The Connection Week 8 Term 2 (original) (raw)

A teacher: Our role-models and second parents.

As I sat drinking my coffee the other morning, I tried to work out how many teachers I have had in my lifetime and who they were. Between the ages of 5 and 17, I worked out that I have had around 40. Those teachers I could not remember were obviously ones who just taught to pay the bills, however, the ones I did have memories of were those who had significant roles in helping shape my life and the lives of others under their care.

When I thought about the amount of time spent with these teachers, there was no doubt that some had become ‘second parents’ to many - teaching right from wrong, supporting with guidance, being responsive to needs, and imprinting all that was taught.

For the last 10 years, I have been grateful for adding a parental aspect to my teacher lens when it comes to seeing how the needs of my children are met when they are at school. I am proud to see that teachers really know our children and they carry the conviction that they can make a difference through connection, relationship and experiences - the very same things I try to do as a parent.

Of all the teachers your child has throughout their schooling, it gives me hope to know there will be significant people at HDS who touch their hearts and help shape their lives, in their role not only as a teacher, but also a second parent.

Keryn Annan

Deputy Principal