Monthly Archives: June 2016

Don’t take yourself too seriously!

Posted on June 28, 2016 by mwalker

Each year the students set the school leadership a dare challenge if they raised significant funds for the school in the annual walkathon. I was reminded of this when I stumbled on the photo of one challenge they set me … Continue reading →

Posted in Leadership, school, school administration | 16 Comments

Choosing Schools

Posted on June 27, 2016 by mwalker

Parents choosing schools based on the ‘vibe’ and community rather than test scores and fancy facilities This newspaper article attracted my attention over the weekend as it resonated with my experience as both a parent and school leader. In my … Continue reading →

Posted in Family, Leadership, parenting, school, school structures | 8 Comments

A School Farewell

Posted on June 21, 2016 by mwalker

This week I was very humbled to attend my farewell assembly at school. There were students, teachers, parents and some returning parents of former students, former and current colleagues, representatives from the Department of Education and my family. Farewell’s are … Continue reading →

Posted in Leadership, reflections, school, Video Clips | 29 Comments

Small classes are still being sold as the “golden” goose!

Posted on June 19, 2016 by mwalker

I’ve just finished cooking omelettes for breakfast and I open the daily paper (Age) and stumble across the Independent Schools Guide. It’s a 16 page full colour advertising features that doesn’t appear online. The last thing I’m wanting to do … Continue reading →

Posted in school, Teaching, Uncategorized | 10 Comments

mobile/cell phones on school or summer camps

Posted on June 11, 2016 by mwalker

that sixth graders who spent just five days at a tech-free sleepaway camp developed greater understanding of real-world interpersonal communication cues, including a better ability to read facial expressions, make eye contact, and interpret tone of voice and other prompts, … Continue reading →

Posted in Family, parenting | 2 Comments

Some essential questions to ask.

Posted on June 11, 2016 by mwalker

I was referred to this speech by a close colleague of mine, also like myself a summer school alumni member of Harvard (if this is indeed claimable). Having listened to the speech now several times I cannot but help think … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 3 Comments

Revolution School, a must watch documentary on ABC television

Posted on June 5, 2016 by mwalker

There is a new 4 part documentary on our ABC channel called “Revolution School” with the first episode screened last week. I think this is a must watch show for anyone interested in schooling. The ABC took cameras into a normal secondary … Continue reading →

Posted in Accountability, Assessment, Data Wise Program, Harvard, Leadership, professional learning, school, teacher efficacy, Uncategorized | 8 Comments

Downsizing your house? We did and what did we learn?

Posted on June 5, 2016 by mwalker

Ever considered downsizing your house? We sold our family home in October last year after about 6 weeks of preparation time. After we finished repainting (over 1/2 of the external house and windows – once you start where do you … Continue reading →

Posted in Family, Uncategorized | 17 Comments