Teachers are people too

In Voice of WINS, we often cover topics related to students, school events, music, science, and social commentary…but what about the teachers? Yes, there are some articles for them, but they’re often related to school or their job. What we forget is, teachers are people too. Just like us, they have a private lives outside school with its struggles, problems, aspirations and personal milestones. A special couple even became parents (and another teacher soon will be!) So to close the school year, I posed this question to our faculty: What was your best personal memory, milestone or achievement this year?

at teaching at WINS. As far as I see now, education and natural farming are the continuation of each other. It would be long to describe how I think the two are interlinked, but I will mention a few points: see order where all appears to be chaotic; understand the potential of the full plant from the mere seed; do what is necessary and do not force things. It goes without saying that teaching is possibly the hardest form of learning.

Marcello Rotondo

(SCIENCE TEACHER):

I don’t think it is a significant happening compared to others, but this has been the year where I have come back home to settle down after many years abroad. In the past years, apart from completing studies in natural sciences, I have come to practice what in the East is simply known as “natural farming”. For me, settling down means that I can finally carry that on in a place that not only belongs to me, but to which I belong, too. Personally, I find this “belonging” as something meaningful for people. I had this idea for a few years, and finally I managed to make it reality, so it’s a sort of achievement, I guess. Also, this year I have taken up a new job

Giulia Grosso

(ITALIAN TEACHER):

My “teacher milestone” was obtaining my Spanish diploma. After spending some time at Universi- tat de Barcelona, I’ve started my journey in the Spanish language. Speaking of, my goal for this summer is becoming an international au pair for two months, in order to practice the language “for real”.

Cristina Genovese

(SCIENCE TEACHER):

I had played football (or soccer) for around 10 years and never received a yellow or red card. Therefore, receiving a yellow card during the student-teacher football match has been the achievement of this year. I must add that the referee was probably biased (and/or not competent enough), yet I had to accept his decision.

Matteo Battuello

(PE TEACHER):

The most important event of the year for me was when I knew that I was going to be a father. It will be a boy and his name will be Pietro. The news was an extraordinary joy; this was the best personal moment of the year.

Valentina Casella

(ART TEACHER):

In November I moved in with my partner and I have never been happier! Our new home is our safe and happy place and reflects our passions and - a bit childishpersonalities with irony and pure joy, embodied in every single furnishing and accessory. We celebrated this private milestone with a honeymoon to the Maldives and it was by far the best trip I have ever experienced, so this year truly was a turning point in my private life and I am sure I will never forget it.

Pierfrancesco Rolla

(HISTORY TEACHER):

For me, the greatest achievement of the year was to score two goals against Grade 12 securing our never to be forgotten victory.

(SCIENCE TEACHERS):

Embarking on the journey of pregnancy in a foreign country can be an adventure in itself! From the moment we discovered the precious news, we found ourselves facing a whole new world of challenges. Navigating a different healthcare system with unfamiliar procedures and terminologies initially felt like deciphering an alien language. But here’s the delightful twist: People around us, despite the cultural differences, were incredibly supportive and kind, lending a helping hand and a dose of humor along the way!

As we stumbled through paperwork, appointments, and baby preparations, we encountered countless acts of kindness. Friends shared invaluable advice, pointing us in the right direction. The warmth and compassion we experienced from the local community was beyond compare. Neighbors would flash friendly smiles, offering heartfelt congratulations as the baby bump grew. Their genuine care and interest made us feel like part of a larger family, easing the homesickness.

And finally, as our little bundle of joy arrived—a beautiful baby girl—our friends and colleagues embraced her with open arms, showering her with love and affection. Our journey has sprinkled with humor, love and an extended family that crossed borders and made sleep deprivation feel a little easier. Our little bambina is very lucky to be born in such a beautiful country with the privilege to “taste” gelato right in the womb!