Elementary School Faculty Blog

Sharing Teaching Experiences

Elementary School Faculty Blog

March 26-April 6

by ·

Dear  ES Team,

Author Joan Chittister wrote, “With the invention of the light bulb, balance became a myth. Now human beings could extend the day and deny the night. Now human beings could break the natural rhythm of work and rest and sleep. Now human beings could begin to destroy the framework of life and turn it into one eternal day with, ironically, no time for family, no time for reading, no time for prayer, no time for privacy, no time for silence, no time for time.”

Those of us who are digital immigrants remember the time when it was much easier to balance our personal and professional lives.  These were the days when preps and planning times had very few distractions.  Our planning resources were in print, and we didn’t have the opportunity to search the Internet.  We didn’t have phones or computers in our rooms, and professional relationships were interpersonal; we planned together and talked together–without interruptions. Now we are faced with an overabundance of information at our fingertips, email notifications popping up during our research and planning, and the urge to check and immediately answer texts, mails, and phone calls.  Teachers are the quintessential multi-taskers, and we are not used to pausing. In fact, I often find myself typing as I walk down the sidewalk or talking on the phone while working on my computer

Technology, like the light bulb, has improved our lives in so many ways, but we need to ensure we create balance and foster interpersonal relationships at home and work—this balance is sure to bring us a sense of joy and peace.  Chittister, a Benedictine Sister, describes two poles pulling at the modern concept of work—at one pole is the workaholic, and at the other pole sits the pseudo-contemplative.  I am intrigued by her suggestion that we should view work as our gift to the world, stating,  “It’s really work that ties us to the rest of humankind and binds us to the future. It’s work that saves us from total self-centeredness and leads to self-fulfillment at the same time. It’s work that makes it possible to give back as much as we take from life.”

After these past few very busy weeks, it’s time to think about pausing and refocusing –taking a deep breath as we head into the last quarter of this year.   I once read that African tribesmen leading a safari stop from time to time to sit quietly and listen deliberately for the beating of the heart–they do this to let their souls catch up with the rest of the journey. When do we ever do that?  I think by taking some time to pause and let our souls catch up we will find ourselves more productive (and happy) on our journey towards academic excellence!

Enjoy Spring Break!

Cheers,

Donna

 

Divisional News:

  • Please take photos of special events to share on our e-boards, with our marketing department, and with Truc for our yearbook file.
  • Please work on (and submit to Truc) Super Unit Text for the yearbook. If you have questions, please let me know.

Help Needed:

  • Some G4 and G5 Student Leaders are helping plan and organize the Family Movie Night on April 6th.  Please let me know if you are able to volunteer for part of the evening–we could use some help!:) . Please sign up here if you are able to volunteer!

 

Weekly Snapshot:

March 25

  • Indoor and Outdoor Pest Control

March 26-March 30

  • Spring Break!
  • Happy Birthday, Thủy NGUYỄN (March 28)
  • Happy Birthday, Dan Keller (March 31)

Monday, April 2

Tuesday, April 3

Wednesday, April 4

  • Evelyn Lucero (2018-19 Literacy/SS Coordinator visits)
  • EC Screening 1:30-3:30pm

Thursday, April 5

Friday, April 6

  • ES Variety Show (8-10am)
  • ES Family Movie Night (5-9pm)

 

ES Athletic Info

If parents have any questions regarding athletics, please send them to Shelley (ext. 11141) or Phoung Anh (ext. 11140)

MONDAY, April 2

  • 3:15-4:30 – ES Soccer
    • Boys front fields
    • Girls back fields

TUESDAY, April 3

  • 6:15-7:30am – ES swim- A and B team only
  • 3:10-4:30 – ES swim – C team only

WEDNESDAY, April 4

  • 3:15-4:30 – ES Soccer
    • GAME:B teams vs SING on back fields  
    • A teams and boys C team on front fields
  • 3:10-4:30 – ES swim – A and B team only

THURSDAY, April 5

  • 3:10-4:30 – ES swim- C team only

FRIDAY, April 6

  • 3:15-4:30 – ES swim- A and B team only

 

Upcoming:

April 13

  • 20th Anniversary Gathering (4:30-6pm)

April 14

  • 20th Anniversary Gala

April 14

April 27

  • ES Sports Day

You may also like...