Mr. Noel spent the first month of the school year as a special guest of AHSS Director Tarek Dahdah. Mr. Noel taught classes of all age groups and shared his knowledge gained from 54 years of teaching with our staff and students.
I arrived at the school full of anticipation but also with a degree of trepidation – uncertain of what to expect, what I was getting into. I also walked into an environment full of strangers – both staff and students: but as my departure becomes imminent it is with much sadness, as I am now leaving friends … both staff and students.
During my time here I have had the lovely opportunity of visiting a lot of classes and in so doing, had the good fortune to engage with students in the most delightful of ways, occasionally teaching, often just chatting with them over a diverse range of topics, best of all being entertained by them but more importantly, impressed, no, overawed by the depth of knowledge students have at all levels.
In so many instances’ students have volunteered information and points of view, often without prompting from the teacher. This in itself is unusual: students as a general rule are reluctant to offer anything (other than a bit of cheek perhaps) in class. How refreshing to find active participation from students from the junior most classes right through to the senior levels.
The other observation I’ve made is the friendliness of students: they greet staff with a wave, a smile, a shake of the hand and even a hug. What a harmonious environment to work in and rather unique in my experience as there is often a noticeable divide between them (the students) and us (the teachers). This, in my view, is not the case in Abdul Hamid Sharaf School and speaks volumes for the healthy, wholesome, environment of this school.
I have also been fortunate to engage with a number of teachers both in and outside the classroom and am very impressed by the dedication and thoroughness of the staff here. It is the little things that accentuate what a school is about. For instance, being on time for class, making sure of being on playground duty, greeting the children with a smile and of course preparing the subject matter to ensure students benefit from the knowledge being imparted.
I’ve been most impressed with what teachers do to encourage and motivate students – sometimes under trying circumstances. The whole point of education is to develop and expand the knowledge of students and I have seen so many teachers do that in the most stimulating way.
I was invited here by my friend Tarek. Yes, he is my friend but in a school context he is also the leader of this lovely community and I can say unequivocally, he leads by example. More than anything else he shows care and compassion for his students – and also for his teachers. I know both are the better for it. With him at the forefront the school is benefitting both educationally and in terms of developing the whole person – for after all, education is more than just academia – it is producing a well-rounded individual and input from teachers is paramount in this process in addition to parental guidance.
If I can leave a message at all it would be – students, appreciate what is being provided for you: listen and learn from your teachers and acknowledge that they are working in your best interests. And most importantly, develop good manners and habits because they will open more doors than even the best education can.
For teachers, acknowledge the all-important role you play, sometimes under very difficult, very trying circumstances, when students are being inattentive or displaying inappropriate behaviors because you, as teachers, influence and change students’ lives. One day the same students will appreciate all you’ve done for them – even if you never know from them. And both staff and students why not approach each day as if it is the first day of the rest of your life … with a positive mindset and attitude.
In conclusion I would like to say it has been an enriching and joyful experience for me and I have had the privilege of being a part of this school’s wonderful environment for a short while. And for that I am most appreciative. My very best to all of you and I hope your tomorrows are rewarding.
