Recently I came across a story I had written for the school many years ago. The story summarises much of what good schools are about. Personally, I like stories and find that as a principal they can provide a bright but simple lighthouse in the often very complicated education landscape.

A Celebration of the Individual.

The darkness seemed complete, save for the insignificant shaft of light, which trickled out through one small window and then danced eagerly on the water of the lily pond beside the cottage. Beyond the pond was the tangle of a bush garden which was soon swallowed up by the formless mass of the forest beyond.

Inside the cottage the old woman worked, her hands worn and creased, but nevertheless, sculpting lovingly with the clay. Through each pot her very spirit flowed as she turned blocks of lifeless earth into exciting creations each filled with a soul. Her eyes sparkled and her mouth was set firmly with a smile as she laboured long into the night. Around her the fruits of her labour slowly built up, all individually created and all expressing something different.

And then, recalling her long years in the factory, where she had produced bowl after bowl, all exactly the same, perfect in all respects, but lifeless - her eyes went cold.

The trees of the forest were beginning to take shape in the first feeble light of dawn as she set her last pots to dry on the racks inside her kiln. Wearily she closed the door and made her way to her humble bed beneath the window. Later that week, as warm sunshine streamed through the windows, she returned to her kiln. Excitedly, eyes shining brightly, she opened the door and there, laid out, were the fruits of her work - all different, unglazed as this was the first firing, but each one with its own special soul. As she took them out she searched for imperfections - cracks and chips - which in her days in the factory meant failure and indeed consignment to the dust barrel, kept in the corner, for anything less than perfect.

But now, noting each chip or crack, she smiled, her mind exploring ideas on how she could use these to enhance, make interesting and develop a satisfying, original piece of art. If it was too weak to glaze and fire, what paints could be used to add to its life? If able to be fired, what glazes would best invigorate its form?

A good school is like the cottage; not a factory but rather a place of creativity where a youngster’s personality can grow and individuality can emerge, be fostered and celebrated. Teachers should be like the old lady, ready to enhance every chip and crack, thinking about encouraging the next step and avoiding the dust barrel lying in the corner.

Chris Tudor,

AISNT Historian & Principal Liaison