The initial hours of this project were pretty dense, so i'll be writing a few short, sharp snapshots of what happened - I hope that this will inform and inspire others into developing similar roles in their areas. As the weeks go on I shall be getting more deep into theological and missiological reflections on the work.
0915
I decide to do a round on the corridors. I'm deliberately not entering any classrooms as I do not want to be a distraction. Unfortunately, thats where all the children are so I have nothing to do except admire the wall displays - there are some great fabric banners telling the story of Macbeth but the most striking display is the GIANT bird hanging from the top corridor to the ground.
To be honest with you all the displays are delightful, also, peeking through door windows at happy children in the learning environment looks like the slickest of government TV commercials for becoming a teacher.
Upstairs i finally find some children in the corridor, but they're doing a maths test so i walk on by.
0925
In the Staffroom i have a chat with the caretaker who is setting up the emergency urn (the hot water dispenser has broken). Not entirely sure what common ground we might have to talk about I settle on whether or not he has a power-tools budget. He doesn't.
0930
Decide to do another round of the corridors; this time I'm getting jokey comments about "Loitering with intent" - in an environment full of vulnerable children i'm a little concerned that the fine line between 'jokey' and 'weird/worrying' is much closer than normal so i try to explain what i'm doing. I garble some rubbish about "intentional befriending" and realise i really need to work on my laymen's terminology.
I find a little tucked away corner which is strewn with an exceptionally random assortment of paraphernalia; its the Counsellor's office. The Counsellor is a WONDERFUL lady with a load of great ideas for helping children express themselves. I'll write about her later…
0955
Bump into the Headteacher, I explain about my failed joke earlier and all is fine. The Head has completely understood the experimental nature of what i'm doing as a Chaplain and tells me that she's just leaving me to it to do what i like - I feel so grateful and blessed to be given such a free rein! I had deliberately picked this school because they are forward thinking and i have always had a good relationship with them, but even given that, this is a rare opportunity which i am extremely thankful for.
0925
In the Staffroom i have a chat with the caretaker who is setting up the emergency urn (the hot water dispenser has broken). Not entirely sure what common ground we might have to talk about I settle on whether or not he has a power-tools budget. He doesn't.
0930
Decide to do another round of the corridors; this time I'm getting jokey comments about "Loitering with intent" - in an environment full of vulnerable children i'm a little concerned that the fine line between 'jokey' and 'weird/worrying' is much closer than normal so i try to explain what i'm doing. I garble some rubbish about "intentional befriending" and realise i really need to work on my laymen's terminology.
I find a little tucked away corner which is strewn with an exceptionally random assortment of paraphernalia; its the Counsellor's office. The Counsellor is a WONDERFUL lady with a load of great ideas for helping children express themselves. I'll write about her later…
0955
Bump into the Headteacher, I explain about my failed joke earlier and all is fine. The Head has completely understood the experimental nature of what i'm doing as a Chaplain and tells me that she's just leaving me to it to do what i like - I feel so grateful and blessed to be given such a free rein! I had deliberately picked this school because they are forward thinking and i have always had a good relationship with them, but even given that, this is a rare opportunity which i am extremely thankful for.
Sounds like a very positive project. Hope it goes well mate. Henry
ReplyDeleteThanks Henry, Hope your plans are coming along well this year! :-)
Delete