I just got back from Toastmasters, so, unfortunately, I am too tired to finish my enneagram part 3 right now. 😵But will definitely do it tomorrow💪
I started Toastmasters about 4 months ago in my quest to conquer my fears but I have a confession to make…I am absolutely petrified of table topics. For those of you that don’t know what table topics is –at the beginning of each session every member gets the chance, if they wish, to stand up and do a one-minute impromptu speech about a topic that is given to them. I have to admit I am in awe of so many of the older members and how they spin these elaborate, funny stories on the spot.
I started toast masters twice in the last 8 years and both times I did the table topics, and never went back. (I didn’t realise at those times that I could actually say ‘no thank you’ ) So this time I am being a little kinder to myself and not forcing myself to do it. But herein lies the problem…I can’t just keep saying no, otherwise I might look a little lame. So I have come up with a cunning plan. 😜Last month I did my first speech! (Hence I was allowed a free, non-suspicious pass from table topics.) Yes, I would rather stand up and speak for 7 minutes on a topic of my choice, that on a random subject, even if I can make up absolute shit. (Really? 🤔..one would think I might be good at that) This week I was
I actually had a really good day, we had outdoor teaching day at Woodridge. It was such a lovely day for all the kids and I was looking forward to posting some of my pics….but sadly that got a little dampened tonight. At toastmasters, there was a panel discussion on the problems of teaching in South Africa, with three teachers giving their different perspectives. I have to admit it kind of took the wind out of my sails to hear these stories and was a huge, huge reminder of how lucky I am to be working at a private school. One of the speakers was a learning support teacher that works at Cape Recife…the most heartbreaking thing to hear was how much the children simply struggle with the stigma of being at ‘that school’. She said that sadly most of the children bring clothes to change into before leaving the school as they are worried about being labelled and judged. 😥How heartbreaking is that?
Another young teacher talked about her teaching at a school in Bethlesdorp. She said that the school had to raise the funds to pay for their admin staff, the teachers on the school governing body and the ground staff. Understandable she said they don’t have nearly enough cleaning staff so most classrooms are cleaned about once every two weeks. As a result, she said she spends most of her play times trying to clean her classroom. The teachers also have to help serve the children their food at lunchtime as there are not enough dinner staff members to help with this.
It was, indeed, a little heartbreaking to have to listen to all of this… And such a stark reminder of the huge divide in South Africa. So tonight I just want to send the greatest gratitude and respect to all the teachers that teach, out there whatever schools you may be.🔡😆👩👨
Much love
💝💝🐝😜