One of the very first questions my principal asked me was, “What does ES need after being an AP for a year?” So many things started running through my head and I didn’t know where to begin or what to say. I listed four or five things and then she asked, “Which one is the most important one you think that needs immediate action?” I immediately responded with, “a behavior plan.”
Author: Dana Shuhaibar
Frustration…
As many of you know, when I came back after the summer holidays from Lebanon, my trainer measured me. Even after an active summer, my measurements and weight had increased. I felt defeated and felt that I would never reach that figure I have always wanted in my head.
I began to not care if I trained or not. When I would train, I wasn’t focused and my trainer would begin to lecture me. I’d listen but wouldn’t say a word. One day something flipped after chatting with a friend of mine. After our conversation, I called my nutritionist and booked an appointment.
A Decision
This year I followed through with a decision I had in mind last year. Admin decided, that we would take soccer away as a consequence since it was causing so many problems. Once I got the green light, I went ahead and sent out the email to all the duty teachers letting them know that there will be NO soccer for 1 week for grades 3 and 4.
Change
As many of you know and read in my June blog posts, my old principal left and a new one came. When it comes to international schools and education there is always a turn over with either staff or admin/leadership. With that being said there are always changes when someone new enters admin.
My question is, why is it a fight or really hard for some to accept a simple change? Why are people hesitant to give chances and trust the process? I feel that the ones who always have barriers are the ones who do not want to improve professionally or be risk takers and try something that they are NOT used to.
Lost weight or NOT lost?! That is the question…
Four days after I arrived from Lebanon, I got on the scale. Ondrej was coming and I knew that he would be asking me for my weight after doing my measurements. When I got on the scale I didn’t want to look down. When I did, I was shocked and couldn’t believe the number that I saw. I checked it about 3 times and each time it showed the same number. I felt like crying. How did I manage to gain 4 kilos 4!? I was so active this summer and worked out every other day! My clothes fit well and I didn’t goof off with food. WHAT IS GOING ON?!! There’s no way that it’s all muscle! If that’s the case then no more workouts for me! As my mind was racing with 101 things I heard the door open and I knew it was Ondrej.
Continue reading “Lost weight or NOT lost?! That is the question…”
An Active Summer!
With not having PTC this summer, it meant that I actually had 2 months off without having to worry about anything. I took this summer to focus on my mental health and myself. After the rollercoaster year that I just experienced as my first year as an AP, I wanted to do nothing, see no one and just be a couch potato for the first week of my summer vacation. The school ended and we traveled to Lebanon. When I arrived, I was physically and mentally exhausted. I saw no one and spoke to no one for the first 7 days. I was in my pjs for 3 days straight and all I did was sleep, eat and play with my children. It felt so good since I didn’t have any days like that during the school year.
New Staff Check-in
The first week of the school year has passed. My new staff completed their first week with their students and had the opportunity to meet the parents. I usually meet with the new staff at the end of the first week for 15 minutes to check in and ask a few questions. However, after reading John Wink’s article on “5 Alternatives to Asking New Teachers How They’re Doing” I was excited to try a different approach. While reading this article, I realized how much I related to it. He described what I normally ask my staff, whether they are old or new. “Hi how are you? Or “Hi how’s it going?” He stated that when we ask those types of questions, it does not give us any indication on how they are truly doing. So instead, he states to ask specific questions.
Guest Speaker
A month and a half ago Kimberly from University of Washington found me on Twitter. She reached out to me asking if I would be a guest speaker to talk about about Kuwait’s education, the everyday life in Kuwait and about my personal life. I gasped when I read her email and automatically replied back saying that I would love to. I was very nervous but knew that this would be a great opportunity.
Admin life never ENDS!
I recently tweeted a few weeks ago the following statement: “Admin life does not end on the last day of school.” A few people responded privately saying, “I am glad I am not the only one that thinks this” or “ That is so true!” I smiled as I read them and replied.There is no such thing as a vacation when taking on a role in admin. We might not be on campus but we are surely working, thinking or reading. I am glad I wasn’t the only one feeling or thinking that way.
HIKING?! ME?!
June 26th marked our 10 year anniversary. I suggested to my husband that we should do something crazy! I said, “Let’s go hiking instead of the yearly dinner that we do.” He looked at me and thought that I was joking. All of my friends enjoy hiking and after seeing some pictures I’ve wanted to try it. So my husband being my husband started researching and contacted someone and gave him our details. A few hours later we got a response back with the location for beginners along with some pictures and information that we needed.