The work that brings us together
By Anne Mallen | ITM , Training
This year’s schools residential may have been the best one yet.
It was the third year running that students and teachers from the Melbourne and Sydney schools have gathered at the Maitripa centre in Healesville.
The turnout was big – 50 people.
The weather at the end of February was perfect, unlike previous years which have ranged from freezing to baking hot.
The food was fantastic again, and the accommodation seems to get a little fancier every year.
As usual, students from the Melbourne school headed by David Moore and the Sydney school headed by Greg Holdaway attended, along with quite a few teachers, plus for the first time the head of the new Sydney school, Simon Fitzgibbon.
It’s really noticeable how much the students and teachers from the schools are bonding. There’s a warmth there, and friendships and connections are growing across state borders.
It’s been a wonderful vision by David and Greg of a unified Alexander schools experience, where everyone is safe and welcome.
Caren Bayer taught us with her usual mix of brilliance and humility.
There was singing all together, and dancing and sharing and learning from each other.
The final concert was a heartfelt affair, so much so that even the staff at Maitripa decided to participate.
A particular thank you to all the soon-to-be teachers who ran workshops at the residential. They were interesting, fun and really useful. We loved learning from you and with you.
We’re looking forward to the next one.
By Rossella Buono and Anne Mallen