excellent teacher. Many of our students have lived a lifetime prior to crossing our schools’ doorsteps. We must be acutely aware of this and listen to them more. In our educated pursuit of academic results, we must ask ourselves, are we nurturing the development of character in our students? Do we squeeze values education in between the English and the Mathematics, or are we embodying it deeply into all our school activities? The soul is deeply shaped by significant adult allies who demonstrate trust, respect, passion and a profound, enthusiastic love of learning to all students - regardless of their academic capability.
there are countless lessons to learn in the school of life beyond the classroom. These students appear to have failed school, yet still have the potential to become winners due to their souls being nurtured throughout their education journey. Maggie Dent is an author, parenting and resilience specialist and inspirational presenter. She has a wide background of experience including ABC radio, palliative care, education and celebrancy that she brings to her work and is currently running seminars nationally and internationally that increase awareness in the importance of building personal and professional resilience. Maggie currently runs her own independent business called “Esteem Plus” that aims to inspire, encourage and assist people of all ages to take a positive step forward in their lives in order to maximise human potential.
Thomas More in “Care of the Soul” wrote: “Politicians and educators consider more school days in a year, more science, more maths, the use of computers and other technology in the classroom, more exams, more tests, more certifications for teachers and less money for art. On all these counts, soul is neglected.” Maybe the education of our children will continue to rely on those amazing teachers who turn up every day with passion for their career, their students and the school system - in spite of the changes forced on them by systems full of faceless monkeys who haven’t stepped foot inside a classroom for a very long time! These amazing teachers have a genuine affection and commitment to students of all ages and cultures - they love their job. There are thousands of classroom teachers out there who are doing all that is necessary to build “soul” in their schools (maybe without even knowing it), giving hope to kids and their parents that what matters most is the gift of life. Daily, they are making a positive difference which thankfully makes our world a better place. Always remember education is so much more than teaching, and every student comes to school with a mind, body, heart and soul. Are you nurturing these layers – or are you just concerned with those features that can be assessed and measured? Be brave. Be an educator with the courage and passion to do what you are called to do - “bring forth that which lies hidden within”, so that your students can find a pathway which allows them to realize their full potential. Let us celebrate those educators who realize that there is unlimited potential in those students who failed the grade, who never took advantage of their schooling or failed to gain from the efforts of countless teachers. Good teachers know that
ROCK CANDY FOR WA SCHOOLS! Specialising in custom-made Rock Candy for School Balls, Leavers & Graduations, Open Days, Fundraising Events, Fetes and School Excursion Demonstrations! Shop 1 Atwell Arcade. High St Mall. Fremantle Tel 9336 1830 Fax 9336 1825
36