No one should teach who is not in love with teaching. Margaret E. Sangster
Grammar teachers embody where passion meets purpose at every turn, and it has never been more apparent in 2020. The profession itself has been challenged to evolve and adapt and meet the needs of learners in ways no current teacher has experienced in their career to date.
This work in 2020 is not for the faint-hearted. Every teacher has risen to the challenge, creating, collaborating with their peers and with the students, working conscientiously to bring to life in the remote learning environment as much as possible, the great teaching practices and strategies that are part and parcel of everyday Grammar teaching.
Our students are blessed to work alongside teachers who sincerely love teaching. They generously share practice and new learning with their colleagues so that all students can benefit. Teachers look out for one another, the students and Grammar families to ensure the health and wellbeing of our community. They contribute their gifts and passions beyond the classroom and they do this to ensure Grammar students are exposed to a range of opportunities and students can pursue their talents beyond the classroom. They take their work very seriously and celebrate student success proudly.
Today, we honour the work and collegiality of Grammar teachers. Everything they have asked of our students they are modelling in action. Resilience, courage, compassion, creativity, a can-do attitude and anchoring their beliefs in hope and optimism for good days ahead.
I thank each of my colleagues. Much has been asked of them and they got on with the task in a very new landscape. We have much to celebrate; staying connected with students and families, continuing learning and adapting every day, striving to improve teaching and learning for our students, modelling risk-taking, trial and error and acting on feedback. After all, it’s about the students and their needs.
Our students know their teachers love teaching and care deeply about student effort, achievement and success. Students connect with their teachers and form important relationships that enhance student health and wellbeing. As our students return and school life resumes the familiar, teachers will focus on connectedness to students so that each child feels safe, known, valued and cared for as the individual they are.
One of our key values is celebration. Today we pay tribute and celebrate each Grammar teacher I have the privilege to know and see their love of teaching in action.
“I can no other answer make but thanks, and thanks and ever thanks.” – William Shakespeare
Mrs Maria Woods
Principal