Presidentís Message ~ by Ernie Lambert

Ernie Lambert

Are we really alone?

AAs a child, Iím sure many of you remember lying on your back staring up at the sky, watching the stars, wondering if we really are alone. All those billions of stars, what are the odds? We canít possibly be alone. The reality is that many are alone.

There is your elderly neighbor who gingerly steps down her icy walkway.

There is the young child whose single mother works nights and canít afford child care. These are the obvious ones.

What about the teacher who comes to work way too early, and leaves way too late, because there is nothing else in their life? What about your work mate, who seems so well adjusted but sticks to themselves? The new person in your office, the new student in your class?

There is a great deal of truth to the saying, ìAlone in the crowd.î

Tragedy brings out the best in peo-

President’s Message

ple. The recent tsunami has generated countless acts of kindness to provide support to those affected. Will people continue to help once the disaster leaves the headlines? Will people still provide help at home? Will they support the local food bank, service groups, or their neighbor? I believe they will. People will help if they know it is needed. Often times, it is the ones who are the least able to help that help the most. Usually this is because at sometime they were helped, and understand the importance.

Tragedy and help can come in many forms, and is not always readily apparent to everyone. You may be oblivious to someone elseís tragedy that is standing in front of you. Help can be something as simple as a kind word or a listening ear.

Most of us have seen individuals continue to push on till they reach the breaking point, but were not aware of it until it was too late. In many instances, we find out from someone else, and we think we should have seen it coming. We wish we had done something. But, by the same token, many of us have been fortunate enough to have been there to support someone in their time of need. So, donít get down on yourself, just be aware.

Probably the most difficult thing to understand is when you need help. It is always the other person. You feel that you should be there for everyone else, but neglect to seek assistance for yourself. You have a job to do, family responsibilities, volunteer work ... and then all of a sudden something hits, and you feel completely overwhelmed. You have vacation time coming, but now is not a good time; you have too much to do. Everyone, especially you, have high expectations of you.

Recently I have had the privilege of experiencing this. You might ask how this could possibly be interpreted as a privilege. Well, they say the things you survive make you stronger, and in this case much wiser. I found myself in a place where I continued to strive for excellence, but felt that I was just spinning my wheels. Eventually, I was simply stuck. I needed to stop, and get traction so I could start to move again. While I was doing this, I was humbled by the support I was given. My employer chipped in and shared the load. My co-workers shared genuine comfort and caring. The Executive of our Association took the load, and never missed a beat. Most importantly, my family never wavered, even though I did. Their love, support and understanding was instrumental to my success.

Today I lay on my back, and look at the stars, and know that I am not alone. Neither are you. Remember this! Be there for others, but most importantly be there for yourself. The support is there. It does not need to be tragic.

Our Association has a long history of supporting each other in most aspects of life, not just in the performance of our jobs. Take advantage of this, sometimes it helps just to talk. Donít hesitate to ask, because I know you would be there if some one else asked.

As my term as President comes to a close, I continue to have tremendous respect for our Association. I want to thank the current Executive for their unwavering support, and their constant efforts to achieve excellence. This Association will continue to grow stronger and remain recognized as an affiliate of educational professionals.

BUSYHANDS EQUALS BUSYMINDS

The Renaissance of Art in the Classroom By Kim Fjordbotten BFA “AìArt makes you smart and it inspires creative thinking. Studies show kids who make art do better at school than those who donít do any kind of art at all,î proclaimed a press release by Crayola in 2001. As a visual artist, I took these words to heart. Art is more than a pretty picture. Art is more important than just a crafty seasonal project. Art encourages an explorative thought process; it is learning by trial and experimentation rather than repetition and copying. There are not enough subjects in school where ìdoingî is about intuitive experimentation. I would like to offer words of inspiration regarding the importance of visual arts in schools, and provide hints for creating a more dynamic art room. When art is fully integrated into the curriculum it can Nancy Corrigan, artist in residence, worked with students at Driftpile be a powerful edge in the resourceful teaching of creative First Nations School in Alberta. She invited an elder of the area to minds. We know the three main ways we learn and retain help mentor the students through the process and symbolism. knowledge is by seeing, hearing and doing. Awell thought out art project can provide the tactile experience for other compositions to be arranged. Then concentration and subjects. Math, social studies, music, language arts and sci- patience are needed to complete a painting, drawing or other ence can all be enhanced by an accompanying art project. works of art. Art teachers can design projects that require Visual literacy is becoming a relevant inclusion in art cur- additional steps before creating a final artwork. Asimple riculums. Cultural, historical, political and ethnic themes project might require a student to collect 10 or more drawprovide a rich area for discussion and further exploration. ings in a sketchbook, and then create a larger finished comStudying the art of the era can enrich topics in social stud- position based on their sketches. ies. Language arts can further the understanding and use of Many educators find themselves teaching art with very symbolism and metaphor in art. Art can then be critiqued on little art background, and feel intimidated and overhigher levels of content. whelmed. Take heart - there are a number of resources to Art can be used to improve complex reasoning skills. help get you started. Crystal Productions has published a Ideas and materials must be gathered, sorted and edited for number of resources to help educators. Their posters, videos

The mural is at Clive School in rural Alberta.

“The Artist in Residency Program at Clive School was a real learning experience for both staffand students and an infusion of“ART”into our school community.The Junior High students who had the opportunity to be directly involved in the creation ofthe mural all walked away with a bank ofmemories ofthe experience.For some students it was an opportunity to uncover hidden talents and for others it was a time to showcase their skills.In all,the students worked well together and the end result is a lasting piece ofart that hundreds ofhands participated in creating.”