Today we mourn a legend. Today the world lost one of the most influential civil rights activists known in our time – a man who inspired generations, and shaped our modern world. Nelson Mandela, a revolutionary anti apartheid activist and arguably one of the greatest leaders of our time. A hero of South Africa,…
The Naming of the GPS – A Political Comparison
Those who know us, know that I have had a love hate relationship with TechnoMans old GPS for quite some time. It is my experienced opinion that this particular TomTom is possessed. It has a mind of its own, and that mind, I am convinced, is determined to make me cross. There are many…
The Complexity of Educational Change
“Most change is unplanned” Fullan, 1993:138 This quote strikes a chord for me. In my experience, much of the change processes I have found myself managing as a leader – some quite significant (school reorganisation in a network, school closure, health and safety issues around buildings – to name but a smidgeon of processes) have…
The Self Esteem People Suckers
Some people suck the self esteem right out of you… Have you noticed these ‘self esteem suckers’ wandering the universe, preying on unsuspecting people going about their daily business? I am sure you know the ones I am referring to. They are the members of our society that you can trace back and find, just…
Clean Eating Pancakes – Divine, Healthy and Fail Safe
I love pancakes. I love pancakes with bacon, maple syrup, cream and chopped up bananas. I’ll even splurge to a few blueberries scattered (mostly for show) when feeling a little on the ‘adventurous’ side. The problem with the pancakes I love and that I love to eat, is that they are a ‘rare sometimes’ treat…
What I Wish For
What I wish for, that would make my job easier: That the ‘freedom’ to explore the beauty of our national curriculum was in fact a real ‘freedom’, not one watered down by mandates that essentially spoil the intent and purpose of our world class curriculum. That Politicians would spend a week on my classrooms, teaching…
The Runaway Gingerbread People
Today we had a bit of fun at school that went viral. Considering the time of year and how hectic everyone is as we slide down towards Christmas and the summer holidays, it is always a real pick me up when something happens to cause a buzz around the place. Today was the day the…
Robbie Williams ‘Go Gentle’ – Welcome Back Mate!
I was trolling through i-Tunes, checking out new songs in the ‘Songs to Watch’ category (incidentally, I always find brilliant pieces of music here, much of which never seems to make it to mainstream raido waves so I highly recommend you checking it out regularly for new sounds). Lo and behold, there was a new…
Takapuna Beach
In Auckland we are spoilt for choice when it comes to beaches. There are so many wonderful beaches – from the rough and wild, surfer paradise, family friendly swimming and – rumour tells me – there many even be a nudie beach or two. If you look closely you can see the Pohutakawa starting to flower… A sign…
Auckland Sunsets
Sunsets – Soothers of the Soul I love sunsets. They are like the ice cream topping of the day. This year Auckland has been resplendent in stunning sunsets. …