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Friday, February 25, 2011

Tribute to to the Cantabs

I have this very poignant poem to share with you.
It was composed by my talented daughter Kelly who lives in Cheviot but was born & bred in Christchurch.
Thank you Kelly for so elogantly voicing the thoughts we all have.



Christchurch – 22.02.11

The great plains that surround you have swallowed you in grief

There is no running from this pain, no temporary relief.

The scorn of mother nature, just like Garys’ poem said

Has left you lost and broken, left your love and kinsmen dead.

The Christian steeple fallen, the men no longer pray,

The one eyed red and blacks are lost, yet your courage makes you stay.

The history in bricks and mortar tumbled to the ground,

Your loved ones lie beneath them, as you beseech but any sound.

And here I sit and watch you, my home, the town I know,

How can I be near you, what should I do and how.

My helplessness consumes me I want to hold your hand

Cradle baby Jayden and rejoice with wine for Anne.

How can I console you the people of my youth,

I wish that I could house you all and hide you from the truth.

Put back the bricks and mortar, save you, set you free

Let the book I read in standard three lie back in History

But I am not immortal, I cannot turn back time

There is no magic running through, these weathered hands of mine

But let me tell you what I know, re-tell you what I see

I see the best and worst of it, compassion, and humanity

I see the people fighting for love for what is theirs

Kinsman bond together battling more than fears

Nations come to help you, to lend a helping hand

The world is at your doorstep, and with you they shall stand

So though it is of little light through the tunnel that you walk

And I have only words for you, of the pain I cannot talk

Please know that we are here for you, we’ll be there in the wake

The red and black within your hearts was never hers to take.


By K.J Ensor,Cheviot,NZ

Worth a think about ?






Thursday, February 17, 2011

Enlightment?

Ok.. so it has been a pretty traumatic week. Having he challenge of working through the questions of life when someone so close may not be with you in the future certainly rocks your boat.
I have made a few major mis-takes & consequent decsions during the past few months but somehow fate has shown these were the best ones for the future.
I am so glad I was here for my close ones when the rubber hit the road.
I am very fortunate to have a great whanau of friends and acquaintences who certainly showed their worth when it mattered.
I will never forget you wonderful people ever.
The past few days have also nailed me to my conviction in life in what really matters.
To have a wonderful partner in future dreams and a family of character, real love and support is what really means success in life. I have the jackpot in this respect.
So back to my decision to be a 'real' teacher once again - well I have certainly discovered my true worth again. Yes, some will say - oh where is this guy at ? [esp one Westie who calls it as he sees it!]
But in reality it has been a born again experience. I love being with kids on a full on day basis and enjoying their bubbly enthusiasm to learn and grow. In turn this is has been the fountain of youth for me. I have regained true purpose and satisfaction in what I want to achieve.
So hence the "smitzhy" video below ( I dedicate this to all the hard nuts who are not believers in the power of learnig through kids}

Kia Kaha & keep smiling for our fledglings in learning!

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

On a new wave

So here it begins - a new phase in my life. I have made a deliberate decision to go back to my core values in life & aspirations. I am so excited about having the opportunity to be a real teacher again( Thnx JP u r the man!)
We met as a team today - what an awesome bunch of educators. Now I guess I have to show the glow and prove I can teach the kids of today.
I have learnt so much during the past few years - many thanks to the KFS team and my close colleagues at MBS.(esp Tash)
I am determined to " Be the difference" @ GHS and hopefully motivate those I am responsible for to go on and do the same.
It is so refreshing to be back with motivated educators who care about what is best for the kids.
I had hoped in my time as a Principal to make a mark, in this respect. Unfortunately politics, professional egos and self interested adults got in the way.
Now I can concentrate on where you can really have a positive influence.
I leave you with this:

This is where I believe I can really "Be the difference.