The Clear Desk
Dear Reader,
I have been encouraged to write this blog, which I hope you will enjoy.
The title "The Clear Desk" contains a double meaning, on accepting the position of Headmaster, I smugly asked the faculty to operate a 'clear desk' policy; I have to admit this is a standard that I have yet to fulfill myself. While my desk might be piled with paperwork, I do hope this blog gives a clear insight into my role as a Headmaster. My goal is for you to feel like you’re sitting in the Headmaster’s seat with me getting a firsthand look at the decision making that goes into creating a vibrant international community.
Enjoy!
American Football
Go Giants
Waking up under the Belly of a Blue Whale.
My son turned eight just after the New Year and we were looking for a suitable experience to make this moment memorable. My wife purchased two tickets for the “sleep over” at the Natural History Museum. This event was heralded as a father/son bonding event. I smiled and yet deep down I felt skeptical and concerned, a state of mind for many Headmasters!
We arrived fashionably late at 6:45, checked in at the desk, handed over endless permission slips and headed for our bunks. Over a hundred other “parties” of all ages had also had a similar idea and my heart sank when I saw the rows of green camp beds. This was going to be demanding night for me – but for Tom the adventure had just begun.
The Outer Space display was exciting, the Dinosaurs were friendly, Dumb Dumb was not chewing and the animals did seem to come alive. A large amount of the museum was open and everyone we meet was friendly and informative.
The true experience was a feeling of space and freedom. We could view “Lucy”, a significant skeleton, without being trampled by others and there was a true sense of fun! We explored the endless labyrinth of rooms and the feeling of excitment grew as we approached the midnight hour. Some groups slept near elephants, others (in more reflective areas) under starfish or beside a polar bear. Thomas and I chose underneath the belly of a blue whale!
The evening events were well considered and not too strict, we were free to explore, flash lights in hand. The Imax film “Tornado Alley” and the live wolf display were really great, but in truth the real highlight was being together.
Yes, there was a lot of snoring – one hundred people in unison – (Tom says it was just me). We woke early to avoid the bathroom rush, at times I felt a lack of home comforts, but all of this disappeared when Tom openly said “Dad that was really great! Thanks! You were quite fun!”
Headmaster’s recipe for top class education
Take one Manhattan melting pot.
Induct and blend 72 adults.
Gently introduce 250 inspirational children.
Stir in 10 Learner Profile Attributes, 10 Attitudes and 5 Transferable skills.
Sprinkle Central Ideas.
Take several large spoonfuls of a British National Curriculum.
Blend these ingredients together, add a little heat (careful not to over heat). The end result should be 322 round, internationally focused people who have the skills to meet the 21st century with confidence and a sense of humour.
Happy Thanksgiving to all of BIS-NY!
Progress is everywhere
Today we had to say goodbye to a loyal and dedicated pupil and family. BIS-NY is lucky to have talented international families, and there are times that “relocation” is essential. I no longer discuss change, only progress! As this fantastic family flies back to the UK, I am confident that we have provided the pupil with all the tools he needs for the 21st Century and success back in the “old country”.
We will meet again, but thank you and travel well.
Looking after Royalty
It does not happen often, but when it does it is very special. Today I opened a handwritten thank you letter from a real Princess! HRH Princess Alexandra expressed her gratitude and thanks for all that the pupils achieved. This is a special school and I was very proud to be able to welcome a member of the British Royal Family. The School has dedicated the Library in her name as a mark of respect, but to also highlight our desire for the Library and reading to be at the heart of our school.
The plaque in the Library finishes with the quote “Today a reader, tomorrow a leader”. I believe this to be true and equips our pupils with the tools of life and academic success.
Finding Balance
The term is now in full swing and the friendships between the children are starting to build. One of the amazing things about teaching is that you get the privilege to help children make and adjust their friendships. Later on in the term we will move into the “conflict resolution” phase but at the moment the pupils seem content to explore the diverse and wonderful personalities that exist on the playground.
The Headmaster’s Office is a different kind of playground…. I am proud of the Faculty at BIS-NY. They are flexible and talented educators who want the best for our pupils; however, it is important to find the balance between aiming to high and aiming to low. Continually pressing for higher standards is important, but it requires creating the right conditions for work/ life effectiveness. An overpowering Headmaster can create over stressed teachers and burnt out children! We all have to decide what is urgent and what can wait. I am the first to admit that I sometimes get this wrong!
You can find an electronic copy of the magazine Attain (published in the UK) at http://www.attainmagazine.co.uk/digital/issue16/#/50/ You will know that I write a column for them, although I was not particularly pleased with this article. I think my next piece will be on “moving children” between countries, the focus being between London and New York.
Enjoy the long weekend.
Committees and Assemblies
I have just formulated many new committees “IB”, “ISI”, & “HRH” to name just a few. The school is really starting to look into the future and it looks really exciting.
This week’s assembly was a remembrance service to 9-11 and the launch of 2001 acts of kindness. This coming week’s assembly will be on playground expectations and “good play”. Such is the diversity of a Headmaster’s life.
Thank you to all of you for your positive and optimistic support. The start of the year has been great.
9-11
“America has its faults as a society, as we have ours.
But I think of the Union of America born out of the defeat of slavery.
I think of its Constitution, with its inalienable rights granted to every citizen still a model for the world.
I think of a black man, born in poverty, who became chief of their armed forces and is now secretary of state Colin Powell and I wonder frankly whether such a thing could have happened here.
I think of the Statue of Liberty and how many refugees, migrants and the impoverished passed its light and felt that if not for them, for their children, a new world could indeed be theirs.
I think of a country where people who do well, don’t have questions asked about their accent, their class, their beginnings but have admiration for what they have done and the success they’ve achieved.
I think of those New Yorkers I met, still in shock, but resolute; the fire fighters and police, mourning their comrades but still head held high.”
–British Prime Minister Tony Blair, in response to 9/11
1st day of school
We are ready! We have unpacked, packed, shuffled, reshuffled, planned and re-planned. We have tried to think beyond the ordinary so that our pupils are happy and entertained. Hurricanes, earthquakes and evacuations are nothing compared to opening a School (sorry THE School) to 250 of the brightest New York stars.
BIS-NY is ready for you all … are you ready for BIS-NY?
Natural Events
Last week saw many firsts for me and my family. My first earthquake, my first “duck taping” of the apartment windows, my first evacuation, my first hurricane and the first time I have watched the Video Music Awards.
Packing up a School to brace the effects of hurricane Irene was a very odd experience. The nervous energy of preparing for the unknown was both exhilarating and emotional…and the creeping back to the School to find the damage to be minimal. Relocating back into Waterside Plaza was also pleasing, it is amazing how home comforts can be so important for children as well as adults. I am well aware that many of our families have not been so lucky and that they are facing a great deal of disruption. Our thoughts and prayers go out to anyone who has been disrupted.
The School will be open and ready for Orientation Day and we are all very excited at the thought of another year…. The excitement of a new term is almost palpable and this week has shown me that I am lucky to run such a vibrant, creative community in such a strong and resilient city. New York must be the best city in the world..
The Video Music Awards were equally inspiring. Such amazing, vibrant and talented young men and women. Highly skilled professionals who can really make a difference to our world. I wonder who at BIS-NY will manage to inspire us this year? I wonder who will aim to perform at the VMA’s?
