The last couple of days I have felt much better about my role in the school. I seem to be rested and everything is not as new as before. I hope I am doing a good job because I see so many many areas which need improvement and I know that some of the teachers will balk and say, “But this is Cyprus Dr. Sloss and that is the way we do it here!”. To which I will respond, “If our students are going to live the rest of their lives in some village cultivating a garden for their livelihood, then I agree with you! But since most of them will be involved in higher education and then in jobs where there is international competition, then perhaps we better rethink how we do things!” So, I am being seen as one who is tough and demanding so I guess some things don't change do they?
I want the graduates of the Academy to be able to compete on the world stage which is much more obvious here than in Canada. Competition here is from every corner of the world! Europe, the Middle East, North America and even the Far East. Marshall McLuhan was right about the global village!
What did I have to deal with today?
1. Someone saluting me as he entered the school he said “Heil Hitler!” Needless to say he got a reaction which he did not expect! He even wrote me an apology later on which he had proofread by a teacher before submitting it to me! We have so many nationalities, that I could not let such an incident go unanswered. He was Armenian and I asked if would have liked someone doing a similar thing to him to which he responded - no, never!
2. Short meeting about the report I have to write for the Board about the relocation of the Preschool to our library building. I am expected to do all this running around and getting a price for the Board! Renovations, furniture, relocate the existing library - where? What do we do with the books, shelving, tables and chairs? PLayground equipment needs to be replaced. Some needs to have a safety barrier placed around it. Need new washrooms for the tots installed. How much? New safety latches on the gates so the little ones can't open them.
3. Had a brief meeting with the Administrative Assistant since we are under a short time line to get information for an excursion together for a couple of classes. This is the third try at it and I made the decision that we are going to try to get the price down by reducing the number of days we are away and also going to one city instead of trying to do two. _ Budapest, I think!
4. Out to do some rounds and see some students while they have their first break of the day for 25 minutes - discuss with some staff the agenda for Thursday's staff meeting which I placed in the mail boxes so that they can read before the meeting. Some of them are concerned at what my expectations are - they will adjust I am sure!
5. Over to the library building to see Marian who is working on some book repair and will volunteer there two mornings a week. This will help keep her busy and give her something to occupy her time.
6. Out to the primary school to support their new canteen (snackbar) venture to help these kids get healthy alternatives instead of the regular pop and chips!
7. Stop into a Bible class and sit for a few minutes to see how the students enjoy the subject and just to be seen in a class.
8. Down to the office to see a lady who is taking over some administrative training and then to go through some resumes to see who we can get to replace her.
9. Interview with a Bulgarian lady who is looking for a teaching job but whose English is so poor that we could not consider her.
10. Students stop me to ask if they can use some school rooms to practice their music after school. I ask them to see me later in the day so I can investigate their past.
11. Discuss with the head of PE if there is another place to store two of those large patio heaters which are in the copy room. He said yes and agrees to move them for me.
12. Stopped in the hall to ask if it is OK to have a parent merely send a fax message to acknowledge their permission to let their student leave campus during the day (only the grade 13's get this privilege).
13. Primary school principal arrives with a list of issues - we have a stalker in the preschool who entered the school today. How do we want to handle this? My response:
a. Engage him in conversation and call me on my cell.
b. when I arrive call Katerina to call the police.
c. Alert all teachers of this possibility and have them keep the children safe by closing the doors.
d. you look after the classes, I will look after the stalker until police arrive.
14. Nikki stops me and asks what I want for a list of requirements for the pre school relocation. I discuss the need and Friday deadline.
15. Another break and this one occupied by three math teachers who are struggling with the new curriculum. This short meeting ends and they return to class with the promise of another meeting to further discuss the issues.
16. Deputy SS principal arrives to discuss some issues - IIIA girl skipped double period of Business. How do you want to treat that? I want to see her to discuss the issue! I inform her of the new administrative assistant. I ask her to call a new English teacher candidate for an interview as soon as possible.
17. Talk with the office secretary about rearranging the copy room and she likes the idea.
18. Deputy principal suggests that many teachers are arriving late for class - that is the way it is in Cyprus! Not any more!
19. Student arrives with a piece of birthday cake because it is her 16th birthday. I congratulate her and return to my meeting!
20. Student who wants to do music arrives for my decision. “I am afraid you are not going to like the decision but I have no choice but to say NO. The reputation and damage done last year leaves me no other choice. Besides there would be no supervisor.”
21. Return call to a Board member who did some research for me on VAT refunds possibilities - not too good for us at this time but I will continue to investigate if it is in our interest.
22. Student who missed class arrives and deputy Prin. and I discuss with her her ambitions and frustrations. I think she left feeling I had understood her and that she needed to change her behaviour if she hoped to reach her goal of becoming a lawyer.
23. Students have left the building by now - 2:45. I am starting to relax - I have been here since 6:30 am with no break. I need to go to the washroom!
24. Some phone calls and organizing for tomorrow's start and then I leave for home at 3:15.
The day has gone well and I am happy that I could handle the situations! Thank you for your prayers! Keep them up!
David
posted by David & Marian Sloss @ 7:42 AM
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