Online School. Grade R -9

At this time of year, schools sometimes have concerns over how their Matrics will finish.

I don’t share those concerns.

I’ve seen 16 end of school’ years in my life as a teacher and if one expects the best, pupils will always exceed our expectations of them.

In the five schools that I’ve been privileged to work in, I’ve seen exceptional teachers build genuine relationships of mutual and sincere respect with their students, relationships that have been tended to over time, grounded in trust, consistency, structure, constructive discipline, support, love and understanding.

Pupils want to be revered. They yearn to be proud of themselves. They want to be heard. They want authentic leadership. They want to be cared for. They want to know they are loved. And when they are treated with respect, which is a simple term that captures a raft of behaviours under its banner, they will exceed expectations. They actually do want to be well-remembered. They actually do want to finish strong.

Respect. Manners. Courtesy. Kindness. Authenticity. Patience. Gentleness. Faithfulness. These need to consistently be present at the axis where pupils and staff intersect.

Grow these qualities in your teaching at every single opportunity.

I used to write ✍️ personal letters to all my final year learners , encouraging them to be the best best version of themselves , giving them reassurance that I have so much confidence in them. Surprisingly , I would shed some tears while writing these letters 🤭🥹🥲 knowing that I have invested an enormous amount of time.
Even though I am now teaching the juniors , I became so emotional during this time of the year , reflecting on the huge impact that these young people will have in the society. Seeing them growing to become young adults is so amazing .

All the best to the class of 2023. May the Lord bless you with all the wisdom to meet the demands of every challenge that you are going to face during this exam period . Read Isiah 43.

To all my South African friends. The area of online teaching and learning is upon us, and evasion is not an option. It’s imperative that we shift our mindset and embrace this change. All we require is a regulated space for adaptation. I attended a webinar hosted by the quality assures of education. We better embrace it and start working towards that. Remember, when computers were introduced, not everyone embraced the idea of using them. Now we can’t even do without them.

Sounds about right. 😂🤣