After weeks of planning and fundraising, we can finally begin our technology project. Students have received the brief and started developing their ideas. Those in years 7 and 8 have been placed in garden working teams for the project which will essentially run until the end of term 3. I am … [Read more...] about Our garden begins…
Ancient Egypt
Heading into our last week on the topic of Ancient Egypt we have spent the last few days looking at the importance of the Nile River. Did you know that the Ancient Egyptians pretty much invented our calendar? They discovered that the Nile flooded once a year and learned to predict this by using the … [Read more...] about Ancient Egypt
Bringing Nature Indoors
I have a lovely new plant sitting on my desk now, courtesy of Terry T. (Mum of Matt, Class 6). It was a lovely surprise that brings me great joy as I sit and stare out my window. I know I keep going on about my office window but if you could have seen my last office, dark and dingy, it is just … [Read more...] about Bringing Nature Indoors
We Did It!
24 Hour Cycle Challenge On Thursday the 30th Gavin, Andre, Blake and Bailey took Andre's bus down to Genisis gym at Gosford to pick up the three bikes for our challenge. With slight delay of loading the bikes, soon after they were set up in the conference room ready for our challenge starting at … [Read more...] about We Did It!
A time for reflection
It's twelve months ago, this week, that I announced me retirement from professional football. One of the hardest things I have ever had to do was to let go, once and for all, a dream I had held since a young boy. A year on and I couldn’t be happier with the path I am now on. The IFS journey has … [Read more...] about A time for reflection
Proud as punch
58000 calories burnt over 2000km in 24hours!!! Last Friday Bec and I and 14 of our students embarked on an epic fundraising mission. We cycled non-stop for 24 hours, covering 2000km - the equivalent of travelling from Kariong to Townsville. After the first few 15 minute/7km intervals we soon … [Read more...] about Proud as punch
My issue with trying
Enjoying lunch in our cafe, I had an interesting chat with some IFS staff during the week. The question was asked of me, "What happens if we don't get Board of Studies approval?" With a little smile on her face, one of the teachers involved in the conversation, responded, "Do you not know Paul … [Read more...] about My issue with trying
Barefoot in New Zealand
I lived in New Zealand for a number of years and I clearly remember my older brother playing rugby barefooted. I'm not sure if it's still the case, but your seventh birthday in New Zealand was a big deal as it was the day you got your first pair of rugby boots. Prior to that, in the lower age … [Read more...] about Barefoot in New Zealand
The IFS Mystery
This week I had the pleasure of giving potential families tours of the college. The same questions always come up, which I don't mind answering of course, but it does beg the question, why is there such mystery surrounding IFS? First and foremost we are a college and as a college we must follow the … [Read more...] about The IFS Mystery
A coach is a teacher, right? What about teachers? Are they coaches?
Each morning as I arrive at our college I see Joey, Brad, Andre and Matt taking our students through their paces. There are the warm-ups, the skills practice, tactical moves and match practice. Our students all look to be having a great time. They are learning while they’re having fun. In every way … [Read more...] about A coach is a teacher, right? What about teachers? Are they coaches?