PARENT DESIGN WORKSHOPS: Whilst at ISHCMC, I ran an after school parent design program. The purpose of this was to strengthen the school-parent community and to share what we do in school by opening up the facilities that most people wouldn't usually have access to.

The hope was that this could expand into something bigger and more meaningful - perhaps a progressive skills-based course or a community of thinkers and problem solvers looking to serve others.

A kind email to the Head of School that supports the purpose of this initiative:

“I just wanted to drop you a note and say that I had an amazing time at the parent design workshop tonight. It was so exciting to be able to have a little experience of what our child will learn and explore once she reaches secondary. And a big thank you to Mr Stephen for spending his time after school hours to lead the workshop. It was so nice to be able to converse with Mr Stephen and hear all his ideas.”

Over the course of 6 weeks, parents were taught how to use hand tools, workshop machinery and how to design and manufacture using CAD CAD. They finsihed having made a chopping board, candle holder, key hook and clock - all things achievable in the time we had.

EVERYBODY LOVES CHEESE

After seeing the enthusiasm in the parent workshops, I have offered ‘welcome back’ workshops at the start of the academic year for staff, for the past three years and it is always very popular and oversubscribed. All staff that attend enjoy themselves and leave with a wooden cheeseboard.

THE CHEESE CONTINUES…

After seeing me make a large charcuterie board at lunch time, several grade 7 students asked whether they could also make one and so over the following two lunch breaks we made a bunch of them together. This has led to a new lunchtime activity that focuses on creating small, predominantly wood based projects.