The lifelong impact of teachers on their students
In recent days, I have welcomed the diversion of reading and thinking about non-COVID-19 topics. I found myself thinking about the favourite teachers who made a difference in my life as a student. As educators, we tend to reflect on the teachers who pushed us to do our best and those who had that unique quality to make us believe we were capable of anything. I personally remember all those teachers who had such a gift for teaching and had such an influence on my own style of teaching instruction. I was subsequently delighted to read a blog written by a 2013 graduating student:
On graduating high school: an open letter to my teachers
"On the days leading up to my graduation, I started thinking about the people who had really impacted my schooling. I love my friends, but I came to the realisation that the people who have really impacted and shaped my "educational life" are the teachers.
There's my seventh grade English teacher — who was also my ninth and tenth grade French teacher — who, even after she was no longer my teacher, was the one I talked to most about my parents' separation and the changes that have occurred in my life over the last two years. To be honest, when I mentioned it to most of my friends, I did it casually, like it was something that just happened and it had no impact on me. When my parents first separated, I spent an hour and a half crying over the phone with my best friend, who lives in a different city, but I didn't want my time at school to be the same way. I didn't make a big deal out of it to my other friends so that our lunchtime conversations would be light-hearted instead of deep and meaningful. It meant a lot, however, to be able to confide in my teacher and her availability on the days that I needed that support.
There's my tenth grade English Extension teacher (who was also taught modern history). From her, I learned how to write a coherent essay, properly integrate quotes, and use the rule of 3. She would rip our drafts to shreds, but using pretty coloured pens and scratch 'n' sniff stickers; she encouraged us to go beyond how smart we 'think we are' and realize exactly the potential we hold. She's my intellectual role model, and the one that first person to tell me I write well. She encouraged me to write more, which inevitably gave me the courage to start writing here, for Babble.
There's my tenth grade math teacher, who showed me that math didn't need to be entirely horrible and helped me to actually pass math for the first time in five years. (Yes, I failed math for five years in a row. Yes, I had tutoring. No, it didn't help.) I think, without being shown that math didn't have to be completely confusing and result in a feeling that makes you question your intelligence, I would have still been the student that spent her math lessons doodling on the side of her notebook. I wouldn't have even attempted to do the homework because I would just end up crying in frustration, dreading the eventual 'D' on the next test.
And there's so many more teachers who have impacted upon my life — I guarantee you, teachers, that in your class of students, you'll have many who are glassy-eyed. You'll have many who are texting underneath the desk. You'll have many who are counting down the minutes until the class is over. But take it from this student that you'll also have many who, although it won't seem like it, are actually being inspired by what you're saying. They too might be sitting there, glassy-eyed, counting down the minutes until recess, but they'll be remembering you when they graduate. You'll be the teacher who isn't forgotten. I can't guarantee you that they'll remember all that you taught them, but they'll remember you for other reasons. You were the teacher who inspired them to act smarter, work to their full potential, do their homework. You'll be the teacher who will be remembered.
So, on behalf of students everywhere, I'd just like to say one massive thank you to all the teachers out there — you definitely don't have the easiest job in the world, but thank you. Thank you for going the extra mile. Thank you for putting up with us, even when we groan and roll our eyes and complain about learning what you're trying to teach us. Just, quite simply, thank you — for all that you do.”
Emily’s blog piece will resonate with Somerville House teachers and corporate staff members, as we value creating quality relationships with our students and working to offer the best possible educational outcomes for each student. I hope you feel encouraged to remember your own teachers, and if you wish to recognise one of the inspirational and dedicated teachers at Somerville House, I hope you will consider nominating them for the Commonwealth Bank Teaching Awards.
For more information and to nominate a teacher, please click here.
Acknowledgement: Emily Knight (2013) - Disney Worldwide/ Babble.com.
Relaxation of COVID-19 restrictions
The Premier recently announced that COVID-19 restrictions would ease across the State from 6.00pm, this coming Friday, 4 March. This means that face masks will no longer be required to be worn by staff or students at school or on dedicated school transport. If individual staff or students wish to wear a face mask while at school they are more than welcome to do so.
The current arrangements for symptomatic staff and students who record a positive RAT result remain in place, based on current health advice.
We will be able to resume assemblies and other large gatherings from 6.00pm on March 4. Parents, carers, volunteers, contractors and other external workers will also be permitted on school sites from this date. Anyone who is working or volunteering at a school is still required to be fully vaccinated. Schools are also still required to seek proof of vaccination for visitors, and we will continue using the Queensland Check-in app to do so.
Prayer for those who are flood affected
Some of our Somerville families and staff have suffered flood damage to their homes and lost their belongings. We keep you all in our prayers at this time, as you work through the physical trauma and emotional suffering of dealing with the devastating consequences of this flood. If you are in immediate need of a hot evening meal, clothing, personal items or seek assistance in any other way, please reach out to our Senior Chaplain, Ms Chris O’Gorman. Our wonderful JSSG, MYSG and SYSG are co-ordinating efforts through the Chaplain to support families in need. You can contact Ms O’Gorman via [email protected]
Mrs Kim Kiepe
Principal
