opportunity

This week, the principal of the school that I have been working at on a temporary basis asked to see me in her office.

She told me that the school wanted to have me there for the balance of the year ... she'd had a lot of positive feedback, and hoped I could join the staff until the end of June.

This really made my day. I have been hopping around here and there ... substituting as an Educational Assistant for about a year now, and this was nice. This school has an awesome administration, excellent caring talented teachers, and wonderful kids. I love this school.

The class I work with is a great group of five / sixes. I spend much of my time with one student, but also assist with the rest of the class when possible.

I remember when I was that young ... I remember feeling lost, unsure ... confused and unfocussed. I remember - and that helps me a lot in my job.

These kids are at a wonderful age. They are exploring communication and relationships, learning and growing, and open in many ways to improving aspects of who they are.

This is a golden opportunity. Every day, I see little windows where I can help them in their journey. They are receptive and I will not let this chance go by.

Wherever possible I share as many positive aspects of interactions as possible. I often remind them that we are all brothers and sisters here ... we are all family. Treat each other with respect and consideration. When people see that you are caring and respectful, they respect you.

The class is a family ... part of a bigger family - the school; which is part of a larger family - the community; and the community is part of a bigger family - Ontario ... Canada ... The World ...

We are all brothers and sisters.

I hope that a little bit of some of the things I say get absorbed here and there. Occasionally I get little glimpses that they are listening.

It's really a beautiful, joyful experience ... like watering a garden, or adding your spices to a Sunday Morning omelette.

I love these kids, and see the potential in them ... they are the future, and are growing into their own strengths and knowledge. I will help them and care for them ... it is a wonderful thing.

spring is springing

Much of the snow is gone here, and we've sprung the clocks ahead an hour today. As winter fades I can't help but look forward to some fun things coming up ...

This week - March break ... a week off school ... a chance to do some much needed work on a new website for a charity volleyball tournament coming up in June. I will also be taking our bikes in for a spring tune up, many wonderful rides await in the not-too distant future.

In a few weeks - Destination Europe ... a couple of weeks in The Mediterranean. Janice and I will be visiting Barcelona Spain for a few days, then on a cruise for a week, then a few days in Madrid. It will be a wonderful trip!

June - The First Annual Love Volleyball tournament ... one of at least three tournaments I hope to enjoy this year ... and the 30th Annual TD Canada Ottawa Jazz Festival - It was a highlight of my summer last year, and this year I will also enjoy volunteering as a driver with Performer Transportation.

July & August - Beach volleyball, bike rides, music festivals, all kinds of wonderful hot fun in the summertime.

September - Janice and I will likely be visiting friends and family in Winnipeg and Saskatoon.

Gotta love the shorter winters here in Ottawa : )