Whether as a
teacher or educational manager, Parent / Teacher conferences are fraught with
unpredictability. None more so than at my inaugural one in Addis.
Having seen the
subjective, laissez faire and abstract approach to reporting at my new school, i have
stalled for time to rework them. For the last few years, "Settling – In" reports were issued at
this time of year. The format looked so purile i have opted for the “personal
touch.” I have cancelled classes for students and invited parents to come and meet
their child’s teacher. Last week i provided the teachers with a basic recording
pro-forma that highlights each child’s strengths and areas for further development, debriefed them both in staff meeting and Monday briefings, I even postponed my planned INSET to ensure teachers had time to complete the pro-forma and to ensure classrooms displays were vibrant
and all books marked and up-to-date. I’m not the complete Bastard Boss, despite
what you might think.
I don my Sam the
Tailor’s charcoal single breasted suit, one of my absurd silk ties (i opt for
the Warner Bros. Tasmanian Devil football player in fire engine red) and head
into my office. I leave my door open and wait with trepidation for the
invariable whinging and complaining parents to make a bee-line for me.
Despite massive publicity on whiteboards and newsletters, and
invitations to book time-slots, only
about 35% bother to turn up. The school is beautifully quiet and tranquil throughout
the whole day.
I get more visitors
than most of the teachers. But it is lovely. About a dozen pop in and every one
of them have come to say thanks for all the improvements they had noticed during my brief tenure. No moans, bitches or complaints. Not many Head
Teachers can boast that. Kinda blown away. Several parents also have students on the
Secondary campus and have noticed improvements there also, so i call Ginger
Warrior throughout the day passing on the good tidings. Long may the honeymoon
period last.
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