Uninspired.

Some might call it avoidance… others may call it procrastination… I call it “uninspired.”  I’ve been wanting to write my ‘daily’ blog for the last 2 days, but felt uninspired to do so.  It’s almost like teacher hibernation.  I may have accustomed myself to the holiday season cued by school closure and spending an entire day with my daughter.  My house is tidy and household chores are done.  With the holiday season, my clientele are also on holidays.  To be honest, I’m enjoying the easy paced days and the holiday spirit.  As mentioned in my last blog, my daughter and I have been skimming our house with things we don’t use or need anymore.  Yesterday, we donated 3 garbage bags full of clothes, bags, and shoes.  Today, we donated a car load of toys, books, and more clothes.  It’s a wonderful feeling to declutter the home and give things we loved to other people who can love them too.  Furthermore, the Salvation Army benefits monetarily from our donation.  It’s a win-win-win.  I love that I am reconnecting to my home, my family, and my stuff.  I am not defined by my stuff, but it’s a nice to know how fortunate I am.  Recently, I have returned back to my dissertation proposal, Chapter 1.  This is version 5c and it’s has taken me almost 5 months to recover from feedback.  Writing for the thin-wedge is challenging.  I do enjoy the challenge.  What surprises me is the different directions I have taken so far with just one topic.  I need to write it up soon… my topic may be a mute point in the next few years.  Being uninspired is not a good place to be when creating academic work.  What I do like is… it’s consuming my mind.  Now, that’s a good place to be.  Yay.  Feeling inspired again.

Unplugged

What an amazing day… I spent the day unplugged.  I was not connected to my computer or the television for most of the day.  What did I do?  I got caught up on my housework… YES… and started to purge stuff.  This was challenging.  My daughter did a magnificent job on her closet downstairs.  She reduced her jacket/shoes closet in half.  She inspired me to do the same.  I was not as successful, but I did sort through my jackets and shoes to keep what I wanted.  You know… I am abundant.  I have more than enough stuff.  I’m grateful.  Aside from cleaning the first floor and catching up on my laundry, I headed upstairs to do the same thing.  My daughter luckily escaped the purging process and went over to a friend’s house for a play date.  As for myself, I was paralyzed by the purging process.  What to keep?  What to purge?  Will I lose the weight I gained to fit into my clothes again?  That is the question.  Lose 30 pounds or keep 30 pounds… that will determine what I will purge or keep.  I guess this is part of redefining myself, as mentioned in yesterday’s blog.  Typical resolutions: lose weight… purge stuff… and redefine self.  Happy New Year’s to ME.

Now, I am replugged in.  I’m blogging and watching television.  I’m in a complete trance… glued to KCTS watching Les Miserables Anniversary.  I love Les Miserables.  Shhh… must go.  Plugged in.

Redefining Oneself

Well, I know that it is only December 17th… but I am thinking about my new year’s resolutions.  School is out and things in life are seemingly slowing down.  I feel that it would be appropriate to spend a bit of time to redefine myself.  I spent the last year or so transitioning into my ‘new life’ or new way of being.  I spent 16 years of my life as “Ms. Ho” or “Ms. Younghusband,” the math/science teacher at Chatelech Secondary.  Now, I am addressed as “Trustee Younghusband.”  I am a newly elected school trustee, graduate student/doctoral candidate, MEd site assistant at SFU, tutor at Capilano University, and educational consultant/sole proprietor of Younghusband Consulting.  This list does not include my involvements with the BC Association of Mathematics Teachers executive committee, West Sechelt bike club, or Education Graduate Students’ Association at SFU.  I could have stayed with the status quo for the next 18 years to establish a full-pension and teach a thousand more students to love mathematics.  As you can see, if I had stuck with the status quo I would not have been able to realize my potential or capabilities as an educational leader.

Admittedly, the past year had been extremely scary, yet equally exciting.  For the first 6 months, my self-doubt almost got the best of me.  I questioned myself often as to why I left the status quo.  Stepping out of the box with hopes of something good will happen in the end is not an easy task.  Thank goodness for friends and family for keeping me on track and pushing me forwards.  Deep down inside, I knew I would return back to the school district but in a different role.  I did not anticipate within 12-months that I would be elected as a school trustee.  I am honoured and grateful to those in the community who recognized my love and devotion to the Sunshine Coast school district.  The 2011 municipal election win represents the end of this chapter of transformation.

So, what’s next?  First, I have to “let things happen.”  What I mean by this is, when I start something, follow-through and give it time to grow.  I will often pre-judge how things are going and quickly abort the mission.  For example, the use of PayPal during the municipal election, my first blog, and my first 4-5 revisions of my dissertation proposal.  On the other hand, I’ve allowed my business to flourish, my YH Edu-Blog to exist, and my involvement at SFU to broaden.  The results exceeded my expectations.  Now, I have steady business, I have blog-readers from around the world, and I am capitalizing on many opportunities as a graduate student at SFU.  I would like to continue exploring these options in addition to seeing how my new role as school trustee will evolve over the next three years.  Second, I am recommitting myself to my dissertation writing and research.  This academic journey needs my full attention and I am looking for closure on this chapter too.

My biggest challenge is making choices to make it all work.  Balance is my mantra for 2012.  In order to have things in life balance, redefining oneself may be required.  Although it is the greatest compliment when former students ask me when I will be returning back to teaching, I have stepped into a different direction in my pedagogical journey…  I am a graduate student.  I am an educational consultant.  I am a school trustee.  This list does not include the other half of me… I am a mom.  I am a wife.  I am me.  I look forward to the new year.  It will be challenging to say the least, but I feel that I am heading in the right direction professionally, academically, and personally.  To 2012…

Elphi’s Talent Show 2011

My last event on my school trustee Christmas concert tour was at Elphinstone Secondary.  Instead of having each class perform, like at elementary school, or have the music program perform, Elphinstone ends the last week of school before winter break with a talent show.  Chatelech Secondary also does a similar event.  I had attended many talent shows as a teacher at Chatelech, this was an excellent opportunity to attend Elphi’s Talent Show 2011 as school trustee.

Arriving to the school on-time, I realized that the talent show had already started.  Greeted by the front desk clerk, then by vice-principal, it seemed to be no problem slipping in a bit late.  I appreciated the warm welcome from the vice-principal and I was even more enlightened by the performances by the students of Elphinstone.  The concert band played and they sounded fantastic.  Then, it was a solo singer, solo dancer, and then musical performance… along with a puppet show.  One act after the other of students ranging from grades 8-12 were fabulous to say the least.  I reconnected with many teachers at the school and truly enjoyed the talent show.  It was a full-house.  Unlike the elementary school, the audience was mainly composed of Elphi students.  They were so supportive and kind as a school community for each performer.  It was awe inspiring.

Thank you Elphinstone Secondary staff and students for the 2011 Talent Show.  It was a great segway into the winter holiday.  Happy holidays everyone.  You all deserve one.

4 Areas in 4 Days

Well, it’s the Christmas Concert Circuit on the Sunshine Coast.  The last week of school before the Christmas holidays allows for various celebrations to occur at schools before the break.  I have attended 4 areas in 4 days as school trustee.  What do I mean by that?  On the Sunshine Coast, the school district is divided up into 4 areas:  Area 1 (Halfmoon Bay/Madeira Park/Pender Harbour), Area 2 (Roberts Creek/SIGD/Elphinstone), District of Sechelt, and the Town of Gibsons.  I have managed to see one school performance from each area:  West Sechelt Elementary (Sechelt), Roberts Creek Elementary (Area 2), Pender Harbour Secondary (Area 1), and Cedar Grove Elementary (Gibsons).  I had enjoyed meeting the principal of each school and I was thoroughly entertained at each event.  I found that each performance reflected the school’s story and the personality of the surrounding community.  All 4 events were well attended.  The common thread amongst all 4 concerts was the music component.  The music teacher of each school was instrumental to the success of the concert celebration.  School District No.46 (Sunshine Coast) have exceptional music teachers and should be recognized.  Thank you Ms. Mitchell (WSE), Mr. Erikson (RCE), Ms. MacInnes (PHSS), and Ms. Matkin (CGE) for doing an outstanding job with your music programs and our students.  Well done!

First Board Meeting

“Trustee Younghusband” has a very nice ring to it.  I am so proud to be representing the District of Sechelt and School District No.46 (Sunshine Coast) as one of the seven school trustees on the 2011-2014 Board of Education.  I was not sure what to expect last night at my first Board meeting, but I felt at home.  I am familiar with Roberts Rules, working on committees, and school leadership as a SD46 employee assuming teacher leadership roles of staff representative, professional development representative, and math department head.  What I am learning about is the content Boards of Education engages in that relate to governance and student learning.  What is new to me is conducting a public meeting where audience members can scrutinize and pose questions.  With that said, I would highly encourage community members, union representatives, and administration to attend these meetings to stay informed and be a part of the Board of Education process.  Thank you to all those who attended the December 13, 2011 SD46 School Board meeting.  It was nice to see presentations celebrating education on the Sunshine Coast in addition to listening to those who were present.  Thank you to all those on the Sunshine Coast who supported me in the 2011 municipal election and I hope to represent students, families, and community members well.  Next Board meeting is Tuesday, January 10, 2012, 7pm in Gibsons at the SD46 School Board Office.

EdD Dissertation Defense #5

11-12-13… for those who are appreciated numerology, this is kind of cool… the 13th day, of the 12th month, in the year 2011.  This was a special day for my friend, colleague, and classmate, Ann.  She defended her Doctor of Education dissertation yesterday at Simon Fraser University (Vancouver Campus) with her doctoral thesis is titled: “From Crisis to Renewal: One School’s Journey.”  Ann was spectacular in her defense.  There were some technical difficulties, tough questions, and critical audience composed of the panel, colleagues, friends, and family.  She managed to stay focused and remain true to her academic writing and findings.  What I most enjoyed was being a part her dissertation journey from beginning to end.  Ann had a message for schools in crisis in her dissertation that resonates with her deeply and with me.  I am a big Ann supporter and I know she is a big supporter of me and my dissertation journey.  It was a fantastic learning experience for all those involved on this special day.  I am proud to report that Ann passed with minor revisions and she is #5 in my EdD cohort to complete the program.  Congratulations Dr. Ann Skelcher, EdD. 

First Official Business

My first official business as a newly elected school trustee, aside from the inaugural school board meeting and BCSTA Academy, was being present at the West Sechelt Elementary (WSE) Christmas Concert.  I am also a parent at WSE, but this event was even more special because I was also a school trustee that represents the District of Sechelt.  The event was celebrating the musical achievements of the students at WSE and the performances were dedicated to Ms. Scattergood who is retiring from her 41 year teaching career in just a few days.  It was a memorable event.

The school’s music teacher, Ms. Mitchell, led this special day.  She teaches music every student at WSE.  WES is a K-7 school with over 200 students.  She teaches students singing, musical instruments, and band.  Ms. Mitchell is amazing.  I have great respect for her as a colleague, parent, and school trustee.  She is committed to our students and we are so fortunate to have her teach our students.  She is doing a wonderful job.  It was evident in the concert.  Very entertaining.  Along side with the Superintendent of Schools, we both enjoyed the students’ performances.

Thank you WSE staff, students, parents, and Parent Advisory Council (PAC) for making this event possible.  The school gym was standing room only.  It was phenomenal to see such an extraordinary school community get together to attend this daytime holiday event.  It was a pleasure.

Tunnel Vision

Have you ever heard this term before?  Tunnel Vision.  I first learned about tunnel vision when I used to curl competitively in high school.  When you are in the zone… when you are focused on the task at hand… you have tunnel vision.  Don’t get distracted.  Keep your eye on the prize.  Set a goal and get it done.  I understand this notion of tunnel vision in terms of high performance sport.

Tunnel vision would be a useful tool for my dissertation.  I have so many things on the go, that sometimes sitting down and writing my dissertation for an extended period of time does not happen.  I get that tunnel vision can be a good thing. What about the negative aspects of tunnel vision?  What if you are so focused on a task that you lose sight of everything else or lose perspective?

I am beginning to realize that I’ve been so focused on myself and my achievements that I have lost focus on what’s truly important… my family, my health, and my academic studies.  Sometimes an unpleasant wake up call is needed to pull on the heart-strings to truly understand what is important in life.  There are no absolutes, but there is balance, recognition, and acknowledgment.

Lesson learned:  Tunnel vision is good… but when you are in the tunnel… don’t get stuck in there.

Last Day at the Academy

Let’s start with the end, first.  I am so glad to be back home on the Sunshine Coast, sitting in front of the fireplace in my pajamas… blogging.  Second, I had another great day at the BCSTA Academy.

The day started with breakfast with a seating plan.  Each delegate had a table number indicated on his/her name tag.  It was intended for delegates to mix and mingle.  I did meet people who remained in their district teams, others who followed the rules, and some who wanted to follow the rules but could not find a seat.  Nonetheless, mission accomplished… I met more delegates.  Anyway, I finally arrived to my table thoroughly enjoyed the conversation before the start of the first session.  

The day started with a Plenary Panel Presentation: The Voices of Experience… 6 experienced Board Chairs and Superintendents.  Each Board Chair/Superintendent duo from 3 distinct school districts shared their experiences and relationship.  I enjoyed the content, their honesty, and diversity of each duo.  I appreciated their stories, mutual respect, and willingness to make it work.  They offered great advice and wealth of knowledge.  And, the panel answered questions from the floor well.

The second morning session was a Plenary Presentation from Dr. Stephen Murgatroyd.  What an inspiration.  He was candid, honest, and insightful about his views on 21st Century Learning and Trustee Leadership.  The presentation was extremely entertaining and informative.  His wit, his knowledge, clear vision inspired the delegates to do what’s right.  Thank you Dr. Murgatroyd.

After lunch, the closing plenary started with Gladstone Secondary School Musical Theatre.  Loved it.  Song and dance with songs from Grease and 42nd Street.  It was like watching Glee LIVE (without the drama).  The students were highly skilled and talented.  Entertaining from beginning to end… an excellent segway to the final speaker Mary-Lynn Epps, A Teacher’s Perspective on 21st Century Learning.  Personalized learning in-action… A great way to end the BCSTA Academy.

Thank You BCSTA organizers, SD46, and our Board of Education and Senior Staff.  I much enjoyed the learning experience.  Making new contacts, learning about 21st Century Learning and role of the school trustee, and team building with the SD46 Team has been worthwhile.  Much gratitude.