I saw something beautiful yesterday. Our Foundation students had a “Come and Play” day with their parents yesterday morning. Miss Bernoth, Mrs Davis and Mrs Harder organised a range of activities based on a treasure hunt map for the children and asked parents to come along and join with their children and “play” together. What I saw was inspiring to me as an educator. I watched as parents were dragged by the hand into the school world of their children. I couldn’t help but smile as I saw mums, dads, grandparents, uncles, aunties and friends drawn into what the children saw and did. The joy and enthusiasm of going from one spot to the next, then back again, was nothing sort of incredible. That, of course, got me reflecting about how I need to do that more; to see school, learning, and life from the children’s perspectives. To feel what is important to them and why. I’m not sure about you, but it is so easy to get caught up in the responsibilities, life’s hustle and bustle, reports, emails and paperwork, and not look at things through kid’s eyes. Not only that, it’s just plan fun! Looking at the world in wonder and curiosity is something the little ones teach me every day. I think yesterday’s “come and play” also sent a very important message to the children. I think it said, “You matter to us. Your learning matters to us.” These are some of the most important messages those little eyes and ears will ever see and hear. So a big shout out to the families who were able to come and the team that put it all together – thank you.

On another note, I will be taking some time off over the next few weeks to spend with my family. Our school will be in the very capable hands of Mr Davis and Miss Bernoth, and I will see you all again in May.

Have a great week with your kids,

Mark B