THE ARK - SECTION 2
SURVIVAL SKILLS - ...the inside story
Some friendly advice on how to make your entrance without stepping on too many toes.
Scenario 1: It's your first morning in the school. You are expected but you are also unknown to many of the staff. They may not know that you are now 'one of them'! You are likely to be working with at least some of these teachers and their students. You are on their turf. You know first impressions count and you want the staff on side. So, how do you avoid the unseen pitfalls?
First thing each day, present yourself at the front office to 'sign in' the visitors' or sub contractors' book. You'll need to do this each day when you arrive and leave.
Check out parking facilities. Find out if there's a visitors' car park or special point for entering the grounds to unload equipment.
Some staff can be possessive about particular parking spots! You certainly don't want to get off on the wrong foot!
Remember the staff in the front office have the keys to everything, everywhere and everyone! They make great allies and formidable foes!
Once past the front office, be aware that time is monitored in lessons and the school day for teachers and students is back to back lessons! Be flexible ... and stick to the timetable! (...that's an oxymoron!)
You are told where the staff room is and invited to help yourself to tea or coffee. BUT WAIT ... find out if there are particular cups for visitors. Some staff are possessive about certain cups, too. Save yourself some angst and ask first.
Scenario 2 : It's your first morning in the school. You arrive at the front office and welcomed by the school's project coordinator who is also a classroom teacher. The teacher introduces you to the staff in the office and invites you to tea or coffee in the staff room. You have visited the school once before to attend a project planning meeting with the teacher. What else do you need to know?
You're given a map of the school showing designated areas, including areas which are 'out of bounds'. Find out if 'out of bounds' means you, too. Don't go breaking the rules!
The coordinator has prepared a timetable including lesson times, teachers' names, year level of students, and room numbers. Be prepared for classes to arrive a little late but make sure that you are not!
You are also given a list of staff names and responsibilities. Most staff wear name badges. They've only your name to remember. But, you've got lots to remember. Greeting teachers by their names is a challenge worth taking on!
You are invited to attend a special morning tea where you will be introduced to the rest of the staff. Enjoy ...you won't need lunch!
The coordinator would like to introduce you to each class. This will only take a minute or so in each class. You'll be surprised how many children will remember your name!
You don't have to do yard duty ... but you might prefer to take a break outside during lunch and recess times. This is a great opportunity for students to talk with you. There are teachers on duty so be aware of what's appropriate and safe behaviour in the schoolyard.
THE PROJECT BRIEF
What is the task?
You need to make sure that it is clearly stated, understood and agreed upon by everyone involved, and most importantly manageable and achievable.
General strategies to achieve the task might include:
Skills ... this is what you bring to the project
Participation ... this is what the students and teachers contribute to the project
Partnership ... this is what the teacher/s, students and artists bring to the project ... or maybe even parents and the wider community.
Focal points or key outcomes might include:
Curriculum ... learning a new skill
Social ... improving the ability of students to work in teams or with partners, taking risks, dealing with social issues
Communication ... interpreting thoughts and feelings in a new or different way
It's important to remember that you bring the creative expertise to the project and can shape what teachers and students want by sharing your experience and knowledge with them.
