A Humbling Reminder of the Learning Experience
I had the privilege two weeks ago of sitting as a student in Year 4L. Lining up outside the classroom after first break I admit I felt ill prepared. While I had packed a pencil and paper, along with my water bottle, the idea of being asked to do something unknown, answer a question on the spot or share my work for another鈥檚 approval was a little daunting. And this is what we ask of young people every day.
On our way into class two lovely students assisted me to find my seat at the back of the room. (I was grateful for this). Mrs Lamb was a delight and introduced me as a new student visiting the classroom for the morning. I was made to feel very welcome. What I engaged with across the next 90 minutes was an opportunity to witness the curiosity and courage of our learners.
Our first task was to listen to a presentation from one of our classmates. I loved the way the students honoured their peer by giving technical assistance to the presenter, listening with intent, and asking probing questions.
Mrs Lamb then had us write a narrative (while I initially sighed with relief that it wasn鈥檛 a numeracy lesson; I did wonder whether my work would be graded). Using a stimulus picture and some key vocabulary we were given 15 minutes to commence our narrative. The timer was on!
After two failed starts I finally (under pressure to perform) managed to write a couple of paragraphs. I was rushing to the end as the timer went off. Then we were called on to share our work. It鈥檚 funny that after all these years of writing assignments and speaking in front of large groups, I still felt vulnerable sharing my work as a learner. I need not have feared, I was blown away at how eager our Learners were in sharing what they had produced. Confident they had given their best; their excitement was encouraging and eased any nerves I may have had.
Being a learner today is very different from when I was at school. The classroom was friendly, encouraging and filled with peers supporting each other. Mrs Lamb鈥檚 leadership of this wonderful group of learners was like watching a finely tuned conductor, ably directing, and redirecting the orchestra of students, honouring and encouraging them, spotlighting and reminding them, all while bringing joy, curiosity and energy to the room. I believe it is the quality of educators like Mrs Lamb whose passion for learners and learning enables our young people to dig deeply as they add to their Faith, Knowledge, Curiosity, Character and Connection.
Thank you to Mrs Lamb and 4L for having me.
Blessings
Nicole Gregory
Principal
