From the Desk of Mr. Brad Williams
The end of the academic semester and calendar year is a time, for me, of mixed thoughts and emotions. It has been a good start to the 2022-2023 school year. Routines have set in, expectations have been understood and a sense of normalcy has helped foster a healthy learning environment. With that, this time is also one of change and for many creates a degree of stress or busyness associated with exams and the Christmas season.
As a teacher, I’ve seen wonderful growth in the classroom and in an odd way somewhat sad to end my time teaching those students who are in my class for only semester one. At the same time, I am proud of the growth and knowledge that has occurred in the classroom, and hope they feel the same way.
As an administrator, my thoughts tend to center on the overall condition of the school instead of a particular classroom. As I said, the sense of routine, expectations and normalcy have led to growth and a quality learning environment in the school. It is an honor to contribute and support this environment however I can.
I think everyone, even when considering these positives, also feels a sense of pressure when it comes to this time of year. Whether it’s exams, Christmas planning, or personal matters, people can feel overworked and spread thin during the month of December.
In this regard, I have two suggestions: 1) Finish the year strong by preparing in a composed and thoughtful way and 2) Take time to feel good about the positive events around you. In other words, prepare for what you can to take some control of the situation but at the same time also be appreciative of your accomplishments and the quality elements of your life.
On that last thought, I think mostly of our students who I know at times become stressed about exams and end of year grading. Academic performance is important, so I encourage them to take it seriously. It’s also important to feel good about the work you’ve done up to this point, and taking time to sense that will, I hope, help respond to the pressure some of them are under right now.
I recall the book of James, which reads: Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
Mr. Brad Williams
