The Power of Quiet

Moving from NZ to Saudi Arabia

My family of six have made the big move to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. From our humble abode in Otara, South Auckland to our huge house in KAUST (King Abdullah University of Science and Technology). While there are striking contrasts in culture, land, food and people. I am mostly excited about the opportunity to work in an International School, teaching alongside motivated and outgoing people from around the world. It takes a certain type of somebody to pack up house and move your family to the other side of the world. We're those type of people. And on the day that marks our 1st Month - we are very glad we made the decision.

What motivated us to move?

My husband and I have taught in South Auckland for most of our careers. While we absolutely loved our work, we craved time and solace with our own four children. In New Zealand - we felt like we were doing mountains of "paperwork" and not enough "teaching". We led very hectic lives and invested so much of our heart and soul into our work. While this may be admirable - we wanted more time with our own children and be a part of raising them. For some time now, I have always reflected on the mantra "you don't know what you don't know". There's no denying that my life experiences were limited, while valuable, my South Auckland livelihood was just that - a South Auckland world view, a Maori/Cook Island perspective, a mum to four kids outlook. There is so much beyond our South Auckland gates, so much to learn about the world and the people that reside across the oceans. That was our biggest pull to travel with our children. We wanted them to know that the world is amazing, huge, exciting. We want to ignite the spark that burns the fire in them to be the kind of kids that are "internationally minded". We hope to return some day and be the kind of teachers that share firsthand experiences with the children in South Auckland about how big the world really is. When studying faraway lands we want to say - Yes we've been there. We want to break stereotypes and live.

Here's to the start of our adventure!

Introduction to PYP

New school, new team, new curriculum, new way of being. TKS School currently use the IB Primary Years Programme as the curriculum that guides their teaching and learning. As I delve further into this document I hope to share my understandings by way of reflection. In the meantime, here is a brief glimpse into the fundamental aspects of this curriculum.

<iframe src="http://www.slideshare.net/slideshow/embed_code/4466649" width="427" height="356" frameborder="0" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" scrolling="no" style="border:1px solid #CCC;border-width:1px 1px 0;margin-bottom:5px" allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen> </iframe> <div style="margin-bottom:5px"> <strong> <a href="http://www.slideshare.net/GAIS/introduction-pyp" title="PYP Introduction" target="_blank">PYP Introduction</a> </strong> from <strong><a href="http://www.slideshare.net/GAIS" target="_blank">GAIS</a></strong> </div>

Bravery at it's finest..

The true power of Social Media (namely Facebook) has certainly played it's hand over the past few months for me. Several months ago a friend posted a link to an incredible story at the Chace Topperwein Fundraising Facebook page, a gentle click of a 'Like' button and immediately you have an insight into the painful, amazing, brave, heart breaking story of Keri, Ryan and Chace Topperwein.

Over the months Keri and Ryan bravely shared their ups, downs, trials and tribulations of their journey where they literally travelled to the ends of the earth to seek solace for their son. How amazing that they could be so open, in turn receiving worldwide support on their journey. With this technology we also learned of the passing of their amazing little boy and watched as the world stopped turning for one little family. My heart strings have been pulled at many many times over the past month watching from behind my computer screen the journey these courageous parents have embarked on. And today, this.....a fantastic, liberating, emotional snippet of hope in what must be the darkest days of their lives.

Kia mau te wehi Dream Chaser Foundation! You are an inspiration to us all.

Digital storytelling 101

Off to the Hospital Play Specialist conference today and looking forward to sharing the exciting ways Digital Storytelling can be used in their context.

Global Storytellers

This star studded video reminds us that stories are powerful when shared...everyone has a story to tell - what's yours?

Outdoor Environments