Growing Week in my Primary School

[Flummery]

Yes - but watch out for sheep ticks!

Clockwork sheep?

[johnty greentoes]

JT we need more people like you in our schools. bet the kids love you. Do you know what your nick name is?

Thanks for the kind comments Serenity.

I've just asked my son what my nick name is - he's in my class! - he says I don't have one but he will get his mates on to it first thing!

[johnty greentoes]

The teenagers have been back - on the roof! Caught on CCTV staff were going through footage with the Police as I left today.

I'll always believe that our acts of kindness are worth it and will pay off, maybe not today, or tomorrow but someday. You either believe that or you give up.

[madderbat]

Was it the same ones or others that hadn't been involved before?
It's always sad when such things happen, but usually we don't know how we've touched others unless we are very lucky. Like you, I do believe that acts of kindness are worth it and will pay off one day. Please don't give up that thought.

[johnty greentoes]

Was it the same ones or others that hadn't been involved before?
It's always sad when such things happen, but usually we don't know how we've touched others unless we are very lucky. Like you, I do believe that acts of kindness are worth it and will pay off one day. Please don't give up that thought.

I think it's the same lads.

[Snadger]

Yes - but watch out for sheep ticks!

Or fish scales?

[Snadger]

Always fancied a Camomile seat but never got round to making one! Maybe I should add that to the 'Things to do before I die' list?

[madderbat]

Always fancied a Camomile seat but never got round to making one! Maybe I should add that to the 'Things to do before I die' list?

might get a wet bum though? They will hold water!

[Hazel at the Hill]

The teenagers have been back - on the roof! Caught on CCTV staff were going through footage with the Police as I left today.

I'll always believe that our acts of kindness are worth it and will pay off, maybe not today, or tomorrow but someday. You either believe that or you give up.

At least they are on the roof rather than knackering your wonderful willows!

[johnty greentoes]

At least they are on the roof rather than knackering your wonderful willows!

Yep - the security cameras are s*****d but the willow is doing just fine!

[zebedee]

Johnty, I work with teenagers (with all sorts of problems) and very often what they need, in my experience, is a proper sense of direction. I wont go into too many details, coz there are all sorts of factors involved. Again, in my experience, quite often if these teenagers are treated with the respect that all humans deserve, they will reciprocate. I'm sorry to hear of the problems you're having with vandals, we get the same thing. We are having success with them though. Currently we are achieving a 68% success rate at getting these youngsters into meaningful work, along with dealing with the c**p they've had to put up with in the past. All I can say, M8, is keep up the good work, it is worth it in the long run. One success can wipe out a lot of frustration.

[madderbat]

I'll second what Zebedee says. Although I no longer work with young people, I've seen enough to realise that there are fundamental needs in us all which are not always met in society today.

We all have a need to be loved, respected, acknowledged as a human being (smalls are potential humans), capable of rational thought (please don't disagree) and able to care for others, once we have learnt what it is like to be cared for.

No baby comes into this world looking to be hated, treated badly, quarrel with others, or neglected. No child is 'born bad'.

Part of my small campaign at the moment is to recognise the humanity of other people every day. It provokes really good reactions when I smile and say 'Hello' to strangers on the street, especially children, people of other cultures, particularly Asian ladies, and the elderly.

Keep up the good work boys. You may never know the effects you have on others, but they do exist.

[johnty greentoes]

Keep up the good work boys. You may never know the effects you have on others, but they do exist.

Thanks madders and zebedee - great encouragement fully received.

[johnty greentoes]

Willow Sculpture update

Here's the latest update on the progress in making our willow sculpture. Every class (5-11) has worked with the artist in residence to create what you can see in just 1 week. A few more days and the living artwork will be finished. It is already beginning to sprout new leaves.

[roitelet]

Very Impressive JTG, makes my willow dome look a bit sick