this. So far, our students have heard inspiring words from several sources including … [Read more...] about Building on our Self Belief
School sport opportunities
On Friday I travelled to Randwick for the termly Combined Districts School Sports Association (CDSSA) meeting. I'm glad I live on the Coast, the biggest stress for me that day was the roads, but luckily I made it to Emanuel School in good time. The CDSSA is part of a family of sports … [Read more...] about School sport opportunities
Busy start to term 3
Welcome back to all our students and welcome to our new students! Well, it has already been a busy start to the term! Teachers have been busily preparing and students have begun working on a number of projects including English, History, Science, Geography and PE. I am impressed by the … [Read more...] about Busy start to term 3
Happy Half Birthday IFS
It was six months ago that I had my first day at IFS. I remember clearly the day all staff got together and looked around the campus. It was empty, cold, dirty and uninviting. We set to work cleaning and transporting tables and chairs, within a weeks it was looking like a college. A week after that … [Read more...] about Happy Half Birthday IFS
Goalkeeper
A soccer goalkeeper was walking along the street one day when he heard screams from a nearby building. He looked up to see smoke billowing from a fourth-floor window and a woman leaning out holding a baby. "Help! Help!" screamed the woman, "I need someone to catch my baby!" A crowd of … [Read more...] about Goalkeeper
What’s new? We’re back – bigger, brighter and better!
Monday morning marked the beginning of the new term and there was much to be excited about. We have a number of new students, a new prac student, Trisha Velji, a new building, a new teachers’ staffroom, new football staff, new lessons and not least of all, a new relationship with the Central Coast … [Read more...] about What’s new? We’re back – bigger, brighter and better!