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uLearn2015

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As you would expect, reflecting on uLearn2015 requires you to try and absorb so much. Fabulous Keynote speakers, a plethora of workshops and presentations and of course, the wonderful connections we make and re-establish. However, the lasting impression I leave with is the reaffirming of the importance that community plays in the success and direction of our schools. This was brought home to me like a slap in the face today when I went to my school to do some prep work before tomorrow. Vandalism... This was not the first time I have seen this over the last two weeks of the holidays, but it did highlight to me the disconnect between some in our community and our school. It saddened me to think that there are people in our small community that could destroy so much of that which belongs to our students. It also highlighted for me he need to engage with the problem that I face each day and that is the disconnect that many of my students bring from the community through my doors to the classroom. It has made me wonder what I can do as a teacher, as a human being and member of the community to transform my classroom environment into a space that can help my students question what community means to them and what they can do to build and sustain one within our classroom, school and wider community. The importance of community is what I’ll be focussing my inquiry on this year. So watch this space.


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