Reflection: How I'm Making the Most of the Year by Getting Involved

I've always been an overachiever. In high school I danced over 35 hours a week, on top of attending school and holding down a part time job. In university, I was part of numerous campus clubs, holding leadership positions, attending events after class... and when that wasn't enough, I started an online magazine and hired an entire staff team to help me run it. When I entered the workforce, I entered with 2 full time jobs, a part time job as well as volunteering on the side. I like to be busy - I thrive on a full schedule.

Starting off at a new school I was worried about finding my footing. Are there positions to be involved with? Will the committees want to have a BT helping them? Will my mentors think I am taking on too much? Am I taking on too much? All of these thoughts racing through my head made me hesitant to get involved, but within the first few weeks I realized there are so many opportunities for staff with varying levels of commitment.

I knew right away I wanted to join the PB4L (Positive Behaviour For Learning) team. I had learned a little bit about this during my Graduate programme, and my last placement school was moving towards this model, and I had seen the presentation hosted for them. I truly believe the values and ideals which PB4L is built on helps relationship building, fostering student achievement and overall learner morale. If I am going to be using these practices in class, I want to know as much as I can! So, I joined... and was appointed 'cheerleader', which means I get to help promote our PB4L school wide initiatives. This will help me engage with staff school wide, as well as break me out of my shell during staff meetings, where I get to speak about our PB4L student rewards and incentives.

I am excited for the additional training which comes with this committee and believe it will be invaluable to the way I interact with my students, as well as with people in general. Handling tough situations in a positive way is beneficial in all aspects of life. I hope to reflect more on the subject of PB4L as I continue to learn throughout the year.

A new initiative for 2018 was the creation of a Book Club! I've always been an avid reader, and honestly, I love YA Literature. While I would be happy to coach/support a sports team, after conversing with our wonderful librarian, I knew this was an opportunity just perfect for me! We will read a new book each term and meet twice to discuss our progress. A number of my students are also signed up for the Book Club, so I figured this would be an excellent way to bond and build connections with them, as well as other students across different year levels. This also gets me out and interacting with the other teachers who are running the Book Club, and making lasting connections with staff. I am just a member here, but will be happy to help foster a love for reading and literacy among the bookworms at HHS!

Lastly, in our Junior block we were deciding on different roles and responsibilities for the team, and I  *eagerly* put up my hand with a suggestion for a dance group. I am unsure how this will unfold, but I am sure we can create an excellent programme for our students. The reason I was keen on this was because many of my students told me the love the performing arts, but not all of them are able to enrol in dance classes outside of school. While again, this was mostly the students in my class, I am sure there are students across the school who would love the opportunity to dance whether it's for fun, fitness or for technique!

I feel really happy with the ways I've chosen to get involved and do not feel overwhelmed by the responsibilities I have taken on. I think each role allows me to use a different part of my skill set to interact and help teach students across the school and overall, I want to do it for the kids! They deserve to have a variety of opportunities, and if I can help make that happen so that they can try something new - I am going to be the first one to volunteer!