“That we leave our homes, that we step through our doors to the world, that we travel our whole lives not because we want to collect exotic T-shirts, not because we want to consume foreign adventure the same Western way we consume plastic and Styrofoam and LCD TVs and iPads, but because it has the power to renew us—not the guarantee, not the promise, just the possibility. Because there are places our imaginations can never construct for us, and there are people who we will never meet but we could and we might. It reminds us that there is always reason to begin again.” - Stephen Markley, Tales of Iceland or "Running with the Huldufólk in the Permanent Daylight"
Monday morning offered the pleasure of meeting with Ruth and Bryndis at the leisure centre located in the equivalent a CBE area office. This centre offers parks and recreation style programming for students right after school up until fairly late into the evening. It was here we discussed the endless opportunities for inclusion within both a formal (school) and informal (leisure) setting. Ruth was a driving force behind the action research that defines what inclusion now looks like in Iceland. Knowing that “special settings” where students with diverse abilities are sequestered away from the mainstream programs did not serve them well in both school and life outside it. She pushed for, and ultimately changed, the ways services are offered for all students here in Akranes and beyond. It was inspiring to hear of her work and I believe I will use her acronym IDEA wherever I can. Inclusion, Diversity and Equity for All. Bryndis now leads the rec team and her passion for mentorship, child-centred voice and agency can be felt from the moment she starts to speak. We shared ideas about design-thinking, using our grade 3 mini golf course as the vehicle. She loved how our students worked through the design-thinking process to prototype, test and ultimately create a fully functioning mini golf course. Our catwalks project also got a lot of airtime as we spoke, as a group, about the importance of service learning and giving back to one’s community. The feelings of community, of connection and equity was alive and well during this conversation. I found myself among people that see the world much like I do - as full of possibilities and hope but needing a strong voice to take the road less travelled so that we can accomplish things not done before. Think beyond what is in front of you to change what remains there. My head, and heart, were very full by lunch. Last evening we participating in what has fast become a favourite activity for Dadda and I - AN ART CLASS! Picture a beautiful old bakery converted into a clay bakery...wood floors, clean lines and lots and lots of clay! We tried our hands at pinch pots first then threw a couple of bowls/vases/mug-like pieces on the wheel. It was a very focused effort until the sounds of Unchained Melody came blaring through the speakers. At that point we got the giggles and waited for the ghost of Patrick Swayze to come waltzing through the doors. Pun 100% intended… Although we have conceded that becoming world-famous (or even profitable) artists is likely not in the post-retirement future for either of us we sure did have a wonderful time. Thank you to Kolla and Maja Stina for opening their studio doors to us and encouraging our particular brand of kookiness!
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AuthorAubrey: "Leader of the Elves"....that's me. Mom of two amazing guys, wife to one bigger (yet no less amazing) guy and teacher of little ones. Blogging about the adventures (usually with my rubber chicken in tow) is one of my favourite things. Archives
April 2019
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