Two days as a TIC . . . April 13, 2007
It is on days like today that I second-guess my decision to go into administration. I was teacher-in-charge for the past two days, and wouldn't you know it -- crisis.
First, a well-known parent/grandparent/uncle passed away. I found out Thursday morning and immediately we had to call school counsellors to come and assist us in the grieving process. It came as a shock to all, including teachers, support workers, parents who have known him for a long time and worked with him. He had been an active member of our school community before he became sick. That was crisis #1.
Then crisis #2: a student began an altercation in gym class. It resulted in a fight that the teacher had to break up. This was rather easy. Home suspension.
Crisis #3: Attempted abduction in another area of our small city. Received the memo 10 minutes before the end of the day bell. Made a quick judgement call to announce students to be extra-cautious on the walk home. Some parents upset because I didn't give details. (details sent home next school day in a newsletter)
Crisis #4: This one still bothers me because I know the end isn't in sight. This student is too volatile. I can't go into details. All I can say is it involved threats and swearing at a teacher. In-school suspension. Restitution. Two-day home suspension. Parent meeting.
I was so emotionally exhausted by Friday afternoon, I still felt exhausted by Sunday! I needed another weekend.
I know I have so much to learn about being a principal. Some staff members felt bad for me because I had a tough two days, but how else am I going to learn?

Courage, Heart & Brains

Yes, I'm still alive and kicking. Life has been busy. I haven't even had time to think about blogging or my Masters over the past few months. I have enjoyed four months off from readings and coursework. What I did instead was take a "crash course" in drama, by participating in the local community theatre's production of "The Wizard of Oz". It was a fabulous experience where I saw leaders in a different setting. I was invited to lead in "warm-up" activities by the director, as were others. It was an amazing, rewarding experience that I was able to do with my daughters and husband. I met new, fantastic people and created new friendships.

Our director was a fantastic woman who shows leadership and encourages shared leadership. She never said "It's my way". She always encouraged ideas and collaboration. At our first rehearsal, she gave us a poster for us to hang up at home. It read, " Have the courage to follow your dreams, the heart to say yes, and the brains to know you can't do it alone. Together we will create miracles." A very powerful experience where I did see miracles in the making.

Today I actually thought about my Masters for the first time in four months. It came as a result of a meeting I was invited to attend. It was a meeting our school district holds every 4-6 weeks that combines principals and staff representatives with school board members and school district administration. The topic of today's meeting was bullying and how it can be addressed at the school and district level. Since I am a member of our school's Social Responsibility Committee, I was asked to participate.
It was very rewarding to be a part of an adult/educator discussion again. I have missed that interaction. It reminded my of my Instructional Leadership and Democratic Education courses that I enjoyed so much last summer.
My upcoming Masters courses include Educational Issues for Northern Communities, First Nations Education and The School Principalship for the upcoming spring and summer semesters. I appreciate the break I just had because I am now mentally ready and looking forward to the courses ahead.