Do you remember your first job and working for a new company? The anxiety of information overload, the excitement of meeting and collaborating with new teammates? As a fairly new member of the Paulshof campus, I imagined working remotely would be difficult, scary and a little lonely. Have you felt this way before?
Adjusting to working remotely
Over the past few months, I’ve had the opportunity to know each member of the Paulshof team. At first, it took me some time to adjust to working remotely. I couldn’t help but miss the children on campus. Their joyous screams in the sandpit to the inspiring teamwork as they build a new project. As an apprentice educator, I had the privilege of working with the ever curious Grade R class, and I must say, I enjoyed every minute of it.
Seeing the Culture Principles at work
If I could select three of our culture principles that reflect my experience of working remotely, I’d choose these. Solutions First; the Professional Development (PD) meetings have been an invaluable resource. I work with solution-orientated people, who constantly come up with amazing ideas to support each child as they learn remotely. Ideas that will also support parents during this challenging time. The second principle is High Expectations, where we are all challenged to be better and work smarter and not get comfortable being in the same place.
I have gained so many resources that I can look at to empower me throughout the weeks, from online videos made by the teachers, deans and school leaders, the fun challenges you could do at home. And finally, the third principle is being Greater Together. During these hard times, the daily check-ins and the support I receive from my team ensure I stay motivated and never feel alone. Plus, the team WhatApp group is not only informative but entertaining as well! After all – laughter is the best medicine.
Looking forward
It is such a privilege to be a first-year apprentice, because each day I am learning and growing in my skill and effectiveness as an educator. It has only been three months but I cannot wait to see what the next nine months have in store.
