Welcome from the Chair
The start of a new academic year is always busy and I trust that it has been a good period for most of you. The December 2011 holiday may be a rather distant memory, as the often more mundane aspects of the typical routines of school days unfold. There are, however, some significant changes in the curriculum this year, at key stages, and the implementation of these changes will require specific focus.
During the December break, a number of schools suffered tragedies with the loss of either staff members or pupils. On behalf of SAHISA, I extend heartfelt condolences to those schools and communities and pray that, in the months ahead, when the shock and grief of the losses are still so painfully raw to those devastated, they will find some comfort and peace within the very supportive communities that characterize our schools.
SAHISA will shortly be extending a warm and sincere welcome to a number of new heads, and I do trust that your period in office, whilst often challenging, will create opportunities for both professional and personal growth.
At the beginning of February, the Exco and Council will meet and the agendas are set to allow for report-backs, discussion, and decisions which will determine much that we will focus on during this year.
2012 has been identified, according to the Chinese Horoscope, as the year of the ‘Dragon’. The Dragon is the 5th sign of the Chinese Zodiac and signifies luck. I did read recently, and I have taken a little poetic licence, a description of the Dragon which I find infinitely more appealing than the horrible prediction of the Mayan Calendar that 2012 is the year when civilization, as we know it, will disappear!
Thinking of the work we all do, I found much resonance with the following:
Dragons are driven, unafraid of challenges, and willing to take risks. They’re passionate in all they do and they do things in grand fashion. Unfortunately, this passion and enthusiasm can leave Dragons feeling exhausted.
Considering their hard-working nature, Dragons are healthy overall. They do get stressed and suffer from periodic tension/headaches, likely because they take so many risks. Dragons could benefit from incorporating mild activity into their lives. Yoga or walking would be good as these activities can work both their minds and their bodies.
Following the Exco and Council meetings, I will compile a comprehensive report on the outcome of the meetings.
I wish you a really good year with lots of time for yoga or walking!
Mary Williams
National Chair
