Australia will celebrate and thank the teaching profession on World Teachers’ Day on Friday 29, October 2021.  Our teachers and staff (with support from parents and carers) have ensured education has continued across the country this year, despite major challenges. It’s reinforced the significant role our teachers play in the lives of children and students, their families, and communities. I would like to say a huge thank you to our teaching staff this week. The things we have asked them to do during the last 18 months are beyond anything requested of them before. I saw on www.worldteachersday.edu.au that AITSIL (The Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership) are asking people to go on and leave a virtual apple for the teacher – very cute. That got me thinking, how could parents from Prescott Primary Northern do something to let our teaching staff know how appreciated they are?

I would like to encourage you to send a note along with your child this week, letting their teacher know how much you appreciate them and all  they do for your child. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy or elaborate, just a small note of encouragement and appreciation. You would be surprised at what a difference it will make.

I would personally like to thank our teaching and leadership staff for all they do for our kids. To be a rock and a constant for our children in uncertain and changing times should never be underestimated or taken for granted, and I don’t. I often spend time thinking about what makes the difference as far as an outstanding teacher is concerned. The Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership has done an excellent job outlining the skills and practices needed for excellent teaching. However, I think there is more. Author Parker Palmer is renowned for his saying, “ We teach, who we are.” He explains, “After three decades of trying to learn my craft, every class comes down to this: my students and I, face to face, engaged in an ancient and exacting exchange called education. The techniques I have mastered do not disappear, but neither do they suffice. Face to face with my students, only one resource is at my immediate command: my identity, my selfhood, my sense of this “I” who teaches—without which I have no sense of the “Thou” who learns. Here is a secret hidden in plain sight: good teaching cannot be reduced to technique; good teaching comes from the identity and integrity of the teacher.” (Palmer, 1997) This helps explain why we are so blessed by the teaching staff we have at Prescott Primary Northern.

Have a great week with your kids, and don’t forget to thank their teachers,

Mark B