BEHIND US AND HOPES FOR MOVING FORWARD

Our new wall art lovingly painted by our friend/volunteer Delfina Pandiani    

Post by Hilary Sherlock -Director                                                                         with after note and formatting by Leslie Wan

By Hilary Sherlock

The end of the school year usually brings thoughts of graduation rituals and G-Sat result stress for most children.  For our school it is different – most of our students do not follow the usual path with pre-designated transitions. The challenge becomes how to differentiate the school experience so that it reflects the growth of a child to young adult, but within the same setting and adults. This leads to some basic questions. What experiences are we giving our children and in what kind of environment?  What does our school environment say about our children, who they are, and how they learn and grow?

Looking back at what I wrote almost a year ago about plans for the last school year I am struck by the shift in my thinking.  The checklist of items (the “never-ending to do list” ) is still there with some items completed and some continuing, but above all of them now, is a developing framework of what kind of school we really want to have. 

The past year started off with staff changes and chik- V – not a good combination!  These challenges led to a new found resilience, a stronger team and an appreciation of the qualities in each of us that make for a good team.  Now, our differentiated curriculum is stronger and the activities based on our garden have been innovative and enriching.  We have further strengthened our sensory enrichment. Our building is more secure with grilling, and our recycling program is now entrenched.  We have been enriched by volunteers with fresh ideas. Our use of appropriate technology is stronger. We welcomed an engaging storyteller, A-dziko, who makes their faces light up!

It is a happy Day when A-dziko comes for storytelling

How does all this fit into the larger philosophy of our school and its development plan? Thanks to Cathryn, (my young mentor – yes, a mentor can be a much younger person) I discovered the philosophy of Emilio Reggio.  His belief, that schools should be places of “natural light, order and beauty.” A further premise of his work; it should provide an opportunity for each child to use all their senses and “languages” to learn.  If, as one writer says, children form their understanding of themselves and their place in the world through interactions and investigative learning, then we must provide the environment in which to do this. This principle holds true for our children with all their complex special needs.  

  

Exploration of texture with flour paste is quite the adventure!

Our new building and garden have provided functional and comfortable spaces. How good is it that the design we ended with, based on functionality and economy, continues to be a wonderful space in which to transform lives? This has energized me and confirmed my thinking  of what our school should be.  The challenge now is how to provide these opportunities with children for whom discovery is really a challenging process. The journey will continue into the new school year and as the heat of summer is upon us we wrapped up summer school and we rest and re-energize for the school year to come. Before we blink our eyes we will be coming back to wash and organize everything, and get ready for wheel chairs aplenty again or so we hope.    

Summer school cooking class

More summer school cooking class

Craft time

Our summer school experiences provided a time for the children, staff and volunteers to enjoy each other.  We engaged in collaborative activities – cooking, creating  wonderful art, drama,  dance and yoga exercises  which  was affirming and energy giving. Even bubble time was full of summer freedom. 

Our Struggle 

Staying afloat is all about FAITH  

I have struggled with the admission of our critical financial situation, however, the reality is.......... that our school CANNOT continue to exist if our financial situation does not improve..........Despite continual fund raising, kind donations and gifts we need substantially more funds to be committed on an ongoing basis to continue our work.  Some say that a school like ours should be self-sustaining, but I think the reality is usually they are partly provided funding by a government, trust, charity or foundation. We are ever grateful for the support given in any way however. It has not been an easy message for me to bring here because writing makes it very real. We continue our search for a way forward for the children's sake.........................

Thank you all - Hilary Sherlock

 Below by Leslie Wan (STEP volunteer and STEP blog master)...........

We strive via this blog to make our children real, meaningful and elucidate the exceptional nature of the folks at the school who do all they can to focus and educate challenged and sometimes challenging children. But there is a back story and it isn't a happy one. Financial constraints are it for us. In short we are realistic and coherent about what our financial needs are to keep us going. The future isn't written for us yet and it certainly isn't, and won't, be an easy one. In a faltering economy many things close, but the truth is that in this case if we falter, our children don't disappear, they just become silent in a hostile world.    

Here is a fact though if WILL could be currency, we would be rich. If true dedication to special children were the source of our income then our children would have all they needed because they deserve the chance that the Lord put them here to have. If CARE could be bottled then our pantry would be full. We remain committed, despite our trials, to children who bring daily joy and show us why we are dedicated to their cause. We see progress in them and we strive to take them to the goals set for them. It isn't about lack of commitment in anything we do or don't do, and it will never be about giving up on the rights of a child no matter who or how they are or about frivolous expenditures. These children will have futures because that is the nature of life and we hope their future will be one that starts with joy and respect, and continues with dedication and accomplishment of goals commensurate with their abilities. Sometimes our voice falters under the weight of reality but swing back and refocus is what we are trying to do.

Our message for your life.....  by Leslie Wan

 As always we bring our blog back to you because "us" always includes you, our devoted readers, with challenges of your own. This posting speaks of dedication despite the odds. It is about seeking inspiration when we think it is lacking. It is about focusing on issues in order to bring them more into focus and easier to grasp. It is about persevering because if you give up, lives will be affected. Mostly in the end it is about having heart and having faith. Faith that if our purpose is a pure one and that our goal is for the "invisible" children, then we will continue to walk the path for them because they can't walk themselves. It is the same for you. 

Walk the path of life no matter the obstacles and be conscious of whom you meet along the way that may share your burdens while sharing your joy. Faith is a very small word for a very BIG concept. Rekindle your faith.............Leslie Wan