‘PNG teachers trek for days to deliver students’ exam papers for marking’ – this headline caught my attention a few weeks ago. As I read on, the article both amazed me and made me feel incredibly thankful. In a remote school in PNG, a charter plane failed to pick up students’ exams, that needed to be marked in Port Moresby. Teachers made an exhausting trek through rugged terrain for days to get the tests to the markers, so that their students hard work was not wasted.
What incredible teachers and what a great sacrifice. Teaching is so much more than a job. Some say it is a calling, a lifestyle or maybe a passion. It is a job that goes far beyond the hours of 8:30-3:00 and is more than reading and multiplication. While we will never have to trek days to deliver tests as Mueller staff, which I am so thankful for, we have incredible staff who make sacrifices daily. They make sacrifices with their time, resources and personally, because of how much they care about their students and want to see them grow, thrive and meet their potential.
So, I start this term with a thankful heart. Thankful for teachers at Mueller and all over the world, who love what they do and go above and beyond. Thankful for all the small things I take for granted, like accessible transport so I don’t have to trek through the jungle. I am thankful that we have so many resources available to us at Mueller – both staff resources (Mueller staff and specialists outside the school) and physical resources (classrooms, books and playgrounds). And I’m thankful for the celebrations and community events we get to be a part of.
Some of the fun events I’m thankful for this Term 3 are Book Week in Week 7 for Primary, various camps, excursions, incursions and to kick start the term, we have our Mueller Fete this Saturday. If you have never been to the fete, it is an amazing family day out with so much to do and eat, and lots of friends around to share it with. If you would like any information about the Fete or want to purchase a ride band, click here.
I hope you are able to join me in starting the term with a thankful heart. Thankful for our school community and for the simple things we so often take for granted.
