Last week I spent some time in the classroom with the IFS/ITS primary college students. The experience brought on a flashback to when I was at primary college: Mrs Johnston, mother of Australian and Liverpool soccer legend, Craig Johnston, was my teacher. Her classroom smelt like vegemite … [Read more...] about Vegemite, old cheese, a sporting legend and the opportunity of a lifetime
The Four Agreements
Years ago I read an amazing book. I read it at a time in my life when I was looking for answers as to why things weren't going in the direction I had imagined (yep that's code for divorce). It was just a small book and very quick and easy to read. It was called The Four Agreements by Don Miguel … [Read more...] about The Four Agreements
The Sad Truth
This is not an easy subject to talk about. I believe that quite a few parents would be disgusted at the way some of the students treat the buffet at lunch time. I understand there are time constraints on the lunch service, but there is no reason for the chaos that prevails from students throwing … [Read more...] about The Sad Truth
Reflecting on my performance
Throughout term 2 and part of term 3, we have discussed, practised and participated in games covering several themes and topics relating to our training and football as a profession. Our group has shown a great deal of improvement in many aspects of the game. This week we managed to record some of … [Read more...] about Reflecting on my performance
Teaching our children to have a growth mindset
Since working at IFS, I have listened to a lot of great advice about life and learning and I am constantly experimenting with my own children. I can honestly say, the number one piece of advice I have been given, is how best to teach a growth mindset. As previously discussed, teaching our children … [Read more...] about Teaching our children to have a growth mindset
Invictus
The word 'invictus' is Latin for unconquered. It is the title of a movie starring Morgan Freeman who plays the part of Nelson Mandela, South African President. Matt Damon also stars in the movie as captain of the Springboks, Francois Pienaar. The story revolves around the South African rugby team … [Read more...] about Invictus
What do you want to do when you grow up?
The place to start every, and any, life journey is with a dream. Dreams are powerful. They are among those precious few intangibles that inspire men and women to get up, go to hell and back, and change the world. I’m not talking about the sort of fantasy dreams that can’t physically happen, I am … [Read more...] about What do you want to do when you grow up?
Reinforcing learning through exercise
Yesterday saw the HSC PDHPE class visit our local Anytime Fitness centre. Students are currently focusing on how to improve performance. After some intense psychology lessons it was a chance for students and staff to let off some steam in a gym environment while reinforcing their learning through … [Read more...] about Reinforcing learning through exercise
So who does deserve the olive wreath?
Will it be Zeus, will it be Hercules, will it be Plato? For the last six weeks stage 4 students have been working in their teams to answer this driving question. They have taken a journey from IFS, Australia to Ancient Greece. They have visited Olympia and discovered why it is a world heritage site. … [Read more...] about So who does deserve the olive wreath?
Fullerene
Carbon, the chemical that makes up you and me, used to come in two pure forms: graphite (the working end of your humble pencil) and diamond. In the last twenty years a new member of the carbon family has been discovered. Buckyballs or, to give them their proper name, fullerene, are microscopic … [Read more...] about Fullerene