Week+6+Term3

Week 6 Term 3 2008

**__NAPLAN__** At a School Performance Reference Group Meeting last week, we were informed that the 2008 NAPLAN information (including student reports) is scheduled to be sent to schools in the week commencing 8 September, and that student reports are to be sent home in the following week, beginning 15 Septemb er. Schools should be receiving more information regarding NAPLAN very soon.

Ross who is the ICT specialist will be visiting the school on Friday. Any LOTE supervisors who want want to talk to him please feel free to do so. This to confirm that Gavin Rogers (SIDE manager of ICT) and myself will be visiting 8.30 am on  Fri  day the 2 9 th of August. We plan to depart at 11.00 am. (Our plane leaves Kununurra at 12.55)     The aims of the visit include: Looking forward to meeting you next  Fri   day.
 * __Ross from SIDE__**
 * to learn a bit about the context of  Wyndham  - and how this affects SIDE students at your school
 * discuss any issues or questions you may have regarding SIDE
 * offer advice on any connectivity issues you may have that affect SIDE students

**__Five Things That Fred Astaire and Great Teachers Have In Common__**

He glides, he floats, he makes it look so easy. Fred Astaire just makes me relax and be happy when I watch this beautiful scene. But, Fred Astaire and great teachers have some things in common. media type="youtube" key="ac6o8PXthzQ&color1=11645361&color2=13619151&hl=en&fs=1" height="344" width="425"

Did it really take that long to get ready for this scene? It looks effortless and easy! Does it really take that long to plan for that lesson? It looks like they are just "winging it" and going with the flow?
 * 1 - They Make It Look Easy **

Yes. It takes a long time. Lots of knowhow, experience and practice.

It is easy to see that Fred Astaire knew how to dance. He knew it inside and out. Great teachers do too.
 * 2 - Deep Knowledge of Their Subject **

Fred Astaire loved dance like a great teacher loves teaching. It is in their blood, life, and bones. To stop dancing (or teaching) would mean that life was over. It is what we're born to do.
 * 3 - Enjoyment of the Dance **

Of course, there were four separate rooms for this scene and some camera trickery as well. Likewise, good teachers know shortcuts and tricks to make things work. They know how to silence a student goofing off with a raised eyebrow or can warm up the sad child with a gleaming eye.
 * 4 - A few tricks **

Fred Astaire had such a long and illustrious career because he never stopped innovating. He never stopped dancing. He tried new things. He pushed the envelope. Likewise, great teachers like [|Louise Maine] and [|Ernie Easter], reinvent themselves. They push, they do more. They never settle. I want to be like them.
 * 5 - Desire to Innovate **

So, today as you dance around your classroom, do a little two step. Dance a little lighter. You are the Fred Astaire of your classroom. Dance (and teach) like you mean it!

You've got the most noble calling on earth -- live like it!